Fes Day 2
Guided Through Fes
Today we explored Fes with a local guide. We started at the Royal Palace, then visited the old Jewish quarter, followed by a scenic overlook, and then stopped by a ceramics school that attracts students from all over the world. Finally, we explored the old Medina. The Medina is so complicated and convoluted that a local guide is required. There is no way anyone could navigate the over 9,400 streets and alleyways if they did not already know the layout. The Medina is a self-sustaining city within a city. It was founded between 789 and 808 A.D. and is considered as one of the most extensive and best conserved historic towns of the Arab-Muslim world. Inside the Medina you can find schools, fondouks (mediaeval building designed as an urban hostel for commercial travellers and merchants), palaces, residences, mosques (over 300), fountains, and any type of merchant, store, or craftsperson you think of, even a camel butcher.
Hamam & Dinner
We had a long day out exploring so we stopped back to the hotel for a little rest and then treated ourselves to the hamam for a scrub down and a massage. It was a pleasant and relaxing experience, Laurie was with some others in our group, Matt was the only male that decided to try out the hamam and was alone during his visit. Matt did have second thoughts at one point when the gruff, Moroccan attendant asked him to stand in the shower with his hands against the wall.
After the hamam, we had a nice dinner at a restaurant close to the hotel.
