It rained in the morning but soon the sun came out and our day in Essaouira was a great success.
I wanted to come here to see and walk over the ramparts built by the Portuguese which were inspired by a disciple of Vauban, the naval architect who designed St. Malo. The region though, like all of Morocco has a much richer history involving berber tribes, Carthage, Rome, the Vandals, Spain as well as Portugal. Today this is peaceful place, a favourite recreation and tourist spot but battlements, the two sqalas (sea bastions) and crenellations (bevelled-built by Europeans and the Islamic, square in shape), speak of past wars.
vestiges of past dangers
the Atlantic ocean
prosperous cats
admiring fabulous views
freshest of fish
art gallery
We looked at the ocean, remembered that Orson Wells has filmed here his Othello, then go down to the Medina. Here we find the maze of narrow streets and oval gates, housing shops and the painting galleries which made this town famous for the modern tourist. We walk, shop, admire the views, take pictures and have lunch at the port. This must be the first good meal in Morocco; fish freshly caught, grilled and served with salad and the delicious Moroccan bread.
Before we leave we have coffee and a pleasant talk with the owner of the cafe. She comes from Swithzerland and talks to us about herself, the people of Morocco, Essaouira, IN FRENCH.
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