Hochmuth Adventures 2023: Trip to Morocco

Day 5 - Thursday, January 6, 2023 - Fes

Khalid promised that today we would take a trip back in time and he didn't disappoint. At 9:00 we boarded the bus for a trip to the Medina. All of our group (14 of us) opted to take the guided tour and I'm glad we did. The Medina which dates from the 9th century is a labyrinth of shops and homes that preserve the old ways and culture. We surely would have gotten lost without our guide. He showed us the fruit and vegetable shops and pointed out various foods commonly eaten in Morocco. We saw woman making phyllo dough, a baker at his oven and dyers dying yarn. We learned about Moroccan rugs when we stopped at a store where we could shop. We bought a rug to use as a wall hanging and others bought bigger ones for their homes and offices. Ron took the opportunity to use his bargaining skills for our purchase. After that we had lunch within the Medina. I had lamb tajine and Ron had lamb couscous. The afternoon held visits to the Attarine Medersa (a former high school), the Moulay Idriss Mausoleum and the Nejjarine Fountain and Museum. The museum was in the carpenters section of the Medina and held examples of all types of woodworking tools and products made of wood. Another shopping trip was in order when we went to the tannery. They are still using the old methods i.e. using pigeon poop to soften the leather. Many people bought leather coats or jackets with varying levels of satisfaction. I bought a purse and Ron bought sandals. He of course used his keen bargaining skills once again. We walked out of the Medina and went to the largest Jewish cemetery in Northern Africa. Many Jews fled Spain after the Reconquest and during the Spanish Inquisition. Before returning to the hotel we stopped at a liquor and grocery store in case anyone needed anything. Rested a little and then went across the street to Le Maison Blanche for a drink and a bite. I had a Moroccan wine with tuna capaccio and Ron a beer and gnocchi with truffle fondant. Bed time. We have an 8 a.m. departure tomorrow.

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