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@Fez فاس

Beslama - Shokran!
Fez is a northeastern Moroccan city often referred to as the country’s cultural capital. It’s primarily known for its Fes El Bali walled medina, with mediaeval Marinid architecture, vibrant souks and old-world atmosphere. The medina is home to religious schools such as the 14th-century Bou Inania and Al Attarine, both decorated with elaborate cedar carvings and ornate tile work.

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@Tala'a Kebira, Fez

Karim pointed out one of the blue and white road name signs built into one of the walls of the old Medina in Fez.
He explained that Tala'a Kebira (Arabic: الطالعة الكبيرة, 'the Great Slope/Climb') is one of the longest and most important streets in Fes el-Bali. "The street runs roughly east to west, starting near the Bab Bou Jeloud and Bab Mahrouk gates in the west and ending at the al-Attarine Madrasa in the east. It constitutes one of the main souq streets in the old city (including the Souq al-Attarine at its eastern end) and a number of important historic monuments are built along it."

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@Moroccan Frog

Their next destination was Chefchaouen. It was 125 miles away (200 km) but with all the stops and little detours they made to visit local fauna, stunning sights and long pauses to refuel at delightful cafés in villages they passed, the ride was transformed into an exciting tour of the region! Karim kept them well entertained with a wealth of stories of his time as a tour guide.

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@Chefchaouen, north Morocco

Their next stop on their trip, where they would spend a few days, was Chefchaouen, the amazing Blue City of north Morocco.

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@Chefchaouen, Blue-Washed Houses

"This magical city," said Karim, "which is nestled in the heart of the Rif Mountains in Morocco, is a feast for the eyes and a balm for the weary traveller."

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@Hotel Dar Lbakal, Chefchaouen

As the pets meandered through the narrow, cobblestone streets of Chefchaouen, the vibrant and cool shades of blue that adorned the buildings soothed and enchanted them.

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@Moroccan Houses in the Blue City

Karim continued: "The very first time I set foot in the medina—that's the ancient walled part of the city—I felt as if I had been transported to a secret, enchanting world. The walls of the houses, the doors, the stairs—everything basked in the soft embrace of the blue palette."

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@Chefchaouen شفشاون

"It was as if the sky itself had descended to kiss the earth, leaving behind a heavenly imprint. The cobalt, azure and cerulean hues danced in the warm sunlight, creating an atmosphere that was as soothing as it was mesmerising."

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@Moroccan Decoration

Chefchaouen, often called the "Blue Pearl of Morocco", was not just a visual delight; it was a sensory tapestry woven with the aromas of exotic spices, the laughter and chatter of locals and the gentle hum of artisans at work.

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@Laundry Day

They stumbled upon hidden treasures: a charming little café with the most heavenly mint tea, a local market brimming with vibrant fabrics and handcrafted goods, and a serene square where the melodic call to prayer echoed, inviting a moment of peace amidst the bustling streets.

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@Houses in Pale Blue Wash

The inhabitants of Chefchaouen were as warm and welcoming as the sun that greeted the city each day. Their smiles were genuine, their eyes twinkling with warmth. They were eager to share their culture, their history and their love for their vibrant little corner of the world.

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@Alleyway, Chefchaouen

The architecture was a delightful blend of Moorish and Andalusian styles, with arched doorways, wooden balconies and tiled roofs. The pets found themselves often looking up, captivated by the intricate patterns that decorated the buildings, craftsmanship that had withstood the test of time.

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@Alleyway, Old Town

It was easy to get lost in the labyrinth of streets, but the kindness of the locals ensured that every turn was an opportunity for discovery rather than disorientation.

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@Characterful Alleyway

"It's a place that wants you to slow down, to sit down and breathe in the beauty, and let the magic of the blue wash over you," observed Lumba, and Verbena dreamily agreed with him.

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@Blue City, Chefchaouen

The shadows grew longer, and the light danced on the terracotta tiles. Hunny had taken out her notebook and was roughing out sketches from which she hoped to recreate just a little of the magical scenes of this city.

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@Dar Lbakal, Chefchaouen

They had only been exploring here for a day, but already the pets felt as if they belonged here.

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@Blue Village, Chefchaouen

They met for mint tea in the afternoon, in hearing distance of the distant chatter of the medina and within the gentle embrace of the blue walls. "I always long to return here, and to lose myself in the winding alleys once again," remarked Karim.

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@Moroccan Courtyard

The air was alive with the scent of fresh mint and the sweetness of oranges, which seemed to beckon from every corner. The pets wandered, entranced, through the narrow alleyways, fresh delights around every corner.

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@Chefchaouen

The quest for souvenirs was a perfect treasure hunt. Each corner beckoned, each alleyway, each doorway adorned with colorful rugs and lanterns, The air was thick with the scent of mint tea, freshly baked bread, and the sweet aroma of argan oil - the liquid gold of Morocco.

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@Old City, Chefchaouen

The most magical part of the day was the golden hour, when the sun dipped low, casting a warm glow over the city and transforming the blue into a canvas of shimmering jewel tones.

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@Ridge, Atlas Mountains

Chefchaouen had been the perfect place to spend a few idyllic days. As the pets clambered onto the coach after their last night in the city, they felt sad to leave, and they were also aware they were nearly at the end of their magical Moroccan trip.

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@Tranquil Landscape by Lake

They spent the last few days exploring the region, from tranquil lakes and alluring peaks, to enchanting villages and towns.

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@Lone Dwelling, Asilah, north Morocco

On the way to Tangier, they stopped in Asilah. The air was infused with spices from the nearby souks, and the medina was a delightful maze of narrow, cobbled streets lined with whitewashed buildings. They stayed overnight in a hotel by the beach, and were lulled to sleep by the rhythmic to and fro of the waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

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@Hercules Cave, Tangier

Just outside Tangier, a visit to the Hercules Cave allowed the pets to see legendary footprints said to belong to Hercules himself. As the waves from the nearby Atlantic crashed into the grotto's entrance, sending a gentle spray into the chamber, it was easy to believe that the legendary hero had once rested here, drawing strength from the very essence of the earth before embarking on his twelve labours.

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@Tangier طنجة

They had reached the end of a most incredible tour in Africa. Boarding their plane to go home, they all turned to take a final look at Morocco, to say Shokran—Beslama!—goodbye—and thank you!

Verbena has enjoyed touring Morocco, but it is time to go home. This Event is over now, but there will be more events in PnF soon!