Chefprefers BLOG

Fez otherwise known as Fes has a history dating back to the 8th century. The Medina is one of the largest in the world. Unfortunately, the world heritage site (carbon-free zone) is surrounded by muck. A jumble of dirty narrow streets, the mixture of old and new buildings. Hawkers, spruikers and vendors are out on the sidewalk waiting for the next sucker to come along. Sunglasses, trinkets, fake leather purses and Chinese-made junk were laid out for you. Beggars, Hijab ladies and the street money dogs on every corner holding their hands out. Some got my change and others got the hand.

As we entered the Medina, the pestering sellers were mostly the same, but the inner district has a charm, narrow walkways, cobble stone paths and beige tinted walls. Our local tour guide took us through a pre planned route explaining the history. Although, I was suspicious about the intent of the tour since he took us through the tannery, pottery and weaving making areas and somehow ending up at their shop where the vendors were ready for you and not taking no for an answer. Perhaps I’m being a little too cynical but i didn’t go on the tour to bye anything. My fun was to hand out the change to the people in need and not the slave drivers. We walked around the Medina for four hours and only saw a small portion of the town. This place was huge but I suspect much was the same everywhere else.

We had lunch inside, a restaurant which seem to have only tourists. Positioned in a court room were the ceiling was five floors up and decked out with Arabian decor and wall designed indigo tiles. This food house wasn’t for the locals since the price was multiple times the cost of what was being sold outside. But I didn’t mind, my Beef Tagine was excellent. Still cheaper than what I would have paid for at home. Yes, they got a tip, our group tip holder, Karen who is a finance whiz pulled out the Moroccan dollars and ensured they were happy. Everybody got a tip. Say no more. Next up the Marrakech Express.