Alyssa and her friends, two girls and two boys, left the ship in Casablanca to travel by train to Marrakesh to experience Moroccan culture. And they had one of those happenings often heard on the ship when leaving a country. Alyssa is a junior International studies major at Simmons University.
The group purchased first class tickets which meant “air conditioning”! A young Moroccan woman and her three-year old child shared their cabin. Although they had no common language, she invited Alyssa to her home for dinner. Alyssa explained in sign language that she was traveling with the group, so the woman asked them all to dinner! Can you imagine meeting five young people on the train, or bus, or just walking and spontaneously inviting them home for dinner?
As an aside, spontaneous invitations like this were often extended to our shipmates, particularly the students, in many countries during our voyage. Strangers seemed so pleased to have Americans in their country and in their homes!
I should also mention the day was the beginning of the Eid, a celebration of the end of Ramadan and fasting, where much food and lots of sweets are prepared ahead of time. So the group took a taxi to their host’s home. She lives with her father in Ameritech during the week while he husband lives in Casablanca and takes their other children to school. Her father welcomed the group as if he was expecting them, asked their names and ages and repeated it all back to them during the evening. He and Alyssa could communicate in French.
The dinner was fabulous – Moroccan food is delicious! And the students learn about this very modern Moroccan family. All nine children are all married. One of the daughters is a dentist married to a doctor. (Usually, Moroccan women are expected to stay home, raise the children, and become accomplished homemakers so they make good bridal choices.) Alyssa pointed out to me that this father and his wife raised their family well. How else would his daughter pick up five strangers and invite them home to celebrate the Eid? They all exuded hospitality. But, as a matter of fact, Moroccans pride themselves in their hospitality. The guest holds a special place of honor in a Moroccan home.
They learned about each of the children and their families and talked about the last daughter’s marriage. Photos of the wedding were brought out. Ooos and ahhhs were exclaimed over the ceremonial caftans. Before they knew it, Alyssa and her girl friends were invited into a bedroom where the bridal finery was brought from a closet. Then, they were invited to try on the gorgeous caftans which they did – with photos! Such a special moment! Such a cultural highlight!
Alyssa and I shared many moments on the ship between classes and during choral class and practice. In fact, she was my “guiding light” alto. She is an accomplished musician, and I am a novice choral group member. She plays trumpet, piano and sings. While in South Africa, a group of SASers went to an African jazz and jam session. Alyssa brought her trumpet to join the jamming. The students and musicians jammed away the evening with great delight. Alyssa noted that the trumpeter’s instrument was in poor condition and before the evening ended, she gave him her trumpet. She had planned to give the instrument to a needy student at some point in the trip, and she saw this musician’s need. He was greatly moved by her generosity. Yes, Alyssa is an impressive young woman.
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| Two of my favorite students: Alyssa (in red) Ellie (in blue) and me |
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