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Published: March 23rd 2009
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Hi, I am writing this in the dark while Evan and Norah have a nap. Everyone was up late last night and early this morning. Norah always gets us up early with a "It's morning time!!!!" Just because it is light out! Rick is odd exploring the new medina on his own.
Sunday March 22 - So, we had a good night sleep and we were ready to look around at what Fez had to offer. We met the driver at the coffee shop nearby and headed into the old medina. It was built in the 12 century. As opposed to the new medina built in the 1300's.
The old medina has hundreds if not thousands of tiny streets so we really had to have a guide when we are trying to keep track of the kids at the same time. What did we see? Crowds, cripples, mules carrying everything and making us hug the walls, spices and fruit, meat hanging and chickens still breathing and looking at us, sellers of everything under the sun. We went to the tanneries on the roofs of the builings. Norah was amazed to see the men mixing the leathers in big vats
of dye by hand. She said it looked like hard excercise and called them paint pots and wanted lots of pictures. We watched for 30 min while Rick bargined for a leatherseat. Evan chased flies and was happy as a clam. We had our first mint tea and Norah was hooked. It was sugary and minty...perfect. Then it was bac kinto the kooky streets and winding alleyways. Who knows where we were. There was an artist at work in every nook and a sales man in every crany. I lost track of how many times we all said wow. We carried the kids on our shoudlers and the guide, Abdul took his turn. My legs are killing me from all the stairs and I only carried Norah part of the time.
After a couple of hours it was time for lunch. Holy cow the place was fantastic. It was packed with tourists but the food was incredible. We ordered chicken couscous, a meat pie with cinnamon, and keftas (beef meatball on skewrers, ask Saman). Before that they brought 20 plates of cooked salads, olives, tomatos, beets, beans, fennel, bread and all kinds of things that amazed us. Then came
Norah shopping
Just like her Gramma. the food, yikes. They put us in the back so it was quiet and dim and the kids could lay on the couches and we could regroup and rest. Dessert came after we said we could eat no more. It was a plate of oranges, strawberries and bananas. Life is good. One more cup of mint tea and then just the bill....don't ask. I think they think they are Europe.
Back into the craziness. With bellies full where to next but a rug shop! Not the least bit of a surprize. WE looked around and had another cup of tea, but they saw that we were not interested so they tried very half heartedly to convince us but a load of american tourists came in so we were sropped and escaped. Out into the alleys and we decied the kids had had enough for one day so it was time to head back to the hotel. The guide had mentioned that the kids could ride a donkey if they wanted so Abdul found us another friend with a donkey up went the kids. We thought it was going to be a short ride but it worked so well we
should have had a donkey the whole time and saved our backs. The kids were in heaven but also exhausted. Back to the hotel for a little dip in the pool. By little I mean our feet because it was crazy cold water! Rick went on a big adventure to get us some pizza for dinner then finally to bed. What an amazing day.
This morning we got up early, had some very average breakfast that was included in the room and then began walking around. We went tot eh musuem next door for a bit then another little walk to lunch. Cafe medina made us some nice lemon and chicken tajine and more kefta. Lemon fanta, yeah! I love Africa.
Another aside is that everyone is happy to hear Norah's name because Noora is a maroccan name meaning from the light. How cool.
Now it's nap time and I'm caught up. Evan and I are going to go for a little walk to see what we see.
Did I mention that Abdul's wife did our laundry while were looking around?? It was awesome! We seemed to see her everywhere but I think Abdul just walked us around in circles. There was no way for us to know!
Also; for everyone at home::: it is very nice and warm here and a huge change from Sweden. I am happy; oh so happy.
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The Hepworths
non-member comment
Africa-style
What a great cultural experience for you guys. It's always good to latch onto the locals. I'm amazed that there are that many tourists - didn't think it was such a touristy place. I absolutely loved the picture of Norah with the bag as big as her! Have you guys filled up a suitcase or two with souvenirs yet? Remember, a donkey takes up a lot of space... Maybe you could ask for less food and get a discount ... then again .... naaaaaah, EAT ON.