Day 10 – Tuesday October 14, 2014

Our Fez tour guide, Ibrahim met us at the riad and walked us to the car. We drove to see a panoramic view of the city and a ceramic studio. It was interesting to see how the ceramics were handmade.

We then started walking around the oldest medina and learning more about the history of Fez. The medina was dirty, smelly and disgusting at times. It was definitely a culture shock in that sense. It was also a huge maze with narrow alleyways and minimal signage.

We stopped at an old public lecture hall and dormitory. It was impressive to see the details and learn that this was all done without any technology.

We visited a leather tannery as well. It reeks but it was quite the sight to see.

We had lunch at a touristy overpriced spot as taken by our guide but the food was decent.

We walk a bit more through the Medina and visiting some artisan shops before being dropped off at our Riad. We decided to try the hammam before dinner. It was a mistake. The hammam was not hot enough and I was shivering for most of the experience. The four of us started with a scrub in a private hammam room together. This room had no fragrance or steam. There was only one scrubbing lady and we just sat around waiting and watching the others being scrubbed. It was cold. The scrub was interesting. While it was uncomfortable, it was somewhat soothing to get all the dirt and dead skin removed. After the scrub, we each got a private massage but it was weak and amateur. I was still freezing. I showered again but the water flow was like a lawn sprinkler and the facilities were not roomy. We all agreed that it was a bad experience.

I got back to the hotel feeling sick from the weather and the hammam. I had some soup from the Riad and then slept.