8.28.2010

Casablanca, Morocco

The morning started with a breakfast of cold pizza.  Of Champions, I know.  I was getting so anxious about the Flag Day Ceremony that I couldn't really work on homework or do anything of a substantial nature.  So I painted my nails and watched project runway re-runs.

The ceremony itself is one of the most exciting and nerve wracking things I've ever been through.  Much worse than a job interview or a performance.  I started out pretty calm, but as the flags and names were ticked off and still no Max, I got more and more anxious.  So anxious, in fact, that the nice mother next to me shared some of her baby's star banana puffs to calm me down.  My cold pizza stomach growled a little and she was generous enough to offer a nibble.   

It was a strange feeling to see some of the flags come and go.  There were a few places I had become convinced we were going and when someone elses name was called I felt a little bit like I'd been dumped.

"But I loved you Nepal.  I researched you and watched discovery channel videos about your mountains.  How could you abandon me like this?  He'll never love you like I would have."

But still, the flags came and went.  There are 92 people in Max's class and he was called at #90.  I know, really.  But I have to say the wait was WELL worth it.  Casablanca was one of our top choices, but we didn't really think we had a shot.  We kind of put it on the High list and forgot about it because, well, it's awesome.  When Max turned around with his flag and walked back up the steps to his seat he had the biggest case of grinny winnys I'd ever seen.  Like a wee boy.  It was so great.

On a career level, this post is amazing for Max.  It will fulfill a few entry level requirements he has to meet in his first or second tour, including an Arabic speaking post.  In fact, because he already speaks Arabic they will teach him French! Here's a list of other awesome things about Morocco on more personal level:

- The temperature sits around 70 degrees YEAR ROUND with a low of 45 degrees in January and
   a high of 80 degrees in August.

- Did I mention it's on the coast?  Beachy McBeach.

- Mountains AND Deserts AND Forests AND Beaches. 

- Clean, safe, abundance of produce available
   (*relative to other Middle Eastern countries of course) 

- Not as conservative or restrictive to women as other Middle Eastern countries.
  Hello short sleeves!

- Travel.  Not only is travel within Morocco amazing (with efficient trains and taxis) but it has also become a destination for several European budget airlines.  We are talking $80 flights to London, Paris and Spain.  Now that's rocking the Casbah - which I'm sure I'll say a lot from now on.

- Moroccan Leather!  I've just started learning how to do leather bindings - I think we're headed to the right place.

- There is an AmidEast there - that's where I taught English in Jerusalem.   

I have to stop because my head is spinning a little.  We made it home from Flag Day sweaty, starving, and elated.  I made up a little meat and cheese plate, as is want in circumstances of celebration, and we toasted our vanilla cokes to North Africa.

Another thing that I'll say now and often in the future.  Friends: Visit us.  I feel like Morocco will be such an accessible way to experience this region of the world and we would love to host you.  So, don't be shy.  We leave DC late May of 2011 and we will be in Morocco for two years.  Our Casbah is your Casbah.

ps - Thanks for all the well wishing.  You guys are great! 

25 comments:

  1. WAHOO!!! This is so amazing. We call tabs on summer of 2012. I don't know if we'll be able to swing it, but I sure want to try. I'm going to go look up flights right now.

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  2. Jealous! Spencer and I want to come visit (would that be weird to host Max's former teacher? I hope not. Cause we really want to see Morocco. And cause we really like you guys).

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  3. Karina -
    It wouldn't be weird at all! We consider you guys as friends first and foremost :) We'd absolutely love it if you guys came out!

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  4. Wow wow wow! I'm glad you got such a fantastic place! Sign me up for a visit!

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  5. Congratulations! Way to get a great mix of Middle East/Europe. And so exciting that you will get to wear short sleeves. :)

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  6. I'll take a reservation for 5. I'd prefer a non-smoking room with a beach view. Thanks :)

    Seriously, I hope we can make it, but I think I'd rather leave the kids behind.

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  7. WOW, you guys! How exciting!! Can't wait to hear all the updates on your great adventures :) Love you!

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  8. Wow! That is SO awesome. Congrats! Brian got to tour Morocco with his dad, but I've never been! We just might have to make a trip to see you! :)

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  9. Congrats!! I've heard someone say this was one of the best posts they'd ever had - after A LONG TIME in the FS.

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  10. It was so good to talk to you yesterday. I could not be happier for you and Max!! I've been looking up tons of pictures of Casablanca and it looks just fabulous. You and Mr. Max deserve the very best and it sounds like you got it!

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  11. Brooke that is so exciting! I'm thrilled for you guys. I'd love to come visit you...in D.C. or in Casbah! Congrats! I love the FSO life and I'm REALLY excited for you!

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  12. Congratulations! That is incredible!

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  13. So excited for you!! Mazel Tov again!

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  14. Congratulations! Sounds like it's a great fit for you!

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  15. That's so awesome! I look forward to reading about your adventures in Morocco!

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  16. Oh, wow! How cool! We have friends in Casablanca. . . (Not with State, have been close to being deported. . . not always a "friendly" place, though they love it there. . .)

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  17. Guess who showed up on my doorstop last night? Shelley Carling. I updated her on you and Max and she (jokingly) said she's going to have to reconnect with you because she wants to "vacay" in Casablanca. Ha ha.

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  18. Congratulations - what a great first assignment! But good luck with Maghrebi Arabic, I can't understand a bit of it.

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  19. Yay!!! I've been dying to know where you guys will end up. This is great news - so perfect considering Max's background and interests!

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  20. Yeah, Hannah - I hear that the Arabic is pretty crazy. I'm hoping that French will get me by at least a little bit...

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  21. That is so exciting!! When do you guys head out then? Hopefully not before we can have you over for dinner!

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  22. Congrats! I am so excited for you guys, and a little jealous.

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  23. Congratulations! That sounds amazing!

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