ESSAOUIRA - After just one night in luxury tents (quite literally - even with the compost toilets) it was time for Land Cruiser travel yet again. Off to Essaouira.
A majestically beautiful quaint sea-side city of blue and white; quiet and reserved yet full of history and meaning.
Distributed throughout the hotel, most of us re-grouped for lunch. Followed by a walking tour with our local guide, we learned some of the unique history and background of Essaouria: from 16th century Portuguese towers (1506 AD), to a French built coastline defense still with its original canons (from Spain and Holland). The Medina and fortification date to the 1700's: Essaouria was a major trading port for shipments and by trade by land.
Today the various barracks have become shops and others storage for fishermen's gear. Formerly home to many Jewish immigrants, only four families remain, but Essaouria's unique blend of past history show through. Morocco having been conquered by Muslim invaders, the country is still one if tolerance: Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.
BY NIGHT WE RULED - Being day 5 and still full of energy, our 30 and 40 something selves didn't let the night snuff out with dinner and a drink - dinner was just the start...
Back to the hotel!
Staying rooftop at Taros until close, we retreated to our hotel where we had an entire rooftop terrace - across two buildings - to our selves. We welcomed some neighbors from downstairs (whom had perhaps heard our voices echoing down the stairwell) celebrating a 50th birthday party.
Alas, all good nights must come to an end; by 3am, our morning breakfast and self guided shopping awaited.