When we lived in Barcelona, I really enjoyed the extensive and massive amount of graffiti art in the city, and its constant change & excitement of scenes and its phases, as if each graffiti is talking to each other, or maybe it is telling a story to pedestrians. I am a HUGE fan of art; in fact, my passion for art led me to become an art model as an occupation (not a fashion model – I pose for painters, sculptures, etc.). And, possibly, my son thought that his art-loving mom’s passion wasn’t so bad that he also started liking art – now he studies graphic art at RISD – I am so proud of him – you can take a look of Koji’s works here 🙂
I have to say, Rabat surprised me with quite the number of murals in the city, and it has been soooooooo uplifting to encounter them every day! Apparently, Rabat is the home of “Jidar Street Art Festival” since 2015, and these murals are examples of its successful past events. How lucky we are, to be able to add MORE beauty to an already beautiful city like Rabat. One of the invited artists last year for the Jidar was Kaori Izumiya-san, and she created this amazing mural which I was totally mesmerized!
I am just going to put some photos from my phone – yes, all from my daily walk. My photo library is very simple – only three concepts: 1) art 2) food 3) cats 😂 とりあえず、日々のお散歩などで撮った壁画写真（ラバトに来てから、ワタシの携帯内の写真は、アート＋食べて美味しかったもの＋猫が主です）をどうぞ。🎨🍗🐈
And, I hope more murals will be added through the Festival this year, and a year later, and later, and later! we might all get to feel like being in the middle of the creation of a HUGE picture book… no? ✍️📚 Who will write the exciting story? Who is going to be the main character? (Maybe, it’s YOU! 😉)
The more I walk, the more I get to see the murals. I feel the passion, I feel the creativity, and I feel the future. And I feel the opportunity of the city and, I can’t stop feeling so lucky that I am in that opportunity as well – that’s the power of Art, yes?
If you are human with female reproduction organs, you will likely have to go through various menopause/perimenopause symptoms. And they are no joke. I am 52 years old, therefore, I AM experiencing all sorts of crazy stuff every day – the hard ones are brain fog and dizziness. Wait, I also get sleepless nights and terrible headaches. Am I moody? Ask my husband, he will tell you. I learned that they do come in whichever continent you live on, even when you live with the most caring husband in the world (Je suis désolé, mon mari.).
By the way, I always wonder why menopause/perimenopause issues are not so discussed openly. I also wonder how in the world ladies at my age stay positive & get support during this challenging phase. Anyway, here in my salon, I decided not to be shy about my journey through this transition – so that we, as women in “second puberty”, can feel that we are not alone, that we don’t feel ashamed, and that we can overcome together!
One of many many many reasons of our relocations to Morocco is, I find (and I would like to believe!) that Moroccan life seems to be more gentle & more friendly to my “second puberty” days. Here are some of my findings I would like to share 😍
Mint tea heaven Yes, Morocco’s national drink, Atay bn3an3a (mint tea) is great for women in menopause, as mint can be effective in reducing the discomfort of hot flashes, rebuilding the hormonal balance, and helping to get a better sleep (I heard). Merveilleux!
Interaction with people – real, physical ones Since I don’t drive here, I walk every day, go to school, do grocery shopping, etc. So, I make physical contact with people. Then, I learned that Moroccans are the most hospitable, the kindest, and the sweetest people on earth. Plus, they are so good at smiling at strangers – even with silly foreigners like me. Some uncles look kind of scary at first, but then when I say “ssalam lekum (hello)” or “aafak (please)”, they give me the biggest smile and some Bollywood star-like hand gestures which make those uncles look like SRK. I don’t underestimate the power of human energy.
Fresh Produce Heaven (and nuts) Markets here are full of fresh produce, and shopkeepers make sure to give us the best stuff! Avocado, leafy greens, carrots, tomatoes. Everything tastes good.
新鮮な野菜やナッツが豊富で、お店の人も良い素材を選んでくれちゃう。幸せでございます。
No need to show your bodylineDjellaba is our friend. One way or the other, we need to accept that we all gain weight anyway, so, why not be more acceptable to our body and also be flexible about our choice of clothes? Furthermore, Jellaba is pretty, and people will appreciate you when you wear local clothes – which’ll make you feel good (energy boost!)
Honey of Good Quality I am not talking about the kind that comes with the shape of a bear. A real, pure, organic, made-from-one-kind-of-flowers honey. Rich in nutrients, antioxidants, and probiotics.
Schwiya-Schwiya (slowly-slowly) life You learn to slow down a bit here, it’s just a way it is. Let’s have a bit of patience. Schwiya-Schwiya. You might not even need to look at your phone – maybe let the beautiful Adhan lead the approximate time of the day.
So, what do you think? Would you like to visit Morocco for your break from Menopause/Perimenopause shenanigans? You and your girlfriends can join the tour such as…
Someone said “in Morocco, drinking mint tea is not just for enjoying its taste, or for satisfying your thirst. It is our identity, it is our ritual, and we take a whole experience VERY seriously” As I like to respect local culture, I deceided to choose my Beraad Atay (tea pot) seriously.
This is my Beraad Atay which I gave serious thought to (and I had some serious problems speaking in Darija😅). シリアスに選んだポットちゃんが、こちら〜（選んだマーケットで、ダリジャ語でシリアスな苦労もしました）。
By the way, I thought it was easy to make Atay bna3na3 (mint tea) at home, BUT it isn’t so. It actually has a few steps (first, soak the Gunpowder tea, then keep the first infusion called “spirit” aside, then rinse the leaves. Add hot water & sugar & mint and let the kettle boil & caramelize the sugar, then don’t forget to add the “spirit” back…) and it all takes tender & loving care. Patience, yes, PATIENCE. Moroccan culture is teaching me the value of patience, even during a tea making process. I love it! (and I have still not yet mastered… it will take a while, maybe another 10 years).
And now, this is my “Un Petite Joie (small joy)” – Mr. (or Ms?) Beraad Holder. そしてこちらはおまけでもある、＜ちいさな幸せ＞ちゃんの、ポットホルダー君（さん？）です😻。
Wait, this reminds me of something… oh, that good old Calpis poster (*Calpis is a Japanese non-carbonated soft drink, very Natsukashii – nostalgic – taste of sweet yogurt). I kind of like the way s/he has a sneaky smile… 🙂
Oh, and, s/he has long hair? Well, let’s give it a personal touch, to make this holder slightly “Moroccan-Japanese.” This is Mizuhiki – an ancient Japanese artform of knot-tying.
Poor Sa7bi (friend – male) or Sa7bti (friend – female), whenever I open the lid, it hits its head.. sorry & smahli & désolé! But, please stay positive – let the “Spirit” be your guide!!
I love music – any kind of music. I appreciate musicians, I appreciate instruments, and I appreciate any enviroments & inspirations which create music. The only thing I am not a big fan of is tambourine played during church services (long story).
Let me introduce these talented & handsome musicians here! Youssef (darbuka & vocal), Yahya (guitar & vocal), Yassine (guitar & vocal), Ayouib (keyboard & vocal). Their genre of music is so versatile: Moroccan, African, American, ANYTHING! Oh, and they are also very good at skateboarding.
Want to catch their sound? Check them out at El Bahia – you might be lucky to find them jamming at the salon, like these ラバトのメディーナにあるBahiaカフェに行くと、彼らの演奏をきける確率高し！ですよん。こんな感じです;
And, some cool darbuka action by Youssef. ヨーセフ君のソロはいかが?;
One time, we hung out in Fifties Cafe. Many musicians (pro/semi-pro/amateurs) tend to gather at this place, I heard. Good creative & artistic vibe there. It was after midnight, and somehow I got a feeling of being in a little bar in New York (Brooklyn side). Or, it was because, I was drinking “Coca-Cola Original” which created a bit of illusion – too much sugar… yes, I was slightly “sugar-high.” Of course, after getting out from the cafe, I saw many stray cats and signs of Maroc Telecom, then I knew I was in Morocco.
“Music is the best ingredient to make everyone come together.” – “La musique est le meilleur ingrédient pour rassembler tout le monde.” – “音楽は全ての人をつなぐ大切な要素です。”
My husband suggested that we check out the sunset on a beach, then see if we could find a crescent moon 🌙 (to make sure that Eid Al-Fitr is coming!). Sure, it sounds like a fun thing to do! So, we took a walk for about 45 minutes to the beautiful Corniche Rabat. Nice, quiet beach. Some people were walking, running, etc., but I can tell that pretty much everyone was getting ready for their Iftar at home.
Here we are – admiring a beautiful sunset. Then, we waited for… a beautiful crescent moon! サンセットはきれいでしたが、本日の主役は、その後の三日月様〜。
Then, a special guest appeared. A very friendly chat – cat 🐱 ひとなつっこい、ねこちゃんが。。。
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Anyway… Yay! The moon is here!そうこうしてると、三日月様がご登場！
✨✨Eid Mubarak ✨✨
By the way, I found this information: ところで、こんな記載を読みました：
“Fasting on Eid is prohibited in Islam because Eid Al-Fitr is a day of celebration and breaking the Ramadan fast. Observing a fast on Eid Al-Fitrcontradicts the essence of the religious occasion, as commanded in Islamic teachings.”
I am not Muslim, but I think I can be very serious about this “not-fasting” part. And I know I am very good at it (toujours! – always) . My Darija school is off tomorrow; likely many stores are closed as well. My plan for tomorrow is to continue “non-fasting” and study more Darija and French at home.
Ramadan is almost over, and I can feel that people here are getting ready for Eid. As a non-Muslim living in Morocco, I would like to share some things I’ve experienced during this 30 days. And, the best word to describe all is; “WOW!”
“The first WOW!” Everyone, really, EVERYONE fasts. Taxi drivers, Hanout (little neighborhood shops – kind of like 7-11 of Morocco) guys, Hammam ladies, our security guard… everyone does. No cheating, except cats on the street. Of course, people with an ongoing disease, pregnant women, small children, etc. can adjust/skip the practice. God is flexible, God is kind.
Do you remember, during Covid-19, we would hear “We Are All in This Together” but we were not really together (at least in the US), because there were always some “anti-something” people who just didn’t get the message? Well, not during Ramadan, at least that’s how I felt here. People were all in the Ramadan spirit, so we decided to join, too. We didn’t eat or drink during a day outside for a month. Restaurants were open for the tourists and Gaijins (“foreigners” in Japanese) but we just didn’t feel like it. Was it easy? No, especially because we normally walk 10000+ steps a day 🙂 But I am glad we did – because now, I can appreciate the normal café opening hours.
“The second WOW!” This is a time for connecting with family and friends and reassuring how precious human relationships are, and Moroccan people are so good at doing that with FOOD! They are also good at FEEDING FOOD! We were so lucky to have a couple of Iftar meals, (Shukran Bzaaf! Mouna’s family & Muhamed’s family!). And oh boy, we ate & ate – lmakla bnina (delicious food)! I can have Iftar every day – but then, I should have to go to the gym every day. Our lovely Darija class teacher at school even shared with us a special Ramadan “Power Snack” called Sellou. Our neighbor gave us Chebakiya cookies. We are so thankful! 💕
“The third WOW” I didn’t know Moroccans drive like Indians in Delhi or Mumbai. At around 4pm, during Ramadan. Lots of honking and speeding up, to go home for Iftar. I bet there is even a feeling for survival, after not eating & drinking for more than 12 hours. I totally understand that the traffic gets crazy. However, it is not a good time to stroll for pedestrian (like me) to take a leisurely walk. But then, at around 6pm, it gets all sooooo quiet – and streets are only for Gaijins and chats🐈. What a difference.
“The Fourth WOW!” Certain stores and restaurants COMPLETELY close during Ramadan. My husband learned in a hard way. I am talking about “Adult Beverages.” Here in Rabat, it is not difficult to purchase or drink wine or beer normally. In fact, there are a couple of wine shops near our apartment (dangerous), and Carrefour has a special adult beverage section called “The Cave.” Olof (my husband) likes The Cave. But, during Ramadan, his man-cave is closed (more like “sealed”) for 30 days. Restaurants don’t serve alcohol, and bars are closed either. Poor Olof. Next year before Ramadan, he knows what to do… in advance!
“The Fifth WOW!” Just like everyone fasts together, everyone celebrates together. As its holy month of Ramadan ends, there comes Eid Al-Fitr. and it seems to me, very similar to Japanese OSyogatsu. Wear nice clothes, gather with family & friends, eat festive breakfast! Apparently, kids receive money? like Otoshidama. So many similarities. 🙂
During this Ramadan in Morocco, I grew even more respect toward people in Morocco. Their patience, their commitment, and their love for the family, friends, community, and even their newcomers from other countries, like us… I have been so lucky to be able to notice their wonderfulness. Through people here, I can see God’s amazing work. Eid Mubarak! Peace be upon you – all of you.
Although my passport says that I am American, my DNA says that I am Japanese. Oui, je suis VRAIMENT japonais, or, Ana yabania 100%. Therefore, anything that reminds me of Japan makes me excited; especially when it contains a mysterious & exotic appearance.
This sauce was interesting because it has a Mexican hat design on “OK” logo, and definitely tastes more like a sauce for tacos. Of course, with “picante” spiciness was there, but I like the attitude of Samurai in this. I honestly don’t know what Samurais taste like (I don’t think they taste good – probably sweaty, so salty). Anyway, if I were asked to rename the sauce, I would call this “Samurai Mex” or “Samurai Nas Nas”- to give credit to our Mexician friends for 50% (“nas nas” in Darija means 50-50) . But I am pretty sure no one cares about my opinions regarding the sauce name.
Now this. It’s impressive, in many ways. Its package design has a giant flan, and Ms. Japan in a traditional Kimono, and 1dhm for a box (and makes 4 servings). Amazing. This flan mix has a competitor – clearly, a Moroccan lady. Ms. Ideal. Now, Ms. Ideal comes in 6 packs for 7 dhm (when I purchased). Well… She is on peu special etelle est optimiste, comparing to our Madame Butterfly-ish Ms. Japan, I guess.
So, I made flan from both packages and did a comparison. I had to, right?これは両方作って比べるしかない、と。。。
Result? EXACTLY THE SAME. 🍮 Exactement les mêmes. Both were Bnina Bzaaf (very yummy)! I enjoyed decorating the flan as well 🙂 両方全く同じお味で😅でも美味しかったです。コスパよし！デコレーションするのも楽しい、なプリンちゃん達でした。
Plastic wrap – AKA Saran wrap – is a wonderful thing IF it can be pulled and cut smoothly. One thing I noticed and was surprised is that plastic wraps in Morocco don’t usually come with those SLIDE CUTTERS. I guess I took it for granted for a long time – my bad. I had been spoiled. I found one with the cutter at a Bougie Carrefour Market (I call slightly expensive + “gourmet” Carrefour that way – believe me, I love going there, but I tend to spend too much money at that particular Carrefour. So I should avoid going there. I am not that bougie in my purse, to be honest. It has that same effect as Costco. Scary), but… I had to wonder, how would I spend the rest of my life here without that handy-dandy slide cutter for plastic wraps and aluminum foils? How are Moroccan aunties and uncles keeping their minds peaceful & calm while wrapping their baghrir bread with those purple-colored plastic (yes, it’s purple)??
By the way, “I am surprised” in Darija is “Ana masdooma” – one of my favorite things to say. I just love the sound of it 😆. Masdooooooooma! Moroccan people are always so patient with me when trying to speak Darija – even I have terrible pronunciation. I really appreciate them 🙂
SOLUTION : I found this thingy in Marjane for 15 dhm (about 1.5 usd). This godsend, plastic item upgraded the quality of my life. Now, I can pull the wrap with no hesitation, with no concern. My food preservation control technique has been better. Not all the time, but most of the time, it works. I’d say, about 83% of the time, so, I am satisfied. Ana fer7ana (I am happy) 🙂 Best 30 dhm spent in Morocco so far, I must say (I got one for the plastic wrap, and one for aluminum foil, bien sûr ✌️).
My first language is Japanese, since I was born in Tokyo. Then, my main language became English for the last 30+ years, due to schooling & marriage. As a translator/interpreter, it is wise to keep those two languages going in my brain all the time. However, now that we live in Morocco, their major communication languages are Darija and French. Well, I’d better learn those!
Luckily, my husband speaks French. He is Swedish-American (but he doesn’t speak Swedish. He kinda understand. He can pretend he speaks some Swedish, as Swedes don’t say much), so, we decided to have our “common language at home” to be French. Ooh-la-la! What a concept! So romantic and paratactical! or, I should say, C’est trés romantique et pratique! – well, not so much. I have been sounded like a 6-year-old girl who watches too much Pokemon. And, we have not been able to have a deep, meaningful conversation as a couple. And, it is only because of me. I just don’t have enough French vocabulary yet to have a sophisticated discussion. OMG… or “Oh Mon Dieu“…?
But, maybe it is a good thing… maybe it helps our relationship to stay calm. Who needs a “deep & meaningful discussion” all the time? when you can just say “il y a un ciel bleu, mon cheri! (there is a blue sky, my dear) ” – that tells him I love him, right? (kind of)
By the way, I have been studying with Duolingo, but I don’t think I would use this sentence with many people, maybe for some special people. – あんまり使わなそうなセンテンスを教えてくれるドゥオリンゴさん。
This bilingual (could be try, quadro… inshalla!) Here in my salon, I will talk about my days in Rabat, Morocco through new discoveries, surprises and learning experiences. You might get to read some of my struggles with peri-menopause symptoms (I am not hiding!- haha) and why Moroccan living style is better for me to deal with them .
