After walking up the long hill to the gate at the top, we left the Fes medina and all its wonders. It had been a fantastic adventure exploring the countless streets and shops. We had purchased some lovely items and were thrilled we got the chance to do so. It was now time to head back to our riad and leave this amazing city. But first, we had to hail a taxi.
Breaking the Language Barrier
There were four of us, so we had no choice but to get two taxies and follow each other. It didn’t take long before two taxi drivers pulled up and offered to take us where we needed to go. A price was agreed on and we all hopped in. Craig and I got into one taxi and Sarah and Tracy climbed into the other. What we weren’t aware of though is that our driver spoke not a word of English, only French and Arabic.
Our driver started out following the other driver and we headed out. Pretty soon it became clear that we were definitely going the wrong direction. The front driver stopped and rolled down the window to ask some gentlemen if they knew of our riad. They were unfortunately not sure. In the meantime, my husband Craig (who is an absolute directional genius) tried to explain the location to our driver. He was clearly having a difficult time, when the driver finally gestured for Craig to sit up front. Craig moved up front and then the driver started using hand signals. He indicated that Craig should motion left to turn left, right to turn right, and straight to continue on. Very quickly we were on our way with Craig directing things and the second driver now following us.
Some Things Really are Universal
The drive went on this way for a bit. The whole time Craig was trying to tell our driver to go to McDonald’s, as our riad was near there. Unfortunately he simply wasn’t understanding him. Finally, after about the twentieth time, it was as though a lightbulb went off above his head. We pulled up on the street next to “MAC-donald’s” and he pointed at the building with a questioning look. Craig shook his head “Yes”. The driver’s expression changed and he excitedly exclaimed in French, “Oh- Oui! MAC-donald’s!! Oui!!”. It appeared that was at least somewhat universal even if our pronunciation was off… We all laughed at that.
From that location, Craig knew exactly how to return to the riad. The driver began driving with a new determination and in no time, we pulled up in front of our riad. He dropped us off right at the front door. We paid him and thanked him for his services. We all had a good laugh though because Tracy and Sarah came walking up shortly after that. Turns out they had lost us on the way there. Even though their driver spoke some English, they couldn’t quite find the place! I concluded that Craig was indeed a directional genius yet again- or at least really good with directional hand gestures! Oh well, no harm done. We got back to our room, had dinner, and then settled down for some sleep after a very exciting day.
First Impressions of the “Blue City”
The next morning we loaded up the car and headed for our next destination. Fes had been a remarkable location to visit, but more adventures were awaiting us down the road ahead. We drove for quite some time through more beautiful landscapes filled with olive groves and green grass. At one point, I noticed a group of women walking up the hillside with one woman riding a donkey. Even though we were driving at highway speed, I couldn’t help but snap a picture. I was pleased that I could catch a bit of Moroccan life in action.
After about a 3.5 hour drive, we arrived at our next destination. The gorgeous “Blue City” of Chefchaouen. Nothing could prepare me for the loveliness of this gem of a town. Buildings in shades of blue and white with vibrant red clay tile roofs climbed up the sides of the mountains. The heart of the city looked down onto the valley and foothills below, where more houses and buildings dotted the landscape. The sun was shining the day we arrived. A clear blue sky hung overhead, complimenting the beautiful blue hue of the structures. I could see why some call it the “Blue City”. It was a truly breathtaking sight. I couldn’t wait to delve further into this remarkable town.
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