Fez to Chefchaouen -- Into the Blue

Saturday, April 25

Our departure from Fez via rental car was as easy as it could have been, thanks to the riad's wonderful Mohamed.  He had arranged for someone from Avis to meet us at the edge of the medina and he accompanied us and helped with our luggage.

 After completing the paperwork at the Avis office, we started off, following the rental agent's directions, which we soon abandoned in favor of those we'd found on Google last night.  Tom had a very clear visual sense of the direction in which we should be headed and it served us well.  Once we cleared the busy Saturday souk on the edge of the city, we were on our way through rolling countryside.  This was a minor miracle in this country where there are few street signs in the cities and virtually no signage indicating route numbers on rural roads.

Along the way, we encountered sheep, cows, impossibly laden donkeys, and small pickup trucks and vans filled high and wide with tarp-covered farm goods that provided precarious perches for passengers.  And to think that Mitt Romney was shamed for letting his crated dog ride atop the family station wagon!

The last part of today's drive to Chefchaouen offered spectacular views of the Rif Mountains from the valley floor.  The scenery was gorgeous and a wonderful backdrop for Chefchaouen, which rested at the base of the mountains.

Chefchaouen is known as "The Blue City", with homes and shops in the medina painted in various azure hues.  The medina is on a hill, with the central square about half way up.  We took a break in a cafe there and enjoyed the passing scene in the shade of the Kasbah, mosque and fountain.  Refreshed, we continued up to the end of the medina.  Just outside the gate, there was a waterfall, stream and wash houses where women had gathered to do their laundry.

 Because I've been a little under the weather today, I just had some yogurt and Tom picked up some dinner when he went out to photograph in the evening light.  Skipping Moroccan meals today has not been easy, as the food has been fabulous throughout this trip, but it seemed like a wise course of action.

Tomorrow, we'll drive to Tangier, drop off the car and take a ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar to Spain.  Morocco has been fun, and we've learned a lot, but it will be good to be back in the First World.