Charitable Greetings
http://www.morocco.com/blog/agadir-historical-sunshine-mecca
http://www.kahinasurfschool.com/index_gb.html
This leg of the trip was to follow our several day stay in Agadir, the resort city of Morocco. On the itinerary, we were planned to first leave Agadir, visit a traditional Berber home, plant olive trees, and distribute school supplies to children. Afterwards, we were to head from this village for our hike to Imsouane, a small fishing village and surfing hotspot. The stay in the first small village, with the children, proved to be an immensely touching, and personal trip, as it gave the opportunity to see Berber life first hand -- something drastically different from that in the States.
There's little doubt that at the beginning of this trip -- up a gravel road, alongside a hand laid stone wall -- that we were stepping into the past. The past ended up being the future, however. Upon reaching the top of the hill (which was no easy feat), we were greeted by a modest salmon building: a schoolhouse. Within this schoolhouse was a little over two dozen children, ranging from the 1st (beginning) to the 6th (end) grade.
There were two doors. One to the left (adjacent to the boy in red), and one on the right. On the left, we did not enter -- and it wasn't until we had entered the right side that we learned of the other. On the right side we were greeted by a teacher, and several Berber children. These children were one half of the school -- the "middle school." And on the left...The other half.
Upon entering the room, however, not many were sure of what to expect. Children that had apparently never seen a non-Moroccan, aside from the occasional tourist driving by -- completely lost no doubt. It seems in retrospect that we were just as bashful as they -- seeing as most of us struggled to introduce ourselves in Arabic, regardless of the fact that we knew what we were saying. Or perhaps it was the long and hot trek to the school, or this uncertainty that left most of the SSC people dazed and confused. Regardless...Perhaps we were less welcoming in expression than thought...An amusing lineup.
These children were both bashful, curious, and unmistakably intrigued. We were greeted by an almost blank stare, with the occasional forced smile -- and yet their thoughts were clearer than they knew. Standing center, one of the older of the bunch -- both brave and skittish. To the left -- bravery comes with company. To the front left...Jameela -- "beautiful" in Arabic. Perhaps one of the more openly intrigued of the bunch: she was infatuated with the girl's painting their nails.
It comes to little surprise, though, that with this interest from the children, that we could spend the remainder of the afternoon solo. Upon exiting the school, we seemed to lead along a string of young Moroccans back to where we were staying...In a traditional Berber house -- simply an outside sitting area (as seen above), and a living room -- complete with no couch -- simply wool hides and pillows placed along the periphery.
An afternoon of lounging -- hiding from the Moroccan sun (strong even in winter) -- a breakfast and lunch later -- and a tour of the property -- our departure for Imswan was set to begin. However, in a much different way than our entrance, those children daring enough to brave the language barrier, and cultural differences (perhaps foreign thoughts, or nonexistent entirely at those ages) seemed not content with a mere 'ma'a salama' or 'asalamu aileikum.' Rather, they were intent on following along on the first leg of the trip...
Indeed, as more time was shared, the more distinct of an inseparability was established. It comes to no shock, then, that just as Sakiko nor Katherine could have a seat without company, that they couldn't walk from the village without new friends...
And in a true Moroccan fashion...The royal exit of friendship, mules, and sandy clothes.
Heading for Imsouane...