My name is Jessica, and I’m a 12-year-old girl from England. I love discovering new things and going on adventures. My dad, James, is an entrepreneur and it’s always fascinating to see him come up with new ideas for his business. My mom, Anna, is a talented painter who sells her beautiful artwork in exhibitions around London. I also have a wonderful 8-year-old brother named Jacob, who is my best friend. I’m so grateful to have such an amazing family who supports me no matter what.

One evening, during dinner, my dad surprised us with the news that we were going on a family vacation to Marrakech, Morocco. I was thrilled! I had heard stories from my classmate about his incredible trip to Morocco, and I couldn’t wait to experience the beauty of the country for myself. We learned about Morocco in my geography class, so I was excited to see the diverse landscape of mountains, deserts, and beaches. The day finally arrived, and as we landed in Marrakech, I felt like I was stepping into a dream. The heat, the aroma of spices in the air, and the lively markets filled with vendors were unlike anything I had ever seen. Exploring the souks, visiting the magnificent Bahia Palace, and marveling at the Koutoubia Mosque were just a few of the unforgettable experiences I had. I also made friends with locals who showed me the warmth and kindness of Moroccan hospitality. 

As our vacation came to an end, my dad surprised us once again by announcing that we were moving to Marrakech permanently. I couldn’t believe it! I was filled with excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to call this vibrant city my new home. I couldn’t wait to continue exploring, learning, and making more wonderful memories in Marrakech.

After two months of searching, we finally found a nice apartment in Marrakech because we can’t stay forever in a riad. Our new apartment is simply lovely, and I’m thrilled that I have my own room now. No more sharing with my little brother, Jacob! I’ve taken the opportunity to decorate my room with colorful tapestries and some of my mum’s paintings. 

Our new neighborhood is fantastic! We have a supermarket where we can buy fresh produce and groceries, making it convenient for us to cook delicious meals at home. And not far from our apartment, there’s a beautiful park where I can go for walks and find moments of tranquility. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy nature. There’s also a charming bakery nearby that serves pastries and traditional Moroccan bread. I can’t resist indulging in their fragrant and mouthwatering treats!

Living in our new apartment building here in Marrakech has been an amazing experience. Our neighbors are like one big family, and it’s so heartwarming to see how everyone is connected and cares for each other. We often gather in the courtyard or on the rooftop terrace in the evenings to share stories, laughter, and delicious food. It’s completely different from what I remember back in the UK.

In the UK, neighbors rarely spoke to each other, and it was rare to see any social gatherings. I once saw a girl my age in our building and greeted her with a smile and a hello, but she didn’t respond. It made me feel lonely and a little sad. But here in Marrakech, things are different. Our neighbors genuinely care about each other and are always there to help. It has shown me the importance of social connections and how they bring warmth and happiness to our daily lives.

Being part of this close-knit community has made me realize how important it is to have strong social connections. The bonds we form with our neighbors go beyond just being neighbors – they create a support system that extends to our daily lives. It’s a network of caring individuals who are there for each other, sharing experiences and creating a sense of belonging. I can see how this positively affects everyone, from the youngest children to the older adults. It reminds me of the strength that comes from being part of a closely-knit community.

Living here has made me appreciate the value of social connections and how simple acts of kindness, like greeting a neighbor or engaging in a friendly conversation, can make a big difference. It has taught me the importance of creating a sense of community wherever I go. We are not alone in this world, and by reaching out to others, we can create a positive and supportive environment for everyone.

Meeting my new neighbor, Lina, has been such a delightful experience. She’s a bright and inquisitive 13-year-old girl, just like me. We quickly started a friendship, spending hours talking about our interests, sharing stories, and discovering our similarities. Lina’s intelligence and curiosity about the world never cease to amaze me, and I find myself learning so much from her.

During one of our conversations, Lina dropped a bombshell that left me speechless. She invited me to her sister’s wedding, which is happening next Saturday. 

“I can’t believe you’re inviting me to your sister’s wedding next Saturday! We’ve only just met, and I’m so honored to be included. Why would you invite me?” I said, astonished.

“Jessica, in Morocco, it’s a custom to invite all the neighbors to weddings. It’s a way of celebrating together as a community and strengthening the bonds between us. We consider our neighbors as part of our extended family, and we believe that sharing joyous occasions with everyone creates a sense of togetherness.” She smiled warmly and explained. 

“That’s such a beautiful tradition!” I exclaimed, adding “I’m touched that you see me and my family as a part of your community. I’m really excited to attend the wedding and experience Moroccan culture firsthand. Can you tell me more about Moroccan weddings? I’d love to learn about the customs and traditions.” 

As Lina described the customs and traditions surrounding Moroccan weddings, my love and appreciation for the culture grew even stronger. I was captivated by the idea that a wedding is not just a private affair but an opportunity to celebrate with the entire neighborhood. It truly embodies the spirit of unity and inclusivity that is so deeply ingrained in Moroccan society. I couldn’t wait to attend the wedding alongside my family, to witness the love, joy, and sense of community that would fill the air. This invitation marked not only a celebration of love but also a proof of the profound kindness of the Moroccan people.

Glossary:

Entrepreneur – a person who starts and manages a business, taking on financial risks

Vibrant – full of energy and enthusiasm

Tranquility – a state of calmness and peace

Fragrant – having a pleasant and sweet smell

Mouthwatering – causing a strong desire or craving for food

Heartwarming – evoking feelings of warmth, love, and happiness

Dropped a bombshell – to give a sudden and surprising piece of news or information that has a significant impact.

Captivated – deeply fascinated or engrossed by something.

Inquisitive – curious and eager to learn or investigate.

Customs – traditional practices or behaviors specific to a particular culture or society.

Togetherness – a state of being close or united as a group or community.

Extended family – relatives beyond one’s immediate family, including cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents.

Joyous – filled with happiness, joy, or delight.

Inclusivity – the practice of including all people, regardless of their differences or backgrounds.

Affair – an event or occasion, often of a social or celebratory nature.

Unity – the state of being united or joined together as a whole.

Comprehension Questions:

Answer in a comment below: write your full name and class. (ex: Yousra Rhoulam K1)

  1. What was the surprise that Jessica’s dad announced during dinner?
  2. Why did Jessica feel lonely and sad when she greeted a girl in her UK building?

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What did Jessica and her family find in their new neighborhood in Marrakech?

a) A new apartment building

b) A supermarket, a park, and a bakery

c) A lively market and a beautiful palace

d) Friendly neighbors who gather for meals

2. Why did Lina invite Jessica to her sister’s wedding?

a) They had been friends for a long time

b) It was a tradition to invite neighbors in Morocco

c) Jessica had shown a keen interest in Moroccan culture

d) Jessica’s family was well-known in the community

3. What impressed Jessica about Moroccan weddings?

a) The extravagant decorations

b) The traditional Moroccan attire

c) The spirit of unity and inclusivity

d) The delicious food served at the celebrations

 

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Challenge Teens

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