"You could explore this city for hours and the sense of wonder would never go away."
「 The City of Chefchaouen, Morocco 」
C H A P T E R T H R E EI spent the next few days in Chefchaouen exploring the city's nooks and crannies in my solitude. I can imagine a lot of couples coming here to spend their honeymoons, or to visit as a romantic getaway. Certainly there were a lot of couples here, but a lot of lone travellers too who, like me, ended up wandering the streets, taking photos of almost every street corner in this gorgeous city.
I decided to extend my stay here and unfortunately my hostel, Dar Antonio was fully booked. I had to look for another one but luckily I had my phone and my Booking app which I've used to book probably over one hundred hostels across Asia and Europe and has been an absolute saviour when booking last minute. And this time was no exception. As I wanted my own room this time, I opted for a house called Dar Mounia which was a measly $35 per night for a double, including breakfast - what a steal! Without hesitation, I booked it and made my way there.
I moved from my hostel Dar Antonio and found myself in one of the most beautiful blue buildings that I've seen - Dar Mounia, pictured above. The Dar was located down a little side street near the main square, with a balcony atop. It was a three story building with a beautiful coat of blue and white paint, and the it was as beautiful inside as it was outside, with home-sewn fabrics and green vines lining the wall and inner courtyard.
After settling into my new abode, I decided to keep exploring, not spending very much money as all I was doing was essentially just walking and eating. I stumbled across what looked like one of the Medina squares and sat outside one of the cafe's. The waiter arrived and I ordered (you guessed it) a steamy pot of peppermint tea for a meagre 50 cents. I sat there sipping and contemplating, surrounded by the gorgeous blue mosaic tiles that lined the houses and water feature in the middle of the square. It was quiet and I just watched the locals shuffle about their business. Honestly I could live here forever. It was a relaxed pace of life - no one rushing around, no one yelling or accosting you to buy their goods. Instead, everyone was asking how you were and smiling at you as you pass them. It was unlike any other place I visited in Morocco and it was a refreshing change from Fes or Marrakesh.
Eventually, I went for another hike not too far from the mountains and along the city walls and made my way back to my new hotel, drifting straight away into sleep as it had been a long and hot day of walking and exploring. After a well-earned sleep, I could smell the unmistakable aroma of freshly-made bread which carried out of bed and upstairs to the balcony. Before my eyes was laid out a gorgeous breakfast of different types of bread, yogurt, honey, peanut sauce and marmalade. And who could forget the gorgeous mint tea! All this served on a panoramic balcony at the top of the hotel. This was utter paradise. Join me in my next post as I make the most of my last few days here and explore the Kasbah right in the middle of the city!
So if you do sign up to Booking.com, use the link to sign up and you'll get FREE $20 on the credit card you use to book, and access to a great site. Everybody wins!
Also I would really appreciate some feedback on my new blog style - it may be a bit messy so let me know and I'll be happy to return to my old style. Happy to listen to my awesome followers and steemians! <3
Chefchaouen the Blue Pearl, Morocco
Details
🌏 | Chefchaouen, 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.
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