We hit the ground running today. We left the hotel and headed towards Kings Palace Gateway and took some jaw dropping photos. Then we were off to a panoramic view of Fes. We learned about the different mosques throughout the city. We also learned Fes is split up into three different sections: New City, Old City, and Old City but not as old as the “Old City.”
Then we started our tours of the different artisans throughout Fes. First stop pottery. We watched how pottery was shaped, the carving process of the glaze, then the ways to accessorize the pottery.
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Our second stop was the Fes market. Inside we saw an example of intricate craftsmanship. There we learned how Moroccans make leather products by hand. We had to hold mint leaves up to our nose to combat the harsh smell of the dead animal skin. A few of us bought some nice leather jackets, hats, and wallets.
Next, we went to a restaurant in the market and had some delicious couscous for lunch. Afterwards we visited an embroidery shop where placemats, table mats, handkerchiefs, and other items were sold. Each item was also handmade as well as reversible. The shopkeeper told us that each design was not planned out beforehand; the only thing that must be planned out is the dimensions of the design.
After our excursion into the market of Fes and after a glance at the amazing artistry and craftsmanship that the artisans of Fes had to offer, we took a brief reprieve and returned to the hotel. After a couple hours of rest we headed back into the narrow, winding streets of the Fes market and visited a metal smith who handmade very intricate pieces of metal art made out of a variety of alloys such as bronze, tin, and a silver alloy.
After leaving the metal shop we headed to the restaurant where we were having a more adventures dinner, a camel burger. The camel burger was enjoyed by almost everyone and had a very good blend of seasoning. Overall we had a very adventurous day and we saw beautiful art and craftsmanship in the legendary marketplace of Fes.