Chameleon update: Number Five

Over the last few months The View from Fez has been running a low level campaign to convince owners of riads that they should rescue chameleons from the souqs and install them in their courtyard trees. Here at Riad Zany, we started off with two, but lost one to a passing bird of prey. Our surviving chameleon is alive, well and having a great vacation from the trees by exploring the scaffolding that the builders have constructed in the courtyard.

On the other side of the Medina, our Special Affairs Editor, Helen Ranger, has a sadder experience. Here is her report.




THEM THAR VARMINTS! … or, be careful what you say. Be very careful.


Riad Lumen was graced with four chameleons rescued from Bab Guissa, who seemed to enjoy the garden. Occasionally there’d be one surveying the plasterwork or checking out the roof terrace. The trees are tall and dense, so often the chameleons wouldn’t be seen at all for days on end. That makes it all the more special when one becomes visible.

There’s a young man who looks after the riad when no-one’s here. August is hot and we all go away. Come every two days or so, said Lumen, just to water the garden and feed the cat. You could even leave it for three days, if you make sure the cat has enough water and biscuits. Oh, and make sure you water up into the trees too, for the chameleons.

When we returned, the young man wanted to be paid for coming to the house for three hours every day. This seemed a bit excessive, in view of the instructions Lumen had given him. Ah, but it took ages, he said. I spent hours spraying water up into the trees, but only got one of them. Sorry I couldn’t kill any more.

It seems now that only George is left as no others have been seen for some time, and even George is doing his leaf imitation and can’t be spotted. Which leaves Lumen with plenty of time to reflect on the benefits of good, clear communication.


Tags: Morocco Fes, Maghreb news