Morocco - Fez

As I scroll through pictures and articles about Fez, it's just fascinating. Fez, and especially the old town, is the world's largest car-free urban space and an UNESCO Heritage site. When strolling around the city, it feels like you have been transported thousand years back in time. The old city of Fez is still a functioning medieval city. The narrow streets, the smell of fresh herbs, spices and leather definitely sums up the atmosphere. As the area is car-free, donkeys and horses are the only transportation option for goods. The moment I arrived to the Blue Gate, a gentleman approached me and offered his guide service. Interesting enough, his speech included statements such as "it's not safe here, it's Ramadan, and you will be bothered all the time". He is right, but is this the vibe you want to provide tourists who are here to explore the city for the first time? I politely declined, and went off on my own. The area is huge, and oh yes if you don't stick to the most crowded streets, you will get lost. However, the times when you get lost, you will find the most spectacular places. 

As you walk around, you will be approached all the time. Personally, I feel that it's exhausting. Not only to walk up and down the crowded streets, checking your bag and hugging it tight, but to constantly decline every offer that is thrown at you. I get it, they have to and it might work once in a while, and I can imagine that it's equally frustrating for the vendors as it is for the visitors. On several occasions, I actually managed to find several nice items, but lost my interest due to the vendors themselves. Fes manufactures the most beautiful leather sandals, bags and backpacks. I spotted several items that I definitely would like to bring back home. 

On my way back to the hotel, I did a quick stop at Dar al-Makhze, the gate of the Royal Palace. The palace is not open to the public, but the gate itself is spectacular. As I'm not a writer, the pictures will tell you the rest of the story of my day in Fes.