Donkeys Rule the Road in Fez

Typical Soft Drink Delivery in Fez Michael S. Lee One of the most striking features of Fez for the first-time visitor is the donkeys. Walking through the narrow, winding streets of the old medina, the casual visitor must be mindful of the telltale shout ‘Balak’, warning the unaware of the approach of yet another of the ubiquitous creatures. Everything from sacks of grain to crates of Coca-Cola are carted around the old city of Fez on a seemingly endless procession of donkeys in every possible shade, including, brown, black, and grey. The animals have been a part of the daily rhythm of life in Fez for centuries. This is reflected in the double set of knockers almost always found on the ornate wooden doors of the homes lining the streets of the old city. The top knocker is for the visitor sitting atop his trusty pack animal while the bottom one is for the poor soul forced to “hoof” it around on his own two feet. Every now and then, just as one prepares to round a corner going uphill, you will hear the shout, and one by one, six or seven donkeys will come trundling down free of any encumbrance. They have most likely finished their work and are being driven back to their stable for a well-deserved rest.