So I said bus but I meant train. And by the way I've been having problems uploading photos so I'll have to catch you all up soon. I havn't been taking to many either. I get real concerned about what people think of a big wihte guy taking their picture during Ramadaan...but I'll try harder. Back to the train.
The trains run great here, pretty much ontime and such. It is a real nice way to get around too. It was about 5 us dollars to get to Rabat which is an hour away. Not bad. I pulled my famous move and got off of the train early though! I don't think this one was my fault caus I swear the automated lady said my stop in Arabic. Everything is in Arabic or French so you really have to pay attention and ask questions. Well I didn't ask until i asked the parking guy where Mohammed v street was...I was confident that I could walk to my hotel from there according to the map. Well I got off early to reitterate. Rabat has two train stops and this one wasn't that far away from the center but I didn't want to be defeated by the train so I went back inside and the guys told me I could get on the next on which was an hour away. Ok I thout so I sat down and started reading over som materiels about senegal and such. Then I saw the train to Kenitra (hey Pops!) and I asked the food lady on it who was hanging off it to get some fresh air and despit I got laughed at a bit she helped me back on and I rode it one stop down to the one I wanted. (5 min. away ha ha_)
The hotel is nice...the shower is downstairs but in good condition and the hall bathroom is by the head of my bed but it is not that busy so... I've generally like Rabat betterbecause of the European layout and the amount of French style bakries with RAmadaan goodies! Ummmmm!
Around 4 oclock pm the streets get busy with people crammed into the bakeries to but parts of their break-fasts (this is how Abdur Rahim said the evening meal in Casa) The streets then quite don until about 9 pm after the night prayers are over and then Baaam! Super crowded espically on the weekends...crazy. Until like 1-2 in the morning.
I also met a classmate from UW here who is studying here with his girlfriend. That has been a blessing to sit and eat with some one who speaks english and I already know. They have been brilliant. They gave me food for the morning meal and acsess to thier computers and info about the city. Good stuff.
So I'm just waiting on the Maurtanian Embassay to open tomorow then I'll head down there and try to get a visa. I caught a stomach bug last night...it was enivatable. I was just suprised that it took this long! I suppose fasting cuts down on your chances! ha ha. Something might be going on in my chest too but I am prepared with my meds if need be. Don't worry mom, I'm not fasting today in order to rehydrate and I'll continue to do that until I'm better.
The thoughts of how long this thing is is still plauging my my mind but I keep having positive experiences which push me forward so...
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Sounds like you're getting your traveler legs under you! Good move with the train. Sorry to hear you're feeling icky, but it's not too surprising what with all the new foods and little sleep. Keep those hands clean... I know Mom supplied you with hand sanitizer, hee hee!
Whenever I arrive in a brand new place where things aren't easy and I have jet lag, I get those feelings of "why did I want to do this?" I think it's very typical and the best remedy for it is to find people like your college buddies to give you a break from the language/food/lodging grind. Another solution is to drop some cash to ease your way. When J was at her low point in Europe and really ready to come home, she upgraded her hotel, watched some English TV and got a good night's sleep. It helped!
We're all rooting for you over here! You are Action Man! -Therese
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