Nothing accentuates the profound difference between our normal, daily routine in Bluff Park compared to that we have in Fes than not having the personal use of an automobile. As a result, we have become unusually dependent on the use of public transportation, specifically the utilization of Petit Taxis. Though we live in what might be termed a suburban neighborhood, it requires about 15 or 20 minutes to get downtown, if it is not during rush hour. If we travel in one of the four daily periods of increased traffic activity, it could take another 10 to 15 minutes. Continue reading →

The latest chapter in the ongoing story of furnishing and equipping the new apartment occurred Tuesday and Wednesday of last week. On Tuesday morning I took a taxi over to Hay Salam, the neighborhood I referred to in the last Perspectives. I am gradually getting into a normal routine of drinking coffee on a regular basis there from about nine to ten in the morning. After finishing my coffee with Abdesalam, his son Tarik arrived and the two of us went to shop for some wood to construct kitchen shelves for our pantry. Continue reading →

I am almost a week late in wishing you a Happy New Year, but nonetheless it is appropriate. One week ago, November 4, 2013 was the first day of the New Year, 1435, according to the Islamic calendar. The first month of the year is called Muharram and is one of four holy months, each of the four being mentioned in the Koran. Muharram is considered the most holy month of the year except for Ramadan, the ninth month in the calendar. Continue reading →