Exploring Fes's Medina
Trip Start
Dec 26, 2005
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Trip End
Jan 25, 2009
Fes, Morocco
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Today the group was split into small groups of 4 with the view to explore Fes's Medina... an amazing array of traditional markets. Our tour guide Mohammed was an extraordinary man who gave us an excellent insight into how the market operates.
After the tour Thomas and I went clothes shopping. In one of the shops we met Mostafa... a 25 year old local who speaks some English. After a while of talking he invited us to his house for lunch. We spent several hours in his presence. His house was traditional and small but afforded us an amazing view of all of Fes. It was very interesting talking to him about his life and the Islam religion... it was interesting hearing of his love of all people; the fact that it is his duty to welcome foreigners into his house; and how happiness does not come from materialism or money. Like Budhism I have developed a thorough interest of the Islam way of life. It is so very unfortunate that we tend to receive negative messages of the religion because of a small proportion of extremists... Mostafa provided us with his views on this subject and absolutely detests any form of violence or war. He lives an extraordinarily simple life but he fed us like kings with an abundance of fresh fruit; bread and tagine (meat balls in egg and sauce). This invitation into a local's house rates up there as being one of the most memorable moments of my trip. I am so fortunate for this experience. All Mostafa wants in return are copies of the photos sent to his email and home address. He has given me his card if any one reading this wants to visit him here in Fes. I can see myself returning to this region for it is truly amazing... see for yourself with the photos.
The people are extraordinarily friendly here. One of the principles of the Islamic religion is to embrace everyone like a brother or sister... to love everyone. I have definitely been on the receiving end here in Morocco and I am happy to say that this destination beats any and all of the western places I've ever visited...
In terms of the group I've really hit it off with Gabrielle... we had a very long chat about anything and everything here... such a great woman... as it turns out we are on exactly the same flight Madrid to Quito on the 29th August at 12.15pm. Gabs is travelling independently through the west coast of South America whereas I'm doing a 5 week tour with Intrepid. Shame. Gabs is going to do an extensive Spanish course which I wanted to do.
Tonight we are to an amazing Moroccan feast so should be another extraordinary experience. I am absolutely loving this country so far and so happy to be here, despite the noisy hotels. The people and culture is so unbelievably refreshing and satisfying.
