From here we started our assent to the medina wall...along the way we were joined by our very own Moroccan "littlest hobo" leading the way and waiting for us at points up the mountain. It was nice to get a different perspective of the city from the other side.
During our climb we came across houses built into the walks of the mountain and little sheds where you could hear roosters making all kinds of noises.
At the top we took some photos of the medina and the new city...we even saw the clouds starting to part over the tops of the mountains in the distance.
From here we decided to walk over to a large hotel overlooking the city. Along the way we came across a driving school...hilarious to see mostly women being taught by men how to drive.
At the hotel we came across a pathway leading down to the medina. It was a nice surprise and it took us directly inside the medina.
Not far in we turned a corner and found a large number of people rushing around setting up for the Thursday market...seemed late to us as it was already 11:00am.
The fresh fruit and vegetables, homemade bread right out of the oven and lots of herbs were divine looking. We did some people watching for a bit and decided instead of lugging things around all day we'd come back and make some purchases later in the day.
From here we made our way out of the medina into the new city...ending up right in the large market. This is where people come from all over to purchase everything from fruit and vegetables, to clothes and household goods. We walked around for a bit...the produce did not seem as good as in the medina...and then tried to find a local patisserie we read about in the Lonely Planet guide.
Chez Aziz was exactly what we were looking for...bee free pastries, with lots of delicious sweet treats to choose from. Bees are all over the pastries here because of the honey and no one seems to be bothered by it...except us!! With treats in hand we headed back to the medina.
This time we stopped to pick up some candies from a local stand...love how the guy helped us count out our candies and tried to find a bag for us to carry all our little sugar treats.
Next we came across live chickens being sold and weighed for patrons, and then sent to the back room to be slaughtered and prepared for sale. This was the most bizarre thing I have ever seen...but certainly fresh! I'm sure the locals were getting a kick out of us standing there taking in this entire process while taking pictures.
We finally made it back to the medina in search of the market, but for some reason we got completely disorientated.
We weaved our way through streets, saw more shops and then we finally came out in the market to see it empty! Such a disappointment...I could literally taste the huge strawberries, oranges and garden carrots. All we could do was laugh at this point as our tummies rumbled and we were getting tired from the day.
Eventually we came out of the medina next to our apartment where we relaxed with a cup of cafe au lait and some snacks we brought along. So nice to sit in the sun , listening to the river and waterfall below. It was mid afternoon so we decided to do one more round of shopping...we saw everything from soaps, oils and spices in the most incredible store, house paint dye made from plants, lots of woodwork and even an artist with his easle out in the walk.
After much looking...we were getting tired of the constant haggling...we ended up buying some unique wool hats and decided to call it a day.
Tonight we plan to dine on pizza at Madala and check out what's happening in the large square...we saw a stage being set up and were told it was going to be live music and dancing. I guess we will see.
Until then...
L & L
It looks like it was an amazing trip. The architecture, the landscapes, the art, the food, the markets ... all of it is beautiful! Wow! What a blessing to have been able to experience all of this. Thank you for sharing.
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