While Russian women once again watched the series "Clone", Elena Skvortsova from Belgorod decided to truly find herself in the world of Zhadi. and Rihanna was spotted by producer and rapper Jay-Z and took up her promotion 2012 year, having arrived from Belgorod to Kharkov, she met a Moroccan at a dance, and after a few years, quitting a job as an accountant in an agro-industrial firm, moved to his homeland.
Of course, Elena does not have such a sad fate, like Zhadi, but the girl loved the TV series and dreamed of going to an eastern country. Did she know, that one day he will find himself in his own fairy tale? There will be no intrigues and partings in it., but a lot of love, tenderness and understanding. About that, How does a Russian girl live in Morocco, Elena told Wday.ru. Read other series of the project "Married to a Foreigner" by the link.
It all started in 2012 year, Lena was then 25 years old. The girl had just discovered a new world of Latin American dances and often traveled from Belgorod to Kharkov to take salsa classes..
- As I remember now: I go to workout and see him. It was love at first sight, my type is tall, dark-haired, brown-eyed. Something clicked right away. I asked a friend: "What a handsome? Such plump lips, he, probably, kisses beautifully ... "And the friend replied: "Well, Do not know, try".
But the brown-eyed handsome man did not pay attention to Lena that evening. They met by chance the next day near the Architectural Institute., where Ayub studied and where did he go to singing classes. Then an acquaintance happened and a romance began.
- He added me as a friend on VKontakte, liked photo, you can say, cast a rod. Correspondence has begun. Then in Kharkov we met at a competition - I danced, and he sang. 12 May 2012 Ayub asked me on a first date. And in 2013 year we went to get acquainted with his homeland, in Marocco.
I AM, like many Russian girls, I really love the TV series "Clone", I always liked Zhadi, her handkerchiefs, outfits. Therefore, the east and the Kingdom of Morocco beckoned me.
“If you want to be with me, move to Morocco "
Ayub was immediately determined: said Lena, that he wants to marry her, but he won't be able to stay in Russia. Mom and sister live at home, who have high hopes for him as the only man in the family, since dad died in a car accident.
- He immediately said: if you want to be with me, moving to Morocco. I accepted it, because she loved, and began to prepare, learn french, although Ayub speaks Russian well. The parents did not mind either - they saw, what a good and honest person he is. Three years later, Ayub graduated from the institute, and we moved to Mohammedia - a city near Casablanca, - the girl recalls. - It turned out, we both needed to adapt. I'm not used to it yet, he lost the habit.
The euphoria from living together gave way to homesickness. On many things, which Lena recently liked in Morocco, she began to look differently. Overwhelmed by everyday life, had to equip new housing, look for a job.
- I really missed family and friends, on salsa parties and active, varied leisure. But over time I realized, that there is only one option: understand and accept.
Soon Ayub got a job as an architect, and Lena became pregnant and completely immersed herself in motherhood. Homesickness faded into the background.
How to find friends in a foreign country
When the first shock from the move passed and everyday issues were settled a little, Lena understood, that she is desperately lacking in communication. Friendship with the locals did not work out, she began to make Russian friends and formed several ways to find like-minded people in a foreign country:
Instagram and other social networks
Хобби⠀
Embassy of the Russian Federation and associations of former compatriots
Places of study. Language classes
Work
- Now I have many Russian friends in Morocco. I do not work for someone, but has its own online store selling Moroccan cosmetics, which brings me a good income. I also took up yoga., I am studying to be a teacher and plan to lead groups in French. Therefore, there is no need to get bored.
“We also celebrate Muslim, and Christian holidays "
Lena's husband is a Muslim, their four year old son too. But the girl remained a Christian, Ayub did not insist, so that she can accept his faith.
- We both count, that God is one, there is no disagreement on the basis of faith. In his family, too, no one was against, I was well received, - says Lena. - We also respect Muslim, and Christian traditions, we celebrate all the holidays, I support his culture, and he is mine.
According to Lena, Moroccans are very hospitable. Especially fond of Russian girls, there are more and more of them here.
- It's not difficult to find a job - Russian education, especially in medicine, appreciated. And you can also make good money, if you do cosmetic procedures and manicure. The locals are bad at it.
Moroccans always smile on the street, say hello even to strangers. Very sociable with children. Even if the child screams, crying, indulges in, they will never remark, but, vice versa, will play, will support.
- They are also lazy and turn any troubles into a joke, don't bother. More simple, than we, russians. There may be disadvantages here.: they are sometimes not sincere enough, more superficial, - says Lena. - But in our family, the relationship is closer to the Russian mentality. We love to understand and discuss.
"I do not recommend sunbathing topless"
Lena does not wear a hijab or a burqa, as, eg, our heroine, married to an Egyptian. According to her, in the kingdom it is recommended to take into account the traditions and customs of the local population, dress and behave appropriately. But, The coronavirus pandemic has made adjustments to the planned vacation of most, Morocco is a popular tourist destination, where on many things (especially in the tourist area) look with understanding.
- Any swimwear is allowed on the hotel beach (just do not recommend sunbathing topless), and you can walk around the hotel in shorts, short skirts and sundresses, to wear blouses with a neckline. Outside of liberty in clothes, it is better to avoid - more closed light-colored clothes made from natural fabrics would be ideal., allowing skin to breathe. Jeans and T-shirts are acceptable, midi skirts and capri pants. But even if you "violate", you don't have to talk to the police.
According to Lena, living comfortably in Morocco. Here are European customs, the laws are not so harsh, like in other Muslim countries. true, for five years she still has not got used to the lack of heating. The houses are cold, due to high humidity, you freeze already in +10.
- I also don't like that, that every Russian girl is constantly whistling or honking in the streets. It gets in the way. So I hardly ever walk, mostly by taxi.
Car, by the way, can't be called home. You go out to a certain place and you catch her, and on the way, the driver can add someone else.
Recreation is also a problem. Moroccans love to go to cafes, restaurants, to drink coffee. But if you want something more, need to go out of town, travel. What we do on the weekend.
The girl does not plan to return to Russia.
- I'm used to the climate, fresh fruit, vegetables. Enough of that, that I come home every year, I meet my parents and fill with the energy of the forest. And then I go back to Morocco, where is my whole life.
Lena and Ayub got married in Russia
Want to talk about your life in another country? Contact our author Nadezhda Nizamova by emailnnizamova@hspub.ru. We will publish the most interesting stories on the site.
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