My solo trip to Morocco actually begins on the evening before my departure in Freiburg with Sylvain. After a mulled wine at the Christmas market (I won't really experience the German Christmas market season this year), we end the evening with a cozy raclette dinner with plenty of cheese.
From Freiburg, we then go directly to Baden Airport the next day. The train ride is going well, I arrive 1.5 hours before departure. Now I am sitting at the gate, waiting for the flight. Although this is not my first solo trip, I do have a different feeling about Morocco this time. I am really curious about what awaits me.
Now boarding, I will check in when I am in Morocco!
Since the plane is only one-third full, I can sit by the window and admire the beautiful landscapes and cloud formations that we fly by.
Upon arrival at the airport, I inquire about the bus to the old town. I'm not taking a taxi for now. At the bus station, there are two other people waiting, an older man and a teenager, both Moroccans. It seems that they also don't know if a bus is coming here. So the three of us take a taxi towards the city. They have to go to the train station and I have to go to the Medina (old town).
The old town of Fez is known for its many narrow streets where it's easy to get lost. And although I've read that the locals show you the way and then ask for money, I still let myself be guided to the hotel by a girl and a guy, and of course, they want a little money at the end. I'm a bit annoyed because I might have found the 2-3 turns with my mobile map. Well, I won't fall for that again.
The hotel is a traditional riad with a courtyard. I am greeted directly by an older lady with mint tea and chocolate pralines. Soon after, Omar, the owner, comes and gives me good tips for my time in Fez.
It's getting dark soon, so I go out and walk along the main street of the Medina. It seems safe to walk alone here in the evening since there is a lot of police around. Just to be safe, I take photos of the turnings to find my way back alone. I know myself and my sense of direction.
For dinner, there is a vegetarian tagine and more mint tea on a rooftop terrace.
My first conclusion from the first day:
For me, Morocco, despite being a country in Africa, has so far had no similarities to Kenya. After Mexico and Guatemala, where I was always on edge due to the speed and noise, I find it extremely quiet here, even in the middle of the old town, which totally surprises me! From the rooftop terrace, you can hear birds singing, and the sounds and vibrant colors create an idyllic and mystical atmosphere. The people are friendly, but I think it is unfortunately a kindness based on a desire for profit (at least my first impression).
