Well everyone! Last weekend was Fes and Meknes with 9 of my schoolmates. We visited the Jewish Quarter, then got literally lost in the souqs (old city markets). If all the walking around wasn't enough, we certainly felt like climbing a massive hill to get to the armaments museum. But it was worth it. We all got in shape wearing our backpacks and trekking up a nice incline. Not any purchases of major note except a pretty traditional dress which I shall model later, but Zoe did end up bargaining for one of her favorite souvenirs!
We took about an hour in the museum before returning to the train and getting to Meknes during the cool hours of the evening. This is where my heart started to race. Returning to my former "hometown" in Morocco. The reception was beyond compare. While trying to arrange grand taxis to take us to our hostel, I found my long lost Moroccan "brother". I explained to the taxi driver that I used to live in Meknes and the area of Zitoune, and he was so excited that for the rest of the weekend, he introduced me as "his sister." This started an experience in Meknes, I doubt anyone will forget.
After that "my new brother" took us to the look out point close to the medina (old city) in Meknes, before our hostel. Everyone got to view the beautiful old city and great Moroccan hospitality.
After that "my new brother" took us to the look out point close to the medina (old city) in Meknes, before our hostel. Everyone got to view the beautiful old city and great Moroccan hospitality.
That night we all rested in order to get up to visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis. We had arranged with my new "brother" and his friend to pick us up and take us to Volubilis and the neighboring holy town of Moulay Idriss. Because this was my fourth time to Volubilis and and Moulay Idriss....I led the tour through the extensively AWESOME ruins!
But naturally there are always monkeys in the group that want to climb on the columns....
We broke for lunch in Moulay Idriss before returning back to Meknes for an afternoon of jam-packed site-seeing before jumping the train home....granted we picked up sleep wherever we could.
After that we said a sad farewell to my beloved new "brother" and I led my friends around my beautiful city of Meknes. We visited the historical granary of Sultan Moulay Ismail. This granary was designed to hold enough food and water and supplies to withstand a 20 year long siege. Behind that was the stables that could hold 12,000 of the sultan's favorite horses. This was great because when I was here last they were still restoring the stables and visitors were not allowed. So this was something new I had not seen! And of course with my love of horses....HOW COOL!
Then we ventured to the mausoleum of Sultan Moulay Ismail. This was not only a cool thing to see but a great place to break and take pictures!
Then before saying goodbye to the town of Meknes (well I'll be going back soon to be sure) I took them to the rooftop café where they could look over the square of Bab Al-Mansour that leads into the local souq.
We all lazily returned home to Rabat as this was our last weekend visit all together. Today is the last night with all my friends together. Honestly, I don't know what I"ll do without such cool, interesting people. ....well I do believe I'll be traveling to visit them all very soon!