Fez, Morocco
March 8th, 2025
The rain kept falling without pause, so I decided to visit the Old Medina of Fez. This is one of the oldest cities in the world, with over 1,000 winding alleys and 14 city gates. Among them is the famous al-Qarawiyyin University—the oldest university in the world. Walking through this ancient district, you can almost feel the former glory and prosperity of Morocco.
However, every corner I turned seemed to come with a complimentary scam attempt. It was so intense that I felt like I was trapped in a live action episode of Survivor: Tourist Edition. And yet, despite the nonstop hustle and the occasional existential crisis over whether I was being conned for the tenth time that hour, the Old Medina of Fez still managed to charm the socks off me. It’s chaotic, it’s unpredictable, and it’s absolutely unforgettable.
That night, in the middle of a downpour, Fatima drove us to Ifrane. The contrast with Fez was almost comical; Ifrane greeted us with spotless streets, orderly buildings, and a peaceful calm that felt almost surreal, like we’d accidentally wandered into a Swiss village in the middle of Morocco. When it was time for Iftar, we were treated to a feast that could have easily fed six, let alone the three of us. Plates upon plates of food, each offers a unique taste.
