Chefchaouen: A Blue Dream in the Mountains of North Africa

Chefchaouen: A Blue Dream in the Mountains of North Africa I stayed in Tangier for 2 days, one of which was spent in Chefchaouen, one of the three blue cities. This was perhaps the most anticipated part of the trip. Unfortunately, the weather was not great that day, with occasional rain, but fortunately, the sky cleared up for a while, leaving me with a beautiful memory. Chefchaouen is like a child favored by the sky, blessed with the purest and most charming blue, standing alone in the wide valley of the Rif Mountains. Chefchaouen is like a sleeping beauty awakened, with layers of blue buildings gradually becoming clear. The walls, roofs, doors, and windows are all blue, but each has its own unique shade. Dark blue is like the deep night sky, light blue is like clear lake water, and cobalt blue is like a mysterious gem. Walking through the narrow and winding streets feels like being in a blue maze, with surprises hidden around every corner. Occasionally, a few cats lazily bask in the sun, their lively eyes contrasting with the blue background, creating harmonious and beautiful scenes. The origin of this blue city can be traced back to the 15th century when it was just a simple fortification. Over time, the influx of Jewish refugees brought new vitality and culture, and blue gradually became the city's main color. It is said that blue has the meaning of repelling mosquitoes, bringing coolness, and symbolizing the sky and heaven, so residents painted their houses blue, passing it down through generations, creating the dreamlike scene we see today. The medina of Chefchaouen is its soul. The ancient castle ruins quietly tell stories of the past, and traditional handicraft shops are filled with exquisite carpets, colorful pottery, and delicate silverware, showcasing the wisdom and creativity of the local people. Here, you can also see local women wearing colorful traditional costumes, skillfully weaving fabrics, their smiles as bright as the sun.