Goodbye Rabat - Hello Fes

This morning we toured the capital of Morocco - Rabat.  Our first stop was the Royal Palace complex.  It's an enormous complex not far from where our hotel was located in LaVille Nouvelle (new portion of Rabat built by the French during their occupation (1912-1956).  We were only to get as close as the gate to the palace.

 Everything in Rabat is so landscaped and so clean.  we left from the palace grounds and headed to the ancient Roman Mauretania, Tingitana and medieval ruins of Chellah at the outskirts of Rabat.   

 

Following the visit to Chellah, we visited the Hassan Tower and the mausoleum of Mohammed V (along with his two sons Hassan II [father of present King Mohammed VI] and Prince Abdallah).  I also walked to them yesterday to get a feel for the city. 

 

 

Finally we walked through the Kasbah des Ouidayas with its white and cobalt blue painted exteriors and stopped for a glass of mint tea (Morocco's favorite beverage). 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We then left Rabat heading to the medieval city of Fes, stopping at the Roman ruins of Volubilis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and stopping to take photographs of the holy city of Moulay Idriss.  

 

 

I'm so angry at myself - usually far more organized - didn't occur to me to see about the iPad adapter for uploading photos.  Silly me.  Excuse the photos I had to take them with the iPad from the camera display.  No, really, I have traveled before.  

Tomorrow - hopefully - I part with lots of funds!!!

I'm Heeeeeerrrrrreeeee!

Flight took off from JFK about an hour late because of mechanical issues.   Totally smooth flight, great service, so so food.  We arrived in Rabat about 11:30 am.  Our tour director is Mohammed and our bus driver is Mohammed (sounds like a VERY popular name).  Once I got my room, I dropped my bags and headed out to explore.  Very, very busy capital city.  Found the Hassan II Tower,

Mausoleum of Mohammed V (grandfather of the present King, Mohammad VI),

 walked down Rue du Consuls (main shopping street in the old town)

and purchased two pendants (Hand of Fatima and a Fibula).

 

The locals are so friendly.  I totally forgot that the connector used to upload photos to my iPad for the blog are different.  The connector has the wide connection - what a bummer.   Will have to figure out something.    Also, over half the group of the travelers in our group are quite a bit younger than me.  Wonder if I can keep up.

A Slight Hiccup!

Everything seemed to be in order until today when I learned I have way too many dirhams for entering Morocco.   Apparently their currency is considered "closed," which means it's not traded.  So, it is illegal to take more than 1,000 dirhams (about $147) into the country and you can only leave with no more than 1,000 dirhams.  Oh, but you can take lots of US money and exchange it when you get there.  In my fear of being detained or arrested, I called my bank about what I had learned.  They tell me they'll buy back the excess for what I paid for it.  SWEET.  It will be more of a pain to find a Bureau de Change, but it's also better than being in a Moroccan pokie!!

It's Almost Here!!!

Well it's getting to be that time when I'm thinking about what and when to pack and everything I need to charge (camera batteries, ipad, headphones, Flip recorder).  I mean I'm not packing much because I need lots of space in my luggage for treasures I hope to find and purchase.  I've been excited about all my previous trips, but there is something different about this one.  Maybe it's the challenge of finding those perfect rugs for me and the girls at the perfect price (bargaining will be done), or that perfect lamp.  Whatever the reason, bring it on!!!