Trip to Morocco

Day 4 - Wednesday, January 5, 2023 - Rabat to Meknes to Fes

It was luggage out by 8:00 and on the bus by 8:30 as we traveled from Rabat to Fes. On our way out of town we passed by the King's Ranch, which is where he actually lives, and saw Arabian horses, cork trees and loads of olive trees. After a short rest stop we went to Meknes, one of Morocco's 4 imperial cities. This was under Ismail from 1672 - 1727, 55 years. His mausoleum and Thursday's Gate were impressive. They are great examples of Muslim art with its geometric and symetrical mosaics, carved and painted cypress, and stucco treatments. Then we stopped for lunch at a cafeteria and ate on the patio. We had a pizzon, 1/2 pizza, 1/2 calzon, a fruit drink, and a scoop of glace. Then it was on to Volubrious, an ancient Roman ruin, UNESCO site, that dates from the 1st century BC to 400 AD. It was destroyed by the 1755 earthquake that hit Lisbon. They have reconstructed only about 1/3 of it. There was a temple, church, forum, bapistry, aqueducts, homes, etc. It was a very impressive site. It was amazing to recognize the extent of the Roman Empire. After we had an hour and half drive to Fes. Our hotel, the Fes Mariott, is one of the nicest hotels we had on our trips. We had an hour and 1/2 to rest and then we went to a private (and beautiful) home for a typical Moroccan dinner. Hassan and Nadya were wonderful hosts. We started with a fava bean soup, then a selection of cold salads, bread, chicken tajine, fruit, mint tea and cookies. The flavors were so unique and pleasing. Another great day.

                Views of Bab Mansour (Victorious Gate) and

                               Mausoleum Moulay Ismail

1/2 pizza 1/2 calzone

Olive trees

Views of the Roman Ruins of Volubilis

                                Our hotel in Fes the Marriott

                                 Dinner at Hassan and Nadya

A tangine