Morocco, Day 4: Fes - Volubilis - Moulay Idriss - Meknes - Fes

Today we hired a driver (through our hotel), Hamid, to drive us to Volubilis, Moulay Idriss, and Meknes.  The rate was the same as the "teacher" we met on the train said it would be (800 Dh).  Still wondering if he was for real.  It was raining today, but luckily it wasn't heavy, and we really didn't need to use the umbrella that Hamid lent us.  The only time it was heavy was when we were outside the stables, and even then Hamid was able to drive right up to the doorway so we didn't get too wet.

Anyway, Volubilis is an ancient Roman settlement.  I believe the guide books say it was the furthest Roman outpost here, but I could be wrong.  While on the subject of guide books, we are finding that the Rough Guides (2010 was the most recent edition) book is better for maps and descriptions, while the Lonely Planet (2011 ed) is better for transportation options.  Good thing we got both books.  Too bad there isn't one book that covers everything well.

We spent a good 2 hours at Volubilis; a bit longer than Hamid thought it would take.  I guess we really enjoyed the ruins and the old mosaics that are still visible.  There's something about ruins that I enjoy.  It's fun to imagine what they may have looked like back then, and also to marvel at how they constructed everything without the use of heavy motorized machinery.  Here's a picture of a statue that was not mentioned in either guide book (according to my friend, these were used to mark whorehouses):

After Volubilis, we did a quickie drive through of Moulay Idriss.

Not much to see here, except the view down to the valley.  There is a mausoleum here, but it is in the mosque and we weren't allowed to go in.

This guy was not happy to have his picture taken, albeit accidentally.  He bumped Yoojin with his donkey as he rode by. 

After Moulay Idriss, we headed to Meknes.  Didn't have much time here, but were able to grab a bite to eat at Dar Sultana (Sweet Sultana).  We were the only ones there, probably because we got there pretty late.  The small sampler was probably the best thing we had.  I got a tajine that was just ok.

Visited the museum for a quickie look.  We had like 15 minutes before we had to meet our driver.  Once inside, though, a guide started talking to us and explaining things.  We couldn't tell if he was a real or faux guide (assume real since he was inside the museum, but I don't remember seeing him wearing a badge).  He was nice and took our photo, but soon we decided to ditch him, using the fact that we had to meet our driver as a convenient excuse to high-tail it out of there.