Fabulous Fez
October 6, 2013 In Fez I shed my tourist trappings and lived like a resident, thanks to my friend M who generously placed her restored Riad at my disposal during my stay. Unfortunately M was tied up with work and couldn’t join me but she corralled two locals to help me out. I needed it! The Fez train station where I met my young guide was the last bit of modernity I saw during my four-day stay. We took a taxi to the entrance of the medina where I was led through an impenetrable maze of streets to my Riad. M had already explained that I would have to walk behind my guide as he was not an “official” guide. What? Apparently Fez authorities had enough of the local kids claiming to be guides and pestering (or worse) hapless tourists. For several years it has been a crime (!) for a local to walk with a tourist. I tried to memorize each turn along the narrow streets but it was hopeless. We arrived at the Riad and when he opened the door I couldn’t believe I was actually going to stay there. It was fit for the legendary Almoravid queen, … Continue reading →