"The soul of a journey is liberty, perfect liberty, to think, feel, do just as one pleases." ~William Hazlitt
Chefcahaouen: A few photos
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Today is my third day in Chefchaouen, but I’ve had a lot of work to do so I haven’t gotten to see much. I’m staying at Riad Baraka in the medina. The word ‘Medina’ refers to the ancient, historic part of the city. There’s a modern city outside the medina walls, but I always enjoy the character of the more historic areas, so I haven’t left. Cars can’t enter the narrow streets of the medina, and it feels like traveling back in time.
But medinas are mazes, built to confuse and entrap invaders. Those who know me know that I tend to get lost every three feet even in a normal city grid. That’s another reason I’ve only explored a small portion of the medina so far.
For now, i’m just going to share a few photos.
Chefchaouen is called the “Blue City” because of this color, which is widely used because, I’m told, mosquitos and other insects are repelled by it. Look at that gorgeous woodwork! In the foreground, you can see some of the leatherwork this area is known for.This is the plaza in front of the Casbah, where the road widens and lots of restaurants and tea shops cater to tourists. After four trips back and forth, As you can see, the whole medina sits in the shadow of the Rif Mountains.From my table in the restaurant, I could see the Casbah (in front of the mountain) and, to the right, the minaret rising up from one of the mosques. The medina is ringed by mosques, so when the call to prayer comes, it echoes all around you.Moroccan men in Berber robes. And tennis shoes.Women seated on a beautiful concrete bench. This is some of hte most conservative dress I’ve seen in Morocco.This is my street.It’s hard to resist all the beautiful ceramics, but I have no way to carry anything and, so far, I haven’t found anyone willing to ship things home for me.Such beautiful work.The berber robes will always make me think of Jedi knights.A side street begging me to explore. Soon…More of the beautiful blue streets.Not every building is blue!This is my room. The bed is super comfy, with wonderfully soft sheets and warm blankets. I have a little couch and place to hang my clothes at the other end. The shared bathroom is two floors up.An enclosed space on the rooftop where I work sometimes when I need a change of scenery.Another rooftop seating area where I like to work.The view from my work area on the roof.
Tomorrow I will take the day off and go hiking in the Rif Mountains nearby, so I will have more to report!
Published by Lauren
I'm a nomadic freelance writer, out enjoying the world!
Oh, that’s interesting! I won’t tell the locals, they’ve been painting their whole city blue for a long time.
Not buying the ceramics is killing me! I’m still trying to find someone who will ship home. If not, when I get home, I’ll order from this Tunisian company. I’ve owned some of their stuff before, it’s wonderful! http://www.lesoukceramique.com/
I love your blog, Lauren! You visit fascinating places I’ve never heard of, and suddenly want to go see for myself. Thanks for taking us along with you!
Chefchaouen is cleaner than Tanger or Marrakech, I think, but there’s still a problem with litter, both in town and out on the mountain trails, unfortunately. Still beautiful, though!
I love it. I can imagine standing on one of those streets and hearing the call to prayer. Beautiful. The more I read your blog, the more places I have to add to my list MUST GO list. Damn you, Lauren! 🙂
Tammy Smith
March 13, 2014 at 5:03 pmBeautiful!!
Lauren
March 13, 2014 at 5:05 pmIt really is. I love it here.
Beki
March 13, 2014 at 5:06 pmThank you for those lovely photos. I now must posses a full set of those gorgeous plates.
FYI – Beware of the blue. Evie told me she learned in science that mosquitos are ATTRACTED to blue and black.
http://insects.about.com/od/flies/a/how-to-get-mosquito-bites.htm
Lauren
March 13, 2014 at 6:34 pmOh, that’s interesting! I won’t tell the locals, they’ve been painting their whole city blue for a long time.
Not buying the ceramics is killing me! I’m still trying to find someone who will ship home. If not, when I get home, I’ll order from this Tunisian company. I’ve owned some of their stuff before, it’s wonderful! http://www.lesoukceramique.com/
Lauren
March 13, 2014 at 6:38 pmp.s. you can shop for Le Souk Ceramique on Amazon!
Micky
March 13, 2014 at 7:04 pmI love your blog, Lauren! You visit fascinating places I’ve never heard of, and suddenly want to go see for myself. Thanks for taking us along with you!
Lauren
March 14, 2014 at 1:45 pmI’m so glad you’re enjoying it! It sure is fun to write. 😀
Rita
March 14, 2014 at 7:18 amWow; how exciting the Casbah. The streets look quite clean and litter with tourists, I’m guessing
Lauren
March 14, 2014 at 1:46 pmChefchaouen is cleaner than Tanger or Marrakech, I think, but there’s still a problem with litter, both in town and out on the mountain trails, unfortunately. Still beautiful, though!
Holly Parker
March 14, 2014 at 9:52 pmI love it. I can imagine standing on one of those streets and hearing the call to prayer. Beautiful. The more I read your blog, the more places I have to add to my list MUST GO list. Damn you, Lauren! 🙂
Sue Guetterman
March 15, 2014 at 9:55 pmBeautiful photos as usual, Lauren! I love the rooftop views. Such an interesting place!