James (one of them) woke up feeling sick and after breakfast opted to go back to bed. The other James, Jen, Marian, and I set out to see Fés. After fighting off several offers for guides we somehow managed to inherit (or was adopted by) a 14 year old boy who just wanted a souvenir from Australia. His English was very good, and I'm pretty sure we hit every back alley in the medina. First stop in the tour was a small leather tannery (that we got to tromp right through the middle of - fairly gruesome, especially the smell). Next was a series of carpet shops and a brass workshop (about now it became apparent that the boy was hoping, in vain, to make something on commission). Then it was on to Morocco's largest tannery. If possible the smells were even worse than the small tannery, but the die pits made a fascinating photo subject. After a few more stores, including a "Berber pharmacy" (spice store), a run through the Jewish quarter (very strange to see all the same old traditional crafts, except with Hebrew on them), and past an old Mosque we were led back to our hotel. The boy spent six hours with us, all for a pen that said Australia on it (courtesy of Jen). The rest of us gave him 5 dirham each (US$.50) since we felt he'd done a good job, but especially because he hadn't asked).
By this time most of us were feeling a little green (the riot of sites and, especially, smells - particularly the tanneries - was a bit too much). The rest of the guys went up for a nap, while I went looking for an internet cafe in the new city. Can't say much for the new city, it's completely generic, but the Sheraton turned out to have spectacularly clean Western toilets (I had an emergency need of one while I was walking by). I eventually found an internet place, but only had about half an hour by the time I got there before having to head back to meet the others.
Went to the same restaurant as last night, and since I was so pleased with the Pastilla I had it again.
