Fes is unlike any city you've seen - prepare for an assault on the senses...
If you've been keeping up with my blogs over the last week, you'd have known that we had to say our farewells in Marrakesh as we were all going our separate ways. But after a one hour flight for Fes (which is incredibly cheap by the way!), I was back on my own in Fes. the first thing you instantly notice is the heat - it's unlike anything I've experienced, but a little cooler than Marrakesh. After a quick 30 minute taxi ride from the airport which cost about $3, I was outside the wondrous blue gate of Fes el Bali - Bab Bou Jeloud or the "Blue Gate". Surrounding me were donkeys transporting goods, sellers yelling at passers by, food stalls and people wandering about looking for a good deal. The city was alive.
Fes el Bai is the oldest walled part of Fes, which is made up of thousands of narrow alleyways which made up the ancient medieval city and is now a hub of markets, stalls, mosques and sights. And by thousands, I mean THOUSANDS of alleyways. I recommend Maps.me for offline maps when visiting any country, but I promise you this will not help you here. There are about 9,400 alleyways winding and twisting through Fes el Bali, some leading to dead ends and others bringing you back to where you came. Lots of locals will ask for money in return for showing you to your destination - be wary of this too. They will ask for almost 50 Dirhams (about £4 or $5) to show you a short way, and will most likely ask for more when you get there. As with any city, I recommend you explore and see the sights for yourself. But in Fes, a lot of people will hassle you so don't be afraid to politely say no and walk away.
With this in mind, I made straight to the nearest restaurant and I sat with my bag up on a balcony eatery overlooking the Blue Gate due to the intense heat. And of course, I went for my favourite Peppermint Tea straight away for only 10 Dirhams which is ridiculously cheap! Afterwards, I made my way to the hostel (pictured) which was a very cool classic Riad with a central living space. Be ready for amazing views of Fes in my next post which will feature the streets and markets of this beautiful city, please follow to keep up!
The City of Fes, Morocco
My hostel, Dar Rabha
Details
🌏 | Fes, Morocco
📷 | Samsung S8
🎨 | Lightroom Mobile edits used
Over the next few weeks I'll be trekking through Morocco and I'll be share with you my thoughts, feelings, tips and warnings about visiting each place along the way. Being a photographer, I will be doing this while sharing my photos with all of you too! I sincerely hope you all enjoy.
Please do follow if you want to keep up with my travel through this wonderful country <3
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