Morrocco Day 16- Fes

Steve collected us and led us to his guest house for breakfast. Fes was quiet at 8.30 a.m. Most shops were boarded up with small deposits of rubbish left out ready to be collected. Deliveries by donkey and some roadworks. Steve's guesthouse is another lovely home hidden behind a very plain exterior and down a few narrow laneways. What a spread! Cereal, fruit, sweet cakes, pastries, bread, conserves and plunger coffee. That's got food sorted for the day.

We then set off for our guided tour of the medina with Ali, a very knowledgeable and spritely gent. With over 9000 streets and 10 000 shops, we had a lot to get around.

Lots of seats available at the cafes in the morning.

The fresh food markets have lots of heads.

Shark heads from Essoaria.

 Yep, that's a camel head. Mike sampled camel burger and quite enjoyed it, that was before he saw it hanging up in the shop.

A stuffed cat(?) amongst the Hammam goodies.

Eggs for sale.

Wooden things. Flutes?

Pickled products, a very popular store.

Dried meat is preserved over winter in solidified olive oil.

Master wood carvers.

Wedding gear is rented for the big day.

The main fountain in Fes, Nejjarine.  Fountains are located throughout the medina and inside most homes at the bequest of Moulay Idriss 2,  founder of Fes and son of Moulay Idriss.

The tannery, viewing from the terrace above the stench. These guys work hard! Although all components in the tanning process are natural products, I would not want to stand in a tub of pigeon poo all day.

Entering the university, oldest in Africa. The main mosque is inside here, entry only to Muslims.

Restored outdoor decorations around the university.

Ali leading us through the maze of streets and laneways, some wide enough only for people.

The weaving cooperative, views from the terrace followed by mint tea in the hope of us purchasing. The carpets are lovely though.

An old caravanserai where travellers were housed in rooms surrounding a courtyard for camels and donkeys. Now restored and converted to artisan workshops. 

Washing before prayers at the main mosque.

The cactus silk weaving cooperative.

Carving marble headstones.