Not Kosher

Yesterday evening after Arabic, Hilary, Kim, and I took a cab (10min and 30dhm!) to Mega Mall. It had central heating, and thus right away I was enamoured. The dreary weather of the past few days had chilled me to the bones, and I was very comfortable to meander about the name brands racks that were much more terrifying than normal when transcribed into prices in dirham. I was gravely disappointed with the selection available. We went in and out of almost every store (mind you, this place is 8-shaped and three stories tall; 'tis no small feat) and only Kim bought a dress ad Hilary a simple black sweater. We stopped at a western candy shop and bought peach rings and gummy worms but poor Kim cannot eat them until Passover is over.

I got home to see trays of haliwa being placed into buckets for storage until the fête this Saturday. We had actual spaghetti for dinner. I had my own plate while the family shared from a plate that included meat and veggies. I started eating my spaghetti, expecting it to be very bland, but only to discover that it was rich in flavor indeed. Three bites in I realized that this was because the pasta had been cooked with the meat and veggies. I had to stop eating and explain to the family that this did not count as my not eating meat. They assured me that I would be fine and that I was silly to think such a way. Well, I sure was not feeling well this morning, so, yea, it was not silly of me to protest.

Gender class this morning discussed the World Bank and NGO's and how the two seem imcompatible. Women did not come up a single time.

In Arabic class, we had an open discussion about women and beauty. I had been led to think that we would talk about how women beautify themselves in Morocco (hammam, henna, kohl, etc.) and even possibly western influences (makeup, plastic surgery, weight loss) but none of this was covered. It was Means of Expression 101, and we were asked the following: what is beauty? what is the relationship between art and beauty? why is beauty almost always associated with women? can men be beautiful? where do you see beauty? It was sadly uninspiring and uninsightful.

Now I sit in the conference room "listening" to a lecture being given on some Islamic newspaper. It is the absolute worst ever lecture that I have ever sat in on. Some of you may recall my middle school bands concerts featuring hours of speeches by Mr. Nash. I assure you that this gentleman in front of me is much worse, for he so loves his own voice that I don't think he's even aware that those of us not staring at computer screens have our eyes closed. He will very likely go over his time limit, which will make us either late or miss our belly dance class this evening. I will be furious if I miss it. There is a class Saturday but I do not think Mohammed would forgive me for missing the fête de bébé. I already must miss the beginning to attend a lecture at the Fulbright conference. Also, I have to finish and edit my culture paper this weekend. I have to do gender readings and summaries because we were only told today that we actually have a final.

Tomorrow is something special. The entire group is going on a mandatory trip to Casablanca to go to an art exhibit, a Jewish museum, have a special ethnic lunch (though I don't know how much more ethnic experience my stomach can handle), and some general sight seeing in Casa. Initially this was to take place next Friday (far superior for both papers would be out of the way) but it was changed. So now, I lose a day of working time, I lose the chance to go to my most-wanted Fulbright convention lectures, and I lose my Internet for a day so y'all won't get an update until Monday. So sorry.