First up was Tiznit for a pit stop and a leg stretch. Although we're been lucky with respect to respectable toilets, we've had our fair share of holes in the floor along the way. At this particular place, it was also loaded with wasps and bees b/c of the fruit and honey in the restaurant. Couldn't believe the shear number of the insects!!
About half-way between Tiznit and Agadir, we stopped at another women's cooperative to see how Argon oil is produced from argon nuts. Amazing process - first the outer nut is cracked open using a stone, then the inner shell is broken open using a stone. Then the kernel is ground in a stone bowl using a grinder rotated by hand. The women in the cooperative do this sitting on the floor with their implements of destruction and nuts set around them. The oil is pressed and used for cosmetic purposes (soap, shampoo, facial cream...) or for cooking and seasoning etc. Nothing is wasted!! The attached shop offers the chance to purchase all the products and the shop matron is ready to give advice on the products.
Back in the bus and headed to Agadir. But before we arrived we saw another set of goats in the Argon trees - a photo option good to pass up. This time we also spoke to the herder who showed us how he brewed his tea and agreed to pictures. He also managed a quick bum grope in the process - I really need a life (or a boyfriend)!!
Agadir was amazing. A two hour stop gave plenty of time to eat lunch at a beach side cafe (not fast food!) and wander in the sand. Agadir is Morocco's top destination resort with more all-inclusive resorts than anywhere else in the country. Not a souk or medina town - think us, surf and sea! Tis is a completely modern city totally rebuilt after a 1960 earthquake razed the place and killed 15,000 people in 13 seconds.
Our brief sojourn gave us new life on the bus and we plugged in our favorite music (Khaled - C'est La Vie) and turned the party bus n for the last leg of the trip.
For the most part, this was a drive - think Pacific Coast Highway in California around Santa Monica) - and the surfers proved us right. Photos ops were plenty! Finally we pulled into Essaouira and parked in front of the Medina where we walked to our hotel just inside Bab El Menzeh (remember, Bab means gate).
Essaouira was apparently the best kept secret in Morocco until fairly recently. This place used to be a hippy hangout for surfing and artists but now a new generation of visitors has discovered its beauty. It sits on a long, curved bay of the same name and e fishermen out out to sea at 4:00 in the morning returning with their catch before breakfast.
I the day and a half we spent here at the Dar L'Oussia (a wonderful hotel), we explored souks, visited a silversmithing apprenticeship shop, watched a master carvers work his magic on thugs wood, ate, shopped...and that was only till 2:00!!! Afterwards we split up - some to a hamman (spa) for pedis, manis and massages, others for quadding on the beach and in the local forest and Shirene for a henna. Both evenings were had great meals but last night was spent at a local restaurant overlooking the ocean. They brought whole fish to the table to pick one for your supper. Pasta on the menu. Great evening with live local music!
Tomorrow brings us back to the beginning - full circle to Marrakech!
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