Volubilis

Today was my last day in Fez and so we headed out of town to do some sight seeing. We went to the old Roman ruins at Volubilis. It was wonderful to be able to wander around the ancient city with the smell of the herbs growing wild around the tumbled stones. There was a large group of local school kids who came with drums and local instruments and put on an impromptu concert as we arrived.

Fez Food

One of the best things about staying with friends is that I get to meet people who live and work locally. Last night I meet Gail Leonard. Originally from Yorkshire this self confessed food obsessive started a company called Fez Food. She does all kinds of custom tours from walking around the medina sampling the local honey, breads, meats and spices to cooking classes and excursions all over Morocco.
It was her night off so we meet her at Fez Cafe in Le Jardin des Biehn. Tucked away behind a huge door we entered into a garden and walked along the path until we arrived at the brightly coloured veranda where we found our table. The menu was a mixture of traditional food with a hint of french cuisine.
Today we bumped into Gail as she was walking through the spice market with some american tourists. They had just sampled camel meat and were on their way to have a local coffee.
To see Gail's blog you can click on the link FEZ FOOD

http://www.fez-food.com/

Fez

WhenI was back in Australia at Christmas I visited my old school friend Rebecca Raft and her partner PC at their home and workshop in Palm Beach. Rebecca designs and makes handmade silver jewelry and has a company called Bouvier.
A few years ago the two of them visited Fez and fell in love with the ambience, food, buildings and people in this far away exotic place. Without hesitating they found themselves an old riad that they have renovated in the heart of the medina.
Rebecca showed me photos as we sat on her terrace overlooking the gum trees and the beach and we decided that I should come and visit.
In the last few years not only have the 2 transformed a pile of rubble into a haven of tranquility they have met amazing artists and craftsmen that have brought to life many of Rebecca's designs from the hanging brass lights to the cushions and chairs. Even the pottery was made to her design and the calligraphy on the cups and plates says Dar Rafti, a play on her name.
The first night we sat on her terrace drinking coffee and nibbling on honey almond pastries that melted in my mouth while the call to prayers echoed in the background.
The next day we wandered around the medina. I am so inspired by the tiles, colors, woodwork and the hidden spaces that open as one walks through the old wooden doors.
To view Rebecca's web site click on this link BOUVIER