Todays’ interview for The Beauty of Difference series is with Marie Nikodem Loerzel – writer, mother and world-explorer.
About me: I used to be a professional working in the non-profits in foster care and domestic violence. That was before my 4 kids came along and I gave it up to be a full time mom. It was also before the opportunity of a lifetime came along and we moved to Morocco, which is when I started my blog about our life here – Rock The Kasbah.
We were living in Colorado Spring, where my husband had a thriving medical practice. But, he also had a wandering eye. So he couldn’t help himself when he saw that the Peace Corps had an opening in Africa. He used to be in the military, so we used to move every couple of years. But since he’d left the army, we’d created our homestead in Colorado and lived there for 5 years. So, our feet were getting really itchy, and we are both very passionate about giving our kids the opportunity to see the world. So that’s how we ended up here.
You are a woman after my own heart, being an avid traveller and all. Do you recall what initially sparked your interest in exploring the world?
My dad was an airline pilot, so travel was always part of my life. But, it really started the summer after I graduated high school and I went on a trip to Holland for 3 weeks, and I came home with a boyfriend – who after 4 years of a long distance relationship became my husband. So I would say that that was the spark that ignited the fire. Good thing too, because travel is a huge part of our lives. In the army we got to live in some cool places like Hawaii and Germany. Then, when it was time to add kids to the equation, I’d known from working in foster care how many children needed homes. So the decision to adopt was easy. The bigger decision was from where. Since I’d always been fascinated by Russia and took some Russian in college it just seemed to fit. Mother Russia has a whole other meaning in our house.
You and your family have been living and traveling in Morocco for a few years now. What kick-started this journey for you and your family?
We’ve been in Morocco for two years now and we’ll be moving back to the states this summer. When the Peace Corps came calling our oldest was in 5th grade and our youngest was headed into kindergarten. We figured it was a good time to move before the oldest started middle school, because the older he gets the harder it would be. And our youngest was old enough to remember it when we moved back. So the timing seemed perfect.
How have your kids handled it?
Well, of course timing never is perfect, but there is no perfect time for anything. It was a huge adjustment for the kids. Everything here is different. Standing in queue is a foreign concept, as is customer service, road rules and hygiene. And that’s the short list. My oldest by far had the most difficulty adjusting to life here. He has started and ended many conversations with the words “I hate Morocco”.
The kids school has also been a challenge and hasn’t always met the kids needs. We even discussed leaving Morocco early because of it. But, in the end we decided the cultural experience was worth sticking it out. I feel like we’ve just figured out how things work and now it’s almost time to leave.
My husband and I knew that in the short term this would be hard for the kids. But, that in the long term it would be character building and give them greater global perspective. We’ve done a lot of travelling outside of Morocco too. They have have become excellent travellers and really notice subtle differences from place to place. One of our favourite things to do in a new country is go to the grocery store. It’s completely fascinating!
What are two key things that you have learnt along the way?
- Always check and see if you need a visa before you travel. That lead to one of our biggest midadventures.
- The second thing a sense of humor is a must, with or without the visa.
From what I have witnessed, many people who get married and have kids ‘settle down’ and don’t believe that they can ‘uproot’ their family and take them some place else on a lengthy adventure. But you have, and I admire you for it. I think your children’s lives, especially, will be so much more enriched for it. Why would you recommend this experience to other families?
Travelling brings all those history books to life. Besides being a really fun adventure that will bring your family closer together, it’s a tactile supplement to academics. This spring we finally made that second trip to Egypt, right after the revolution mind you. Coincidentally, my oldest was studying Egypt in social studies. I’d never seen him so engaged in learning before. So everywhere we went he was anxious to share everything he knew and we let him be our tour guide. He was even thirsty to know more when we got home. Seeing him so excited was worth the price of the two trips it took to get there.
You have a love for belly dancing. I have tried it, but can’t get my hips and knees to move! What ignited your interest in this and how long have you been doing this? Why do you love it so? Will you keep it up when you go home…wherever that may be.
Before we left Colorado I was doing roller derby. I knew I’d have to give that up when we moved. And I wasn’t happy about it. So I decided I’d take up something new here. Since belly dancing originated in this part of the world I decided what better way to get some more local culture. I started the week I arrived and take a class twice a week with an Egyptian teacher I adore. I had never had a dance class before ever. And I have never been graceful. Did I mention the class is in French and Arabic (neither of which I speak)? Despite all these obstacles, I learned to dance. Now I can’t listen to Arabic music sitting down and frequently dance in my house, as you know. So now I’m in a conundrum. When we move back to the states will it be back to roller derby, belly dance or both? I have no idea.
We are members of the same personal blogging group (PBAU). I love personal blogging as I feel it allows a greater degree of flexibility and freedom, and it can so much more heat felt and raw. Why do you love PERSONAL blogging so much?
I agree about the flexibility and freedom and both of those are very important to me as a mother. But as someone who is really shy, it’s also a great way to express myself and my creativity.
“We become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams.”
- Jimmy Carter
After getting to know you in the PBAU, and by following your blog, I can see that you go out of your way to experience ‘different’ things in life, be it food, clothing (Day in a Burqa), belly dancing, camping in Africa, and so on. What gives you such a lust for life?
Coffee. And knowing that sometimes you just have one shot to do things or experience things. And you can’t sit around and wait for your opportunity, sometimes you just need to make your own.
Why do you believe it is important for each and every one of us to get out there and explore the world and the people in it?
Because tomorrow it’s all going to change. Even if you go the same place twice, it’s never quite the same. There are always new people to meet and they can tell you far more than any guide book can. And that’s what travel is all about. Connecting.
The second most popular post, just behind numero uno, is a simple little post about the effect a mosquito can have…’
