Casablanca to Fes via Rabat

We both managed some sleep through the night, but street traffic was a nuisance. We managed the shower situation a second time, and our friendship remains in tact. Breakfast was okay, but an odd selection choice, plus not well laid out. I would have organised it much better. We headed off out of the hotel by 9.30. Not much traffic as we headed to Rabat, the current capital of Morocco. We walk around the ruins of the Citadel of Challah which Achmed reliably informed us was the once thriving walled Roman port city of Sala Colonia which was abandoned in 1154 in favour of Sale across the other side of the river. Nice views of the Altantic ocean in the far distance. Really impressive mausoleum for the current King's grandfather shares the same site. The intricate detail on every surface was amazing. Guards on horseback are stationed at the 2 entrances to the area. At the edge of the ruins is Hassan Tower which Rabat claims as its most famous sight. The minaret dates back to 1195 and towers over the city and the incomplete mosque below, which was largely destroyed in an earthquake in 1755. Apparently inside was a wide circular path so the the muezzin who calls the faithful to prayer, was able to ride his horse to the top. These days, modern technology means the muezzin can stay grounded!

Cant remember the name of what is the tallest building in the country, but it is part of a hotel complex and potentislly wont look so odd once the surroundung area is developed. The white wavy building is the new opera house which has hosted a concert, but hadnt had its official opening yet.

And although we did heaps more today, it is now late at night and past my bed time so you will simply have to stay tuned for the next instalmemt. Back again for some more. our next stop was at the Oudaya Kasbah which is built on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Its gate is a beautiful surviving artefact from the Moorish world. The steps outside the wall were in one of Tom Cruise's Mission Impossible movies.

Ahmed took us around the residential area. The whitewashed laneways were very Mediterranean. One home was titled Giraffe House and I immediately thought of a kindred spirit in Hedley BC.

Beyond the city walls are the ancient city of Sala, also known as Chella. Lovely views across the Atlantic. We then wander through an Andalusian garden which was very pretty and well set out.

From here we head to Meknes which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Imperial Cities of Morocco. We have a fabulous lunch here, trying multiple local delicacies. We never got to desserts as we couldnt eat all three earlier courses. The tea pouring ceremony was fun and made the mint tea even more enjoyable. Back into our car we waddle to drive around the city walls and monuments first built in the 17th century by the powerful sultan Moulay Ismail because he wanted to rival the court of his contempoary, Louis XIV of France. The Bab Mansour gateway is considered to be one of the finest gates in Morocco. if you havent worked it out already, the Moroccans love their gates!

We then took back roads that got us to an amazing Roman ruins site of voubilis. Very well set out, and many of the mosaic floors remain 100% intact. We definitely got our steps up today, and Julie tells me we covered more than 5k distance, much of it uphill!

We then head to Fes which is our base for the next 2 nights. We are staying in a Ryad, which is a collection of 3 residences that have a common courtyard that all bedrooms look into. If it weren't for the many steps to get to our room (and every step is a different width and height)our room would be ideal. Not sure that either of us truly appreciated the rose petals strewn everywhere but the fruit basket and pastries touched the spot.

Once again we didnt bother with dinner but did go to the bar for a drink. They dont do a good martini so take that off your list. It really is an odd situation that alcohol is banned in the country, but they have bottle shops and you can get alcohol in bigger restaurants and hotels. In the shop,Locals can buy it, but dont get a receipt. Foreigners can purchase it and they do get a receipt! Anyway, it was nice to sit in the cool on the terrace and then headed back to our rooom and time for bed. Great views from our 3rd floor suite. the little lift is covered in mosaics and the rear door to the suite is a work of art in itself. Pity there isnt better lighting as we have toleave my mini torch on all night, next to the big step up into the bathroom or we are both going to go head over turkey in the middle of the night!