Morocco 20 March: Meknes - Fes
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From one extreme to another. As we stepped out into the street at 8am we couldn't believe the weather. Yesterday it was scorching hot and now it is freezing and wet. Even the local runners were a little underdressed for the morning run.
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The ancient architecture in Meknes attracts visitors from around the world but we felt so fortunate to have the opportunity to run through these ornate archways with the local people.
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The team decided to alter its course and visit the famous town of Moulay Idriss. This small town nestled in the hills is the destination for spiritual pilgrims and tourists alike. It is named after the man who brought Islam to Morocco. The central Mosque contains his remains and although we were not permitted to enter we could see hundred of people passing through its gate in the short time we were there.
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This local really enjoyed meeting us all.
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The children crowded around the team as we wove through the small streets of the local market in Moulay Idris.
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As we departed Moulay Idriss, we finally started heading downhill in the direction of Fes.
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The sandy hills in the distance were a constant source of delight for the team running through this part of Morocco.
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This lake in the distance was a tempting for the team, particularly since the temperatures had increased considerably in the afternoon, but we had to keep going.
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We entered the City of Fes with a full police escort accompanied by local children. The City official from last year welcomed the team for a brief ceremony.
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The highlight of the day was a dinner at Pronto Palace with some friends that we had met in Turkey. Oussama Skali was studying in Turkey when we met him and his father in Antalya. They are the directors of Festival de Fes de la Culture Soufie, a festival dedicated to Sufi Culture. It is one of those events which help to spread harmony in the world through music and spiritual traditions. We also enjoyed speaking with the rest of his team, Faure Jacotte and Bouassa Mamou, pictured here to the right. They were both very encouraging to the team.
To see more about this wonderful festival please visit: http://www.par-chemins.org
Team Members:
Ondrej Vesely (Czech Republic), Nelson (Homagni) Baptista (Australia), Aleksander Namitabha Arsic (Serbia), Marc Schrader (Germany), Honza Minarcik (Czech Republic), Zoltán Theobald (Hungary), Pierre Lantuas Monfouga (France), Enrico Eugenio (Italy)
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