Essaouira

The Portuguese Fortess.

Essaouira through a view point in the fortress.

Healthy and freshly shaven after a rough few days.

The colours of the alleyways. 

The intricate woodwork.

The mosque near our riad.

George, the Canadian doctor who gave me some medication and his wife Patty.

The fishing fleet.

The type of catch including a small moray eel.

The clock tower.

Sunday, September 24^th.

After breakfast in the lobby we had a walking tour of Essaouira with a local guide. He took us to the Portuguese fort and harbour area and then through the Jewish Mellah. He also took us to a woodworking business where we could see the handicraft and tradesmanship that goes into making all of the wood pieces that they sell. After that he took us to a silverworks shop where there were thousands of items for sale, from rings, earrings, necklaces, cups, vases, etc. I bought a small silver Fatima symbol, she is the patron of good luck and health. I met George the doctor from Halifax there and his wife Patty. I had a chance to thank him for the medication and to take a photo with him.

It is so strange to be walking around the streets of Essaouira again, 38 years later. I was last here in 1979 on my six month honeymoon. In some ways it has changed a lot, it's bigger, the beach now has lots of hotels along it, its far more touristy; but in other ways it hasn't changed, its still incredibly exotic, its beautiful but very old and dirty at the same time. The shop owners seem less bothersome than in the past, but they still do try to get you to buy something.

At that point the tour ended and we had free time for the afternoon. I wandered around the medina and back down to the harbour and the fish market. I always find it really interesting to watch the fishermen and the sellers and to see their catch. The smells are always really strong and vile, but it is fascinating. I went back to the riad for a short break, met up with Wim and headed out again exploring the alleys, markets, and shops. Then he went back and I continued exploring and taking photos.

Back to the riad to meet the group at dinner and then Rachid led eight of us to a seafood restaurant on the beach boardwalk. The food was okay, but we had a good time and Rachid told us a lot about the current state of Morocco. After dinner, he took us to a rooftop restaurant/bar that had some live music. The musicians were good and they had two very rhythmic and enegertic male dancers. We stayed until eleven and then headed back for the night.