Nov 23 – Chefchaouen, The Blue Pearl of Morocco

It was dreary and overcast this morning but not really raining much as we headed out for a walking tour of the town.  

The town was founded in the 15^th century and the source of the blue is subject to some debate.  However, the popular story is that it got its distinctive color when there was an influx of Jews escaping the Spanish Inquisition.  The Jews apparently had a tradition of painting their buildings blue.  The color mirrors the sky and reminds them of God.

One of the first things we saw was a community laundry along the river.  Water is diverted into a trough down the center of the structure and the ladies would do their laundry right there. 

Shortly after starting the walk a local woman took a real shine to Tara and wanted her picture taken with her.  Of course, then she wanted a tip.  We had good views down on the city from our hotel...

and during early part of our walk.

The town is definitely blue.  The lanes are blue.

The doors are blue

(although one we found was very notably green).

And the shops and souvenirs are blue.

And even the fountains are blue.

We also visited the Kasbah which was the original building establishing the city.

There were great views of the surrounding mountains from the top of the kasbah walls.

The walking tour took us by the village bakery where people could take their bread to be baked.  Unfortunately they didn't want us to take pictures inside.  The outside was pretty colorful...not all blue.

And there were lots of cats…like we have seen everywhere in Morocco.

Our Riad was high on a hill overlooking the city and was filled with gardens and a large pool (that was closed).  We all very much enjoyed the accommodations.