Lots of construction could be seen from the road, many tree farms and small animal farms. Each community and small village had minaret and mosque. At the rest stops along the highway there were prayer rooms as well
We arrived in Fes shortly after noon and headed toward the old city. Along the way two school boys climbed on top of our rover and attempted to untie and steal our bags. At least that's what the driver thought. Kathryn and Judy chose to believe the boys were simply fooling around. Carol and I knew they were urchins.
We parked outside of the old city and carrying our bags we were led through a maze of narrow dark and dusty streets until we came to a wooden door. When the door was opened we were invited into a garden of Eden with beautiful fruit and flower trees, flowers and beautifully appointed rooms opening onto the gardens from several levels. Riad Salama! A 5* B&B. You would never have known from outside!
After a brief rest, our city guide arrived. Mohammed lead us through the maze for the next four hours. Shop upon shop, mosques, schools. Sounds, smells, light...amazing. Real numbers-within the walls of the medina ate 35,000 streets (alleys) and 9,000 dead. ends. We stopped at a recommended stall for the traditional ground meat kabobs and then enjoyed the sandwich in a gentlemen's mint tea bar. It was a hidden upstairs spot complete with the soccer game blaring. The locals tolerated us...smile.
Next we visited a leather tannery. The smell was "memorable." We enjoyed a carpet demonstration/sales pitch in a stunning restored private home with a rooftop garden and amazing views of the city. We ended our walking tour in an antique shop wherein we were tempted by one or two trinkets.
Dinner tonight was at the riad in the garden and was really tasty and beautifully served.
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