tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-139660342011-04-21T20:37:19.031-04:00Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.comBlogger1871100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-31997555440590734842008-10-09T10:27:00.017-04:002008-10-09T11:56:28.641-04:00

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac stumbled, in great part, due to demands by congress that they make more loans available to low-income borrowers (see Herald Tribune, http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/10/05/business/fannie.php). They are called "risky borrowers" hailing from the "treacherous corners of the mortgage market". Maybe this label only applies relative to higher strata of American borrowers.

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-51658580921357924012008-10-09T10:24:00.002-04:002008-10-09T10:25:40.944-04:00

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-68374645360264023912008-10-09T09:17:00.008-04:002008-10-09T12:04:04.238-04:00

I am studying, as I mentioned before, at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies (at the Bologna, Italy campus for the first year; DC for the second year). Five years ago, a recent graduate of Cedarville University, I was advised by a former professor/life mentor and good friend, Dr. Frank Jenista, to read the Foreign Affairs Journal to keep up with current events and

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-44447833530250302182008-09-26T12:06:00.016-04:002009-03-13T10:18:07.049-04:00

So I suppose I should be showing you photos of me pouring over the books, squirrled away in the library at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, Bologna, Italy.It's more fun to show what one does on the weekends ... hop, skip, and a jump over to Cinque Terre. I must say, one must feel truly blessed to visit Cinque Terre, Italy two times within a year's time, on separate

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-83404768713828191802008-09-26T11:20:00.016-04:002008-09-26T13:06:22.118-04:00

I am now a student at Johns Hopkins University, in Bologna, Italy. Nine months lie between my new life here and that ferry ride across the Straits of Gibraltar.Those months were spent working at Play Mart, the family playground business ... including working with a great team certifying our playground equipment to meet international playground safety codes, analyzing the recycled content of our

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-64762200504378424042008-04-10T07:52:00.008-04:002008-04-10T08:37:43.999-04:00

My few faithful readers (when encountered on rare occasion) have slyly hinted that "even a paragraph would be nice, you've been on that hiking trip for almost half a year now!" So, I shall write.I finished Peace Corps December 1. It was bliss to goodbye to Peace Corps forever ;)This is our group. Those who lasted two full years. Youth Development & Small Business.Dancing out of Peace

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-86195012782640850212007-11-08T19:29:00.000-05:002007-11-08T19:57:44.776-05:00

I brought rock climbing shoes to Morocco. After two years I finally got to use them. If you like nature, I recommend going to both the Todra and Dades Gorges (between Ouarzazate and Errachidia).Let's go...!Ropes snaking up the cliff... And that little white speck? Yes, that's me. Actually the routes I climbed were pretty easy, but it was my first climb in two years so I didn't push too hard...

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-70841209183706769772007-11-08T17:43:00.002-05:002007-11-08T19:59:32.380-05:00

(Mona - Antoine's Youth Development replacement, Me and Kate)Kate F. has been chosen as my replacement volunteer. I met her during one of the several sessions I was invited to facilitate at the Stage training site (near Agdz). The sessions gave me the opportunity to talk about my various projects and activities. Kate approached me one afternoon and said that she had a background in IT and

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-28719264558822715402007-11-06T17:08:00.000-05:002007-11-08T19:28:11.275-05:00

A couple weeks ago I was invited to participate in a survey-tallying and website development project in Figuig. Bob and Linda, the wonderful couple that Frank and I hiked Toubkal with, thought it was an excellent opportunity for a reunion of the foursome.On the drive out to Figuig, we noticed adorably grubby little children, or women strapped with many bundles clapping their hands to get off the

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-46778728662752885592007-10-17T03:33:00.000-04:002007-10-17T04:00:43.362-04:00

My new site mate, Mona and I spent the first holiday morning of Leid Sghir - celebrating the end of a month of Ramadan fasting (we weren't, they were ;) - by touring the neighbors' houses. If a it's possible to get drunk on mint tea and cookies ... we did. By the end we were groaning and looking at each other with these eyes, "no more, please, no more... ?"My good friend, M'barak, from the

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-18792176995044475312007-10-14T06:55:00.000-04:002007-10-14T08:04:24.193-04:00

I fully realize I have not posted in a while, and minimally before that. There is a reason why. Morocco has become my home. I no longer wanted my frustrations bared before an unknown public. It made fantastic the daily life. Fantastic, versus commonplace or normal. My little world in Agdz has become my world. My private world. My angsts of work and friendship, the joys and spills in life:

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-60067401080346743322007-08-23T13:20:00.001-04:002007-08-23T13:40:50.983-04:00

Between travels, a couple girls from the Neddi will come over on the occasional late afternoon to work on a brochure for Mubarak's campground: Zahra, Nafissa and Saida. Zahra has proved most consistent and insightful.We started by going to Mubarak's campground, and taking photos one evening. The goal was to make an advertising brochure for tourists. I explained the idea to all of them. And

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-75605915471614314452007-08-23T12:36:00.000-04:002007-08-23T12:37:52.962-04:00

Thank you to all my visitors over the past two years.... all 25,000 of you!

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-52919158716891301812007-08-21T06:44:00.000-04:002007-08-21T07:38:06.047-04:00

Yesterday efficiency was on its worst behavior. It put the idea in my head to get up at 6:30 A.M. instead of the standard 10 A.M. I obeyed.By 10 A.M. I had already gone on an hour run/walk, with the quiet morning air rustling palm leaves and the sun twinkling gently on the river. I haven't been on a run in six months.I had taken a shower, made breakfast, and done the dishes from the day

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-19355318240996042912007-08-20T08:53:00.000-04:002007-08-20T10:33:33.197-04:00

Summer in Morocco brings many things, among them ...- 100+ Temperatures (indoors and outdoors)- The world shuts down between 10 A.M. and 3 P.M. (read: too hot to function)- Fresh Figs- Incessant evening drumming and chanting emanating from all corners: weddingsUsually I avoid wedding affairs as they usually equate shaking one's rear in a flurry of lace, ruffles, henna and mint tea until 5 A.M.

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-43666983027634171772007-08-13T15:55:00.000-04:002007-08-14T10:46:35.470-04:00

My friend Jen Hobbs (whom I haven't seen for four years!) and I have long dreamed of prancing about Europe together. It was always a maybe, someday, sounds like a good idea...But she, in a spirit of Carpe Diem, took off two months this summer to travel extensively through nine European countries. And I, after a failed attempt in planning a trip to Italy with my parents and sister last spring,

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-19904023372754714892007-07-09T10:18:00.001-04:002007-07-09T13:19:30.643-04:00

As if climbing Jbel Toubkal once was not enough for me ...The mind, in ebullient anticipation seemed to forget pain and misery ...Participants: Bob & Linda Smith, Frank Sposito, MeAll Photos taken by Frank SpositoWe stayed in quaint little Asni,At the foot of Morocco's famous (tallest) peakMeditated by the streamsIn the evening before our ascentFound random inscripted rocks ...And rose early of

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-48547101249383056032007-07-01T11:47:00.000-04:002007-07-01T18:27:44.694-04:00

On my way from here to there...I stopped for a bit of fresh mountain airWalked to a precipice and away fell the earth ...And water rushed too and with it my breathFor until your feet are standing on edgeNo one can fathom what awaits you aheadIrrigation trench streams turn into fallsClamorous, glamorous, uproarious and tallAnd the mouth of the world opens wideBefore your toes into a great

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-19258414627894798042007-06-03T16:49:00.000-04:002007-07-13T14:19:13.770-04:00

I have lots of excuses for why you haven't heard from me since April 8th. Some are valid. Some not so valid... like just not being in the mood to share much... But I did head to Rabat twice in April, flew back to the States for a vacation with the family in Virginia Beach, returned to deal with a severe bit of culture shock, and then the latest.. a craft fair in Zagora.Bouchra (my PC program

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-35623288274709705942007-04-08T12:57:00.000-04:002007-04-09T17:23:04.576-04:00

Normally I just breeze through Marakesh on my way to everywhere else... It is always streaming with tourists which proves annoying. I'd rather not be thrust into a throng of happy shoppers and site see-ers just to find a place to sleep for the night.(A scene at La Majorelle Gardens)When I woke up Thursday morning and found the transportation strike still in effect I had no choice but to stay put

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-13110198692496368342007-04-05T16:45:00.000-04:002007-04-05T17:25:55.260-04:00

I'm afraid I'm stuck in MarrakechBut with local I admit I've been blessedIt could have been M'Hamid or TingdadOr another particular douar unsaid Why, you ask, am I sitting here?Well therein is a tale to hearThe taxi drivers and busesAre worried and all making fusses About a new government policyRegard: driving-accident injuriesLet's say your bus, as along it fliesAccidentally hits someone who

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-28770314695654613022007-04-01T17:45:00.000-04:002007-04-01T17:50:13.947-04:00

In my continuing attempts to highlight enamored landscapes of Morocco... I bring a few shots from my friend Andrea Lueke. Tafroute valley region.

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-58187855032747459122007-03-30T20:54:00.000-04:002007-03-30T20:59:33.194-04:00

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-49576907287011534672007-03-30T20:16:00.000-04:002007-03-30T20:51:11.308-04:00

The repercussions of traveling always seem to take a toll. I came back to Agdz on a "high".. very excited about all the things accomplished, progress made, prospects of new projects and organizations to work with, follow-up workshops, more presentations in Rabat, etc. But coming back to my little village, people asked where I had disappeared for so long. To make matters worse, after a couple

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-21388271316772650102007-03-30T20:00:00.000-04:002007-03-30T20:14:59.543-04:00

There is apparently no end to bizarre health issues with me. I know most of you probably do not care to know, but in some ways, I see it as an integral part of my Peace Corps experience ... so why not share? After two insane weeks, my body needed rest. I rested over the weekend. That was last weekend. Monday morning I rushed down to Zagora to meet with a certain Delege regarding our April

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-87473555858102375772007-03-30T19:56:00.000-04:002007-03-30T19:57:18.578-04:00

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-14234531628473159592007-03-30T08:51:00.000-04:002007-03-30T08:54:49.907-04:00

I uploaded my PowerPoint presentation in case anyone is interested in perusing it. It is the results of the surveys conducted with Tourists and Bazaar owners (i.e. carpet stores) in the region, regarding rural shipping challenges in regards to Moroccan handicrafts. http://www.yousendit.com/download/M3BtSkhaMGtVbTgwTVE9PQ

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-40900217835624565562007-03-29T14:40:00.000-04:002007-03-29T15:00:02.721-04:00

As I look back over the past couple weeks of travel, I realized that much of my travels and work would not have been possible without the generosity of many. My parents, first of all, supplement the Peace Corps stipend, allowing me to pursue all sorts of activities that otherwise would be impossible. For instance, when traveling often, the Peace Corps salary usually only lasts through the first

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-38616519837127215742007-03-29T13:34:00.000-04:002007-03-29T14:39:42.148-04:00

The panel "experts" and interpreters discussing our next point. Shaina going crazy making carpets ...Discussion-weary panelists. (L-R) Brahim, Shaina Adams, Me, Cheryl Bostwick, Amina.The women of Tifaltout and Isfoutalit, eager for assistance.Cary Ruscus and I sharing a laugh during the Aguoim volunteerism presentation.A gentleman from Ighoram Nogdor requesting health and small business Peace

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-56231425744794847012007-03-23T18:35:00.000-04:002007-03-23T18:43:29.229-04:00

I have just returned from two remarkable weeks of travels. It was an amazing, productive trip. I counted nine different cities/villages visited in this order: Erfoud/Merzouga/Ouarzazate/Villages of Tifaltout and Agouim/Rabat/Fes/Sefrou/back to Rabat/Marakesh/back to Ouarzazate for workshops/Agdz. God’s direction was certainly evident in this trip, the connections made, etc. I wrote in great

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-76187197788517031712007-03-08T07:15:00.000-05:002007-03-08T07:57:43.967-05:00

A village near Marrakech with a view of the Atlas Mountains (All photos by Rob Revere)

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-51929662075428559972007-03-08T06:34:00.000-05:002007-03-08T06:55:18.790-05:00

Frank Sposito, the camera man (and a good friend of mine).

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-29071765081877548462007-03-08T06:04:00.000-05:002007-03-08T06:32:44.372-05:00

A lake on the edge of the Sahara Desert. (by Frank Sposito)

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-64366551510131359442007-03-06T10:28:00.000-05:002007-03-06T11:30:17.685-05:00

I want to start a series of beautiful photos I've collected from Peace Corps friends. This country eternally fascinates me and I want to share it as much as possible.(all photos by Frank Sposito, SBD Peace Corps Volunteer)

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-84224549909670952012007-03-06T08:52:00.000-05:002007-03-06T10:27:51.395-05:00

I just hosted a VSN (Volunteer Support Network) training at my house. Interpreted: I catered three meals a day, snacks, and deserts for almost a dozen PCV's for over four days.Sample menu items included flafel, hummus, baba ghanoush, Caesar salad, Indian fry bread, Thai coconut chicken curry, all made from scratch. Purchasing all the foodstuffs required a trip to souq in a donkey cart. We used

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-30826375964185464312007-02-28T14:14:00.000-05:002007-02-28T14:59:30.714-05:00

All Jessica wanted to do for her birthday was climb Mt. Kisane again.So we did.We didn't leave until 12:00 Noon.Not a good idea.We arrived in Tamnugelt (where friends, food and the party were waiting for us) at 8:30 PM.Which means we were hiking the dark for 1.5 hours.I was the only one who "knew" the path well enough to lead in the dark.I forgot my flashlight.The moonshine was nice.April

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-46766471873898779392007-02-28T13:28:00.000-05:002007-02-28T14:14:27.524-05:00

I've been trying to carry my camera around with me when I'm working. Here's a few shots of daily life:Some of girlies in the typing class. Aisha is ten years old. She's learning how to type very quickly.Empowering women. Help them become comfortable with a computer and learn to type fast and they become a resource to the community and gain life/job skills.Pouring over fabrics for purse

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-43274693816779320622007-02-26T08:56:00.000-05:002007-02-26T09:10:09.892-05:00

Surprisingly, I'm feeling a bit of a time crunch right now. It's spring, it's warm, and I know I have three months until schools and other institutions shut down, teachers (translation resources) and most of Agdz flee the heat while I melt away. There are lots of projects in the works: hammocks, purses, survey results to be translated and presented to PC directors, more ministry heads, and

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-10284259222422405492007-02-12T05:21:00.000-05:002007-02-12T05:22:14.579-05:00

Sui Juris, Beholden But to One I beg an hour of mind sui juris, An eagle hovering in the breezes Beholden to no one, No one, no one at all but God When others applaud, appreciate The eager works I narrate It’s then an artist’s complex encumbers me near crippling An engagement not, no not of God And then I curl myself, Wishing I were a little trinket on a shelf Hoping

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-34749203959774598272007-02-09T13:45:00.000-05:002007-02-09T13:46:42.618-05:00

Every once in a while, I will be writing in English and forget how to spell a word. I will write it ten different ways and still not remember how it should look. My mind draws a complete blank and I often start laughing. The problem is that between Arabic transliteration, and based on which alphabet pronunciation I’m thinking in (i.e. pronouncing “ll” or “a” the French, Spanish or English way)

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-76577094315081560792007-02-09T13:29:00.000-05:002007-02-09T13:54:30.593-05:00

Peace Corps just delivered beautiful new Trek bikes to each of us. (The previous ones would literally fall apart mid-ride, so I haven't touched it for a year.) I've been sitting at my computer all day (much of the week) trying to make myself finish my report for the shipping service feasibility study (See Survey Update Note). I just could not write. I feared I did not have all the right answers;

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-54631784645510892892007-02-09T12:54:00.000-05:002007-02-07T17:47:52.321-05:00

Me with Sam Sam (my dog, black, in background), Afru and Frhat.. Sam Sam's friends the campground. I love to run through the palmery with all three on my tail. Antoine and Moshay (PCV's) with baby Rahab.A few of the girls: (to my right..) Aunt Touria, Mama Lakibira, Sisters Nadia, Ikram, Nawal; (below) Soumia and Nadia's baby Rahab.Baby Rahab getting an introduction to the "wild". I've grown

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-49106888665367591502007-02-07T17:29:00.000-05:002007-02-07T17:33:13.335-05:00

Finally visited the dentist today. At first he told me there was no problem with the tooth. The bitewing showed no problems; there were no infections, etc. However, when I explained the extent of my pain over the weekend and on previous occasions he started feeling around more. It turns out that my root canal needs to be removed and refilled. Hmm... root canals in a foreign country. Not

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-37444322640385866072007-02-04T07:38:00.000-05:002007-02-04T18:27:30.564-05:00

hanut - little hole-in-the-wall storeAhmed owns the little hanut around the corner from my house. Whenever we're making pancakes and run out of milk, eggs or oil, I just pop over there hang around while little kids buy 10 riyal candies, and every other customer cuts in with their purchase. Eventually Ahmed looks at me and smiles knowingly.. "Salam, Raja.." (as in, thanks for waiting patiently,

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-61970238574553261042007-02-03T08:16:00.000-05:002007-02-03T08:18:44.437-05:00

The tooth demon returned the day before yesterday. I believe I took eight Ibuprofen, three Aspirin, five Benedrils, more Vodka than I've ever drank before and I'm not sure what else between the hours of 2pm and 3am yesterday. Today I have a dull pained sensation and swollen jaw. Finally have an appointment to see the dentist in Oz on Wednesday. Let's hope I can make it that long ;)

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-78538563476182544032007-02-03T08:08:00.000-05:002007-02-07T17:47:52.360-05:00

Every year the village of Tamegroute, near the border of the Saharan Desert boasts a festival (Musum) in honor of the sick and handicapped. Thousands of Moroccans stream into the sandy, palmed-crusted outpost. I, needing to conduct a few more interviews with Tamegroute Potters for my shipping service project, headed down to the Musum. The place was a sea of black.. women wrapped in their

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-20333525086841046502007-02-02T12:47:00.000-05:002007-02-05T06:33:03.400-05:00

Imagine you were a beautiful girl who lived in a little village - population 1,500 - in the middle of a rocky, desertous plain. The walls of your house were mud. Your day consisted of waking up at 6am to make bread, then you wandered about the scraggly, dry riverbed looking for brush for firewood to bake the bread. However, you had to be careful to avoid the main streets because only men were

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-30109668340266999922007-01-18T12:43:00.000-05:002007-01-18T13:18:52.575-05:00

So... I thought I would be a wise-chick and start teaching the girls at the Neddi (girls' training center that I've sworn I would never enter) how to really sew. (Read previous entries on new projects for further explanation.) I've started with a project making a small, white-satin purse out of the materials they use for their wedding/party outfits, called Takshitas. I got the materials

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-71639859319641430422007-01-09T14:45:00.000-05:002007-01-09T16:04:34.335-05:00

Today was my first day "back at work". Schools and youth centers opened. I knew attendance would be low at the various places I planned to work, as attendance is voluntary, but I decided it was worth making an appearance.Nadia, my host sister, to whom I teach Accounting/Excel at the girl's dorm, was still tallying figures and eating lunch at the house. I had a late lunch with her and her

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-71165814511111604462007-01-09T14:07:00.000-05:002007-01-09T14:42:00.600-05:00

Kowtar, aka April, in her typical Berber getup, chowing down on my leftovers. My little Christmas tree in the corner. Tree donated by Jessica Morrison's Grandmother, and lights sent in a Christmas package from my family. A typical evening with April, bundled up under the covers watching a movie on my laptop.There are many ironies of life here. One of which, regards temperatures. When I'm at

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-28368156265967612222006-12-31T14:59:00.000-05:002006-12-31T15:19:00.896-05:00

9 hours straight of visiting neighbors, dozens of glasses of tea, more-handfuls-than-i-care-to-share of cookies, visions of shiny blades flashing in the streets and pools of blood everywhere in the aftermath of the mid-morn sheep slaughtering. Today is Laid Kbir, the biggest holiday on the Muslim calendar. They are celebrating Abraham's sacrifice of the sheep, and every family is required to

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-17803075308833707472006-12-30T10:44:00.000-05:002006-12-30T13:53:33.091-05:00

I took an epic trip up to Berkane for Christmas with loads of friends. There were Moroccans, Americans, and Frenchies.We spent an entire day baking a Christmas feast. There were a team of boys who were sent out incessantly to buy more garlic or butter, shifts of dish washers and bakers flurrying about. I learned how to cook chickens in a tiny butagas oven: break them into several sections,

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-17361946275051702082006-12-16T11:13:00.000-05:002006-12-16T11:55:23.126-05:00

Last Wednesday afternoon, I smiled and shook Dr. Hamid's hand and walked out of the PC Medical Office with a clean bill of health, better-than-average pulse, clean teeth, no weight change, etc. I had successfully completed our routine Mid-Service Medicals in Rabat. I was delighted.Despite this, I'm beginning to think my Peace Corps service is turning me into a hypochondriac. Every day I have a

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-68086007826477278832006-12-16T10:27:00.000-05:002006-12-16T10:44:35.463-05:00

After reveling in the pretty pink Oleandras and crimson Hyacinth flowers gracing my roof, I was horrified to find sticky yellow bumps covering blossom and bud: Aphids! My flower buds have ceased flowering due to the invasion. This would not do.I researched online and realizing that many of the complex-named pesticides recommended were probably not available at my local Agdez drugery, I kept

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-4399467643825683952006-11-27T13:19:00.000-05:002006-11-27T13:53:56.568-05:00

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-21558782697064000662006-11-27T12:02:00.000-05:002006-11-27T13:18:41.177-05:00

Andrea and I...after roughin it outdoors, we couldn't help but throwing on her random hats and red lipstick. You know I can't survive too long without foofing.Mountain and valley of Ameln and Tafroute Andrea's village outside TafrouteJust got back from another week of travels. I got work-related leave to go visit my friend Andrea, in Tafroute (South-west Morocco). The place is magical. She

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-13672896042159884532006-11-13T08:50:00.000-05:002006-11-13T09:03:48.851-05:00

The top headline on BBC World News today read: "Call to bridge West-Muslim divide: A cross-cultural group of 20 prominent world figures has called for urgent efforts to heal the growing divide between Muslim and Western societies."Considering escalating confrontations between the Arab World and the Western World, I consider myself and the many American Peace Corps Volunteers in Morocco (as well

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-25113663752696263392006-11-12T12:05:00.001-05:002006-11-12T12:11:50.132-05:00

Computer problems...they are limitless, apparently. Once receiving my computer back from America, I turned it on, used it for thirty minutes and the AC Adaptor died. I researched them, contacted the PC IT dude and had him purchase a generic Adaptor for 500 Dh. A friend delivered it when she returned from taking the GRE in the capital. That was two weeks ago. I used it for a week - furiously

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-41493921004206526542006-11-12T10:28:00.000-05:002006-11-12T12:05:04.191-05:00

The survey process is slow. I am sure many of you, sitting in your offices in the United States, are remembering some marketing survey that a handful of your colleagues conducted in a number of hours or days, and are wondering how in the world is it possible to take this long conducting a survey? Well, first let me remind you that there are different worlds. The "first world", "second world",

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-24079788286980972562006-11-12T10:15:00.000-05:002006-11-12T10:26:03.171-05:00

Just got back from a trip north: an extended weekend with friends, and then meeting and training a new stage of Small Business volunteers in Azrou, where I trained a year ago.Funny to think that I am supposed to be the "experienced" volunteer at this point that the "newbies" look up to. On the other hand, looking back at the past year, all the successes and failures, language gained, advice for

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-18639845646899018672006-11-12T10:08:00.000-05:002006-11-12T10:09:58.742-05:00

Adam Smith, in Chapter IV of the Wealth of Nations proposes two types of value in a commodity: value in exchange and value in use. Knowledge, it should be accepted, is a commodity whose value is revealed in both exchange and use, but ultimately in use, for the exchange of knowledge is conducted to allow an increase of its use by a greater number of individuals. However, many a man will take

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1161784848023089502006-10-25T09:39:00.000-04:002006-11-12T10:06:08.059-05:00

Of course...I'm not biased at all... but I do believe I have the cutest, brightest little niece in the world. Gracia Virginia.With her cousinGG, Mommy and Daddy (my gorgeous sis-in-law Laura, and my dear bro Nathan)War paint on for kitchen dutyHayrides with her MommaShe's a born celebrity.Somebody knows how to tie her shoes "all by myself".

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1160063261751105712006-10-05T11:27:00.000-04:002006-11-12T10:06:07.967-05:00

In June we were supposed to take a language-proficiency test in Arabic. I tested at Intermediate-High. That was the same score I received six months previous, after 10 weeks in country. Not impressed. I retook the test this past weekend. I scored an Advanced-Medium. "You're fluent, I feel like I'm speaking to a Moroccan!" Was the gentleman's comment after we got done with the formal

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1160055694822808992006-10-05T08:32:00.000-04:002006-11-12T10:06:07.869-05:00

Packing up our gear for takeoff from Imilil.Backseat trekkers.Foggy morning trekApril braiding my hair early morning...Freezing campsite at the refuge, half-way up the trail.Cuddling up after a long day's hiking.Spectacular cloudsPath to the Ait Ben Haddou KasbahMountain junkie

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1159540799109295742006-09-29T10:33:00.000-04:002006-11-12T10:06:07.757-05:00

During one of my recent "interviews" : playing cards, asking questions about shipping, coaxing the gentleman to fill out the 26-question survey...another friend, who owns the cafe next door and I started talking about the lack of variety at any given cafe in this country. The menu will inevitably read: Berber omelette, Couscous, Tagine: Meat (beef, goat or sheep), Chicken, or Vegetable. Would

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1159539216373949402006-09-29T09:42:00.000-04:002006-11-12T10:06:07.647-05:00

The official date was September 13, but I've been in Morocco an entire year!!! Hard to believe. I feel at once that I've experienced so much, and yet that it's just been the passing of a conglomerate of strange months, not the entirety of a year's time. I have 14 months left in country. Just slightly over a year. I may not leave having accomplished even a minute amount that I set out to, but

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1159117334936738602006-09-24T12:43:00.000-04:002006-11-12T10:06:07.570-05:00

More to come... here's a few Toubkal photos. I'm sick of the internet cafe now though.. Andrea, Jesse, Me Getting ready to go...

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1159115941989887252006-09-24T11:01:00.000-04:002006-11-12T10:06:07.490-05:00

My girlfriends and I recently visited Ait Ben Haddou: a village boasting a beautiful old Kasbah high on a hill near Ouarzazate. Gladiator was filmed here. Me, Jesse, April sitting the ruins.Jesse in a cubby hole surrounded by ancient mosaics. The view from the Kasbah.The old city...

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1157495948287332952006-09-05T18:33:00.000-04:002006-11-12T10:06:07.378-05:00

This summer has been very slow. Many of my postings have reflected my frustration with the crawling pace of translations and utter lack of utter work. I came to a point where I had to make a decision. I could either feel guilty constantly because I could find no way to employ myself or accept the Agdz summer, and make the best of it. I chose the latter. I realized that with many families I have

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1157495551454994502006-09-05T17:29:00.000-04:002006-11-12T10:06:07.295-05:00

The dates are coming into season. The palmery is full of beautiful clusters - red, purple, yellow, green, brown... I have lots of photos but they're not loading now, so I'll try to add to this one next time around.

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1156716880096564402006-08-27T17:31:00.000-04:002006-11-12T10:06:07.216-05:00

Every time I leave Agdz, whether it be for a day, a weekend or an extended period, I always have a surge of warm sentimental coziness fill my belly when we round the moonscape bend of the mountains and see the Draa Valley open far below us. The grand valley base filled with greenery from the palm trees, Mt. Kisane the grand backdrop behind scattered villages, and the River Draa winding about the

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1156508158964101652006-08-25T08:02:00.000-04:002006-11-12T10:06:07.100-05:00

6:30AM: Jump out of bed, run down three flights of stairs with dog. Let her out. Run up the stairs. Run about the house closing windows and curtains. Run back down the stairs, let the dog back in, go back to bed.8:30AM: Get up. Repeat the bit with the dog. Wash dishes by hand and other kitchen chores.8:45: Walk to local souq, 1 kilometer. Purchase 15 kilos of vegetables and carry about on

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1156374203804581192006-08-23T18:26:00.000-04:002006-11-12T10:06:07.014-05:00

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1156197971723576612006-08-21T17:50:00.000-04:002006-11-12T10:06:06.926-05:00

Finally some progress!! Jessica returned from Egypt two weeks ago and had all my surveys translated within an hour's time. I felt ridiculous having waited over a month for something she could do in an hour, but believe you me, I tried to find someone.French copies in hand, I scheduled a meeting with the tourism committee to review them and get a Moroccan perspective; nail out details. I had

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1156068166940416802006-08-20T05:58:00.000-04:002006-11-12T10:06:06.816-05:00

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1155750412228436342006-08-16T12:12:00.001-04:002006-11-12T10:06:06.724-05:00

Touria and II have been avoiding weddings whenever possible, after my last experience of being made to dance almost solo in front of three hundred women this past winter. However, my tutor, Touria, is getting married this week (notice I say "getting", as it is a week-long event). I put on a brave face and hopped in a taxi to Ouarzazate, arriving around 7pm last night.Weddings here consist of 3-

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1155595507558149522006-08-14T18:11:00.000-04:002006-11-12T10:06:06.511-05:00

April and I went for a walk this evening. I was ancy to get out of the house. I had been begging her to go camping under some a beautiful pine tree grove, but she is not feeling well, so we decided on a little stroll instead. It turned into a bit of a nightmare.Before we left, I had my dog sam sam on her leash, keys in one hand and cell in the other. April stopped and said maybe it would be

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1155334246588714072006-08-11T18:06:00.000-04:002006-11-12T10:06:06.423-05:00

I just found this photo on my friends, Allison & Marc's blogsite... from their wedding. I was babysitting little Maya, Angela's baby, during the rehearsal. I must say it is quite strange to see myself with a baby in my arms, but she was a little treasure... after her crying fit, that is. I was constantly terrified I would do something wrong, pacing the floor, patting her, rushing up to Ang and

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1155068207983790342006-08-08T13:47:00.000-04:002006-11-12T10:06:06.338-05:00

The other evening I was standing on a stool, on top of a table, precariously leaning against the wall, trying to string up some bamboo to hang things from on my concrete walls. It was 9PMish. The doorbell rang. And didn't stop. Now, you must understand that this is no pleasant-"ding-dong"-someone's-at-the-door-type-of-ring ... nooo, it is a screech (ah! just went off right now! I'll go see

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1154993566666345542006-08-07T18:51:00.000-04:002006-11-12T10:06:06.243-05:00

Hey folks, I haven't died, as my dear friend Erica fretted in a comment posted to my last blog entry ... entry date July 20th. I have had a disillusioning array of computer/tech issues.#1: Wherein the Internet/Phone company shuts off our internet connection, claiming my sitemate did not pay a bill from February. (He has the documentation to prove he paid it). The internet connection displays

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1153408854669886672006-07-20T11:17:00.000-04:002006-11-12T10:06:06.152-05:00

Floyd Landis, from Lancaster, PA just won the 17th stage of the Tour de France 2006, bumping him from 11th place to 3rd. Our hero Lance Armstrong is gone, but we have hope in a new champion...The Race LiveIf you have Google Earth, you can actually see their whole route here ...BBC

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1153311991406971612006-07-19T08:05:00.000-04:002006-11-12T10:06:05.968-05:00

Sometimes I find myself in an environment so totally foreign to American life that I truly feel I'm part of another world now. Sadly, it is usually these very moments that I cannot capture on film because Moroccans are most senstive about them.Namely, an Ahawash. I went to one evening of a week-long ahawash here in Agdz, with my friend Nawal. It started at 10pm and ended at 1:30am. I estimate

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1153310359560056772006-07-19T07:49:00.000-04:002006-11-12T10:06:05.885-05:00

Just braved the heat to travel to Ouarzazate yesterday, to meet with my delege about the shipping center idea. He had lots of insights, and practical information about how shipping items works currently, and what would or wouldn't work from his understanding. We had to break up the meeting into two parts, (we were meeting, and he took me in his car while we continued chatting, to find a certain

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1153309747729702892006-07-19T07:37:00.000-04:002006-11-12T10:06:05.798-05:00

At approximately 9:30 AM ...

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1153209856915875002006-07-18T04:02:00.000-04:002006-11-12T10:06:05.677-05:00

I put the thermometer in the sun this morning cause I doubted that it really gets that hot. It's not yet 8AM and it reads: 120 F. :)I wet my linen pants and hung them in the window for 10 minutes while I got ready... and yes, they're almost dry.Well here I go, off to the taxi stand for a meeting!

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1152810815258205062006-07-13T12:05:00.000-04:002006-11-12T10:06:05.464-05:00

Party on the decks! (The fam minus me) View from the decks...Little Priss with her little Jasmine... A typical dinner at the Beach house (seriously)... I'm home! The Play Mart Heiresses at the factory ...On Wednesday we held a board meeting. Kinda nice to be there for it, even though I'm not involved in any of the day-to-day operations right now. My adorable niece, Gracia ... playing in the

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1152806302868331762006-07-13T11:45:00.000-04:002006-11-12T10:06:05.386-05:00

The first week home I rushed back and forth between Cincinnati, Somerset, Cincinnati, Akron, Cincinnati, Somerset... lots of driving, lots of shopping, lots of visiting friends. Church, lunches of 25+ people, family friends that poured over my pictures and stories for hours... and best of all, lots of time with my dear friend, Meliss. She's the best. We drove straight to Teak Thai in Mt. Adams (

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1152805133811496492006-07-13T10:43:00.000-04:002006-11-12T10:06:05.294-05:00

I just got back from a two-week visit to the U.S.A.!! Felt great to land on American soil, wear clothes I wanted, drive a car, eat yummy foods.The main reason for returning was my friend Allison's (from Cedarville) wedding ... reunion with college friends. Great to see all of them.. weird, like hardly any time had passed.. and last time I saw them was a year ago, at Erica's wedding. (Wedding's

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1150927353431022382006-06-21T15:52:00.000-04:002006-11-12T10:06:05.105-05:00

The view from my hotel room ... ah yeah. Volunteers listening to presentations & training sessions... Some of the handicrafts that the volunteers are developing with local artisans. One of the volunteers outfitted in full Tashelheight garb for her presentation ... Me and my program director, Bouchra, gettin' jiggy (blue filtered). One of our many delightful dinners on the boardwalk (with

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1150889252633110842006-06-21T06:49:00.000-04:002006-11-12T10:06:05.024-05:00

Agadir... the view out my window. The weather was perfect, the wind and waves heavenly. Ahhh... my mind is a blur of all the delicious memories of the past week. I traveled to Agadir (on the coast) for our six-month In-Service Training with my 50(ish) fellow volunteers. Half Small Business Development; half Youth Development. IST was much-needed, practical, refreshing and exhiliarating at

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1149870824070375282006-06-09T12:03:00.000-04:002006-11-12T10:06:04.920-05:00

Two little boys dolled up in traditional clothes and berber eye make-up ...for their circumcision party.Little boys can be terribly annoying or shockingly sweet here... the key is to get them in smaller groups, numbers equal trouble. I caught these guys on the sly as they stood around watching Jess tie her shoe or something. Jess & Me in her village palmery.. our friends said "Cinderella has

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1149868988038436802006-06-09T12:02:00.000-04:002006-11-12T10:06:04.842-05:00

Thursday, June 08, 2006 I've been dreading the coming of summer months ... hearing rumors of 130 degree temperatures and sleepless nights. Until this week it has been unseasonably cool, and even rained for a few days, But... just as I was getting my hopes up that the cooler days would continue, the mercury shot back up. Thankfully I will be traveling a lot in the coming months, but here is

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1149868926678156142006-06-09T12:01:00.000-04:002006-11-12T10:06:04.761-05:00

6/6/06I've been house-confined for over a week ... due to sickness. It confined me for my birthday last Friday which was a bit of a bummer, but I'm feeling decent finally and today made the rounds with many families I hadn't seen in quite a while. I drank lots of teas, shared some of the ideas I've been playing with, and showed a hammock to several families in hopes they might experiment in

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1149160670036191542006-06-01T07:06:00.000-04:002006-11-12T10:06:04.577-05:00

So... I have a week and a half until our six-month In-Service Training. I have a power-point presentation and action plan to develop (for what I plan to accomplish over the next 1.5 years), I need to learn HTML to build websites for my association, etc; should have gone to Zagora to teach English, need to be sharpening my Arabic for our language test (if I don't get an Advanced-low rating, my

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1148853036771430982006-05-28T17:48:00.000-04:002006-11-12T10:06:04.490-05:00

My friend, Jess invited me to her village 20 kilometers from here for a community party of sorts. The day turned out to be rather hilarious. But really, in the end, we decided it was just another typical day in Morocco. She instructed me to head to the center of Agdz around 9:30 and take the transit to her village. The transit is an old blue, getaway clunker-of-a-van. I went to the spot

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1148741210186627612006-05-27T10:13:00.000-04:002006-11-12T10:06:04.378-05:00

Moroccan architecture and intricate designs are famous, world-wide. Dad and I took a good number of photos during their travels ... thought it would be fun to share a few examples.

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1148487753296563912006-05-24T11:19:00.000-04:002006-11-12T10:06:04.298-05:00

Last weekend I went to Merzouga with my friend Andy and his two sweet sisters visiting from the states. We arrived during a sandstorm... it was so bad that Andy's friend Houssane (driving us) could hardly see ten feet in front of him! I was shocked we actually found the hotel.Originally we hoped to sleep in tents, but as it was so windy... that was out. The hotel rooms were fabulous... four queen

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1147776101826020132006-05-16T06:30:00.000-04:002006-11-12T10:06:04.208-05:00

So... having some issues with my association. I know, what's new? A couple weeks ago they told me that we just needed to draft a contract stating we would be collaborating. I agreed heartily...whatever it took to get moving on something. I left with the understanding that they would text/call me when it was ready. They also said they would set up a meeting with all the ladies in the village

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1147774800598221782006-05-16T06:11:00.000-04:002006-11-12T10:06:04.085-05:00

Bush finally proposed his new five-objective immigration reforms - a much-needed proactive, dual-approach to the issue of illegal immigrants and our southern border. The first element triples the man-power along the border, along with higher fences, motion-sensors, etc., in effect, boosting our defenses against illegal entrance. This is important, both to guard against masses surging from the

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13966034.post-1146846660562767232006-05-05T12:16:00.000-04:002006-11-12T10:06:03.980-05:00

I decided to be proactive this morning. Samson always wakes me up around 6AM when the sun comes up, so this morning I popped up, drank some tea, read my Bible, and went out for a stroll in the early morning sunshine. We walked all the way to the river and back, through the palmery. (About a 1.5 hour walk).Samson was pretty good about following me, except whenever there were other people

Rachel Beachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01262397650192409507noreply@blogger.com2