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
Will you give me a ring if you are free?
Shop selling rings in Sefrou, Morocco
Wandering around the village of Sefrou near Fes in Morocco we happened upon this delightful little shop. I use the word “little” correctly. What you see in the photo is the whole shop. This is quite typical of small businesses in Morocco.
What is more, the owner is quite a specialist, selling mainly rings and bracelets. Quite an amazing array. Sadly, I can’t remember the price of any items in the shop.
And no – I didn’t buy my wife a special memento. (I did that in Nepal where I bought her a lovely necklace featuring an amethyst.)
White Storks in Sefrou in Morocco
White Stork in Sefrou, Morocco
I don’t normally post photos of birds and write about them here on this site. I usually do that on another of my sites, Trevor’s Birding. (I’d love you to visit – and even leave some comments too. Click here to go to that site.)
Despite that general rule I sometimes write about birds here and this time I couldn’t resist showing these photos of a pair of White Storks (I assume they are a breeding pair) on their nest on top of the local mosque in the town of Sefrou near Fes in Morocco. It is quite a magnificent nest an so photogenic, especially against such a beautiful blue sky.
White Stork in Sefrou, Morocco