Fez

Fez (Day One, Friday)

Fez is an old city in Magrib (Morocco) that attracts many tourists because of its architecture dating back to the 9th century and all of its traditional crafts like leather, ceramics and woven rugs. It’s important to know that Morocco is trying to develop itself into a nation that attracts tourists. I observed this growth process and concluded Morocco is experiencing growing pains. Its drawing people from advanced countries, and all the money pouring into Morocco allows for it to attempt to advance out of its third world status. By doing this, Morocco loses its charm of unexploited communities, rich with culture. Half the items for sale look like they were made in China and the rest of the items seem to originate from this one giant factory that has a monopoly on that particular market. For example all the jewelry looks the same at every single shop, and there are hundreds of shops.

So my rihla (trip) began by taking a five hour train ride to Fez from Tangier. We had to switch trains about halfway through, and WOW, these trains are so unorganized. They are overbooked, people take the incorrect seats, trains are late, and the train number never corresponds with number listed on the ticket. I arrived with several other girls in the program in the evening. Exhausted, we took a taxi to the old city (Fez has a section called the old city and a section called the new city). I walk in with my girls, dragging my suitcase and as soon as we pass under the giant archway, and I apparently grab this mans attention and he exclaims as I walk by, “Ohhhhhh mmyyyyy Gooooodddddddd, Youhavenice BREASTS!” I am stunned for a few seconds, and then burst out into laughter as I walk away with my friends. “Welcome to Fez,” I think to myself.

We walk down this narrow street surrounded by tall buildings and come across our hotel. There is this shanty sign jutting out from the window indicating the name which I don’t remember at this moment and I begin to get worried at this point that our hotel is going to be some hole in the wall. We open the door and walk into the main room and I am speechless. The house turned hotel is BEAUTIFUL. It has intricate mosaic tiles, woodwork, and detailed plaster designs everywhere. There are GIANT French doors covered in mosaics and vibrant colors that lead to each of the bedrooms. The main lobby has a ceiling that is about three stories high. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to transfer any of the photos from my camera to the computer, I am not sure why it’s not working, but no description could do this hotel justice. There is a giant room for me and three other girls and it costs us 500 dirham a night, so 125 dirham for my share which equates to about 12.5 US dollars. Got to love that exchange.

The other two days of my trip will be recounted over the next few days…sorry for the infrequent posting as of late. I have been SWAMPED with work. You have to realize I am covering a year + of work in about 6 weeks.

Love to you all!

MUAH!