NEWS BRIEF - Marrekech, March 3, 210

Casablanca rolling south
By: Aaron Hochman-Zimmerman
Marrekech, March 3, 2010 - The March class of Peace Corps trainees landed in Casablanca early Wednesday.
The group is made up of largely healthcare workers with a smaller contingent of environmental volunteers. California is the best represented state followed closely by Colorado and west coast neighbors Oregon and Washington. Three volunteers represent the Empire State with only one from downstate.
After the redeye flight from Philadelphia, the Americans were met by David Lillie, the Peace Corps' Morocco country director, and a contingent of his staff. The larger-than-average group was able to secure all of their baggage and equipment before a three hour bus ride to a comfortable hotel in Marrekech.
The weather changed significantly during the short trip.
Upon arrival at Casablanca, the warm air was cut by a cool sea breeze which weighed heavy on native palm trees. However, at a short rest stop, the cold air was cut by mist and rain, although a few of the free-spirited volunteers took advantage of a jungle gym outside of the roadside cafe.
In the warmer, drier Marrekech, the well-appointed hotel the Americans were checked into five-person bungalows, fed a lunch of salad, rice, pot roast and artichokes. The group was then shown to a conference room, under a picture of Morocco's King Mohammad VI and guided through an administrative orientation.
The Americans were expected to leave for the mountain pass to Ouarzazate Province early Thursday in order for a series of inoculations and further training. The volunteers are expected to be placed with the first of two host families on Sunday.