An Unplanned Year

Day 4

We spent the day wandering around Chefchaouen in northern Morocco. Chefchaouen is a gorgeous town located in the side of hills where houses are painted blue! They use indigo flowers to dye lime wash and repaint their houses annually. Apparently it has always been the women’s job but men are starting to help now.

We ate bread straight out of the community oven, had a lunch of fresh goat’s cheese, olive oil, cumin, harissa and fava/broad bean soup and just wandered the streets with a guide, learning about the geology, culture and history of the area.

The day was still a little rainy and involved crossing a few small seasonal  “waterfalls” to get to and from our hotel, but this just added to the fun.

Overnight at Chefchaouen.

Day 5

Late start this morning, so took advantage of a bit of a sleep in. We were still up before the sun rose at 8.15! Took a walk to see where the road to the hotel had washed away and to observe the “waterfalls” we had crossed yesterday. They were still there.

We drove to Fes, stopping at an olive press workshop and tried some fresh olive oil there. We’ve checked into a beautful palais for our accommodation tonight. It’s all quite ornate and grand.  This is the view from bed.

In keeping with our pledge to get into water as often as possible we braved the pool for a quick dip. It was SOO cold, we were told the water is direct from the mountains. Hot shower afterwards was necessary! This evening we went to a family restaurant in a house where they have lived for 5 generations and ate “Pastilla” a local specialty.

Overnight at Fes.

Day 6

We spent the day in Fes today. Starting at the Royal Palace (Indiana Jones 5 was filmed around there), the  south tower for views across the Medina. We went to a ceramics workshop to see how they make the pots, plates, tagine and mosaics that Morocco is known for. (There may be a parcel arriving at home in 12 weeks.)

We then headed into the medina, a rabbit warren of 10,000 streets, some only 1.5 people wide. We visited a tannery and a weaving workshop saw ornate doors to a Mosquée and a Mausoleum and also visited a wood museum – caravanserai.

We’re heading to have a hammam and argan oil massage this evening which will be lovely after a week of walking!

Overnight at Fes.