It's True

When reading, I often hear Morocco referred to as a cold country with a hot sun. Being my last two trips here were in summer, I disbelieved this description.  Now, however, I know it is true. In the winter it is almost freezing at night, in these parts, but in the afternoon out in the sun your skin burns.  

Today I stopped at Chez Nabil for a late lunch and sat on the terrace.  Once again, the blazing sun warmed up my chilled bones.  

In Casablanca, Marrakech, and Tan Tan (where I am going) it is not nearly as cold at night, but in the desert and here on the edge of it, I can say that KW is better.  At least we have central heat. That being said, it is only cold at night and in the morning.  There is no snow or icy roads to deal with.

Several times since I have been here I have had birds fly in to visit.  Usually they only stay a few minutes to say hi and leave.  There are no screens.  Right now I have a bird visiting, but he/she looks like she intends to stay for awhile.  I think she is in the bedroom right now.  

When I fist got here and it happened I was distraught because in our family a bird in, or trying to get in, is a very bad sign - usually sickness or death.  When I told Houssaine about my visitor he smiled and was happy.  He said that in Berber culture that is a sign of good fortune.  I prefer his superstition to mine and I think it is true this time.  These birds do not come into the room I am in and they don't stare you in the eye which has always been "the messenger bird or watcher bird" according to grandmother.  Any thoughts, anyone???