4 Things I Learned Studying Abroad In Morocco | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

4 Things I Learned In My Second Week Abroad In  Morocco

Khaki, beets, and snails! Oh my!

285
4 Things I Learned In My Second Week Abroad In  Morocco

In This Article:

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.

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?).

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.

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.

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.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

163480
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

49998
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

44635
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments