We have been members of the International Club of Rabat (ICOR) since we moved here. Through this club, where English is the common language, we enjoy making friends through participating in various activities. So great to get to know people from all over the world!
This time, we hiked in Boughaba Lake National Park located in Kenitra. Since we don’t have a car (that is one of the reasons we moved to Agdal – no car life is what we wanted!), getting to the national park itself was already a pretty big event. Wake up early, take a train, then taxi…
Anyway, it was well worth a visit! Gorgeous lake and gorgeous view. Since it was a weekend, many members with children participated, which made our outing even more fun. We hiked along the lake shore, observing wild birds, and saying hello to MANY sheep. Serious amount of sheep. I wonder if they know that Eid al-Adha is approaching…?
The hills were covered in tiny flowers. It kind of reminds me of Telletubbie Land. For our much-deserved break, we all sat down and enjoyed mint tea, moroccan bread & pancakes, honey, and olives…etc. on the top of the hill. The cool breeze was absolutely wonderful!
My husband likes birdwatching – you can tell that from this picture. After coming back home, he enjoyed this. I’m sure it tasted extra delicious after walking 25000 steps.
December is here! My favorite month of the year! Christmas decorations have begun to appear in Rabat – shopping malls, trendy restaurants, fancy shops seem to be excited to decorate with trees, Santa Claus figure, snowmen, etc. Just as beautiful as those in Seattle 🎄.
Every year, my husband and I cook a Swedish smorgasbord 🇸🇪. The menu doesn’t change for as long as I remember, and it includes up to 15 dishes or so. Yes, it’s a serious tradition. I must say, preparing all the dishes is as much fun as eating them. This year, we will probably skip the ham 😅, but we are planning to make a traditional bread and potato dish, as well as… Glögg for sure :). It depends on how we can gather the necessary ingredients here in Morocco. Inshallah 🙏
Local churches and American schools here hold “Marché de Noël” during this time of the year. At the market, a large variety of stalls are set up, selling handmade crafts and accessories, some jewelry and even clothings which would make great Christmas gifts. Oh, we were also able to buy some pork bacon! Feels like Christmas IS coming 🥓! The outdoor markets are filled with a festive Jul atmosphere, making me feel like I am in a small European village.
Last weekend, we went to a Marché de Noel at the church where I attend weekly for choir practice ⛪️. There, we bumped into the wonderful Sara-san, a lady we got to know through ICOR (International Club of Rabat). She was selling kitchen towels of her own design, and they came with a yummy chicken tagine recipe! Also, a beautiful apron featuring Fatima’s hands – very cool, so attractive, and definitely unique!
I like that the recipe on the kitchen towel is written in English – this would make a great souvenir from Morocco, don’t you think? The red color of the tagine surely adds to the Christmas mood, too. I am a big fan of Sara-san, who is beautiful inside out, and now I’ve become a huge fan of the towels and aprons she creates 💝.
Since joining the ICOR, we have gone on hikes with the members, taken a Darija class, and my husband seems to enjoy Happy Hour a lot. This club, where English is the common language, is also a time for me to take a little break and relax from my every-day immersion in French and Darija. I am very happy that we joined ICOR.
At any special event like Christmas Market, I am totally interested in its food options. We found sandwiches, artisan chocolates, Belgian waffles… yum yum. We chose to try fresh oysters, for the first time in Morocco! They were big, fresh, meaty, and oh so delicious. They cost 10 dirhams each (about $1), and are farmed on a beach in southern part of Morocco. According to the owner, “We grow oysters imported from Japan. Oh, are you from Seattle? Seattle is famous for good oysters, isn’t it?” It was really fun to chat with him.
We are in the season of Advent, and our Sunday nights start with lighting Advent Candles while watching a live worship service from our home in Seattle 🕯. Our Christmas decorations have not arrived here yet (still in shipment… 🚚) but, thanks to the generous and kind people we’ve met here, I am certain that we are able to spend a special God Jul time in Morocco. Peace on earth and peace be with you all 🕊.
