The Rif Mountains Pass

From Tanger we headed south-west across the majestic Rif Mountains. The views as we ascended the numerous steep peaks and descended into the verdant valleys was absolute magic. On either side olive trees, thick patches of cactus plants and other local flora grew in abundance and were further embellished with trickling mountain streams. We stopped for lunch at the delightful town of Chefchaouen, nestled in one the Rif valleys and noted for its cool, invigorating climate. The colourful blue and white houses here reflect the Spanish heritage of the people. Our restaurant was inside the  medina, which also had an animated market place or souk on the central square. We had a traditional Moroccan lunch of meatballs and a spicy vegetable stew, cooked very slowly in individual earthenware dishes over hot coals, washed down with sweet, mint tea. This style of cooking is known as "tajine" and is also very popular in Turkey. After Chefchaouen we headed for the UNESCO World Heritage listed Roman ruins at Volubilis, which date back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD and were one of the Roman Empire's most remote outposts. The site consisted of stunning mosaics, a basilica, temples and a forum or market place along with numerous columns and arches. International archeologists sponsored by UNESCO are patiently excavating and restoring Volubilis to a semblance of its former glory. From Volubilis we continued on to Meknès, where we stopped to view the massive gate of Bab el Mansour or Victory Gate. This enormous and exceptionally well preserved, highly decorated gate is the main entrance to this 17th century imperial city. Our final stop after Meknès was Fes, where we shall remain for a couple of days.