ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Middle East and North AfricaAmericans Soldiers Save woman who had her nose cut off
I guess you just have a different definition of what "defend and support" means.
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2010-10-20 09:12:00
Middle East and North AfricaAmericans Soldiers Save woman who had her nose cut off
I don't think you're getting that those two things are not mutually exclusive. There is a difference. I don't agree with the speed limit but that doesn't mean I break the law. We have something called loyal opposition it's a foundation of this country. You don't have to agree with it, but you still follow the laws/rules etc. Do you think that all Americans loved the Vietnam draft - he** no! Did they get drafted and do their service? Yes. I'm so tired of everyone having to waive the raw-raw flag to be considered American when a real American, a true "patriot" questions his government and isn't led blindly by leaders whose interests are often much more muddled than our own. I've worked with the federal government in Washington. Trust me they are all disconnected and it's a completely different ball game.
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2010-10-19 22:13:00
Middle East and North AfricaAmericans Soldiers Save woman who had her nose cut off
I just have to say supporting the military and agreeing with military action are two different things. My BIL and cousins are all in the service and while I of course support them (because it's their job). I don't support US military action, or the action of soldiers and their commanders who are committing crimes under the guise of military action. If people don't question the military and government THAT is when we run into problems.

Also taking an oath saying you will bear arms doesn't mean you have to agree with everything the military/government does. I really dislike the fact that in order to be "patriotic" one must support and endorse all actions of the military and government when that is completely the reason why this country was founded. If the founders of the US had that same opinion, we would all be eating crumpets and sipping tea and subjugated. It is the duty of people in a democracy to question their leaders and those acting in their name.
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2010-10-19 20:55:00
Middle East and North AfricaMarriage in Morocco...
Although I didn't marry in Morocco from what I've read/heard you can expect the actual process to take about one month. There is lots of running around involved but since you will be based in Rabat/Sale it might be a little faster for you (less travel time)
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2010-10-17 09:37:00
Middle East and North AfricaHe never says sorry...
My husband had serious depression issues in the beginning that rolled into anxiety attacks in the last year. We went to the doctor and she told him it was anxiety attacks and gave him some medication to help with them. He started to take it for about 2 months but realized if he stopped taking it he had side effects(obviously) he then determined that he didn't want to take anything that was "altering" him (although I tried to explain it wasn't altering him it was balancing out his deficits...he didn't buy it.) So he detoxed off them completely...he was such a different happier person on them and I wish he would give it a shot again.

I think that your spouse having such dramatic weight loss is a big problem. I would really encourage him to see the doctor again, and perhaps a psychologist.
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2010-09-08 22:57:00
Middle East and North AfricaHe never says sorry...
Like others have said it does sound like he is depressed and going through the adjustment phase. Does it get better? Yes most of the time but you'll need a load of patience. I think that on a whole expressing emotions and dealing with them is just not really done. For the longest time my husband felt that if we didn't talk about things it would just go away - which isn't true. We spent many days not talking to each other. Thank God he's finally gotten over that and realized that talking about our problems really helps. Might I suggest writing him a letter to talk about what you're feeling. That way he can understand and take time to digest it. My husband said that he always felt like I was attacking him which I wasn't but it was too much for him to handle when I would start talking. I never backed down and always expressed what I was feeling even if it was met by a brick wall - happy to say 5 years later things are much much better.
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2010-09-05 09:18:00
Middle East and North AfricaMoroccan/Berber Wedding Blankets
Send it to me? LOL. Folded up on the end of a bed is how I would have it - like in a long rectangle.
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2010-11-18 08:29:00
Middle East and North AfricaCooking Question
really a clay couscous steamer?? I have to do some research on this - i've never seen one!!
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2010-11-03 22:25:00
Middle East and North AfricaCooking Question
I've used both a steamer insert and a couscousierre. The steamer will leave your couscous a little more wet than the couscousierre. I'm afraid I can't recommend a brand in the US as mine came from Morocco.
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2010-11-01 14:25:00
Middle East and North AfricaHALAL Food
Also most halal meat has the blood drained - no sitting blood - longer lasting/fresher meat. IMO
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2010-11-19 22:31:00
Middle East and North AfricaThe Occupation of Western Sahara
Well if you actually read what I wrote you would have read that I wasn't comparing the Sahrawi to the drug militias. I was comparing the Polisario and AQIM to drug militias.

I've also consistently held in this discussion that I feel sorry for the Sahrawi - that they are stuck in the middle of this argument. I've also never said that Morocco's annexation was the best idea, only that independence for the region wouldn't truly be independence and that Algeria or some other forces would make it a puppet.

Also I knew about the Western Sahara loooong before I even knew any Moroccans.

Edited by MrsAmera, 21 October 2010 - 03:34 PM.

MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2010-10-21 15:31:00
Middle East and North AfricaThe Occupation of Western Sahara
I have to argue that were the Polisario and AQIM to pull out of that region Morocco would have no problem letting the Sahrawi's reunite with their families. However opening that border is tantamount to the US opening up the southern border to be infiltrated (moreso) with the drug militia.s
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2010-10-21 12:44:00
Middle East and North AfricaThe Occupation of Western Sahara
I didn't realize I was presenting a high level analysis here. I think I also clearly stated that neither argument will equal what the Sahrawi want. Algeria has it's own agenda, as does Morocco. The Sahrawi are in the middle of a geo-political game. Just understanding the facts of the condition the Sahrawi are in lead to my comments that of course another country will step up to fill that power vaccum if they attain independence.
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2010-10-20 13:05:00
Middle East and North AfricaThe Occupation of Western Sahara
You don't have to be independent to have infastructure...the US South seceded from the Union and they had an infastructure. My point in this argument is that "Independence" for the Western Sahara is not really independence. The Polisario forcibly control the region and are brutal. Algeria backs the Polisario because of the reasons cited above. There are 500,000 people in the Western Sahara...a desert wasteland that happens to have mineral wealth and coastal access. Morocco has offered them autonomy but to remain a part of Morocco, Algeria/Polisario pushes a referendum with independence as an option. Everyone in this argument has an agenda. I certainly feel bad for the Sahrawi because really I don't think anyone in the argument is in favor of what's best for them, or what their wants are even. They are a pawn in this geo-political game.
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2010-10-20 12:44:00
Middle East and North AfricaThe Occupation of Western Sahara
Algeria supports the Polisario because "freedom" for the W. Sahara = access to the Atlantic for them. Economically, militarily and geographically positioning them better. Algeria has set itself in the eyes of the Sahrawi as an ally and friend, and a seperate country of W. Sahara would never be able to sustain itself without intensive outside assistance. Who do you think will step into that? Algeria, they've been positioning themselves as such. W. Sahara wouldn't accept Morocco or Mauritania in that capacity. Mali and Niger are in no position to offer support either. The only option would be Algeria. And Algeria has always planned on that.

Also, let's remember the Polisario/seperatists have also killed and imprisoned many Moroccan citizens/police/military in this endeavor. Morocco internally struggles with Polisario terrorists recruiting inside Morocco and carrying out small scale attacks.

Edited by MrsAmera, 20 October 2010 - 12:36 PM.

MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2010-10-20 12:34:00
Middle East and North AfricaThe Occupation of Western Sahara
The saddest part of this debate for me is that the people (Sahrawi) are being propped up and "supported" by the Polisario who don't want them to be free either. Their ultimate goal is to have control over that region. Algeria supports the Polisario because it would give them access to the Atlantic Ocean. If tomorrow Morocco gave up possession of the Western Sahara it would be a huge vaccum, because there is no infastructure, no sense of governance or even much industry. They would rely heavily on the outside countries. Without a doubt Algeria would step in and be a new colonial master in the region.
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2010-10-20 09:35:00
Middle East and North AfricaThe Occupation of Western Sahara
Well then IMO they should start by questioning the Polisario and Algeria's support of that terrorist organization before laying it heavy on Morocco's "occupation".
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2010-10-19 22:14:00
Middle East and North AfricaThe Occupation of Western Sahara
Oh boy.....where are we going with this?
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2010-10-19 20:56:00
Middle East and North Africasending money from Morocco to US
It's not illegal for Moroccans to change dirhams to dollars - it's illegal to send money out of Morocco. You "Might" be able to send USD or Euros to the US but def. not dirham. As others have said it's very difficult to send money out of Morocco.
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2010-11-18 08:31:00
Middle East and North AfricaMoroccan consulate in NY
Good luck getting ahold of someone - they have a very limited time frame of being open. They are worthless in my opinion lol
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2010-11-23 18:39:00
Middle East and North AfricaK-1 Pictures
One other issue that might come up - just to prepare you for this possibility - is that even though it may be traditional to marry a cousin there..it's not here. The CO may look at your relationship as a way to get a family member into the US and not as a valid fiance relationship. Without pictures of the two of you it may compound this. You will need to provide as much evidence as you possibly can to show them that it is an actual relationship and not just a means for your fiance to enter the US.

One other issue that might come up - just to prepare you for this possibility - is that even though it may be traditional to marry a cousin there..it's not here. The CO may look at your relationship as a way to get a family member into the US and not as a valid fiance relationship. Without pictures of the two of you it may compound this. You will need to provide as much evidence as you possibly can to show them that it is an actual relationship and not just a means for your fiance to enter the US.
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2010-12-19 12:30:00
Middle East and North AfricaK-1 Pictures
I think that explaining the situation will help to some degree however I know with many petitions photos are vital. But if you don't have them, you don't have them. I would provide as much other proof as possible that can show you did meet. Maybe letters from your parents and his parents? Explaining in the situation?
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2010-12-18 23:03:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA December 2010 Chat
So true about how fast the time goes! We're at 6 years together. Can't wait to see your little girl Kelz!
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2010-12-19 12:33:00
Middle East and North AfricaMarrying in Morocco
Not in a mosque however. I believe that most imams do require you to have the proper paperwork to do it in a mosque.

Not in a mosque however. I believe that most imams do require you to have the proper paperwork to do it in a mosque.
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2011-01-10 16:03:00
Middle East and North AfricaKeep in MENA
Youssef was automatically registered. I guess the appointment will be your best bet. If not I would plead ignorance in that you understood it would be done, assumed it was and hope they understand?
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2011-01-10 00:36:00
Middle East and North AfricaFAMILY ACCEPTANCE
Sofiyya has given some great advice. Will it be a problem with the consulate - hard to know but there's a good chance it will come up. If they investigate further, such as a home visit, and the boys family states their dislike of the relationship, that could be a problem certainly. Religious differences - yea that will probably come up too. The fact that you have children from a prev. relationship - yup that will come up too.

There are a lot of stories on here, in this scenario...sadly very few pan out long term. Doesn't mean yours won't but I encourage you to really take a hard look at things. I'm sure he's a sweetheart, he's a nice guy. I'm 26 and honestly, even if he was a sweetie I would really really really have a hard time with a 22 year old as a partner. My husband and I met when I was 19 and he 20, we married at 20 and 21. Getting the visa will be the smallest hurdle. When/if he comes here will be the real challenge and one I encourage you to think about without blinders.

I had lived on my own, paid my own bills, had my own job etc when my husband came. He had no clue how to do any of these things, barely spoke the language and had never left home. I didn't get a partner. It took a long time for him to adjust to life in the US and I know that a big part of that was his age. He just hadn't had to do any of those things yet. It might not seem like a big deal now, but down the road rest assured it will be WAY bigger than what you're worried about now. I'm not saying these things to be mean to you - but I've been there.

We have now been together for 6 years - married for 5. If god forbid something ever happened and I was single...there is not a chance in he*** I would do this process again.
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2011-01-29 01:14:00
Middle East and North AfricaLanguage
msheesha - it took me a long time to find something that he found interesting enough to read. What I found he liked were books by Moroccan authors. He's read two books by Leila Lalami (The Secret Son and Hope and Other Dangerous Pursuits), The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles (that one took a little more effort to get into). Right now he's reading A Life Full of Holes: A Novel Recorded and Translated by Paul Bowles by Driss ben Hamed Charhadi. Although they are in English I think he can relate to the places, some of the language and stories so it's easier to grasp.
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2011-02-01 23:33:00
Middle East and North AfricaLanguage
Most universities do offer ESL classes targeted just on pronunciation/ speech. My husband has been taking ESL classes for awhile now and has started actual university classes this semester. Part of it I think is really just time. I noticed that the more he is reading, the faster his vocabulary is improving. I work hard to find him books that he will think are interesting.
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2011-01-31 22:59:00
Middle East and North AfricaPENDING PETITIONS
If you are already married I would def give a call. I can remember hearing that when they were evacuating USC they were also evacuating their spouses even if they did not have a GC. From what I heard this was for couples who were together at the time evacuations began. Def. call and find out.
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2011-02-06 21:42:00
Middle East and North AfricaMENA men say the darndest things....
Haha mine says "this is the suck" he also said he thinks hell might be WI in winter lol
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2010-12-15 23:15:00
Middle East and North AfricaLeaving for Cairo in 3 days
Is there anti-Swedish sentiment too? blond hair and blue eyes could be over 50% of Europe and north america... there's anti american sentiment anywhere - i think basing travel plans on eye and hair color is a little silly. I doubt highly you would be assaulted for your hair and eye color. Would I go to Egypt right now - yea I would give it a shot - but make sure you have a good plan in case things do go awry and be sure to register with the american embassy.
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2011-02-14 23:33:00
Middle East and North AfricaProtests in Morocco
I do always find it interesting that the people who love and adore the king so much are usually not living in Morocco. Those that are in Morocco have no choice but to express their undying devotion to the world's 8th richest monarch (at a net worth of #2.5 billion) or face imprisonment for speaking out or criticizing him. I can't imagine why most Moroccans who average $3000 USD a year salary and an incredibly high unemployment rate would be unhappy.....
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2011-02-12 23:30:00
Middle East and North AfricaProtests in Morocco

They are chanting "Our King, our King, he'll always be our King".

Translated by my wife, who's mother tongue is Dharija (Moroccan dialect Arabic) and was born in Fes, where we still live. There's no unrest here.


Curious why you would sign up to an internet site for US visas only to state something that is untrue and not related to a visa. This is your only post... troll.

Edited by MrsAmera, 02 February 2011 - 11:58 PM.

MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2011-02-02 23:58:00
Middle East and North AfricaProtests in Morocco
what oldahmed said - my husband - native darija speaker was the one who translated it.
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2011-02-02 14:33:00
Middle East and North AfricaProtests in Morocco
Yes there was also something going on in Fez though not clear if they are related. Something is supposedly slated for Feb 27th..

http://www.facebook....178263625546111


and some pictures/video from Tangier:
http://www.tanja24.com/news767.html

From Fez:
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2011-01-30 23:15:00
Middle East and North AfricaMaids and Nannies in ME
Can you write a book and send it to me? Incredibly interesting and makes sense. I had a feeling somehow it all came down to that but very interesting to read about with your explaination!
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2009-06-17 20:52:00
Middle East and North AfricaMaids and Nannies in ME
My husband's family has had a servant for as long as I've known him and I believe for a few years before that. However, his family treats her like she is a part of the family. She does not do everything, everyone helps out, but when his sisters are gone (they are all married) home, she is there to help out his mom as she is not well. I think of it sort of like a live in hospice. She is very sweet and I wish I had her here with me! When we were there last year with Khalil (he was 15 months old) she would take him in the morning when he got up and I got to *gasp* sleep in!!! She helped me soooo much with him, but we also gave her money when we left for the extra help. Do I think that the situation is ideal for some domestic workers - no absolutely not. But I know that if she were not living with my husband's family her life would be MUCH harder. Now she has a roof over her head, as much as she wants to eat, and money in her pocket. She also goes to visit her family on a regular basis.

When we move to Morocco one day inshallah I would looooove to have a nanny and housekeeper. I plan to work at least part time and want someone in the house to help with the kids. I work full time now and have a babysitter so I guess I don't really see what the difference would be. Having a housekeeper will give me the time to spend with my kids that I would be cleaning/cooking etc. If I could afford to do that here I would!
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2009-06-16 08:52:00
Middle East and North AfricaTransit Visa
No visa needed if you're not leaving the airport. My husband had a 23 hr layover in Madrid once (ughh) and so long as you don't leave the airport and are there for less than 24 hours no visa.
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2009-06-19 06:30:00
Middle East and North AfricaFriday
Sandrila - you might be in luck - down here in VA they are still picking for 1 or 2 more weeks!
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2009-06-19 08:16:00
Middle East and North AfricaFriday
I'm here! smile.gif So what should we do this weekend option a) Pick your own fruit farm (peaches, strawberries etc) OR cool.gif Beach. hmmmm
MrsAmeraFemaleMorocco2009-06-19 07:51:00