Into Africa: Essaouira

Essaouira is a city on the west coast of Morocco, about two hours due west of Marrakech. The ride out that way is beautiful. And you can feel when the ocean is getting close; desert turns to scrubland, scrub to trees. And in case anyone was wondering, goats really do climb trees- we saw some. Unfortunately we were unable to stop and snap a picture, so you'll just have to take my word for it. But it does happen, and it's every bit as ridiculous as it looks in pictures you see online.

On the road again.

Essaouira (pronounced Ee-sa-weer-ah) is the Berber name for the town, meaning 'the wall'. It makes sense- the walls that surround the city are both ancient and massive. Since the 16th century it has also gone by the Portuguese name Mogador. It has long been an important port town, having been in use since the 5th century when the Carthaginian navigator Hanno founded a trading post there. Today it is not used much commercially. It's more of a surf and fishing town, and home to a pretty big music festival in the end of June.

Though we were only there a little over a day, that was long enough for me to fall in love with the place. I thought the people in Marrakech were friendly. Well they ain't got nothing on this place. It's way more relaxed than the big city, and it's actually possible to walk through the markets without people trying to sell things to you. Pretty great actually. Pluss the weather and the ocean are both warm enough to allow swimming. In the Atlantic. In March. 

Even the little kids could get into playing around in the waves.

Caroline and Laura enjoying the view.

We met a bunch of friendly locals here, including a surf instructor named Sam, who was kind enough to show us around a bit, and who also just so happened to have made a few appearances in the latest season of Game of Thrones. I think it's safe to say that I now know a celebrity. The massive jetty protecting the harbor is beautiful at night. Some of the best stargazing I've ever done. Also, for those of you keeping score at home, the old battlements of Essaouira feature in season three of Game of Thrones. Check out the slave market scene- I've been there.

Also, a big shout-out to Ismail and Abdel, two other new friends.

One of the main streets at sundown.

Just a little guy out for a stroll.

An old door.

Some pots. I wish I had had enough room in my backpack for some pottery. The colors and designs were fabulous.

That tower. Game of Thrones.

The port.

Back to the city.

Tired of pictures of doors yet?