May 12 (Sunday)
Chefchaouen, Morocco
We are in probably the most ridiculously photogenic town in Morocco. More on that later, because I need to catch us up on our journey so far, including Chellah in Rabat and the absurd urban rhythm of Marrakesh.
But for now, Chellah. Originally a Roman settlement near Rabat, it was later abandoned in favor of Sale, across the river. Later one of the Islamic dynasties in Morocco (Merenids) built a mausoleum on top of it for the royal family. Hey, recycle, reduce, reuse. Now the city has converted a good portion of it into some really nice relaxing gardens. For the low, low price of 10 dirham (about $1.20) you can get in, wander around take photos like an obnoxious tourist (guilty). Which Dave, Saumya and I did on May 7 (sixteen years ago). There is also a pretty large flock of storks that have taken up residence among the ruins, making the ruins-on-ruins experience even more bizarre.
Maintenant: les photos -
View of the Roman ruins and Islamic mausoleum (walled and with minaret) in Chellah.
Stork nest in the minaret of Chellah.
Ruined octagonal Roman pool, Chellah.
Ruins in Chellah (Students quarters? Signs of fire on the stones? I’m making stuff up?).
Stork nest, Chellah.
Storks keeping watch in the ruined mausoleum.
Chellah, door in Merenid mausoleum.
Chellah, mausoleum.
Chellah, Gardens behind mausoleum.
Chellah, view after scrambling up a wall (hi, Mom!)
Chellah, main gate (exiting).
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