When you leave a beautiful place, you carry it with you wherever you go.
The Small Town Between the Two Hills
Have you ever been to a place you have liked so much that you want to write about? I have to say that it made me feel home. Before I arrived at my destination where I was supposed to work for three months. The stories and experiences that I was told about the place gave me thoughts as if it was difficult to live there, especially, for its escalating zigzagging roads and small alleys.
A Glimpse of history
On my way, I couldn’t wink for the landscape was astonishing. At my arrival, I noticed how crowded it is; shops and restaurants everywhere and people from all around Morocco and the world. I realized that it was the right place, Moulay Driss Zerhoune, a small town located in northern central Morocco. It is spread over two hills at the base of mountain Zerhoun. The holy town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoune holds a special place in the hearts of us Moroccans. The founder, Moulay Driss Zerhoun arrived in 789, bringing with him the religion of Islam which started a new dynasty. In addition to founding the town named after him, he also initiated the construction of Fez, continued later by his son, Moulay Driss II.
Arrival
I started walking around caring my backpack without feeling its heaviness. I took a close look at the shops and some places nearby before I had to go to my place; I only had an address and a person to call for guidance. I called the person, he was happy to hear my voice, he was the Cheikh of the town. His name was Kacem; a very welcoming and kind person.
While walking me to my place, he started showing and giving information about each spot we pass by. We stopped next to a wooden door; its decorations symbolize the Moroccan culture. I called for the landlord to check if she was there, after a while, she opened the door and welcomed us with a huge smile on her face. Entering the house, she was welcoming and happy that I arrived safely. We sat down and after introducing myself to her, she insisted on bringing tea and cookies. We started talking about different kinds of topics, then I gave her the papers to sign (the rental receipt and contract).
The landlord showed me around, I was surprised and could not believe that it was actually the place I was going to live in for three months; I wished it were for a longer period. The decoration, furniture, and every inch of that apartment symbolize Morocco. Still, I was more astonished when she opened the windows, yes, the landscape was marvelous; the hills, waterfalls, and mountains. Moments later, she showed me the roof, and I could not believe how nice and calm it is. She created this kind of a space that can take the person to another world of peace and reflection. Let’s just say; if you enter that house and walk around, you will be visiting all of Morocco.
The only thing I did for the rest of the night was explore each piece of my place and look closely at each decoration, it was a long night. I was told by the landlord that three hours of sleep is more than enough, she was right. I slept late and woke up early in the morning, yet I woke up and felt ready to start my day. It might have been the excitement to go out, it was a beautiful morning. Moments later, I went out for breakfast and I chose a coffee that covers the view of the square (Biir Anzaren), I made a checklist of things to do all day, one of those things was to see the Host Families of the Peace Corps Trainees and to get in contact with local authorities… It was an amazing experience.
To be continued…