Of Magic Carpets And The Spirit Of Morocco
May 31st, 2007 by Racquel Balao-as
Most people don’t know that part of me has a bit of a soft spot for classic literature. So, really, the idea of going to Fez tickled my fancies. You see, Fez is rumored to have the place where a number of the original stories in the classic “1001 Arabian Nights” were set. Well, when I arrived in Fes-Saiss airport from Casablanca, I was not disappointed. There’s just so much of the old, almost nostalgic charm about the city that you just can’t help but get caught up. Is it any wonder that this city is often described as the “spirit of Morocco?”
On the way to my hotel room, I decided to take a little walk along the narrow corridors of the old streets. A friend of mine who had been in the city before warned me to ignore the supposed “need” for a guide and just wing it. Well, I certainly have no cause to regret that, particularly as I passed my fingers along the rough (but seemingly delicate) walls of the old metropolis. I think I read somewhere that Fez is known to be the most well-preserved of Arabic cities, which lends it a whole lot of exotic charm.
I almost got lost, but thankfully, a kind local informed me that getting back to the main street, the most active part of Fez, could be accomplished by walking downhill. I was thankful for the advice, and even more thankful that she didn’t pressure me into buying a trinket. I figure there will be plenty of time for that later. For the time being, I just want to bask in the old charms and the aura of the exotic that seems to permeate the narrow, labyrinth that always seems to lead to the bustling center of the “spirit of Morocco.”
5 Responses to “Of Magic Carpets And The Spirit Of Morocco”
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I’m back to blog visiting (weekend treat)!
OK, I’m learning Maroc on this blog. One day I’ll go to Fez and catch the «Spirit» you’re talking about. Anyhow, it’s not that far away…
Now tell me, how does it happen that I click the Rcon link on Blogtrotter and get Racquel?
Take care!
I’ve never seen the 1001 Arabian nights, but of course heard of it many times and it’s the same with Casablanca, even though that one I’ve seen the most famous scenes from. It was kind of “before my time” *lol*.
You have lovely photo in this blog, have you taken them yourself? Love the luxury random top pictures too.
Great posts too, so keep it going
[…] Literary: “Most people don’t know that part of me has a bit of a soft spot for classic literature. So, really, the idea of going to Fez tickled my fancies. You see, Fez is rumored to have the place where a number of the original stories in the classic “1001 Arabian Nights” were set.” […]
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[…] People here are surprisingly shy. Not that they’re too distant or quite apathetic, but like the streets of Rabat, you have to delve deeper to know what lies beneath them. While standing at the middle of nowhere, I never felt this hooked on the medieval charm of Rabat. Though a trace of modernization are sprawled all over the city, there’s this unspoken spirit of serenity and inspiration amidst the majestic palaces that surround the old city walls. […]