We arrived in Morocco yesterday. The experience has been far beyond what any of us had imagined. The day before Joe and I were weary from travel, over the photos, and eager to get to climb. The house in Spain had its qualms, while the constant photos and lack of climbing were wearing on us. We had a delay in Valencia, Spain for an evening where our spirits were lifted by the immaculate room Beth had booked for us, full of long hot showers, American TV, and other amenities we were thirsty for. If we had only known what await us in Morocco, we wouldn’t have been nearly as impressed. A short flight, a lot of paper filling out, and four hour hectic train ride later we found ourselves in the busily city of Fes.
This labyrinth like city is sewn with thousands of small streets weaving through intricate tunnels full of bartering shop hustlers and beautifully gowned women. Luckily one of us, Ryan, had done his research and knew a few ins and outs of the city. How to barter, a few good places to eat, the customs Morocco is known for, and the likes. As we pulled into the center of Fes to a post office were we were supposed to meet our hotel manager confusion ensued. The taxi driver wasn’t happy with the fare and began arguing with our group about the price, meanwhile a small man snuck up and began throwing our luggage on a rickety cart and drove it away. If it hadn’t been for that “I’d trust you with the family jewels” smile our hotel manager Feta greeted us with we might have all called it quite right then and there. Feta hustled us down a dark narrow flight of stairs through a grungy corridor even some of the toughest might not roll down on a dark night. A few more turns that latest just long enough for us to even start questioning Feta angelic presence, we entered a homely doorway entrance. As we turned to the corner a view opened up to us that was nothing short of a fantasyland. A small courtyard filled with orange trees, mosaic walls and columns, and a brilliant flowing fountain at its center stood before us. Each of our rooms lay at different ends of the yard, each decorated elegantly. Needless to say we were flabbergasted. This place was far beyond our expectations.
Once we played Aladdin King of Arabia, we headed to the streets to check out the life lead by majority here in Morocco, which is still regarded as a third world country. The people here are kind and beautiful, but they work and hustle hard. I believe they say about 90% of the working labor is craftsmanship. So sewing, the making of the leather products, painting, carving, ect is the main work of this people. To walk through the streets and see people creating their goods the way they do in the places they do is astounding. My eyes never get tired from the sights; colors, shapes, patterns, textures cover every angle of your vision, every place you look–truly incredible. The hassling is pretty heavy for the girls. Luckily I have four years of the Bronx under my belt, though it’s still difficult. A head scarf makes you feel a little more comfortable, but in general it’s not a problem, you just grow a 3rd of the layer of skin like these girls have out here (man, they are tough). Ryan and Beth’s son has proven to be their golden ticket here. Moroccan’s love young children and it makes bargaining, meeting people, ect that much easier. Plus he works as a catcalling shield as well!
Today we got a guide, which is recommended to make the most of your time in a place where a wrong turn can turn into a twelve-hour tour of wrong turns. We saw where the oldest tannery, where the camel, goat and sheep skin is dyed before being made into purses, jackets, shoes, ect. We also visiting the co-op were the famous Moroccan rugs are hand sewn. I sat with the girls and saw the knots they make, the speed of their fingers, the toughness of their skin. And though I know I still only have the tiniest inclination of what goes on through their heads, I believe after traveling to places outside of your mind you have a better understanding of what is going through yours. Oh yeah, and right now I could give two shits about climbing, that’s how good it is.
