Orphanage

Today our day started at 9:30 because our surf lesson for Group A was from 10 to 12 a.m. The waves were much better than yesterday and surfing was a lot of fun.

After the lesson, we had some free time before visiting the local orphanage.

Before arriving, we had no idea what life there would look like or what the conditions would be. The orphanage is home to almost 100 boys, but only about 25 of them have no parents at all. Our guide explained that it’s common for families to send their sons there, so that the daughters can stay home to learn cooking and household management.

The boys were really kind and very open toward us. They seemed comfortable and, given their circumstances, quite happy.

One of them gave us a tour around the classrooms and dormitories.

We shared some snacks together, cookies and juice and chatted a bit in their common area. We also left some donations for them.

The boys are between 6 and 18 years old; once they turn 18, they have to leave the orphanage. After our snack, we played basketball together, which was so much fun! We were really impressed by their skills.

Later in the evening, we had the same food as the days before and, as usual, managed to break another chair.

Now we’re back at the Riad, tired but excited for tomorrow.