Friday 12th July- a local guide took us through the Medina - went to an unrestored Fondouk - an inn for travelling caravan nets- 16th c. Then to a restored fondouk - currently a photographic gallery. Very quiet as the square doesn’t start operating until 4pm, and also Friday is prayer observing day. Still colourful, tho a tad dangerous with motor bikes roaring thru the narrow passage ways - crazy.We visited “The Secret Garden” - dates back to Saadian Dynas...

Thursday 11th July - We have been on the road for 6 weeks!!! Heading down to Marrakech. A chilly start at guest house- had to get rugged up. We then headed for Bine el Ouidane dam for a boat trip across. Huge dam built by the French in 1953. Supplies electricity and irrigation water to Marrakech and surrounding towns and plains ( which continue to be covered by olive trees) big business from these parts. We stopped at Azilal for coffee then a look at the weekly ...

Wednesday 10th July- long bus trip today thru Middle Atlas Mountains - 350 kms along the plains then steep climb up to 3000 metres.The French influence is evident in architecture higher up- chalet style with many ski resorts for winter. Passed thru Imozee - means waterfalls - water flows off mountains. Coffee at Ifrane - cute Swiss style village. Passed thru forests of cedar, oak and carob - also some juniper. Lunch at a farm - salads and tajines - very yummy. T...

Tuesday 9th July ( cont) After lunch we wandered through more alleyways- The Mausoleum of Sultan Abu Inan ( 1358) Madresse( school ) el Atterine, and Fondouk Nejjarine ( beautifully restored 18th century inn) Also went to a weaving outlet - gorgeous silk ( agave) scarves etc. and yes - bought a pashmina!!!! The Fes Medina el Bali is divided in to the Andalusian and the Karaouine sections - depending when they arrived in Fes. A fascinating place - though wouldn...

Tuesday 9th July. Busy day - first stop Royal Palace- knocked but no one home - ( not open to public) walk down a street - with Jewish quarter on one side - and Spanish ( Andalusian ( on the other. Shops selling huge variety of goods all along. Then up to a Tower for a view of the Medina Fes el Bali - it is huge. Checked out a ceramic factory - intricate hand process - beautiful work. Then in to the Medina - OMG - crazy place- donkeys, motor bikes, carts piled ...