ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Middle East and North AfricaAre Americans safe in Morocco?
QUOTE (ginny20 @ Oct 28 2008, 08:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I've lived in Morocco for the last 2.5 years and have felt very safe-much safer than I do living in Chicago. I have felt very little judgement or harassment about being American-most people are sympathetic to the fact that although the government is bad, the American people are not necessarily responsible. Morocco is not a democracy and the idea that people are responsible for government isn't common. I get hassled more in France for being American than I do here.

The most judgement I have felt is from upper class people, but I feel like there is an envy that runs deep in the upper class here (especially in Fez where I live), and isn't necessarily due to politics. Envy is a big problem in Morocco in general, but I've only felt it directed towards me with the upper class. People in the supposedly 'dangerous' working class neighborhoods and countryside where I have worked have been extremely kind and open-minded in terms of talking about politics--even, for example, when Sadam Hussein was hanged on the Eid lKbeer and the video was replayed over and over again on Al Jazeera. I find Moroccans to be very flexible, in general, and not terribly ideological. Depends on the person, though, of course.

I feel completely safe doing things on my own, walking by myself, etc., in most of the major cities except sometimes at night. The most harassed I have felt on the street is in major tourist areas (old city of Fes, Essouaria, etc.), but if you dress and act appropriately it's fine.

It is true that PDAs are completely unacceptable here, although holding hands seems to be fine. I think after you spend a few months here, though, you adapt to this and it feels odd to engage in that kind of behavior. A lot of people seem to have that idea that if something happens to a Westerner, the person in charge could be severely punished, but I've never actually heard of this happening. My fiance certainly is not concerned about this. I think there was a case of a member on this forum whose American wife died in Morocco and nothing happened to him. It seems to me to be more of an urban myth.

This is not to say that living in Morocco is easy--especially if you don't speak the language. I was unhappy for the first 9 months I was here, but as my language and connection to people improved, so did my experience. I also have major career goals that my experience here will help me to attain, which was highly motivating. Struggling with the difficulties in doing day-to-day things is very taxing, though. Life also feels a lot more boring here--there isn't much of a public culture and people tend to stay home a lot. Even in Casablanca, it feels like there isn't much to do coming from a big American or European city. It's been an amazing and intense experience here, but I am happy to be returning soon to the States.



I just wanted to put my two sense in and say I agreed with the statments I highlighted
I wish I could live there, but along with Rajaa I have joint custody of my children here PLUS the fact that there is NO way we would have any support as far as living there nor would there be near as much opportunity, comforts, freedoms and sweet way of life as there is here in GOOD OL' USA good.gif

Edited by sandrila, 30 October 2008 - 10:49 AM.

SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-10-30 10:47:00
Middle East and North AfricaAre Americans safe in Morocco?
QUOTE (sereia @ Oct 28 2008, 02:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ginny20 @ Oct 28 2008, 11:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Once people in a neighborhood know you belong there, they leave you alone. Living in Morocco requires a thick skin--it's easy to get into arguments with people when trying to get stuff done, but you just need to persist and learn the game of getting your way here. My Moroccan friends often tell me they leave the house ready for a fight, and I'm the same way now. It's fun, though, once you start to develop relationships with people over time and get to know and trust them (vedors, neighbors, even bureaucrats), it's amazing what you can get done!


LOL to this! devil.gif So true!!! I can't tell you how many fights my husband or I have had or fights we have witnessed. Hot blooded Moroccans! hehe



I agree about the THICK SKIN comment
My husband is not at all happy with the QUALITY of people from his country.
It is harsh livin there and most, not all, are cut throat
no where near as generous, concerned, caring and giving as we are here
The government could just careless about the people and they are completely oppressed
unless you are born into wealthy family or have gotten an education and gotten out, you rarely stand a chance
AND even those who have achieved degrees are slapped in the face once they get out into the working world there
there is not much opportunity or respect going on...people would gladly like to see your happiness, prosperity or good fortune ripped away from you..so this is what I have seen and heard
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-10-30 10:40:00
Middle East and North AfricaAre Americans safe in Morocco?
QUOTE (martiniolive @ Oct 28 2008, 12:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I ask this because I have spent 5 weeks at a time in morocco and felt very safe and thought the local people were actually very kind and warm and I felt very safe. However my husband (from morocco) tells me that he does not want us to live in morocco (as a last resort) because he feels (altho visiting morocco is ok) alot of people are prejudiced against Americans because of the war and will be unkind to me. He feels living there would actually be dangerous for us both. He feels that if I knew the native languages fluently at least than I could defend myself if the say bad things to me but because he feels I do not understand and am too nice, I would just smile and somehow that would be worse. also we would be reprimanded if we show affection in public if we forget to control our actions. And that the government is very protective of americans and if anything happened to me he would be prosocuted and punished. WOW! He also said he would be so nervous to leave me alone that he would not be able to work like he would have to watch me all the time. I have not heard anyone else say this stuff. I mean he said he would love it if we could have a home there and visit but he just thinks it is not possible. What do you all think? Is this true? It seems crazy. He sounds like my parents before I went there the first time.



My husband reacts the same way everytime and I had been there during terrorists attacks in Casa and some other city.
I never felt fearful at all but now looking back I could have been more concerned but always felt with my big strong hubby with me, I'd be fine, however, there were environments and people he would intentionally shield me from, I didnt know it at that time. He is great like that and just doesnt want me to be in harms way or disrespected at all.


I love you for that baby innocent.gif
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-10-30 10:13:00
Middle East and North AfricaQuestions at POE
ASH

Thanks you so much!!! good.gif

As you know my head is already spinning.
I just havent had much time to think AFTER I see him in the airport.
I really appreciate your time to give me such fine details.

surely PM your number
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-11-10 14:28:00
Middle East and North AfricaQuestions at POE
I am not sure what answer he would give when asked what he will be doing over next 2 years.

CR1 is only good for 2 years?

At what point do you have to file?

I am just confused what is difference between AOS and EAD?

My husband SHOULD be getting his greencard either the day he comes OR in the mail...

just not sure what steps he takes once he is actually here on CR1
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-11-10 11:23:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy Sunday MENA!!!
QUOTE (HisLittleMasriyah @ Nov 9 2008, 08:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Happy Sunday everyone

im checking in late; i had family n friends over all day. i had a very good time until ofcourse the goodbyes lol

looks like y'all had a great time at the meetup good.gif

My flight is in ten hours from now!!! pray for me i get there safely and right into my baby's arms!!! wow i cant believe im going to see my husband!!! omg FINALLY!!!!! kicking.gif

ive taken more stuff out of the bag and it does feel lighter so we ll see i will try to have one overweight bag n pay only 15O$.

anyways i hope the next time i post here will be from my apt in the US sitting next to my hubby star_smile.gif



HLM...HAVE A SAFE TRIP and BLISSFUL REUNION!!!! luv.gif
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-11-10 14:37:00
Middle East and North AfricaMonday, Monday
Morning!! biggrin.gif

I had a weekend of nesting.

Exciting but my GOD, too much to do!!

Counting now...3 days until I see my baby again!! luv.gif

WHO HOOOOOOOOOOOO kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-11-10 11:02:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy Birthday MrsAmera!
Happy Birthday!!!

Now if 24 makes you feel like 44 and I am 36...how old should I feel????

Answer....24!!! luv.gif

Have a great day friends!

3 more days until I see my husband after 8 months!!!! kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-11-10 10:54:00
Middle East and North AfricaTuesday
When the kids were really small I used to do the Black Friday thing....but over time the aggravation made it
unappealing for me to rush out before dawn in the cold for toys.
I did get some good deals though.
Those early morning rushes to shop are long gone and I usually work on black friday but this year
I AM OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the reminder...I would like to try and see what I can save on this year.
I still am not sure what the HOT ITEMS are for kids this year, as mine have grown up and arent quite into the toy thing.
They would be more interested in electronics...and now with Hubby joining us this Christmas....shopping will be even
more fun!
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-11-11 10:37:00
Middle East and North AfricaTuesday
Just want to give a big holla and hi five good.gif to all those brave and patriotic men and women
who have defended our country and helped us maintain the FREEDOM and GLORY of this wonderful country!

Mornin All

Hope you day is going well and I am praying for friends here LET'S HEAR SOME GOOD NEWS....it seems to come in waves blush.gif
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-11-11 10:30:00
Middle East and North AfricaVISA IN HAND BABY!!!
It is just a feeling that if I wait too long something else is going to come between us.
I cant bear it any longer. whistling.gif
I dont need anymore time...JUST GET IT OVERWITH ALREADY!!!! wacko.gif
luv.gif
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-11-05 15:11:00
Middle East and North AfricaVISA IN HAND BABY!!!
I am too hasty now...I have been going nuts trying to book this flight for NEXT THURSDAY!!!

It is pretty much in the bag but honeslty none of this has been easy and the last stages still seem so hard!

I feel like I am waiting for my wedding day, I swear...I feel so emotional and overwhelmed and nervous and excited and well JUST EVERYTHING!!!

We will be getting married here in the states sometime next year so we can share our happiness with friends and family. Cant wait for that but for now, one day at a time....i did a little cleaning...but all my focus has been just celebrating with hubby via internet..THANK GOD I WILL THROW THAT THING OUT A WINDOW, and my dear girlfriend...
too many people anxiously awaiting his arrival including our 3 children.

I may have some ?s regarding what happens once he gets to PHL International...that would be PHILLY
like I know he will wait in line sometime and they may drill him hard or maybe not...any info you can share about your POE experiences would help.

have a great day everyone!

Edited by sandrila, 05 November 2008 - 02:25 PM.

SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-11-05 14:25:00
Middle East and North AfricaVISA IN HAND BABY!!!
VISA IN HAND BABY


kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif



we got our visa...we got our visa!!!


WHEWWWWWWWWWWWW HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO


ALLAH HAMDULLILAH
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-11-04 17:57:00
Middle East and North AfricaThank you for all the well wishes...
WELCOME BACK AND CONGRATULATIONS LULU and R


A VISA AND A MARRIAGE!! good.gif

kicking.gif WOW kicking.gif

Edited by sandrila, 10 November 2008 - 02:43 PM.

SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-11-10 14:41:00
Middle East and North AfricaPictures and update
JP....that lil darling is too cute....just precious...thanks for sharing

welcome back and as far as kids go, does it get easier? NOPE!
It's ashame all us mothers have to work so hard and be away from them, in the end, you are providing
that is the best a parent can do!

Dont be so hard on yourself.
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-11-12 14:28:00
Middle East and North AfricaWednesday's Thread!
Goodmorning

Jess.... smile.gif rose.gif

RonnelllovesHamdi...good luck and hope you get your date soon!

Starrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hey girl! I am counting down the hours now, if all goes well, I will hold my love again in
32 more hours!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! luv.gif crying.gif

Edited by sandrila, 12 November 2008 - 09:34 AM.

SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-11-12 09:32:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy Thursday!
Good Morning

This is not my usual check in time at all. I am off today. My husband's plane will land in
8 hours!!! I wanted to sleep in but I couldnt, I still have so much to finish up. I am nervous, is it normal to be nervous??? I feel like this is my wedding day.....anticipation, anxiousness, nervousness, happiness, stressfulness...OMGGGGGGGGG I hope he made it ok thru Paris...I hope he makes ok thru customs and immigration when he comes.....well guys, this is it...I think my life is about to change...
GOOD BYE COMPUTER!!!!!!!!!!!!


Maureen, it is raining here too! YUCK!!!! but better to get those lights up now than later....I hate the cold as well smile.gif
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-11-13 08:08:00
Middle East and North Africaapproved then denied k1 visa
QUOTE (lively58 @ Apr 11 2008, 04:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi All
I am hoping someone can help me. My fiance finally got approved on 9 April 2008 after having to go to Casablanca Embassy four times in this last week. We were estatic. Then this morning April 11, 2008 the Embassy called him and said we are very sorry but we had to cancel your visa and plz bring in your passport on Monday. WE are dazed she would not tell him why. Has anyone any idea why they woudl do that?


omgggggggggggg
that is just dreadful!!!
my husband was just got his visa in hand on april 10, 2008 also in Casa
is this for the temporary or permanent visa?
where in morocco are you from?
i am sorry to hear that and keep you in my thoughts
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-04-11 21:59:00
Middle East and North AfricaHe's driving me crazy
QUOTE (Ahmed N Tina @ Nov 15 2008, 03:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (linda&usama @ Nov 14 2008, 06:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I would give anything to be in your shoes right now....


Amen! Me too. good.gif


awwwwwwww
I remember just 3 weeks ago posting comments like yours and you know what

YOU WILL BE IN OUR SHOES....and I am praying that your hopes and dreams are fulfilled.

KEEP YOUR CHIN UP TINA AND LINDA!! rose.gif
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-11-20 15:28:00
Middle East and North AfricaHe's driving me crazy
QUOTE (Leyla @ Nov 18 2008, 05:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I was expecting a bed of roses when my husband came. The truth (I have come to see) is: He was uprooted from his home and planted in the US. Everything is new to him. Tarik asks me questions all the time! ALL THE TIME. I am expected to do a lot of these things because I know this country better than he does. Something as "simple" as using your Speedy Rewards card at a gas station requires about 2 hours of explaining and an extra hour of on the job training. I had to do these things, show him, do them with him and then eventually he starts doing things on his own.

Your man will adjust. But it takes a long time. I would have a lot of trouble if I moved to Morocco. Just buying something at the store would be strange to me. I wouldn't even go to the Arab stores in the US and ask for Halal meat. I needed someone else to do it because I was embarrassed I would mess up.

Be patient with him. Put yourself in his shoes.




BABYSHELL??? LEYLA??? blush.gif

YOU GOT ME good.gif
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-11-20 15:22:00
Middle East and North AfricaHe's driving me crazy
wacko.gif

I would call it adjusting...for you and for him....as alot of us think the hardest part is waiting and getting visa in hand,
it could very well be...the reaquaintance and taste of "real life" can be challenging as well.
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-11-20 15:20:00
Middle East and North AfricaThank you
welcome Leyla!

I know this LALALALALALALALALA wacko.gif

My hubby's name is also the same as yours luv.gif
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-11-20 15:01:00
Middle East and North AfricaAlhamdulellah!! Finally some good news!!
good luck Melissa

we are all proving that with the grace and strength of GOD, OUR LOVE, our strong will, patience and determination WE WILL OVERCOME!!!! good.gif good.gif good.gif

it will come...it will come
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-11-20 15:17:00
Middle East and North AfricaThursday
QUOTE (JeanneVictoria @ Nov 20 2008, 08:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Good morning everyone! What a beautiful day it will be with a high of 84!

We will have a chance to view the international space station this evening
at 5:30. Skies are clear so should be a memorable site to see!

Have a fantastic day!


Good Afternoon MENA!

WOW! 84 and you can see the international space station??? What do you look for when you look to the sky?
You see it at night I guess?

Sorry I haven't posted but hubby arrived here one week ago today!
It was quite an experience and totally smooth sailin....his plane landed at 4:20 pm Philly and he was with me by 5pm!
I am so grateful.

All is well on this, the 2nd day back to work and hubby all alone at home I feel different. I feel so relieved and happy and relaxed.

I want to let all peeps here know I will continue to keep you in my prayers.
God Bless

WHAT UP STARRRRR??? How many more days girl?

Edited by sandrila, 20 November 2008 - 02:39 PM.

SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-11-20 14:37:00
Middle East and North AfricaVisa in Hand
WHOOO HOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

Do I sense a little change in the air over there in Casa???

kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-11-20 14:50:00
Middle East and North AfricaHE GOT THE CALL!!! PICKING UP VISA!!!
good.gif HOW EXCITING!!!!!!!!!!!!

Finally you can begin to plan your future!!!!!!!!!!!!!


GOOD LUCK AND CONGRATULATIONS!

kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-11-21 11:34:00
Middle East and North AfricaHappy Friday!!!
YEP, snow here in Philly.

I woke up and there was snow on the ground, cars and tops of trees, it snowed pretty good but it was wet
so now, near lunch time, it is almost gone...I think we are in the 30s over here. BRRRRRRRRR
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-11-21 11:21:00
Middle East and North AfricaSUNDAY!
CONGRATULATIONS HLM....what a great feeling

It is so nice to see so much good coming from so many cases in MENA.

I myself would like for my friends to keep their fingers crossed that my husband walks away with his VISA in hand tomorrow. He was told to be in Casablanca Consulate at 1pm with passport.

These last few days have been incredible..I feel totally different now and we have started to make plans. If he gets the Visa then we are looking at a November 14th arrival...
kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif

the weather here has been delightful...Halloween night was perfect and the last 2 days we are just savoring the warm weather here.

Hubby is looking forward to his first winter in the States and seeing snow...I have already begun doing so much and I feel this next week will be jammed packed with chores to tackle...but I dont care...soon I will be able to see my love again after 8 months.

I may need your help MENA as I dont know what will happen once he gets to the airport. I am sure that everything should be easy after the hell we have already been thru. good.gif
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-11-02 19:04:00
Middle East and North AfricaFinally we got approved yesterday
good.gif
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-11-21 11:18:00
Middle East and North Africahow do you deal with death - when it seems so unfair
rose.gif

for your co-worker, her husband, child and family
also for your existing co-workers....may god's love and healing hands embrace all of you in this difficult time.
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-11-24 14:06:00
Middle East and North Africabeen having a long time on line affair in MENA
Gone but not forgotten................... innocent.gif rose.gif
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-11-24 14:25:00
Middle East and North Africabeen having a long time on line affair in MENA
I am addicted to VJ yes.gif
I would say thank god for this site....for all the resources, informations, experiences and encouragement is helping me get through this rough time.

Rajaa....you were very cute with your words too!
I am mostly on at work, since most times it is slow for me
I enjoy reading what others are going through and putting my 2 cents in from time to time

thanks for giving me something to grab onto this morning laughing.gif
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-09-10 08:15:00
Middle East and North AfricaIts Monday!!!!!
Mornin

I hope you all had a relaxin weekend.

I took my husband to meet my parents for the first time. All went well.

He is such a charmer luv.gif

Where's everyone goin for their turkey dinner? This would be my husband's first Thanksgiving in America.
We are going to mother's. I am making the sweet potato casserole.

For some reason, Thanksgiving is easy for me to prepare, even when cooking for a house full of people.
Truly one of my favorite meals.

Amy and HG hang in there! I am praying for all those to be reunited with their loved ones ASAP!

Edited by sandrila, 24 November 2008 - 10:59 AM.

SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-11-24 10:58:00
Middle East and North AfricaDouble lives of visa journey petitioners ( what we dont really want to post)
headbonk.gif helpsmilie.gif
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-11-25 10:46:00
Middle East and North AfricaTuesday....
Good Mornin smile.gif
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-11-25 08:58:00
Middle East and North AfricaWednesday
G'day MENA peeps!

I havent any time today to read any posts in the thread but I wanted to say

HAPPY and BLESSED THANKSGIVING ALL

I know what I am thankful for this year! innocent.gif yes.gif heart.gif

Have a great holiday...I am off for the next 4 days!!!!!!! yeah

Got alot to do too....everything is so much nicer now!

I am keeping the rest of those waiting for their answers in my prayers... rose.gif

KEEP THE FAITH!
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-11-26 16:23:00
Middle East and North AfricaAbdou and Carol Have there visa!
QUOTE (Nita&Assaad @ Nov 19 2008, 02:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congratulations again Carol kicking.gif kicking.gif I AM SO SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif

HUgs
Nita luv.gif


NITA....you must be scramblin now...good luck.... good.gif
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-11-20 14:55:00
Middle East and North AfricaAbdou and Carol Have there visa!
OMGGGGGGGGGG kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif

MARTINIOLIVE THIS IS SO GREAT!!!!

and we are all true examples of strong, determined men and women who thru patience and perserverence have succeeded!!!! THANK GOD, through him all things are possible.

CONGRATULATIONS and now...THE REAL FUN CAN BEGIN!! good.gif

GOOD LUCK!
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-11-20 14:53:00
Middle East and North AfricaBooking the flight and getting nervous/excited/stressed/happy
I get so excited when I see all you ladies excited about your men coming home
I just want to cry...I dont know if it is ever going to be....I miss my baby so much
I want that chance too crying.gif
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-08-01 14:42:00
Middle East and North Africamiss ya all
Hope you are fine from your accident...sorry to hear of it...welcome back....do take care rose.gif
SandrilaFemaleMorocco2008-12-01 14:06:00