Time Traveling in Morocco

The Medina of Fez is a UNESCO World Heritage site and

one of the most amazing places I have ever seen.

It really must be experienced to be believed.  The word medina simply means city.

But, there is nothing simple about Fès-al-Bali, the largest of the two medinas in Fès.

 If you've ever wanted to time travel, this is the place.

The walled city dates back to the 9th century and is one of the best preserved old cities in all of the world.

Again, the word juxtapostion comes to my mind.

The modern and the medieval all combine in a maze of bustling life.

More than 150,000 people live, work, eat, and shop amongst these narrow, winding streets.

It's also the home to many animals, some for transport, some as pets and some for dinner.

Many of the streets are lined with small shops and handicrafts.

It's a great place to shop and practice your haggling skills.

You never know what you might spot among the treasures.

We spent many hours walking through the maze of narrow streets.

It's said to be the largest car free urban area in the world.

We had few guides that helped us find our way.

We walked through at a slow pace because there was so much to see.

I relaxed into taking photos but was really able to put the camera down and just take it all in.

We were often hustled over to the side so that a pack mule or donkey could pass by safely.

Again, I find myself at a loss for words.

I addressed this before when writing about a trip to Paris.

The experience of travel includes seeing things that aren't all shiny and lovely.

Every place has sights that make you sad or are hard to see.

But, I wouldn't take anything for those experiences.

In spite of some of these things, the Medina is one of the most beautiful places I've seen.

Not like the ice-capped mountains of Austria, or the green fields of Ireland.

Not always "pretty" in a visual sense, although it's certainly visually mesmerizing.

It's beautiful in that it's so very full of life. It's just bursting with it.

And sometimes usually, life is messy.  It's not always sterile and structured.

But, it's certainly no less beautiful.

After my post about Tangier, several of you asked me

"Yes, but did you like Morocco?  Would you recommend it?"

The short answer is "Yes! Absolutely."

I'm still working out the long answer to the question and still struggling to find the words.

But, when I look at these photos, I want more than anything to be walking the

exotic streets of Fès al Bali.


Here are some of the notes I scribbled while we were in the Medina.

 Pathways feel like tunnels.  But not claustrophobic.
Butcher shop.  Seafood Shop.  Sound of scissors snipping at fish.
Cats wait patiently for scraps.  Ripe, beautiful fruit.
Children's school.  Their voices singing.  Shoes on the wall outside.

Happy, healthy children.  Lots of animals.
Trash in the streets.  Dead Kitten.  Friendly faces.
 Eager questions in English. "You German?"  "French?" "English?"
Always smile in surprise when I say "American."

Smiling toddlers in a donkey cart.  Ponies loaded with boxes.
Children taking loaves of bread from the local kilns.
Not all faces are friendly.

Communal wash areas.  Few dogs.
Chicken dunked into boiling water and plucked in minutes.
Little girl walking by with bread on her head smiles at me.



Have you ever gotten lost in the beauty of a Medina?

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