My Weekend Off...

First things first...I had every intention of heading to the south of morocco to ride a camel on my weekend off. Reality is where I needed to go was an 8 hour train ride and I wasn't able to convince anyone to go with me! My family frowned on me making that trek alone, so I found an alternative. There is this amazing little town about an hour north of Fes called Ifrane. It is up in the mountains where the weather is much more enjoyable. I took a taxi to the bus station at 6 am and arrived in Ifrane about 7:30. Not much was open at the time so I wandered the city and found a small cafe to have a some breakfast. Ifrane is known for it's outdoors and forrest areas so I took a taxi to the nearest one. The taxi cab took me as far as the road would let him and then he so generously hailed a woman walking to take me the rest of the way. Mind you no one is speaking english and my language has not improved much over the 3 weeks. This adorable woman took my hand and led me into the forest where I found trails crossing all over the place. She invited me to come eat with her and her family, so I just kept following her. Unfortunately I got distracted with her little boy who wanted to show me the waterfall, which he showed me then ran off without a way to follow. I was sad I missed having some lunch with this cute little family. After exploring a little I found a trail going away from some of the people and following the river so I tightened up my back pack and went for an "Indian Run". The scenery was beautiful and I was in need of a run. I was safe and made cairns along the way so that I didn't get lost. I came across several little waterfalls all along the river, it was amazing. After a few miles, I decided I had gone far enough from civilization so I headed back. I found a quiet place to read and nap near the waterfall, it was exactly what I wanted. Afternoon started getting a bit crowded so I walked back up the road to hail a taxi back into town. After declining several nice offers by random people I caught a real taxi. The little town of Ifrane is called Morocco's Switzerland. The small village is tucked into the mountains and the town has many small cafes and restaurants. I headed to a cafe for lunch and discovered the place had Diet Coke in GLASS bottles. I was overly excited and the waitor thought I was strange but I didn't care...I asked for 2. I continued to wander the village until I headed for the bus, which unfortunately was an hour late. But no worries I had company from a random man that kept offering me to come stay at his house for a few days or go take a walk with him...even though I explained I was married several times. He was harmless and an easy way to pass the time, I taught him english and he taught me arabic.
Sunday was another day off where Hanane (the moroccan intern) and I headed to another mountain town to picnic by an all natural spring. This town was very quaint with great character, we lounged by the spring listening to some local music. Let me tell you, moroccans know how to picnic! They bring, rugs (not just blankets), pillows, poufs, propane tanks for their tea and tajines, bread, fruit and anything else they want...I decided I could get on board with that. Hanane and I enjoyed the local food and of course ice cream. Sunday night I met Huda (the moroccan office manager) in the medina in Fes for some shopping and more local food. She, being a local, was able to get me good prices on all my gifts and souvenirs! (I will post pictures after I give them to their recipients.) I was so happy to be able to see some of the country which I am in love with! Here are the rest of the pictures from the weekend. It has taken me 4 days to post this so I have given up commenting on the photos at all! I will post my final week in Morocco and then our adventures in PARIS!