Day 9 - last day in Fes

Our final day in Fes before setting off for Marakkesh. Today we toured around the Villa Nouvelle or new city. Only in a city as old as Fes, could you find a district called "New" because it's only 700 years old.

We also went up to visit the Merenid ruins, all that's left of the Merenid dynasty which ruled Morocco in the 14th century. The views over Fes are spectacular as the photo below shows. You can clearly see the wall which encircles the medina.







Also a pic of the large cemetery - all the graves, which are always white, face east toward Mecca.




Before we leave, some final thoughts on the medina that I didn't include yesterday. In the medina you are constantly surrounded by rushing, hustling people pushing their way through the narrow corridors/streets. Stalls present everything from tall baskets of snail shells (must be a local delicacy), small mountains of fruits and vegetables, to carcasses of various animals - mostly lamb, sheep and beef. Every few seconds a push cart or some poor heavily laden donkey carrying animal hides, fabrics or food pushes past. There is constant movement and interaction between the sellers, women and children who live in this enscapulated city of 156,000 people. Small emaciated cats sit off to the side or run between your feet. Baskets of the freshest dates you have ever tasted are offered at several stalls. All this activity combined with the echoing calls to prayer from the local mosques makes for a very atmospheric and evocative experience.




Tomorrow is Marrakesh, a 7 hour drive from here but there will be stops in a couple of towns to stretch and lunch.

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Location:Fes, Morocco