Into a narrow hallway, we went, and up several flight of stairs. We came upon a balcony, filled with leather products, and looking out to the multiple stone vats of Chouara Tannery.

The pungent smell of the curing solution was assaulting our nostrils. We were given sprigs of mint to mask the smell. It wasn’t much help. It was feeling like being in the middle of a wet fish market on a warm day back in Asia

The mule train was at the far side of the stone vats. The camel skins had been unloaded and the mules were contently chewing.

The tannery has been in operation for the past one thousand years. The same process of using natural dyes (saffron for yellow, henna for red, and indigo for blue) to color and pigeon droppings with cow urine to soften the hides (wikipedia).

A merchant, speaking in several languages and in different accents, was parading a variety of camel skin leather products. He even showed us that, even in direct flame, the leather doesn’t burn!

Down to the showroom, we went, for more presentation. Showing, selling, convincing, haggling! Always haggling! A cacophony of voices!

That was the end of our tour of Fes old Medina. It was when the hawkers outside started chasing each one of us! Convincing us to buy! “Ma’am, Sir, please buy the best camel skin purses! Six for just 200 Dirhams! Will not burn! Please!” Over and over. It was a walk to run to get back to the tour bus!

Soon, we will be in Marrakesh!

Random photographs of our travels. Memories found and captured in a photograph.