Actually, I see Spain whenever I make it down into the center of town from the American Compound of Obligation, which is not as often as one would like, but this was really the first time I've gotten to spend any amount of time in the Medina itself. Emily and I walked around the aswaq (anyone remember that word?) within the city itself, and I must admit it felt really good to be outside of the academic environment and actually talking to people on the street and seeing stuff again. While I am infinitely grateful for this program and its free-ness, my one major critique is that, in trying to get their money's worth out of us I am sure, the program has also made sure that all of our time is dedicated to studying Arabic. While I am definitely here to learn the language, it's a little weird to mostly be doing it in the compound when a whole country that speaks it is right outside the gate... Today was a good reminder that in order for me to really get out of this what I want, I need to put special emphasis on getting away from the other Americans, as the program's a little too designed to keep us together. Tomorrow's the weekend at least, so there should be some time to explore.
Digression: so, "explore" (استكشف for those interested) is one of the words I'm being tested on tomorrow, but it comes up a fair amount when you're in a new place and are trying to do just that. The unfortunate part of this is whenever I tell someone what I either am about to do, want to do, or actually doing, I feel a little bit like a kid's show "Word of the Day!" type of thing, and flashing lights and a siren should go off whenever I say it. Anyhow...
Okay, I guess I'm just going to leave that "Anyhow..." awkwardly floating, as I've realized that I don't have too much more to say tonight in addition to really wanting to go to bed. So, good night all, and for those interested/able, there are photos up on facebook of the rooftop view today, including Spain.
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