After spending the summer waiting, researching, waiting, working, waiting, packing, and waiting some more, M-Day is almost here. Ever since I made the decision to go to Morocco this spring, the country's culture, cuisine, and history has been slowly casting an enchanting spell over me. But before you think me weak-willed, here is just a taste of Morocco's historical greatness:
*After it entered the fold of the Roman Empire in the first century AD, it the became the garum-producing capital of the empire (for those who haven't taken a Latin or Roman history class, garum is a sauce made of fermented fish guts).
*Casablanca has the 3rd largest Mosque in the world, behind Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia.
*Morocco was the first country to recognize the US as a sovereign nation in 1777.
Besides these interesting facts, Morocco is at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East and has done an incredible job working to reconcile all these identities. If Morocco continues on this path it could be the first country in the Middle East/North Africa region to successfully reconcile its East and West identities. Now with all of the reforms that are being undertaken as a result of the Arab Spring, this is an historic time for Morocco and the Middle East as a whole.
Even though I'm terribly excited and nervous about going to Morocco, it's still hard to believe that this country actually exists. Sitting here at home in Minneapolis, MN writing my first blog entry, Morocco is still just a bunch of facts, writing on a page; but in 3 quickly approaching days, this factual version of Morocco will transform into a flesh and blood reality. I don't really want to get into a philosophical digression (at least not right now), but I can't help but mention how incredible this transformation from fact to experience will be. It's the difference between flying over a forest in a helicopter and getting down into the forest and exploring it with your own hands and feet.
I don't know what this blog will evolve into; it all depends on what experiences I have. However, I do hope to explore topics ranging from Rabat's Christian population to the Roman ruins at Lixus and Volubilis to Scouting in Morocco. Along the way there will be pictures and stories about food, architecture, and everyday adventures. Well, I'd better get back to my M-Day preparations. Hopefully my next blog will be posted live from Morocco; stay tuned.
