the end of yesterday and the beginning of a new day

I didn't write anything yesterday (although the posted date says Friday, it is Saturday here) because it was pretty boring. I spend several hours of the day dealing with technology problems with my Blackberry and Verizon, only to finally figure out the problem myself (after much expense of calling Verizon on my Moroccan cell phone). Roy agreed to be my guinea pig in the US so I tried Skype and various mobile devices with my Luddite ex-husband. He was a good sport about it though. Couldn't call anyone on the west coast since they were still sleeping.

And then I spent the rest of the day trying to create some lesson plans for my first volunteer assignment. Those of you who are teachers can probably identify with how hard it is to prepare lesson plans when you have no idea of the English level of your audience. Particularly when you aren't a teacher to begin with. Oh well, guess I will just have to see what happens. One more adventure awaits.

And I went to bed early to get ready for today. I was then suddenly awakened by very loud and expressive noises of a personal nature in the next room (don't let kids see this part) which went on at about 15 -20 minute intervals from about 4-5. Then silence. Then a door close. Then lots of noise outside as about 15 men in business suits got into cars and left. Someone told me that they were very strict about this activity in hotels in Morocco and that the police monitor it constantly. Hmmmm.

Anyway, I am now awake and listening to the call to prayer and ready to begin my first day at my first volunteer assignment. Talked to the director of the program yesterday and he seems very nice. Guess what his name is? You've got it ...Mohammed. The name is so popular that they even use it when you are calling a waiter (instead of garcon or sir or whatever). I guess I will have more on him later either today or tomorrow when I get the lay of the land.