Nov 24 – Ouazzane and the drive to Fes

We had a late start today as Diane had a major eye problem and had to be taken to a clinic.  They irrigated the eye well and she is fine.  While she was at the clinic Paul headed out to do some more walking around the town. The day is finally sunny so the views were much better.

And he got some good shots within the town. 

Once they were back from the walk and the clinic, the group took off for the drive to Ouazzane and then on to Fes.  Mid-morning we saw a country souk (sort of a farmers market on steroids) near the road so decided to stop.  There were a lot of donkeys (the key mode of transportation)...

There were a number of women selling salt from pails and buckets piled quite high.

Tara bought a simple clay tajine from one of the vendors.  Paid 25 dirham for it...$2.50.  

There were quite a variety of wares being sold.

There were also butchers with fish, meat and live chickens.  They would kill the chickens and pluck them while the customer waited.

And there was a lot of socializing going on.

It was really muddy but well worth the stop.  It was immersion in the local culture and was fascinating (and where the animals were concerned...a little bit morbid).

We got to Ouazzane around lunch time so had lunch on a balcony overlooking the street and then headed out for a walking tour.  This shop with jackets and cold weather gear had a most interesting display.

Unlike the blue city of Chefchaouen Ouazzane is very green. 

The alley ways and lanes are green.

 The doors are green.

Although there was a bit of other colors around. 

This young man was getting a drink of water from the fountain for the elderly woman who was sitting on the step.

We stopped at this woman's shop and several of us bought various fabric items from her.  Our guess was that it was probably the biggest sales day she had had in some time.

We walked by a small mosque in the area but were not allowed to go inside.

After getting our fill of green we headed out to drive to Fes.  This section of Morocco seems to get a lot of water as it is very green with a lot of agriculture.

And we also saw rivers and reservoirs.

We got into Fes after dark we couldn’t see too much of the city.  Our hotel is another magnificent Riad.  We all busily started taking photos of the lobby. 

And we love our room.  It is something of a suite with a large bed and large sitting area. 

Because it was late most of us opted to eat at the hotel’s restaurant.  It was a good bit more expensive than what we are used to.  But the food was very good.