From the window of my room in my home-stay family’s apartment overlooking a busy city square, I have been observing the city below and have been struck by the relaxed pace of society and the communal practice of people-watching. From my perch at the window, I can see several cafes, and throughout the day, the outside seating is always crowded. Even when seated with other people, everyone seems to sit facing the street square. The clients of these cafes sit there for long periods of time, not feasting on three course meals or having lively conversations. From what I can see, this tradition is all about tea and quiet observation. This is a practice I would like to try. Having grown up in the Northeast of the United States, I am accustomed to a fast-paced society in which everybody focuses on themselves and is always in a rush to get somewhere or do something. Nobody really spends time truly appreciating the places they are exploring, the people they are meeting, the food they are eating, etc. Since arriving in Morocco, I have noticed how people generally walk and talk at a more comfortable pace. I think people seem to take time to absorb and think about their surroundings.

However, it is interesting to witness the contradiction of the busy street with honking taxis and cars speeding by against the calm and collected groups of people watching the day pass by them. Many of the café customers do seem to be of an older generation, so I wonder if this tradition will fade away with time as younger people become more and more rushed and impatient. I hope that is not the case. I think we can all gain some patience and wisdom from sitting with our elders and observing the world with them.

I believe that this café people-watching practice is a form of meditation as it forces people to relax, collect their emotions, abandon any pressing concerns for the moment, and quietly reflect. Meditation and reflection is a big part of prayer. Moroccan culture is built upon Islamic values, and prayer is a major concept in Islam. The practice of prayer invites people to stop what they are doing five times a day and reflect and remember God (I have attached a photo of a mosque in Fez, where people will take the time to pray). While not everyone prays, I still think this value has factored into a community of reflection. One day while I am still here, I would like to sit at one of these cafes and participate in this form of meditation and people-watching. Sure, I am watching people from up here at the window, but it is not the same as sipping Moroccan mint tea, sitting among locals and watching the world as sort of a peer and not from a separate and isolated location. Not only would I be sitting with locals and engaging in a common practice with them, but I would also be observing and studying the actions and interactions passing me by, which would contribute to a more comprehensive understanding and impression of the culture and society of Fez.