Sitting on the grass

When we were on the train traveling between different cities, we noticed a lot of Moroccans sitting in the grass with their families and friends not doing a whole lot. They just sat there as far as I could tell, enjoying the scenery. I´m not sure if they´re talking or just hanging out together sharing the love. I think I read somewhere on the web page that they are sitting there waiting for a car to go by so that they can hitch a ride. Maybe that´s what it is? Anyway, I wish I had a good Moroccan friend so that I could ask him about it. It´s not really easy to ask a Moroccan person I don´t know this question and make it sound non-offensive.