Bab el-Khemis Gate, Meknes in Morocco
Bab el-Khemis Gate in Meknes, Morocco
One of the features of our visit to Meknes in Morocco was to see this magnificent structure, the Bab el-Khemis Gate. The ancient wall stretched from it in both directions and the nearby gardens were immaculate. We were able to stop and alight from our tour bus to take photos of the wall, the gate and the gardens along the thoroughfare running through the gate.
Bab el-Khemis Gate in Meknes, Morocco
Bab el-Khemis Gate in Meknes, Morocco
Bab el-Khemis Gate in Meknes, Morocco
Bab el-Khemis Gate in Meknes, Morocco
Scenes of Meknes in Morocco
Overlooking Meknes, northern Morocco
Overlooking Meknes, northern Morocco
Overlooking Meknes, northern Morocco
Overlooking Meknes, northern Morocco
Overlooking Meknes, northern Morocco
Contrasts in modern Morocco
Traditional transport in modern Morocco
In many ways Morocco is a modern country quite at ease with high rise buildings, busy CBDs in the cities, modern communications – note the mobile phone towers in today’s photo – and many local concessions to and adaptations of the modern, western world.
Some traditional things still abound – like the people with their horse and cart (see above) taking their produce to market. The market was probably in a nearby Medina. I’ll show photos of the medinas in another post.
This photo was taken in Meknes.
On second thoughts: the “horse” may well have been a donkey. Donkeys far outweigh horses as beasts of burden in northern Africa.
Then of course, there are some locals who cannot afford a horse or a donkey.
Street scene in Meknes, Morocco
Meknes, Morocco
Reception area of our hotel in Meknes, Morocco
After a long day exploring Rabat we travelled on towards Meknes, arriving well after dark. We settled into our accommodation for the night (shown above) and then walked a short distance down town to a lovely restaurant for the evening meal. This hotel was typical of those we stayed in during our tour. All were very comfortable and well kept with excellent service from the staff.
Next morning I took the photo below of a shop front. It was called “Miss Rose” but we left before we could see what kind of shop it was, or what it was selling. I only took the photo because our daughter’s name is Rose, and we had the delight of having her accompany us on this holiday.
Shop front in Meknes, Morocco
Modern building in Meknes, Morocco
Mausoleum of Mohammed V, Rabat, Morocco
Outside the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, Rabat, Morocco
This courtyard just outside the mausoleum of former King Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco is another fine example of beautiful architecture found throughout many parts of the country. Pity about the air conditioning units along the wall behind the fountain. Knowing their climate, this is probably a concession to the vagaries of challenging temperatures.
Below I’ve included several close-up photos of details on the wall at the rear of the courtyard.
Outside the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, Rabat, Morocco
Outside the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, Rabat, Morocco