A Warm (and Hot) Welcome on L'Eid

After two flights and a couple hours of shut-eye, all five Leadership Through Outdoor Education students landed in a very dry and dusty Casablanca. They were immediately welcomed by the infamous Moroccan sun as a playful orange-spotted cat scampered along the grassy encove.  After a hasty full-group picture, students quickly boarded the bus, hydrated, and began chatting about the Moroccan landscape and new architecture as they began the move to Rabat. 

Some students dozed off and others showed their immediate curiousity about their surroundings by asking questions. 45 minutes later, the vans at the home of Madiha, Rabat CIEE center director.  As they entered the large house they were immediately welcomed with beaming smiles from all three generations of Madiha’s family, as well as Moroccan traditional sweet treats and tea. All Morocco Global Navigator students combined for a tight squeeze on the couch and chairs.  Tired, somewhat timid and excited, the students gave many glances around the room as they listened to Madiha’s overview of their awaited adventures. Many asked questions while others silently observed. Some commented at the smell of the sheep tripe, also known as "Tkelia."  Madiha then excitedly introduced the Eid al-Adha holiday which involved the sacred tradition of burning the sheep to commemorate prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham) act of devotion to God through his willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail (Ishmael). As a reward for his faith and obedience, God provided Ibrahim with a lamb to sacrifice instead of his son.  No part of the Sheep is wasted and students learned about Morocco's culture of avoiding wastefullness. The stuents were eager to see the remains of the sacred tradition outside with the burning heads.

Back on the bus, the students became more excited as they rode into the heart of Rabat.  The steets were misty and uncharacteristically empty and exposed the French and Moorish architecture. Upon arrival, students saw a crowd of host families, unaware of who would be welcoming into their homes. Each student eagerly awaited their name to be called and they were quickly embraced by hugs and smiles.  Home cooked food and showers awaited them as they prepared for a new adventure.