Fes

We took the train across the countryside to the medieval city of Fes. The train ride at this time of year begins by crossing the bright green mountains that are covered in purple flowers. As it moves further north the mountains morph into hills and the colors change to oranges and yellows surrounding tall patches of cacti. Impresionante.
Upon arrival we grabbed a taxi and went straight to the medina where with our big backpacks we were like birdseed being feasted upon and pecked at by a flock of teenage boys that make their money by leading you to a hotel or restaurant. We finally stopped at a dingy concrete hole and set out to explore the medina and the mellah for the next couple of days.



The highlight of the medina is the leather tannery where there are tubs of different colored dyes in which animal hides are dipped and layed out to dry. The fetid smell is overwhelming and the dying practices are very unsafe for the workers who develop health issues from bathing in the chemicals all day. The carts of animal carcasses are enough to make one forsake her wallets and handbags forever.