Fez

“One always, sooner or later, comes upon a city which is an image of one's inner cities. Fez is an image of my inner self. ... The layers of the city of Fez are like the layers and secrecies of the inner life. One needs a guide. ... There were in Fez, as in my life, streets which led nowhere, impasses which remained a mystery."

~ Anais Nin

As you got closer to Fez the desert dunes continues with the occasional green appearing when water was visible. The sand dunes are scattered with Oliver and date groves watered by irrigation where water is brought from underground using solar powered pumps .

My hotel Palais Faraj Suites & Spa was just outside the Medina and was built in the 19th century and recently restored. My room consisted of 2 bathrooms, lounge, bedroom and a dressing room with furniture unique and stylish, with the floor titles a mix of wonderful vibrant colours. My dinner that night was slow cook lamb shoulder and dessert of local fresh cheese with honey just delicious.

A day to explore Fez el-Bali (old Fex) said to be the cultural hart of Morocco it was built in the 8th century by Moulay Idris I. It is the imperial capital and centre for learning. We were told there were 9,000 laneways and alleys and souks. I’m not sure how many I saw but our group of 8 plus our 2 guides and a local guide were there to help lead us through the narrow lanes it was a task as if you got lost I’m not sure if you be able to find your way out at times WhatsApp didn’t work as you had no reception I think we spent 4-5 hours plus lunch truely a wonderful place full of people, traditional crafts, food , university, tannery put it on you buck list.

For lunch we had tagine one was lamb with fresh cheese and tomatoes with spices and vegetables and couscous slow cooked to perfection.

A drive out of town to the UNESCO World Heritage site to explore Valubilis home to Roman ruins arches , mosaic floors (apologies photo has shadows)

Then we continued further into the desert dune scattered with olive and date groves

Finally we arrive at our oasis a winery outside the desert town of Meknes for a chefs table experience of beautifully presented food paired with the local wine. We were not staying overnight but they had 9 room a swimming pool tennis courts and bikes to explore the local area. For lunch we sat surrounded by the gardens protected from the sun by large umbrellas a memorable experience. I enjoyed the experience so much I only took a photo of the main course trout with vegetables but also had smoke trout salad and a lemon tart (sort of)

Tomorrow it’s into the desert