Exploring the Blue Pearl: A Journey to Chefchaouen

Echoes of the Past in the Blue City

Today in Chefchaouen was like stepping into a living postcard. The air was crisp, a gentle breeze rustling through the blue-washed alleyways, and the sounds of daily life created a symphony that was both calming and invigorating. Lena would have loved this place! I'm starting to feel like a local here, greeting shopkeepers with a smile and navigating the winding streets with newfound confidence. Today was all about soaking in the history and culture of this unique Moroccan gem.

Our day began, as most good days do, with breakfast. We headed to BILMOS, a charming café known for its extensive breakfast menu. I opted for a traditional Moroccan breakfast with mint tea, while my friends chose a mix of pancakes and omelets. The atmosphere was relaxed, and the small outdoor seating area was perfect for enjoying the morning sun. It's amazing how a simple breakfast can set the tone for an entire day of exploration. BILMOS offered a delightful start, fueling us for the adventures that awaited. The best part was the mint tea – so refreshing and the perfect pick-me-up!


Experience authentic Moroccan flavors at Bilmos in Chefchaouen's vibrant heart - a culinary journey you won't forget!

With our bellies full, we set off to explore the Kasbah, a 15th-century fortress that once served as a defense against Portuguese invasions. The Kasbah is located right next to the Grand Mosque, and it was built by Rachid Ben Ali in 1471. Stepping inside, I immediately felt transported back in time. The red-earth walls contrasted beautifully with the blue of the surrounding city, creating a striking visual. The Kasbah houses an ethnological museum showcasing Moroccan artifacts, including musical instruments, pottery, and weapons. I was particularly fascinated by the exhibits on traditional Berber life and the town's colonial past. Climbing the Kasbah's tower offered panoramic views of Chefchaouen and the surrounding Rif Mountains. The view was simply breathtaking, a sea of blue stretching as far as the eye could see.


Discover the captivating Kasbah of Chefchaouen, a historical landmark that showcases Morocco's rich heritage and stunning architectural beauty.

Each door tells a unique story, inviting you to unravel the tales of the families that reside within.

After the Kasbah, we made our way to Bab El Ain, one of the city's historic gates. Bab El Ain is the most important and most popular door in Chefchaouen, connecting the old city with the new. The gate itself is an architectural marvel, and the surrounding area is filled with local artisans, shops, and eateries. I loved wandering through the narrow streets, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and admiring the intricate metalwork on the doors. Apparently, the name “Bab Al-Ain” refers to the presence of a large spring that used to flow near this gate. I could easily spend hours exploring these winding alleyways, each turn revealing a new surprise.


Explore the historical beauty of Bab El Ain in Chefchaouen, a stunning gateway to Moroccan heritage and vibrant local culture.

For lunch, we decided to try Traditional kitchen, a local favorite known for its authentic Moroccan cuisine. The restaurant was small and cozy, with a warm and inviting atmosphere. I ordered a tagine, a traditional Moroccan stew cooked in a clay pot. The tagine was flavorful and aromatic, filled with tender meat and vegetables. It was the perfect comfort food after a morning of exploring. My friends tried other local specialties, and we all agreed that the food was delicious and reasonably priced. The tagine reminded me of my Yiayia's (grandmother's) cooking back in Greece.


Discover authentic Moroccan flavors at Traditional Kitchen in Chefchaouen – an unforgettable culinary experience awaits.

In the afternoon, we indulged in some retail therapy at Hibart Souvenirs Shop. This shop is known for its beautiful handcrafted items and friendly staff. I picked up a few souvenirs for Lena and my family back in Germany, including some hand-painted ceramics and a small leather bag. The shop owner was incredibly helpful, sharing stories about the local artisans and the history behind the crafts. It's these personal connections that make traveling so rewarding.


Discover unique Moroccan souvenirs at Hibart Souvenirs Shop, a charming destination in Chefchaouen for travelers seeking authentic local crafts.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Restaurant Hamsa for dinner. Hamsa is run by two sisters and offers a fusion of Franco-Moroccan cuisine inspired by family recipes and travels around the world. Luckily, we found seats with a breathtaking view of the city! I started with a Moroccan soup, followed by a kefta tagine. The flavors were incredible, a perfect blend of Moroccan spices and French culinary techniques. My friends tried the shakshuka and the hummus, and we all shared a delicious vegan banana bread for dessert. The atmosphere was lively, and the service was excellent. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploring Chefchaouen.


Experience authentic Moroccan cuisine and delightful teas at Restaurant Hamsa in Chefchaouen's charming blue city.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit the City View Point for more panoramic views and explore El Mellah, the old Jewish quarter. We might also check out Sunset at sunset for a drink. I'm excited to see what other hidden gems Chefchaouen has to offer. Until then, I'll cherish the memories of today, a day immersed in history, culture, and the simple joys of travel.

I can't wait to share more stories from this magical blue city. Good night from Chefchaouen!

It's funny how travel can change you. Before this trip, I was so caught up in my work as a sound engineer, always focused on the technical aspects of sound and Foley art. But now, I'm finding myself drawn to the sensory experiences of travel – the sights, the sounds, the smells, the tastes. It's like my world has expanded, and I'm seeing things in a whole new light. Maybe I'll even incorporate some of these experiences into my work when I get back to Potsdam. Who knows? Maybe I'll start adding the sounds of Moroccan alleyways to my Foley library. The possibilities are endless!

I really miss Lena though. I wish she was here to experience all of this with me. We had planned this trip together, but her work schedule made it impossible for her to come. I know she would have loved wandering through the blue streets, haggling with the shopkeepers, and savoring the delicious Moroccan cuisine. I'm definitely bringing her back here someday. Maybe we can even take a cooking class together and learn how to make tagine. That would be amazing!

The weather has been quite pleasant, with daytime temperatures around 18°C. It’s a bit breezy, but not too cold. The skies have been mostly clear, with just a few clouds here and there. Perfect for exploring the city on foot. I've been wearing layers to stay comfortable, and it's been working out well. I'm glad I packed my comfortable walking shoes, as I've been doing a lot of walking. I'm also glad I brought my camera, as there are so many photo opportunities here.

I’m looking forward to exploring the City View Point and El Mellah tomorrow. I've heard that the views from the City View Point are incredible, especially at sunset. And I'm interested in learning more about the history of El Mellah, the old Jewish quarter. It's fascinating to see how different cultures have coexisted in this city over the centuries. I'm also planning to visit Sunset at sunset for a drink. I've heard that it's a great place to relax and enjoy the views. Plus, I need to try some local drinks before I leave. I'm thinking of trying some Moroccan wine or maybe some mint tea with a twist. We’ll see!

As I reflect on today's experiences, I'm filled with a sense of gratitude. I'm grateful for the opportunity to travel and explore new cultures. I'm grateful for the friendships I've made along the way. And I'm grateful for the simple joys of life – a delicious meal, a beautiful view, a friendly conversation. These are the moments that make life worth living.

And now, it's time for bed. Tomorrow is another day of adventure, and I want to be well-rested. Good night, world! From the blue pearl of Chefchaouen.

I am also trying to think about how I can live more sustainably when I go back home. Seeing how the locals here live, so connected to the land and their traditions, has made me think about my own lifestyle. I want to reduce my carbon footprint, consume less, and be more mindful of the environment. Maybe I'll start composting, or grow my own vegetables, or buy more locally sourced products. Every little bit helps, right? I’m going to do some research when I get back and see what changes I can make.

I wonder if Lena would like to move here someday? I know she loves teaching kindergarten in Potsdam, but maybe we could find a way to split our time between Germany and Morocco. We could buy a small house in Chefchaouen and spend a few months here each year. That would be a dream come true! We’ll see what happens. For now, I’m just going to enjoy the moment and soak in the beauty of this place.

Okay, I’m really going to bed now. I can hear the call to prayer in the distance, and it’s so peaceful. Good night, everyone. May your dreams be filled with blue skies and Moroccan spices!