Friday

Today, we were treated with a visit to Majorelle Gardens. It has plants from all over the world. There was even a saguaro cactus. Inside, there was also a museum about the Amazingh people, native to Morocco. They are incorrectly called Berbers (barbarians). The exhibit had artifacts that showed us how they dressed, how they cooked food, and what musical instruments they played. Additionally, there was a small showroom with pieces by Yves Saint Laurent. We boarded the van to go to our cooking experience. With extra time, we took a while to walk around one of the new parts of Marrakech. There are modern department stores and American fast food restaurants. At 12:00 PM (5:00 AM in Arizona), we entered the house of Houssnia’s brother. Some traditional houses in Marrakech have tiny doors that open into incredibly large courtyards. Each courtyard is surrounded by long, narrow rooms. This house was three stories high. The gorgeous courtyard has been converted into a restaurant, with a trickling fountain in the center. We watched Houssnia’s brother prepare chicken tajine for us, which was only an example. Our food was already made, just like on a cooking show on television. However, I felt lucky to be able to smell the tajine as it cooked and feel the warmth of the open-fire grill. The recipe includes potatoes, carrots, ginger, cumin, salt, and sunflower oil. Our dessert was a fresh orange. Next, we walked to another house in Marrakech, but this one has been converted into an art gallery. It is a foundation dedicated to supporting artisanship in Marrakech. In the courtyard, we heard musicians play traditional instruments and watched a woman weave bracelets. There were four art exhibits featuring photographs, posters, and paintings. We were served tea and cookies and enjoyed the musicians, clapping along to the beat. The girls began to get henna tattoos, each different and beautiful. At the end, Houssnia and Max thanked the host parents and reminded us again that our experience is invaluable. A couple of Scottsdale students stood to speak on behalf of the group and conveyed perfectly our mixed feelings. I’m disappointed that the last night has come so quickly, yet there is no reason to be sad. I’m going to keep in contact with my host family- they plan to Skype with me and guide me through cooking tajine. I’m delighted to have tomorrow to be with the group in the Medina and to enjoy time with my family for one more delicious lunch. We will have to pack and go to the airport. Goodbyes are sad. When it finally comes time to leave, I will say what my Moroccan friends say. “See you later!”

EM

Thursday

Yesterday, Thursday, the youth ambassadors met up at the Willaya to travel together to the Ariha private school. As soon as we walked in, the group was astounded by the intricate designs and cleanliness of the place. We were asked to gather in a classroom for our final presentation about Scottsdale and Arizona. Ending with cheers and applause, we sat back down to listen to the other students' speeches about the stereotypes that Moroccans have about Americans. We left the private school to visit the museum that we missed on Tuesday and, thankfully, found it to be open for public viewing. It was completely incredible to see the architecture, as well as to learn about the history of the Moroccan people. Taking note of the time, we rushed back to the Willaya to meet up with our host families and travel home for lunch. Each of us did something different, but most of us went out to explore the city some more. In the evening, we shadowed our host siblings at the school to see the similarities and differences between the educational systems. Khalid (my host sibling), Raina, and I went to school an hour early to attend a 'Freshman' English class. They were studying phrased verbs and taught Raina and I a very difficult game (for them it was their homework assignemnt). The idea was to make a Tic-Tac-Toe board and write three-letter words that create other three-letter words no matter hwo you read the board. Afterward, Raina and I tried to go to Khalid's 'Senior' English class, but the teacher was not there. Khalid explained that when the teachers do not come to class, the class is canceled (there are no substitutes). Instead, we ventured to French class with Leah and her host sibling. All of us- Leah, Raina, and I- were completely lost because we take Spanish, instead. Raina, Khalid, and I then attended his Islamic Translation class, in which Raina wrote some Arabic and I simply admired the Arabic writing style. Classes ended at 6:00 PM (11:00 AM in Arizona), so we left class early to walk home. At the house, we ate a small snack of bread and butter and got ready to attend bowling at the Gueliz club. Both the Scottsdale ambassadors and the Moroccan hosts were invited. We were grouped to play a single game and awaited the most anticipated event- Danitza's fifteenth birthday party. We celebrated with a four-layer chocolate mousse cake, sparklers, and a variety of sodas. We sang to Dani in both English and French and enjoyed dancing, talking, and playing pool. We all had an excellent time and were so happy to celebrate with the entire group. Once it reached 9:00 PM (2:00 PM in Arizona), we met up with our host families to return home for the night. Overall, we had an excellent day with all of our activities and gained even more memories with our host siblings. This entire trip has been incredible and life-changing. The museum truly taught us that even in our history, we have never truly been different from each other, and, if anything, believed in the same values as them. Since Thursday, we have visited quite a few museums, but have learned the same message: from then to now, we are and were never completely different from each other. As ambassadors, we have learned as much in the little time that we have been here and are eager to share our experience with our own families in Arizona. We love and miss you all!
DS

 

Emily's Photos of Entire Visit

CLICK HERE! photos from every day

Wednesday: Hassan II & Cadi Ayyad

On Wednesday, we visited the private school Hassan II. We met with freshman in high school, but their English skills were impressive. We presented about Scottsdale and they presented about Morocco, from their school to a recipe for Moroccan crepes. Then, we headed to the Medina for some shopping and lunch. Some acrobats entertained us with backflips and standing on each others’ heads in front of the restaurant! Next, we were on to the University of Cadi Ayyad to meet some English students. We presented in a communications class. They asked us some deeper level questions, such as whether America would welcome them the way Morocco welcomes guests. One of the Moroccan students from the exchange and her teacher, Houssnia, confirmed that they felt at home in America. The discussion ended with two musical performances and a dramatic skit by the Moroccans. They were four really brave performers to present in English to a group of Americans who speak English as our first language. Music and drama helped me feel connected to them in a way that words could not, and we were blessed to be welcomed with such care. We chatted one-on-one with them over strawberry smoothies and cookies. After our brief visit, we departed for the Medina. We were treated to a horse carriage ride around town and by some beautiful houses. A wheel broke and it began to rain. Fortunately, our carriage drivers unravelled covers for the rain and expertly fixed the wheel. After that, we went home for dinner with our host families.
EM

Acrobats in Jamaa El Fna Square of the Medina

Moroccan university students sing and play guitar

Dow (front) and Gat, my horses for carriage ride

Tuesday: Camel Riding and Rotary Club Meeting

Today, my friends and I got to ride camels in Menera! That was a ton of fun and an experience I will never forget. After that, we headed down to the Bahia Palace. A Moroccan student, Khalid, showed us around the Palace. It was great to learn all about it and view the amazing sights. Next, we headed to the Si Said Museum as planned. Sadly, they were closed today so we had to change some plans around. Our group headed down to see the oldest and tallest mosque. I was very interested in learning all about the building! After that, we headed back home with our host families to enjoy a delicious lunch. After enjoying some time with our host families, we met up again. We attended the Rotary meeting and discussed our exchange here in Marakeech, as well as future plans. I had a wonderful day today and look forward to tomorrow!
RG

Raina

Alfredo

Emily

Nina

Monica

Bahia Palace

Fantasia Arabian Horse Show

The horse show was at Chez Ali Baba. He is the same figure as Disney's Aladdin. These talented horsemen put on a spectacular show. A magic carpet "flew" high above the ground. It began to rain a little at the end, but we were served steaming cups of mint tea.
EM

Photos from Monday

Improvising with a rendition of "Royals" by Lorde

Answering questions from Moroccan students

Meeting the councilwoman in the mayor's office

Photos from Sunday

Goats in a tree

Argan oil shop

Dinner at the port

Shrimp

Port with fishing boats

Shopping in Essaouria

Sunday: Essaouria Beach

Yesterday, the gang went to Essaouira Beach. There is desert between Marrakech and the oceanside city of Essaouria, but the landscape changed gradually. It became more green and hilly. On the way, we took a break at a café and bought some Moroccan drinks and snacks. We especially like the apple soda, "Poms." We drove through more desert, then stopped at an argan oil shop and saw a product being made at that moment- a butter made of argan oil, honey, and almonds. In Essaouria, we ate a seafood lunch and tried shrimp, crawfish, squid, sardines, snappers, monk fish, and more. The bread, fries, and salad were also delicious, so everyone was satisfied. Next, we walked along the shore and enjoyed the Moroccan sun. Monica, brave girl, dashed to the freezing water and dashed right in! She shouted, 

"This is for you, America!" 

Teya wrote in the sand, "Hi Arizona - From Africa." After the beach, we did some shopping, tasting different food samples. Then, it was back to the Marrakech.
 
Today, the we went to Al Bachir School to make the first presentation. It went smoothly and really entertained the Moroccan students. After the presentation, wedid a Q & A. One of the Moroccans asked us to sing for them. The gang preformed "Royals" by Lorde. The crowed loved it! At the end, some of the Moroccan students went on stage so that we could ask them questions. The Moroccan students returned to class and the host families came to pick us up and have lunch. Then, we met at City Hall, Hotel de Ville, to meet a city councilwoman. We all greeted her and shook hands, and Max gave her gifts for herself and for passing on to the Mayor when she returns. Again, we returned to our houses to eat dinner and rest. We're going to see The Fantasia Arabian horse show now. 
TJ & EM
 

Lunch break

Along the wall of Essaouria that protected from the ocean

Lunch at the port

Salad before lunch

Teya writes "Hi Arizona - From Africa"

London and Arrival in Marrakech!

London transportation

Host families greet students at Marrakech airport

Walking off the plane, onto the tarmac, and into the airport

We arrived at the London Heathrow Airport at 2 PM. Our first stop was Buckingham Palace, which was illuminated just as we were leaving. As dusk turned into night, we walked along the Bird Cage Path to the building of the Prime Minister. If we turned around we could see the London Eye. It was just across the River Thames. In search of Fish 'n' Chips, we walked along the river and crossed at the Jubilee Bridge. We met Max's granddaughter and ate the Italian restaurant Strada's. We returned to the airport, fetched our bags, and took a train to London Gatwick Airport. Our plane took an extra hour to depart, but otherwise, we were blessed with smooth traveling. I felt completely at home when I saw my host sister, Sara. We met our host families while receiving candles, milk, and almond-stuffed dates. Our warm welcome confirmed that we were home. Marrakech is a lively and colorful city. Much is different, but while I visited the Old Medina today with my host sister and brother, I was delighted that they could share their hometown with me-- and help me buy some aromatic Moroccan spices. 
EM

The Old Medina

Spices in the Medina

London in Brief

We didn't get seats at a restaurant with the typical fish and chips, but we found a delicious Italian restaurant. London was incredible and we saw Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, and other places in our short time. We can't wait to go back.

Dinner at Strada in London

Landed in Marrakech

We were welcomed warmly at the airport. Our families greeted us with milk and almond-stuffed dates. Students are with their host families for the rest of the day. There will be more later about our adventure in London! For now, I am going to the medina with my host sister and brother to shop. The other students are enjoying getting to know their host families, as well. 
EM

Landed in London

The Scottsdale Youth Ambassadors  have arrived at the London Heathrow airport! We are thankful for a safe and comfortable flight. We are so excited to see the city and try the food. We slept well and enjoyed two meals. Well-fed and rested, we are ready to take on London!
EM