Today, insha'Allah, is my last day of work.
And, on my last day of work, I find a blurb on public transportation in a fellow PCV's blog. Mash'Allah, talk about perfect timing!
"Perhaps the most extreme (and amusing) example of the Moroccan hello is experienced most often when traveling on public buses or vans. Bus drivers have a habit of pulling to the side of the road to get out and greet someone they know in the street (with a full load of passengers mind you). This situation isn’t confined to tiny village transport either. Last month, I was traveling on a CTM (coach) bus that stopped several times so the bus driver could hop out and say hello to his friends. Imagine taking a city bus in New York that stopped at random intervals so the bus driver could say hello. I think New Yorkers might riot!"
Perhaps I'll give this a whirl!
Showing posts with label Random. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Random. Show all posts
05 February 2009
14 January 2009
First Post/Last Swim
Although I've had this bad boy set up for a while now, I initially felt silly posting before I've actually left for Morocco. While out on a girl date with the Selma this past weekend, I ran the idea past her, and didn't receive the scoffs I had anticipated. Finally, after seeing that I'm already linked on Nasir's blog, I felt that I should start posting. So, I've chosen to write my first entry on what looks to be my last day in the Fishbowl (a popular campus computer lab). The circle of life? Perhaps.
As for my Morocco prep (that's what you're all dying for, I know), let me provide you with an itemized list:
Medical
I've just had my final medical checkup, and everything looks as right as rain (but send up a little prayer that the labs come back normal anyway, just to be sure). This is all the detail you want, trust me.
Linguistic
I've been shirking my Darija (read: Moroccan-flavored Arabic) responsibilities a bit, as I'm scrambling to finish seasons three and four of Lost before the new season starts up next week. This is not a good excuse, no. But I'm giving up my materialistic life for two years; back down, brother (said in Desmond's Scottish English). You'll be happy to know that Darija is nothing like the MSA or the Levantine Arabic that I've studied in the past, so it's almost like learning a new language all over again. At least I can read the script this time. :)
Note: Arabic is a linguist's muse. So many dialects - many unintelligible to one another - to choose from, such little time! Plus, they're all considered to be 'Arabic', and speakers often consider their version of the Arabic language to reign supreme, second to Qur'anic Arabic. Score!
Social
I'm putting off saying my good-byes just yet, although Morocco is all anyone wants to talk about anymore. Next month will be hard.
Employment...al
My last day of work is Thursday, 5 February. I will cease to drive any commercial vehicles after that date. I've heard that the urge to drive a Gillig again will be strong, but that I must resist temptation.
Hygenic
After the aforementioned last day of work, I will return home to clean out what's left of my undergraduate life from my parents' basement. This will also give us (my family) the chance to argue and get sick of one another, just in time for me to leave. InshaAllah this will keep the tears to a minimum at the airport.
Spiritual
There is now a scarf on my head. I'm also making efforts to talk to God more. One step at a time...
Financial
Oh Lordy, this is my least-favorite part to the process. I still have to transfer my Power of Attorney over to my parents (so they can take care of my income taxes, etc), print out some loan-deferment forms and invest my money. I also have a few bills to pay off, thanks to all of the health-related nonsense Peace Corps had me take care of. I look to be in good shape for departure and return, however, which is quite a load off the ol' noggin.
Back to reality: I just realized that I'm surrounded by people I know. There's a group congregating to my left, and another sitting kiddie-corner from me. I often had to avoid the Fishbowl during final leg of my collegiate career due to over-exposure (read: I would talk too muh and not get anything done), so I'm wrapping this up and heading to ERC, where I will grab a hot cinnamon spice tea and start Slaughterhouse-Five. Goodbye, Fishbowl.
As for my Morocco prep (that's what you're all dying for, I know), let me provide you with an itemized list:
Medical
I've just had my final medical checkup, and everything looks as right as rain (but send up a little prayer that the labs come back normal anyway, just to be sure). This is all the detail you want, trust me.
Linguistic
I've been shirking my Darija (read: Moroccan-flavored Arabic) responsibilities a bit, as I'm scrambling to finish seasons three and four of Lost before the new season starts up next week. This is not a good excuse, no. But I'm giving up my materialistic life for two years; back down, brother (said in Desmond's Scottish English). You'll be happy to know that Darija is nothing like the MSA or the Levantine Arabic that I've studied in the past, so it's almost like learning a new language all over again. At least I can read the script this time. :)
Note: Arabic is a linguist's muse. So many dialects - many unintelligible to one another - to choose from, such little time! Plus, they're all considered to be 'Arabic', and speakers often consider their version of the Arabic language to reign supreme, second to Qur'anic Arabic. Score!
Social
I'm putting off saying my good-byes just yet, although Morocco is all anyone wants to talk about anymore. Next month will be hard.
Employment...al
My last day of work is Thursday, 5 February. I will cease to drive any commercial vehicles after that date. I've heard that the urge to drive a Gillig again will be strong, but that I must resist temptation.
Hygenic
After the aforementioned last day of work, I will return home to clean out what's left of my undergraduate life from my parents' basement. This will also give us (my family) the chance to argue and get sick of one another, just in time for me to leave. InshaAllah this will keep the tears to a minimum at the airport.
Spiritual
There is now a scarf on my head. I'm also making efforts to talk to God more. One step at a time...
Financial
Oh Lordy, this is my least-favorite part to the process. I still have to transfer my Power of Attorney over to my parents (so they can take care of my income taxes, etc), print out some loan-deferment forms and invest my money. I also have a few bills to pay off, thanks to all of the health-related nonsense Peace Corps had me take care of. I look to be in good shape for departure and return, however, which is quite a load off the ol' noggin.
Back to reality: I just realized that I'm surrounded by people I know. There's a group congregating to my left, and another sitting kiddie-corner from me. I often had to avoid the Fishbowl during final leg of my collegiate career due to over-exposure (read: I would talk too muh and not get anything done), so I'm wrapping this up and heading to ERC, where I will grab a hot cinnamon spice tea and start Slaughterhouse-Five. Goodbye, Fishbowl.
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