We are back to the big city: Fes, one of the oldest imperial cities, was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981. We are ready to explore the el‑Bali’s medina.A wonderful school built in 1670 — El-Cherratine Medersa — mesmerized us as it has hundreds of Koranic scholars with all of its intricate details.Another school for Islamic scholars built in 1350–55 — Bou Inania Medersa — is one of the most impressive in the Morocco.Fondouk el-Nejjarine constructed in 1711 as a bustling caravanserai — a combined overnight Inn and Warehouse for merchants. The three-story courtyard with cedar wood and stucco — traders securely stored their goods and animals on the ground floor and stayed in the upper levels — is now a wood craft museum.Chouara Tannery — one of the most famous, the oldest and largest Fez Tannery — has been around for 1000 years!We are given a mint leaf to hold to our nose to conceal the odors but that gives us an appreciation of what these men working in the tanning vats are enduring — in the intense sun and hip waders. The leather produced is world famous for its softness and beautiful colors.Also in the medina we find the Coppersmith. He is applying a silver powder to the inside of this copper vessel — making it sparkle, smooth and usable.We stopped for lunch and for some people watching at a Tajine restaurant in the medina. So good we went back for a second time a couple days later!While eating we saw why these deserts are all soooo… good! Honey is drizzled on top of them — lots and lots and lots and lots — so the pastries just soak it up. Good thing Pooh Bear isn’t here!Next to the royal palace are the Jardins de Bou Jeloud – a beautiful green oasis in the busy city.The end of the ‘Story’ — Hotel in Rabat before our departure. ‘Out of Africa’ … Morocco has been a delightful experience with much variety of landscapes, culture, and food. The number one take away is the friendliness of the people which is unsurpassed.
