Almost time to meet at the gate for the 9am tourist bus which is taking us, along with a guide, to Fes for the day.
First stop, the Imperial Palace.
There is a large brown gate over to the left of the Palace with two armed gaurds outside. Our guide told us not to photograph this gate and when asked why not, said, he hadn't yet found out why not!
Second stop was at the Fort overlooking Fes Medina.
The colour of Fes is the colour of Islam, green.
The Fez Medina is the largest living medieval Medina in the world and in the 11th Century was the world's largest known City. There are 150,000 people living and working in the Medina.
Next the souq - an absolute maze of alleyways, 'Holy Ways', off alleyways with lots of dead ends, steps up and down, endless narrow shop fronts selling anything and everything imaginable, transport only by donkey or hand cart, with now and then a doorway opening up into a large carpet shop or a huge fabric warehouse, over 8,000 streets or Holy Ways teeming with people. Best not to enter without a guide.
First stop was at the pottery co-operative to see the making of the ceramic pots, tiles and mosaics.
Next, a large carpet emporium where we were sat down, given a drink of refreshing mint tea followed by a long carpet display. It was good to sit awhile and the carpets were gorgeous and very expensive.
We visited an early university which seemed exactly like the Alhambra in Granada but was immaculately preserved, unlike the Alhambra.
We passed through the square of the 'Copper Beaters'. Such memories took me back to old town Mombasa, some 40 years ago now.
Lunch at last at ' Restaurant Asmae' where we sampled from twenty or so small delicious dishes after which we each had a meat & cabbage concoction covered in filo pastry then sugar & cinnamon and fried. Sounds strange but tasted wonderful. Fresh orange juice to wash it down.
Then more walking, a visit to an upmarket copper, brass and a jewellery shop, all modern.
Perhaps this was just one large, expensive shop too many!
Next, a leather shop.
We climbed to the very top of the shop up narrow, rickety, wooden, uneven stairs and at the top were given each a large bunch of fresh mint to hold beneath our noses before being ushered outside to overlook the tannery. Thank goodness for the mint!
Each family business has been handed down from fathers to sons for generations.
Eventually, we were guided out of the maze and back on the bus, stopping high up on the opposite side of the Medina for another look, most people simply far to tired to get out of the bus.
Modern, French Fes
Back at camp and at 5.30 another meeting. Later we were treated to a meal cooked by the team, chicken cooked in pepsi cola. Rice, chicken, veg and bread and fruit to follow. A nice touch not to have to cook for ourselves after such a tiring day. We shared a table with the Australian family, not having brought a table with us. The electricity is back on tonight.
Camping International Fes.
