6/11 “The TV is part of the family.”

We met our families today. Wow! The lecture we received right before meeting them, which basically covered ‘how not to commit an international felony’ got the entire group pumped (and a little anxious) to meet there hosts. The two sisters came and got me from the cultural center ([Markesh Twahasel Athakaifet]). Amina is the eldest, must be the equivalent of a junior or senior in high school, and zahira is the youngest, maybe 8 tops. The mother is Nezha, who speaks French (so now I can survive), and the brother and elder sister speak all three (though English more sketch’ly). Hemsa, the brother (which I remember because khamsa is 5 in Arabic) is also in high school – and acts like the corresponding American teenage boy - led me around the medina and told me the street names. We went as far as the hanaan park. Along the way we stopped in a videogame hangout/café, where is father, Mohamed, was. Compared to other families the kids give the shy greetings, which I later figured is just because they want to practice their American handshake. The parents on the other hand, are very enthusiastic – already I’m known as “Attendez la tete!” as I walked into their overhang on my first try. After afternoon coffee and chocolate croissant, I “watched” soccer for about an hour on the TV that never sleeps while any are awake, while actually eavesdropping on the latest gossip between the mother and I assume, the grandmother.

Super-awesomely, Liz and Kristen’s families are related, as the mothers are all sisters (if I understood correctly), which makes us all cousins! They came over to visit for a while, and right before I met my American housemates. Shay and Kassie are two New York students doing gender studies here until July 3^rd. Instant bonding. Fortunately, they helped show me the ropes, and I was able to help translate in French between the family and the two foreign daughters. With their help, I’m sure my culture shock will be minimal, and I excitedly await tomorrow.

Hemsa tried to help with the homework, but he got bored when he saw I was just doing letters. Believe me, the work feels like I’m in grade school. He was, however, interested in the paper. Apparently they only use graph paper here, though for them I’m sure they drop the “graph” part of the name. I actually prefer their way, and will start using that for my work from now on.

O ya, and during/after dinner we watched some real life emergency medicine in Rabat. They have a channel much like Code Blue, which portrays the accidents and families of victims, and shows the doctors fixing them up. Also, we had a lecture today on ‘How to Stay Healthy in Morocco,’ and while the guy put most to sleep (it was no new applicable info), Liz – the other premed – and myself were fascinated with his stories. I’m constantly amazed at the medical experience which punctuates this trip. Layla Jaeda.