johnsunter.com >> adventures - world >> africa >> morocco 08 3
Visit to Morocco with the Adventure Company (3/3).
Our final destination on the trip is Essauira
No vehicles were allowed in this charming town.
Like normal, the AC had picked a venue off the beaten track that was a hidden gem.
We have a quick wander around the harbour.
There were amazing sounds and colours (this isn't a tourist trap, its a working fishing port).
Apparently this fort inspired Jimmi Hendrix to write castles made of Sand (sean has pointed out, its track 1, side 2 of the album Axis: bold as love).
We saw this fellow laying out the best of that days catch which included an eel.
It has to be said, that the smell was pungent (however the web hasn't developed that far yet, so you don't have to endure it).
Al, Tony and I continue to explore.
I thought we made quite a good team, I really enjoyed their company.
The main square in Essauira
The hotel on the right of the picture has a rooftop nightclub, and it was here that we had our "leaving do" for Chris, and where various musicians attempted to romance, the lovely Segun
In the daytime, like the rest of Essauira, it really was magnificent to see, with the sunshine and the sea air.
Tone had had problems with antibiotics (the "problems" being that he couldn't drink).
Luckily, towards the end of the trip, he was back on the ale and the 3 of us, along with assorted stragglers were able to embark on an evening of debauchery once again !.
During one of the evenings, I was this picture in our hotel foyer.
They had various paintings (done by local artists, they were for sale).
I took a shine to this particular one.
It was supposed to be the little girl, walking down the dark alley to follow a friendly ghost.
I interpreted it to mean that she should follow the future representation of herself, and the life she could have.
The hotel owner told us that the alley in the picture was quite near the hotel and while exploring we would almost certainly find it.
The next day, as we wandered around, we found the alleyway, that the picture was based on.
We have our evening meal at a restaurant on the beach.
The following morning, after breakfast on the terrace, we walk out of the town.
Essauira is a very special place, I know ill go back there.
On the way back to Marrakech, we visit a workers co-operative run by widowed or divorced women.
Back in Marrakech, Al and I do some more exploring.
He helped me to find Hotel Ali, a legend among backpackers.
150m for posing with snake charmers (Usually paid a fee to photograph someone, but this seemed excessive).
Just about the only "proper" pub in the Median.
Inside it looked and felt like the social club in Get Carter.
That said, they were very friendly and alistair, Tony and I had some pretty cool times in there.
The flag beer was expensive (about 2 quid for a 3rd of a pint).
Behind me is the Royal palace.
A guard came out, told me I couldn't take pictures and demanded to see my camera, in case I had taken any already.
Our final evening, we visit the night market.
The thing I loved about the place was its authenticity.
Ordinary people just sat down and ate their evening meal here.
Something I've always wanted to do.
Have dinner overlooking the Medina.
It was very difficult to photograph, but here it is.
