IST (In service training) was in Marrakech this year, at the same hotel in which we spent our first night in the country. So yes, Deja vu. Some of the people from health staj we hadn't seen since swear in, six months ago, and it was good to have the whole crew back together again. There was much greeting and more scratching my head as to what some of their names were than I would have liked. I have a solid grasp on everyone who is in environment staj, because we see each other more often and there are only 27 of us I believe. However, even now some of the health staj is a little fuzzy. Made some new friends though!
We had some pretty interesting sessions (as well as a few boring ones). One that was especially good was a field trip to a couple of places in 'Kech. The first stop we visited was SPANA, which is basically an animal shelter for horses, mules, donkeys, and some dogs and cats. They nurse the sick animals back to health, and then return them to their owners along with information on how to stop it from happening again. We saw some pretty beat up mules there, mostly from improper loading or poorly made harnesses and bits. Sad stuff, but good to see that they are in good hands. They also do environmental education, and had some cool interactive displays in their visitor center. We also visited the department of renewable energy, and got some good plans for a wood stove. They also had some ideas for more efficient Hamam (public bath) boilers which is a possible project for Taza.
After a busy week of training, my whole CBT group decided to return to the Oaurzazat region to see our old host families. Although I called my host family ahead of time, some of my friends weren't able to reach their families and their arrival was a surprise. But true to Moroccan character we were all immediately and unequivocally welcome. In fact, perhaps we were too welcome. I think I wound up having about 25 cups of tea over two days as we visited all of our families and a few other old friends in town. It was good to come back and see the families that raised us for our first two months, and to be able to actually hold conversations with them now... that was a really good feeling.
Back to Taza now, welcomed by cold and rainy weather. Braved the elements to go to the school though, and now I'll be teaching english and/or environment lessons once a week after Eid el Kabir (Moroccan Thanksgiving, sort of). Sorry if this post was a little rushed. Lots to do today in town! Until next time, traq salama.
Anton
