A sense of style that is not oppressiveJosephine Kwan is an Aussie. There is no mistaking the accent or the warm engaging smile. Living in Fez for the last few years she has not only made herself a wonderful home, but opened it up to visitors from around the globe who want to experience life in a traditional house in the Fez Medina.
Her house, Dar El Hana, is in a quiet street just off one of the main thoroughfares that runs through the heart of the Medina and it is distinctive in that, while it is beautifully restored, it is not overly ornate. This is a home, not a museum. It is livable, warm and inviting.
A home - not a hotel.
So what brought a woman from Melbourne to Morocco and why does she choose to live as far away from her birthplace as it is physically possible to be without leaving the planet? Simple - she truly loves living in Fez and particularly likes the Moroccan people. To walk along the street with her is to be constantly greeted by her friends and acquaintances - all with a smile as broad as hers.
And while many people would marvel at the links she has built, few can boast that their son has married the girl next door. In Josephine's case, this is true. On the fourteenth of March this year her son, Anthony, married Lamya and so Josephine is one of the few ex-pats who can claim to have "family" in Fez.
Running Dar El Hana as a guest house has also been an experience. The work is hard and the demands on her time can be all consuming - but Josephine treats it all with a typical Aussie "can do" attitude. In fact, she sees her guests as a real plus - a bit of value added pleasure to being in Fez. As she quips - "Each day I meet really interesting people and of course, I am in everyone else's holiday."
Her house, Dar El Hana, is in a quiet street just off one of the main thoroughfares that runs through the heart of the Medina and it is distinctive in that, while it is beautifully restored, it is not overly ornate. This is a home, not a museum. It is livable, warm and inviting.
A home - not a hotel.So what brought a woman from Melbourne to Morocco and why does she choose to live as far away from her birthplace as it is physically possible to be without leaving the planet? Simple - she truly loves living in Fez and particularly likes the Moroccan people. To walk along the street with her is to be constantly greeted by her friends and acquaintances - all with a smile as broad as hers.
And while many people would marvel at the links she has built, few can boast that their son has married the girl next door. In Josephine's case, this is true. On the fourteenth of March this year her son, Anthony, married Lamya and so Josephine is one of the few ex-pats who can claim to have "family" in Fez.
Running Dar El Hana as a guest house has also been an experience. The work is hard and the demands on her time can be all consuming - but Josephine treats it all with a typical Aussie "can do" attitude. In fact, she sees her guests as a real plus - a bit of value added pleasure to being in Fez. As she quips - "Each day I meet really interesting people and of course, I am in everyone else's holiday."
"I am in everyone else's holiday!"A majority of Josephine's guests so far have been Americans, British and (naturally enough) Australians. With he trend towards people spending more time in Fez and getting to explore the Medina, she is also able to build great relationships with her guests and expects to welcome many of them back for return visits.
For those who want a break from all the sights and sounds that Fez has to offer, Dar El Hana has a private terrace where guests can relax in the the sun, (or shade) and simply take it easy.
For those who want a break from all the sights and sounds that Fez has to offer, Dar El Hana has a private terrace where guests can relax in the the sun, (or shade) and simply take it easy.
Visitors enjoying the sun on the terraceDetails
email: moroccangetaway@gmail.com
website: www.moroccangetaway.com>
Tags: Moroccan Morocco Fes, Maghreb news
3 comments:
Congratulations, Josephine! Wonderful photographs.
What a wonderful article, the photo doesn't justify the huge welcoming smile that you do get everytime you are in Josephine's company.
With the hussle and bussle and craziness of the Medina Markets, Josephine's house is a peacful haven to go back to and re-group before you get out again to the moroocan excitment!
Wow, it just occurred to me that I tried to book a room there for the last Riad Zany event! I then met her that same night, but it didn't click because her e-mail says "Jo." Anyhow, she was so kind and helpful, and if I ever do get around to spending the night in Fez, I'll book with her!
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