From Sunrise in Casablanca to Sunset in Meknes

We kicked off our last day in Casablanca with a joyful celebration--our amazing ISA representative, Oussama, turned 30!! To make his big day unforgettable, we surprised him with cake, games, and lots of laughter to go around. The room was filled with energy and love as we sang birthday songs from all corners of the world, each one adding a special touch to the moment. It was beautiful to see so many cultures come together to celebrate one incredible person. Happy 30th, Oussama--you deserve all the joy in the world!!

Later in the day, we attended a fascinating and insightful presentation about Pharma 5, a leading pharmaceutical company based in Meknes. Pharma 5 plays a vital role in Morocco by providing affordable medications to hospitals and communities across the country. One of the most inspiring things I learned during this visit is that the company is currently run by the daughters of the founder. Not only is it a thriving family business, but it's also led by women who are absolutely rocking the pharmaceutical world-- a true "girl boss" moment that left, me feeling empowered and hopeful for the future of women in STEM and business.

On our way back to Meknes—where I couldn’t wait to reunite with my joyful and ever-welcoming host mom—we made a pit stop in Rabat for a little sightseeing adventure. Rabat is Morocco’s capital. From ancient ruins to royal landmarks, every corner felt like it had a tale behind it.

One of the highlights of the day was the stunning Bou Regreg Estuary. Nestled right by the Atlantic Ocean, this spot was not only breathtakingly beautiful but also surprisingly cinematic—literally. Fun fact: it was one of the filming locations for Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning! Tom Cruise apparently drove a car down the historic stairs of the Kasbah here, destroying both the stairs and the car in the process. Classic Cruise.

Needless to say, this stop made Rabat an unforgettable part of the journey—and it only made me more excited to get back "home" to Meknes.

After a full day of adventures and learning, stepping back into our homestay felt like returning to a warm embrace. Our homestay mom greeted us with her usual excitement, arms open and smile wide, as if we’d been gone for weeks instead of just a few hours. As always, she insisted on feeding us more than any reasonable human should eat—and of course, we didn’t complain. We gathered around the table for a feast that turned into a laughter-filled evening, our bellies aching from both the food and the nonstop jokes. It was one of those nights that reminded me just how special this place—and these people—really are.

signing off,

Tamera :)