(pronounced) · Shafshāwan

Before departing for Morocco, I asked my friend Mike who is from the motherland for tips.  Among much advice (of which I obeyed 95%) a must was to visit Chefchaoen.  My initial thought, let me practice saying the name correctly first a couple times.  He described it as the white and blue city.  Mike spoke of this town with such adoration, I knew I had to go.

To get there, I took a bus from Tangier.  I will say I should have paid more attention to the type of bus I booked.  Not sure if it was a one size fits all deal, but mine was complete with being overbooked, no a/c, and a neighbor who was throwing up in a flimsy plastic bag.  Yes, the gal sitting right next to me.

I stayed positive knowing the whimsical city was in my future.  Finally, the bus stopped and I didn’t see any blue and white, I was bewildered.  Letting the fumes from a tedious ride burn off, I realized I needed to hail a cab to the magic.  And that it was.  This town brought the tourist out in me, I could not stop taking pictures.  Everywhere I looked was another ancient stone building painted in a different shade of blue.  I had never seen anything like this, I was overcome by the beauty.

I love how the paint jobs are creative

Some tales I heard about why the city is painted blue are:

• to keep the city cool during the heat
• to keep mosquitos away
• some say the Jews brought the blue to town when they arrived to take refuge from Hitler in the 1930’s

My vote is to take each and every person’s breath away who has the privilege to visit.  I’ll tell you though, Chaouen wasn’t painted pretty to help you find your way home.  You will get lost in these walkways and streets, the best kind of lost.  The brightly painted medina (old city) is all walk streets.  They are safe to roam, and you do not have to worry about cars or motor vehicles.

Do they deliver?

I do suggest walking up to the Mosque on the hill across from the city for sunset.  The site was absolutely breathtaking.  To see the city from afar and really soak in all the color, majestic charm and mountains surrounding is a real treat.  As I was alone on this visit, I hope next time I can travel with a friend who has never been to Chefchaoen.  To watch someone discover this unique city for the first time would be so enjoyable.

A mild incline to the Mosque to get your blood pumping, you may spot goats along the way 🙂

The wonder…Dusk in the marvelous city

Cheers to the blue pearl I will never forget.

To read about La Famille, a unique and trendy new restaurant I found in Marrakesh, click here!

Xoxo,

Bekah