Andy & Kristin Europe 2015: Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen (or Chaouen), The Blue Pearl is a gorgeous mountain city in NE Morocco. It has a picturesque Medina, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Rif Mountains, is filled with white-washed homes with distinctive, powder-blue walls. As with all Muslim countries a lot of call to prayers throughout the day. The first before 6 am.

After a good sleep and breakfast we went out for an exploration of the Medina. Our first aim was to find the Ras el Maa waterfalls and city walls. A bit of a climb through the narrow alleyways eventually found both. The waterfall is used by locals as a meeting point and also to do some laundry. Andy is a bit of a cynic because he thinks it is impossible for the flow of water to be that strong in the middle of their hot dry summer! Also the presence of an electrical substation next to where the falls start makes one wonder!

From the falls we trekked up the mountain for a little bit until the path became too rocky for our thongs. Great views across the Medina and surrounds from here. Up in the mountains the second major industry ( behind tourism) is situated. .the growing of Marijuana.

We walked back down to the Medina where we had a bit more of an explore and some lovely freshly squeezed orange juice. It was getting very warm by now.

At the main square there is the largest mosque in the town and the ancient Kasbah. We went into the Kasbah, for small entrance fee (10 Moroccan Dirham ~$1.50). Nothing exciting but good views from the top level of the tower. It also once housed a prison.

It is the start of Ramadan here and there is no alcohol to be seen! But it is ok to smoke hashish in the streets! A bit of an internet search indicated a couple of the hotels will serve alcohol. Just beyond the main square we discovered one of these hotels (The Parador).
We had a couple of beers sitting by the poolside terrace. Kristin decided she was coming back later for a swim! (And another beer). Which she did!