Blue-tiful

Just like the night before we arrived in Chefchaouen in the evening. No cars are able to drive in the narrow site streets, so Rida dropped us off for the night and one of the riad owners walked us through the winding blue streets and steep stairs to our accommodations.

We had our best tagine meal of the trip at the riad cooked by the husband/wife owners. We sat on the rooftop terrace while we waited for our dinner which took a while to prepare but was well worth the wait!

We were greeted at 8:30 by our city guide and treated to a walking tour of the Blue City. Unfortunately it was cold and rainy so the outfits I specifically chose for M and me (to maximize our photo ops) were not exactly weather-appropriate. We wore them anyway with a few modifications.

The city of Chefchaouen was founded in 1471 as a fortress to defend the area from the encroaching Protuguese. The city was closed to Christians and most Europeans for most of its existence until the early 1900s. There are one three known records of Europeans sneaking in before the 1900s. Charles Foucauld, a French explorer who snuck in by pretending to be a rabbi in 1883. Walter Harris, an English journalist, who disguised himself as a Moorish merchant from Fes. And William Summer, a missionary, who was apparently discovered and poisoned to death.

In the 1920s, the city was opened by the Spanish when they gained control, though, at this point historians believe it is unlikely that the streets were as blue-tiful as they are now.

And, honestly, these are the most beautiful streets and alleyways I’ve ever wandered in all. H travel (even with the rain and M’s wild-child behavior). Every shade of blue could be found covering the streets and walls and steps of the old town area. It was breathtaking. I could have spent the entire day walking here, but I would have definitely never found my way out!

So, why is the city blue? Theories range from being mandated to attract tourists to Jewish refugees painting homes blue to symbolize heaven. According to our guide, however, the reason is a lot more practical.

The city is painted blue to repel mosquitoes. Our guide explained the practice gained popularity because the brown, clay homes attracted mosquitoes in the hot summer months and the color blue seemed to repel them. The blue (along with small doors and windows help keep the homes warm in winter and cool in summer).

I would have loved to spend a few days (or at least a few more hours) here, but alas, our tour must move on.

Today is actually our last day of the full-country guided experience. It’s a long drive from Chefchaouen back to Marrakech.

We stopped briefly in Rabat - the capital of Morocco - for quick view of the city and a seaside lunch. Rabat is located along the Bouregreg River and the Atlantic Ocean.

Established in the 12th century, Rabat has an infamous history (serving as a haven for Barbary Pirates in the 17th century) before becoming the  French colonist’s administrative headquarters in 1912 and eventually the capital of Morocco upon their establishment of independence in 1955.

Again, there simply wasn’t enough time to see everything we wanted. But we did enjoy delicious paella and a great view of the Kasbah of the Udayas. I supposed we’ll have to add Rabat to our list of places we need to visit again, as well!