We spent the morning wandering around alleys and checking out the wares. You think you are walking through slums but you have no idea what is behind the doors. It could be be a poor family or a very rich family because you can’t tell by the door as all homes open to a central courtyard.

Our guide, Khalid, opened a door for us and we entered into a rug mart. It was in the same kind of building as our hotel with three levels and ornate tiles over the walls and columns. We all sat down and we were served green tea. The owner explained that all the rugs were hand made by women because only women have patience. All of the rugs were made from live wool. One of the 8×10 rugs he showed us took 17 months to make. After the presentation we were all assigned a “person.” Peggy and I made it very clear that we were not buying any rugs so Peggy and he conversed in French. Two of the girls ended up buying rugs. One was shrink wrapped into a tiny bundle and the other rug will be shipped.

After the rug market we made our way to the tannery. This is the largest in Morocco and the jobs are past down from generation to generation. When I saw the type of work they did, I wondered why? They must pay very well. When we entered the tannery they gave each of us a sprig of mint leaves for under our noses. I put on a mask with lavender oil under my nose. I faired much better than everyone else. The viewing area was above the vat area. To the left were vats that contained a white liquid. We learned later that it was pigeon poop and water. Apparently there is ammonia in pigeon poop. Who new? Believe it or not, but people actually sell their pigeon poop every Friday. The hides go into the pigeon poop for 2 weeks. Then they go into the colored dye vats for another three weeks. Finally the hides are dried on the roofs. We were given different animal hides to feel and by far the softest was camel. After the tour, of course you leave through the store. First room was leather coats. Every color and style imaginable. Prices were very reasonable. If they did not have your size they could make it in 2 hours. The next room was purses and slippers. The ugliest purses I have ever seen. The styles and color combinations were horrible. One of the girls bought a back pack that was very stylish. Original price was $125. She got it for $65.