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Katie Batchelder's Summer Excursion (Journal 3)
June 25, 2008
Katie Batchelder, who is spending part of the summer in Morocco as a member of the Academy's Language Immersion Program, sent GoAirForceFalcons.com a journal and photo update of her experiences in Northern Africa. This week's entry features her final days in Morocco, which included more sights and experiences, as well as some exams.
It was our last travel weekend and we saw numerous historical landmarks, such as the Zaouia of Moulay Idriss II, a shrine of Morocco which contains the tomb of the second Idrissid ruler (considered to be the founder of Fès), the Bou Inania Medersa, the Tanneries of Fès, which exude a chokingly foul aroma, the Karaouiyine Mosque, a Jewish cemetery, and the Bab el-Makhzen, the gateway of Dar el-Makhzen in Meknès. We were given long stems of mint leaves to put under our noses to disguise the awful stench of the tannery. In the medinas and souks, there were donkeys and horses that carried hundreds of pounds of coca-cola and water on their strong backs, as they moved with the traffic through the tight alleyways of the medinas. We went to dinner and ate yet another wonderful feast of couscous, and watched a show put on by talented locals; magicians, belly dancers, Berber music bands, and traditional wedding dress displays. Everyone danced and had a great time, and we departed Fès and returned to Rabat for our last week of school.
On Friday, June 20, we had oral and written finals, and finished school early. We got to spend the rest of our day doing whatever we desired to do in Rabat for the last time. Some ventured to the beach for one last soccer game, some to the medina to purchase last minute gifts, and others packed for the next day of travel back to the United States. Everyone enjoyed the trip, and took away memories that we will all laugh about when we recall our adventures in Morocco. The photos I've taken do not do justice to the brilliant, majestic colors that cover the streets and homes of Morocco. The people of Morocco were not only welcoming; they were kind, generous, hospitable, and they taught me a lot about Morocco and its diverse culture. My language was training was extremely beneficial, and I hope that one day I will be able to visit Morocco again, and reunite with my instructors and all of the others (including the camel, Aichia) that made my trip so memorable. For the link to Katie's complete summer journal, click here. |
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 Katie in front of Hassan Tower in Rabat |
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