After a few days in Asilah, we had a rough idea for our route through Morocco. The plan was to explore inland first before it got too hot. So we pointed our van east towards Morocco’s Blue City, Chefchaouen.

Chefchaouen, Morocco's Blue City.

The northern part of Africa is so green!

Chefchaouen, Morocco's Blue City.

Not an unusual sight in Morocco. Sheep getting a ride.

Chefchaouen, Morocco's Blue City.

We arrived in Chefchaouen and had to decide whether to parking lot camp or campground camp. After scoping out a spot or two, we decided it would be more relaxing for us to stay at a campground. It the cost to stay here is about $9 for a camper with two people. We got charged an extra $2 for the kids.

Chefchaouen, Morocco's Blue City.

And plus we had some wetsuits, bathing suits and towels that needed to be dried after our beach stay. The fog/ gloom was thick in Asilah at times, which made everything wet and hard to dry outside.

Chefchaouen, Morocco's Blue City.

Chefchaouen, Morocco's Blue City.

As soon as we arrived, a black and white cat showed up and made himself at home. The kids named him Beef Ramen because that’s what they were hoping I was going to make for lunch. Haha.

Chefchaouen, Morocco's Blue City.

Chefchaouen, Morocco's Blue City.

Not Rio the Village Dog.

Chefchaouen, Morocco's Blue City.

The next day we headed down the hill to the old town of Chefchaouen.

Chefchaouen, Morocco's Blue City.

As soon as you entered the old walled portion of the city (called the medina), you are surrounded by the color blue. They say the city was a refuge for fleeing Jews who painted the walls blue to remind them of their faith. The Jewish people have since left and the the remaining Berbers and Muslims kept the tradition going. Although many dispute the claim of Jewish people bringing the famous blue color here but that is the story we chose to believe. However it got here, it makes for a stunningly beautiful medina.

Chefchaouen, Morocco's Blue City.

Chefchaouen, Morocco's Blue City.

Chefchaouen, Morocco's Blue City.

So blue that Luka took a swim through it.

Chefchaouen, Morocco's Blue City.

After meandering through the narrow blue walkways of Chefchaouen, it opened up into a large square and we found ourselves at our first Moroccan kasbah (fortress). The kids immediately made friends with stray cats.

Chefchaouen, Morocco's Blue City.

Chefchaouen, Morocco's Blue City.

We found a restaurant in the square and got to taste our first tajines which are stews cooked in an earthenware pot with a conical top. 

Chefchaouen, Morocco's Blue City.

Look who we saw next to our table? One tired mama cat.

Chefchaouen, Morocco's Blue City.

We gave her some of our chicken and offered our babysitting services as well.

Chefchaouen, Morocco's Blue City.

We then headed across the way to the kasbah.

Chefchaouen, Morocco's Blue City.

Where the girls got their first henna tattoos.

Chefchaouen, Morocco's Blue City.

Mila opted for a traditional design.

Chefchaouen, Morocco's Blue City.

And Ava picked out a giraffe. The artist added the the city’s name spelled in Arabic to her arm as well as a treat.

Chefchaouen, Morocco's Blue City.

Then we kept walking to see what else we would discover.

Chefchaouen, Morocco's Blue City.

Chefchaouen, Morocco's Blue City.

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Chefchaouen, Morocco's Blue City.

Luka said that this was the bluest alley yet and asked for a photo. Mila made sure to pose with her signature double-chin face. Ha.

Chefchaouen, Morocco's Blue City.

And one more photo for me.

Chefchaouen, Morocco's Blue City.

Our walk back up the hill have us a cool view of the city.

Chefchaouen, Morocco's Blue City.

We even met a cat that had one eye that matched the city.

Chefchaouen, Morocco's Blue City.

As soon as we got back home, Beef Ramen the cat made himself cozy.

Chefchaouen, Morocco's Blue City.

And the kids journaled in their memory journals.

Chefchaouen, Morocco's Blue City.

That night, a kind German couple invited us into their rig and shared their favorite places in Morocco with us which made us even more excited to head to our next destinations.

Chefchaouen, Morocco's Blue City.

Oh and Luka discovered his love for reading this week thanks for Diary of a Wimpy Kid 🙂

Chefchaouen, Morocco's Blue City.

Here is the vlog Dan put together for our time in Chefchaouen.

Thanks for following along on our adventures,
Marlene


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