We have Arrived!

After some very tough goodbyes and 36 hours of airplanes, lay overs, customs and baggage, we showered and then threw ourselves into bed at midnight Moroccan time!  We have officially arrived.  Our journey tooks us through some amazing sights and lessons learned.  Traveling from Seattle to New York, Chad and I had the opportunity to fly over the great lakes and watch from the window.  Amazing what you can see from over 10,000 feet.  On that same flight, Chad proudly earned his Delta Wings.

Chaddy with His Delta Wings

Not only was the New York flight smooth, we enjoyed  Airplane Seat Guy in 38A was a no show, thus chad and I had 'luxury' treament or aka an entire extra seat to stretch about.

In the airports, we both learned a few things about each other, the world, and navigating ourselves around.  Unaware, I discovered Chad is new to escalators... while we were in the Seattle Airport, he had to conquer his fear on moving stairs.  So, nonetheless, we decided to take normal stairs for a while, so I don't accidentally leave him behind (again).  I discovered that I am not fond of trams aka "creepy trains" that cause your legs to wobble about and are surrounded by cement walls.  However, I am glad that I was not one of the travelers who got stuck while in transit only a mere half of hour after Chad and I got off.  Our flight to Casablanca was delayed from New York and we missed our connecting flight from Casablanca to Marrakech.  Unfortunately, we had to wait in the Casablanca airport for 6 hours for the next flight.  Needless to say, the Casablanca airport is bare.  We had access to one cafe and were unable to really walk around and enjoy the beauty of what Casablanca has to offer with architecture.  On the upside, in Casablanca, we were fortunate enought to connect with seven teachers from ASM, so we had a lot of talking and ice breaking accomplished before arrival at the Marrakech airport. 

Chaddy and I in the Marrakech Airport!

Once we arrived in Marrakech, we were greeted by the Head Secretary, Atika.  A sweet lady who seems to be incredibly organized (we might be new best friends).  We gathered our baggage and off we went in a van to our apartments.  We arrived in our apartments around 10:00pm, and toured our new apartment.  Walking into our apartment, I immediately felt at home and comfortable.  Furniture is sparce, but that is perfect for our family!  We have fallen in love with the simplicity of life.  It is spacious, air conditioned and of course has the Moroccan arcitectual touches.  After we toured our apartment, the school ordered us pizza, which happened to be from Pizza Hut... our first meal in Morocco in the comfort of our new apartment! 

Chaddy in his new room!

Living room

Living Room

Kitchen

Kitchen

Bathroom 1

Entry Way/Front Door

Bathroom 2



Claire's Room
(notice the garage door!  It opens and closes with the push of a button!)

Our Room!

Our Bathroom!

Today, we tackled Marjane,essentially, the Moroccan Walmart.  We gathered a few things we needed, groceries and navigated ourselves back in the taxi and hauled our bags up to be unpacked.  Tomorrow, we are hoping to experience a little bit of Morocco.  I want to take Chad to the Waterpack that has slides and a swimming pool, so it sounds like a bunch of us will head that way. 

Since Chad and I have arrived, we have been lucky enough to FaceTime with Joe and Claire a lot.  I was able to sing 'Itsy Bitsy Spider' to claire today several times and watch her wake up this morning.  The distance make my heart ache because I can't kiss and hold her, but in the long run, I know that this experience will provide an irreplaceable experience for my family.  I am beyond excited and ready to have her arrive! 

Until next time!


xo

Lex