Andrew and Aicha’s Wedding
I want to begin this SubStack update with a congratulations to my friends Andrew and Aicha, who celebrated their official marriage (certificate and all) on Sunday. My new friend Cece and I travelled to Aicha’s family home outside of Meknes. The wedding was nothing short of incredible, with energetic music, good food, and fun dancing. Below is the calligraphy that I made for Aicha’s mother as a gift.
Daily Routine Ameliorated
I met a new friend who tells me that she swims in the Atlantic Ocean every morning, quite early. I have taken up this same practice. I am a huge fan of cold water, as evidenced by the 5:00am ice-cold baths I took to start my days in Pennsylvania.
This the morning walk that I take to the beach from my apartment. Down the avenue, through the old Medina, and past the Kasbah of the Oudayas. Below here is an audio recording of the Adhan — The Islamic Call To Prayer — that plays as I walk through the Medina each morning.
It is a very peaceful experience to walk alone and slowly watch the city come to life. It makes me feel like a single red blood cell in a circulatory system that is again starting to pump blood throughout a body. The cold water of the ocean and I have a love-hate relationship. The physical discomfort is the comfort, and it forces my body awake. As I write this now, I am at Aya Rosa Cafe still chilly from the ocean one hour ago. I’ve been doing this new habit five days in a row, and I will keep it up as long as the weather (and my body) allows.
Other Notes
I hang out with Rehan a lot, we had nap time at my apartment yesterday. He slept on the couch, and I on my bed, as we listened to the album Carrie and Lowell by Sufjan Stevens
I am going to the national library more.
I have been skateboarding a bit less than usual, but I make it a point to go to the skatepark on weekends.
Thanks for reading, and I hope you have an epic day today. I love when you all respond to this SubStack via the email feature (hint hint).
Best wishes,
Reese