Final Site and Exciting Things

Last week, I learned where I would be working and living. I was assigned to a small town in the Middle Atlas mountains within Boulmane Province. Boulmane is located in the north of Morocco, near the Imperial Cities of Meknes and Fes. My village is approximately 70 kilometers from the Provincial Capital of Boulmane, and 20 kilometers from the nearest market town.

The topography of the Boulmane Province could be compared, in parts, to the Yosemite region of the States, and others, to Switzerland. Near the Provincial Capital is one of Morocco’s few ski resorts, Mischiliffen, in the wealthy city of Ifrane. The region is dotted with cedar forests, waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, rocky plains and mountain towns. Boulmane is considered one of Morocco’s most marginalized provinces, with a spotty flow of resources incoming. My region specifically has a marked lack of water infrastructure, transportation availability, health services, and environmental education.

My village is a respectable hike from Jbel Bou Iblane, a 3190 meter mountain which is covered in snow most of the year. Winters bring serious problems to the region, as roads become unusable and supply lines are shut off. Neighboring provinces make the news for freezing deaths and food shortages.

We took our final language proficiency exam last week and I was very sick. I still did well enough to be nominated to give the speech to the group at swearing in, so I and 2 other people scored as high. Very happy even though I still feel lost with the language.

Swearing in is on the 19th and we leave the 20th for good to final site. Fun things.