Hi, my name is Jessica, and I’m a 12-year-old girl from England. I love exploring new things and going on adventures. My dad, James, has his own business, and it’s always exciting to see him come up with new ideas. My mom, Anna, is an amazing painter who sells her beautiful artwork in art shows in London. I also have a wonderful 8-year-old brother named Jacob, and he’s my best friend. I’m very lucky to have such a great family who always supports me.

One evening, during dinner, my dad surprised us with exciting news. He told us that we were going on a family vacation to Marrakech, Morocco. I was so happy! One of my classmates had told me amazing stories about his trip to Morocco, and I couldn’t wait to see the country for myself. We had learned about Morocco in my geography class, so I was excited to see the different mountains, deserts, and beaches there. Finally, the day came, and when we arrived in Marrakech, it felt like a dream. It was really hot, and the air smelled like spices. The markets were busy and full of sellers. It was like nothing I had ever seen before. We explored the markets, visited the beautiful Bahia Palace, and saw the impressive Koutoubia Mosque. I also made friends with some local people who showed me how kind and friendly Moroccans are.

When our vacation came to an end, my dad surprised us again. He said that we were going to move to Marrakech permanently. I couldn’t believe it! I was so excited and grateful to be able to call this wonderful city my new home. I couldn’t wait to continue exploring, learning, and making more great memories in Marrakech.

After two months of searching, we finally found a nice apartment in Marrakech because we couldn’t stay in a riad forever. Our new apartment is lovely, and I’m so happy because now I have my own room. I don’t have to share it with my little brother, Jacob! I decorated my room with colorful tapestries and some of my mom’s paintings.

Our new neighborhood is amazing! We have a supermarket where we can buy fresh food and groceries, which makes it easy for us to cook delicious meals at home. Not far from our apartment, there’s a beautiful park where I can go for walks and enjoy some peaceful moments. It’s a great place to relax and be in nature. There’s also a nice bakery nearby that sells tasty pastries and traditional Moroccan bread. I can’t resist the smell of their delicious treats!

Living in our new apartment building in Marrakech has been a fantastic experience. Our neighbors are like one big family, and it’s so heartwarming to see how everyone cares for each other. We often gather in the courtyard or on the rooftop terrace in the evenings to share stories, laughter, and yummy food. It’s very different from what I remember in the UK. In the UK, neighbors hardly talk to each other, and it’s rare to see people getting together. Once, I saw a girl my age in our building and smiled and said hello to her, but she didn’t respond. It made me feel lonely and a little sad. But here in Marrakech, things are different. Our neighbors really care about each other and are always there to help. It has shown me how important it is to have friends and how they make our lives happy and warm.

Being part of this close-knit community has taught me how important it is to have strong friendships. The connections we have with our neighbors are more than just being neighbors – they become like family. We support and care for each other, and it makes us feel happy and connected. It’s like having a big group of friends who are always there for you. Living here has made me realize that having good relationships with others is really important. Even small acts of kindness, like saying hello or having a friendly conversation, can make a big difference. It has also shown 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 make our surroundings more positive and supportive for everyone.

Meeting my new neighbor, Lina, has been a wonderful experience. She’s a smart and curious 13-year-old girl, just like me. We quickly became friends and spend a lot of time talking about our interests, sharing stories, and discovering how much we have in common. Lina’s intelligence and curiosity always impress me, and I learn so much from her.

During one of our conversations, Lina surprised me with some exciting news. She invited me to her sister’s wedding, which will take place next Saturday. I couldn’t believe it! We had only just met, and I felt honored to be included in such an important celebration. I asked her why she invited me, and she explained that in Morocco, it’s a tradition to invite all the neighbors to weddings. They believe in celebrating together as a community and strengthening the bonds between people. It’s a way of showing that neighbors are like extended family members. I thought it was such a beautiful tradition!

I expressed my gratitude and told Lina how excited I was to attend the wedding. I wanted to learn more about Moroccan culture and the customs and traditions associated with weddings. Lina happily shared all the details with me. I was fascinated by the idea that a wedding is not just a private event but an opportunity to celebrate with the whole neighborhood. It reflects the spirit of unity and inclusivity that is deeply ingrained in Moroccan society. I couldn’t wait to go to the wedding with my family and experience the love, joy, and sense of community that would fill the air. Lina’s invitation not only marked a celebration of love but also showed me the incredible kindness of the Moroccan people.

Glossary:

Geography: The study of the Earth’s land, people, and places.

Permanent: Something that lasts for a long time or doesn’t change.

Decorate: To make something look nicer by adding colors or objects to it.

Groceries: The food and other things you buy at the store to use at home.

Bakery: A place where bread, pastries, and cakes are made and sold.

Community: A group of people who live in the same area and help and support each other.

Neighbor: Someone who lives near you, usually in the same building or on the same street.

Courtyard: An open area surrounded by buildings, usually with a garden or plants.

Terrace: A flat area outside a building where people can sit and enjoy the view.

Lonely: Feeling alone and sad.

Inclusivity: Including everyone and making sure no one is left out.

Curiosity: Wanting to know or learn about new things.

Gratitude: Feeling thankful and appreciative.

Extended family: Relatives who are not just your parents, siblings, and grandparents, but also include aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Spirit: The feeling or mood that something creates.

Comprehension Questions:

Answer in a comment below: write your full name and class. (ex: Fayrouz Agjaw K14)

  • Why was Jessica excited about the family vacation to Marrakech?

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is an entrepreneur?

a. Someone who loves exploring new things.

b. A person who starts and runs their own business.

c. A talented painter who sells artwork.

d. A person who goes on adventures.

2. What does the word “permanent” mean?

a. Something that lasts for a long time or doesn’t change.

b. Something that is temporary and will go away.

c. Something that is colorful and beautiful.

d. Something that is exciting and surprising.

3. What does the word “loneliness” mean?

a. Being nice and helpful to others.

b. Feeling thankful and appreciative.

c. The feeling of being alone and sad.

d. Wanting to know or learn about new things.

4. What is an extended family?

a. Relatives who are not just your parents, siblings, and grandparents.

b. A group of people who live in the same area and help each other.

c. Something that is done in a particular way because it has been done that way for a long time.

d. A special event or party to show happiness and joy.

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Challenge Teens

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