Archive for June, 2013

Ceramic Pottery store and factory in Fes, Morocco

Ceramic pottery factory in Fes, Morocco

One of the places we visited while in Fes, Morocco, was a ceramic pottery factory and shop. We were able to see up close the intricate work of these talented Moroccan artisans. I found it fascinating to see their skills on display, from the raw clay through to the finished art work on display in the shop. My only regret was that we couldn’t bring home with us some examples of their fine work (though my wife did manage to winkle one small item into her luggage).

Over coming days I’ll show more of their fine work here on this site.

Ceramic pottery factory in Fes, Morocco

Ceramic pottery factory in Fes, Morocco

Ceramic pottery factory in Fes, Morocco

 

 

Overlooking the city of Fes in Morocco

Overlooking Fes from Borj Sud (South Tower) in Morocco

Overlooking Fes from Borj Sud (South Tower) in Morocco

Overlooking Fes from Borj Sud (South Tower) in Morocco

Overlooking Fes from Borj Sud (South Tower) in Morocco

 

We visit the Borj Sud fortress in Fes, Morocco

Borj Sud, Fes, Morocco

During our visit to Fes in Morocco our tour bus took us up a prominent hill within the city. On this hill is the Borj Sud (South Tower), a prominent fortress overlooking the old city. This fortress was built in the 16th century to overlook and protect the city. It was built by Christian slaves.

We only had enough time here to walk around the perimeter of the fortress. It would have been interesting to look  inside.

Borj Sud, Fes, Morocco

The streets of Fes, Morocco

Street scene in the city of Fes, Morocco

During our visit to Morocco we saw many beautiful buildings, usually decorated with magnificent mosaics. we also wandered through fascinating madinas with their closed in buildings and narrow streets and laneways. we saw ordinary street scenes too, like those in today’s photos, building which would not have been out of place in the inner streets of some Australian cities.

Street scene in the city of Fes, Morocco

Street vendors in Fes, Morocco

Street vendor in Fes, Morocco

Walking through the medinas in the various cities we visited during our stay in Morocco I felt a certain amount of sensory overload. I had to concentrate on where I was going in a very strange environment and that was hard enough, even with a tour guide watching out for each one of us. Then there was the problem of twisting lanes and narrow streets crowded with shoppers; the bustling mass of people is something we only occasionally experience here in Australia.

Then there was the aromas of all the different foods on sale, from chickens to fish to spices and on to vegetables, fruits, pastries and a whole raft of smells with which I was quite unfamiliar. The kaleidoscope of colours added further to the onslaught on my senses plus the pulsating noises everywhere.

Quite an experience really.

Street vendor in Fes, Morocco