Volubilis was an ancient city in Morocco with roots dating back to the 3rd century B.C. It’s an UNESCO World Heritage Site, “an exceptionally well-preserved example of a large Roman colonial town on the fringes of the Empire.”

It’s located near the modern city of Meknes and makes for an easy day trip. We spend about two hours here in the morning before moving on to our next destination.

The area is known for growing olives, as evidenced by the endless fields below. YUM — olives rank high among my favorite foods and I’m thrilled to find them on the table at nearly every meal we eat in Morocco.

A local guide shows us around the ruins, explaining what each area was used for during its heyday.

Leann, Natalie, and Karen pose between columns:

Karen and Natalie pose appropriately in an area that used to be a bathroom.

We’re also told about the Vomitorium… a place where people could throw up after they gorged on feasts to make room for more rounds of food. How very Hunger Games-esque.

Leann shows off this giant stone penis below, which indicated the way to the brothel. Those Romans didn’t mess around with their signage — no way that can be misinterpreted.

Much like we saw in the ruins at Rabat, storks have taken over and built nests throughout.

To my delight, our tour group is very photo-happy and they come up with the idea to spell out ‘Morocco’ with our bodies. Here we are attempting to get organized…

And here’s the final product:

We gather for a group shot, too — I made it into this one!

Mohamed shows off the bathrooms below. The local guide tells us this used to be a bathing area, like a stone jacuzzi of sorts; men could sit in each spot while the water flowed around them. But I just read conflicting info on-line that states these were toilets, with water to wash away the waste… I like the jacuzzi explanation better.

After leaving the ruins, we stop for our very first nos nos — Moroccan coffee with espresso, milk, sugar, and foam in a small glass. I am HOOKED. True story: after downing my first cup, I immediately order a second. For the remainder of our trip, we enjoy a nos nos break for about 15 minutes every morning to split up the drive and it’s my new favorite routine.

At the place where we order nos nos, there’s an enormous painting with anachronistic flair featuring people throughout history placed next to each other on a giant canvas. It might be a little hard to make out in the light, but it’s mesmerizing to float from face to face and recognize people.

Just before lunch, Mohamed informs us that we’ll have the option to order sheep brains at this particular restaurant. He promises they’re quite tasty but only one intrepid traveler goes for it…

It’s Natalie from Australia. She is brave! And she very kindly lets me try a taste, which I appreciate because I wasn’t about to risk my entire meal on animals brains. But sure enough it’s actually quite flavorful. And mushy. Now I have a proper response for the next time someone asks me about the craziest food I’ve eaten during my travels.

Eva from Germany shows off two adorable but flea-ridden puppies who come over to play with us at the restaurant. There’s no way to resist those faces. I show them some love and then immediately Purell my hands.

Thanks to Nomadic Tours for discounting my tour in exchange for photography and blogging. Opinions are my own.