Kasbahs, Souks, Imperial City and Argan Oil -

October 10, 2019
AGADIR, Morocco 
Arrive: 7:30 AM
Sunrise 7:37 AM
Temp. 82F Overcast 

Agadir, situated on the Atlantic Ocean near the foot of the Atlas Mountains, 
is a popular holiday destination with lovely beaches and a vibrant nightlife. 
 It has a mild winter climate, an important fishing and commercial port, and 
is famous for seafood and agriculture. We did see miles of tomatoes being
 grown under cover on the day long shore excursion.

The morning was somewhat dreary when leaving on the all day tour via comfortable
 buses. We drove to this overview of Agadir and visited the Oufella (Kasbah) in
 one of the oldest districts in the city. 

The fortress with its winding streets built in 1572 was destroyed in the major
 earthquake of 29 February 1960. . . . . and the area is still under repair!

Our friend Kim with her usual fun "I'll try anything" personality, climbing 

aboard the one hump dromedary - her hubby Rob in the background.

I love the expressions on the faces of camels - they always appear to be smiling with
a "come hither" look under those long eyelashes!

We continued on to the imperial city of Taroudant, stopping here for refreshments -

cookies and cooled camel's milk!

Taroudant is framed by ramparts that showcase the city - one of the most

beautiful in Morocco. Walls are steeped in history and its towers have stood

 tall for five centuries to protect the former capital of the Saadian sultans.

Taroudant has a great legacy and a rich history but is not a museum-city stuck

 in time to memorialize its bygone glory.  Here, the bustle of modern life blends

 seamlessly with heritage and tradition.

Why are the goats climbing trees?

The area around Taroudant has become famous for the production of 

argan oil - known around the world now especially in beauty products such

as hair shampoos, conditioners, and many lotions and potions where the 

essence and oil is said to promote well-being.

Tree goats. This eye-catching phenomenon occurs in argan (or argania spinosa), 

a thorny tree with a gnarled trunk endemic to southwestern Morocco and a small 

section of western Algeria. Argan trees produce a fruit that must smell and

 taste delicious because it attracts goats up onto their branches.

Quite an unexpected sight - our Moroccan guide informed us it was very 

commonplace and the goats are actually 'pruning' the trees. 

From the look of their somewhat greasy coats, I'm thinking they must partake

 of the oily nuts for their three meals a day!

Momma and cute baby.

So, while the men apparently support the 'cafe society'. . . . . . . ladies below.........

. . . . . . .were working hard cracking and pressing the argan nuts to extract 

their essence and concoct the oil!

Regarding the visit to an actual shop with a chance to purchase argan oil

 products - which I passed on as I was not thrilled of the thought of leaks

 in my checked baggage - my favorite part was these beautiful 

green pots outside. . . . . . . if only I could have brought these home!

By then we were all quite hungry and, on the long return drive to Agadir

 were welcomed to a late lunch at the well-known Chem Ayour Restaurant.

MENU

Moroccan Salad

Couscous with seven vegetables

Chicken Tagine 

Veggie Tagine (for the likes of me)

Dessert Pastilla with milk

Wine and water

Beautiful luncheon tent.

It was a huge amount of couscous. . . . . . but very, very tasty!

That night we commenced the sail of 296 nautical miles toward the next port of call,

 El Marsa, which meant a day at sea which was welcomed after visiting busy

 Agadir and Taroudant.  

The city of Laayoune was calling from the desert. . . . . one of the least

 populated regions of the world!

"As usual I finish the day before the sea, sumptuous this evening beneath the moon,

which writes Arab symbols with phosphorescent streaks on the slow swells. 

There is no end to the sky and the waters.

How well they accompany sadness"

---------Albert Camus

Essaouira, Morocco. . . . . . . .

October 9, 2019

ESSAOUIRA, Morocco

Arrive:   7:30 AM

Sunrise:  7:35 AM

Temp.  85F

. . . . . and how do you pronounce it?  
You can say Ess-a-wee-ra, but Moroccans say something like Es-sway-ra as
 they speak quickly and often leave letters out.

The road there from the port of Safi was not a really pretty ride - and it took
 a good 1.5 hours to get through the rough, dry countryside.
Essaouria was founded in the 18th century and built to rival Agadir. 
Formerly it was known as Mogador, meaning "the fortress." Designed as a
fortified town surrounded by ramparts, it played an important role
 as an international trading seaport, linking Morocco and sub-Saharan
 Africa with Europe and the rest of the world.

Above, probably the best view along the road to the sea.

Another 'camel stop' with rude men who said "no" to photos unless you paid.

I managed this one with a glimpse of Bob with raised arm, for free!

FYI - camels in Morocco are actually Arabian dromedaries with just one hump.

The main difference between a dromedary and a camel is in fact the number

 of humps. However, the dromedary also has longer limbs than the camel and they

are lighter and swifter, often being trained for riding and racing.

When we reached the old fishing port at last, I realized the long ride was worthwhile.

The sight of the ocean, the smells and colors alone were mesmerizing and, although

 the locals were not too responsive to pose for photos, I did manage a few.

Surrounding Essaouira's UNESCO World Heritage Medina are its 18th-century walls,

 or ramparts. On the northern and western flanks, these ramparts protect the Medina

 from the crashing Atlantic waves This section of the ramparts is called Skala de la

 Kasbah, and a climb up the steps to the top platform -- with a line of Portuguese

 brass cannons still pointing out to sea and its northern bastion, Bab Ljhad -

offers a fantastic view of both the Medina and the ocean. 

The Kasbah was fascinating. 

Filled wall to wall with colorful, interesting shops selling local handicrafts

 such as paintings, leather, Argan oil, spices, and fragrant thuya wood turned

 into lovely boxes, and other decorative objects. . . . . . . 

. . . . . . such as these amazing bowls which I would have loved to bring home

 if it had been possible to pack them safely and deal with the extra weight!

Bowls and tagines for cooking and serving tasty Moroccan couscous dishes.

The fishing fleet was in, there was a lot net mending taking place.

Following the lovely bustling morning, we proceeded to the beach area for a really 

tasty fresh seafood lunch outdoors, followed by a walk along the quieter beachfront. 

Later we returned to the ship for our onward sail of 142 nautical miles overnight to

 the city of Agadir.