Rivers of Gold Bond®

The first torturous night of summer last night. Without electricity (due to some component up on the wires literally exploding) and therefore without use of my fan and insect repellent plug-in, the stage was set-- the air in my bedroom still and heavy, the near-invisible mosquitoes like vampires, thirsty and quivering at the door. I fell asleep easily, but awoke after only an hour or so, my hands and feet swollen and itching madly from the previous night's bites as well as some new additions. In the dull yellow beam of my flashlight on the wall, I could see them, like a nightmare, flitting about over the white surface, trying to stay out of the light. After a short-lived attempt at mass extermination, I knew the roof was the answer-- my slippery grip on sanity for the night. A sleeping bag and mosquito net in tow, my sandals clapped up the stairwell as I went to set up camp above. Ah... sweet relief. I slept until the rooster crows woke me just before sunrise.

The Arrival(s)

The first participants in the Explore Amizmiz project came to town last week, trying out every available activity: homestay, cooking lesson, couscous co-op, trekking to the mountain villages, and visiting the artisans. Very cool! They found our site via the Wikitravel link, and reported a great experience here. It's exciting to see real results come of our efforts. More people are booked for later this month!

Also exciting, as I mentioned previously, is witnessing my counterpart build the beginnings of her own business, gaining independence and confidence, learning all aspects of the trade-- a business that works by utilizing elements and individuals of community, and hopefully in turn, strengthening them in a variety of ways. Next we're planning to figure out an accounting system to keep track of how funds are being distributed throughout the local economy. As I am trying to place heavy emphasis on supporting the artisans, my counterpart and I are visiting them to discuss their role in the project-- what opportunities this presents (financial, marketing), and to hear their concerns and ideas. I'm designing brochures to hopefully have printed and distributed throughout Marrakech, aimed with the intent to draw the interest of visitors specifically to the artisans.

The overall game plan at this point is to continue to develop my counterpart's skills, increase visibility of our site/project, and see what we can do for the artisans based on what their needs are and what resources are applicable. We've also started English classes again! I was reluctant to do so, but agreed after considering how much everyone, myself included, seems to get out of it, and recognizing that it's a very immediate way to have a positive effect here whereas my other work stuff is slowly built. We never did find a new classroom in the neighborhood, but are using a room in the Chamber of Handicraft in town. Quite a distance, but we're only doing weekend mornings, so it's reasonable.

Lots to keep busy with...

refrigerator box/brainstorming board/central command