Raising Rabat

New Blog

2011-08-19T20:35:00.000Z

Greetings, it's been a long time. We've been well, visiting family, sorting medical stuff out, and vacationing. I love America. I love nearly everything about this country. At this moment, I'm sitting in a mountain house, over looking a lake, with a distant view of the Pacific Ocean. We've spent time hiking, boating, shopping!, and having sleepovers with friends. So. Much. Fun.

Chubs had his tonsils out, and he's finally putting on weight - he's a different kid. We're so relieved!! Hap, is also putting on some serious weight. He has outgrown everything, and he's so smart. He catches every joke and laughs-out-loud all day.

It's time to start blogging again. In our new post, Kinshasa, we're lucky to have a consumable shipment. We pay out of pocket for house hold items that we'll use for the next two years. That's a lot of paper towels, detergent, noodles, juice boxes... After collecting 2,500 pounds of stuff, watching it all packed in crates, and shipped off to our new home, it feels like we're close to leaving the States. Both Karl and I decided it was time to create a blog name, and post some pictures of our summer vacation. Check our new blog out: kinshasa730.wordpress.com (730 days we'll be in Congo)

At Pike's Place Market

Alki Beach

Florence, Oregon

The rare family photo

Blue Angels Air Show, Seattle

Mariner Game, Seattle

My mom making hats, millions of hats. Check her blog out at beautifulbrims.blogspot.com

Hap's Fro

Me being a biggest catch fisher lady.

Karl gettin ill while crabbing (I however, kept my cookies!)

The End

2011-06-02T03:44:00.000+01:00

I flew back to Seattle with the kids, alone, last week. It took about 30 hours with layovers, and getting out of Morocco wasn't without d r a m a.

I've been thinking about how this blog should end. With pictures... only words... nothing... Something should be said, but articulating is not always my strong suit. To save room on our carry-on luggage I forgo bringing a camera. Boo- I would add pictures, but I just haven't had the energy or motivation to take pictures with my mother's camera. I should, I'm missing some great moments on digital film.

I'm bummed, happy to be home, but bummed missing my friends and our life there. I LOVED living in Rabat, touring all of Morocco, adopting, and our life. Our life there was good. I miss my friends. I miss my friends. Many times a day I think of all the people I miss, I should write, but what would I say? I miss you... then it sounds like a love letter... which in a way it is. I have loved my friends and miss them terribly. I miss my husband. He's packing our things and moving us down to Congo. It will take a few months before our truck and things arrive, and couldn't' bare the thought of being in an empty house with no transportation for three months in a foreign country... again. The first few months are rough with no toys for kids, no internet, phone, car... it's rough.

Seattle is great, but I don't remember it raining this much when I grew up here. Literally it's rained about everyday... almost all day. Sheesh, it's wet here. When we left Morocco it was 80, sunny, perfect. I miss Morocco. Chubs misses Morocco. Every morning he asks if we can go back. Hap is happy here, but I think he's happy where ever he'll go.

The goal was to fly back in time for my dad's birthday. It took a team of people who we will be eternally grateful to, and we did it. After struggling to finish the adoption, getting necessary papers we were able to rush Hap's passport to the American consulate on Friday and wait for a phone call Monday morning, hoping the visa would be ready. We got a call saying it was ready at 8:10am. We packed the car (left one bag at the door at home) drove quickly to the consulate to pick up Hap's passport/visa and then rushed to the airport. We made more calls from the road to have our tickets issued and then we ran to the plane. I literally ran with two kids over my shoulders to the plane. We made it back at 2am technically the day after my dad turned 75, but it's just a technicality that will be looked over. We made it back, Hap is a US citizen, he is our son. Chubs is thriving, but we miss Karl every second.

Living abroad, particularly in this lifestyle has so many perks. It is a good life, but man, I miss my family and I miss my expat life. Being torn between two worlds is surreal. I think we'll love Congo, I'll probably blog... check back in September- I'll add a link here when we're up and running.

More pictures from Fez

2011-05-22T11:31:00.000+01:00

One minute he's up, the next he is...

Passed out! We could start a collage of Chubs sleeping on us while touring the world.

This is our last full day here. If Hap's visa is ready tomorrow, we leave. Que tears...

Heavy Metal

2011-05-20T08:48:00.000+01:00

During our two years here, I wanted to buy a metal light fixture. My friend T. had one and I secretly coveted it. There's really one place in Rabat that sells them, and they're not cheap. We're told the best metal work comes out of Fez, so I had been pricing the small chandeliers for years, trying to figure out how much a good price is. With only one shop, it's hard to get a good idea.

With our tour guide we stopped in a large shop where nothing was under 4,000dirhams. We walked out thinking it wasn't going to happen. But then, while walking blinding through the medina we happened to see this shop.

This nice young man spoke English (bonus point #1). His name is Mr. Abdellatif Adyel and gave us a real price that wasn't outrageous and was affordable (bonus point #2). We bought two and he still gave us a discount (bonus #3). I don't know how to find him, but I'll list his contact information. If you're in Fez and are looking for metal work, this guy is an artist and a seller. He's amazing, friendly, nice, HONEST, helpful and I would recommend everyone to use him.

La Touch de L'artisant 21 Derb Sidi Ahmed Chaoui (En face Dar Al Chabab) - Fez
phone number: 0661 48 53 77 or 0672 72 71 58

Our guide was very upset at his prices. Turns out guides make a 15% commission if they bring in customers. Just before finding this shop, our guide offered to take us to a 'friends' shop to find affordable metal works. Our guide told us it was a cultural tradition to bargain and start with prices twice as high. He called Adyel, the shop owner, a 'bad' Moroccan for not making us bargain. It took me a few days to digest his comments. I have a lot of mixed feelings about this, and as I left the shop I thanked Mr. Adyel for his honesty, and for giving us a fair price from the start. I told him, that I appreciate his business, and I think he'll be very successful if he keeps his prices real.

Touring and tables

2011-05-18T08:44:00.000+01:00

We really enjoyed our tour while in Fez and like any tour guide in Morocco he asked if there was anything we wanted to see in particular. Since we recently purchased a Moroccan table and know much of the pottery and mosaic work comes from Fez, we asked if there was a place that people go to see this made. The guide suggested we see the pottery school and showroom.

The prettiest sink I've ever seen was at this public bathroom at the pottery school.

Pick your colors and pattern! It's almost like going down to the home depot... no... just kidding... absolution nothing like it.

Here's how they make the tables. the colored tiles are on the ground and after the pattern is set they pour the cement or fiberglass mixture on the underside.

The thing with going to places like this 'school' is that it's made for tourist and highly, grossly, laughable over priced. These tables were around nine (9) thousand dirhams each. That's just over a thousand US dollars. Not cheap, and not the real price for here. Our very nice tour guide left us with a 'friend' of his to see how things are made and show pieces we should buy, at such a good deal. He showed us plates, platters and other stoneware, but everything was four times the cost in Rabat. Their answer to this is, 'our quality is better' which seems like an out right lie. I have bought some beautiful things in Rabat that even seem much nicer than in the city they are made in. More on this in a later post.

The finished product and our table and chairs that we bought in the Rabat market for 1650DH (206USD). Yes, yes we bought a marble table, because when else in our lifetime will be ever be able to afford a real polished marble table and custom chairs. Fez was great, but buy in Rabat.

pictures from Fez

2011-05-17T13:34:00.000+01:00

Donkeys are the main source of transportation in the medina. You need them to move furniture, building material, soft-drinks, everything. They use old tires to make donkey shoes, so they are silent walking around. Silent and more economical than a Toyota Prius!

Not economical is our truck, but the carriage that was parked next to us in the public lot was a great comparison!

snails for lunch anyone? ew.

The golden doors to the Mila, the Jewish medina.

City of Fez from the south. The city planners back in the 800's built Fez between two mountains in the slope. They've never had earthquake or flooding damage. The floors and walls of the medina are made from marble and stone to avoid catastrophic burnings. That's some serious forethought.

saved the best for last

2011-05-15T21:27:00.000+01:00

We're still here, and have enjoyed every last minute of our time in Morocco. Last year, soon after we arrived, we road tripped to the city of Volubilis and Fez. We arrived in Fez late in the afternoon without any planning; big mistake number one. After parking in a random sketchy lot we were bombarded with hustlers trying to sell us a personal tour, hotels, restaurants, it was overwhelming and after a few hours we ran from the city of Fez.

Many of our friends have either loved Marrakesh or have loved Fez. Fez had (notice the past tense) been the only city I had not liked in the entire country, until this past weekend. No kidding, it's now a favorite! We were very lucky to have won the Morocco blog award earlier this year and as a winner we won a fantastic tour of any city. (Thank you again for voting for us and thank you to Alecia at travel-exploration.)

I really wanted to love Fez and this was is our last weekend in Morocco. This time we did some proper planning. First, we booked a tour in Fez and second, stayed at a marvelous and luxurious Riad.

Unlike any other place we've stayed, Riad Laaroussa offered the largest breakfast spread, complimentary Moroccan slippers, personalized greetings by the staff, friendship by the owners, beautiful rooms and excellent food. It was remarkable. I would happily recommend this Riad to anyone, I promise you'll have an excellent vacation in Fez.

The grand entrance, the door bell, is of birds singing.

Happy being so freaking happy!
brotherly love

Riad Laaroussa was originally built 300 years ago, and has all the original tiles and wood work. It was breathtaking and HUGE.

From the terrace with a view of the sloping city.

Rest in Peace Mac

2011-05-10T19:27:00.002+01:00

Our big cat, Mac, didn't make it to dinner last night. This caused us some alarm, but he was plucked off the street as a kitten, so we figured he was fine. When he didn't show up this morning, we were concern, but this has happened before. Then around 11am, Mac with a broken back and bulging abdominal, drug his limp body into the house. Normally our skittish cat, needed us and came home for help. Karl took him to the vet, she tried to stitch his crushed kidney and erupted bowel back together and it was to no use. Mac died today.

Happy Mother's Day!!

2011-05-08T18:32:00.000+01:00

Today, we celebrate mothers!!! Happy Mother's day to my mom, who maybe the best mom and friend a girl could wish for. My mom taught me how to be kind, loving, patient, forgiving. When I was a kid, she told me never to accept the compliment, 'cute'. She said kittens are cute, but I, I was beautiful, and I believed her. Even in my 'u g l y' teen years, I never thought I was less than beautiful and smart. In fact, she ingrained the idea that I was genius, a big thinker, and even today, I believe her, most of the time (motherhood really gets you to second guess things).

Becoming a mom, I have found I am more like my mother everyday. Instead of pushing this stereotype away, I've embraced. I am my mother in so many ways. My kids will know how smart they are, how much I love them, and how beautiful they are. Beauty is not just how you look, but how you treat other people and animals.

My mom, she's got pure nuggets of great humor and timing. She related to me right after the birth of Chubs. I was tired, emotionally spent, happy, but exhausted, like a new mom. In her wisdom she said, 'Now you get why some animals eat their young.' Yes mom, I get it; and you're so freaking funny!!!

Dear Mom,

Thank you. I love you.

Livy

Thank you Karl for treating me so well everyday, and especially today.

happy moments

2011-05-02T15:29:00.001+01:00

You may already know about the bombing in Marrakesh. If not, here's a link to a recent report. We have loved visiting Marrakesh, and the bombing is devastating. My thoughts have been with the victims, the wonderful Moroccans who have to live with the repercussions, and my friends who live here.

I have been silent on this blog because I smooshed my finger in the truck door. For nearly a week my finger has been twice its size, and every time I try to use the keyboard, I mash four keys at once. Since it was my trigger finger (index finger) I haven't been able to shoot pictures. (Did you catch the pun? trigger/shoot.. pathetic, I know.) Today, for the first time, I don't need to wear gloves out in public. It still hurts terribly (for anyone at my work who reads this) and I'm slowly getting feeling back in the tip of my digit.

But, more excitedly (notice I didn't say important) there was this wedding that distracted us, and so many other people from real tragedy and sadness. I have truly enjoyed watching the news blitz on the British Royal Wedding, and we were very lucky to have been invited to a formal party held by the British Ambassador. It was spectacular! Chubs and I watched the wedding live on TV while noshing on chocolate cup cakes. Every person with a hat, he thought was a king or princess, and there are good chances he was right. It was so much fun watch and then shed my mom attire and celebrate a wedding with the world.

I didn't get a picture of the formal invitations until after the party; and after I folded it and stuffed back into my clutch. Nearly all the other dignified guests left their invitations in neat stacks as they checked in and joined the party. But not me, oh no, I wanted that souvenir.

In time, when anyone asks what we did, or what we were doing for the wedding. As everyone will know you must be referencing this, the wedding. I will also remember the tornadoes in the US, the bombing in Marrakesh, our adoption struggling through the Moroccan courts, my busted finger, and packing up our house for CONGO. Even though this wedding really doesn't involve (at least right now) important, world changing people, it does mark history and will be a moment in life where everyone may remember what they were doing during the wedding.

See mom, I got rid of the blotchy red spots... with that fancy makeup you like! Thanks!!!

4 short weeks left

2011-04-20T13:25:00.000+01:00

At the thought of packing our house and leaving Morocco, just breaks my heart. Living abroad can be amazing and wonderful. There are low times, when you miss family, cultural differences, and when adapting is painful. Overall, this experience has been life changing in many ways. We've adopted, our family will always be connected closely with Morocco. Many of our friends feel like family, and the setting, the city, the culture is incomparable to anywhere else in the world. Don't get me wrong, even though I haven't used this space to document struggles, I see them, I know and can feel them too.

We've only got a few weeks left, we've now officially entered out last month. Pictures are more about friends and spending time making memories, not so much blog fodder. Once-in-while I do get a picture of something funny that I want to share!

At one of the local super markets, toilet paper is on sale. Really, that's what it's called. There are soooo many things I could write about this... other than I'm going to miss this place.

Time Away

2011-04-17T11:28:00.001+01:00

When we first moved to Morocco, we noticed the proximity to Spain, and figured we travel North many times during our two year post. This trip never happened for us. However, after a few hard weeks/days alone with the kids, while Karl was on work trips; I, the mommy, got a day away- all by myself, no kids. WOW. W O W. Holy cow, it was great. A friend, who is also a stay-at-home mom came with me, we drove up to Ceuta, a Spanish enclave on the Mediterranean coast. It's a little city, that is just like Europe right here on the African continent. It was soooo amazing and different. It took about three hours of driving, one hour of stops and getting through the boarder, and about 5 seconds to check in, and jump on the beds.

We ate and drank in the streets, we enjoyed not having to clean diapers and wipe faces. We had dinner after 8 PM! It helped that Spain is an hour ahead, so when we high fived ourselves for staying up late, even with the time difference was on our side, it was a major accomplishment.

The people there were incredibly friendly, the streets were spotless, drivers would stop and let pedestrians cross the road safely... I could go on about how great the 20 hours we had there were. More importantly, it was great to connect with another mom, and get away from the grind that becomes monotonous.

When we got home, my sweet, kind, helpful, generous, clever, husband was so tired. In the 28 hours that I was driving and vacationing, he developed a new love and appreciation for stay-at-home parents. Future work trips will stay short, at least until the kids become more self sufficient. I will take more time for myself, it was a great, much needed macro-vacation!

Sidewalks for walking and beautiful blue skies.

Happy, happy people.

The car patiently waited for everyone to cross the street safely, without honking once!

Pretty, pretty short lady dresses in all the windows

Close to 2am Spanish time, a local church was celebrating

The hotel pool in the morning

We didn't get one, but it was something to see.

Before we leave...

2011-04-09T13:28:00.000+01:00

Before we leave Morocco I plan to spend every chance we can at the beach. We live in a great house, in a great city near the beach. Soon we'll be living in the states, in a great area with family, but not near the beach.

Oh, Beach, we'll miss you terribly and I have enjoyed every moment we've spent with you.

If she could talk, what would she be saying?

feeling grateful

2011-04-04T10:29:00.000+01:00

Blogging about a lovely place like Rabat, and Morocco as a whole has been a wonderful experience. However, things are not always great. I only like to share happy moments, cause who would want to read about hard sadness?!?! Over time, I think people get a wrong perspective of our life. I think it's good to post about when things are hard, it reminds the general public that grass is not green all the time over here.

Lately, we've been stuck inside. If you haven't been able to tell, I've been pulling pictures from past travels. I've got nothing new. Chubs was burning a few weeks ago pretty badly, he's healing, but his hand was infected and I came down with strep, Chubs came down with strep, and Karl's been out of town. Even though life looks great here, sh*ty things happen. However, I still feel grateful. I have a house, my bills are paid, we're alive, we have food. Bad things happen, natural disasters happen, and atrocities happen and could happen to anyone. Thankfully, so for, life has been really good, even when poop happens and hits the fan.

I'm going to start phasing out this blog. We're leaving soon, moving on to a new post and a harder life. Congo will not be easy, and from what I hear, taking pictures on the street is very difficult and nearly impossible. I will asses life there, and maybe start up a blog in October of 2011.

Again, cause of our rough patch, I've got nothing to post. Sorry. I'll post something again soon, as soon as Karl gets back and I regain some sanity.

Best,
Livy

Marrakesh's square

2011-04-02T07:16:00.002Z

It's my birthday and I...

2011-04-01T08:58:00.000Z

I love this video, from Chubs joint birthday party, and I see it frequently to just make me laugh. Lately, our house has been plagued with strep throat and other painful ailments. This video has kept me laughing... Happy Friday!

Shopping in Marrakesh

2011-03-31T09:14:00.000Z

I love hanging out with my mom as adults. She tells me the weirdest things, like she had a pet lizzard growing up.

Every time she comes she buys a basket.

A house full of furry friends!

2011-03-30T16:35:00.000Z

Many times we're asked if our pets all get along. And yes, they do, swimmingly even!

I think Cheese and B are tying to convince the peacock to jump.

What couch potatoes!

Lunching in the garden

2011-03-29T08:01:00.000Z

Thankfully, the weather lately has been wonderful. So great, that it's time to lunch outside as much as possible!

We had some friends over, and the lovely lady in the picture showed me how to make a very delicious Moroccan Chicken and noodle dish.

Hap, loved it too!!!

Biggest spider to date

2011-03-28T10:11:00.002Z

No kidding, this spider has been the biggest spider I've found in our back yard. It moved like a tarantula! Anyone out there know what it is?

The sparkling new Medina in Marrakesh

2011-03-26T08:25:00.002Z

It was Sunday when we strolled through the new Medina in Marrakesh, so many of the shops were closed. If anyone knows Chubs here in Rabat, this is where his hands were burned. That lady in the shade is making flat bread, is not selling ice cream. Just FYI to other parents, don't let your kids run up to her with their hands outstretched. But, do take time to admire the murals on the walls!

the pho in farm

2011-03-25T07:46:00.000Z

Across the street from the main building is the 'farm' and Massage building. The walk way to the 'farm' is magical and well manicured.

Here's the fancy and very plush massage building.

Here's a picture of the farm animal they had.

Chubs loved this very happy donkey!

Marrakesh and its awesome Medina

2011-03-24T07:21:00.000Z

eating at the Ferm

2011-03-23T08:27:00.000Z

When I took this photo, I had no intention of making Karl glow, but he does look heavenly huh...

Dessert was so freaking delicious, it was hard to stop and take a picture.

Breakfast on the patio.

La Ferm

2011-03-22T10:09:00.000Z

I really wanted to show my mom the awesomeness of Marrakesh. From Rabat, Marrakesh is about a 3 hour drive; and with a few quick email to a few 'pho farms' we had a vacation planned!

Usually we stay at a farm (Dar Tasmayoun) that is 35 kilometers outside of Marrakesh. http://dartasmayoun.com/ and I've blogged about it a number of times (http://raisingrabat.blogspot.com/2010/04/holiday-in-marrakesh.html).

However, this time we tried a new 'pho farm'. This one is only 9 kilometers outside of Marrakesh, but it wasn't as serene. There are more rooms and more options at La Ferm Berber, but you can definitely feel close to the other patrons.

The owner of La Ferm Berber is named Patricia, and she speaks decent English. Over email we had asked for two small rooms, however, when we got there she put us in a one large (more expensive) room. This would have been okay, but at the price of her smaller rooms, I wouldn't have had to share a room with my mom and husband. I know, ew, who wants to do that?!?!

In the end, we paid a higher price for two rooms, but it was worth the experience. We had lovely rooms, with lots of space. I could see a few families renting the large building and the tents for a great vacation! But, if you're going as one family, hit up Florence at Dar Tasmayoun!

Chubs trying to convince Karl to jump into the frigid pool.

The main building

The outside breakfast patio

the sitting room outside our bed room

The Berber tent, equipped with a toilet and shower!

Moon Rising!

2011-03-21T08:16:00.000Z

We got out of town this past weekend, and to our surprise the moon was so bright and big, it was hard to look directly at it. When we got home a friend posted this link from CNN/NASA about the rare perigee moon. It will not appear this large again until 2029! http://edition.cnn.com/2011/US/03/18/nasa.moon/index.html?hpt=C2

That's my mom, not my sister. She does look pretty good huh!

Birthday party extravaganza!

2011-03-18T17:14:00.000Z

My mom is a kid at heart. She has been at almost every birthday Chubs has had, and this year she brought this thing:

And yes, that is my mom in the ball being rolled around by me, Chubs and his friends.

Here's his 'birthday ball' with three boys rolling around inside!

Inside Buildings - even the dentist

2011-03-16T07:51:00.000Z

We went to a local dentist recently for a regular check up. The dentist we visited is located downtown, next to the Medina. Many of these large buildings are not so fancy on the outside, but inside, they can be so unique, pretty and full of natural light. Many courtyards face each other and gardens grow on every floor, even in office buildings.

Japan

2011-03-15T07:59:00.000Z

I'm originally from the American west coast and much of my upbringing was surrounded by the Japanese culture. I have been gripped and devastated by the 9.0 Earthquake, catastrophic tsunami, and now nuclear disaster. I am so sorry, I am just so sorry. I feel lucky to be alive right now and very blessed that my mom is in town and able to hug me and our sons. Thank you life, for giving us another day to cuddle and love each other.

My dad wasn't able to fly out this time, but soon dad, soon we'll be home with you too.

Top hats and Tea pots

2011-03-14T15:40:00.000Z

Being a parent can sometimes be very difficult. Throwing a birthday party for your kid can become an extremely high stressful event. Much like planning a wedding. It's not so much what you'll do for your kid, but who do you invite? Your favorite friends, even though their kids are 6yr old girls??? Or the parents who you really like, but the kids have never met??? The rule I have tried to follow is, take the age of the kid and double it, that is how many kids should come. Chubs is turning four, that means eight kids, including Chubs should be at our house. Well, another little girl, one of Chubs BFF's (Best Friend Forever) has a birthday within days of Chubs... and in an effort to save money and a weekend of birthday extravaganza, we decided to plan a party together, jointly, shared the burden.

Our burden sharing worked well, seamless even. However, that rule, eight kids... so went out the window. All those cool parents and friends we have, the invite list for both kids and cool parents was severely cut, and even then we had 26 kids in the house and some 20 parents. It was a great party and only became a little hairy when it rained and we all ran inside. Luckily a very sweet little girl at the party said a prayer, alleluia, the sun came out and we all had a fantastic Mad Hatter Tea Party!

Top Hats and Tea Pots.

4L?

2011-03-12T07:48:00.002Z

Think French. What do you come up with? Great wine, yummy cheese, the Eiffel Tower...and the Renault 4L.

Traditional Renault 4L (thanks wikipedia)

On our way back from up north we came upon a long, long line of 4Ls painted and stickered to the nines.

It was such a spectacle that local kids were lining the autoroute to see the race, parade, caravan...whatever it was.

Turns out the 4L Trophy is run every year by French high school students between France and Morocco. Usually around 1000 cars (2 students per car) journey more than 6000 km across France, Spain, and Morocco. In addition the racers provide supplies for schools in rural Moroccan villages. This year over 1200 cars were registered in the race.

The Cinema down town!

2011-03-11T09:18:00.002Z

Happy Friday everyone!

Life's a beach in Morocco!

2011-03-10T13:00:00.000Z

Hap, is always happy!

Chubs makes friends every where

B gets ran so hard, she slept for two days.

Where else would you expect to find Spider-man?

2011-03-09T09:21:00.000Z

He lives in the forest near Rabat....

He saved this tortoise from a near death... of eating too much.

I just have to say, thank you again Karl for not bringing home another pet (tortoise).

slug love

2011-03-08T09:04:00.000Z

I asked Karl to go out and find some blog fodder, and he came back with this picture. At first, I had no idea what it was... but in case you ever wanted to know, this is how slugs love.

Oh where oh where have those peacocks gone?

2011-03-06T15:10:00.000Z

When we moved here our neighbors had a big, green tree in their backyard. It gave us a bit of shade and provided a nice place for small birds hang out.

About a year ago two peacocks moved into that tree and set up shop. The peacocks spent time in the morning and afternoon purusing our yard for bugs and other bits of insect goodness. Every evening around 6 the peacocks would make there way back to the tree to roost for the night.

A month ago we awoke to the sounds of chainsaws. We thought the tree was getting a trim. After two days of "trimming" it ended up as a two meter-high stump. Where would the peacocks go?

For awhile we noticed abnormal amounts of peacock poop on the walkway next the house. They couldn't have gone too far. We looked out our bedroom window one evening and noticed they chose a new roosting spot just a couple feet from where we sleep...on our bedroom terrasse. The cats only try to attach them on occasion, but fail miserablely due to the sliding glass door.

Don't park your limo here

2011-03-05T12:50:00.000Z

Cause it will get towed! If you can't see it, the picture of the car is a three door limo.

Desert Truffles

2011-03-04T08:55:00.001Z

A friend introduced us to this grocer, who sells herbs, and other semi rare kitchen gems, like desert truffles.

These truffles are similar to the well known, and extremely expensive Italian or French truffles, but their differences are vast. These are much cheaper. I spent less than $2USD on three large truffles and these are not as strong tasting. They are, delicious and wonderful on and in any dish. YUM.

Here's a link with stories about these desert truffles: http://www.natruffling.org/desert.htm

Is that fleece Chanel?

2011-03-03T07:29:00.000Z

Yes it is! At our latest visit to the fabric market, we spotted, or the bright pink Chanel fabric spotted us. I can't think of a thing I would make with it... any ideas out there? I wonder if it's real....

mind control

2011-03-02T09:17:00.000Z

Their little hands stretched out like they want help or just to touch you, is freaky.
But their kid clothes are a great deal...

I'm always impressed... or scared...

2011-03-01T09:03:00.003Z

I've documented, taken many photos, of lorries stacked high with goods. Every-time we drive behind one and pass one, I'm always a little surprised, shocked, spooked and impressed by how much stuff and weight one truck can hold.

more from Villa Nora

2011-02-28T10:42:00.000Z

Bouba and Hap in the garden

The King is well loved here and pictures of him are found in every establishment. I love finding new or unique pictures!

The dining and sitting room.

Birding

2011-02-27T09:32:00.001Z

The big draw in the city of Mouly B. is birding. In the guide book they suggest calling this guy and arranging for a boat trip. He was great Hap, really loved birding.

If you have a camper, there was a lovely looking campsite.

Chubs and the only picture I got of the guide. He really did a great job finding birds, telling us the history of the place and showing us around the lagoon. We went during low tide, because of timing, and unfortunately missed seeing many of the 'cooler' birds. Pink Flamingos only come out during high tide... we're already planning a next time!!!

Low tide did bring in some cows... but they're not wild cows...

b and b heaven

2011-02-26T08:18:00.000Z

Last week we had a number of days off from work, and one morning we woke up, and decided to head out of town. We drove and two hours north to the little fishing village of Moulay Bousselhem.

We called and made reservations at Villa Nora, listed in the Lonely Planet Guidebook. It was such a great surprise, the rooms all had porches and easy access to the beach. As we arrived we enjoyed tea on the veranda and the boys enjoyed bouncing (supervised) on the bed.

Bonus, the dogs were welcomed too!

It was like learning how to go potty

2011-02-25T09:15:00.000Z

Any person who's ever had a kid in their car will know, they leave a tail of crumbs. It could take less than a nanosecond, for a sparkly clean car to become a nasty germ infested, fungus living beast. (like our truck)

One morning I came outside to find that Karl has taught him how to clean his car-seat. I was so proud of him, it was like watching him successfully go potty by himself. Wipe it up Chubs, wipe that seat down, you smart boy!!!

It was life, the world was right, perfectly right for one second. Right after he was done, we decided to head out on a last-minute car trip. That clean seat... not so much anymore.

Boy Scouts

2011-02-24T11:25:00.002Z

Boy Scouts, or the equivalent to, has been here in Morocco since 1933. Whoo hooo!

Shopping for Tires

2011-02-23T07:01:00.001Z

Our Truck needs some tires, and while driving around Casablanca we noticed many US brands... sometimes it feels like we're back in D.C. rather than North Africa.

Out-running the surf

2011-02-22T08:31:00.000Z

Sometimes we get to capture some funny kids with our camera. At the Hassan II Mosque we walked to the sea wall to take some pictures of the sky line.

Some kids were playing on the rocks but decided the surf was getting too close and all but one could jump back onto the wall.

Let him dangle for a few minutes, all laughing hard...

and then his friends helped him up. Nothing but good times!!!

Hassan II Mosque

2011-02-21T08:29:00.000Z

With all the extra holidays for us we've been able to make day trips around neighboring cities. One morning we jumped in the truck and headed down to Casablanca to see the second largest mosque in the world, Hassan II (pronounced: Hassan DU). It was awesome, spectacular and massive. We got there at 11:20, a mere twenty minutes after the doors closed until 2pm.

Hassan II is located right on the beach, so we took a walk to the sea wall and watched the waves, and then went over to the mosque to check out the doors.

We toured around the doors and followed a flight of steps below the front door. We were guided into a beautiful fountain area just below the main square. A very nice gentleman turned on a fountain for the boys and it was magical!

From below we could see tour groups looking down at the fountains.

Large white tents draw crowds

2011-02-20T17:23:00.000Z

During our day trip to Casa we stumbled upon a large tent adjacent to the Hassan II Mosque.

We paid a reasonable entrance fee (5 dh per adult head - 65 cents) and headed into a green and white labyrinth.

Rounded a corner and what did we find?

A giant book fair!

Tons-o-books in Arabic and French with the occational English textbook thrown in the mix.

So educational and peaceful.

Then, like any good book fair, a fight broke out!

Really, they were all smiles so I don't think it was too serious.

Billboards

2011-02-18T08:56:00.000Z

From this billboard, it looks like Paris is in Rabat, and you should eat the McDo! Just McDo it!

We had to look up Mascate and it is the oldest city in the entire Arab world. Mascate is over 5,000 years old. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oman)

We're not sure what the purpose of this billboard is, but we did see it around Casablanca. Do you ever need to pour gold paint on your horses butt? In Colorado they might have what you need.

The Casablanca Median upgraded and put a jumbo tron into the wall. It's in central location, right at a very busy intersection. Watching it while stuck in traffic was very thoughtful.

We love Indian food!

2011-02-17T16:27:00.000Z

We got out of Rabat for the day and ended up in Casablanca. We love Indian food, and when we stumbled onto this restaurant, all of us did a little dance.

Chubs is telling us he's thinking, and this is his thinking pose.

Hap at the table.

I was actually sad when I became full. If we (I) had the ability to eat all day, we would have kept ordering more food!

On this street there were a number of good restaurants, like sushi, and Chinese, and Italian... it was like finding a pot of gold at the end of a ~~rainbow~~ street.

Giggles

2011-02-16T08:48:00.000Z

Hap being happy! It's a national holiday today, Mawlid An-Nabi to everyone!

2011-02-15T08:13:00.000Z

My mom and dad are amazing. They send gifts nearly every week - THANK YOU Mom and Dad!!! They (me) love the matching T-shirts!!!

It almost looks like Chubs pushed Hap down the slide... but he didn't, Karl was there to help (I was taking pictures!).

Super-Brothers!!!

Roof top views

2011-02-14T08:44:00.000Z

There is a place called Sale Pottery, at least that's what foreigners call this place, there is another Moroccan name. However, to keep it simple, I've started calling it the Pottery Barn. At the 'original' Pottery Barn there are maybe hundreds of stores that sell pottery, furniture, marble, fountains, sculptures, lighting, paintings, and just everything you could every want to decorate your house. Many of the item you buy are from the craftsmen themselves. Like Karl's latest birthday present.

While walking around, I noticed the view, it's beautiful! Then I noticed on top of the shops many have chairs and tables. Many of the tables and chairs look like they're in rough shape; possible a new project or just were they go to rot. Either way, I think it's were shop keepers and employees go to relax (lunch break?)and enjoy the view.

Happy Valentines Day!!!

Happy Birthday Karl

2011-02-13T08:32:00.000Z

The other day Karl had a birthday. I can't get enough of Chubs singing and I'm so grateful we have an easy video recorder!

Here's what Karl picked out for his birthday.

The furniture here is amazing- nice pick Karl!

What are these things???

2011-02-12T08:57:00.000Z

The strange looking bug above appeared outside our door one day. After a few days of loitering it disappeared and the thing below has been stuck to the door for a few weeks. I know the smart thing to do, would be to remove it... but for some reason I have a hard time doing it. Does someone out there know what it is?

I think the plant below is some kind of mushroom or bug eating plant... but what kind???

what's in a name

2011-02-11T17:26:00.002Z

Happy used to love his pacifier, but he was very specific about what type he liked most. Of course, the brand name, could have been a better choice...

skipping school... just kidding!

2011-02-10T20:47:00.000Z

Chubs pre-pre school had a field trip to the beach

He learned to use binoculars... just kidding! He likes to look through them backwards.

I love that its mid-February and we can hang on the beach. I love this city!

rug beating

2011-02-09T08:40:00.000Z

Some friends who've bought rugs while visiting us have asked, how do you clean it? We're lucky in many ways and we have a wonderful woman named Zahara that we pay to come over a few times to beat our rugs. She agreed to let me take some pictures for the blog. I was amazed at her strength and she taught me how to beat our rugs! Cause when we move, I'm gonna do it myself!

watching rugby in the park

2011-02-08T13:59:00.002Z

The internet was down!

2011-02-07T17:58:00.000Z

All weekend, three full days, the Internet has been out at our house. A guy came over to fix it, he spent about 5 minutes outside, he said the phone line was bad... and now we're back online!!!

It was great to have a technological break, but I have missed being connected!

We love driving around on a warm sunny weekend. Usually every green space is filled with people picnicking and enjoying the weather, city, and friends. The warmness of the country is felt by the sun and the people!

lush greens

2011-02-04T14:52:00.000Z

It had been raining here for days. With rains come superb greens, and Morocco is so incredibly beautiful. Happy sunny day to everyone!

driving and goats

2011-02-03T08:33:00.000Z

No fear, the goat stopped and wasn't hit. Actually, we've never seen a farm animal hit in the road, but we're always looking for the stray goat, cow, and chicken that might dart in front of the truck.

I find these miniature trucks amazingly cute, especially when they're ticked out with headlight grills and fashion decals!

big buildings

2011-02-02T10:11:00.000Z

Like yesterday's post, today is about the construction of buildings. These buildings are going up along the auto-route just outside of Rabat. You can see how far along the development is and how the buildings are made. They're HUGE, and I love seeing the skeleton of such a large building.

The end product. One large, window filled building.

Building and beauty

2011-02-01T09:48:00.001Z

The other day we were able to visit some friends who live in the nearby city of Kenitra. It was beautiful, and along the drive I snapped some pictures of a beautiful Mosque and the largest book I've ever seen as a sculpture.

The detail work around windows and doors, on the outside, are amazing!!!

I love how buildings are created and developed here; many times you can see how things are made. Like how this new, beautiful, and massive mosque is being built.

rows and rows of... onions!?!

2011-01-31T09:05:00.001Z

Ever wonder how onions get from the farm to our house? Wonder no more- after the onions are pulled from the earth they are stored on heaps of rocks then covered with hay and topped with yellow tarps.

circa 2007

2011-01-29T07:53:00.001Z

Above is Chubs at 4/5 months and below is Hap at 5 months. We're so lucky to have been able to bring Hap home early, so we can take photo's like these! Bon weekend!

scooting by

2011-01-28T07:57:00.001Z

One day while driving around in the morning, we saw this massive thing being moved on the auto-route.

even from a distance it looked huge, and it was by far the largest thing we've ever seen on the road.

Ahead of us was a large car/small truck.

In our bigger truck, we had to wait until this (farm silo?) drove over the line on the side of the road before we could pass it. There was about six of these all lined up on the road.

RV garage?

2011-01-27T08:39:00.000Z

It's not often when you see a "Griswold's Family vacation" RV. For me, this just screams American past-time. Seeing them here is rare, but makes me giggle.

Can Bouba come too?

2011-01-26T13:13:00.000Z

Every night our routine is about the same, bath, books, bed.

The other night Chubs threw in another 'b' request- 'can Bouba come too'- his beloved dog.

In an attempt to say 'yes' as much as possible, Bouba agreed and so they took a bath, together, a dog and Chubs.

Chubs had to shake just like Bouba after his bath.

Going for a walk in the country

2011-01-25T08:42:00.000Z

Our friend graciously invited us over to her house out in the country, one of the coolest things we've done here is take a walk along a country road, then a country path and were treated with this breath taking view of Rabat.

Way out in the distance is the City and you can see Tour Hassan!

We know where Satan sleeps

2011-01-24T08:41:00.000Z

On our way home from Ifrane, I really had to pee. I convinced Karl to stop at a pretty resort hotel like place. It's beautiful right???

At the front desk I took some information cards to post on this blog. When we got home and looked at them, we noticed someone had been doodling. Either they hate their job, or Satan really does live inside. Which would be a shame, the hotel was beautiful, and we were going to recommend it to friends!

living fences

2011-01-23T11:46:00.000Z

Yesterday our friend invited us over to her house for a lunch party! Thank you again for a lovely day!!! Along the road to her house are these bushes with big long spikes. These look like they could so some real damage, and as our friend said, you need to drive with the windows up, they can really hurt someone... or a kid in the back seat!

Karate training

2011-01-21T08:41:00.001Z

While strolling through the park, we spotted a karate training demonstration. All the little kids were sitting perfectly to the side watching their comradres earn belts. Chubs had to join in and sit with the waiting kids- he is after my own heart. I took Judo for years and can't wait to enroll Chubs!

4 weeks until spring training

2011-01-20T07:54:00.001Z

Chubs loves baseball! He loves baseball so much we ended up buying him a hitting machine so we wouldn't spend hours tossing him balls. He loves this, and we love that it's January and he's practicing his swing- outside! I hope winter is treating you well, where ever you are!

Taxi fights and train crossings

2011-01-19T07:24:00.000Z

We walked through the city and by chance I saw a taxi accidentally bump, ever so slightly another taxi's bumper. We've seen this a number of times while living here; a slight car bump and lively screaming. By chance we happen to also see the new tram practicing!

shameless post for votes

2011-01-17T22:16:00.002Z

I told myself when this contest started I wasn't going to get caught up. We have three weeks left, three weeks! (Feb 7th) until the voting is over. Ack, the pressure!

Moroccoblogs.com has nominated our blog as 'best expat' blog and the race is tight between this teacher down in Marrakesh and us. She's a good writer and goes on some great adventures, but I personally think our blog is way better.
I don't think there is a prize, just bragging rights... but now, I really want to win! If you haven't voted yet, please use this link moroccoblogs.com and scroll down to the "Best Expat" section and vote for Raising Rabat. We (I) really appreciate it. If you have a mom or dad who's into reading the blog could you let them know too? Or a spouse at work, could they vote on their lunch break? No need to do it on company time! Or check out the local library computer... or Internet cafe! Just saying, it would be really nice, and cool if you voted for our blog.

Thanks- and hopefully this post will not repeat. Thanks again.

P.S. I got my first hate-email from this post. Ouch! I really like the woman down in Marrakesh, and probably her biggest fan wrote me; I never mean to post negativity on this blog and I wont post any negative comments either. I've loved living in Morocco, and have genuinely enjoyed sharing our experiences; whoever you are- I hope you enjoy our blog along with other Moroccan blogs; I tried and obviously failed, on making a joke.

street scenes of Ifrane

2011-01-17T14:19:00.000Z

These buildings were so cool! What a cool change of scenery!

snorkel or not to snorkel

2011-01-16T12:48:00.000Z

I've been wondering when we should announce our next move. It's not for awhile, but May/June will be here in a blink. This summer we're moving to Kinshasa, Congo. Geeze, that's a big announcement without any lead-up. Geeze, Congo is going to be a big change. We've known for awhile, but it's just becoming real to me. So much will change, but one thing is for certain; I'm glad we bought the gigantic, monster truck. On our drive back to the city we came across a creek/river that decided it rather use the street. I had no idea it was deep enough to soak the truck, and now we're thinking of adding a snorkel to the engine, just encase we need to drive through a river again, in Congo.

Is that your donkey?

2011-01-15T08:37:00.001Z

What we didn't expect were the crowds of horses and donkeys! As soon as you park the car, the donkeys and horses descended on you, willing to give you a very cheap ride through the forest. Chubs, who is normally afraid of everything, including pigeons in Italy!, really wanted to ride a pony. Here's Chubs being a cowboy!! The two boys who helped us, were very polite and persistent. Because they hung around us, and were polite we took them up on their offer. 10 Dh (2.50 USD) for a five minute ride. We also bought some cookies (for the monkeys) and gave them fruit for their donkey. What a great time!

2011-01-14T08:12:00.000Z

On our way out of Ifrane we were told to make a stop in a nearby forest and visit the monkeys. Seriously, these are the directions:

Leave town going toward Azaru, go about 20 kilometers and take the second left, if you keep going on the main road and see big pretty ornate buildings, you've gone to far. After you take the left the road will turn into a dirt road in about two kilometers, this is how you know you're going the right way.
Go up the hill and park next to the dead cedar tree, and monkeys will surround your car. Note- keep the windows up, they will steal food and shinny things from your car, pockets and hands.

It was a really cool stop, especially for Chubs! The monkeys were silly, nothing was stolen and
I would suggest this stop for anyone, especially with funny little boys.

2011-01-13T08:23:00.000Z

The city of Ifrane was so cool. There is one main road that runs through the city. On the left you have an older, more tired part of town, with a park and souk (market). On the right (north) side of the road is the newer, polished part of town. I grew up in Seattle and taking ski trips up to Whistler, Canada and other winter towns. This village easily fit right in. The steep pitched roofs, the open store fronts, sidewalks made for snow buildup and windows facing the sun. The people were nice, the food was good, well, the pizza Chubs requested was cheesy and saucy! There's a college there, with a strong affiliation with American exchanges- with college kids around, there has got to be pizza close!

Honey Do!

2011-01-12T08:07:00.000Z

Yesterday was Morocco Independence day and we took a day trip up to Ifrane. Ifrane is about three hours away by car, and is up in the Atlas Mountains. From Rabat, take the Auto-route to Meknes, at the Meknes toll, take the right, go south towards Ifrane and follow the well marked signs. The topography goes from desert, large rolling hills, and into tall trees; the road looked like it could have come out of any US Northeastern country road.

Next to the road was small stalls of jugs, all sorts of jugs, from gas containers, to kitchen jars. Many farm goods are sold on the side of the road, so we had to see what was in season!

We found Honey!!! Sweet, raw, amazing honey! I've started a new morning habait. As soon as I get up I drink a warm/hot glass of water with a tablespoon of honey and fresh lemon juice. I was told I'd never get sick again, and so far, this is true!

With my new morning habit, I'm going through honey, and finding this honey was like hearing angels sings! Ahhhhhh, AHHHHHH!!!! We bought 6 and a half pounds, 3 kilos of pure raw honey. Ahhhhhhh!

On the auto-route (freeway) there's a sign for Ifrane, and the symbol, is a woman skiing- love it!

big rolling hills

Ifrane is in the distance- you can tell by the pitched roofs of the buildings

The winding country road with small honey stands.

Our pot of honey- I felt just like Winnie the Pooh!

Dinner at 11

2011-01-11T08:01:00.000Z

We have some wonderful friends who invited us to their new place. Actually, it's not new, it's in perfect 1920's condition. Everything in it was the original, and it was beautiful! They let us take some photo's for blog fodder; thank you again, it was a lovely day and we love your house!!

Karl had no idea that a guy name Crapper invented this toilet in the 1920's. Hence the word 'crap' as a poop word. If he would have known his name would be associated with poop, he probably wouldn't have name it after himself!

A French 'wrap around' porch! Growing up in the states, we have a Southern 'wrap around' porch- usually accompanied with wicker chairs or rocking chairs with old men smoking cigars.... wait, that happened... just no chairs.... some things are just universal!

Sunset on the lemon tree

My growing family!

Those windows are about six feet tall- they let in so much light, there was never a need to turn the electric lights on.

I loooooved the skylight in the bathroom!

Hilton Forest in motion

2011-01-10T08:47:00.000Z

I've posted many times about the Hilton Forest. It's not really a forest with wild animals, its more of a large trail loop around a manicured wooded area in the middle of the city. It's wonderful, convenient, and relatively safe. During the day, when there are hundreds of people using the park, I would jog with friends, alone, with my kids, it's a fantastic resource that is free to everyone, and it smells so good. The Eucalyptus trees are so fragrant and healthy. I have loved living here, largely to the freedom this park gives us.

beach in motion

2011-01-08T08:55:00.001Z

It's been warm lately, and even though its winter, a trip to the beach is doable. In the morning, the beach is quiet, and we can let the dogs run around. I love the ocean, hearing the waves, and exploring tide pools with Chubs.

Hap being Happy

2011-01-07T05:31:00.000Z

I love my kids so much! At times, I'm in awe that we have another baby. He's just so happy and pleasent all the time. Man, we're lucky!

making babies

2011-01-06T09:39:00.000Z

I've written about the Chellah before and the magical properties of baby making. To recap: if you want kids, the sure way to get it done is to visit this guy at the eel pond. You pay him 5dh (75 cents) and tell him you want a baby or your friends want a baby. He gives you a hard boiled egg to feed his cats and eels. I brought a team of people with me and we fulfilled a small list of friends that are due for some kiddies.

Hugs! I can't wait to hear some good news from you!!!

Recap New Years Day

2011-01-05T07:23:00.000Z

Good thing I noted on my New Years Day post that I was okay with organizing. This is how we spent most of the day in the room we live in. The toy box was emptied. I was able to sort, box, throw away, and truly organize the toy box.

While I worked, Karl was busy watching Chubs... jump off the furniture. Solid work Karl. Solid.

The post about the Orphanage

2011-01-04T09:13:00.001Z

We have had an amazing experience adopting in Morocco. I don't just feel like a tourist anymore, but I feel like Morocco has adopted us.

We started the process in September, just before the major Muslim holiday, Ramadan. Karl and I have always talked about adoption, and had planned on adopting when the time was right. In our lives, the time is right when it happens! On a Sunday, a group of friends and us drove down to a known orphanage to see if we could help out; you know, hold babies, play with kids, get to know the place. We were stopped at the gate by a very stern guard. No one is allowed into the orphanage without a judges approval, and background check and without jumping through some big hoops. People, who looked like Europeans were coming out, so I snagged one who looked like he spoke English. He gave us the name and phone number to the lawyer we have used to help us through this process.

We saw Nadia the following day and with the help of a team of people we collected and translated all our documents for the Moroccan judge, in a week, the week before Ramadan. This may sound small, but it was no small feat. During Ramadan, business slow down, and it is not usual for paperwork to get processed quickly.

After we saw the judge on a Monday, the next day we were allowed to visit the orphanage, were in the Headmistress office, she introduced us to our new son. It was incredibly emotional, humbling, kind, generous, shocking, amazing experience. We met our new son, a newborn baby that had no one to speak for him, a lone child who had no parents and who wanted us. He curled into my chest and snuggled my neck. He picked me, he picked us.

Everyday until we brought him home we visited him. Everyday we were in town we would go change him, feed him and bond with him. Many times with Chubs with us. Again, we couldn't have done this without the help of teams of people. Friends would watch Chubs while we had alone time with Hap. I would drop him off early at school so I could make it to Hap's morning bottle. Chubs would join my friends at yoga workouts so we could make court dates. Friends would call and make doctor appointments and translate letters.

I have so many amazing memories from this orphanage. The nurses there are angels. Truly. Amazing. Women. They work three days in a row, 12 hours a shift. They nap, eat, sleep with the babies and toddlers. They take care of hundreds of children a year. Every baby and toddler is adopted. They care for these abandoned children as if they are their children. I saw a kids come in with broken legs, hand print bruises, and these nurses would stay for a full week, just to bond with these kids. I saw them cry for sick and hurt babies, I saw them snuggle the kids in cots and keep babies warm. I saw them love, hold, and sing songs for these babies. Just remembering how wonderful and loving these women are, makes me cry. I have fallen deeper in love with Morocco because of these women.

I learned that many of the adults who work here, were also raised here. The guards, the staff, the helpers, they all know this place well and have a personal stake. It is a family that is well protected, especially by the Headmistress. The Headmistress is a military woman who thinks of all these children before everyone and anyone else. She protects them fiercely and can scare the snot out of anyone. She will confront anyone from any status, he first priority is the safety and well being of all the children. She tells all visitors that these children are not for show, are not on display. The orphanage is their home, and it feels like a home. She brings in musicians and has parties for the kids, even though it's not perfect, I have been moved and impressed by how she runs her orphanage. I believe the US could learn how to take care of abused, and abandoned children from this place.

A few friends have donated things to the orphanage, and one friend recently posted her story on her blog: (http://www.rockthekasbahafrica.blogspot.com/). Thanks Marie, because of you, I wanted to write more about us. If you're reading this and live in the Rabat area and would like to donate, please contact me. If you live overseas and want to donate, please contact me. I can promise you, anything you donate will be used until threadbare, all monies will go to medicines and medical care for older children.

Shopping for herbs

2011-01-03T14:07:00.000Z

On New Years day we went to the market with some friends. We were introduced to this guy, who we now call the Herb guy. He had some mushrooms, spices, and hard to find salad veg. I loved how he decorated his store front with pictures of himself and the current King and past King.

On a side note- I've run out of Gig space to post pictures. I need to figure something out quick!

New Years Eve Dinner

2011-01-02T07:58:00.000Z

We don't go out often (I could count how many times on one hand), at least not without the kids. On New Years Eve we did hire a babysitter and headed down the street to a Japanese restaurant. Matsuri is a small chain, and they have a restaurant in NYC (http://www.matsuri.us/) We gorged ourselves on sushi, seaweed salad, tempura, sashimi, and everything was delicious. We didn't even bother calling for reservations, cause for us, our night out starts around 8pm. Well before anyone in this culture has dinner. The place was e m p t y. You can kind of tell by the last picture no on else was in the chairs around us. The more shocking/exciting discovery of the night, Philadelphia Cream Cheese is sold here. This guy, said we could find it at any of the local super markets. Well, I've shopped the local supermarkets and have never seen it, but eh, it was a magical night and he could be right.

My concluding, end of the night thought, we need to hire a babysitter more!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T12:26:00.000Z

I grew up with this old wives tale, on the first day of the year, what ever you do, you'll do for the rest of the year.

Geeze, can you feel the pressure!?!

In the past six years I've put some effort into planning what we do on New Years Day. We go for a walk, write a letter, take a nap, eat well, give to charity, read (some of) a book, write an email, call a new friend and an old friend, and most importantly, talk or visit with family.

There is a list of things I don't want to touch today, like cleaning, but I'll organize, or laundry, or pay bills. No grocery shopping, or last minute rushing. Also, no complaining, only reflecting and no obligations, just love, enjoyment, fun, jokes and relaxation.

When this old wives tale, hit home with me, it was stressful getting the day prepared. It took me a week to figure out how to space grocery shopping, bills cleared from our account, closets cleaned, laundry done and sorted. But now, after a few years of getting this 'lady of the manor' bit down, I think today and the following year is going to be great! Thanks mom, for setting us up for life, if your wives tale is true, we're going to be just fine.

I hope everyone has a great New Years Day, and your following year is just as great as January 1 of 2011. And if today is going lousy, then you have all year to plan for January 1, of 2012!

Action Singer

2010-12-31T13:51:00.000Z

This morning a few friends and I went strolling through a local toy store. This action singer caught our eye. Does he look familiar?

no kidding.. he sings.

brothers

2010-12-30T07:26:00.000Z

Dr. Chubs saves the Day!

Bouba update- he's doing great with Hap, but is a little worried about doing the whole little boy thing again.

Christmas - Moroccan style!

2010-12-29T13:56:00.000Z

A friend of ours had us over for a Christmas feast. She baked a turkey, cheesy mashed potatoes, Moroccan salad, Tunisia salad, nuts, olives, and so many wonderful dishes that truly made the holiday what it is. It was about generosity, giving, thanks, love, friendship, family, sharing, memories... it was wonderful!!!

It was a delicious turkey, even with the neck still attached...

Our host lives out in the farm lands, and her house was Auh-mazing! The original wood working around the doors are beautiful!

Her lanterns casted perfect dinner lights

Here's a few of us just before the meal enjoying a very good laugh!!

Hap's first beach

2010-12-28T09:09:00.001Z

For the past three months, we have spent every morning in the orphanage. Since we've been a complete family at home, we've started back into our regular habits- like hitting up the beach!

Welcome to the beach baby!

I think the dogs have missed out outings the most.

Oujda

2010-12-27T08:27:00.000Z

For work, Karl has headed up to a very Northern city called Oujda. This time he took the night train up. He left at 10pm from Rabat and was there by 7am. He said the sleeper car was well staffed and very comfortable. While up there he was able to check out the water reservoir.

Merry Christmas!!!

2010-12-26T06:22:00.000Z

I took the picture above a few days before we brought Hap home. For awhile here in Rabat, the weather was warm, sunny, wonderful!!! It has been my first Christmas/winter that has had summer weather and I have truly enjoyed it. December BB Q's- Sign me up! Play dates at parks- count us in! It's not quickly noticeable in the picture above, but the door is open, the warm breeze next the Christmas tree was odd at first, now it is missed.

Not long after that picture was taken the cold (65 degrees Fahrenheit) set in and we're bundled up in our long sleeve shirts and rain jackets. Merry Christmas to everyone- I hope Santa was generous this year!