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Day FOUR in Morocco- Nov. 11, 2009

4th day of delegations- Wednesday 11/11/2009

The group was getting ready this morning to check out from the hotel, leaving Rabat to Fez stopping on the way at Volubulis and Meknes.  Before our departure we will visit with a Member of Parliament (MP) Mrs. Zahra Chagaf, Presidente de L’union des Femmes Haraki.

We arrived at Mrs. Chagaf’s house around 10:00am.  Her villa was very beautiful.   As we entered her house, she invited us to wonder around the rooms, which was very hard not to obey as she had the most beautiful and artistic formal and living rooms designed with comfortable Morocon’s seats and ornaments.  Her formal living room was designed with Moroccan colorful tiles on the walls while her informal TV room had floor seating with comfortable cushions and nice library.     You can see the swimming pool from the large clean windows as well as the bushes and palm trees in her backyard.  Her cooks were preparing lunch for the 38 delegates who were wondering around, chatting and taking pictures.  Two American women from Oklahoma who were working on humanitarian and civil rights issues in the Western Sahara in Morocco briefed us on the never ending issue in that area.  They explained how the conflict started 35 years ago between Algerie and Morocco to declare that piece of area as part of their country.  Those who reside in these areas were led out of their homes and placed in refugee camps, waiting for U.N. and outside assistances with solutions to their dilemma.  Unfortunately, until the conflict is resolved generations are being born and raised in a place where there are no connections to the outside world.  The conversation continued for almost an hour until the lunch was served.  The food consisted of famous Moroccon couscous, meat, vegetables, chicken and other appetizers.  After we finished the lovely lunch, we said our goodbyes to our hostess and finalized it with group pictures. The group then took the bus and headed to Meknes. (see pictures in Zahar’s house)

Meknes: is the agricultural city, an annual agricultural celebration is held in this city.  Mortgage system is the only system in Morocco to own a condominium and the only way for middle class people to buy a house. Meknes was a victim of earthquakes and lots of damages occurred as a result.  The governor lives in Meknes as well as most of the upper class people of Morrcco.

We visited the ancient ruins of the Romans in Volubulis.  We watched the sunset behind the ancient stones that witnessed the history that was destroyed by earthquakes.  I was the last person to leave the area, as you see we were snapping pictures of the amazing “Madina of Volubulis” at sunset which was very hard to depart.
( see pictures below of Volubulis and the great sunset…).

In Meknes, Medina, we went to have dinner at “ Zitouna”, 44, Jamaa Zitouna, Meknes, Medina, Tel: 05350281-  if you happen to be in the area, you MUST go.  They have fabulous food and the atmosphere is magnificent.  Just take an extra jacket in case the AC was on.

Finally, the bus arrived at Fez at 10:00pm at the “Les Merinides” Hotel.  I was tired and exhausted as well as my other colleagues. We crashed in our rooms waiting for another day with another exciting adventure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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