Fes Favorites

Favorite thing: Fes was created in the year of 798 by a king Idris II. The city grew up thank to incomers from Kajruvan (after them name for the biggest mosque in Fes). Then many dynasties fought for Fes and soon the city became one of the most significant cities in Morocco. 1248 Merenid dynasty made Fes as a capital of their state. 13. and 14. century was the best time for Fes. It has a great place for business, because all the ways from north to south and from west to east lead throught Fes. Since that time the city was rebuilt many times and became one of four royal cities in Morocco. It has been also the cultural point of Morocco with the Kajruvan Mosque, famous University and souks in medina.

2 more images

Favorite thing: Winter can be cold and wet in Fez with January usually being the coldest month. During the summer months the temperatures can go to the other extreme and even reach the high 30’sC. A comfortable time to visit is during September to November and April to June.

Favorite thing: In April of 2008 the city celebrated its 1200th anniversary of the foundation of Fez. There was an abundance of entertainers spanning several cultures and ranges of music. On one of the old walls of Bab Boujloud square, huge photos were projected on a 160m long screen covering 12 centuries of the countries history.

1 more image

Favorite thing: There is no need to take extra precautions than you would normally in any other large city. There is an apparent police force around as well as those not in an identifying uniform especially in the Medina. Pickpockets will always be around, wherever you are so take care with your belongings.

1 more image

Favorite thing: Be sure to drink only bottled water that has the seal unbroken. The water is likely to give you stomach upsets. Also beware of being given drinks with ice cubes. Orange juice is also likely to be watered down and of course anything like salads and raw vegetables will have been washed in water. While food can be well cooked and ok, the plates maybe the problem when they are washed in the same water as everything else.

Favorite thing: As everybody says, very hot in summer.

Internet:
- www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/MOXX0003
- weather.yahoo.com/forecast/MOXX0003.html

How to transform from Fahrenheit to Celsius? Deduct 32, divide by 9 and multiply by 5.

Example: 85 Fahrenheit, minus 32 = 53, divided by 9 = 5,89 by 5 = 29,4 Celsius.

Favorite thing: Tourism authority of Fes did something wonderful and put colored star signs in the streets. For example, blue star leads you between Bab Bjouleud and Bab R'Cif, while pink does something else and cyan does another thing :). But the main point is when you get lost, follow those signs and you are out of the labrynthe. Also, do not believe hustlers pointing your whereabouts on your map: They usually tend to get you lost even more so that you can't get out without their help. They do take foreigners for a fool.

2 more images

Favorite thing: This small square in the heart of the Medina is quite a gem. Following down to the end of Talaa Seghira, turn sharp right down a covered lane down some steps, just before you end up on Talaa Kabira.

The square has a few tourist shops with the usual ceramics and other potential gifts. It's one of the nicest, well restored parts of the Medina although some people may feel that it's been slightly sanitised. One of the highlights of the square is the the Nejjarine Museum of wooden crafts that contains examples of all things wooden. The building has been completely renovated as well as the square. A gorgeously tiled wall fountain completes the picture.

To one side you'll find a place full of stalls selling metal seats used for weddings, in fine bright silver metalwork. Spend a few minutes looking outside and taking in the building.

This is also an excellent place to go to the loo! The toilets in the museum are the best I found in Morocco - 'that' smell was absent and even good toilet paper!!

Unfortunately, the short route through the dark alley to the square you may come across some hustlers who can be quite persistent, offering you all sorts of thing. Just throw them your usual 'No thanks' smile that you've been practicing all day and walk on. Also, ignore anyone who tells you the museum is closed, as one person did with me so that I would go and see his shop.