Fes can be a challenge to the traveler
Morocco 2001
Fes
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Fes can be a challenge to the traveler |
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From the modern part, where I stayed in a guesthouse, feeding Pepto Bismol to some Australians who had stomach issues I used these gates to get into the old town |
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Two modern girls in the new part of Fes, Berbers, presumably, kind enough for a brief chat and to let me take their picture, again underscoring the moderate nature of this Islamic monarchy. |
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The old town is an insane jumble of hundreds of alleys and getting lost takes minutes. It's like one of those famous mazes, only this can get a real exercise in frustration. And you just don't want to ask, looking like an idiot who can't figure it out. |
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So, on the third day I moved forward, then back, forward again (probably looking like an idiot anyway) also, I think it was Friday, and all stores were closed and the streets almost empty. After a while I discovered a subtle pattern in the stones, created, I was certain, as a guide path. |
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So I followed the pattern, through many twists and turns, trying hard not to lose it |
but losing it anyway, and ended up in places like this madrassa (Islamic school) |
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Or in alleys with no one around, just closed doors |
But in the end arrived at the central square, where I was with greeted by a surprised guide |
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who did not think that an outsider would ever figure it out. |
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One of the places I wanted to get to were these dye vats, where since forever, the locals would give color to twine and leather |
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All sorts of leather goods come from here, but also carpets, one of which now graces my house |
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Tagine, a very satisfying Moroccan meal (typical for the Middle East, in some form or other) |
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Following the path (or getting lost) would get me to all sorts of places and corners in |
this very interesting and decidedly colorful and friendly town |
