While on his trip, Adams said the cities he visited reminded him more of American cities in that they have became more modern. Cities such as Rabat, Casablanca and Marrakesh were similar to New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. "There has been major changes in Morocco since I lived and worked there in the 1960s," Adams said. Another culture shock to Adams was how the women were dressed now compared to then. "Most young women wear western style clothing and adorn themselves with pierced rings," he said. As prices have gone up in this country, prices in Morocco have increased tremendously within the last 45 years. Rick's Cafe, made famous in the 1942 film "Casablanca," is located in Morocco. Adams said dinner and drink prices there are too expensive compared to other good restaurants nearby. Morocco was one of the first countries to invite the Peace Corps to assist in its development needs.
Louis Adams relives Peace Corps days during reunion in Morocco
Local professor relives Peace Corps days during reunion in Morocco
Southeastern alum in Africa in early 1960s
By ASHLEY PHILLIPS • Gazette Staff Writer • May 12, 2008
Caption: PCV Alec Miller, staff member Louis E. Adams (center) and PCV Andy Anderson at the gate of Peace Corps Group Morocco at the Peace Corps reception to honor the Morocco I group who returned for the reunion 45 years after their service in that country. (Submitted photo)
A local man revisited the station where he was assigned 45 years ago while participating in the Peace Corps.
Louis Adams went back to Morocco, a place where he lived more than four decades ago when the Morocco I Peace Corps had its 45-year reunion in April. He was excited and thrilled to go back to a place where he lived and worked, and he said the trip meant a lot to him.
Adams, 73, is a 1953 Southeastern graduate. He went on to attend Ohio University and graduate school at the University of Cincinnati. He joined the faculty of the UC medical college in 1968 as a professor of immunology and retired from teaching in 1998. He still retains the title of professor emeritus.
Adams went to Morocco in 1963 with 53 other young volunteers who were trained at Cal Poly as language teachers, land surveyors and water irrigation experts.
"They were ready to change the world," he said.
While on his trip, Adams said the cities he visited reminded him more of American cities in that they have became more modern.
Cities such as Rabat, Casablanca and Marrakesh were similar to New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.
"There has been major changes in Morocco since I lived and worked there in the 1960s," Adams said.
Another culture shock to Adams was how the women were dressed now compared to then.
"Most young women wear western style clothing and adorn themselves with pierced rings," he said.
As prices have gone up in this country, prices in Morocco have increased tremendously within the last 45 years.
Rick's Cafe, made famous in the 1942 film "Casablanca," is located in Morocco. Adams said dinner and drink prices there are too expensive compared to other good restaurants nearby.
Morocco was one of the first countries to invite the Peace Corps to assist in its development needs.
As a retired college professor, Adams lives in Cincinnati. He enjoys farming, ranching and fishing with his grandchildren on the Tecumseh High Plains Ranch near Chillicothe. Keeping himself busy in retirement, he already has published two books, and his third book is slated for print this year.
(Phillips can be reached at 772-9376 or via e-mail at phillips@nncogannett.com)
