A day in Mohammedia

Today, the French teacher, Abderrahim invited our francophone students to come to his home in a town just south of Rabat.  Our students met at the Gare de la ville ( the main train station) in Rabat and we jumped on the train for the 40 minute ride to Mohammedia.  Once we arrived he took us to his home and gave us a tour of his garden, pool and the rooms of his home which he designed himself.  The students then picked some fresh mint from his garden and we made thé à la menthe et aussi thé au thym ( Tea with Thyme) .  We had tea and patisseries in the living room and then headed off the the market where students shopped for ingredients to make a meat tagine.  Next, we headed to the American Language Center near the market to prepare the meat and veggies for the dish.  Students mixed the beef with spices like cumin, salt, pepper, paprika and ras el hanout ( a mix of several spices used here in Morocco) .  Then they grated onions and tomatoes and diced potatoes, zuchini and carrots.  Once the tagine was ready, we sat down to enjoy another great lunch here in Morocco together.  The students had a great day putting their French to use in a practical, hands on activity that I'm sure will be one of the highlights of their time here!