Fes Medina - The Tannery & More

The Tannery, as seen from the balcony of a leather co-op, was fascinating. Since the inception of the city the tannery has been continually operating in the same fashion as it did in the early centuries. It is considered one of the main tourist attractions and is packed with round stone vessels filled with dye and white liquids for softening the hides. Camel stomach is the softest hide but a variety of hides are used including cow, goat, and sheep. Goods from the tannery are exported around the world. Before entering the leather co-op, we were given mint to hold in front of our noses to help ward off the smell of ammonia. Pigeon poop is collected weekly and used in the process, hence the stench. Who could imagine that lunch inside the Medina could be as fancy and delicious as it was but boy were we in for a treat. We also learned that behind the doors in the lane ways, there was a hidden alleyway and another door to the house, keeping homes private. There were two knockers on the outside door and if you were a guest you used the larger one so the homeowner would know to prepare tea and cookies and answer the door dressed appropriately for the guest. Who knew? Our final night ended with tracking down the whereabouts of the elusive shop that sold the famous Zaza avocado smoothie. I’ll be bringing that recipe home to share. Delicious!Read more