Fes the ancient imperial city of Morocco has a long history as a place for trade and excellent shopping, particularly for leather, as it houses the largest tanneries in the world. Other then leather (ottomans, shouts, jackets, bags etc) the markets are overflowing clothing, fabric, rugs, jewelry and knick knacks. As Fes was one of our last stops in Morocco we managed to shop up and storm while exploring the more modern new part of town and the endless rabbit warren markets in they old city. The old city was extremely pretty with endless roof top terraces and numerous mosques regularly belting out the call to prayer.
One thing that despite how unpleasant it is, must be done in Fes is a visit to the famous tanneries. Yes, they stunk to high hell and yes it almost makes you feel unwell but where else in the world can you see anything like it? Equipped with our mint leaves we walked up the many levels of a surrounding leather shop to the roof top terrace that overlooked the neighboring tannery. As it was just after Eid ul-Adha the tannery was bustling with workers treating sheep skins, which were piled up as they cut off the wool, covered the skins and then dunked them in pool of pidgeon droppings before hanging them out to dry.
After doing a little research on restaurants in Fes we decided to go to the Clock cafe, named after a famous water clock near by. We had read that they served excellent food and were certianly not disappointed on our first visit, or second or third. Having traditional dishes like couscous bouhaloo and felafel both delicous, they also had their famous camel burger which was huge and extremely tasty. Much to my delight they served excellent desserts like orange blossom and fig tarts and chocolate pudding and smoothies flavored with almonds and dates. They also sold a cook book which mum picked up as a Christmas present - so we can try to recreate some of the meals at home!
