I had to turn my computer on for a listening exercise, so yall get an update. Last Thursday, as I was getting ready to go to bed, my host parents came bursting through the bedroom door, singing Happy Birthday and holding what I’m pretty sure was a rescue flare. They sang the song in English, then French, then Arabic, all while wielding a foot-tall flame inside a tiny room filled entirely with scattered papers and clothing. I’m amazed nothing burnt down. It was wonderful, and a very heartwarming surprise. There was also cake and a small gift.
I spent last weekend in Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Upon arriving, I took a taxi to my hotel and found out that some dumbass had booked it for the wrong week, and the hotel wasn’t even open, and so began about 2 hours of scrambling to find a new hotel, and after everything was said and done, I have to say that Rabat is the friendliest city I’ve ever been in. A shopkeeper came down from behind his counter to give me directions to the nearest internet cafe, where the manager sat down with me to chat while I drank my coffee, after which I booked my hotel, and since my taxi driver couldn’t find where it was, he stopped the car and got out to ask people on the street. Once I got to the old city, where cars are prohibited, I asked one man for directions, and he ended up walking me all the way there, stopping to ask others for directions a few times. And then, when I arrived, the hotel keeper made me tea, and when I slept through checkout the next day (as you can imagine, I was a bit drained) he insisted on making me my free breakfast, even though it was already 1:30 in the afternoon. I was kind of a mess this weekend, but everyone else was wonderful. I ended up heading home a day earlier than I had planned, so I didn’t get to see the zoo, but I did get to the Rabat Art Museum, which is a great place to spend a couple hours if you’re in the area. The bottom floor explores the various artistic movements in the Mediterranean during the 20th century, and the top floor was full of works from contemporary Moroccan artists. Normally, the African section of an art museum is just a couple of masks someone stole, so it was really cool to see some of the more contemporary trends from this part of the world.
Now I’m back at ALIF for the last week of class, which means either two or three exams this week (and believe me, the fact that I’m not sure how many there are does not instill confidence). It’s weird to think that this time is already coming to a close.
19% Battery Remaining.
AdamFendos.blog 
I feel like I should have commented before now — literally in the death throes of your computer and your last week of class — but I just wanted to let you know that I’ve really been enjoying the blogs. Especially because when I open news during lunch I get really depressed. Anyway, solid stuff and see you soon.
Also, since this is the most recent post since your birthday, happy birthday.
PS – You changed back to the US date format and thought no one would notice. Think again buster.
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Travel safely Adam – we love you! See you soon!
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Hi Adam! You don’t know me from Adam….joke; but your mom and my daughter are best friends and your grandma and grandpa Sabel were my neighbors. I am REALLY enjoying hearing about all of your adventures. I can’t wait to sit down every night, to read how your day went! You are so luck, to be able to travel and take in all of the interesting culture of a different country. Something I’ll never have the opportunity to do! As you write your daily journal, I can almost see you walking the streets of new towns, talking to strangers and trying new foods. Now, that is a great writer!!! Thank you so much, for sharing your trip! I hope you have safe travels back….and I’m sure you can’t wait to get back to see your family again, and especially your brother!
God bless and keep safe!
Teresa Karls
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