Meknesby Sue Chau
April 2000
the third of five letters from Sue's solo backpacking trip to Morocco.
The roman ruins of Volubilis was very spectacular, unlike the imperial cities I've seen so far. It is another world, filled not with Arabs but traces of intellectual Roman life. I spent yesterday evening in Meknes, another imperial city on the way to Casa. The marketplace was abuzz with sounds of Moroccan music and Arabic. The interior of the medina is similar to Fes in some ways, with narrow paths within the medina. But unlike Fes, there were no donkeys traversing these paths carrying loads of goods. In Meknes, I've had the fortune of meeting some nice locals who gave me tips about visiting the medina (old town) and cost for travel to nearby areas (Volubilis and Moulay Idriss). I am hanging out with a German who was my neighbor at the hotel; we just visited Volubilis and Moulay Idriss. Later this afternoon I leave for Casa. Two more days in Casa and I leave for London.
Soon after writing the last email, I met some really nice locals in Fes. We became friends and I met their families. They took me around and helped me bargain in the stores, which is fabulous because everything here is less expensive for locals. I've had more traditional Moroccan food, which I enjoy very much. I've gotten so much insight into the Muslim/Moroccan way of life through my stay with these families. I had left Fatima's family and spent a night in Hicham's house. So much culture can be understood by seeing how people live in their homes. I've been fortunate to see people of different economic class. Despite that difference, people are pretty much predictable here, since there's such a strong belief in Islam. The religious institution runs deep in Morocco; it affects the perception of every person here. Generally, people are very giving. Of course there are those one should be careful of, especially the guides who want to make some money. But my experience here has been exceptional and I will be sorry to leave....
Anyhow, my friend needs to use the computer now....
13 April 2000
Next: Casa