Friday-Sunday

Sorry to disappoint with my infrequent entries. This weekend we travelled by train to Fes, where we did not have internet access. I'll try to bring you up to date now!

On Friday I introduced my students to the game of "red Light, Green Light" for the first time. They LOVED it!
Following our day of school, we departed for the train station and started the long, HOT journey to Fes...about 4 1/2 hours away. After checking into our AIR-CONDITIONED hotel, we headed to the residence of our tour guide for dinner. If was an unbelievable traditional Moroccan meal- salads, another sweet meat dish (prepared for weddings and special occasions) and 6 chickens! Moroccan hospitality is a great value, and we felt very welcomed in their home.

Saturday was the most interesting cultural experience of my life. We started by admiring the craftsmanship on the doors of the King's Palace in Fes (the King has a palace in most cities). We then headed by taxi to a military fort atop a hill for a panoramic view of the city. From there, we could see ALL parts of Fes...old and new.


On our foot tour of the Medina (the old city), we stopped first at a ceramic and mosaic factory.
From making the clay to molding the clay, to baking and painting the pieces, we were all stunned by the intricate and laborious work taking place. They paint and finish plates at a rate of 6 per day. My favorite part of the day was shopping in the ceramic store.
We then went to a berber shop for a display of Moroccan rugwork. We sat uncomfortably through the sales process as one by one he asked us if we would like to buy his rugs. Our team, fortunately, was interested in purchasing several of them, so that took some of the pressure off. Following the berber shop, we enjoyed another Moroccan meal at a small restaraunt tucked away in the corner of the Medina. Post-lunch, more shopping at the a tannery (leather goods), a perfumerie (fragrances and spices), a tapestry shop, and a silversmith.



The damage: 2 bags and a backpack full of souveniers.

Sunday is a travel day. My roommate, Ashley, has been ill all weekend, and several others have not been feeling well. So we have been particularly careful in consuming water and other foods. We think it might, however, be heat exhaustion since Fes was well over 100 degrees. McDonalds was our food destination today before returning by train to the school. We the exception of the McArabia sandwich, everything at McD's was very familiar, right down to the happy meal merchandising for the movie "Cars".