Welcome to Fez!


Yes, this gentleman from Fes ( note spelling!) is wearing a fez.

We had a nice bus ride from Rabat to Fes, and learned that we would once again stay in a riad, or guest house. We couldn’t believe it when we saw it because Mostafa told us to lower our expectations. We were staying in a palace!



This guesthouse was built originally in the 1600s and underwent an extensive reconstruction, which took sixteen years to complete. The result is a twenty room architectural gem with awe- inspiring public spaces.





We enjoyed lunch in an alcove of the riad while we were waiting for our keys.


As it was quite warm, we were able to settle in for a bit and had our driving / walking tour with local guide Mohammed in the late afternoon.

We were driven to two parts of the city to get a panoramic view of each. We also toured a ceramics factory to see how various items were made. One member of our group bought a tagine set to be shipped home.





Since we would be spending much of tomorrow in the markets of the Old City, we wandered the contempoary city and had a light dinner in a cute cafe. My chicken/ phyllo dish covered with cinnamon and sugar was delicious.

Several of us finished out the evening upstairs on the terrace with a libation of choice. Selling alcohol used to be forbidden but post Covid, establishments have learned that it an easy way to make money, and Western tourists demand it. There is red wine, white wine and beer. Ann and I both had a beer but I shared mine with Mark, to protect my funny tummy.


I am perfectly fine today.