Morocco

Population: 32.27 million

Capital: Rabat

Language: Arabic and Berber Phrases: hello (Salam) goodbye (Layhannike)

Currency: Moroccan Dirham

Climate:  Most of the country is sunny and hot, but it does get cold on the coast and hot in the desert

Religion: 99% of the people are Muslim   Islam is the state religion, however Christianity, Judaism and Baha'i Faith are allowed to practice.

Sports: Soccer is the most popular sport in Morocco, their national team has made it to 4 World Cups and was the first African nation to win a group level.  In 2012 the won the Arab Nations Cup.  Handball, golf, tennis and basketball are other popular sports.  Morocco has won two goal medals in the Olympics for middle distance running.

Famous people: Jean Reno was born and raised in Morocco to Spanish parents.  Gad Elmaleh, another popular actor is from Morocco.  Several movies have been filmed in Morocco such as: Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy, The Mummy Returns, The Jewel of the Nile, Gladiator, Black Hawk Down, Hildago, The Bourne Ultimatum and Prince of Persia.  Of course probably the most well known film from Morocco is Casablanca which takes place in the city of the same name.

Flag:

Facts:
* Tipping is expected for all services, even those not asked for.  Anything from using the toilet to taking a picture requires a tip
* It is the only African country not a member of the African Union
* It is impolite to handle food with the left hand
* They greet forieners with kisses on each check
* Moroccans are known for being some of the friendliest people in the world
* The university in Fes is claimed to be the oldest university in the world, founded in 859AD

Culture:  Morocco is a multicultural society and one of their highest priorities is promoting diversity and preserving its culture heritage.  The Berbers are the indigenous people that inhabit the country.  Traditional dress consists of wearing a djellaba which is a long hooded garment with loose sleeves.  On special occasions men were a Fez (a little red hat) and women wear Kaftans decorated with ornaments   Both men and women wear balgha which are soft leather slippers with no heel and often dyed yellow.

Activity

For our Moroccan activity we went to see a belly dancer.  Cedars of Lebanon has a dancer perform every Friday and Saturday night around 7:30pm.  We got there a little after 7:30 but she hadn't started yet.  We waited around for a little bit and Shia was getting restless, but soon she came out.  Shia right away was transfixed by her.  Both of our kids love music and love to dance, they also love to watch people dancing, so it was a perfect distraction for them.  Kaya was swaying back and forth to the music as she watched the dancer.  Shia even got up the courage to give the dancer some money, she was very nice and asked us if we wanted to place it on her just hand it to her, Shia handed it to her.

The dancer would dance a song or two, take a break for a while and then come back out.  She had some costume changes and props.  I think she liked coming by our table because the kids loved watching her.  We enjoyed a Moroccan dish that had shrimp and lots of spices while we watched her dance.  Next month we will be going to Disney World and I am looking forward to going to EPCOT and visit the World Showcase with my new knowledge about Morocco.