You Won't Grow if You Stay in Your Comfort Zone

"Life begins at the end of your comfort zone"

~Neale Donald Walsch

As a foreign woman in Morocco, typically situations are more comfortable if you travel with a male or in a group. Don’t get me wrong, I have fallen in love with this country and the generous, loving people who live in Morocco. However, as an outsider, it is always better to air on the side of caution. I look very different from the average individual on the street or in public spaces. The combination of my green eyes and light curly hair draws a lot of attention—I know that it is my hair and eyes because those are usually the subject of the random comments. Therefore, I mentally prepare myself for the possibility of drawing attention every time that I leave the campus grounds.

I love running, it calms my nerves and keeps my thoughts grounded—plus it is an easy way to stay healthy. For the first two months here, I have restricted myself to running on a treadmill in the University gym. I do not enjoy running on treadmills because I find it boring. I have, embarrassingly, been afraid to run outside of campus because I do not know the area and I do not want to draw attention to myself. As I mentioned previously, just being in a public space will draw unwanted attention because people are curious and there’s nothing wrong with being curious but it makes me uncomfortable none-the-less. I consider myself the wallflower type; therefore, any attention is unwanted in my opinion. About a month ago, I got over my absurd fears of being in the public eye. I finally decided to go running around Ifrane (the town that I live in). I started off running only when I could find a buddy, but after a few positive experiences and after learning the various routes that I can safely run, I have been running with or without a buddy. DON’T WORRY MOM and DAD I AM 100% SAFE. I take the normal precautions that are important no matter your location: I tell people approximately where I will be running, when to expect my return, and I never run at the same time of day. Yes, I have had a few uncomfortable situations, but they were quick to end.  On the contrary, have I witnessed some beautiful scenery and met some kind people.

My favorite route passes a beautiful park. This particular route, in my opinion, requires a running buddy for safety precautions—you never know if you might twist an ankle. On an average day, this route does not have very many people or cars. However, on Friday afternoon the park was filled with families out having picnics and barbeques. It was awesome to see the park in use.

                Fall is a gorgeous time in Ifrane, the temperature does not get too cold during the day and all of the trees are various shades of yellow. The best way to enjoy the scenery is by walking or running through it. My runs have been beneficial for witnessing the beauty and very beneficial in learning the roads of the city. I used to run and have a general idea of what direction I needed to go in order to return to the University. Now, I run and know generally, where I am—what point markers are in proximity to my location. The one negative prospect of running long distances six day a week is that I obtain some large blisters on my feet. 

      

 The two pictures below illustrate my friends and I walking to the city center for a little girls night out. We can get soup for ten dirham which is about one dollar (the particular name of the soup we get is Hariria). This is my favorite meal to get when I go out to eat. You are given bread with your soup and this combination is very filling. 

 

Yes, sometimes there are random donkeys on the side of the road. Welcome to Morocco. :)