Leather Tannery -Fes, Morocco

Often listed as a "must see" place to see before you die, it didn't disappoint. This is the Dar Dbagh Tannery that has been washing, treating, smoothing and colouring animal skins into soft leather goods for over a thousand years. It forms part of the Old Medina that was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. Pigeon poo and cows' urine are, among other wonderful things, involved in the tanning process which creates quite a long-lasting stink. To combat this (particularly in the summer), the tanners give you fresh mint leaves to sniff as you walk around. The life of a tanner is not an easy one and is considered to be one of the toughest and dirtiest professions in Fes. It is well worth the visit if you have the opportunity. "