Essaouira

ESSAOUIRA (pron. essa-WEE-ra)

After two weeks of driving through the arid Atlas Mountains and the Sahara, we head to the Atlantic Coast and the city of Essaouira for some surf and sand. Essaouira is different from other Moroccan cities we've seen so far. It was designed by the same French architect who built Saint-Malo. But inside its walls, it's unmistakably Moroccan : winding labyrinthine streets, colorful street stalls, rotting smell of fish, donkeys being led through narrow alleys.... I'm really loving the whole thing!  

Sunset at Essaouira's port

Essaouira's port is one of the busiest on Africa's Atlantic Coast.  These blue boats are the town's signature vessels.

Essaouira's fortified wall seen in the distance, with seagulls screaming overhead

Taros, a rooftop restaurant that Chris and I went back to a few times. It had a great Mediterranean feel and the food was really tasty. Plus, the magician who worked there managed to remove my wristwatch during a magic trick and I was soooo impressed (and obviously easily distracted).

Café Saha. One of many nice, little corners to sip some sweet mint tea and people-watch in Essaouira.

The teapot mitts are little Berber men wearing fez hats (red caps with black tassels)!

Our awesome riad in Essaouira

This courtyard is where breakfast was served every morning, so delightful...

Back at Essaouira's port. It's as though I just can't get enough of that smell!

Seagulls sure do enjoy them fish guts!  It's hard to convey what the fresh fish market smelled like, and I'm not gonna try.

One of hundreds of dye, spice and herb stores in Essaouira's medina. One of the natural herb baskets here is labeled in French : ''Viagra Express, for climbing the curtains''.  

Cool idea. 

                                     

Betcha didn't know there were so many kinds of olives...

Kitesurfing in Essaouira, easily Morocco's windiest city.  Even though it was hot, I couldn't consider suntanning here, as I would have been mercilessly whipped by sand all day.

After Essaouira, we made our way back to Marrakesh to catch a train connection to our next city, Fez. I really do enjoy Marrakesh and its craziness, and I was happy to go back for one more day. The main square was as lively as expected and the constant brashness of the vendors had become entertaining. 

Ah, Marrakesh market food stalls.... Those glossy, round beige things are sheep brains. There are also sheep heads (back left), a pig snout (front left) and other various animal parts on display and yes --as you can see-- many people were eating at this stall. 

Snails (escargots) cooked in tea. I tried them, I didn't like them. Personally, I prefer them smothered in garlic and cheese. I'm glad I tried them, though. Must try new things!

Marrakesh market, beautifully lit at night.

Et voilà un très bref aperçu de Marrakesh, tout le monde!  

Stay tuned for Fez!  xxxx