Blogs from Essaouira, Marrakech-Tensift-El Haouz, Morocco, Africa - page 7

Geo: 31.5093, -9.76345... read more

Essaouira is an oasis in all the ways that Marrakech is not. The sea breeze eases the scorching heat in even the narrowest alleyways, the locals are wealthy enough that they only hassle half-heartedly, and the accommodations are top notch. Ironically, this is where myself and friends have endured some of the scourges of Morocco: bedbugs, stomach bugs, and belligerent street confrontations. But, at least we were able to retire to some relative comfort afterward. The only complaints I can muster up about this town is that it is perhaps too perfect. The Frenchman who works at our hotel described it as being "like a movie." Indeed, the smooth, clean brickwork in the streets seem to be transported from a Hollywood set and all the alleys and squares buzz with legitimate extras, despite the tourist enclaves. ... read more

In the morning we walked along the beach back to the medina. Essaouira is also known as “Windy City Africa” and draws hundreds of surfers. In addition to wind surfing, you can also kite surf, sail, quad or if you haven’t had enough of camels yet ride camels. I was going to buy a rug if the price was right. After visiting a few shops J&M got a large rug for about 1/3 of the asking price. I figured I could piggyback on the deal and get something that looked nice. However, like a guidebook pointed out, many shops are willing to give a good deal for their first customer and being their potential second customer they weren’t willing to offer me a competitive price. I may be native but definitely not stupid. I didn’t know ... read more

DAY 11-12 We leave the valleys of the High Atlas Mountains and head westward toward the windswept Atlantic Coast and the old fishing town of Essaouira, about a 5 hour trip. The name Essaouira means image, and this is very appropriate since the city has a lot a charm and very distinct and picturesque areas. We embark on a city tour with a local guide: The harbor, the beach, the Medina, the souks, and many famous musicians have called this place home for a time, especially in the 60's, from Jimmy Hendrix to the Rolling Stones. They even have an area that they call the “Hippie Place”. Orson Wells has a park named for him as he premiered a movie in the name of Morocco and won an award, the first and only for Morocco. This ... read more

Morocco is wonderful. I have been to Casablanka to Marrakech to Essaouira to Sibiceoki and I now reside in Imsouanne, a small surf town. I have been living in a Moroccan cave (beach front shack) on a sandy cliff ledge right next to the ocean. To me, it is a much more than an exotic castle in paradise. I fall asleep to the music of the ocean every night and try to swim in it every day. We cook tagine (traditional meals cooked in cone shaped platters) on a one burner, gas tank stove by candel light every evening. It could never get old. The bread is by far the best bread I have tasted in my life and a massive, round bread is only about 13 cents. I rarely know what time or day it ... read more