Today’s first destination was the ancient Roman city of Volubilis, a 4 hr drive south. After 2 hours we left the Rif mountains and valleys and entered flat plains of farina (the finest wheat) and barley. The mist was back, a heavy layer that hung low until just before our stoping.

The conquering Romans first settlements were on the coast but they soon developed sites inland to grow olives and various agricultural and Volubilis was one of these. It was occupied between 1BC – 4AD; when Rome fell locals moved in and the site remained whole until the Great Earthquake of 1755 (the one that destroyed Lisbon) leveled the place. Anything we see now has been reconstructed from drawings and etchings down, but it’s sorely in need of excavation.

Although it was already after 1p it was still >90 minutes to our lunch stop. GAdventures partners with a local charity to help local women. Here they’ve set up a restaurant to serve tour groups a traditional meal and the money goes to wages, assistance, jobs, education, and they’ve purchased an ambulance to transport sick women & children as necessary. G does this on every tour, work with local women’s groups to give back.

It wasn’t until 4p that we hit the road again so the generous amount of food and the hum of the van lulled most of the group to sleep on the hour’s drive to Fés.

Once in Fes we got our rooms situated then went out for another orientation tour. Several of us ended up at the huge Western-style mall in search of snacks and wine. AJ and I lost Jim to the cereal aisle in search of Cornflakes finally for him to re-emerge 10 minutes at the checkout line.

A few of the group went out for dinner but most of us bailed to stay in and relax; and for me to catch up on my hand laundry. A glass of wine and a movie in the background eased the chore.