Re-alignment

Our street

I guess we’re learning about all kinds of things here. We’ve decided that culture shock (or culture re-alignment) runs in cycles, and we are working through. Since my last post, my stress has dropped and my trust of Morocco has risen! We realize that here, we are a visible minority for the first time in our lives, they can see the tourists coming a mile away. I think we’ve all learned to appreciate that. Fatouma has also helped us put things into perspective. She is clear on who are con artists and who are not, and what some of the stresses are that Essaouarians experience. I’ve learned that everyone is not trying to rip us off because they can see us coming: sometimes they’re following cultural norms, sometimes they’re having fun, and sometimes they really are just trying to help! And sometimes they shortchange a dirham or 2, meaning we should be more attentive.

Yesterday I had a haircut from a barber: cutting in the same spot for 30 years. He cut like an artist with a straight razor, and I managed to make him laugh en francais. His sign said 50 dirham ($7) for a cut, but he charged me 70. I didn’t dicker.

Sue is such an expert bargainer, after a particularly involved purchase process for a ring, a bracelet for Meg and some earrings for Eva, she was invited to tea by the salesmen, and called a Berber (the native Moroccans)! I think that’s a sign of respect…... Certainly she is in her element here, and our designated negotiator when making purchases!

We’re settling in. Today the boys and I are going for a surfing lesson! Surfing’s on my bucket list…..

The beach and clouds

Happy Sue on a camel!