There are four Impérial cities in Morocco and today we visited our third, Meknes. Dating back to its rise in influence in 1672, the massive Medina walls are still in place. Originally an expansive adjacent prison complex held captives (reportedly built for up to 30,000) in subterranean chambers, with only one way out. There are so many tunnels in the maze-like structure that French explorers were lost and never found. As a result, the complex has been permanently sealed.

We visited the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, treading carefully on the wet, slick marble tiled flooring. The intricate carvings and mosaics are of Moorish influence and you can see many similarities to the Alhambra in Granada, Spain.

You never know what is behind the walls in Morocco. Stepping through this doorway reveals a Royal Golf Club with a lovely 9-hole course. What a setting.

Vineyards in a Country that Doesn’t Drink?

Our travels today took us through pastoral agricultural country. The green rolling hills reminded me of parts of western North Carolina, but with some vastly different crops. There are neat, well-tended groves of olive trees everywhere. Flocks of sheep and their watchful shepherds are often crowded right up to the edge of the road.There are many vegetable crops and then, there are the vineyards.

We had an amazing wine tasting lunch at the Château Roslane Boutique Hotel. A Relais & Chateaux affiliate, they served an incredible meal, beautifully presented, with four wine pairings. The setting couldn’t have been more perfect and while we dined, the clouds parted and blue sky appeared once again.

Roman Occupation

Romans occupied the area for 500 years, building Volubilis in the third century. Volubilis means Morning Glory, which grow wild in the area.

The site was ravaged over the past few hundred years, but is now being restored with a vengeance. In this UNESCO antiquity, the stars of the show are the many detailed mosaics uncovered.

There were not as many cats here since a few dogs were roaming around. But our guide, Karim, won our hearts when he made a whistling cat-call and one ran full speed immediately. She was rewarded with a nice handful of dry cat food.

A good way to end our day.