Essaouira

We left Fes in the early morning, passing through the food market on the way to the blue gate Bab Boujeloud. The usually bustling, noisy market was quiet except for the sound of one resident we'd met earlier - the hedgehog at the chicken, pigeon and snail stall. We couldn't confirm whether he was also on the menu but the man at the apothecary said that hedgehogs were supposed to ward off the Evil Eye.



A long 7 hour train journey by first class to Marrakech, then a quick transfer onto the bus for a further 3 hours. I wasn't feeling too good (I get motion sickness) but I was lucky to have Dave watching over me. When we arrived, it had all been worth it - Essaouira (Mogador) is a breath of fresh sea air. It's an eighteenth century blue-and-white town surrounded by battlements; facing a cluster of islands called Iles Purpuraire, named for the imperial purple dyes once produced there by the Romans.





We stayed at a lovely place called Riad Marosko owned by a French couple. Mari was very welcoming and we loved the breakfast on the terrace, Moroccan pancakes with fruit salad, honey and a curious but yummy jam (what fruit was it made from? We couldn't decide). She gave us an introduction to the city, including directions to a 'Ficus Remarquable' with huge roots.





Being beside the sea was the best choice for a wander... Dave had plenty of practice with his wildlife photography skills, capturing seagulls making the most of the battlements for lift.









Not a bad place for a rest, either!



Down at the beach we spied a Moroccan family enjoying the sea.



There are camel rides if you fancy, though we settled for just petting them.



The Jimi Hendrix castle, which is supposed to feature in his song 'Castle Made of Sand'.



Pretending that we're out in the Sahara.



Then walking back...



Waiting...



...we enjoyed the view as the sun went down.