Fèz

Fès has been called the “Mecca of the West” and the “Athens of Africa”. It is also considered the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco. Originally founded during the 8th and 9th centuries It was settled by immigrants of Tunisia and Spain/Portugal. During the 13th through the 15th centuries it became the political capital. In 1276 the sultan founded the royal administrative district of Fèz Jdid or the Royal Palace is still located today. The Medina of Fez is listed as a World Heritage site. It is one of the world’s largest and oldest urban pedestrian zones (car-free areas). The University of al-Qarawiyyin was founded in 857. It is the oldest continuing functional institute of higher education in the world.

The Medina of Fèz is considered the place to go and get lost. This area of almost 750 acres has only one road that goes through it. There are miles of pedestrian walkways and small alleys criss-crossing this entire area. Some of these alleys result in dead ends. Some of the walls are so tight you almost have to squeeze through sideways. We walked through the main gate at Bab Boujeloud. We wandered around for about 3 hours before coming out on one of the sides. There were taxis there but also many people aggressively trying to catch a cab. We walked a while till the crowds thinned and finally found a cab to take us back to our apartment.

About the Beet Root Smoothie. The next morning after using the toilet I thought I was dying. Think about it. Geez…

I’m just going to post up a bunch of pictures here with some descriptions.

Cheers,

2WANDRRs