Taxi, Taxi.  Morocco and specifically Tetuoan must be the graveyard for 1990 and older vintage Mercedes.  They are everywhere.  Word is that the Moroccan cab companies go throughout Europe looking for E and C class Merc's to use for their fleet.  These cars must have 1 million plus miles on them and still going strong.

After spending the night in Tangier, we are off to the second largest city in North Morocco, Tetouan. The Medina is a UNESCO Heritage site and that is our destination.  On our way we pass the local livestock market where farmers and butchers meet weekly to buy-sell.  Today's purchase will be butchered and sold in the Medina later the same day.

Inside the Medina, it is crowded and busy.  Each section has a specific offering.  Fruit and Veg, Meat, Poultry all have their own areas.  There are tailor streets, jewelery streets, leather goods, all with defined spots.  Barbershops and of course Mosque's. Small ones and large ones depending on how many people they serve.  

I mention barbershops for a reason.  They performed a very interesting service in the Medina.  Circumcision......  Yes your are reading it right.  Up until the late 50's, boys between the age of 2-5 would go to the barber for more then a haircut.  Brings a whole new meaning to a little off the top!  No wonder little boys instinctively cry when they get their first haircut.  They know what can happen inside these former torture chambers.  One other thing.  No pain remedies of any kind were used.  

At the market, the women come from all the surrounding villages, dressed in a very typical fashion.They do not like to have their picture taken.  However, today we are in luck.  Once again, Johanne has been chosen to model the outfit.  Quite a process as you can see.  The colour and style of weaving in the cloth represents the region that the women come from.

 She is ready to start working the stall! Never missing a chance to make more euros!

The locals have a shared approach to baking of bread.  They prepare the dough in their homes and after putting an identifying mark on the top, the women take it to the communal baker.  It becomes the best place in the Medina to catch up on the gossip of the day while the bread is baked.

We stopped for lunch in another old house turned restaurant.  The band was rocking and we had some entertainment. The meal was the famous chicken couscous cooked in a Tajine.

Overall a very interesting trip to a very different cultural landscape. We are glad to have the experience. Next stop the West coast of Spain and the wine region of Jerez.

Until next time,

Be well