Blogs from Essaouira, Marrakech-Tensift-El Haouz, Morocco, Africa

Nach der bislang längsten Fahrtstrecke, die wir aber mit Hilfe von der "Schule der magischen Tiere" und "Benjamin Blümchen"-Hörbüchern gut rumbekommen haben, erreichen wir am späten Nachmittag Oualidia, einen kleinen im Ausland recht unbekannten Strandort an der Atlantikküste. Der ziemlich unspektakuläre Ort punktet mit seiner Lage an einer riesigen Lagune, die zum Baden einlädt, weil sie die rauhen Atlantikwellen so sehr zähmt, dass Baden mit Kindern hier problemlos möglich ist. Daher kommen in der Hauptsaison hier auch hunderttausende Marrokkaner im Jahr zum Badeurlaub, jetzt in der Nebensaison soll es allerdings angenehm ruhig sein. Außer den vielen einheimischen Touristen kommen auch sehr viele Spezies an Zugvögeln hier her und Flamingos soll es auch ab und an in der Lagune geben. Ob das Wetter zum Baden aber wirklich warm genug sein wird, daran haben wir Zweifel, aber zumindest ... read more

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, ... read more

On Thursday, October 17th, we arrived in the coastal city of Essaouira from the vibrant city of Marrakesh. As much as I enjoyed that great city, and even earlier visiting the red sand desert climes of the Sahara, I couldn't wait to be near the ocean again. Visiting Essaouira and reveling along her Atlantic shores is a panacea for anyone who, like me, cannot resist the siren call of the sea. Surprisingly, the strong draw I always feel for being near the ocean was nearly eclipsed by the charms of Essaouira’s terra firma. I knew then I would be forever under the spell of Essaouira. It combined all the features I find most interesting about any town – geographical beauty, history, architecture, culture, and most definitely a friendly disposition. Essaouira had all of these. Its medina, ... read more

The mind is free and the slightest thought has great influence ~ Moroccan Proverb HE SAID... Today we were travelling northwest from Taroudannt to Essaouira (via Agadir). After a whistle-stop visit to Taroudannt (where we explored the town’s red-mud walls ramparts and crowd-free souqs), we jumped into our minibus and headed to Agadir on the Atlantic coast. We were taking the scenic coastal route to Essaouira. We drove past endless oranges groves and banana plantations (many of which were under cover) on the way to Agadir. Nearly 40%% of Moroccans are employed in agriculture, and this was very apparent as we gazed out the window at the Sous Valley’s changing terrain. We also drove past endless argan trees and witnessed the Moroccan phenomenon of goats in trees. Goats love to eat the outside flesh of the ... read more

All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveller is unaware - Martin Buber I woke up a few times in the night and admired the fog shrouded moon out the window. We left the curtains open to try to get as much cool night air in as possible. The fog really rolls in in the evening, and the temperature drops markedly. Except in our room which stays quite warm. I was hoping to sleep in and have a leisurely morning, but about 7:30 Susan said she thought she better go to the doctor. So I hopped out of bed, threw some clothes on, and sent a message to Abdul. While I was waiting I thought I better grab some breakfast, so I had a pancake and yogurt. I brought Susan a couple of small containers ... read more