Girls Having Fun

 What fun it is to see the other ALC wives living in or near Africa in Morocco! Gayla Allen lived in the Clayton 1 Ward with two little boys and then moved away a long time ago. It has been nice to catch up on her life and doings. Marie Stanford, I met in London where we connected on a bus going to a tour. She grew up in France until she moved to Canada when she was twelve. She seems to adapt and find a good place wherever she goes. We all met Merri Gilespie who is serving in Abu Dhabi opening up the new Area. What an adventure she is having! Getting staff, getting new apartments and having the help of one senior couple to help run and organize. The seventy who is president lives in Utah, but the two counselors live in Abu Dhabi. Lots of phun!

Linda Ann, Gayla, Marie, and Merri

We skipped out of the last day of classes and took a train to Marrakech and a famous shopping place, Jemaa El-Fnaa Square. I am pretty sure I've seen this place in a movie somewhere. 

We rode coach going to Marrakech and Merri bought first class tickets back to Ben Guerir. It was a shared paying as none of us had coins or the right Dirham bills. So we paid for each other during the day and Merri figured it all out when we got back. 

I was the one to fall into the first tourist trap. Cobras dancing to the music. But really I think they only care about the hat coming their way and had no interest in the music played for the tourist.

The salesman [though I only paid him 30 dirham as I knew he wouldn't have change for my 200 bill]

Gayla and Merri had distinct ideas of what they wanted to buy. I had never heard of a pouf, but off we went through the colorful beautiful market. The grocery vegetables and fruit were sold outside in wheeled stands with awnings. Other items were inside a long building with wings coming out at regular intervals. 

It is better to have a goal than to wander looking. There are temptations everywhere and lots of "reasons" to spend. I was able to limit myself to one small bag and a cobra video - nice. There were all kinds of things bought, like coasters, sunglasses, etc. but the poufs (collapsed, not filled) were the highlight.

The owner stands in the center and dishes out what is wanted from there with little scoops and bags.

As I didn't come to buy, I was happy I didn't buy lots of materials - good thing my suitcase was a carryon and didn't have any room to spare.

We had so much fun, roaming, chatting, and negotiating for the poufs. We had a nice lunch overlooking the square and then went home. In the first class section there is air-conditioning, good seats, and someone comes to sell you snacks. That was fun too.

Looking over the balcony

For a few more dollars, there is a lot more comfort

Merrie sent a picture after going back home of her poufs filled and set out. Gayla sent the advertisement of the poufs cost in America. I think both had the feeling they had gotten a good deal - if of course you don't count the cost of the flight to get to Morocco.

Looking good - they cost a little over $30 each