Souks and other itineraries

Crazy places, crazy people. So easy to get lost for hours,

retracing your steps many times.... Scissors from the

Metal Souk. Had to have them. They measure 20 x 10 cm.

Monster scissors, they cut well too. Surely I can't loose

these at workshops?!!

Tassels in so many shapes and sizes

Beautiful perfume bottles

Aladdin's lamps

And finally, the Tanneries

We couldn't decided whether or no to visit. We were

armed with a map and compass (Top Tip No.1, this is

essential, or at least a great help). Within two minutes

of leaving our riad we made a 'friend' who was "not a

guide", apparently. We wandered through a maze of

alleyways, eventually ending up - yes, you have

guessed - at the Tanneries. At the gate a group were

still grasping the handfuls of mint to their noses.

On entry we were also given fresh mint leaves, or as the

locals refer to them, a gas mask. Not a good omen.

Here I offer Top Tip No. 2 - if you feel the need to visit,

go in the early morning. I have a very good sense of

smell, and didn't find it unpleasant, although perhaps

I have become immune to 'unusual' aromas from visits

to India. The scene was grim, certainly not colourful.

The picture shows the lime bath, which removes hair

and other 'things' from the leather. Next up the pigeon

poo bath to soften hide, and then the dye baths.

These were all a bit brown and black.

Conclusion - good to tick off list, curiosity satisfied.

The local do not like their photos taken, except for

money. 'Friends', gatekeepers, et all. also require

cash, as did the man watching us take a photo of

a donkey. Clearly he had nothing to do with said

donkey, but it was another earning opportunity.