27 Oct 2024
Our host, Btissam, and mother Maria live in a modest flat outside the medina up on a hillside. It is not a commercial property, which is exactly what we wanted to avoid. The experience was most authentic. Btissam met our private tour van at the end of the block in her neighborhood and walked us to their home. She had everything well organized, and her direction was so pleasant and cheerful. We prepared three main dishes and additional sides, beginning with food preparation. I discovered that my friend Tom has no idea how to dice an onion!!! The entire morning was so enjoyable. Our wives learned how to make couscous that tastes ridiculously good, not the dry and flavorless that we are accustomed to here at home. Our finished meal was amazing. We ate in the family dining room, and we were served mint tea, of course. But the special bonus was when Maria, who does not speak English motioned for us to follow her to the roof of their building to see her private heaven, if I am translating correctly. And heaven it was with a spectacular 180 degree view of Fes and the entire medina. It took our breath away.