The Odyssey

So, the last day and a half has been slightly ridiculous. I woke up around 6:30 AM on Wednesday (January 12) for breakfast, worked out and packed my bags. After hugging my teary-eyed Mom goodbye, I headed for the hotel shuttle. Luckily (as shown in the picture below), I was able to downsize my luggage. I ended up checking one piece and carrying the rest.

The Pittsburgh airport wasn't hard to navigate and I got to my gate pretty quickly, with almost 3 hours to spare. I was surrounded by other students planning to study abroad, including a couple heading to Spain and a large group traveling to London. After a few hours, I boarded my flight to Washington, DC. In Washington, I had a 3 hour layover. From there, I flew to Madrid, Spain, which took almost 7 hours. For some reason, I thought international flights might have more comfortable seats and better food. Wrong on both accounts. Although, I did find it pretty cool that the airline I flew with, Aer Lingus, offered donation envelopes for UNICEF, their "chosen charity."

I actually enjoyed the Madrid airport because I was able to use some of my Spanish skills. I am definitely a little rusty but didn't have any trouble getting around. The airport was enormous, though, and at one point I was pretty sure the shuttle was leaving the airport entirely. It was actually just going to another section. My gate wasn't confirmed until less than an hour before take-off, so I waited at Starbucks (yes, my coffee addiction has gone international) and chatted with a woman sitting beside me. She was headed to Casablanca as well and was a native of Morocco. I was impressed to hear that she spoke French, Arabic, Spanish and some English.

The flight to Casablanca was short (around an hour) and most of the stewardesses and many passengers spoke Spanish and English. A couple from the United States sitting beside me commented that they couldn't understand the stewardess, who was speaking Spanish. I was surprised to hear her respond with, "That's fine, but you don't have to be rude about it!"

After arriving in Casablanca, I collected my luggage and headed for the trains. Unfortunately, I had no idea where they were. Luckily, a friendly little man quickly grabbed my bags and led me towards the station. After buying the two tickets I needed to get to Fez, he loaded my luggage onto the train. "Merci!" I exclaimed, exercising one of about ten French words I've managed to memorize. I gave him 10 dirhams, which I have read (and heard from other students) is an acceptable tip. He didn't seem to think so. His friendly demeanor changed quickly and he grunted, shaking his fist in my direction.

As I sat on the train, I realized that everyone around me was speaking either Arabic or French. It's fairly obvious that this should happen, I know, but it was still a little shocking. Even more shocking was what I heard next. As the radio got louder, I realized I recognized the song playing. It was "Whiskey Lullaby" by Brad Paisley. So not just American music, but American music by a West Virginian at that! Somehow it seemed slightly out of place...

I tried to snap a few pictures on the train and managed to get some decent photos.

 As we rode, two girls sitting across me asked if I spoke French. I said no, and one said (in English) "Welcome to Morocco! Isn't it beautiful?" I smiled and nodded in agreement. Much of the area I passed through today was gorgeous. And so green!

I accidentally tried to get off of the train before the correct stop. Luckily, a woman on board (who was apparently aware of my oblivion) pulled my luggage back and motioned for me to come back. The second train ride was about 6 hours long. The view was beautiful, but I was exhausted. When I finally made it to the train station at Fez, I hurried out to meet my ride. Unfortunately, my student ambassador never showed up. I tried to explain my situation to the security guards at the station, who answered my questions with puzzled looks.

I alternated between English and Spanish until I found a guard who spoke some Spanish. He led me out to the taxis, which varied in price. He explained that if I took the Mercedes, it would be more expensive that the Geo-esque car sitting beside it. I decided to be cheap and chose the Geo. Bad call. I was a little surprised to see the driver toss my luggage onto a wooden box resembling a fruit crate on top of the car. Then he started driving. I yelped reflexively as he came within inches of taking out half of the pedestrians on the sidewalk and road. People wove in and out of cars on the street, something I've never seen before.

Then that driver dropped me off with another taxi. The new driver smashed around suitcases in his trunk in an attempt to make room for my luggage. The vast majority of communication at this point consisted of hand motions and nodding, with the recurring, "Parlez vous francais?" I repeated the name of the university and was soon sitting in the car with five students from Al Akhawayn. From what I could tell, they seemed pretty amused by my inability to communicate. After around 2 hours of driving, we finally made it to the university.  I realized that I hadn't spoken at all during the trip and had assumed no one spoke English. I asked quickly and laughed when five of the six students nodded, confirming they spoke English.

After trying to explain my situation to the security guard at the main gate (with the help of my handy French phrasebook), I was escorted to my room. I was happy to find that the room is spacious and has a very nice bathroom. For the most part, it resembles an American dorm room. My outlet adapter has already been put to use and I am so glad I brought it. I am assuming my roommate (who is a Moroccan student) will be here within the next couple of days.

So, after a mere 31 and a half hours of travel/waiting, I have arrived in Ifrane safely! The school is nestled in the Atlas Mountains and the surrounding area is gorgeous. Tomorrow is pretty open as far as my schedule goes, so I will have a chance to sleep in. On Saturday, I will have orientation and class scheduling.  It is 8:55 PM here (5 hours ahead for those of you in West Virginia) and I am exhausted. I hope you've enjoyed the post!