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Published: August 21st 2007
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(Dan)
OK so its the first night at the lovely Souira campground and at about 2am I wake up and somethings not quite right.. and so began my night outdoors. There were packs of dogs roaming through the campground foraging through whatever they could find and at one stage I lay down next to what must have been a red ant colony cause within seconds the were everywhere. Yet I couldn't have cared less there was no energy left in my body, rarely have I felt much worse. The day dawned hot and feverish, and as the sun rose I returned to the tent as Kees, oblivious to my night out partying with the wildlife, began to stir. Sorry mate, no biking today; I have a couple of wee issues to work through. Kees' reaction was "gees mate, couldn't have happened at a worse place". It was so hot it the tent that I clambered out and lay in my underwear directly on the cool sand in the shade, but then I became to cold, and would move back to the tent, this crawl, each time required an immense amount of energy, my stomach was cramping continuously, I was shaking,
sweaty and my breathing was shallow. This went on for about 3 hours and was not all that cool. My extensive travel insurance was the only think I had to be happy about, not that it was much use in that refugee looking camp. Anyhow locals lent me their big house tent to sleep in and I managed to while away the rest of the day sleeping and hoping my body could get itself back on top of things. About dinner time I started to improve proper, evaporating any concerns that I may have a real illness. Whew! Having spent a whole day in one little town, mostly in the campground even, Kees and later in the evening me also, began to become very well known, all the students were on their holidays and the family campers were having a good time so everyone was so relaxed and friendly. We both agreed staying and extra day had been a great cultural experience.
The next day a tail wind carried us all the way to Essaouira, which was lucky as I was running on lemonade, being still unable to consider eating. There were a couple of stretches of gravel and
old ship yards
fish fish and fish: Essouira some real one donkey towns but it was kinda fun.
Essaouira is a famous little town, party because of its beautiful coastal setting and architecture and partly because of its popularity with famous artists of the past, Cat Stevens lived here for a while before he converted apparently. Hendix and Marley hug out here too, not sure if they converted though. It was peak tourist season, the beach was all wheres wallied out and the kite and wind surfers were making the most of the constant strong wind. And of course the hashish sellers were out in force.
I became ravenously hungry that evening and had a large, but not huge meal which was to be my last for four days as I relapsed or more likely came down with something else. So sorry Essaouira, I'm not entirely sure why I was given this entry to write, Kees saw a lot more of it than me, however, the fortifications are massive, major seawalls lined with canons, and a cool fishing port. The Medina market area had plenty of tourists but the nougat and pastries were top notch. Also I went for a wander through the fish markets at
one point. Never have I seen such a variety of fish, out of about a hundred weird different types I recognised about three. Seafood fans do well here.
The stretch to Marrakech is long, straight, busy and boring so after four days in Essaouira we caught a bus to Marrkech. We rode into the chaos of Marrakesh, but really enjoyed the surroundings. Slept on a hotel balcony that night because it was getting on and the place was pretty full. Great location though. The best thing about Marrakech is the massive night dining experience in the square. It is one of the coolest dining scenes I've ever seen, with smoke billowing out of it and drums being played in the background. All this food cooked in front of you as you order and a buzzing atmosphere. Unfortunately I was yet to be able to eat but Kees got stuck in. And there is a great number of juice stands, with every man selling the same juice, but it's great and cheap! Also on the square I had a dude put a snake around my next while I was trying to eat an ice cream, with cobras dancing to flutes
Essoiura
Where do the children play? nearby, and we explored the massive Medina of wood and leather products.
My favourite Moroccan city so far.
Next back on the bikes...
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Mummybot
non-member comment
Crazy motherf##kers!
I always knew you had a screw or two loose up in that skull, but this latest North Africa mission you two are embarking on is one worth of ole Che - minus that internal combustion engine. Write some diaries (I guess that is a blog) and start a people's revolution in a dictatorial state - or would that be a democratic revolution in an islamic state? Good luck in the sweltering heat, I do hope you survive and live to tell the tale! I am parked up in Belgium at the moment so if you want a place to couchsurf whilst drinking the best beer in the world, you know where my online place is at. The mummybot