0220. ...and a taste of Old Morocco (Mor 068--new)
Moulay Idriss is built on two very steep hills, in a small valley surrounded by more steep hills--from a distance it looks like a gleaming white dome--I could swear Minas Turith in "The Lord of the Rings" was modeled after Moulay Idriss!
After Volubilis, Moulay Idriss is VERY Moroccan in its feel and has a rich history of its own--named after Idriss 1, a close relative of the Prophet Mohammed who came to Morocco and established an Arab dynasty here. He also built the city of Fes and played a very major role in Arabicizing Morocco. His tomb is here in Moulay Idriss and it's a popular pilgrimage site for Moroccans.
A fascinating town to explore, although not exactly handicapped accessible--wherever you go you'll be either going up or going down stairs. At different spots you can get great views of the countryside far below. There's a plaza in the middle that's, well, sort of flat that's suitable for parkbenching...
I raced up and down the spiraling alleyways like Pippen in Minas Turith, up to the very top and then down again--then off the the other dome to do it all again... never quite sure what I'd find around each bend...
After spending the morning in "Rome", it's great to be back in Morocco again...
