The medina is the ancient part of the city. It’s literally inside of medieval walls.

The streets are labyrinths, guaranteed to get you lost. So guess what I did? I intentionally decided I wanted to get lost.

I set went out in the morning while my partner was swimming a few miles for the day and gave myself a goal. Let’s reach the Kasbah through the Medina, which you can. However, I knew I would definitely get lost if I didn’t have any markers.

I walked around the city for a bit before going into this unknown adventure. I walked a few blocks to familiarize myself with where my hotel was relative to other well-known structures of the city, including one of the entrances to the Medina.

I found the fountain in the Grand Socco. In front of the fountain, there is a giant Mosque. Across the Mosque, beyond the fountain, there was an entrance to the Median. It was a giant archway.

I entered and walked downhill, through several shops and by many cafes and restaurants, until I finally got to a place I was familiar with. There was a sign… Or I should say a piece of wood that looked like an arrow with the word “KASHAB” painted on it. I looked in the direction it was pointing only to realize it was pointing at a very tight doorway, almost hidden by three restaurants.

I thought this had to be a mistake. That looks like the back entrance to a restaurant!

Who am I to say how this city functions?

I followed the sign and walked down thin streets. The streets were corridors where housing, cafes, restaurants, hostels, and even hotels. I didn’t see any street signs, and I knew if I made a wrong turn, I would not find my way back easily. I decided to walk in a straight line. That way, all I have to do is turn around to find my way back.

I walked in a straight line until I couldn’t anymore. The roads began to split, and the road I was on began to curve. I no longer felt like I knew where I was.

To be honest, it felt like I was walking in dark and lonely alleyways. I’m from LA. You don’t walk in dark and desolate alleyways unless you’re looking for drugs or you have a ‘mugging’ fetish… It kinda freaked me out. Since I was just walking around, all I had is my camera. I didn’t bring any cash, wallet, nothing… I had nothing anyone wanted to take.

I came across kids playing soccer. Families relaxing by their front door. Signs for hostels and hotels point them in the proper direction and cute stores.

I grabbed my cell phone, took pictures, documented my walk, and decided to walk back and head back to my hotel. Needless to say, I didn’t make it to the Kasbah… but that doesn’t mean I won’t try again. Besides, I was getting hungry!