4 Things I Learned In My Second Week Abroad In Morocco

4 Things I Learned In My Second Week Abroad In  Morocco

Khaki, beets, and snails! Oh my!

Addie Huthwaite
Addie Huthwaite Jan 23, 2019
171
views

My first week abroad was equally exhausting as it was spectacular. Now in my second week, I am learning even more and still eating more bread than I ever have before in my life.

I have learned about 20 new words and phrases including the most important, like how to say "he is crazy," call for help from my host family mom, and the word for "idiot."

As I settle into my new city, I learn more and more every waking moment.

1. Leggings aren't real pants.

Addie Huthwaite

Before coming to Morocco, I thought I dressed modestly and was always covered and wearing loose clothes. I have also never worn pajama pants in my life because I always just wear leggings.

I have now been reminded that leggings aren't actually pants and should be worn underneath real pants or covered by a long top. It was an easy fix that honestly I appreciated because it gave me an excuse to go shopping! My wallet is in trouble because modest clothing lines in Morocco have modest clothes (crazy right?).

2. Khaki, Beets, and Snails, Oh My!

So, I absolutely love beets! Yes, they taste like dirt but so, so, so good. My first time to Morocco, I ate all the beets offered to me.

Well, my host family mom and sister knew I loved beets and so, the next thing I know, they brought me a... BEET SMOOTHIE!

It was so good that I have had at least 3 more in just 2 days. I have also tried new fruits I have never heard of like Khaki and eaten snails on the side of the road. I always say I will try anything once, and Morocco has not disappointed me.

3. Religion!

Addie Huthwaite

My goal of writing and videoing my trip is to show people that Morocco is a safe country and that not all Muslims are terrorists. So, the topic of religion is something I am always noticing and thinking about.

I learned that wearing a turban is not the same as wearing a Hijab because it shows your neck. I watched my host family pray for the first time and it was so interesting to be a part of that moment. One of my goals will be to go to the Mosque with them at some point during my trip.

I have had a million questions about what is okay and not okay when it comes to Islam and I am trying to learn as much as I can because if I am going to stand up for Islam, I need to understand as much as I can.

4. Eat that piece of cake.

In the US, I always felt I was slightly curvier or bigger than other friends and idols I had. I always felt a bit uncomfortable in my own body unless I was covered in loose clothes.

When visiting the Hammam (the public bathhouse), I noticed women in Morocco are all of different shapes and sizes and that I didn't stand out or feel judged at all.

I think in the US, we subconsciously have this idea that we need this exaggerated hourglass figure to be beautiful, and no matter how many times someone says "beauty is on the inside," we still feel like we don't fit.

In Morocco, they couldn't care less about what brands I am wearing, what size I am, if I am wearing makeup, or if I want to wear my pajamas out to dinner. I have learned that I should eat that piece of cake with no regrets, then throw on a huge sweater and hijab and go live my best life.


I am so excited to learn more of the language, culture, and religion of Morocco and I just wish that I could bring everyone to this beautiful country to experience what I am living right now. I am living in a dream and I wish I never had to wake up.

Addie Huthwaite
Addie Huthwaite Jan 23, 2019
At University of South Carolina

Popular Right Now

An Open Pat On The Back To Full-Time Students Who Also Work

You really deserve an award, but this article will have to do.
Caitlin Cimino
Caitlin Cimino Feb 16, 2016
6296
views

It's pretty freaking hard.

“I can work nights and weekends, I'm a student," you told the manager during your interview.

So, what does he do? He schedules you most nights and weekends. This is OK. This is, after all, what you asked for. So you start working.

Class, class, work. Class, work. Class, no work tonight, you sleep and it feels like the first time in years. Class, homework, homework, homework. Class, class, work.

Before you know it, it's the weekend. There's a party. Your friend wants to see you. Your mom is calling you to see how you are.

But you are working all weekend.

You call your mom on your half hour break. She tells you are doing too much. She tells you that you should work less. Ask for less hours. Sleep more. Eat more. You will get sick.

You get out of work Friday night around 11 p.m. There is still so much night left!! You try to hit up that party. Sure, you will show up a little late, but at least you will make an appearance. At least you will get to see some of your friends. At least you will be able to relax and enjoy yourself. At least you will be able to have some fun. By the time you get ready and get there, people begin leaving. You begin to wonder why you came out in the first place.

“I'm sorry, I've been at work" becomes an all-too-familiar phrase.

But, but, but.

You really deserve a pat on the back, so here it is.

You've given up a lot. And you work crazy hard. Those long nights and hours are hard. A lot of kids your age don't work and rely solely on your parents. But you, you have taken it upon yourself to earn some money for yourself. You are a full-time student, and most of your free time goes toward working and supporting yourself.

You truly do not get the appreciation that you deserve.

But when you do get some time to go out, when you request a weekend off, you have some money to spend. You are never the guy who can't go out because they don't have enough money.

And of course, you will start saving. This is huge. You're going to graduate in debt (probably), and because you busted your butt during school and saved up, putting a crack in that debt will be a little easier for you.

You are a forward thinker, whether you realize it or not.

You are building responsibility, money management, and self-reliance skills, whether you realize it or not.

You are quite mature for your age, whether you realize it or not.

AND YOU deserve a pat on the back. So here it is.

You're incredible. You're amazing. Go get 'em.

Seriously, take a second to congratulate yourself for all your hard work.

And whatever you do, get some sleep, kid. And remember, don't work yourself too hard. Just hard enough so that you feel good, and rewarded, and happy.

You're the man. Keep killin' it, dude. Keep killin' it.

Cover Image Credit: Peter Bernik/123rf Stock Photo
Caitlin Cimino
Caitlin Cimino Feb 16, 2016
At Pratt Institute

Related Content

Connect with a generation
of new voices.

We are students, thinkers, influencers, and communities sharing our ideas with the world. Join our platform to create and discover content that actually matters to you.

Learn more Start Creating

Everyone Should Visit NYC Once In Their Lifetime

Alicia Keys said it best, the streets will make you feel brand new and you will leave feeling more inspired than ever before.

Kristin Dyer
Kristin Dyer Feb 20, 2019
87
views

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to live in New York City. I've been to a lot of places and this one is by far my favorite of them all.

Not only does this city have the ability to make me feel so incredibly alive, but every single time I have visited, I have left ready to conquer anything and everything that comes my way.

There is just something about the bright lights, busy streets, and hustle of this city that is unbelievably inspiring and admirable to me. It really is the concrete jungle where dreams are made of.

A trip to New York City is always a good idea, and you will never run out of things to do and see. So if you aren't quite convinced you want to see The Big Apple for yourself yet, here are a couple of reasons why you should.

#1 The Buildings.

It wouldn't be NYC without the buildings after all. The architecture is, to put it lightly, f***ing amazing. The linear streets, mix between old and new designs, and all of the unique colors and lights are beautiful beyond belief and pictures don't do them enough justice.

#2 The Culture.

Known as the melting pot of the world, the city is so beautifully diverse compared to the rest of the country and it's incredible to be able to see all of the cultural differences all throughout one city.

#3 The Food.

Two words: Pizza and Bagels. I can not stress this enough, EAT ALL OF THE PIZZA AND BAGELS! I literally think I could live off of those two things. Another good thing about New York is that you can eat for super cheap if you are on a budget, because theres guaranteed to be a pizza place on every block with $1 slices and food vendors lined up on the sidewalks with hot dogs and pretzels.

#4 The Entertainment. 

Broadway shows, Off Broadway, Concerts, Comedy, Art, you name it and it's there. Anything you could ever want to do, you can do in this city. One of my favorite shows I've been to was the Blue Man Group. I laughed so hard I thought I was going to pee my pants, and I liked it so much I even went back for a second time!


No matter who you are or what you like to do, this city has something to offer you! I truly believe that everyone needs to experience this city at least once in their lifetime. So start planning, save up, and go explore! And if you end up hating it....at least you can get pizza for a dollar a slice.

Kristin Dyer
Kristin Dyer Feb 20, 2019
At Missouri State University

Related Content

Facebook Comments