Date: Sat, 16 Oct 1999

Salaam Alykoom Koolshee Bekhir, j'espére (mixing Arabic and French is done all the time here) Just wanted to send off a quick note to tell you all what's been happening.

There has finally been some rain, in fact, it's rained off and on for 5 days now. Two days ago, I was on the roof, watching the wind blow, thunder and lightning, and a bolt struck a lampost near my house. The light exploded and the wires came off and were on the ground (live) for a day or so, until the electric company came by to fix it. It made for interesting soccer games for the kids in the street.

I taught my newest class, engineering students, today. They are very motivated.... Well, as much as could be expected, since the class is in the afternoon on Fridays. EVERYONE here eats couscous for lunch on Fridays, and after that, most people are supposed to take naps....Right at the time I teach the class, so I will do my best to motivate them.

I'm leaving tonight at 4am for Fes, which is a huge city in the north of Morocco. It's supposed to be very exciting. I will try to buy a guitar there and visit some friends there and in Meknes, which is a neighboring city. Last time I took an overnight train it was a nightmare (without falling asleep) so I hope for better this time N'Sha'Allah.

I am sending more pics in the mail today, so I hope they will be on the internet soon. They are from my trip around the north of Morocco. Most of the people in my neighborhood know me now, and it is impossible to walk down the street, without having at least 4 or 5 conversations. That has it's good points and bad, as you can imagine. The good part is that I'm never without company, and the bad part is that....I'm never without company. Just kidding... It's doing wonders for my language skills, both French and Derija.

OK, I'll send more soon. Wish me bon chance pour mon cherché pour la guitar. Au revoir.

Fritz

P.S. I couldn't send this yesterday (when I first wrote it) I saved it, thinking I would send it later. Then I overslept and missed my bus. Now it's 10:30 in the afternoon on Sat, and I will be leaving for Fes in about 3 hours. Barring some other catastrophy. My life here is so random, last night I was in downtown Agadir and just happened to run into about 8 other Peace Corps Volunteers whp were in town. We all went out and had a great time. (probably part of the reason I slept through the alarm). Ok, I'll send more soon m'a ssalama (with peace) thella frahsek (take care of yourself).