Farmers’ markets in the village of Sefrou, Morocco
Farmers’ markets in Sefrou, Morocco
Over recent days I have been showing photos taken on our visit to the village of Sefrou about 30km from the city of Fes in Morocco. We visited on the day they had the farmers’ markets in the streets and lanes of the village. Today I share a few more photos.
Farmers’ markets in Sefrou, Morocco
Farmers’ markets in Sefrou, Morocco
Photos of market day in Sefrou, Morocco
Farmers’ produce on sale in Sefrou, Morocco
On our visit to the village of Sefrou we were lucky to be there on market day. Sefrou is about 30km from the city of Fes. The farmers from the surrounding countryside bring in their produce and set up stalls in the streets and lane ways. It brings the town to life and the hustling crowds flock to buy their fruit, vegetables and other goodies – like the pastries shown below.
We couldn’t resist and bought some delicious bananas and mandarins.
On reflection, these markets are not so different to what we have here in Australia. Certainly, there is much variation in some of the produce for sale – no local farmers grow bananas or dates here in South Australia, for example. But they bring what they grow and local people flock to these events knowing that they are buying good quality food produced locally. It’s a growing trend here in Australia, but I’d say that in places like Sefrou it has been a tradition for many years, perhaps even centuries.
Farmers’ produce on sale in Sefrou, Morocco
Farmers’ produce on sale in Sefrou, Morocco
Market day in Sefrou, Morocco
Market day in the village of Sefrou, Morocco
One aspect of travelling in Morocco that I looked forward to was the food. I believe that sampling the food delights of a different country, and especially a totally different culture like Morocco, is high up on my list of reasons for travelling. Mind you, I am generally very conservative in my selection of food when not travelling, whether that is at home or eating out in a local restaurant. On our touring I think I surprised myself in what I sometimes selected to eat; I know I really surprised my wife and daughter. I was often quite the adventurous one, and now I have some wonderful memories, not to mention a desire to travel the more exotic destinations.
While we were staying in Fes we took a day trip to the village of Sefrou some 30km away. Added to the delight of our visit was the fact that it was market day. Farmers from around the district descended on the town with their produce. They set up their stalls everywhere in the streets. Over the next few days I will share some of the photos taken at the market. The fruit and vegetables on display were not only colourful – they looked delicious.
And they tasted great too – we bought some bananas and mandarins.
Market day in the village of Sefrou, Morocco
Market day in the village of Sefrou, Morocco
Anyone for a haircut?
Barbershop in Sefrou near Fes in Morocco
In our wanderings in Morocco we saw almost anything you could imagine for sale, either in the small shops throughout the medinas, or on stalls in the street itself. In all our travels I cannot remember seeing any barbershops – except this one in today’s photo (above). Perhaps that is why I took the photo. There must have been many more, it’s just that I either didn’t take note of them, or we were in the wrong place most of the time.
The small establishment shown above had only two chairs for the customers having their hair cut with another one for anyone waiting their turn. Below I’ve shown a workshop across the lane from the hairdresser. Looking at all the tools it is obviously a furniture repair or restoration workshop. There was a furniture factory a few doors away (see photo below). I note the total absence of any power tools. In fact, I don’t even see any evidence of power being connected to the workshop; not even a radio to listen to.
This is in compete contrast with the barber who has the following items I can identify: television, cassette/radio, hair dryer, electric shaver, fan and what looks like an electric kettle. Perhaps cutting hair is a more lucrative business than restoring furniture.
Workshop in Sefrou near Fes in Morocco
Furniture factory in Sefrou, Morocco
The Old Village Blacksmith in Sefrou, Morocco
Village blacksmith in Sefrou, Morocco
While on our overseas holiday we met some very interesting people, some of them quite the character. None of them captured my attention like this 85 year old village blacksmith at work in Sefrou, a short drive from the city of Fes in Morocco.
Despite his age, he was determined, said our guide, to continue using his skills to repair the local farmers’ tools. His happy nature and infectious smile says it all. If only more people enjoyed their life’s work like this inspiring man.
Village blacksmith in Sefrou, Morocco
Village blacksmith in Sefrou, Morocco