What we actually got was a modern coach, complete with airconditioning. It was a lovely drive through varying countryside. Closer to Fès it was dry but as we approached Chefchaouen and got higher up into the Rif mountains it became much more lush.
Chefchaouen is a beautiful city, much bigger than what I imagined. The city has the distinction of having blue walls. This is thought to have been introduced by Jews when they fled here from Spain during the Spanish inquisition. It is absolutely stunning. And our accommodation is amazing. We have spectacular views of the city and the two mountains behind... and to top it all off we have a pool.
We arrived for a late lunch yesterday. Saïd gave us an orientation of the city and it is really easy to navigate (even for someone like me who is hopeless with directions). After that we had a relaxing lounge by the pool.
Today was a free day, so after an exhausting 5 days it was nice to have a sleep in and then wander around the city at a steady pace. I spent the day with Ilona and we took things very steadily. We started out with a mint tea in the main square then explored the Kasbah. From the top of the fortress we had a fantastic view of the town and the mountains.
We then explored the shops and bought a few souvenirs. It was quite funny in the shop we settled on. I selected a top, a couple of scarves and some leather bracelets. Bargaining is part of the purchasing process here and I was all ready to start bartering. But the guy said: "I'm going to give you my starting price, but you won't pay that. I'll then give you the price you want to pay." I told him that was no fun because I didn't get to haggle. So he let me have my fun and I belted him down on the price of my top.
Our next stop was to have a henna tattoo. The lady who did it was so quick and talented.
We then sat at a cafe, enjoyed our lunch and a mint tea while we people-watched for about an hour and a half. Now I'm just relaxing by the pool with a coldie.
No comments:
Post a Comment