Today was a very long day in the medina (the old part of the city, in Fez's case dating back to the ninth century). Even though the artisans' shops are called factories, everything is still done the old-fashioned way, by hand and sometimes by foot. I was given a private tour at each place showing how everything is made, from the beginning of the process to the end. The tileworks may have been the most interesting. Each person has one job: shaper, carver, dyer, assembler, and so on. Each step is so incredibly intricate that it takes years to master. I went a little crazy in my buying, but really -- when will I be in Morocco again? I have a spot in mind for each piece, and shipping and insurance were included in price. My pieces will arrive shortly after I do.
I ate a traditional lunch of pastilla and Moroccan salad, fruit, and coconut cookies. It was a bit rich for me, and I had to stop and sit for a moment as we made our way through the medina and take an antacid. My phone says I walked five miles today! I also did a lot of stair-climbing, and just so you know it's really me, I started off my day with a head slam into the top of the van. It was parked next to a high curb, and in the past it hadn't been, so I hoisted myself up and BOOM! My driver was ready to take me to the hospital, but I wouldn't have it. I took and Advil and moved on. Now it hurts a bit and my feet are swollen, so I need to get a good rest to be ready for tomorrow's adventure -- a visit to the countryside to see Roman ruins.
I'll leave you with a picture of the beautiful mosaic work. The colors and designs of this piece make it one of my favorites. (Of course, the picture does not do it justice.)
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