tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26964206372438383862024-03-13T11:30:13.088+00:00Matt In MoroccoThe views expressed in this blog are my own and do not necessarily represent the views of the Peace Corps or the United States government.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03798281983538007081noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696420637243838386.post-24649506757351342782011-04-28T18:17:00.000+01:002011-04-28T18:17:22.739+01:00It's Been a WhileWell it has been a while hasn't it. There is a slight reason for this...We are back in America for now. A few months back (close to beginning of February) we discovered that we were going to have a baby! Yes Tanie is pregnant! Peace Corps has a policy in Morocco that if you become pregnant then you will be medically separated. Since I am the husband I was forced to ET. There was some slight sadness from myself but also joy. The joy stems from new life that is upon us. due date is October 10th.<br />
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We left Morocco the beginning of March (just in time for the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps). We are now currently living in our hometown with her family. We have been very blessed that Tanie has already found a job in the business field. I on the other hand Tanie's have not found a job just yet. I am looking daily for something that will fit my needs.<br />
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Adjusting to the States was a little easier than I expected. There were many things which are strangely different from the land of Morocco. Still to this day I still think and dream sometimes in Arabic and miss speaking the language the most. I also will miss the PCV's which I had the great opportunity to serve with. Though we were quite different from each other we got a long quite well. Thanks for making my experience a good one and inchallah we see each other at a corny reunion some day.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03798281983538007081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696420637243838386.post-74006174422925259252011-01-08T00:42:00.000+00:002011-01-08T00:42:37.570+00:00Is It Hard To Get Into The Peace Corps? Part 2Last post I spoke about how with the Peace Corps there are some prerequisites thats you need before you even think about applying. This post is to look a little further into the mystery of the application process from a PCV's perceptive.<br />
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First things first:<br />
There are 12,000 applicants each year and only about 4,000 invites.<br />
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This looks pretty grim right? I mean thats one out of three get in. Not to worry. To be honest, getting from applicant to invite is easier than it seems. Why is this?<br />
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Starting with the <b>application</b>. Some people don't even make it through the application. Why? Well there are many reasons for this but I assume that the biggest reason would be that they are not that serious about the Peace Corps. I have a sneaking suspicion that the application is very long for a reason. I think that the application is long because they want to be through and also because they want to weed people out of the process. What will weed people out? A little bit of hard work. It can take days to complete the whole thing. It really makes you think about if you are serious about joining if you have fill out all kinds of paperwork.<br />
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So you turned in the application and you went to the <b>interview</b>. Great! Now Peace Corps will look over your application to look for crazy red flags or just to see if you are a general fit. Hopefully the interviewer nominates you either now or sometime in the near future. (I hope to post more details about the interview later. )<br />
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According to Peace Corps only 8,000 people make it this far every year. Again, why such a drop off rate? I think that the biggest reason for not getting nominated for service is not that you answered questions wrong in the interview (though some do bomb the interview) but I assume it's because of the basic prerequisites that you didn't meet. Also, if you are looking for a really specific nomination in lets say South America doing small business development but never have had any business experience or don't speak any Spanish. Why would the interviewer nominate you for it. They are looking for people with real skills and volunteer experience. Also, I think some people have a the wrong idea of Peace Corps going into the interview and the interviewer straightens it out and the person is no longer interested. I assume that most people at this stage drop out on their own accord. It can be a number of things.<br />
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Now you are on to <b>medical clearance</b>. I think this is the most exhausting and most difficult part about the whole nomination process. Why? Well, quite frankly dealing with doctors, dentists, and medical staff of Peace Corps can be difficult. This isn't a terrible thing. They just want to make sure that you are completely healthy so that over the next two years you can have the best experience possible. This is also to cover the Peace Corps in the event you have a condition which they can't facilitate overseas. I think it makes sense but it can be frustrating.<br />
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A lot of people drop out during this process. I believe for some it is because it is expensive, especially for those without insurance. Sure they do re-inverse you but the payback is minimal. If you have any abnormalities in any of the tests that you have then you have to pay out of pocket. I had a minor condition and I had to end up paying a couple thousand on further tests because I didn't have the insurance to cover it but Peace Corps said I needed it checked out. If I didn't do it then that would have been the end of my process. This can take a while to get all these things straightened out. Even though I have heard of people that are really healthy getting medical clearance within a week but that is rare. The paperwork itself can be confusing for the doctors. I have heard that 70 percent of the people do not complete their packet correctly the first time and have to have it sent back to them.<br />
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<b>Dental</b> can be expensive if you have to have your wisdom teeth removed or have any type of procedures. For more information about dental check out this <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/25136836/Peace-Corps-Office-of-Medical-Services-Dental-Technical-Guideline-180-Dental-Policy">detailed document</a> that covers anything you would need to know about it. In short there is a lot to go wrong. Stay persistent and get it right the first time to speed up your invitation.<br />
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Now you finished with medical and dental clearance. Next is <b>legal clearance</b> which shouldn't be an issue unless you are trying to hide something. Now hopefully you will be both medically and legally cleared. If you are their is a really good chance that you are going to get an invitation to serve. This is the time where you are starting to check your email every hour to make sure that there isn't anything new and any time a phone rings your heart skips a beat. This is like the final check to make sure you have what it takes and that you are serious about this commitment. Then they should invite you over the phone. Now all you have to do is wait for your<b> </b>invitation packet in the mail.<br />
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Congratulations you have made it this far! Only 5,000 invites have been sent out this year and you became of one of them. Even out of these 5,000 only 4,000 choose to become volunteers. Why? Many reasons. I think a lot of people didn't get a country they wanted. Or it could be that their situation has changed over the past year. Or now that it is here they really can't leave there job. Pick a reason. People are complex beings and to put everything on hold for two years is a lot to ask for. So if you accept you <b>invitation</b> then you made it! Welcome to Peace Corps!<br />
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<b>So is it hard to get into the Peace Corps?</b> In my opinion, no. If you meet all of the prerequisites and you are persistent about the application, medical, dental, legal and whatever else they might throw at you I think most normal people can make it in. It's not an exclusive club as some might believe. There has been around 200,000 volunteers since the beginning of Peace Corps. I will never forget what my recruiter said to me, "If you want to serve and you have the qualifications why would we stop you from serving?" Keep that in mind.<br />
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I hope this blog will help people who are interested in becoming a volunteer or at least getting some information about the process from an insiders point of view. This is not an exhaustive account so if you have specific questions let me know. Good luck to everyone!Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03798281983538007081noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696420637243838386.post-87792809847814172752011-01-05T01:33:00.001+00:002011-01-07T23:01:50.612+00:00Is It Hard To Get Into The Peace Corps?<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">This is a question that I see a lot on message boards or on the Peace Corps Journals website. There is a lot to be said about this so I hope to do this in two parts (hang in there). The straight forward answer to question is yes and no. Okay, I admit it that isn't that straight forward at all but at least you get an honest answer. </div><div><br />
</div><div>The Peace Corps is a service in which you volunteer for but you are also trying to get hired on by the government. They don't take just anyone. Because of this there are several prerequisites. If you do not meet these requirements don't bother applying. It wouldn't be worth the effort. Here are a few.</div><div><b><br />
</b></div><div><b>-You must have a four year college/university degree in something. </b>It really doesn't matter what it is in really because they can always fit you somewhere teaching English. I hear it is not always required to have a degree but you would have to have had some real time experience in the field somewhere. I believe it is three to five years minimum. This is the one I see the most confusion on. I see a lot of people out of high school excited to serve but have not read the fine print. They will most likely won't even look at the application because they want people that can be a true service to the host country nationals. Not just someone with a great heart. </div><div><b><br />
</b></div><div><b>-You need to be willing to commit to 27 months of service.</b> Peace Corps does not offer shorter terms. Twenty seven months isn't for the faint of heart. It sounds so fantastic to live in a foreign land, to learn a new language, etc. The truth is that in the beginning it does feel fantastic to be doing these things but just like the feel of a new car it wears off. Apply for the right reasons. Think it through. Don't just apply for an escape. Sometimes where you escape to is even more challenging then where you came from. </div><div><b><br />
</b></div><div><b>-You need to have some past volunteering experience</b>. That was one of the things that was asked of me in my entire process from application to invitation. They wanted to make sure that my experience matched the job that they wanted to give me. This is partly because they want to make sure that you are serious about wanting to serve. I am sure that the thought process is that if you haven't shown that you served somewhere in the past then why would you be a good candidate to volunteer for such a long time. They want to make sure you are relevant when you get to your host country and have real skills to offer. </div><div><b><br />
</b></div><div><b>-You need to be healthy. </b>Straight to the point: You are an investment. They want people who have little to no health problems. This is because they do not want to have to spend a lot of money on you when you get in country. They are running on a budget (part of the government remember). So why would they accept you over another when you might have or had health issues. Also remember that things like past surgeries are risky and need to have supervision. There are chances that you could be restricted on where you go because of medical. I know I didn't get my original nomination because of health stuff. In the end it's a really great feeling that you that you can be safe away from home. They are looking out for you and themselves. If you have questions of what it means to be "healthy" check the PC website for more detailed information. Also, <a href="http://multimedia.peacecorps.gov/multimedia/pdf/library/peacecorpsmedinfo.pdf">here is a PDF</a> which speaks about the subject.</div><div><br />
</div><div>So there you have it. A little information to think about and I hope to have a part two in the next couple of days. If you have any questions leave a comment and I will try my best to answer it. </div>Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03798281983538007081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696420637243838386.post-78037084279186754732010-12-28T16:42:00.001+00:002011-01-02T12:05:47.221+00:00The Fog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SA7fA3-uTZQ/TRoRVSeSPxI/AAAAAAAAIJU/1YxsrrCzE0Y/s1600/90581262.2cXb1U79.porta_mati_boira.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SA7fA3-uTZQ/TRoRVSeSPxI/AAAAAAAAIJU/1YxsrrCzE0Y/s320/90581262.2cXb1U79.porta_mati_boira.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br />
It always strikes me. When I walk around the city of Rabat I see common sights and hear sounds of any other city. The differences though in my point of view are profound. People don't freak out when I start speaking Darjia. This is normal in the capital city (foreign people speaking their language). No shocking looks. No laughing. When I walk around the streets and look around no one is trying to get me to buy anything. No yelling. No bon jour's. No questions about why I am here and what I am doing. The people here they just live their life with this idea that foreigners are amongst them and they are okay with that. Something about this city brings out another side of myself that I have lost (or presumably so) a year ago. I forgot what it was like to be able to walk down the street and be able to smile at strangers. To look them in the eye and just smile. In a round about way I believe this to be normal. But as I ponder my transformation into the person that I have become I realize that normal is a perspective. One which has now changed because of constant struggle, misunderstanding and successes.<br />
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I wonder about change. I have come to the realization that change is inevitable. It's something which I need in my life in order to feel at rest, to feel at home. I think this is why it is hard to be comfortable in our own skin: we aren't comfortable with change. Though the irony is that change is the definition of life. Evolution. Constant change which we fight and fight until we give in or break down. I think better when everything is changing. I have learned to embrace change with a free spirit. It has taken me longer than most to understand that if I would have done this sooner then this experience would have been easier. Clarity is what I think that most of us are looking for. But my clarity is understanding that there is really no such thing. We all live life differently. Most of us have no idea to what is next in life. I call this the fog. Maybe to have life, to truly live, is to be okay with the fog of life.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03798281983538007081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696420637243838386.post-20215609991655110472010-12-19T22:09:00.001+00:002010-12-20T17:05:41.584+00:00Returning from LondonWell Tanie and I went to London for 7 days. We didn't really have any plan because we just wanted to be able to explore and experience somewhere sort of new to us. Well at least somewhere that is different then our normal everyday life now. It turned out really well and always had something to do and the trip was a great time. Highlights were the British Museum, Ice-Skating in Hyde Park, Westminster, Tower Bridge Area, eating great food, watching Harry Potter 7: Part 1, Christmas lights and music all around, and understanding the language. Here are some pictures of the trip:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Ben at Night</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tanie and I Ice-Skating In Hyde Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me at One of My Favorite Areas In London</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In The Tower Bridge Area</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03798281983538007081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696420637243838386.post-30075576081667642112010-12-07T11:56:00.000+00:002010-12-07T11:56:20.286+00:00London Part 2I am going to London again with my beautiful wife. We head out tomorrow and we will be there till next Wednesday. This is going to be a proper holiday and I am so excited to feel some cold in my bones. I heard that recently they have also had some snow so we will be able to get some of that as well. This is mostly a Christmas gift to ourselves. We both missed the holidays last year and just kind of skimmed over them like they were another day. I felt like it took a toll on our psyche and we needed to get out of Morocco for our Christmas. This really isn't on Christmas really but it doesn't matter to us. It's close enough.<br />
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Last time we saw all the touristy things in London. This time we are going to try and experience the city a little more and see things that I always wanted to see but never got around to seeing. Oh not to mention that we are going to a Christmasy thing at Hyde park called "Winter Wonderland 2010"! There will be ice skating and Christmas foods! There are also Christmas lights in places around the city. It will be a great site to see. Now to think of it, completely opposite of sites here in Morocco. I will let you know how it turns out.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03798281983538007081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696420637243838386.post-70733084340436314172010-11-20T14:46:00.000+00:002010-11-20T14:46:41.210+00:00ProgressionMorocco is getting easier. At least that is what I tell myself. Everyday I seem to learn something new and it helps with understanding this world I am living in. <div><br />
<div>Language is getting a little better but to be honest I know now by the time I leave I won't even be close to fluent. As a first language Moroccan Arabic is very difficult. Not only that I know I am not great at acquiring languages. One thing that encourages me is that I can do just about anything I need to do to survive but equally on the other side I have a really hard time with detail things. For example, I can tell you that I like something or something isn't good but I cannot really describe why. I really hoped to be at a higher level of language then I am. I put in the time and study a little each day and use it as much as I can but one thing that really hurts me with language is I am naturally extremely shy. I normally won't say much unless I know you pretty well. </div><div><br />
</div><div>So advice to those who are thinking about PC or trying to learn a new language you need to know if you are shy push yourself. It not only hurts your language but also your ability to have friends in country. It funny I still hear a lot about a past volunteer. Everywhere in town I go I hear things about she was the best volunteer and she did this and that. She made an impact here. I don't know her but I am sure that she was an extrovert. I have noticed here that if you are an extrovert the PC experience tends to come a little easier. I think thats why I have struggled up to this point. Now I have gotten to the point where I just don't care what people think. I just be try to be myself in every situation. (It sounds easier then it is trust me.) Confidence and being a little more care free tends to make my experience a little more enjoyable than it would be otherwise. These are things I wish I had discovered before I came. Maybe now I can do something about it. </div></div>Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03798281983538007081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696420637243838386.post-3184336091270500302010-11-04T21:47:00.001+00:002010-11-04T21:49:40.361+00:00Packages and Health Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SA7fA3-uTZQ/TNMmwFTOn-I/AAAAAAAAHAM/dWdhL1Nys3M/s1600/DSC03523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SA7fA3-uTZQ/TNMmwFTOn-I/AAAAAAAAHAM/dWdhL1Nys3M/s320/DSC03523.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>This is a shout out to my Uncle Glenn and Aunt Barb for sending us this amazing package! We love getting packages and feel loved when we do get them. Also I want to thank Mom, Dad, Rachel, Shannon, Robin, Don, Ralph and Helen for the packages and anybody else who has sent us cards, notes and packages in the past! We love you all and are glad to have people that care so much about us!<br />
ssalamu 3lekum (Peace be upon you.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SA7fA3-uTZQ/TNMnCkoqUZI/AAAAAAAAHAQ/eknBhcQFCLo/s1600/DSC03525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SA7fA3-uTZQ/TNMnCkoqUZI/AAAAAAAAHAQ/eknBhcQFCLo/s320/DSC03525.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Here is a rare look at Tanie working on a poster for the health tour that we helped with. I am so proud of her and the work she is doing here in Morocco. She is impacting so many women and kids' lives it is amazing. tbarka llah lik! (The blessing of God upon you!)Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03798281983538007081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696420637243838386.post-5534052186696909162010-11-03T11:41:00.002+00:002010-11-03T12:19:48.105+00:00Taroudant - Sitting in Cafe Bab Al Kasba<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SA7fA3-uTZQ/TNFMFVL61OI/AAAAAAAAG_4/hYWX9IrhqpM/s1600/Taroudant_Gate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SA7fA3-uTZQ/TNFMFVL61OI/AAAAAAAAG_4/hYWX9IrhqpM/s320/Taroudant_Gate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">-Went to a bookshop asking for a magazine that has Darjia (Moroccan Arabic) in it. I wanted to practice Arabic script but don't know Foosha (Modern Standard Arabic). The man told me behind the counter that both were the same. So he gave me a magazine that was in Foosha but I didn't understand it. He looks at me dumbfounded.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">-Women waiting by the hospital to visit or hear news of their loved one. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">-Just saw a Moroccan man with a shirt with Jesus on the cross. The irony of it is amusing to me.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">-Tourists with maps, khaki shorts, cameras and hip bags. If I were a thief I would go for them first. </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">-Two women with bags three times larger than their head on top of their head without using their hands. I can't help but stare.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">-A dirty horse that seems overworked by pulling carriages then a homeless man comes up and hits it hard in the nose. The horse kicks up. </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">-Teenage girls arm in arm smiling and talking and enjoying the day. </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">-Old woman hobbling down the road. She looks lost and alone and lines on her face remind me of looking at roads on a map of Morocco.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">-Just saw a guy who was homeless who looked exactly like Jack Sparrow. It pretty much made my day.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">-A group of 50 tourists with a Moroccan tour guide with a sign held up directing on where to go. It is humiliating and embarrassing. Like they didn't stand out before. </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">-Sitting and watching for two hours now I feel dizzy from all the movement. Maybe it's time to leave. </span></span></div>Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03798281983538007081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696420637243838386.post-49956873905262629822010-10-14T22:55:00.000+01:002010-10-14T22:55:56.192+01:00What Not To Wear - A PCV's Take On TouristsAfter being in Morocco for a year it has been interesting watching tourists come here and spend their vacation here. After a while I started noticing some trends. Sometimes I am shocked by some things that I see and other times I laugh. These things will help you blend in a little better even though you never really will blend in. I still stick out like a sore thumb but I feel like I am getting noticed far less than I used to. I feel like I have preface this by saying that I don't believe every tourist does this just say few but I still think it is worth sharing. I plead with you be sensitive to the culture and use your common sense.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><u><b>What Not To Wear - A PCV's Take On Tourists</b></u></span><br />
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<div><b>Fanny Packs</b> - Beside these being completely out of style nothing says tourist more than a fanny pack. If you like the convenience of one of these than that's your deal but what do you need to take with you when you walk-about the city? Is it so much that you need to take a huge sack on your stomach. Just put what you need in your pockets. It really makes you stand out much less.<br />
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<b>Speedo's </b>- Men when you are on the beach do not wear these. This might be popular on European beaches but it is shocking to me to see men wear these on the beach. Plus I don't want to see your man piece. It's gross. It makes it even worse when you have a man who is 100 pounds over weight wearing one of these. No one wants to see this especially a conservative Muslim community.<br />
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<b>Djellabas Or Caftans</b> - In Marrakesh I have seen tourists wearing djellabas/ Caftans. This within itself isn't the issue. The issue is when people don't wear them correctly. Did you know that djellabas/ Caftans are meant to go over clothes much like a long coat would. It is super embarrassing when you see that they have nothing underneath these things. I have seen Morocans in a fit of laughter because of it and I have to admit that I just shook my head. But to be honest it is very rare (unless you are wearing them to big holidays or weddings) to see someone wearing them out on the town that are tourists. The people of Morocco are becoming more and more modern. This means you can dress this way too but just use common sense.<br />
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<b>Short Skirts, Or Shirts That Show Cleavage</b> - This is mostly for the ladies. I see so many women that wear these things and they get so much unwanted attention that it's crazy. Harassment can be pretty bad on most days but if they see someone with these kind of clothes most Moroccan men don't know what do with themselves. Do your part to not get this attention by using your head to dress more conservatively. The locals will appreciate it. Also I have heard people say, "Well some Moroccans wear swanky clothes why can't I?" My response to that is, "You can." but keep in mind that you stand out already and this is mostly true only in big cities. Trust me it might feel good to be noticed for the first night but when men start saying things like, "How much(implying for sex)?" or " I want to have sex with you" you might start think otherwise about what you are wearing. If Moroccan women get comments like that they know how to handle themselves or at least tolerate it (even though it's sad to see any harassment, women should be able to express themselves without being ogled at or spoken to like property!) but tourists are normally not use to that level of harassment and it might be too much.<br />
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<b>Extras</b>: Huge cameras, camping clothes, etc.<br />
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What do you think? Anything else that I missed and should be mentioned? </div>Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03798281983538007081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696420637243838386.post-88127315509589329732010-09-15T18:41:00.001+01:002010-09-16T21:08:17.231+01:00Misconceptions about AmericaOver the last year I have come across many misconceptions about America's from Moroccans. I think it is interesting to find what some people believe about American's and why exactly they believe what they do. Obviously these opinions might not represent all of Morocco but it is interesting nonetheless. Today I will highlight just two.<br />
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<b><u>Americans just have money and we don't have to work for it.</u></b><br />
This came about when I had a conversation with a few PCV's. We are all speaking about money in Morocco and how little it costs to live here by American standards. Then one of the volunteer said, "There are people in my site who believe that we just have money and we don't have to work for it." I ask myself why do they think this is? Is it all the western movies on "Fox Movies" where they see Americans just siting around fighting but they have huge mansions, expensive cars, and huge wardrobe. In these movies it seems no one has jobs we all just mess about all day. I guess if that's the only time you ever hear about American's you might think that this is true. It is just an interesting point of view but obviously a false one.<br />
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<b><u>American's do not have to pay for education.</u></b><br />
This one I sort of understand. Here in Morocco anyone can get into university for free (all but room and board that is). The only requirement is that you have to pass your BAC (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; line-height: 19px;"><i style="font-style: normal;">baccalauréat) </i></span>exams in order to have a chance to go to university. I am sure exactly how it works but I assume that the better scores you have the better chance that you can get into the university of choice. Moroccan education is very similar to the French school system. There are public universities which they can go to for free or private ones that really only the very wealthy can afford. You tell me which gets the better education? America has yet to do something like this. It would be nice for those who cannot really afford the education and maybe be able to get a better life because of it. If America did do this I am also sure the people would have to pay for it in taxes and many would be opposed to having to pay higher taxes. As a person who drowning in debt I hope that we as a nation can figure out the national debt so we can take care of our people which such things as free public university. *stands down from soap box*<br />
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I hope to highlight more of these in the future. Again I want to portray I do not think that this is what the majority believe. Everyone is an individual and can have their say. I just hear things like this from time to time and I think that you would think this would be interesting. I hope you enjoy! Thanks for reading!Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03798281983538007081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696420637243838386.post-22781624157090515892010-09-11T15:57:00.007+01:002011-01-08T02:01:45.596+00:00What Exactly Is A Peace Corps Volunteer?Disclamer: This is forward and it's my opinion. So in other words this post is probably incorrect and you need to take it with a grain of salt. :)<br />
<div><br />
I read several blogs about PCV's and I have noticed a trend in several of them. I have noticed that everyone has their own preconceived notion of what a Peace Corps volunteer actually is. When some people think of a Peace Corps volunteer they think of a person in the middle of Africa living off of rice and beans in a mud hut wearing back packing clothes able to speak the language fluently, no electricity or running water, listening to the BBC is the extent of entertainment, there is not another volunteer within 50 miles, people around have AIDS and you are there to educate people about simple preventive measures on how not to get the disease, ideas of changing the world, living a simple life, living off of little money, roughing it, having an adventure, and challenging yourself.<br />
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When it comes down to it there are only three things that define a PCV:<br />
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-Helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.<br />
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-Helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.<br />
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-Helping promote a better understanding of other people on the part of Americans.<br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">T</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">hese are the things that define us as volunteers. </span>Even here in Morocco as volunteers we all have had some of these preconceived notions of what a PCV might be like. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Are we not volunteers if have running water and electricity? Are we not volunteers if we cannot speak the language fluently? No, honestly being a volunteer is what you make it. Are you working for peace and not division? Are you living in a foreign country? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> Are you trying to build a community and empower people? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Are you working hard to accomplish the three goals? Have you swore in as a PCV? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Awesome, then you are a PCV and the rest is personal choice.</span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">I know of PCV's (very few) who have this smug attitude because they live in the middle of nowhere and they don't have electricity or running water and they come to another site that does sometimes conversation can become, "Wow, you're living in the "Posh Corps" or, "This is not Peace Corps". So? What's the point here? Is it that we cannot help others or volunteer our time if we have an oven, a refrigerator or that we can buy cheese here in site? Also, things like if you are not fasting during Ramadan, going to weddings every other weekend, working three weeks of summer camp when you only have to work one, wearing a headscarf in site, not having a computer in site, wana (internet) stick doesn't work in site, don't have enough transport, can't get veggies until souq (market) day, can't drink the water without purifying/ boiling it, etc. become contests of "I am roughing it more than you" hence I am a better PCV or I am having a better/more genuine experience than you. This does not need to be. Community among PCV's is just as important as community among your host country nationals. We are all trying the best we can.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Peace Corps is not about about having lack of things. Truthfully I live better here then I did in America money wise. I don't have to pay for insurance, my housing, we get money back for things like job related travel, and we get a bit of cash each month to spend. Not to mention that I am married so we get to pool our money together so we can actually save money. My point is that a volunteer can be exactly what I described above or it can be the exact opposite. Case in point:</span><br />
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<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QMie7fugY9U?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QMie7fugY9U?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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So which of these people are PCV's? Obviously both. For those looking to job the Peace Corps know that perceptions of that you think it is going to be is probably going to be the direct opposite of what it turns out to be. It turned out that way for me.<br />
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Peace and Love<br />
MattMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03798281983538007081noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696420637243838386.post-73673714197419972422010-09-07T11:23:00.000+01:002010-09-07T11:23:55.081+01:00To AnonymousTo the "Anonymous" who decided to call me all kinds of things. First of all if you are going to criticize someone give me your full name! You would never ever say the things that you did if you were to my face. Who has the time to go around to random blogs and just spread hate. Apparently were a PCV in 87-89 what you are doing is the opposite of an RPCV should be doing. I am ashamed to see the bitterness that is steaming from you. I just can't believe this hatred that you are spreading. Just the way that sent me four Anonymous posts is very cowardly. Anonymous I am a person and again if you are an RPCV our government and the PC would be very ashamed of you. Hsuma alik (If you were an RPCV from Morocco then you understand that).<br />
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Why am I bringing this out to the open? I am doing this to defend myself and to show others why I am trying to do with this blog. Just to clarify, I am trying to get potential PCV's to understand that life in the PC isn't easy and I wanted to show my audience what life here in Morocco is really like. I know I wish I would have found a blog like this back in the day before I came to PC so I know what my experience here might be like. I know this is not everyones experience but this is my experience! I am not whining, far from it, I love this place. You don't even know me or how I think so don't make assumptions. Email me and try to understand where I coming from. <br />
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Another thing how am I being ignorant of the "Moroccan culture and religion"? Sure I don't know everything but I am trying. I am not Muslim, if someone expects me to change religions and give up my own beliefs because I travel (and or live) in another country they are backwards. Islam is a beautiful religion but its not my religion. Cultural exchange means them trying to understand me with me trying to understand them. In other words it's part of my job. Blogging within itself is part of goal 3. You should know what that is. I want the people back at home to understand Moroccans a little better as well. If you need a refresher on the three goals take a look here on the <a href="http://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=about.mission">PC website</a>. Our job is in three parts, not just giving the HCN skills. Check it out.<br />
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Also you criticizing my post on Marrakesh about money. I am not a rich American. If you knew anything about PC you would know they give you a little money to volunteer. So you would know that a taxi ride that is normally 5d goes up to 50 or 100d's is a huge deal. I am not spending money all over the place because I have it. I am blending into the culture because any Moroccan would fight to the death for a taxi price like that. I just assume that people should treat everyone with respect. I don't think thats too much too much to ask for. It happens in every other place in Morocco just not Marrakesh (most of the time).<br />
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I better finish here. I was just disgusted by the emails you sent me and I needed to defend myself. I am not perfect and don't claim to be but to everyone out there know that I am trying the best I can and that I am still understanding daily about my host country nationals and myself. I am sorry if my posts came across as whiny or complaining this is not what I wanted to do. In turn I just wanted to give truthful blog posts that help people understand the PCV experience a little more. I hope that this blog has done that.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03798281983538007081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696420637243838386.post-20957890985117569422010-08-29T17:58:00.000+01:002010-08-29T17:58:23.412+01:00This Is All I Can Think AboutBy Wednesday it could be 84.... Maybe then I can sleep again... You Tata people...I would have ETed like a month ago. Stay strong brothers and sisters. Stay strong.<br />
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</div>Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03798281983538007081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696420637243838386.post-6390325763427650972010-08-28T19:58:00.000+01:002010-08-28T19:58:24.250+01:00Tiberius The Tortoise<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bujJbehT7Ok?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bujJbehT7Ok?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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Here is a video of my tortoise Tiberius. He is cute.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03798281983538007081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696420637243838386.post-3139458687731121772010-08-19T13:16:00.005+01:002010-08-20T11:12:55.859+01:00Ramadan and FastingThe issue of fasting is one that is a difficult one. This has been a personal struggle for me and one that is still stretching me. Take this with a grain of salt. I don't mean to upset anyone but my intention is to clearly define how I am feeling and my personal thoughts on this matter not to condemn or belittle but those who know me would know I would never do that.<br />
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For me I choose not to fast during Ramadan. Why do I choose not to? To be the answer is very simple. I am not Muslim. I believe if I choose to fast I will be sending very confusing messages to our friends here in Morocco. See part of my job is to show them a person who lives in America who has their own beliefs and their own religion (or in some cases no religion). I have a lot of people in my site when I say that I am not a Muslim the first thing they say is, "Why thats bad you will go to hell". Then I try to explain that "Well I am Christian so I have my religion and you have yours". This has never worked. Usually I get a response of, "Come on you are so close just become Muslim because it is beautiful". And rightful so Islam is beautiful but it's not who I am.<br />
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So here I am in a Muslim holiday where most people are fasting but me. I feel like if I start fasting people will get excited. Why? I assume they will get excited because they think I have an interest in Islam (which again I do have an interest but not to convert). I want the people of Morocco to understand that beliefs work both ways. Just because I am foreign it doesn't mean that I have to conform to a certain belief system. I have heard people say well you are respecting Moroccans if you fast. I am not so sure this is true. Most people here take their beliefs very seriously, and to start practicing parts of their religion out of respect it seems like I would be starting another, "Well being Muslim is better than being (insert religion here)". I am tired of these arguments/discussions. Also, what happens after Ramadan? Will your community expect you to continue to practice their religion? Who knows but it is too complicated to me. Refraining from eating in front of people who are fasting is enough. This shows that you respect them for doing it, that you care about the individual and that you are using common sense by not making others salivate.<br />
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I guess for me I just got to the point to where I am tired of trying to act like I am somebody that I am not. I just want to be who I really am and not this culturally shifting person whose beliefs and ideals change because I live in a different location. It's so easy to do because you want to be liked so badly but to me in the end it's not worth it. I want to be who I am. An American Christian living in Morocco trying to understand different culture and ideals without compromising my own. To each his own I guess but fasting is not for me. It's too confusing.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03798281983538007081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696420637243838386.post-11540790509558729082010-08-16T02:31:00.000+01:002010-08-16T02:31:34.061+01:00Boredom and RamadanI call this time in my Peace Corps experience Absolute Boredom. I haven't really posted a lot lately because there really isn't much to report. Since Ramadan has started my life has been boring. I try to find things to fill this time but it is hard to fill it with cleaning, watching movies, playing games, surfing the net, etc. I just get bored quickly. BTW if you don't know what Ramadan is check it out<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan"> here</a>.<div><br />
</div><div>I think when people told me before that Peace Corps volunteers have a lot of down time I didn't believe them. I thought that we would have so little time because we would be doing our jobs. But the truth is that our jobs are sometimes seasonal, and when we do go into work it is not an eight hour day it is more like a college professor: go to the class you set up, you have "office hours", and then with the free time you play games with the kids(well my professors never did that but maybe yours did). </div><div><br />
</div><div>With the month of Ramadan no one comes to the Youth House (where I work). They are either traveling, in their homes with their families, playing soccer or helping with chores. So it makes it difficult to just do my job when no one even comes. Also almost all the stores are shut down because no one wants to work in the heat with no water or food. So they go home and sleep. I think they are smart. This makes it difficult to do normal everyday things like buy food or pay bills. Strangeness it seems rules my life.</div><div><br />
</div><div>So in turn we are in our house trying to make it through the heat and the boredom. Sometimes it is difficult to stay completely positive. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Here is a list of the things I miss and think about the most when I am bored:<br />
<div>Canned Food</div>Microwave Dinners<br />
Frozen Pizza<br />
Starbucks<br />
Parks<br />
Movie Theaters<br />
Driving a Car<br />
24 Hour Stores<br />
24 Restaurants<br />
Being close with family and friends<br />
</div>Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03798281983538007081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696420637243838386.post-6354734281217754212010-08-10T11:43:00.000+01:002010-08-10T11:43:28.612+01:00Summer CampA few days have passed since I have been home from summer camp and overall it was an okay experience. The Summer Camp is at a beach town called El Jadida. As a Youth Development volunteer I am required to attend. Summer camp is a 10 day long English Immersion camp put on by the US Embassy and also the Moroccan Ministry of Youth and Sports. As volunteers we put on activities such as English classes, and clubs for example my science club. Also we help put on activities every night like American games night or Halloween. All these things help fulfill the goals of peace corps like cultural exchange: Moroccan to American and American to Moroccan..<br />
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My responsibilities centered around the science club. In this club I had 20 kids, Tanie and another Moroccan helper. We did all kinds of things sort of involving science. I had five classes and I did things like build bridges with toothpicks and glue, build and explode volcanoes, and made a movie wheel. The kids seemed to throughly enjoy themselves. To be honest everything went so well in my club that it was the smoothest thing I have done with the Peace Corps with kids! That's a good feeling.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03798281983538007081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696420637243838386.post-68548675060718347292010-07-22T20:28:00.000+01:002010-07-22T20:28:40.975+01:00Things That Make Me Happy Lately<b><u>Things That Make Me Happy Lately:</u></b><br />
Coffee in the morning<br />
Conversations with my wife :) <br />
Doing anything that is productive<br />
Talking to someone knowing that they don't want anything from you <br />
Not getting "bon jour"ed when I walk around town<br />
Little kids in jalapas (They are so cute!) <br />
Days that are below 95 degrees<br />
Any time I do not hear grinding outside my window <br />
Richard Ashcroft (New CD but it's not that great)<br />
Getting nostalgic over video games (Chrono Trigger)<br />
Lists - To do lists, or lists like these<br />
Comments make me happy too<br />
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(This list could be updated from time to time :)Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03798281983538007081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696420637243838386.post-17292225825892413332010-06-27T00:31:00.000+01:002010-06-27T00:31:24.986+01:00London and a Baby!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SA7fA3-uTZQ/TCaMj0kJZSI/AAAAAAAAAIY/NdyTmXVA0iA/s1600/29164_515622622487_151600177_30602228_740290_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SA7fA3-uTZQ/TCaMj0kJZSI/AAAAAAAAAIY/NdyTmXVA0iA/s320/29164_515622622487_151600177_30602228_740290_n.jpg" /></a></div>Tanie and I went on a small trip to London England a few weeks back. I have been before but this was Tanie's first time to see the great city. I love London. Honestly if there is one place I would like to live after Peace Corps it would be there. Something about the diversity of people and the amount of things to do, the public transportation, and so much more that makes it (in my mind) the greatest city in the world! <br />
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What can I say...it was amazing. I love the city more now then ever. Tanie and I explored the city so much! We got into town at 6 in the morning and nothing was open on the first day. We couldn't find a coffee shop that was open at 6! Starbucks opened at 7:30 so we went to Hyde park and walked around. It was peaceful and cold. I wasn't expecting that. Coming from Africa I think I am used to hotter weather now. Anyways, we spent that first day doing the Original Bus Tour. It was a great way for Tanie to get adjusted to the city. We got on and got off the bus all day seeing the big sites: St. Stevens Tower, Westminster Abbie, Parliament, etc.<br />
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Needless to say she loved the city as much as I do. Speaking of Hyde park, we ended up going to speakers corner, something I wanted to check out. It was pretty cool. There was not as many speakers there but it was still early summer still but there were little crowds. We ate in so many different places: Japanese, three different pubs, Italian, curry house, sandwich shop and not to mention the breakfast at the hotel. With Starbucks, we wanted to go there as much as possible so we went twice a day. I am glad we did because we miss it so much. <br />
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The second day we visited museums and churches and we booked a twilight flight in the London Eye. It was awesome! I was a little scared in the air but since we traveled I have gotten over my fear of heights mostly. Their were specials with the Eye and we got it for 10 pounds a piece. It was well worth it but I don't know if it is worth 23 pounds. <br />
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The third day we went explored the city more and saw some things that Tanie wanted to check out like Brick Lane and then we went to a concert at night. The concert was amazing and so much fun. We saw Tanie's favorite band and one of my favorites Switchfoot. They are a rock band from San Diego California. It was just random chance we got to see them. The next day we had to travel back pretty early but we still had a little bit of time to explore a little more. It was only a 4 day trip but it was awesome!<br />
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Next summer Tanie and I might go back but we are planning a Europe trip that we will see at least 5 European countries. I am so excited about that opportunity. So overall London was amazing. I can't wait to go back! Actually it was really tough to come back to our site. I felt like I got culture shock coming back and feeling the weight of confusion all over again. If I fell like that now just wait until next yet when we take our other planned vacation. We might not make it back :) <br />
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By the way some other awesome news, my sister gave birth the other day! Eean Eugene is so cute! I am excited that is a boy! My other sister was with us here at our site when it happened. We got to Skype with my sister and my brother in law before and after the birth. I am happy for the both of them. They will make great parents! Congrats to them!<br />
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Thanks for reading!Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03798281983538007081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696420637243838386.post-35613682357983774422010-06-23T01:41:00.000+01:002010-06-23T01:41:58.469+01:00Marrakesh - I Am So Over It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SA7fA3-uTZQ/TCFW5Iv4m5I/AAAAAAAAAIE/s4j7os1Wqg4/s1600/marrakesh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_SA7fA3-uTZQ/TCFW5Iv4m5I/AAAAAAAAAIE/s4j7os1Wqg4/s320/marrakesh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Marrakesh is my least favorite city in Morocco. Why? Because it seems that every taxi driver is completely ridiculous. That is not the only reason I have many which I will go into later but for now let’s discuss this.<br />
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There a few ways to get into the city. If you are coming out of country you would fly in, or you might take a taxi or bus in. There are issues with all of these when you get there. Outside the airport, bus station, and/or taxi station there are petite taxi’s which are all waiting on the same thing: people which they can over charge. The problem is that the city is way to big to walk around without getting a small taxi. You have to have one to get from the airport to the square or where ever you are coming from.<br />
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Conversations with taxi drivers are typically is something like this:<br />
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Back story: I am coming from the CTM bus station and it should be 10-15 DH to get to the square where my hotel is.<br />
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Taxi Driver: Do you need a taxi?<br />
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Me: Yes but how much?<br />
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Taxi Driver: Where do you want to go?<br />
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Me: To the square?<br />
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Taxi Driver: 120 DH<br />
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Me: That is very expensive! Why is it so expensive? Use the counter(meter).<br />
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Taxi Driver: It doesn’t work….. okay 70 DH.<br />
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Me: No seriously, I know the price. 15 DH is a good price.<br />
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Taxi Driver: (laughing at this point) You will never get a taxi for that.<br />
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Me: I did yesterday coming from the same place.<br />
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Taxi Driver: Well there is a lot of sun today. My last price is 50 DH.<br />
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Me: Bye<br />
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Then I choose to walk out to the street get a better price, which I almost always do. What I don’t understand is how they can do this. Every time I have ever asked if their meter works it never does. I have even told the taxi driver to try to make it work and they pushed every button on the meter but the power button acting like I am a gullible foreigner.<br />
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Yesterday I was in Agadir, probably one of my favorite towns in country (they always use their meters), I was talking to a taxi driver there and he said the next time that someone tries to pull that stuff again that I should tell the police about the situation because they could get their license taken away for trying to do that to someone.<br />
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I know they don’t do this to everyone. I am obviously foreign but the fact that I am getting ripped off just because I am is not right. I have never on first try had a taxi driver in the city use their meter. Just because of this it puts a big sour taste in my mouth and I will try hard not to go back. <br />
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It’s not just that but it other things there that bother me as well. I have seen too many fake touristy things that I can’t stand any more: snake charmers, men in Berber dress dancing around for no reason, monkeys, henna women, etc. This stuff isn’t real Morocco, not even close. It bothers me to think that people believe that this is genuine people of Morocco living their day to day lives trying to share their culture with others. Actually it is quite the opposite, these men and women are playing on stereotypes that most foreigners believe is real: people wear fezes, people charm snakes for fun, etc.<br />
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People who are trying to supply a product in Marrakesh are so pushy. Try walking in the square for a few feet and you will hear things like “Hello come to my shop I have something beautiful to show you.” Or I have heard people walking in the square and the next thing they know a monkey has jumped on their shoulder and the owner now demands 100 DH. Two times in two nights I had two different people say f-you after they didn’t get what they want. One was a beggar like the age of 9 and I refused many times to give him money and the other was a man touching my sister on the back and then started touching my wife and I stepped in the middle and then he put his fingers up like a gun to my forehead and said that I was a bad man and that I needed to f-off then he acted like he pulled the trigger to blow me away. <br />
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This is a lot to say that I just don’t feel welcome there. I don’t say this after one visit. I say this after over 5-6 visits. I wanted to give Marrakesh a chance but I am over it now. If you come here don’t spend more than 1 day in the city. I don’t think it’s worth your time or money.I speak Arabic and still get bad prices and people acting like I am a fool.<br />
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Remember this is only my opinion about Marrakesh and not my site or any other city. These are some pretty hefty generalizations which someone might disagree.That's fine. I am sure that there are many people in the city that are honest and trustworthy but most of the people which I have dealt with there have not been. There are many cities in Morocco that are beautiful and have wonderful people and I am glad for that. If it were like this everywhere I have went I don't know if I could take it. I could write more but it is already a long post and I think you get the idea.<br />
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Thanks for reading my ramblings.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03798281983538007081noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696420637243838386.post-35128091797688653702010-05-25T20:28:00.000+01:002010-05-25T20:28:53.494+01:00The Land of The Beautiful Confusion<u>Things that influence Morocco to make it what it is today. </u><br />
Arab<br />
Spanish<br />
Mauritanian<br />
African <br />
Berber<br />
French<br />
Media (Globalization)<br />
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<u>Languages Spoken</u><br />
Arabic (MSA)<br />
Darija<br />
Tarifit<br />
Tashelhit <br />
Tamazight<br />
French<br />
Spanish (In the North)<br />
and more <br />
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<u>Conclusion</u><br />
Beautiful confusionMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03798281983538007081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696420637243838386.post-54849239159754716292010-05-13T16:47:00.001+01:002010-05-13T16:51:12.750+01:00Early Mid-Service Freak OutI think I had my mid-service freak out early. Times get hard and you don't know what to do. There were a couple of times which I was trying to blog about it on here but I am sure my Peace Corps supervisors would have probably called me. Actually I still have them saved as drafts. I figured that if I woke up the next day then I could post it but my feelings were the same but the next day I felt quite the opposite of what I was feeling the day before. So I didn't post them but I think I figured out mostly what it is. <br />
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The roller coaster of emotions is the think that I believe I have the hardest time with. In one day's time I feel like I am so excited to be here and do what I doing and in the next hour I feel like trash and wonder what I am doing here. It's funny it seems that there are no in between emotions like a calm happiness or a little anger or a slight misunderstanding. In my opinion, when you are in a tense situation like this every emotion you feel are magnified times three. To be honest I don't think I have a very difficult job its just everything else. Teaching is the easiest part about Morocco. Trying to communicate with people is most difficult. The middle stuff is like trying to constantly figure out what in the world people are doing here or acting a certain way etc.<br />
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I would say the second hardest thing is the difference between boredom and extreme activity. Sometimes I have nothing to do at all. So I try to fill the time with doing random things. Other times I will have so much to do it is extremely overwhelming and I feel like I am going to implode. <br />
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Some things that have helped be with my early mid service freak out: <br />
packages<br />
Seinfeld, The Office, Parks and Recreation<br />
Dr. Who, Star Trek, Curb Your Enthusiasm <br />
skype conversations<br />
other PCV's <br />
Tanie<br />
trip to Agadir for my birthday <br />
my upcoming trip to London<br />
my sister coming to see us<br />
upcoming In-Service-Training<br />
summer time<br />
Tiberius<br />
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All this to say is that it feels great not to quit and make it on the other side of frustration and all those other extreme emotions. I feel more confident because of all of it. I feel like for me that is the best thing I could gain.<br />
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Thanks for sticking with me.<br />
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MattMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03798281983538007081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696420637243838386.post-54914408923063176242010-05-05T20:54:00.008+01:002010-05-05T22:50:56.207+01:00Tiberius the Turtle<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SA7fA3-uTZQ/S-Hk_4B3w9I/AAAAAAAAAH0/xyNQlwsh7CM/s1600/DSC02475.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SA7fA3-uTZQ/S-Hk_4B3w9I/AAAAAAAAAH0/xyNQlwsh7CM/s320/DSC02475.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467903208627618770" border="0" /></a><br />Tiberius is my turtle. He is named after James "Tiberius" Kirk (Yes the Captain of the U.S.S. Enterprise) because he is a little explorer. We got him from our Arabic tutor. He is very cute and he been with us enough that now he has a personality. He does things like constantly staring into red lights and hiding in toilet paper rolls :) I have never really been much of a pet person myself (well a dog or cat person) but it seems this is a pet that I will enjoy having.<br /><br />Pros:<br />Super cute<br />Small<br />Eats flowers and weeds<br />Does not bark or meow<br />Sleeps almost all day<br />Hypo-allergenic<br />His head goes in is shell<br />Poops a tiny little bit<br />Gives us happiness<br />Good practice of having a real kid<br /><br />Cons:<br />Does not snuggle<br />Might out live me (some live over 100 years)<br />Could become the size of a small watermelon<br />White pee<br />Might get salmonella from the shell<br /><br /><br />So you can see there are many pros! I was really bored I thought you would enjoy meeting my turtle.Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03798281983538007081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2696420637243838386.post-66043010099001068822010-04-21T00:59:00.005+01:002010-04-21T01:50:01.754+01:00Development and Peace<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:small;"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; text-decoration: none; "></p><p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:12.0pt"><span style="Arial","sans-serif";font-family:";color:black;">The following quotes are from an article off The New Yorker. If you are interested in the quotes you should read it. I will respond with some responses to the quotes. This article really made me think about my purpose here and it is very well written. It has been circulating around Peace Corps blogs the last month or so. I am sorry if it is repetitive by now but it’s a great article. I hope you enjoy it!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:12.0pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:12.0pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/newsdesk/2010/03/peace-corps.html">The New Yorker: The Doorknob</a></span></p><p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:12.0pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:12.0pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:12.0pt"><span style="Arial","sans-serif";font-family:";color:black;">“The problem with Peace Corps is that the 27-month commitment is a major deterrent for young people" <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:";color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">-</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span style="color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Nicholas D. Kristof</span></span></i></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:12.0pt;border-style: initial;border-color:initial;"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"; font-family:";color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:12.0pt"><span style="Arial","sans-serif";font-family:";color:black;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:12.0pt"><span style="Arial","sans-serif";font-family:";color:black;">Before joining the Peace Corps I never met anyone who was a volunteer. Most people I do know who service oriented things like the short term projects. Leaving things like family, friends, and country is very difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I don’t know if I call it a problem. I think the time is about right because if you are not serious about developing others this would not be too big of a deal. Development does not happen overnight, or even in a 27 month period sometimes. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Development in my mind is best described as a journey. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:12.0pt"><br /></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:12.0pt"><span style="Arial","sans-serif";font-family:";color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:12.0pt;border-style: initial;border-color:initial;"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"; font-family:";color:black;">Peace Corps Volunteers as “résumé-driven, undereducated provincial American BAs with, all too often, little or no knowledge … even in teaching (or speaking) their own native language.” <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:12.0pt;border-style: initial;border-color:initial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">-</span></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span style="color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">John Brown</span></span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, Former Foreign Service Officer</span></span></span><span style="Arial","sans-serif"; font-family:";color:black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:12.0pt;border-style: initial;border-color:initial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:12.0pt;border-style: initial;border-color:initial;"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"; font-family:";color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:12.0pt"><span style="Arial","sans-serif";font-family:";color:black;">I understand where he is coming from here. I feel this way when it comes to teaching. I have never taught English before. Sometimes I feel underprepared to teach something about a language I just naturally speak. For example, what in the world is a modal and what is its function? This is a question I got from one of my students. I had to answer him by saying, “I am not sure. I don’t know this kind of stuff. I just speak English but I am not a teacher.” Though it seems my primary job now is to teach English. I have no clue what I am doing most of the time. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:12.0pt"><span style="Arial","sans-serif";font-family:";color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:12.0pt;border-style: initial;border-color:initial;"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"; font-family:";color:black;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:12.0pt;border-style: initial;border-color:initial;"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"; font-family:";color:black;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:12.0pt;border-style: initial;border-color:initial;"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"; font-family:";color:black;">“I’ve tried to educate Congress that P.C. is not really a development program. Nor is it a cross-cultural program. It sits on a sliding scale between. It’s about living humbly and understanding, and making lifelong friends."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:12.0pt;border-style: initial;border-color:initial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">-</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Rajeev Goyal,</span></i> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"; font-family:";color:black;">President of</span><span style="font-family:";"> <span><a href="http://pushforpeacecorps.org/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">Push for Peace Corps</span></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:12.0pt;border-style: initial;border-color:initial;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"; font-family:";color:black;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:12.0pt"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"; font-family:";color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:12.0pt"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"; font-family:";color:black;">My primary job has not been teaching English. It seems my primary job has been peace. Imagine that. We promote peace just by getting a better understanding of the people here and also them understanding our culture and country. Getting people to understand misconceptions of American culture and its people makes peace more attainable. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Development is a part of my job but without living humbly or understanding I could not do development. True development is done when you are at the level of the people you are with and they trust you. That way the journey of development is done with the people, not separate. Development is great but peace is better. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:12.0pt"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"; font-family:";color:black;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:12.0pt"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"; font-family:";color:black;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:12.0pt"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="Arial","sans-serif"; font-family:";color:black;">Thanks for reading :)</span></span><span style="Arial","sans-serif"; font-family:";color:black;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p></p><span></span></span>Matthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03798281983538007081noreply@blogger.com2