School, sisters and spitting taxi drivers

So I have finished my first week of Arabic school and at the moment all I can think of is – thank god it’s the weekend! The first day of school I walked into the classroom to find another student, I am no longer the only one in the class (but still hoping to be top!) So now we have 15 hours a week (plus homework every night), and it has been very intense! But my teachers are really lovely and already I have learnt a lot. And with another 5 weeks I’m sure it will just get easier and easier!

Unfortunately with all this study, I haven’t found any time to have a siesta! School starts most days at 2, right in the middle of siesta time. And I have been waking up quite early because it is getting HOT! It has been high 30’s into the 40’s every day this week, and I don’t think there is any change on the way. I think soon we will have to migrate out of our bedroom (which is without doubt the hottest room in the house) and start sleeping in the TV salon with the air conditioner! 

 Mum and Dad left yesterday after spending about 10 days here with us in Fes. I really enjoyed having them here to see and experience this new life of mine (and also because they did the dishes and washed the floors!) Not only did they get to meet Karim but most of his family too, and when we weren’t out exploring Fes, we were most likely drinking ‘jus d’orange’ in the local cafe. But all too soon their time here was up and Livvy and Anje quickly took their place, with Sophie arriving tomorrow! So an onslaught of inlaws for Karim, not that he has been fazed by it in the slightest. He really does give a new meaning to the term ‘Moroccan Hospitality’. 

And lastly to today. Liv, Anje and I were due to meet Karim in the medina to go to his parent’s house for couscous, but first we had to catch a taxi there, which is notoriously difficult around Friday lunchtime. Usually I have no problems with the taxi drivers here, but the one that we hailed refused to use his meter and instead wanted to charge us 20 dirham (nearly double the price.) He wouldn’t lower the price at all so he pulled over and we got out – and then he spat at me. Anje remembered some of his number plate and it only took a few hours for Karim to track him down. And after a visit to the police station, I don’t think that taxi driver will be ripping off tourists anymore! But this incident has made me extra motivated to learn Arabic – so the next time someone tries to rip me off I can tell them where to stick it!

Fresh watermelon and mint cooler, made in my brand new Blender called Bernie!

Dad getting into the spirit of the 'siesta'

Me and Dad having lots of fun at the supermarket!

Mum and Karim not having as much fun at the supermarket

A picture of the King who apparently also loves to shop in supermarkets!