Volubilis and Moulay Idriss

 Volubilis, a Roman settlement 2 hours from Fez.

Today we all boarded two minibuses and drove to Volubilis, a Roman city whose ruins are located about 2 hours from Fez, next to the modern town of Moulay Idriss. Well, relatively modern - whereas Volubilis was founded around 85 BCE, Moulay Idriss was established in 789. 

 Our guide told us this room was a dining room. Whatever it was, it's beautiful. And startlingly open to the elements and theives.

The ruins include a large residential area, remains of shops, a central square and temple, and a triumphal arch (below). While our tour guide was a huge fan of tangental fun facts about the Romans' vomitariums and brothels, his factual knowledge was pretty limited, so unfortunately I'll have to direct you elsewhere for detailed historical information about Volubilis! I can attest to the beauty of the site, the cleanliness of the air, and the surreality of walking where, two thousand years ago, Romans contracted syphilis.

 After an unfortunately brisk walk through Volubilis, we headed to Moulay Idriss to enjoy the spectacular view. Both towns had an agriculture-based economy, since the soil around the area is incredibly rich. We saw daffodils, Cyprus trees, and innumerable plants coloring the hills a wonderful green.

We have a test on 1200 years of history on Wednesday, so I should get to studying - and although dinner tonight was a bit underwhelming (warmly-spiced tapioca pudding...), at least I still haven't eaten a sheep!