Morning Time

It is very difficult for me to know when to get up in the morning, and not simply because of the 7 hour time difference from California, either.

My bedroom is in a separate part of the house, and the windows in my in-law's home all have these amazing wooden shutters that block out all the light and sound from outside when they are closed. From the level of light and sound in the room with me, it could be 2 AM or noon. Flip a coin.

Another issue I am having is the extreme level of comfort....seriously, this bed makes me feel as if I never want to wake up! The mattress is firm, yet it wraps itself around me like a full body smooshy hug. The sheets are heavy cotton, and must have a thread count of like a billion!! All of the bedding has been washed by hand on a scrub board with this amazing smelling soap (I have got to bring some soap home!), and dried outside on the roof-patio. Don't even get me started on the pillows...suffice it to say I feel like I've died and actually made it to Heaven when I am snuggled in my bed here!

Once I do wake up, I make my toilette (No, not TMI---this simply means I wash my face, comb my hair, get dressed, put on light make-up, ect...), and then head to the kitchen for pastry with a hazelnut-chocolate spread (way better than Nutella), eggs, cheese, fruit, and coffee.

May I tell you about the coffee in Morocco. Oh. My. God. I will actually give up Starbuck's for this stuff!!!!!! I am bringing the beans, orange blossom water, cinnamon (it is actually the cinnamon tree bark; I have never seen this type before), sugar (yes, very different from American sugar), and the pot to make it in home with me. Come on over when I return and try some!

After breakfast, I try to help clean up. I am scolded and sent away. Especially today; Friday is the day Lalla Fatima has a maid come in to clean and do the laundry. I feel awkward with both of them rushing around cleaning. I tried to pick up a dust rag, and I was practically pushed onto the couch by these two tiny women and given my laptop. LOL...OK, so here I sit.

Samir telephoned the airport this morning. It seems 2 of our 3 bags have made it. One large bag is mine, and two smaller ones are Samir's. I do hope one of the bags are mine (I'm selfish like that after a few days). Samir and Uncle Mustapha have gone to Casablanca (2 hour drive, one way) to pick them up.

I realllly want my own clothes....