From Fes we drove through the Rif mountains on secondary roads through Ouezzane to the lovely town of Chefchaouen. Founded in 1471, this little town is full of white buildings painted all kinds of shades of blue. The doors and buildings are just delightful! The blues makes it very soothing to walk around the alleys. One of favorite parts was seeing the bags of paint and the lovely colors to choose from. This town is known for it's weavers. Each weaving was made from the loveliest color color and textures and were hard to choose from. It really struck me was how important color was and how it was used everywhere in this village. I love color and how colors go together so it was very special experience. The kasbah is located in the center of town and has a interesting garden. We met one of the caretakers who was 90. The hotel we stayed in was charming and reminiscent of a chalet in Bavaria. The ceilings and furniture were all painted with designs. I think this village is a little hidden treasure and reminded me a bit of Khatmandu many years ago.
After 2 nights in Chefchaouen we drove north towards Tangier. It was spectacular following the coastline of the Mediterranean then going up over the hills, seeing Cap Spartel which is across from Gibralter and then coming down on the other side to the Atlantic. We spent two days at Le Mirage Hotel with one of the most spectacular beaches I have ever seen with absolutely no one on it. We walked and walked and never saw one person. We also had a fabulous lunch at L'Ocean with fish probably caught right off that beach.
From Tangier we started our drive back to Rabat. We made a stop in Asilah which is heavily Spanish influenced and seems to be an artists' colony. The walls and doors in the medina are covered with paintings. This is another hidden jewel - so clean and fun to poke around.
We ended our trip back in Rabat celebrating New Year's Eve at a spectacular restaurant with an amazing 7 course meal and great music by this flamenco group. They must have been famous because everyone was getting their picture taken with them.
This was such a fabulous trip! Thank you to my hosts Lyne and Drew who did an amazing job organizing everything and traveling with me all over! You guys are THE BEST!
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