Day 8 - the Fes Medina

Today we ventured forth into the Fes medina. The medina is the ancient walled centre of the city and not much has changed here in over 1,000 years. It's a maze of twisted streets, blind alleys and hundreds of tiny shops (souqs) and really is a mind boggling place to visit. The narrow streets are crowded with shoppers, donkeys carrying heavy loads, pilgrims heading to various mosques, and childrenHussein our guide grew up in Fes so he was very adept at steering us through it all.

Artisan activities such as weaving, rug making, leather making are all in full force here. The way it works is that your guide will tell you that you must learn about how rugs are made in Morocco. You are taken to rug shop where a comfortable seat and mint tea are offered. After learning how the rugs are made, the hard sell begins. Everyone is very polite and friendly but they are relentless in trying to persuade you to buy. The process is repeated at the pottery store, the linen store and the leather store. I did end up purchasing two djellabas which are the long, flowing caftans many of the women here wear. I couldn't persuade Carl to buy one for himself but if you drop by our house this winter I will be wearing one.










Below are some pics of the Riad we are staying at. Riads are traditional homes with an interior garden or courtyard. This one has been converted into the hotel. The exteriors of these houses have no windows - all windows face into the courtyard.











One of the many decorative gates into the medina.


Entrance into a mosque in the medina. Only Muslims can enter so photos at door only.



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Location:Fes