Student Spot Light- Kamyah Hugee

Another Perspective: Experiencing Culture in Marrakech

Morocco is certainly a place with gorgeous scenery and rich culture. Throughout the two weeks I have spent here, I have thoroughly enjoyed the vibrance and especially the hospitality of my homestay family. I have had an amazing two weeks, exploring Rabat and the Old Medina. I have had the opportunity to smell different herbs, purchase authentic Argan oil, and wear a Qftan through my experience here. I loved my experience in Rabat, but this past weekend, we got the amazing opportunity to spend 4 days in the city of Marrakech. I was glad to be able to see witness another perspective of Moroccan culture by visiting another city and spending time with a different group of people. While in Marrakech, we experienced various crucial parts of Morrocan culture. I think that my favorite part was being able to spend the night in the Amazeigh Center. I think I was most excited about staying in the Center because I have been very interested in learning about the culture of the indeginous people of Morocco ever since I arrived. When arriving at the Center, we were greeted with kindness and hospitality. I was asonished by the vibrance of the colors and how beautiful each room was. The intricacy of the designs in each room were mesmerizing. Once everyone took a seat, we were able to witness a traditional tea ceremony and taste the tea as well! The room was silent as the woman mixed the sugar into the kettles and poured each glass. Everyone was in awe with the intent of the women's movements. The ceremony was beautiful and it was a great introduction to what we would experience at the center. After the ceremony, the family living in this house had a Q&A session with us, where we could learn as much as we wanted about the Amazeigh people. From my questions, I learned a lot about the architecture of the house as well as how the colors from the Amazeigh flag corresponded to the colors in the house and their meanings. After asking questions and getting settled in, we attended a music performance by some more people in the house. It was a spectacular experience. First, everyone was listening and clapping; the music was beautiful, but we thought the audience should give more energy to performers playing such an upbeat tune. My friend Desmond said, “I want to get up!” and my friends and I decided to get up and start dancing on our own. Our dancing created a sort of ‘domino effect’, as everyone got up and began dancing to the music. We created dance circles, congo lines, and even danced with the children that lived at the center. A smile formed under my mask as we all clapped to the music. I am so glad that my friends and I were able to start something so moving while at the center. Dancing with the children had such a great impact on me that when I went back to my room to take a small break from dancing, my friends and I broke out in tears. These weren’t tears of sadness, but tears from the happiness that arose from dancing with everyone. We had a group hug, wiped our tears, and ran back out as fast as we could to continue the fun. I am really glad that I was able to visit the Amazeigh Center and learn first-hand about the indigenous people of Morocco and create such meaningful connections with the people living at the Center.