Morocco seen by Matthew Ratliff

It was a long flight from Chicago to Paris and I found myself stumbling through the airport struggling to keep my eyes open. Hearing only French, I was intimidated by everyone I encountered and it was clear that I was another American student who had gone in over his head. But sure enough at the gate that read RABAT/SALE I discovered a group of Americans who had also made a leap of faith. Interestingly they were all part of my program, CIEE Language and culture based in Rabat Morocco, and together we laughed off our jetlag in anticipation for the final part of the journey.

Shortly after boarding the flight I hadfallen asleep, and dreamt about a place I thought I would never get to see, but I awoke to see it right before my eyes. An ocean of sand seemed to challenge the endless blue waves of the Atlantic as if to prove it could stand the test of time. As the plane descended more of Morocco came into view and I could see cars and trucks passing by brick buildings that had farms and gardens surrounding them. Even before we landed I knew this was a special place, somewhere that would foster a unique experience that I would carry with me for the rest of my life.

My first few days were filled with confusion that seemed to give rise to a new kind of beauty that I was unfamiliar with. I found myself enamored by the Arabic calligraphy that was on everything from storefronts to water bottles.Sitting at cafes I wondered what was being said by the people surrounding me, some laughed and cracked jokes while others seemed to be discussing serious business or family matters. The staff always greeted me with a welcoming smile and would touch me on the shoulder when I struggled to make my order. It became very clear that Morocco had welcomed me with open arms despite all my flaws and drawbacks, in a way I felt I had found another home.

A little over a month i to the program my feeling remain the same and any idea of going back to United States is eclipsed by each wonderful moment here. The desert sands of the Sahara and the mountains of Chefchaouen remind me of each precious moment and the wisdom embodied in each passing minute. I take it all in knowing that it will be part of me forever and will enrich my life in ways I have yet to discover. Morocco has filled me with emotions and feelings I thought I had lost in the trials leading up to Fall 2018 and I now realize that without them, I wouldn’t have found myself here. This is where I needed to get too, a place thatcould help me become the person I’ve always wanted to be.