Out of all the ways we have transported in our travels, renting a car and driving cross country is still my favorite. Jason would disagree mainly because he is always the one driving. To be fair, it is stressful figuring out how to drive in a country that allows donkeys on the freeway. Nevertheless, I can’t help but to love seeing the country side up close and getting the flexibility to stop wherever and whenever we want. That is exactly what brought us to Volubilis during our drive from Fes to Casablanca.

Volubilis was once the capital city of the kingdom of Mauretania in 25 BC. It was built by Cleopatra Selene II, THE Cleopatra’s very own daughter. Not a lot remains, but there is enough to be amazed. Large pillars, arches, and some very intact mosaics fill the site. The surrounding hills are dotted with olive trees, the same crop that made the city wealthy in the first place.

Walking the open grounds was a nice contrast to the previous day’s corn maze through the Fes Medina. Little E had the opportunity to run through the open space. Somehow, he still preferred for his mama to carry him though. Seeing that the site wasn’t exactly stroller friendly, that’s exactly what I did… lug a 35 lb two year old up and down over 2000 year old stairs.

Warm sunshine, beautiful scenery, and historic ruins… what more could we ask for? Well lunch would have been nice. But we soon learned that finding somewhere to eat as a family was going to be a challenge. Most restaurants didn’t look too inviting towards a mom and toddler. But alas, we saw those golden arches during our drive and have never been happier. That was the best McDonald’s sandwich I had ever eaten.

Moral of the story: driving cross country may give you experiences you otherwise would have never stumbled across. It is more work, especially for the person driving. But what you gain is flexibility to really explore and experience the country in a more personal way.

Until next time,