Fes al Bali

In Fez we stayed at beautiful riad called Dar Iman, hidden away like a gem in a dusty little passageway. It made me feel like a princess in the Arabian Nights.



Of course, being served breakfast on the roof terrace helped!



Off exploring we found the Medersa Bou Inania, a student college and residence hall. It's the last and grandest medersa built by Merenid Sultan Abou Inan (1351-58).




Outside, there is a famous water clock, still under restoration.



Stepping out into the medina again, we were captivated by the characters in the streets and the colourful goods in the souks, each named for the product they sell. There are over 10 000 streets which twist and turn through the medina. We followed rough routes guided by coloured stars indicating the direction but sometimes they were hidden, and often they were elusive. A bit like following Alice's White Rabbit.








Clockwise, from top left: painter's sign, egg seller, wandering the streets, musical instruments, chicken, pigeon and snail stall; potter's quarters, bridal carrier, mule, busy square, rabbit and cat, leather slippers, camel's head outside a butcher shop.



Bright ceramics



Rose petals for your hammam.



Place Seffarine, the metal workers' square.





Tinsmiths.



An Aladdin's cave of carpets.



A loom in action. The thread is traditionally spun by women and men work the looms.