TUE, 17 MAY 2022 – Day 11: Essaouira

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Today’s drive is truly stunning as we traverse the high Atlas Mountains on our way to Essaouira. A colourful fishing town situated within 15th century Portuguese fortifications, where great beaches and surf beckon. Relax on the beach or alternatively explore the UNESCO-listed medina with its various souks and woodcarving workshops. Any city gate leads to the Medina, so you’re unlikely to get lost. The beach is in front of the Medina and there are plenty of cafés with terraces, both ideal for relaxing for a few hours. Blue doors and window frames abound as do the artists shops – buy a carpet or Thuya wood carving or sit on the beach sipping a mint tea as the sun sets, an antidote to the hustle & bustle of the Imperial cities. Overnight La Perle de Mogador, Essaouira, Morocco (Breakfast included).”

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Photos

The Drive from Aït Benhaddou, Morocco to Essaouira, Morocco
Another Lush Valley Amid the Harsh Barrenness of the Mountains

The Drive from Aït Benhaddou, Morocco to Essaouira, Morocco
Even the Barrenness Can Be Pretty in Its Own Unusual Way

The Drive from Aït Benhaddou, Morocco to Essaouira, Morocco
Even Uncle Larry Can See the Color Contrast

The Drive from Aït Benhaddou, Morocco to Essaouira, Morocco
This Road Was Undergoing Widening, Straightening and Repaving – Note the Old Roadway Left of Center

The Drive from Aït Benhaddou, Morocco to Essaouira, Morocco
Just About to Crest the Mountain

The Drive from Aït Benhaddou, Morocco to Essaouira, Morocco
We Got a Break at Café Restaurant Oued Ezzat Where Uncle Larry Got an Orange, Banana and Strawberry Juice

The Drive from Aït Benhaddou, Morocco to Essaouira, Morocco
Yes, There Was Some Serious Road Construction Underway

The Drive from Aït Benhaddou, Morocco to Essaouira, Morocco
We Stopped for an Olive Oil Demonstration and Were Offered the Opportunity to Purchase Some Olive-Based Skin Care Products

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I Dined at a Seaside Restaurant but Opted for Indoor Dining Because of the Blowing Sand

Beach And Friends – Essaouira, Morocco
Camel Ride or Horseback Ride on the Beach – Take Your Pick (for a Fee, of Course)

Beach And Friends – Essaouira, Morocco
I Selected One of the Specials – Sole Fillet

Essaouira, Morocco
Anybody Who Can’t Figure Out What This Arabic Word Means Shouldn’t Be Driving