With Peace Corps in-service training (IST) and a week of annual leave behind me, I feel inspired and excited to begin some new activities at my service site.  At IST, many seasoned Peace Corps volunteers were on hand to share the details of their projects, and there were informative sessions about available grants to fund new activities.  There was also much information provided about summer camp opportunities, although Mal and I are still planning to attend the Scouts camp in August.  Enshalla.

After a long, hot Ramadan where there was little daytime activity in town, the city has come to life again.  Donkeys haul fresh produce to the suk (market), mul hanoots (store keepers) welcome customers, and all appear to be in a good mood after their 3id festivities commemorating the end of Ramadan.  Mal and I were out of the country for 3id this year, but enshalla we will be here next year to join in the celebrations.

The weather has been scorching hot.  When we flew into Marrakech last week, it was 113◦F in the city!  We boarded a suk bus and waited onboard for the driver to declare the bus full and be on his way. How much the poor women in headscarves and heavy clothing must have suffered!  It was stifling for me to be back in my elbows to ankles coverage.  Now that I’m back in town, I have been venturing out to the markets in spite of the heat as long as I get out early enough in the morning.  Our fridge and pantry were in desperate need of re-stocking after our long absence and entertainment of visiting family prior to our departure.

My sister-in-law Mary visiting from Ireland.

Our nephew and his wife visit from the USA.