I've had a very interesting time in Fes so far! It's one of the oldest cities in Morocco, dating from 808 AD. And it definitely feels like it!
The riad, or guesthouse, I am staying at is beautiful. My room is ornately decorated but somehow not tacky. I'd actually say the same of the city so far. They have beautiful tiles everywhere! I think Islamic style craftwork is so pretty.
I met a man on the train last night named Abdelhak who works for a company that organizes tours around Morocco. He showed me around this morning. At the moment we are relaxing at a tea house and then lunch at his house. Apparently it is very common for Moroccans to invite strangers into their homes, it is the ultimate show of hospitality.
The streets of Fes are very small and winding, and inside the city walls there are no cars and very few scooters (although the few I've seen were quite re risk takers in these crowds). So it's very easy to imagine you are in the Middle Ages being here. And there really is a surprise around every corner. I'm really glad to have someone show me around as there are of course no street signs and really very few signs at all. I can see why there are so many people giving tours here, to wander around here you really need a good idea of how to get back to your hotel, and I'm pretty sure I'd never find it again! So at the moment, I'm very glad for Abdelhak. Maybe I'll try and wander alone tomorrow, but I'm really not sure about that yet.
I have already had a chance to haggle, as Abdelhak of course showed me the tanneries and the store nearby where they sell the handmade leather goods. I bought a jacket, which I needed, and an ottoman, which i probably don't, but it was very pretty. Hopefully it won't look tacky in my house!
Time for lunch, will write more later!
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