Moroccan Adventure #4 -- Days 5 & 6

Saturday 12^th May 2012

Hello Everyone again, here I am, back on line, and catching up to do. I am going to squeeze 2 days into one journal because I am so far behind. Not only have we had very full and tiring (but educational) days, we have also had no access to WIFI.

After breakfast at the hotel, we went shopping in the Medina at Fez. We were advised to set our watches back to the 12^th century upon entry! Actually, we hiked 5 miles through steep up and down uneven surfaces. We managed to stop for 2 brief moments to buy a couple of things at a souk, but mostly is was move, move, move. We visited an ancient tannery, still in operation. The smell was so bad they gave us a bunch of fresh mint and, I'm afraid, I was more distressed than thrilled at the sight of the workers. Some were very young, working with the skins, in the burning sun, in vats of lye. Others were washing the leather in either chemicals or water. There were the usual “mosquitoes” as Ron calls them – sales people all over us like a cheap suit. I was quite happy to leave. Yes, it was an education, but I am not sure I wanted to know.

We also went to a small business creating fabrics. That was fun. Our guide, Ali, wrapped a scarf around every one of our heads to demonstrate the various styles of different parts of the country. Ron has already earned the nick-name of Ali-Baba, because of his beard, and actually, with a turban, he looked totally comfortable with that nick-name. Most of us purchased a scarf, quite inexpensive, and we all decided they would make great table runners! They were under $4 each!

Later the same day, we met with the local Friendship Force people. The bus left us off at the entrance to the Medina, and we walked to a private house. As we turned the final corner, we were met by a drum- band. They led us through the streets with lots of noise and people came out of their houses to see what was going on. It was just a way to greet and to honor us! Inside the house it was very crowded and almost unbearably hot. Food and Moroccan mint tea was served (which, by-the-way, is delicious). Anna and Greg Howe were taken into a small room and then were dressed up. Once more, we watched a Moroccan wedding ceremony. Anna and Greg were great sports. They looked gorgeous sitting on their throne and getting lifted in a litter to carry around the room. They were dressed in lovely clothing and Ann was dripping with jewels, but we had to feel sorry as it was very hot there. We finally got to bed at 12:30 PM. We have gotten quite used to “Moroccan Time.” it is unrelated to any clock or any plan which might be expected. It is all part of the adventure!!!

Sunday May 13

We had to get up very early next day to begin our drive to Azrou, through the Mid-Atlas mountains. We stopped in the town of Ifrane known and the Switzerland of Morocco. The architecture was clearly designed for winter snow and there is, in fact, popular ski resort there. We had a picnic in a lovely wooded area, and it was quite comfortably cool there as we were at high altitude. After Ifrane we made a second stop in the mountains to see the Barbary Apes (same animals that inhabit Gibraltar). We noted that there is genuine concern for protection of the environment in that area. The apes were very friendly, and were happy to show me their baby and accept peanuts from my hand.

Our next stop was in Azrou, where we were escorted to the homes of our hosts. We had our dinner at 11 pm (normal time for Moroccans) before we finally dropped into our beds. I will tell you more about our hosts tomorrow; they were lovely, but right now I am really tired and I will say goodnight and brush my teeth.

AND SO TO BED.

Noreen