But why Morocco?

"What? You're going to do an exchange in Morocco? Why on earth?" This is the reaction I have gotten a few times when I have told someone about my plans. Yes, I know Morocco is certainly not the most popular place to go for an exchange. Wouldn't it be much easier and safer to choose a nice place in Europe, having lots of parties with another Erasmus students? Well, I've been there and done that. Now I feel like it's time to choose paths yet undiscovered.

So, for those who wonder how this all began, I should explain a little more. I can only say, if it wasn't for France, I would not be leaving to Morocco next week. As you know, I have already been on an Erasmus exchange program in Caen, France two years ago. I spent 10 months there studying French and a little bit of psychology. To be honest, that year didn't have much to offer when it comes to my studies. Or even less about French culture! I know it's funny but during that year, I learned more about Moroccan culture than about the French one! Well, what can I say, I just found it much more easier to approach these laid-back and friendly Moroccan people than the French ones that always seemed a bit distant. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against French people. I know it was my fault also that I didn't make enough effort to get to know them more. Well, for everything you lose, you gain something else. Right? So, I may not have made any French friends, but in return, I got to know great people from all around world -thanks for you all making this year one of the best ones in my life! Among those are my lovely Moroccan friends which names I don't have to even mention - I guess you regognize yourselves if you're reading this! :) So, inspired by the friendliness of these people, I traveled to Morocco during my exchange year with a Korean friend (T-Y, I haven't heard anything from you in a long time...!:S) We only traveled for 10 days there, but that time was long enough to make me fall for this culture. I was astonished by the hospitality of Moroccan people and their positive view of life. I certainly realized that we here in the western countries have a lot to learn from them. As I left Morocco, I had a strong feeling that I would be coming back there one day. Only at that time I didn't know that I would not only be visiting Morocco for another time - but actually living there!

I think it was a cold November afternoon in Finland, a half a year after I had gotten back from France, when the ground started burning below my feet (this is a Finnish way of saying it -and it describes my feelings really well!). For the people who know me well, this may not have been a surprise as I'm pretty much known as a restless soul among my friends. Always going somewhere, and if not going, at least planning on going! Trust me, I'm trying my best to find my place in this world -just give me some time, okay! :) Anyway, at that time when I found myself restlessly wandering along the streets of Joensuu, as well as the paths of my mind, I ended up going through all the exchange options that my university has to offer. I was really interested in going to South America as this culture has always been something very fascinating to me. Only there were not many programs available and if there were, they were very expensive. So, I was forced to drop this dream about South America - well, not dropping it actually, just saving it for later!;) Well, I didn't have time to feel sad about this since I soon found something that caught my eye: there were two available places in the university of Abdelmalek Essâadi in Tangér. This is it, I told myself. Without really thinking it further, I filled in all the application forms and asked for the recommendations from the teachers. I was really in a hurry as all the documents had to left within a week and it was at the very last minute when I rushed into the international office to leave my papers, hoping that I hadn't forgotten anything important. So, it was done. From then on, I could only keep my fingers crossed and wait for the answer. I got it before Christmas. Needless to say at this point, it was YES - my university had chosen me as their applicant to Morocco. As far as I understood, there was only me and another girl who had applied for the places, so of course, we were both accepted. For those who don't know, it's a bilateral exchange meaning that we don't pay anything to be part of the program - on the contrary, university gives a scholarship, which in this case is not much, but better than nothing, of course.

Okay, so I was chosen. Then what? I chose to move straightly to the hardest part and break the news to the family. Well, that didn't turn out to be so hard after all as my parents seem to know me just as well as my friends. Their reaction was pretty much like "Oh, Larissa is leaving for an adventure again, what else is new?" Heh. Well, lately they have become a bit concerned as my departure is approaching . But at the same time, they have seen me coming home from the world time after time, always safe and sound. So, I think they pretty much know that I have learned to take care of myself. Thank you for this confidence. Hopefully I won't let you down this time either! ;)

A year has gone by. Faster than I could have imagined. All this time I've been eagerly waiting for my departure, smiling every time when thinking about it and having it as a motivation when my days seem too grey. But at the same time, I've been putting it aside in my mind, thinking that there is still a lot of time: 8 months... 8 weeks... 8 days... pinch me, if this is really happening!