Good day in Essaouira — Exploring the Medina and Coast
Waking Up in Essaouira
Waking up in Essaouira in our fancy Moroccan hotel was a wonderful start to the day. Johan and I decided to wander around town in the morning and planned to meet up with Morris later on.
Exploring the Medina and Beach
We first explored the outside of the medina, which borders the beach. Along the way, we found another walled area, part of which was a cemetery. Though the people there couldn’t enjoy the view, we were able to walk around it and see small workshops where locals worked with minimal tools. Good shoes were helpful for walking along the beach, which mostly applied to me.
Walking Through the Medina
Back in the medina, the intricate alleys, walkways, and houses were beautiful and fun to explore. Soon after starting, I found a one-person hairdresser shop and decided to get a trim — about 50 dirham (~$5), which was not a big deal. We continued walking, discovering little shops and stopping for coffee or tea along the way. At one stop, we were on the fourth floor of a building with panoramic views over the medina and surrounding area. There were tourists, but it wasn’t overwhelming.
Fishermen’s Area and Local Life
We then walked to the fishermen’s area outside the medina. Freshly caught fish was displayed on the streets, and workers tried to keep flies away. There was lively activity, with some disputes over where boats should be docked. Birds were everywhere, and one even hit me! The square had live music and created a very enjoyable atmosphere.
Meeting Morris and Evening Exploration
After returning to our hotel, we met up with Morris and explored the medina further. We shared a meal and enjoyed the lively environment. Morris had plans to head about 20 km down the beach to City Kayuki, a growing surfing area, where he found a place to stay and possibly a surfboard.
Reflections on the Day
We enjoyed the company and parted ways, not expecting to see him again soon. Another night at the Kasbah Hotel capped off a fantastic day. Essaouira is very different from what we’re used to, full of life and culture, and it’s been a very enjoyable experience.
