Family

Time out in Taghazout Morocco

One of the problems with being type-A (in general, not just work) is that it is hard for people like us to relax. I’m not very good at just turning off and doing nothing. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy it, I’m just not good at it. I really love to lie around and do nothing – read, nap, what-have-you, but I can’t do it for too long or too many days in a row. I start to get depressed. As I write this we are in Morocco on vacation and we are staying someplace where there is nothing to do BUT relax – and surf. I was really sick before we came – was advised by the doctor not to travel at all and if I did to sit around and do nothing while here. Hell of a prescription. Relaxing in the sun for a week. I guess I can try and follow her orders.

I’ve never been to a Muslim country before and although the French influence is noticeable, it is exotically different. There are signs everywhere of a long and rich history that is wholly different from our own: the camels and donkey carts sharing the road with motorists; brightly colored head scarves dotting the towns as women and girls go about their day; men holding hands; the call to prayer wafting through the town and the undecipherable Arabic conversations rolling off the tongues of locals.

I don’t know if it is just where we are or in Morocco in general but the people here love children – they rub my kids’ heads, stop to kiss them smiling broadly. At one point we were in a grocery store and my children were being wild – as we scolded them for their unruly behavior, we were, in turn, scolded for intervening. “Let them play! It’s okay, it’s okay!” Definitely not Paris.

My favorite thing so far about the Moroccan people is how they greet you. “Bonjour, ca va?” they ask, “Hello, how are you?” Always, “Ca va?” Are you well? And, what’s more, they stand patiently waiting your reply. This is so much more connected than the hurried hellos and bonjours to which I’m accustomed. And with my prescription to relax, it is a gentle reminder to check in with myself, my family, the people around and just be, well, Ca va.

© 2009 Work Life Balance.