Fez, 2nd day and departure

The weather was much nicer today. Woke up bright and early to check bus and train schedules to Marrakesh and decided to overnight by bus -- the train being a 2:30 am departure with a stopover in Casa. Not a good idea. I will arrive at Marrakesh around 5am.

Took a "petit taxi" into Fez el-Beli to the southern door of Bab Ftouh. Walked into the Andalusian quarter, and saw the door of the Mosque there, the medersa next door -- es Sahrija-- then got lost a bit in that area.

Retracing my steps, found a beautifully restored library, attached to the Kairaouine Mosque; I visited the main reading room, always drawing curious looks and met the head of administration, Dr. Ziani Ben Aissa, an anthropologist who encouraged me to continue my studies of Arab culture.

Circled around the beautiful and large Mosque of Kairaouine, and onto the historic madrasa of the Attarine, with a terrace and a view of the city. Terraces are very special here, with a good view of the city, and its cells of homes and narrow streets.

Lunch break in the Najjarine area, before visiting the fully restored Fundouk there, a wood museum (antique arms, furniture, doors, musical instruments) and a long rest on its terrace drinking tea.

Around the corner is another beautiful home, Belghasi museum, with manuscripts, beddouin jewerly and such, very difficult to find but well worth it.

More tomorrow after my arrival in Marrakesh.