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Chris and Bethan flew in to Gibraltar and we made
the crossing to Marina Smir on the Mediterranean coast of Morocco.
We hired a car and made the trip across the Rif mountains
to Fes via Chefchouen.
It was well worth the long hot drive and Chefchouen tucked
into the mountainside was really picturesque with a number of interesting Souks
and a large market.
The highlight of our journey to date was undoubtedly the old
Medina of Fes. An incredible contrast between the old medieval Imperial City that is
still home to almost ½ million people.
Probably the most incredible sight was the much photographed
leather tanneries, where hides of all types (sheep, goats, camels, donkeys, cows)
are cured and dyed.
The methods, materials and location have not changed in over
700 years and watching the men in the large vats of dye made me appreciate just
how hard life was in the past. The only difference now is that the men still
working in these appalling conditions are no longer slaves but get paid for
what they do, albeit a pittance by comparison with the west.
Although the coloured vats are unpleasant places to stand in
all day the white vats are even worse, filled with an acidic mixture that
includes lime and bird droppings!
The Medina was full of sights
and sounds and there is not room enough to put the large number of incredible
photographs on this Blog but I will put more on the Boats website.
The rest of the country is equally fascinating, full of
sights and sounds as well as the warm and friendly Moroccan people.
The roads are exciting and at this time of year it is not
unusual to come across trucks loaded to impossible dimensions with straw.
After a brief spell back in Gibraltar, Trish and
I are looking forward to the rest of our time in Morocco as we
explore the west coast and the other great cities.
