Our First Road Trip!

Fez, Ifrane, Meknes, Volubilis and Moulay

This past weekend we were able to seek adventure on the Moroccan roads.  We've enjoyed learning about Rabat, but we have been extremely anxious to see the rest of the country.  As I looked through the pictures, I realized just how much we squeezed into one long weekend.  In just 4 days we managed to see (and enjoy) Fez, Ifrane, Meknes, Volubilis and Moulay.  I absolutely love this first picture of the boys.  This was taken on the first day of our road trip as we were settling into the riad in Fez...yes, this is our room!

As we walked through the gates that led to the narrow roads of the medina, I was overwhelmed by the chaos and the beauty of Fez.  The chaos is somehow so beautifully woven into this ancient city that I found myself holding back tears.  The medina is truly the heartbeat of Fez, and we were thrilled to kick off our travels in such an amazing city.  Fez is one of the 4 imperial cities in Morocco and is my favorite so far!

Many of the doors have an old charm to them, but some of them will just take your breath away.

However, behind the doors is where the true unexpected treasures lie.

Why don't you come with me.. little boys... on a magic carpet ride?

Our tour guide sang us a song in Arabic to show the amazing acoustics.

Really!?!  At this point, I just had to embrace the tears...

Pictured above is one of the old Islamic schools, called a madhhab, within the Medina.

This is a tannery where leather is made. Although they have added some modern technology, many old practices are still used.  We purchased two small, round seats that they call poofs.  We stuffed them with our blankets and sleeping bags and now have 2 adorable little foot stools/seats.

For our first riad experience, Jamil surprised me by booking an amazing place right in the middle of the Fez medina!  It was part of my birthday present, and as we entered the room you could pretty much cue the tears.  The owners, Fred and Cathy, really put their heart and soul into this place.  It beautifully captured the original detail of the building and added just the right touch of modern design.  The riad also included a hammam/spa.  Many people participate in this ancient ritual once every week.  Fatima told me about it, as she goes to one every weekend.  I was a little hesitant to join the club, but let me just tell you that this bandwagon is worth jumping on!  Thank you, sweetie!

The riads were designed with privacy in mind.  The windows, balconies and doors all face into a private courtyard.  Above is a roof top view of the riad.  Two flights down is the courtyard, which is pictured below.

A regular, rectangular door is transformed into an exotic entry with this extra frame added to the inside!  I love this idea!  BTW, this was the doorway that led to our turquoise restroom.

Abraham and Gabriel became friends with Nadime, the owner' s first son.

These are the doors that led to our riad.  Would you ever imagine what was behind those doors?  Goodbye Fez!  We'll be back soon!  Inshallah...

Next stop, the Atlas Mountains.  Ifrane is a small town located in the Atlas Mountains and looks like a beautiful, Alpine village pulled right out of Switzerland and oddly placed in Morocco.  We went here to visit another Olmsted scholar, Jay.  This single, army guy bravely took in a family with 2 small boys.  I think he may be kindly offering hotel information in the future.  Thanks for your amazing hospitality, Jay!  I hope you were able to get that stain out... :(

He quickly got points in Gabriel's book for helping him play on this run down playground!  Parks are not quite as easy to come by, so we'll cautiously take what we can get. ;)  He also took us to see the monkeys who roam free in the mountains, the barbary macaque!  That was a huge hit with the boys! (see  picture below)

Jay gave us a tour of his university, Al Akhawayn.  The campus was beautiful and definitely felt a world away from Jamil's university in Rabat.

Check out this couscous dish that Jay's neighbor made for us!  Thank You!  Couscous & monkeys make for a pretty amazing day!

 

Next stop, Meknes!  After walking around for a mere 5 minutes, our stroller tire popped...again!

Off to the horse drawn carriage tour...better idea anyway, if I do say so myself.  Abraham was out in no time!

After the carriage tour, we took a walking tour around the medina.  With Ramadan beginning in just a couple of days, the atmosphere was a little more quiet and less busy.  We'll be interested to see what the city is like after Ramadan.  FYI, Gabriel is still getting used to strangers picking him up and hugging and kissing him.  BTW, this is our tour guide, not just some random man. :)

Spices and dried goods are beautifully displayed in huge piles, even at the grocery store.  I'm with you Elizabeth... Now I just need to learn how to cook with them!

On our way home, we drove through Volubilis and Moulay.  Gabriel and Jamil got out to see the ruins in Volubilis, but we did not have enough change to pay for us all... trying to break a large bill (the equivalent of around $10) is pretty hard to come by just about anywhere.  We've got to stock up on some dirham coins!

Ma Salama, Friends.  First road trip...check!