Thursday, February 15, 2007

The Talk

Today I whipped up the guts to talk to my dad about the possibility of going to Morocco in March. I happened on some very cheap tickets( $397) and I decided that it was time, I needed to jump all over it. So with a little more motivation from Kheireddine's and my good friend, Steffi, I put together a proposal, prayed for favor, walked downstairs and asked my dad. I was a little thrown off when he let me talk and didn't say blatantly " Not a chance!" We had an adult conversation, where I was also an adult explaining to him my reasons for going were not just to have a fling, that I'd be exploring possibilities. Possibilities of a relationship, possibilities of a summer there, possibilities of a life there in the future. I explained that there were people there who are ready to welcome me, that there are friends there that I can trust to take care of me if need be. Then I told him what I had to offer in return- an American Literature course finished before, March. He says he has no issue with money and no issue with Kheireddine but still, he's a bit skeptical about my safety- a true father. So he's going to call or email the embassy there to ask their opinion. Any ideas of what they'll say? I'm just sitting here in suspense..





Photo, "Silence," taken yesterday. More here.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow, I just happened onto your blog and this is fascinating. I don't know your story yet and I can understand your concern. On the other hand, it would probably be the best thing you did in your entire life!

Unknown said...

Hey Pink, I know you :) I actually read your blog just about everyday. I have to admit I am a bit of a blog stalker, not leaving comments, but I do like what you and Anna are doing with Casapinka.

I agree this will be the trip of a lifetime, but my dad is seemingly too protective to see that US news, blows EVERYTHING out of proportion

Ps. Stay tuned, I think you'll like my next post.

Jillian said...

Hi Hadassah,

First of all, contacting the Embassy probably isn't your dad's best bet - not only do they not like to take phone calls, but most of them live in such an insulated world that they'll have very little to say about Morocco, truly.

Your father is welcome to e-mail me if he likes - I moved here alone when I was 23; I'm not the unbiased opinion you're looking for, but I've got a lot of experience in Morocco (and I'm married to a Moroccan).

As for the negative stuff, well...despite the fact that Morocco is at risk of "terrorism" and other things, of course, I have never felt as safe in any big US city (New York, Philly, D.C. even) as I do in any big city here. That doesn't mean I've never had bad experiences - I have (been pickpocketed and harassed of course) but I've never actually felt in danger.

Anyhow, good luck! If your dad does call the Embassy, he should try to speak with one of the younger women who work there.

Unknown said...

Jill, You are a jem! Thank you for the info, I will let him know.

Maryam in Marrakesh said...

And he might view me as unbiased some how. But we have lived here for 6 years and feel very, very safe. If he is worried about your physical danger, then he should not be in any way. And if he would like to speak with me, I would be more than happy to speak with him.:-)

Unknown said...

Thank you, so much, Maryam! I may actually have him email you. I forwarded on both your comment and Jill's to him, so we will see. I think he just needs some piece of mind.

Now all I need to make sure is that I have a travel partner, because I know for sure he will not let me go alone.