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Academic Enrichment
Academic Enrichment Camp
Adaptive Services
Advice & News
Advocacy & Social Services
Alternative Medicine
Apple, Berry & Pumpkin Picking
Art Camp
Art Class
Baby Products
Baseball & Softball
Behavior & Discipline
Behavior Management
Birthday Ideas & Inspiration
Birthday Party Places
Camp Advice & Tips
Camp Advisors & Consultants
Child Care
Classes, Fun & Socialization: Special Needs
Cooking Camp
Cooking Class
Creative Arts Therapies
Dance Camp
Dance Class
Day Camp
Day Care & Child Care
Dentists & Dental Providers
Developmental Disorders
Divorce & Custody Rights
Doctors & Medical Providers
Doctors & Treatment Providers
Doula & Baby Nurse
Early Intervention
Education Stores & Resources
Emotional & Socialization Disorders
Family Law & Legal Services
Finance & Insurance
Food & Nutrition
Food Services & Catering
Foreign Language
Foreign Language Camp
Foreign Language Class
GENERAL - Table of Contents
Gymnastics & Cheerleading
Home Services
Horseback Riding
Hospitals & Medical Centers
Indoor Play Spaces
Kid's Products
Kids' Health
Learning Disabilities & Dyslexia
Legal & Future Planning
Martial Arts
Math & Science Class
Mental Health & Depression
Mental Health: Special Needs
Mommy & Me Class
Museums & Planetariums
Music Camp
Music Class
Nanny, Babysitter & Au Pair Services
Occupational & Physical Therapy
Parent Groups & Playgroups
Parent Support
Party Entertainment
Party Stores & Resources
Physical Disabilities
Play Therapy
Pregnancy & Baby
Private School
Public School
Religious School
Sensory Integration
Skating & Ice Hockey
Special Education
Special Education
Special Needs Camp
Special Needs Schools
Speech Therapy
Sporting Events
Sports & Fitness Classes
Sports Camp
Sports Programs
STEM, Science & Tech Camp
Swimming & Water Sports
Theater & Acting Camp
Theater & Acting Class
Therapy & Counselors
Tutors & Test Prep
Video & Photo
Video of the Week
Vision Therapy
Vocational Training
Women's Health
Zoos & Aquariums
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UGA-Morocco Summer Program Orientation Guide Revised 2010 by Michael Fitzgerald (Director, CLC Morocco), and Alan Godlas and Kenneth Honerkamp, UGA Department of Relgion (Control-click on the chapter headings or pages in the Table of Contents to go straight to the topic.) TABLE OF CONTENTS 'ALAA SELAMTIK! 1 PACKING 2 Clothes: 2 Health-Related: 2 Money 3 Copy of Passport and Important Credit Card Information 3 HEALTH 3 General Notes 3 Foods to avoid 3 Water 4 Bottled Gas: 4 Sun 5 Diseases in Morocco 5 Pharmacies 5 Clinics and Private Hospitals 6 Doctors and Dentists 6 MONEY 6 About the Dirham 7 Exchange Rates 7 Banking 7 Receiving Money from the States 7 ELECTRlClTY 8 Voltage and Plugs. 8 Cycles: 50 or 60 cycles? 8 COMPUTERS 8 COMMUNICATIONS 8 Postal Services 8 DHL, Fed Ex 9 Fixed Telephones 9 Cell Phones 9 lnternet Access 10 Skype 10 TRANSPORTATION 10 In Town 10 Travelling Out of Town 11 LElSURE 13 Films, Music, Plays 13 Hammam 13 Traditional Sites 13 0 About taking Pictures 13 Tour Guides and Hustlers 14 IN AND AROUND MARRAKESH 14 Eating Out 14 Shopping 15 Places of Worship 15 LEGAL AND RISK MANAGEMENT ISSUES 15 Drugs 15 Alcoholic Beverages 16 Religion and Politics 16 Identification Cards: 16 Drivers Licenses: 16 CLIMATE 16 CULTURAL NOTES ON THE LAND AND ITS PEOPLE 17 The Land Itself 17 Time: 18 What Language do they speak here, anyway? 18 What about Arabic? 18 Islam: 19 Dress: 19 Especially for Women: 19 Male-Female Relationships 20 SUGGESTED READING 21 USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS AND WEBSITES 22 MAP OF MARRAKECH SHOWING CLC IN RESPECT TO MAJOR LANDMARKS 23 DETAILED MAP OF THE CLC AND ITS IMMEDIATE VICINITY 24 'ALAA SELAMTIK! This is what people in Morocco say when you arrive safe and sound after a journey long or short. Our wish for you is that both your arrival and stay in Marrakesh be one that is safe, happy, and enriching to you as a student and human being. It is for this reason that we've assembled --- in the order you might need it --- the information below. But whether your questions about Morocco and Marrakesh are included here or not, please never hesitate to ask about anything. A lot of the things mentioned below concern trouble-shooting. Much of it you could probably find if you spent enough time on-line researching every question. Hopefully, this guide might save you some time. 1 PACKING Clothes: You'll be visiting Marrakesh as spring is changing to summer, so you can expect some beautiful weather, perhaps some cool nights, lots of sunshine, and (sorry) some real heat. (See Climate below). Because this variation, layered – ideally cotton ----clothes will serve you best. 1. a week's worth of underwear (and socks if you wear them) 2. loose-fitting short-sleeve shirts / blouses (or long-sleeved if your skin is sensitive to sun) 3. loose-fitting pants 4. if you normally wear shorts, they should be below the knee 5. a sun hat 6. sunglasses if you normally wear them 7. a swimming suit if you plan to swim 8. a sweater for the night you spend in the desert. 9. good walking shoes or walking sandals (Flip-flops are definitely NOT advised for walking around the medina or out on field trips since the ground is often uneven, flip-flops can cause you to trip, and your stubbed toe will have to deal with a whole new range of microbes it's never met before! We don't want anyone disabled with an infected foot.) 10. women should have a scarf for possible visits inside sacred shrines Other clothes will be discussed by your group advisors. For some clothes that are not recommended, see the cultural entry on Dress (click here) and also this photo gallery by a British woman, ―What not to wear in Marrakech.‖ http://www.wanderlust.co.uk/gallery.php?gal_id=390 Health-Related: If you take a prescription medicine, it's best if you don't have to re-fill your prescription while in Morocco. If you wear glasses, you might consider bringing an extra pair. If you wear contact lens and can carry enough of the solution for your stay, it's better than paying twice as much for it here. Soft, disposable contacts are not sold in Morocco. A few common non-prescription drugs in Europe and America, such as ibuprofen (Tylenol) and multi-symptom cold medicines are not readily available in Morocco. Bring sun-screen. It's sold here, but costs more than in the States. Also, we prefer that all visiting students bring some kind of water bottle that is re-useable to cut down on the plastic waste generated by the program. 2 Money ATM cards can be used to make withdrawals (in dirhams) in Morocco. If you wish to bring such a card, double check that it is working before leaving the States. Replacing a damaged ATM card from Morocco can be very difficult and time consuming. Also check with your bank as to the withdrawal limit you'd have in Morocco. You don't need to worry about getting dirhams in advance before coming to Morocco. Officially, they are a currency that is not imported, so they're fairly hard to find in the States, anyway. You will be given a weekly allowance of taxi money in dirhams. Copy of Passport and Important Credit Card Information Before you leave the States, you should make a copy of the information pages of your passport and plastify them (which you can do at Kinkos). Also, you should write down all your travellers checks numbers (and, in a confidential location, your credit card number) names, and contact information for each card, in case they are lost. Needless to say this information should not be kept in your wallet! HEALTH General Notes Standards of health care in Morocco are generally quite good, though government clinics and hospitals often leave much to be desired. French-trained doctors, who often have experience dealing with a wider variety of ailments than their Western counterparts, are plentiful. Their staffs are consistently well-informed and have a wide variety of drugs for over-the-counter sale, many of which (such as antibiotics) would be available only by prescription in Europe or North America. The ailment you're most likely to encounter in Morocco is traveler's diarrhea, which is a natural consequence of any change in diet and water flora. The best remedy for this is simply to let it run its course: change your diet to plain rice, and avoid fresh fruit and raw vegetables. In more severe cases, the best remedy is either Imodium (sold in the US) or Ercefuryl (sold in Morocco). Foods to avoid (at least at first!) Many stomach problems can be avoided by staying away from certain foods, especially in your first couple of months in the country, and especially in hot weather. Among them: 3 1. Outdoor food stands in general. These places do not have hot water (or any connection to running water, for that matter). The stands set up in the Jama el Fna (see map at the end) every evening offer really beautiful, delicious-smelling food are very tempting, especially when you see them crowded with tourists and Moroccans alike. 2. Anywhere selling freshly-squeezed orange juice, either in the Jama el Fna or in a cafe. Nevertheless, Morocco has wonderful citrus fruit and you can buy very good bottled orange juice and other juices in the central market or even buy oranges and squeeze your own at home; 3. Soft drinks in cafes and cheap restaurants are best drunk straight from the bottle, and certainly not from the freshly ―rinsed‖, still- wet glass often set down on the table with you bottle of Coke. Hot drinks such as coffee or tea; however; are served very hot (coffee is steamed in the glass) and shouldn't present a problem 4. Raw fruits and vegetables (especially lettuce) that can't be peeled: this includes salads in inexpensive restaurants (and initially even in expensive restaurants) At home, it is advisable to soak raw vegetables in a solution of permanganate (available in small bottles in Pharmacies), 5. Pastries with cream filling 6. Ice cream (in cones) from street vendors or doubtful-looking glaciers (ice-cream shops). Commercially-produced ice cream in cartons and bars is sold in many places and is generally safe. This preceding list is not meant to make you paranoid - Moroccan food is really delicious and for The most part, Moroccans eat a healthy diet: warm, freshly-baked bread available twice a day at the corner grocery stand is a luxury you would be hard-pressed to find anywhere in America. Water Tap water in Marrakesh (and in most of the modern sections of larger towns) is safe, but again, drinking from a freshly- washed glass should also be avoided if possible. If you find yourself in the Medina and very thirsty, find a shop that sells small bottles of Sidi Harazem water. And generally, if you think you're sensitive to the water, than boil it (10 minutes minimum) or stick to bottled mineral water, if possible. Brands widely available in Morocco include Sidi Ali, Sidi Harazem, and Hayat; Oulmes (pronounced Wul'mess) is a delicious sparkling water from the mountains between Rabat and Fes that is every bit as good as Perrier. Bottled Gas: Stoves, pressure-activated hot-water heaters and many portable room heaters in Morocco operate on bottled methane gas (―camping gas‖ or ―butagaz‖ ). When methane burns it produces carbon monoxide which is deadly. Not many years ago two young American Peace Corps volunteers died from an illegally installed water heater. The same happened to an American 4 researcher in Fes in 1999. These were all intelligent, educated people who were simply unaware of the danger of unventilated gas heaters. If you should find yourself in a situation where you are using bottled gas, please remember: don't use a gas stove and or oven in a completely closed kitchen. And don't use a gas heater in a room without ventilation. DON'T use a **pressure- activated gas water heater** that does not have a direct vent to the outside, and under no circumstances should you use a water heater mounted inside the bathroom in where you would take a shower. (Mounting a water heater in such a fashion is illegal in Morocco, but deaths from improperly installed gas heaters still occur..) Sun The sun in Morocco can be intense. You should be aware especially as the days move towards summer of how much sun you are getting. If you're out walking and can choose to walk in the sun or shade, we would advise the shade. If you or someone you're with ever feel the symptoms of heat stroke coming on, the best response is 1. get out of the sun 2. lie down, if possible, and remove any extra clothes (socks, for example) 3. apply a cloth dipped in room-temperature water to the forehead and back of neck 4. begin to slowly sip some room-temperature water 5. if available, take in some salt or salty food Diseases in Morocco There are no mandatory vaccinations for Morocco, but it is probably a good idea to have typhoid, hepatitis A, tetanus, and polio immunizations brought up to date before traveling. For other details about health in this country, you can refer to WHO website, http://www.who.int/countries/mar/en/ If you feel you're coming down with something, please don't hesitate to talk to your professors or anyone in office of the CLC. Pharmacies In many cases, a pharmacist will be able to recommend a medicine for what ails you, saving you a wait in the doctor's office. Business hours for pharmacies are typically from 8:30 to 12:30 in the mornings and 3:00 to 7:30 in the evenings. Most pharmacies close on Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday, but a few throughout the city stay open for emergencies. These pharmacies de garde are selected on a rotating basis and their locations and phone numbers are posted on the doors of all pharmacies. The nearest pharmacy to the CLC is Pharmacie Nakhil, 11: Yacoub El Mansour Avenue, Ph: 0524 44-76-57. It is run by a husband and wife and the wife speaks English. Ask for ―Sayyida 5 Salwa.‖ If you look at the map at the end, you'll see Yacoub el Mansour Avenue just above the CLC. It is a right turn from Rue Khalid ben el Oualid. There are two pharmacies that open at 8:30 pm and stay open all night. One is in the Gueliz, about 5 minutes from the CLC, near the fire station on Rue Khalid bin Oualid, Ph: 0524 43-42-75 [see map below, follow Rue Khalid b. Oualid from the CLC down to the Caserne Sapeurs Pompiers. The pharmaceutical depot is next door, and it does not look like a pharmacy!]. The other is in the Jmaa'l-fna, near the main police station (see larger map). Ph: 0524 39-02-38 , Clinics and Private Hospitals There are also a number of modern, privately-run clinics and hospitals in Marrakesh. It is better to avoid government-run hospitals which treat the general, non-paying public and are frequently understaffed and poorly equipped. The following clinics near the CLC are recommended: Polyclinique du Sud, Rue Ibn Aicha (0524 447 619, 0524 447 999), has a long standing reputation for good care in Marrakesh and Clinique Ibn Rochd (0524 434 058 / 0524 433 079) http://www.polycliniquemarrakech.com/site/index.php?lang=en Both of these are within walking distance of the CLC. Doctors and Dentists The following doctors and dentists are recommended should serious health or dental problems arise. If you need an interpreter (they all speak French and Arabic) or additional information, contact the administration. General Practitioner: Gertrud Michaelis, 7 Rue Ibn Sina, Ph: 0524 44-83-43 (Speaks English, German, French and Moroccan Arabic) Gynecologist: Claire B. Azzouzi, 5 Rue Sourya, Ph: 0524 43-44-46 Gastroenterologist: Abdeslam El Karouani, 48 Rue de la Liberte, Ph: 0524 43-26-82 (Speaks Spanish) Dentist: Dr. Mouncif Lourida, Mohamed V Blvd. Speaks English. 0524 432 987 MONEY A kind of general rule about the cost of things in Morocco is that what's cheap in the States (manufactured goods, for example) is expensive here and what's expensive there (labor, for example) is cheap here. If you can't get along without some daily treat from America (Pringles, for example, which counts as an ―imported food‖ here) you'll see your money going a lot faster than you may want. A warm, freshly-baked small loaf of Moroccan barley bread (1 dh) can be just as satisfying as a tube of Pringles (30 dh)! 6 About the Dirham Morocco's official currency is the dirham, which is broken down into 100 centimes (which are usually referred as ―francs‖). An older way of speaking about money which is still very much alive in Morocco is the ―riyal‖ equal to 5 centimes. So, 1 DH = 20 Riyals = 100 Francs; and 100 DH = 2000 Riyals =10,000 Francs. Or, in 1 DH = waahid dirham = ‗ashreen d'ryaal = miyat franc; 100 = miyat dirham = alfayn d'riyaal = ‗ashra alef franc. In your Moroccan Arabic course, you will learn how to negotiate in these potentially confusing denominations (and also how to ask that a price simply be quoted to you in dirhams). Finally, keep in mind that the dirham is not considered a hard currency outside Morocco. It is illegal to export a large amount of dirhams and also hard to find them being offered by currency exchanges abroad. Exchange Rates Exchange rates between, for example, dollars and dirhams, vary slightly from week to week, with the new rates posted on Monday. The on-line rate of exchange which can be found at such sites as http://www.xe.com/ucc/ is usually a few centimes higher than the rate found in Moroccan banks. Also note that there is one rate at which the bank buys foreign currency for dirhams and another (higher rate) at which it sells it. Please note that the CLC is not able to exchange foreign currency. Banking Banks in Morocco now work continuous hours from about 8:30 AM until 3:45 PM. Most but not all banks close on Saturdays and Sundays but ATM machines are still available anywhere in the larger cities. The nearest banks to the CLC are the SGMB bank (see map below—at the corner of R. Khalid b. Oualid and Avenue Yacoub el Mansour) and AWB bank attached to Acima supermarket (see upper right hand side of map) Both these are less than 5 minutes on foot from the CLC and both have ATM machines. Several other banks can be found on or near Mohammed V Blvd.(see map, across from McDonald's), about 10 minutes from the CLC. Many larger hotels also have facilities for exchanging money. Receiving Money from the States Practically the only way a traveler could get money quickly from abroad would be by Western Union (see map) or by ATM card (mentioned above). Check with your bank before you leave as to the daily and weekly limit you are allowed in Morocco. 7 ELECTRlClTY Voltage and Plugs. Electric current in Morocco is 220 (in the USA, it's 110). Most electronic items that students or teachers might bring with them to Morocco (laptops, Ipods, cameras) are dual voltage. If you plan to bring something that is not dual-voltage, converters of varying capacities and prices are sold in Morocco and are generally cheaper than those you can find in the States. In addition, the wall-plugs in Morocco are the two-prong, round French type. The CLC has a stock of converter plugs it can lend you during your stay, or else you can purchase one at a nearby electronics shop. Cycles: 50 or 60 cycles? All current in Morocco is 50 cycles per second whereas in the US it is 60, meaning that any US appliance which heats up (coffee makers, hair dryers, heaters, heating pads, electric blankets, iron) will not reach its full heat in Morocco. If you have a hair dryer, for example, that you plan on bringing or a travel iron, check the appliance's voltage tab. If it says 50/60 cycles then it will work here. If not, not. COMPUTERS All laptops come with AC/DC transformer designed to run on voltage ranging from 110 to 240. The only things that might be needed in Morocco are a flat prong to round- prong plug adaptor (see Voltage and Plugs above). The CLC has a 13-station computer lab and is covered by WiFi. COMMUNICATIONS Postal Services Post Offices: The central post office of the new town of Marrakesh is located on the corner of Mohammed V and Avenue Nations Unis [9], a 10-minute walk from the CLC. You may weigh your letters, buy stamps, and send Registered Mail at the post-office from 8AM to 9PM, everyday, including Sunday. Other services are available during regular work hours, 9AM- 12PM, 3PM-6PM, Monday though Friday. Note: there is no postcard rate, postage being based on weight. 8 DHL, Fed Ex Both of these have offices (right next to each other, in fact) in Marrakesh. If for some reason you needed to receive something quick, these would be the way to go. Note, however, that larger packages with certain declared values, may wind up having to be cleared through customs in Casablanca. A teacher received a, rather expensive new pillow and quilt bought as a gift for her at Bed and Beyond, and the duties exceeded the price! Fixed Telephones You may make calls from téléboutiques (small shops with pay phones and sometimes photocopy machines and fax services) using either a phone card or change. The phone cards which téléboutiques sell can only be used in teleboutiques run by the same company. Some international calling cards, including MCI, AT&T, and British Telecom, have a direct calling service from Morocco (you need the calling card and are billed to your home address at lower U.S./British rates). You probably will not be able to use a calling card on a pay phone-- only from a private line. See page 14 for access numbers. Do NOT make any form of long distance call from your homestay phone. In any emergency, call the Center for Language and Culture. Read the Emergency Packet information for more information (before the emergency). In cases of extreme emergency collect calls can be placed through a private phone line by dialing 12 for the operator and AT&T or other calling cards. Note: as in the States and Europe, Morocco has more and less expensive calling hours. The prime, full-rate time is Monday - Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM. All other times are minus 50% on long-distance calls inside the country and minus 20% on international calls . For international calls, dial ―00‖, then dial the appropriate country code , then the number. (Country code: USA =1, France=33, England=44. Germany = 49, Holland = 31, Spain 34). Cell Phones At orientation, a $25 deposit for a loaned Moroccan cell phone and cell phone charger (belonging to CLC) will be collected from each student. You will be given your cell phone the day after we arrive when we meet as a group the first time at the CLC. If you lose or damage your cell phone and/or charger, you will forfeit your deposit. There will a small number of minutes on the phones, but you will need to purchase Moroccan phone cards, the cheapest of which cost 50 dh. The cost of local calls on these Moroccan phones is reasonable. Unlike prepaid phones in the US, you can receive calls on these phones from anywhere at no cost. We strongly recommend that you do not make long distance calls on these phones, since the cost of long distance calls on them is exorbitant and will use up the minutes on your card in an instant. If loved-ones want to hear your voice, they can call you on your cell phone or at the CLC. This site, http://www.howtocallabroad.com/morocco/ gives clear instructions about how to do this. The CLC number from the US would be 011-212- 524-447-691 9 Do you have an unlocked phone? How about roaming? If you happen to own an unlocked phone (one in which you can use any SIM card you want), then you can purchase package containing a SIM card that will work in Morocco and some minutes for about 10 dollars. Some students have brought their cell phone from the US with roaming activated for Morocco. This also works fine, but it's much more expensive than in Europe or England, for example. lnternet Access The CLC computer lab has 13 stations, a printer and scanner for your use. In addition the lab, several classrooms, and most of the area just outside the CLC are all covered by WiFi. Marrakesh also abounds in cybercafés where you pay as little as 5-10 dh/hour. These places tend to be rather crowded and slow at night, but are usually fine during the day. Skype One of the best solutions for long distance calling is Skype www.skype.com. Skype is a piece of free downloadable software that allows you to make internet calls either for free or at a very low rate to anywhere in the world. If your correspondent also has Skype (so, Skype-to-Skype call) the call is free. If not, or if you want to be able to call a fixed phone number, you need to set up a Skype paid account BEFORE you leave for Morocco (the site will not allow you to do this from Morocco). Generally, you buy time in 10 dollar amounts, paid in advance by a credit or ATM card. Calling the US from Morocco on Skype costs about 2.2 cents a minute. TRANSPORTATION In Town City Buses stop at the main Guéliz stop [6] and are quite reliable. However the buses can be absolutely packed on some of the principle routes during peak hours. Buses run from 6AM to between 8:30 and 9:00 in the evening; fares for routes within the city are 3DH while the fare for those running outside city limits is slightly higher. NOTE: Crowded city buses in which passengers sometimes have to ride standing up can be venues for pickpockets. Petit Taxis are the small yellow city taxis with roof racks. They are abundant and relatively inexpensive (about 8 DH from the CLC to the Jamalfna) and plentiful in the Ville Nouvelle. There is rarely any difficulty flagging down a taxi, and they can be found at all hours at different taxi stands. Note that the presence of a passenger in a taxi does not necessarily mean that the taxi is ―taken‖; one taxi may take up to three separate passengers, picking them up along the way if their destinations aren't too out of the way. If you get into an already-occupied taxi, note the amount on the meter as you get in. Your fare should be the amount elapsed from getting into the taxi plus the initial charge of 1.4 Dh. Drivers in Marrakesh usually use their 10 meters without any hassle so you aren't expected to bargain about the price. There is a 50% increase in the fare at night. Unfortunately, there is no way of telephoning for a taxi in Marrakesh. Taxi drivers work long hours for very little pay, so a small tip is always appreciated. For example, if the fare were 8 dh, a 2 dh tip, totaling 10 dh, would be quite fair. Grand Taxis have routes within the city. Cost is about 5DH per seat. (See also here) Coachies are horse-drawn coaches. They are of two kinds: those that work by the hour for tourists and those which follow fixed routes around the Medina. These latter are legimate public transport carrying 5 or 6 people. A pleasant coachy route not far from the CLC runs from just inside Bab Doukalla [23] and the Jamalfa and costs a couple of dirhams. Prices are now posted in all coachies. Walking is also great. It is literally possible to walk from one end of the main city of Marrakesh to the other in about one hour, and it is an easy city to walk in except for sidewalks which, in some places, are in bad shape. As can be seen from map II, the CLC is located within easy walking distance from any place in the Gueliz, and only slightly further from the nearest gate of the Medina, Bab Doukkala, Walking in the evening during the warmer months is a great pastime in Marrakech. Whole families go out together, as do couples, and small groups of friends. For information pertaining to women walking at night, see Women in Morocco , below. Travelling Out of Town Buses: There are two recommended bus companies traveling in and out of Marrakesh: Supratours and CTM (the Moroccan Greyhound). Supratours travels only to the south of Morocco, while the national bus company, CTM (Compagnie de Transports au Maroc), travels to every region in Morocco, including the south. The coaches are generally quite fast, but you can expect most buses to stop at a number of towns and cafes for l0 to 30 minutes between destinations. CTM is located in Gueliz, on Zerktouni Avenue (Ph: 524- 44-83-28) [19] . Supratours is located on Hassan II Avenue, next to the old train station [18] (Ph: 524-43-55-25). If CTM and Supratours buses do not fit your schedule, try the major bus station near Bab Doukala [23]. Many small bus companies operate out of this station and although their buses are older, not as comfortable, and slower, you can almost be assured of a bus headed in the right direction at any time of the day or night. Also, they serve smaller out-of-the-way locations and are cheaper than CTM or Supratours. CTM buses also leave from this station before they pick up in Gueliz (window #l0, Ph: 524- 43-44-02). Tickets can be purchased up to five days in advance. Purchasing tickets early for CTM or Supratours trips is advised if you'll be traveling on the weekend or during holidays. Expect to have to pay an additional 5 to 15 DH for luggage. Be sure to arrive at the bus station 15-20 minutes before scheduled departure. The baggage handler will expect a two-dirham tip. 11 Trains: A rail network of about 2,500 kms. links Marrakesh to most of the major cities and towns north of Marrakesh (south of Marrakesh, there is no train service). Train stations in all the major cities are being renovated, and the trains themselves in some places are little better than in the past, but still quite a ways from trains in the US. Trains offer first class tickets (with assigned compartments and seats) and second-class (take your changes and maybe even stand up). The difference in price to Casablanca, for example, is about 50 dh. All carriages are non-smoking by law, although people may smoke in the aisles outside the compartments. There is also regular between Casablanca's international airport and Casablanca's two main train stations with regular 20 - 30 minute trips in either direction every hour or so.) The train station in Marrakesh is located on Hassan II Avenue (Ph: 44-65-69) [18]. You can get a free schedule at the ticket window. For times and fares, check www.oncf.ma Grand Taxis are shared Mercedes taxis, and cost about 20% - 50% more than a bus on the same route, they are worth considering. If there are enough in your party to fill one taxi (6 passengers or the equivalent in fares) you can ask the driver to make stops to take photographs. It's always best to settle on a price before you go. Note that sharing a car with 5 other passengers can be very cramped. Some people like to pay for two seats to assure a comfortable ride. Make sure you know what locals are paying for a particular trip as grand taxi drivers are notorious for jacking up the fare for unsuspecting foreigners. In general, you can count on paying 7-10 DH for every thirty km. Stations for grand taxis are scattered throughout Marrakesh. Depending on destination you may have to leave from Bab Doukala, Bab Rob,Jama'a Al-Fana, Bab Aghmat, etc. The biggest down-side of Grand Taxis is the way the drivers sometimes drive. Rental Cars and Driving in Morocco: Because of the various problems involved, we strongly discourage you from driving in Morocco. The major international car rental agencies are represented in Marrakesh as are seemingly dozens of local companies. Charges among the international companies vary only slightly so it is worthwhile to check with a number of locally-run agencies where rates are often significantly lower. Most agencies will ask for a credit card. A government tax of 19% must be paid on all rentals. Almost all cars take Moroccan diesel which is about 10 DH/liter. For information on drivers licenses, see the section below. Rental agencies in Gueliz include: Avis: 137 Mohammed V Avenue, Ph: 524-43-37-23 Budget: 213 Mohammed V Avenue, Ph: 524-43-46-04 Hertz: 157 Mohammed V Avenue, Ph: 524-43-46-80 12 LElSURE Films, Music, Plays There are two main movie theaters in Marrakesh which show films in French or Arabic. One is the Colisee downtown and the other is Megarama, located a little ways (a taxi ride) outside of Marrakesh on the road to Ourika. The only movie theater that can be recommended is the Colissee which is air- conditioned, and quite comfortable. The films are mostly US box office hits dubbed in French. Institut Francais de Marrakech (The French Cultural Center) the largest in the continent of Africa, runs an interesting program of films, plays and musical performances (look for posters and brochures near the front desk at the CLC). ESAV (Ecole Supérieur des arts visuels) of Marrakech is a school built on an American model specializing in film, graphic arts, sound recording, etc. ESAV has regular showings of films in their original languages --- in most cases, English--- which are open to the public and free. Hammam The so-called ―Turkish‖ or ―Moorish‖ baths are considered not just places to get really clean, but also to relax, waste an hour or so, and see friends, and so we include them as leisure. Talk to someone at the CLC about the best (and correct) way to go for a hammam bath. Traditional Sites The CLC normally arranges a tour of some of the traditional sites of Marrakesh for visiting teachers and students. A great way to come to know Marrakech is to take a horse-carriage ride around the old city walls. Slightly different tours are available but you should expect to pay about 80-100Dh for a one hour to hour and a half tour. These coaches can be rented in front of the Hotel Menara (off Place de la Liberte, lower right hand corner of map). About taking Pictures Although most Moroccans are not overly sensitive to having their picture taken, indiscriminately photographing people is not advisable: ask first. There are still instances when one may encounter a hostile attitude by certain Moroccans at having a camera pointed in their direction, and since this relates to religious beliefs, it is certainly better to opt for sensitivity. In addition, there are certain scenes – for example, of police or military sites --- which you are not allowed to photograph. 13 Tour Guides and Hustlers Marrakesh used to have a bad reputation for rather aggressive ―faux guides‖ (non-official guides, basically, hustlers). In the past few years, however, the city has made great strides to eliminate this problem by instituting the ―Tourist Brigade‖, special police who circulate in the Medina and made sure people aren't getting hassled. If on your excursions into the Medina, you are approached by an effusive, ―friendly‖ young man offering to show you the way, do not mistake this for sincere friendliness or local the street, except to ask for information; therefore, you should normally ignore such advances, or politely refuse their services, ideally in Arabic, explaining you are living and studying in Marrakesh. If one encounters a particularly persistent hustler, you might look for a policeman or agent of the Tourist Brigade, since pestering foreigners is against the law. Also keep in mind that anything you buy when accompanied by a clandestine guide will be more expensive, since he'll get a percentage from the shop owner. IN AND AROUND MARRAKESH Eating Out There are numerous sandwich/snack places near the CLC. For non-Moroccan food (pizzas, pasta, sandwiches, salads, and brochettes), you can try Pinchos (5 m walk from the CLC, marked on map below) or the Grilliardière (15 m walk from the CLC, near the Eglise Sainte Anne church, lower central portion of map). In both places the waiters are supposed to be able to speak English. For a nicer, reasonably-priced sit-down dinner, try the Catanzaro Restaurant (10 m walk from the CLC on Rue Tariq ben Ziad next to Hotel Touloussain marked on map). They serve Italian, steaks, and salads. (Note: if you eat meat, it is generally better to order it well-done (bien cuit) rather than rare. ―Bien-cuit‖ often means it comes out medium by US standards. The Catanzaro is almost always full at lunch hour (1 pm) and dinner hour, (around 9). Go a little earlier to find a table or call for reservations (0524-43-37-31). The lady and her husband who run the place both speak English. For Moroccan food, there are many places, from the low-cost to the world- renown. A good compromise is to try Dar Fassia (on Zerktouni Blvd, on the other side of the street from the Franco-Belge Hotel (see map, just above the marker for the Hotel Touloussain). Twenty to thirty dollars a person depending on what you order. For those in need of the familiar, there is a McDonald's on Blvd. Muhammad V directly across from the post office (see map), a Kentucky Fried Chicken, on the other side of the traffic circle from Mac D's, and a Pizza Hut a little ways up the boulevard (at the corner of Ave. Mohammed V and Rue Sebou). All of these are about 10 minutes on foot from the CLC. 14 Shopping If you plan to buy any items of handicrafts during your stay in Marrakesh, you might start with a visit to the Artisanal Handicrafts Center on Avenue Mohammed V, near the Kutubia Mosque. This place offers shops to the best crafts people of the city, is government supported, and has fixed prices. It will give you a chance to see the range of items made in Marrakesh at prices that are at least visible and fixed when you start. Afterwards, if you wish to set out on a bargaining adventure, you will at least have a frame of reference. For the items you might find in a Walmart or Target in the US (groceries, appliances small and large, batteries, etc. etc. ) you will probably end up going to Marjane (first) or Aswaq Salam, or – for mostly groceries --- Acima (one of which is five minutes from the CLC). For grocery shopping, the main advantage is selection and speed. Otherwise, it is definitely an interesting cultural phenomenon watching veiled ladies and tourists wait in the same check-out line. Places of Worship Islam is the state religion of Morocco, and since one of the religious duties of Muslims is to offer devotions five times a day, there are mosques virtually everywhere in the country. There is hardly a public building anywhere without a room set aside as a prayer room, and even gas stations off the freeways of the country offer little mosques for their customers. At the same time, freedom of worship is guaranteed by law for those of other faiths. Marrakesh has a synagogue (about five minutes from the CLC, and usually part of the visits students make), and a Christian church (about 10 minutes from the CLC, see map, lower central portion, for Eglise Sainte Anne) where ecumenical Sunday services are held. At least one English-speaking Catholic brother is attached to this church. LEGAL AND RISK MANAGEMENT ISSUES Drugs Although you may encounter kif and hashish being smoked openly, keep in mind that it is illegal, and some police take great pleasure in applying this law to foreigners. The inside of a Moroccan jail is an experience no one wants to have. Alcoholic Beverages Although alcoholic beverages are available in Morocco, we discourage your consumption of them there. Drinking alcohol is more than simply an intoxicating beverage in Morocco, it is also for the most part a symbol signifying disregard for traditional Moroccan culture. While available in Morocco, alcoholic beverages are consumed only by foreigners, by those 15 Moroccans who are distancing themselves from Moroccan culture and who are attempting to demonstrate that they are more Western than they are Moroccan, and by those unfortunate Moroccans who (like alcoholics in the West) lose themselves in a life of alcohol. Homestay families come from all walks of Moroccan life, but they will all be Muslim families since Morocco is 99% Muslim. Alcohol and pork products are not consumed in Muslim households. It would be extremely bad adab to bring alcoholic beverages into a home or to go out drinking and come home intoxicated or smelling of alcohol. This would be both against the ways and values of the household and would also be setting a bad example. In addition, while traveling (especially in planes, airports, and hotels), we also discourage drinking alcoholic beverages because they will increase the possibility of impairment in judgment, which impairment may not only affect the individual student but may also have repercussions that could affect the entire group. Religion and Politics Although Morocco is tolerant and has signed the Bill of Human Rights, there is still a law on the book that prohibits trying to convert Moroccans from Islam to another religion, and any school which is involved in this can be closed down and fined heavily. By Moroccan law, it is prohibited to publicly criticize the Royal Family, and discussions that might lead in this direction are not encouraged. Identification Cards: Moroccans must keep their identity cards with them at all times. Likewise, you will be expected to have your passport with you, except when we collect it. You should carry a plasticized photocopy of the information page of your passport and the page showing the entry stamp. If you are travelling by road outside Marrakesh, you may very rarely be asked to show your passport or residency card by police performing routine security checks throughout Morocco. You must have your passport when you check into any hotel when traveling. Drivers Licenses: The police generally recognize drivers licenses from other countries. On account of the short time you will be in Morocco, your busy schedule, and your unfamiliarity with Moroccan driving customs, we strongly discourage you from driving in Morocco. CLIMATE The climate variations in a country like Morocco are endless. In general, though, Marrakesh, being in a semi-desert region, is quite hot and dry in the summer and cold in the winter. The average daily maximum temperature during May is 85 and June is 90. For a yearly chart that shows Marrakesh and the entire country in, check http://www.morocco-travel.com/morocco/TemperaturesWeather/ 16 CULTURAL NOTES ON THE LAND AND ITS PEOPLE Below are some very abbreviated notes. As mentioned at the beginning of this manual, readings from the bibliography on page 13 are highly recommended. The section has been adapted from a piece written by the director of the CLC Marrakech for Teaching EFL Outside the United States, TESOL Publications, 1992. The Land Itself: The Kingdom of Morocco is geographically a true crossroads. If you stand on the beach in Tangier on a clear day, you can see the coast of Spain. If you stand on a beach of Agadir, you can look out over the Atlantic and know that about 4000 miles away is New York. Travel over the Atlas Mountains to Zagora and you'll find a sign telling you that Timbuktu is a 55 day camel ride to the south. In the east stretches Arab North Africa, Egypt, and the Arabian peninsula. Physically and climatically, Morocco is somewhat like a marriage of California (from San Francisco south) and New Mexico: miles of coastline, mountain ranges affording skiing and hiking through pine and cedar forests, sparsely vegetated plains broken by reddish mesas, and finally, in the south, sand deserts with the palm trees and camels that have provided Americans with their stereotypes of the country ever since films such as The Road to Morocco. (For a view of Marrakesh in the mid-Fifties, see Alfred Hitchcock's The Man Who Knew Too Much, 1956. The opening scenes of this film on the bus also provide a good example of Hollywood stereotyping of Arab or Muslim people. Any comparison with California ends on the geographical level. Socially, Morocco is still, to a large extent, a land of traditions where a generally tolerant and rather ―organic‖ version of Islam is practiced by most of the inhabitants. Like the geometric patterns so characteristic of its decorative art, the culture of Morocco is an intricate weave of several thematic strands: traditional, modern, Islamic, Arab, Berber, Sephardic Jew, European and African. Marrakesh is one of the more striking examples of this interweaving of cultures and times, epitomized in the Jemalfna (pronounced Je MAALF naa) –the large open place near the entrance to the old city, which, with its snake charmers, musicians, acrobats, fortune-tellers, tourists and country folk of typically Marrakshi (Arabic for someone or something from Marrakesh). Unlike Rabatis who are often described in Moroccan Arabic as dakhleen suq ras hum, (literally, inside the business of their own heads, meaning those who mind their own business) or Fassis, who are often described as being somewhat closed to non-fassis, the people of Marrakesh are known throughout Morocco for their warmth, their humor, and their outgoing nature. These qualities, however, may sometimes strike a newcomer from America as overly familiar or even invasive. As in other cities of Morocco, probably the most important quality one needs in order to adjust to Marrakesh is patience. The city and its people take time to discover and appreciate. 17 Time: Simple tests can show how different our concepts of time can be. You may have a chance to experience this in Marrakesh, where, even in the middle of the hustle bustle, things can move much more slowly than in the United States. This is going to sometimes going to require patience on your part. For the ordinary Moroccan on the street, time itself has a qualitative side to it that sometimes frustrates Westerners. To sit for a half an hour with a shopkeeper may seem inefficient to someone used to being able to accomplish a dozen different things in a single morning, but for Moroccans this human contact has great value. (Needless to say, there are Americans whose lives are slower than Moroccans and Moroccans who are every bit as busy as someone living in Manhattan!) What Language do they speak here, anyway? Of particular interest to anyone who will be teaching a foreign language to [or getting to know] students from Marrakesh is the fact that, in general, they are excellent language learners. Consider that in many homes in and around Marrakesh, the s/he will start using Moroccan Arabic (derija). Upon entering elementary school, s/he must learn standard Arabic, which is constitutionally the official language of Morocco. In the public schools, French is taught as a second language beginning at primary levels (roughly 3rd grade in the American system), and is seen both officially and in practice as a ―language of opening‖ (langue douverture). Despite the program of Arabization that has gone on for years, French remains a vital language in Morocco, as evidenced by the fact that all science classes at the university level are still in French. English is offered as a ―second foreign language‖ when students reach the first year of high school, roughly the 9th grade in the US system. Even in the few high schools where Spanish and German are offered as other choices, English is the overwhelming favorite. As of this writing (June, 2000), many private schools are introducing English to 8 and 9-year olds, and there is a proposal to do the same in public schools. There are several factors that contribute to the tremendous popularity of English in Morocco. One is that English is outside the Arabic-French polarity, providing an opening to western culture/technology without being the language of the former colonists of Morocco. Another lies in its vitality. English is the language of the most popular pop music, TV, and films (even though these are dubbed in French), and since around 1997, the language of the Internet. Lastly, the pedagogical approach used to teach English in high schools, despite certain drawbacks, is generally ahead of the pedagogy used in other subjects. What about Arabic? For those of you who have never lived in an Arab country before, and even for some of those who have, a word of explanation about Arabic is in order. Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is the language of the news media, written correspondence and documents, literature and formal speeches. Moroccan Arabic (derija, pronounced DE ri ja, with the ―j‖ being pronounced like the ―g‖ in ―beige‖) is the people's language and is generally unwritten. Both of these are derived 18 from ―fus'ha,‖ (classical Arabic), the Arabic of the Quran. For a Moroccan, someone (other than a scholar) speaking MSA would appear overly formal. Derija is an intimate, friendly, and rather easy language. Islam: Though Morocco is legally-speaking a secular state, Islam remains the official state religion and 98% of Moroccans are at least nominally Muslim of the prevalent Sunni school (rather than the Shi'a as in Iran). It is indicative that among the titles of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco is ―Prince of Believers‖ (Amir al-mu'minin), an ancient title used by the early Caliphs of Islam. Although Morocco has had its ―fundamentalist‖ movements and has seen three suicide bombings, the first and worst of which occurred in May, 2003 (one month after the U.S. entered Iraq), violence perpetrated in the name of Islam remains extremely rare and very contrary to the Moroccan nature. At the same time, there has been a subtle but perceptible resurgence of Islam as a guiding force in the lives of many Moroccans. This tendency is, on the whole, not zealously exclusive as evinced by the ubiquitous scene of a veiled Moroccan female student (and by veiled is meant with hair covered, not wearing a face veil) walking arm-in-arm with a girlfriend in tight jeans. Such a sight, in fact, speaks volumes about Moroccan tolerance. Dress: Somewhat related to the question of Islam is the question of dress. There are many variations in the personal interpretation of what is ―proper‖ clothing. Most city-dwelling Moroccans are fairly tolerant in their attitudes and do not expect foreigners to adhere to local dress codes which often vary dramatically from person to person anyway. However, this does not mean that anything goes. Few Moroccan men, for example, would appear on the street wearing above the knee shorts or shirtless except at the beach. Moroccan women who do dress in tight jeans and low-cut tops are very aware of what kind of response their attire will attract, and presumably know how to react, or not react, to comments by Moroccan men. All this, however, enters into a Moroccan social dynamic which although it is interesting to us as scholars, is not directly relevant to the general guidelines for how you, as guests in Morocco, should dress. In general, however, we recommend to both female and male visiting students (and teachers) to choose clothes that do not show off the body. This means loose rather than tight, higher necklines rather than lower, short sleeves rather than sleeveless, and so forth. We would also prefer that you not bring or wear the following: T-shirts or hats with either images or words that could be offensive; Clothes, hats, or back packs which display the American flag --since even though America's image has improved greatly since the election of President Obama, there is still a ways to go; Above the knee shorts, shirts or trousers with holes in them, tank tops. Especially for Women: The role of women in Moroccan society has been undergoing many changes in the past twenty years. Nevertheless, traditional attitudes concerning the roles of men and women are still 19 prevalent among both men and women in all walks of society. These attitudes may differ considerably from those in western societies. The greatest problems most American female students will encounter are attempts to get attention by men on the streets, generally consisting of little more than ―bonjour‖ or ―hello.‖ This treatment is not reserved for foreigners. Moroccan women receive similar advances, and are generally aware that, while extremely annoying, such advances are seldom physically threatening. Such behavior is not acceptable and a response is not expected. Don't worry about being ―rude‖: it is not impolite to ignore a stranger's greetings or questions in the street; to respond -even in a negative way - is to offer them reason to continue bothering you.‖ It goes without saying that invitations from unknown men to ―meet their families‖ should be flatly refused. If anyone becomes particularly persistent, rude, or difficult to avoid, call him to someone else's attention. Other Moroccans- both men and women- are often more than willing to intervene when they see someone in need of help and won't hesitate to chastise someone whom they see behaving shamefully. If you are ever followed more than once by the same man, contact the administration rather than try to deal with him on your own. As in any urban situation, the best way to ensure one's safety in Morocco is by avoiding deserted places and sticking to areas where there are plenty of people around to help should you have any difficulties. Women in Morocco, more often than not, go out of the house in pairs or groups, and you will rarely find a woman on the streets by herself after dark. While this is by no means necessary for teachers, having a Moroccan companion to show you around the city, at least initially, will go a long way toward making your stay in Marrakesh an enjoyable experience. As mentioned earlier, dressing modestly will also help. Generally speaking, women who go out walking in the evening do so in pairs or in groups. Single women, depending on how they are dressed, could be mistaken for prostitutes (which do exist in Marrakesh, but certainly not in the numbers found in large US or European cities). Male-Female Relationships: Relations between men and women in Morocco differ considerably from those in America and Europe. Students in the UGA-Morocco summer program should try to be sensitive to these differences, as misunderstandings can lead to hurt feelings, resentment, and occasionally physically threatening situations. Strong, non-romantic friendships between members of the opposite sex are far less common in Morocco than in Europe or the US, and these are generally formed and maintained within the structure of family gatherings, work, or school. The couples you will see walking together or in cafes are most often their fiancés. This is not to say that male- female friendships do not exist. Should you find yourself drawn into a relationship that seems to be moving in a more intimate than a platonic direction, whether you're male or female, make sure you know what you're getting into. Outside of schoolyard flirtations, much of the dating that does go on in Morocco occurs with marriage as the eventual aim. Some couples, in fact, are not allowed to date until after their engagement. If you have no intention of getting married with a Moroccan in whom 20 you are interested, it's wise to make sure that the other interested party (and his or her family) share your feelings. If you find yourself in an ambiguous situation of this type, seek the advice of a Moroccan friend or the directors of the program. SUGGESTED READING It is highly recommended that you do some select background reading before coming to Morocco or, if that is not possible, as soon as possible upon arrival. See titles listed below: Culture Shock! Morocco: A Guide to Customs and Etiquette, Orin Hargraves (Contains much useful information and analysis which will save you many misunderstandings and a few dirhams.) Cadogan Guide to Morocco, Barnaby Rogerson. Fascinating detail on neariy every site in Morocco. Not many illustrations, but readable prose. A Practical Guide to lslamic Monuments in Morocco, Richard Parker. Architectural guide organized by city; learned but readable. Out of print, but still a wonderful work. Lonely Planet: Morocco. Packed with useful information. Lonely Planet: Moroccan Arabic Phrasebook. Will get you speaking Moroccan Arabic (Derija) quickly; well organized. Other: Orientalism, by the late Edward Said, is the principle work detailing the history of the western ―dream‖ of the ―Arab-Islamic‖ world. An Introduction to Islam, Frederick M. Denny; or Islam: The Straight Path, John L. Esposito (Two encompassing introductions to Islam by American scholars) A Street in Marrakech, Elizabeth W. Fernea (An American woman anthropologist's view of Marrakech --- and its women--- in 1971-72; it will give you an idea of how much Marrakech has changed, or not, in the last 40 years). The best-known American writer about Morocco was, of course, Paul Bowles. It should be kept in mind the most of Bowle's writing concentrates on aspects of Tangier life that fascinated many Westerners in the 60s and before: drug-use, homosexuality, petty thieves, magic, etc. They were never a reflection of the mainstream of Moroccans, and are even rather dated for Tangier. Somewhat of an exception to the above is A Spider's House, set in Fes during the independence movement. 21 USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS AND WEBSITES The country code for Morocco is 212. If you dial any number in Morocco from abroad, you have to drop the zero that begins the city code. So, for example, if you call the CLC from inside Morocco, you dial 0524 447 691 But if you call from the United States, it is 011 212 524 447 691 The other main city codes within the country are Marrakesh = 0524, Fes = 0535, Rabat = 0537, Casablanca = 0522, Tangier = 0539. Police/Emergencies 19 Firefighters 15 Ambulance 15 Gendarmes (in case of emergencies on the roads outside Marrakesh) 177 Telephone information (local) 160 Telephone information (international) 120 Time in Arabic 171 Time in French 172 ONCF (train) call center 0890 20 30 40 AT&T USA Direct 00 211 00 11 MCI 00 211 00 12 British Telecom 00211 00 44 US Embassy Rabat Telephone: (212)(537)-76-22-65 Fax: (212)(537)-76-56-61 After-hours telephone: (212)(537)-76-96-39 The Embassy's working hours are: Monday - Friday from 8:00 – 5:30 pm Website: http://rabat.usembassy.gov/ and the special page for American citizens US Consulate, Casablanca (0522) 26-45-50 Fulbright Commission, Rabat (0527) 76-41-09 Marrakech Airport 0524 44-78-65 http://www.onda.ma/ONDA/an For checking arrivals and departures: Royal Air Morocco (RAM): http://www.royalairmaroc.com/Marchand/Eng/Home.jsp Train times: http://www.oncf.ma/Fr/Horraires.aspx CTM (bus) lines http://www.ctm.ma/ 22 Other websites of interest: http://www.clcmorocco.org The Center for Language and Culture in Marrakech website. http://www.morocco.com/ Morocco.com, a comprehensive site. http://looklex.com/e.o/morocco.htm Covers many countries. Many beautiful photos of Morocco, plus and e-mail discussion page. Location of the CLC in respect to the Jema el Fna, old medina, and other major landmarks of Marrakech 23 Detailed general vicinity of the CLC. The post office, for example, is an easy 8-minute walk. 24
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We jammin'
fourambluesAugust 6, 2012
So during the reno I really felt anchorless. Turns out the kitchen is not only the heart of the home -- seems like it's connected to *my* heart too! I'm just so happy to have my kitchen back! Here's what I did today:
(A bunch of seconds from the farmers' market)
(Spiced peach jam!!)
(I can't seem to successfully resize pics in photobucket...)


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Bull Cajun Rub - 8 oz.Item # HN-BUL156
- Gives your food a Cajun kick
- 8 ounces of secret gourmet flavor
- Great on beef, chicken, and seafood
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Bull Cajun Rub - 8 oz.
Add some spice to your life and your grill with a dash of Bull Cajun Rub - 8 oz. Every good chef needs that secret ingredient - make this yours! The Bull Cajun Rub adds just the right kick of Cajun herbs and spices without adding too much heat. Great for chicken, beef, and seafood, this mouth watering rub is available in 8 oz. bottles.About Bull Outdoor ProductsBull Outdoor Products will change the way you barbecue. The award-winning grills and grill accessories are designed, engineered,


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Featured in "The World As We See It or Missed It" – 10/05/2013
As beautiful the ripples may appear, in the end you want them to die down and to enjoy the serenity.
Canon 600D
Thanks for the feature POP's..!! :)
– Nishant Kuchekar
Congratulatons on your feature nicely done and presented
(\ /)
( . .)♥
Thanks Bonita! :)
– Nishant Kuchekar


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Gender Studies
EBSCO eBooks
The SLU Libraries are pleased to announce that we're now providing access to the EBSCO eBooks Academic Collection.
eBooks from Overdrive
OverDrive@SLU includes popular titles, fiction, current events titles, biography, and audiobooks to complement our Browsing Collection.
Gender and Society
ODY has a new tool for collaboration. The Mediascape is a LCD panel that allows multiple laptop connections and easy switching between displays.
Sexualities and Gender in European History
Academic Search Complete
A multi-disciplinary full text database that includes peer-reviewed academic journals as well as general magazines and news sources. The database contains full text for more than 8,750 journals including more than 7,800 peer-reviewed titles.
ATLA Religion
Produced by the American Theological Library Association, an index to journal articles, book reviews, and collections of essays in all fields of religion.
America: History & Life
An index of literature covering the history and culture of the United States and Canada, from prehistory to the present. Includes citations and links to journal articles, dissertations, primary documents, books and reviews. Links to fulltext are included.
Historical Abstracts
This resource covers the history of the world (excluding the United States and Canada), focusing on the 15th century forward. Provides indexing of historical articles in over 40 languages dating back to 1955.


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Aldrovandi Villa Borghese, Rome
Hotel with history
Located in a 19th-century villa that was formerly a convent, this luxury hotel is a 10-minute walk from Villa Borghese Gardens. You'll be in a peaceful and cultured neighborhood – the National Gallery of Modern Art is 5 minutes on foot.
Shuttle to Spanish Steps
Aldrovandi Villa Borghese offers a free shuttle service throughout the day for guests who want to visit the Spanish Steps and Via Veneto. Complimentary bikes are available if you'd like to explore Rome on 2 wheels, and guests enjoy free use of iPads.
Michelin-starred chef
Restaurant Oliver Glowig,named after its Michelin-starred chef, is known for putting modern twists on Italian classics. The Grill is a more informal option, and there are 2 bars. Free valet parking is provided, and guests also enjoy a heated outdoor pool, indoor pool, gym, spa tubs, sauna, steam room, and full-service spa.
Service at all hours
Guestrooms are sumptuously decorated in muted pastels, and all feature minibars, flat-screen TVs, and WiFi. If you're prone to midnight munchies, there's 24-hour room service.
uncomfortable with the front desk
Lovely hotel in a beautiful location, with easy access to the historic areas of Rome.…
Enter dates to check prices
Hotel Info: 866-539-8117from $275
- Double Room, Pool View (Prestige)
- Premium Double Room Single Use
- Deluxe Double or Twin Room
- Double Room (Prestige Villa Borghese)
- Junior Suite Single Use
- Deluxe Suite
- Superior Double or Twin Room
- Superior One Double or Two Twin beds Garden View
- Deluxe Suite (Single Use)
- Premium Double Room
- Junior Suite
- Double Room Single Use, Pool View (Prestige)
- Deluxe Double Room Single Use
- Deluxe Double Room
Recommended hotels
At a glance
Key facts
Hotel size
- This hotel has 108 rooms
- This hotel is arranged over 5 floors
- Check-in time starts at 2 PM
- Check-out time is noon
Required at check in
- Credit card or cash deposit required
- Government-issued photo ID required
Travelling with others
- Children (2 years old and younger) stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
- Babysitting/childcare
Extra people
- Roll-away beds available, charges may apply*
- Free WiFi in public areas
- Free WiFi in rooms
- Free valet parking
- Accessible parking
- Free area shuttle
Nearby Five Star Rome hotels
In the hotel
- In-room childcare (surcharge)
- Breakfast (surcharge)
- Restaurant
- Bar/lounge
- 24-hour room service
- Indoor pool
- Outdoor seasonal pool
- Fitness facilities
- Full-service spa
- Spa treatment room(s)
- Free bicycles on site
- Outdoor pool
- Steam room
- Pool sun loungers
- Sauna
- Beach/pool umbrellas
- Business center
- One meeting room
- Conference center
- Computer station
- 24-hour front desk
- Concierge services
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Laundry facilities
- Free newspapers in lobby
- Luggage storage
- Wedding services
- Elevator/lift
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Rooftop terrace
- Garden
- Disabled parking
- Accessible path of travel
- Accessibility equipment for the deaf
- Accessible bathroom
- In-room accessibility
- Roll-in shower
In the room
- Climate control
- Air conditioning
- Minibar
- Turndown service
- Private bathroom
- Hair dryer
- Pay movies
- Cable/satellite TV channels
- Desk
- Free newspaper
- Free WiFi
- Phone
- Daily housekeeping
- In-room safe
Top Rome hotels
Recently reviewed hotels in Rome
- B&B A Casa di BarbaraFrom
- The St. Regis RomeFrom
"We stayed four days in Rome and loved every minute of it -- all thanks to our amazing room at the St. Regis. Located near the Repubblica metro stop, the hotel exudes luxury both…"Mar 6, 2015
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"Very nice staff and we enjoyed the happy hour and breakfast offerings. Terrific neighborhood so convenient to walk to and from. Lots of excellent restaurants very close (towards…"Mar 6, 2015
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Special features
Guests can enjoy the many features of the hotel's onsite spa, La Mer Spa. Looking out on the garden, the spa includes couples treatment rooms, a Turkish bath/hammam, sauna, and steam room. Services include massages and beauty regimens such as body treatments, facial treatments, and body scrubs. Children under 10 require an adult guardian. Please make reservations in advance to guarantee massage and spa services.
DiningRistorante Oliver Glowig - This fine-dining restaurant serves lunch and dinner. Reservations are required. Open select days.
Awards and affiliations
- Aldrovandi Villa Borghese is listed in the 2014 Condé Nast Traveler Gold List of the world's best places to stay.
- The property is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World.
Aldrovandi Villa Borghese, Rome's small print
Also known as
- Aldrovandi Villa Borghese
- Villa Borghese Hotel Rome
- Aldrovandi Villa Borghese Hotel
- Hotel Aldrovandi Villa Borghese Rom
- Hotel Aldrovandi Villa Borghese Roma
- Hotel Aldrovandi Villa Borghese
- Aldrovandi Palace Rome
- Aldrovandi Hotel Roma
- Hotel Aldrovandi Villa Borghese Rome
- Aldrovandi Villa Borghese Rome
Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 999.99, due to national regulations. For further details, please contact the property using information in the booking confirmation.
Children under 10 years old are not allowed in the spa without adult supervision.
Guests under 10 years old are not allowed in the spa.
For transfers, guests must contact the property before arrival at the number on the booking confirmation.
Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments and can be made by contacting the property before arrival at the number on the booking confirmation.
Mandatory fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges at check in or check out:
- A tax is imposed by the city: EUR 7 per person, per night, up to 10 nights. This tax does not apply to children under 10 years of age.
Optional extras
Breakfast is offered for an extra charge of EUR 22 for adults and EUR 15 for children (approximately)
Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of EUR 100 per vehicle (one way)
We have included all charges provided to us by this hotel. However, charges can vary, for example, based on length of stay or the room you book.


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The ability to use language (speak, read, write) is not something that children suddenly or automatically develop. It is rather a culmination of experiences with language that begin at birth. Sharing stories (oral storytelling, books) and "story experiences" (conversations, songs, poems, rhymes) with infants and toddlers is critical to building their emergent literacy skills. At the same time, it expands their experience and understanding of the world and also prompts positive interactions with adults and other children, fostering social development.
Sprinkled with charming vignettes and ideas for stories to share, From Lullabies to Literature explains how the many types of stories and story experiences are best used with very young children, with a particular focus on using books, and how teachers can plan and provide story experiences most effectively, including by partnering with families. Copublished with Pademelon Press.
Position Statement--Developmentally Appropriate Practice (booklet)
Because teachers, advocates, parents, and faculty asked for a stand-alone version of the 2009 Position Statement on "Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs" to give to principals, school board members, and other decision makers, it is now available as a 36-page booklet.
Social-emotional learning is key to every child's ability to manage feelings and to interact successfully with others. This book covers 11 separate topics of social-emotional learning from developing a positive self-identity to creating a democracy and offers numerous teaching strategies and suggestions for professional development. Drawing on extensive research and discussion from the early childhood field, this book helps the thoughtful educator chart a path for young children to develop the social-emotional skills they need to succeed in school and in life. Copublished with HighScope Press.
Art: Basic for Young Children
Full of examples of how art can instill confidence, communication, and creativity in young children by increasing sensitivity to the physical environment, offering new ways to express feelings, and enhancing awareness of individuality. Includes a practical overview of possible materials ranging from finger paint to plaster and outlines exciting project ideas for fostering creativity.
Developmentally Appropriate Practice (3rd ed.) and Basics of DAP Bundle
Save when you order the third edition of Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth through Age 8 together with the popular Basics of Developmentally Appropriate Practice. Essential for every student or new practitioner's collection! See full descriptions and tables of contents for items #375 (Developmentally Appropriate Practice) and #259 (Basics of DAP: An Introduction for Teachers of Children 3 to 6).
Basics of Developmentally Appropriate Practice Set (Book & DVD)
Developmentally appropriate practice is so fundamental to the early childhood field that all new educators need a sound grasp from the very start. While DAP's basic concepts aren't difficult or arcane, they can be understood wrongly or incompletely—and often are! This engaging set (Basics of DAP book and Looking at the Basics of DAP DVD) describes the core concepts and makes them meaningful to everyday practice.
Developmentally appropriate practice is so fundamental to the early childhood field that all new educators need a sound grasp from the very start. While DAP's basic concepts aren't difficult or arcane, they can be understood wrongly or incompletely—and often are! This engaging little book describes the core concepts and makes them meaningful to everyday practice for preschool teachers. College instructors, directors, and trainers will find this an invaluable tool for introducing learners to the foundation of the early childhood field.
Even the most experienced preschool teacher can feel a bit unsure about meeting the unique needs of children from different language backgrounds. Many Languages, One Classroom applies the latest information about best practices to all aspects of a preschool program. This book is designed to fit any preschool curriculum and addresses state standards and benchmarks of standard quality programming. From Gryphon House.
This resource explores the vital connection between observing and effective teaching, offering guidelines and specific strategies to help teachers and caregivers transform observing into an essential component of their teaching practices. Much more than just a set of skills, observation is a mindset of openness and wonder that helps teachers and caregivers get to know more about each child in their care. In this second edition, the authors have added extensive, up-to-date examples to help teachers apply what they learn about children as well as a study guide for use in staff development and college courses. From Teaching Strategies.


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- Add some serious sizzle to your gas pedal with the Banks AutoMind Programmer
- Custom engineered and configured to work with your year, make and model
- Delivers immediate gains in horsepower, torque and fuel economy
- Equipped with four standard tunes: power, towing, sport and economy
- Opens the door for customized modding to your rev limiter, speed limiter, speedometer calibration, cooling fan activation temp, shift points and more (not all adjustments are available for all vehicles)
- Reads and clears engine fault codes
- Connects quickly to your OBD-II port
- Plugs into your PC for online updates
- Your Banks AutoMind Programmer is backed by a 1-year warranty
Got an itch to transform your sluggish gas pedal into a lethal weapon? Forget about bolting on expensive blowers, turbo kits and intercoolers. There's an easier way to crank your ride's performance up to 11, and it's called the Banks AutoMind Programmer.
Instead of making your motor work harder, the Banks AutoMind tuner allows it to work smarter by replacing the limited factory programming with one of its sophisticated tunes. Just plug it in, pick a tune, and buckle up because your ride has just become a lot more exciting. You can pick between a power, towing, sport, and economy mode depending on whether you're hot-lapping around town, hauling a cord of wood up to your cabin or trying to cut down at the pump. Plus, you can plug in your AutoMind and change tunes anytime.
Beyond the preconfigured tunes, the Banks AutoMind also lets you customize key settings. Adjust your rev limiter, recalibrate your speedometer, tweak the cooling fan, modify your shift points and more—the possibilities are limitless. And, your Banks AutoMind Programmer doubles as a full-service diagnostic tool, reading and clearing fault codes right in your driveway instead of at the mechanic's. It's also backed by a 1-year warranty.
Thanks to the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act: US Code – Title 15, Chapter 50, Sections 2301-2312, your vehicle's factory warranty is protected by law when you add aftermarket parts. Details
Banks AutoMind Programmer Customer Reviews
37 Customer Reviews
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Very Nice!
Great programmer, easy to install and use.
Reviewed by Clinton S (Tampa, FL) Reviewed for a 2001 Jeep Cherokee — Dec 20, 2014 9:20 PM
I used the 91 octane program and I can tell the difference in acceleration and I don't have to get on it as much to keep up with traffic. Took 10 minutes to install and you can update it online.
Great programmer
Reviewed by Murray B (ELIZABETH CITY, NC) Reviewed for a 2010 Chevy Silverado — Dec 19, 2014 8:55 PM
Great programmer. Lots of options and easy to use. I initially set the 85 sport and am pleased with the results and gained almost 2mpg. Transmission shifts great
Banks Automind programmer
Reviewed by Roger T (Lake Forest, CA) Reviewed for a 2014 Jeep Wrangler — Oct 29, 2014 3:22 PM
I was very skeptical about any real change in power or mileage claims. The recommended setting by Banks was the sport setting. I tried it as my first option and I'm happily surprised with the results. Noticeably more power and mileage right away.
Reviewed by Anthony R (MADILL, OK) — Oct 24, 2014 4:12 AM
I was really skeptical about any programmer but this has made me a believer. I use the work/tow when I'm loaded and then to the economy. Unbelievable power in both settings and my mileage has went up 2.5 to 5 miles per gallon respectfully. Highly recommended. Scooter in Oklahoma
Banks AutoMind Programmer
- $368.68
- Free Shipping
- Ships Between 3/30 - 4/01
- What Do You Drive?


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March 9, 2014
Spring Fling Weekend at Wintergreen Resort
Live Music at Devils Backbone Brewing Company
Live Music at Devils Backbone Brewing Company.
Read more ›
"The Apple Heritage of Nelson County" by Tom Burford
Nelson County Historical Society will hold it's annual meeting. The program will be presented by Tom Burford entitled "The Apple Heritage of Nelson County", will feature a special illustrated presentation with photos and descriptions of varieties significant to Nelson's apple history. He is a renowned expert on apples and is commonly referred to as "Professor Apple".
His recently published book, "Apples of North America", will be available for purchase with 10% of the proceeds given to the Nelson County Historical Society.
No admission charge and everyone is welcome.
Wintergreen Performing Arts presents Atlantic Chamber Ensemble at RVCC
Wintergreen Performing Arts presents Atlantic Chamber Ensemble at RVCC.
Read more ›


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You are right. Bootloader keys área firmware independent, as long as you are on stock firmware/kernel
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Do you like saving money (who doesn't)? Today, we have a special surprise that we know you'll love…
Here's a hint: it's a HOT sale!
For 24 hours only, get 15% OFF vitamins & supplements at Vitacost.com — including fish oil, multi-vitamins, CoQ10 and coconut oil!
Katie is the Content Supervisor (and a loyal customer) at Vitacost.com. In her spare time, she enjoys biking with her husband, playing with her pets and writing bios about herself.
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- Six Tips to Keep You from Getting Sick - February 13, 2015
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Let's Talk About Horror Fiction and Film
View Single Post
September 3 2008, 02:04 AM
Spaceman Spiff
Intrepid Explorer
Re: Let's Talk About Horror Fiction
Return of the Wolf Man
was a lot of fun. I think that it was, for the most part, a much more solid effort than the Dark Horse Press books. I didn't mind the move to modern times, because I don't really think that negates the possibility of other stories, except by this author. It doesn't look like it was a huge hit or anything, and the author doesn't appear to have written any other Universal Monsters tie-ins. It's disappointing on that part, because he's really good at capturing Larry Talbot, and there's a fun semi-cliffhanger ending that alludes to
Werewolf of London.
My nitpicks are few and far between. The weirdest bit in the book was an almost off-hand comment in which Talbot states that he hasn't eaten anything but human flesh since he became a werewolf. That threw me a little, wondering where the author got that notion, but after thinking on it, I guess it's not really
weird. I don't recall ever seeing him eat in any of the movies, so it's not like it conflicts with anything on film. And he's clearly a supernatural creature--aside from the general werewolf affliction, he's seemingly immortal, etc. I guess it just surprised me because it's a disturbing thought. Still, it led to one of the better lines in the book:
"I never eat ...
Another minor nitpick was that even though the Dracula in the book is clearly the Lugosi version, the book confirms that he's Vlad Tepes. That's always a personal gripe of mine, though, and I can't really blame Rovin for going that route, as it's a popular one. I liked
In Search of Dracula
, but man, ever since that book, Drac and Vlad have been inseparable.
All that said, the "flashback" describing his origin had a neat tie to the Dracula ring as well as some nods to Stoker's book.
He also mentioned Drac's fangs a lot. He obviously had them in the films (that, or he sort of sucked the blood out psychically), but it still seems weird to imaging Lugosi flashing them like Christopher Lee.
But despite the nitpicks, it was a really fun read. He's got a few nods to other films, while not taking it quite as far as Elizabeth Hand did in her
book. There are ties to
White Zombie
, for example, since that takes place in Haiti, and
Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein
is set in Florida. Apparently, Murder Legendre got replaced by Dracula as the plantation master.
I was half dreading that Drac would "confess" to masquerading as Legendre, but fortunately, that didn't happen.
When someone asks what happened to Chick Young and Wilbur Grey, they're told that after they told everyone about the monsters, they disappeared, and rumor had it that they changed aliases a few times and even joined the Foreign Legion.
You have to love little bits like that.
I definitely recommend it, especially if you can get it on the (somewhat) cheap.
"Love means never having to say you're ugly."
- Dr. Phibes
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On the northern side of the castle Somoska you find the famous cataract of basalt, as the hot basalt got petrified in the form of arched columns. This kind of rare geological formation only exists on four places of the world. The narrow pentagonal and hexagonal columns were formed as the basalt got cool, and at certain points their height is not less than 9 m. A part of these rock formations were used for the construction of the castle, as well.
Pod hradom Somoska, na jeho severnej strane sa nachadza svetoznamy cadicovy vylev. Vo vyske asi 500 m n.m. su cadicove stlpce, dlhe az 16 m, ohnute do obluku, usporiadane ako organove pistaly. Z obce Siatorska Bukovinka vedie sem geologicky naucny chodnik ktoreho stanovistom je aj cadicovy vylev.
Europe is generally agreed to be the birthplace of western culture, including such legendary innovations as the democratic nation-state, football and tomato sauce.The word Europe comes from the Greek goddess Europa, who was kidnapped by Zeus and plunked down on the island of Crete. Europa gradually changed from referring to mainland Greece until it extended finally to include Norway and Russia.Don't be confused that Europe is called a continent without looking like an island, the way the other continents do. It's okay. The Ural mountains have steadily been there to divide Europe from Asia for the last 250 million years. Russia technically inhabits "Eurasia".Europe is presently uniting into one political and economic zone with a common currency called the Euro. The European Union originated in 1993 and is now composed of 27 member states. Its headquarters is in Brussels, Belgium.Do not confuse the EU with the Council of Europe, which has 47 member states and dates to 1949. These two bodies share the same flag, national anthem, and mission of integrating Europe. The headquarters of the Council are located in Strasbourg, France, and it is most famous for its European Court of Human Rights. In spite of these two bodies, there is still no single Constitution or set of laws applying to all the countries of Europe. Debate rages over the role of the EU in regards to national sovereignty. As of January 2009, the Lisbon Treaty is the closest thing to a European Constitution, yet it has not been approved by all the EU states. Text by Steve Smith.


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2 In Custody In North Philly Carjacking Crash That Killed 3 Children
Police say they have two persons of interest in custody in connection with a deadly carjacking and hit-and-run crash that killed three children in North Philadelphia.
Prayer Vigil Held For Victims Of Deadly Carjacking Crash
Family and friends of three children who were killed Friday in a carjacking, hit-and run crash gathered Saturday evening for a prayer vigil at the scene of the incident.
Manhunt Continues For Suspects In Deadly Carjacking Crash That Killed 3 Children
Police say two suspects are still on the loose after a carjacking crash that killed three children.
3 Children Killed, 3 Injured In North Philadelphia Hit-Run; $110K Reward Offered
Three siblings, a 7-year-old boy, a 10-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl, were killed after a stolen car plowed into a crowd in North Philadelphia Friday morning, police said.
Arrest Made In Fatal Hit-And-Run In Camden
The Camden County Prosecutor and Camden County Police have announced a suspect has been charged in a hit and run that killed a man last weekend in Camden.
Pedestrian Dies After Hit-And-Run In Camden; Vehicle Sought
Authorities say a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle on North 27th Street near High Street at 9:20 p.m. Saturday, July 19.
Camden Police Release Info On Vehicle That Struck And Critically Injured Pedestrian
Police in Camden have released new details in a hit and run accident that injured a pedestrian on Saturday night.
Driver Sought In Camden Hit-And-Run
Police are searching for the driver of the vehicle they say hit a pedestrian then fled the scene Saturday night.
Police Make Arrest In Camden County Hit And Run
Edward Russell was arrested around 1 a.m. Monday morning and charged with knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident with serious bodily injury.
Driver Sought In Camden County Hit-And-Run
Lindenwold Police are searching for the driver they say struck a pedestrian Saturday night, then fled the scene.
Police: 2 Arrested In Deadly Bensalem Hit-And-Run
Police say two arrests have been made in connection with a deadly hit and run accident in Bensalem, Bucks County.
Police Investigating Fatal Hit-And-Run In Paulsboro As Homicide
Police are investigating a deadly hit and run that occurred in Paulsboro, Gloucester County early Sunday morning.
Police In Delco Investigating Hit-And-Run
Police are investigating a hit-and-run that occurred Saturday night in Darby, Delaware County.
Ewing Police Search For Hit And Run Driver
Police are searching for the driver of a car who struck a 26-year-old woman on the morning of April 16 and then fled the scene.
Police Continue To Search For Driver In Delaware County Hit And Run
Police are looking for the driver of a vehicle that struck an 18-year-old Monday night.