dar jdeed dyalna (our new home)!

Friday I finally moved out of my host family's house. Living with them was a great experience; a much needed introduction to Moroccan culture, food, and language. However I now feel ready to explore life in Morocco on my own. I already feel more connected to the neighborhood because I am interacting with locals daily just because I am now buying and preparing my own food. There is actually a public bakery practically next door so in the morning I can get hot, freshly baked khobz (bread) for 1 dirham (approximately 13 cents). It's heavenly.

Now for the most spectacular part of this move: the dar jdeed (new house) itself. Except it's not so much a house, as it is a palace. And not so much new, as is carved in plaster above my bedroom door the date: 1346.

It's complete with huge ceilings, intricate carvings, traditional moroccan zleej (mozaic tiling), and elegant couches and curtains. And the private roof has a spectacular sweeping view of the city.

Now the important perks for those of us used to life in the U.S.: western-style toilet, shower with (usually) hot water, and... wireless internet access! So now I can do internet research (as well as communicate with my dear friends and family at home) from my bedroom. I feel like a spoiled Moroccan princess with parents (aka roommates Andrew & Jaci, fellow Fulbrighter) upstairs and brother (aka Ryan, fellow Fulbrighter) across the courtyard.

My first night at the new dar, a group of Fulbright girls -- Liz, Stephanie, Suzannah and Elena (all the way from Rabat :-) -- came over for wine and chocolate. Then Suzannah and Elena spent the night so it was still like living with a family!