In Meknes
The group has made its way to the Imperial City of Meknes to start their latest multi-day excursion from Fes. With its own evocative medina and a gentleness that's more elusive in Fes, the students will tour Meknes' celebrated sights and souqs. The group will also visit the nearby Roman ruins of Volubilis--the vestiges of the empire's most western reach in North Africa--and also tour the adjacent, holy hamlet of Moulay Idriss. This nestled village is named for Morocco's most revered saint, descendant of The Prophet Mohammed, and founder of the country's first true dynasty. According to local legend and practice, those Moroccans who cannot afford to make the hajj (pilgrimage) to Mecca can substitute visits to Moulay Idriss' mausoleum for worship. In my times in Morocco, I've heard as few as 10 visits and as much as 100 visits to Moulay Idriss equate to 1 pilgrimage to Mecca. Perhaps al-Jimal can uncover a more definitive answer during their time here.
The Roman Ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with requisite, column-adorning stork