So I will really need to learn French and Arabic!

At this writing I have completed my first week in Morocco. I had heard Casablanca described as a city of contrasts, and indeed I have found that to be true. I have experienced a week of contrasts, a week of ups and downs. I have had a week of exhilarations and depressions in rapid succession. I have had a week of challenges, and a week of challenges met.

One moment, I found myself stranded without a working cell phone, alone, and apparently unable to communicate simple ideas. Three successive taxicab drivers shook their heads sadly and motored away, unable to understand or unwilling to take me to my desired destination. I was frustrated, hot, and breathing acrid diesel fumes. That was a down.

Another moment on the same day, I found myself sitting and enjoying a cold beverage, delicious food and intelligent, stimulating conversation with new colleagues at a comfortable outdoor table in a funky, interesting club. That was an up.

It has been like that.

On the whole, I can see that I've landed in a great spot. Wonderful people, a fascinating city and culture, a top-notch school and the promise of rewarding professional challenge converge to elicit excitement and positive anticipation of the upcoming months and years.

Caveat: the challenges of living abroad, in what is in many ways a developing nation, are certainly present. And, you know, that adds to the excitement and anticipation as well.

It is what we were looking for.

Morocco: I'm lovin' it.  I hope.