I have not been motivated to write anything for the last month. This has been a trying time for me both psychologically and physically, so I was following the adage “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” Winter was NOT over as last I wrote. BUT, today was finally a beautiful glorious day. The sun shown, it was warm, the wind wasn’t blowing, and it didn’t rain. It was a perfect day for a walk on the well-worn path along the ridge which connects the main part of town to the original settlement.
The old part feels like a rural village with its mellow sound of animals rather than the usual cacophony of engines, saws, mills, and loud voices all talking at once. There is new snow on the mountains and wildflowers in the fields. Goats, sheep, and donkeys graze happily on the green grass. Apple and cherry trees are blooming.
We met two Berber women on the walk, one with the traditional tattooed face, in the old town. They consented to having their pictures taken, then invited us to their house for tea. This is customary of Moroccans—the most generous and welcoming people I have ever met.
We passed by a large group of boys who started in with the usual “bonjours”, but when I said we were Americans, one of the boys ran alongside me saying in English, “Hello, my name is Ali.” Our lovely walk ended at a café for coffees. There, I was excited to see two young girls sitting at an outside table with their fathers. Things are definitely looking up!
Happy Easter everyone. Enjoy your ham!
