When your kids leave the nest for the first time for college, to work and live on their own, or whatever, it’s exciting but a little scary. Are they ready? Will they be okay? Yada yada.
Of course they will be fine. We were, and we raised them so it will all work out. They’ll struggle. They’ll fail sometimes. They’ll succeed sometimes. They’ll call in a panic sometimes. It’s how it works.
When your adult child decides to study abroad, it adds a whole other dimension to your worries. I’ve seen Taken one too many times, and I am no liam Neeson!
Macey is studying marketing. It’s important to get out and get those life experiences to add to her resume and LinkedIn. So, Macey flies off to Spain for her study abroad program. I’m excited for her. I’m worried for her. I am so JEALOUS of her!
Before she left, she had a goal to travel to as many places as possible while over in Europe. The school takes the students on several excursions. The first was around the city of Seville to get them acclimated. Then they went to Portugal. They traveled to Gibraltar. Macey opted to pay for an additional guided trip to Morocco.
Morocco is located in the northern portion of Africa, not far from Seville. It is a Muslim country, so there are some precautions one must take when visiting. Chief among those precautions was to Dress conservatively! Some students did not heed this warning and paid for it. Wandering hands and inappropriate comments were doled out to those who did not cover their skin! This was not a fun way to start their trip. Lesson learned: Respect local customs.
When you live in the United States, it’s easy to take for granted our freedoms. One of Macey’s first text messages to me from morocco was the observation that there were NO women out and about. Only men. It made her uncomfortable, and I have to admit that, although I was worried for her, I was also happy that she got to experience what life is like for some women in other countries. Not every country embraces equality, or at least tries to embrace it like we do here in the United States. It is easy to forget that sometimes.
One of the highlights of the trip to Morocco was a two-night stay in the desert. Students were treated to an hour-long (crazy) bus ride, Jeep ride, camel ride, and hike to arrive at their final camp destination. I may have the transportation wrong, but you get the idea. It was a haul. They did ride a bus. They did ride a Jeep. They did ride camels. They did hike. It just may not have been all at once lol.
At the end of the trip, Macey and her friends gave the Nomadic girls camping nearby their head scarves.
Macey had a wonderful experience in Morocco. She especially loved the desert sunrises and sunsets. She says the views were just “unreal.” She is sure to have all kinds of stories to tell you about this adventure when she sees you next. I’m just glad she’s safe and sound back in Seville.
Below you will find a shopping list that Macey put together for those of you considering a trip to this part of the world. I have created some DESERT-APPROPRIATE apparel for your trip as well. Check it out! https://hiveandseektravelblog.dashery.com/
Macey’s Desert Survival Shopping List:
Gas X — the food disagreed with her belly:
Bottled Water — you can’t drink or use the water so bring your own
SNACKS! Macey is a snacker and ran out of her stash by day 2. Don’t be Macey! Pack more snacks! This variety pack is also a great care package to send to your students when they are away at school.
Sunscreen — It’s the desert, so you’re going to need it!
Dramamine — It feels like this is on all of my lists! People drive crazy in other countries!
Electrolyte Powder Packets — It’s the desert!
Amazon Essential Linen Pants option #1
Linen Pants option #2
Head Scarf/Shoulder covering
Body Wipes — there are no showers!! I actually used these in Italy, because they do not use washcloths there!
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