Friday, January 24, 2014

Fès, Morocco

Fès was everything that I dreamed Marrakesh would be.

I'll tell you more about what I mean in a future post,
but Fès was the next stop on our tour of Morocco.

Fès was where I started to relax and really look around me.
It's where I took the most photographs.
I didn't know it yet, but Fès turned out to be my favorite city in Morocco.

We were there for two nights and had some time to really explore the city.
And what a city!  Once the capital, it's the cultural, educational and religious capital of the country.
The third largest city in Morocco is also home to the oldest university in the world.
Here are some photos to give you an overview of the city with more to come next week.


Fes, Morocco

We toured Morocco by train and this was one of the most impressive stations.

Fes, Morocco

We stopped outside of the Royal Palace.  There was some confusion as to if we could take photos or not.
One of our group approached the guards a little too eagerly with a camera and was reprimanded.

Fes, Morocco

Fes, Morocco

We went up to the Borj Nord for the most spectacular views of this massive city
that is home to a million people.  It was once two cities that merged.
It is also home to one of the most well-preserved old cities in the modern world.

Fes, Morocco

Fes, Morocco

We had dinner one night complete with traditional entertainment.
We sat on pillowed couches as tray after tray of wonderful food was brought out.
The best part was making our way back to the hotel on foot through the maze of alleys,
our bellies and senses full of Morocco. 


Fes, Morocco

Fes, Morocco

The Bab Bou Jeloud (Blue Gate) is one of the four gates of the walled old city.
One side is blue and the other is green.

Fes, Morocco

Fes, Morocco


The Bou Inania Madrasa is one of the few religious places in Morocco that are open to 
non-Islamic visitors.  It's both a religious institute and a local mosque and is the only madrasa (school) in Fès with a Minaret.

Fes, Morocco

Fes, Morocco

Fes, Morocco

Fes, Morocco

Fes, Morocco


I can't wait to show you more photos next week. 
It was so hard to narrow them down.  Fès is a city that needs several posts.
 
Writing that first post about Morocco, while difficult, was really helpful. 
As always, your comments helped, too.
It's nice to know that you understand what I'm feeling.

I think it will get easier as I go along.  I have so many more posts about Morocco planned.
It seems I have more to say than I thought. And I just have to show you the photographs!

What do you think of Fès?



22 comments:

  1. That last photo of the woman in traditional dress juxtaposed against the city with all its satellite dishes is priceless! The city looks breathtaking and beautiful.

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  2. It really is a photographers dream isn't it? Love the one of the traditional entertainment.

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  3. Fascinating! The colors are truly amazing!! Like Tanya, I like that last one too! I look forward to seeing more of your photos and your time spent in Morocco.

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  4. I'd love to explore more cities in Morocco, such an interesting country and Fes looks so charming!

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  5. The views are incredible! I would love to visit more cities and get out into the dessert. :)
    http://liveitinerantly.com

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  6. That's it, Morocco has now jumped to the top of my New Places to See list. Your photos are just gorgeous- share as many as you like! I especially love the city gates!

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  7. Well - I am glad you got over your Morocco writing block! It looks like a fabulous place to go!

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  8. I'm DYING to get to Morocco. It's been on my bucket list for years, but I'm restricted from going by myself (my job restricts travel to certain areas, ESPECIALLY if you travel solo like I do). I'll just have to live vicariously through your posts until the restriction is lifted. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful photos!

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  9. "Smile! You are in Fez". Love it - looks like an amazing city.
    Claire xx | somewhere... beyond the sea

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  10. It was pretty amazing. I was a little overwhelmed by it all at the time.

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  11. I'm sure you'll get there some day. I'm glad you are enjoying the photos. I'm worried that all of the posts will be overkill but there is just so much!

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  12. Me, too. I still don't really feel that I'm doing it justice. These are the times that I wish I was a talented writer or poet.

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  13. It should definitely be on your list! And don't just go to Marrakesh. It's the most popular place, but we really enjoyed Fez.

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  14. Fez and Rabat were my favorites. For some reason, Marrakesh was a struggle. It may be that it was our last stop.

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  15. I have too many photos! How on earth do you narrow them down?

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  16. Thanks, Tanya. It was a pretty special trip. I still have pinch me moments about that one.

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  17. It was right at the base of the Atlas Mountains. So much to explore!!

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  18. I missed this post before. I'm glad you visited Fès so I could read all about it. It looks beautiful! :) Honestly I have wanted to visit since Rory mentioned it in Gilmore Girls....


    Brittny
    www.awrittenjourney.com

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  19. lol I love that show! Fez is fantastic. You must go!

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Thanks for commenting. I love to hear from you!