As I step off the plane in Tangier, Morocco, I am struck by the warmth of the sun beaming down on my face and neck, which is something foreign to…
Letters
Each of Us Has a Story Burning Within Us, But Who Will Listen
Steven was middle-aged, bright-eyed, wore tennis shoes tied with double-knots, blue jeans with rips in the knees, a red and black jacket that was too thin to break the wind,…
Uncharted Territories
At the crossroads of comfort and adventure, where the boundaries of familiarity and the unknown converge, I found myself faced with a life-altering decision. I could fly across the world…
Call to Prayer
You can feel it in the air, in the way the birds chirp, the way people bustle about. The children laugh on Friday, their Holy Day, and there is no…
My Brother Ali
During our bus ride to Chefchaouan, the blue pearl of Morocco, I was anxious about spending the weekend with a host family whose name I couldn’t even pronounce without embarrassing…
Altaawus
We walked out of the Fes medina through the intricate blue gates and made our way into a nearby garden. There we saw beautiful fountains full of blue tiles, water…
This Magic Would Never Happen in New Jersey
I’m usually outgoing, but for some reason, approaching a stranger in a cafe to talk about his life made my stomach twist. “Hi,” was all I managed as I walked…
Friendships are like Origami
While most of our Saturday nights in Tangier were spent out on the town, that Saturday was different – better, even. I’d been working at the American School in Tangier,…
Getting off the Bus in Marrakesh
My mom collects decks of cards from everywhere she travels. During our trip to Marrakesh, I decided to combine two separate quests: first, to lead a group, without a map…
One Knock to Enter a New World
Green doors. Blue doors. White doors and brown doors. Not one is the same as another. Iron handles with swirling, steel designs. Knots of wood. Sturdy and reliable stone frames,…
