Friendship Force International, World Conference WTRD 38-39, September 16-17, 2016

Friendship Force International Conference 2016, 
Marrakech, Morocco

Friday, September 16, 2016

Today was the opening plenary session of Friendship Force, International  It started with music and ended with belly dancing,

In between there were interesting conference sessions,

luscious desserts...hence the need for belly dancing,

we toured historical Marrakech,

the souk,

the main square filled with mesmerizing music for weaving snakes,

 henna artists,

and souks with monkeys.

and carriage ride,

food wagons in the center square,

and a fine dinner in the old Medina.

Saturday, September 17, 2016

Adelia Clifton Worrall

This morning prior to the workshop sessions 8:00-8:45, we had the opportunity to participate in a belly dancing lesson.  During the lesson, my phone buzzed.  My belly vibes had crossed the Atlantic Ocean, and our daughter-in-law Jessica had received them and gone into labor.....well, this probably would have happened anyway.

By 10:15 we got news that our third grandchild, another grand-daughter, was born.  She was 9 lbs 5 oz, only 3 oz. lighter than her Dad was 39 years ago.   Despite the fact that our conference sessions were very interesting, we were just too excited an preoccupied to pay as close attention as we should have.  When we finish our time in Morocco, we will be heading to Vermont to meet our new grand baby.  Can't wait!

Russ also gets his chance to belly dance.

All is Well With the Worrall Travel Rs in Marrakech, Morocco

The Newer Side of Marrakech, WTRD 37, September 15, 2016

Modern Marrakech

Lest you think that Marrakech is all about ancient times, souks, and snake charmers, I am posting some photos today of the modern city center where there are stylishly dressed men and women, banks, upscale restaurants and clubs,

 cell towers disguised as palm trees,

lovely parks,

and department stores with high couture.

Construction and repair of much of the infrastructure, streets, walls, and airport are under way.

Airport Construction

We make the assumption that the World Climate Conference scheduled for this November may be the impetus for the refurbishing activities.

After our walk to downtown, some grocery shopping, and self ordering our lunch at MacDo (MacDonalds) on their self-order kiosks,

Halal certified for Muslim population

we returned to our hotel.  Registration for the Friendship Force was underway in the lobby.  Participants from around the world are gathering.

We picked up our schedule and name tags then made our way to the swimming pool where we spent the rest of the afternoon.

There is a mixer this evening, and the conference begins tomorrow.

All is Well with the Worrall Travel R's in Modern Marrakech