Learning Thai

Five pairs of slippers was our welcome in Morocco.

A two week vacation in Morocco is hard to sum up on one blog entry, so we'll just give you a little taste of our adventures. We loved Morocco and we loved time with family! It was so special to have sister/cousin time again.
Because this is just a peek, I'm sending you to Facebook to see more pictures if you are interested and haven't seen them already....

Facebook pictures here
More Facebook pictures

Although this was the first time that all four of our girls have played together, they clicked as though they had known each other and played often. They loved all sleeping in the same room, staying up late talking and giving each other French/Arabic/Thai lessons, and reading books aloud. They spent hours off playing dress up or house or school up on the roof. They learned new songs from each other and learned all about each other's lives. Claire was able to attend class with D and Eliza with L. After so much bonding, good-byes were difficult, but it is special for the girls to have so many great memories and I know that their bond will stay strong because of how much these kids have in common.

The boys on the other hand! :) There were plenty of fights and squabbles and lots of hilarious arguments (Silas usually did more than his fair share in the argument department)..."The train is fast! No, the train is slow! The food is spicy. No, the food is not spicy! That's a kitty cat. No, that's a kitten! Yes! No! Yes! No!" Still it was great to get to know L. and to see our two boys together finally.

We had some really amazing new experiences. Moroccan culture was fascinating to us, the food was amazing, and Spring was a beautiful time to be there- mountains, olive trees, wildflowers, goats and sheep, donkeys, etc. We got to explore their hometown of Meknes as well as Rabat and Fez. We particularly loved the old walled parts of these three cities and the markets.

Cold, rainy, interesting visit to a souk in the mountains.

Gorgeous poppies!

Tannery in Fez market

We were lucky enough to be hosted by a Moroccan family for a wonderful couscous meal. It was fascinating to get a glimpse into a home and meet a very kind and hospitable family. (pictured with tajine and couscous and traditional drum).

C. gave me a cooking class as a gift and it we took Claire and Eliza too- so much fun! We learned how to make lemon and olive chicken tajine and lentil soup. C. is a great cook and made us so many fantastic Moroccan meals- including several delicious tajines. So delicious!

C. in her doorway.

I loved our sister time!

J, helped us have lots of new experiences. Here we are eating snails with safety pins (yum!). He also made us sweet Moroccan tea almost every night (we became addicts) and explored with Tom and the boys. The other three patiently taught me to play Rook (finally). Thank you again for the ride to the airpor, J.!!

Thank you again to J and C for hosting us and caring for us and teaching us so many things. We loved the time with you and loved learning about your lives. We love you!
-Candice