Digital Photography Blog

Fes - Morocco

We spent a couple of hours exploring the Souk (a huge market - and the oldest part of the city) of Fes. It was like walking through a door into another time 2000 years ago. In this area of the city donkeys have the right of way as they are the only way of carrying heavy loads into the Souk(so watch out for them...and for where you step). All through this intricate maze of lanes are street side shops selling everything from fish and meat through to spices and pulses through to carpets, ceramics and woven materials.

In the very centre of the Souk is a beautiful Mosque where everyone descends rhythmically throughout the day. The streets outside are lined with beggars, many of whom are blind or sitting with children pleading for a few cents.

Strangely enough I came out of the Souk feeling similar to the day I came out of the cinema having just seen Matrix. Wierd I know - but after two hours of intense sites and sounds I felt somewhat numb yet also completely exhilarated after catching a glimpse of something so different to the world I've been living in to that point.

Fes was a definite highlight of the trip.

Photos taken August 2003 - Camera: Canon A70

Madrid - Museo Nacional Del Prado

Our first full day in Madrid was 39 degrees celcius so we decided to spend the morning in the climate controlled Prado Museum. We arrived before the crowds and were treated to a visual feast of paintings from thoughout the centuries.

Many of the paintings were religious art which I have always been fascinated with. What an ideal place for an Alt Worship event! (although I'm not so sure the curators would have been up for it.) I was surprised at being allowed to take photos here (no flash, hense the slightly out of focus shots).

Photos taken August 2003 - Camera: Canon A70