Windy City

Sunset
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The trip from Marrakesh to Essaouira was fairly uneventful down a straight and pretty boring road. However, as we got near Essaouira we saw local goatherds at the side of the road pointing and gesturing. This is not uncommon for Morocco, but when we looked we saw the holy grail of photos – goats grazing up a tree!

No one seems to be sure how they get up there, and as the goatherds wanted money for a photo we think they may throw them up as the tourists arrive ;-)

the holy grail of photos – goats grazing up a tree!

Thats goats in them there trees...
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The campsite in Essaouira was small, crowded and for the most part pretty horrible – its only saving grace being hot and fairly clean showers. It was around the bay from the town – probably a 40 minutes walk. The town itself was very different to the rest of the Moroccan towns we had seen. The buildings are white and blue and to us it seemed almost European, although if this was your first Moroccan town you wouldn’t think so.

The wall around the medina is still very much intact and the ramparts, particularly those facing the sea are very impressive. It was very windy during our stay and the waves were impressive crashing over the rocks in front of the ramparts and the islands out to sea.

Big seas
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We had lunch at the grilled fish stalls near the port with sardines, prawns, octopus and other fish – highly recommended! The souks in Essaouira are small and pretty low key – I don’t really recommend it for shopping, although we did buy a Jambe (bongo drum).

The wind in Essaouira means it is very popular for kite surfing and windsurfing. It also means the wide flat beach is way too windy for sunbathing or playing with the kids. Essaouira is a nice relaxing place with no hassle, good for whiling away a few days.

Dave.