MINGLE WITH THE LOCALS

A lot of tourists just get to tourist spots, take a few pics....post and leave.... but we are with a group of people who want to see, talk, and get to KNOW the real Morocco. So today we did that...all day. We went to a quiet village about. 1/2 hr away and were greeted by a typical Moroccan family who make a living on the land....uneducated, but full of knowledge and kindness, and welcomed us with open arms.  First we met the various family members and saw their humble home.   Then we took a long walk into the fields where they make adobe bricks, farm, tend their animals, and haul manure. We each grabbed a small stools d went to sit under an olive tree, where we were served.....ta-da..... mint tea, fresh bread and olive oil. This was called the “2nd. Breakfast, and is quite common for farmers. We had so many questions, and all were answered and then they wanted to know “what we did”. The concept of retirement,,USA style...is odd to them and NOT working, and even traveling is even stranger. Most Moroccans do not travel at all . A man came by on a donkey hauling manure from the animal pens, which are next to the house. After a while we went to see the guy making bricks. He sells them for 10 cents each and makes about 150in a day. That’s it. 15$
We went back into the house and were ushered into the room that is only used for guests. Then some of the neighbors who help this family came into the room with all the makings of traditional couscous and they showed us how it was done.   All this time we and they are comparing notes and learning about each other’s Lives. Finally... we sat at tables and Learned how to eat “Moroccan style.”  Only with ones right hand. Never with the left hand even if one is left handed. We were also asked to “stay in our lane” when serving ourselves and do not reach or go into the your neighbors food space. More questions and answers then the little kids came into to meet us and sing a couple songs they had been practicing! Cute!