Hello again from Morocco. Things are slow but we’re lucky to have such an active community in which we will be able to accomplish some of the Peace Corps goals. Currently, there is a technician who is creating a cost estimate for the school bathroom project. After this estimate is completed, we will have a town meeting to develop an action plan. In the next week or so, we will also, with any luck, have meetings with the headmaster for the local middle schoolto discuss a library enrichment project and a gardening project and with a council member from a nearby town to discuss potential projects including wastewater treatment. All of these projects are still in the planning stage and none are certain yet. In Morocco, as in other countries, many volunteers have worked hard on projects only to have them fall through at the last minute. Inthe mean time, we have had plenty of activities to keep us busy.

Two weekends ago, the annual international gnaoua music festival was held in Essaouira. We met with about 20 other volunteers and thousands of tourists and Moroccans to listen to some good music in a festive atmosphere. There was lots of merrymaking and a nice getaway. Carrie and I slept on our hotel roof. The atmosphere has been no less festive at our site. Over a three day period, we had three parties. The first of these was a circumcision party (we think) while the other two were wedding parties. Men and women stay in different parts of the house for these parties. Women mingle and joke with one another, but also sing and dance. Men are a little more relaxed, and just lounge about sociably, talking about current events (like the stranger in the room). Both men and women eat well. After snacks and tea, a main course of lamb, chickpeas, onions, and tomatoes in a tajin is served. Next is a bowl of couscous with lamb or organs and vegetables. Finally, melon, apples, oranges, and bananas serve as desert. Most people don’t stay long at these parties. We were never at one for more than a few hours. However, the party itself is a long affair with people coming and going throughout the day. It is traditional to give a small gift or some money (about $2.00 US per person) to help cover the cost of the party. Finally, if projects and parties aren’t enough, we were also given several DVDs from a closing volunteer. I’ve always refused to watch TV series like 24, but it’s pretty good. Also, we are starting to make plans to buy some lumber for a top secret construction project at our apartment.Speaking of the apartment, we will be moving in a couple of weeks. We have already begun to buy some goods such as a fridgerater (PC isn’t that hard), carpets, pillows, mattress. We were also given an oven and stove. Homestay is cool and the family that we are staying with is really great, but we are ready to live by ourselves