Morocco Day 5

Day 05 - Saturday, March 14, 2009 – “Optional” Optional – Berber Market - Argane Trees - Essaouria – Old City

We woke up to overcast skies and the Kestrel Weather Meter said it was 64º with 62% humidity. The terrace staff was not quite ready for us as we went up to breakfast at a little before 7:15am. We had breakfast with Barbara and Vilma and heard about their night exploring the city.

Adil was at our hotel waiting for us at 8:00 and then Jamal joined us a few minutes later to begin our “Optional” Optional tour for the day. OAT had offered an optional hot air balloon ride. Their price was very steep - $290 for an hour’s ride. The four of us asked Jamal if he would consider an alternative program for the day.

We all agreed to a day’s trip to the sea. It was Saturday and as we left the city there were a few people out and about. The shops were just beginning to open and daily deliveries were being unloaded.

Our journey took us to the southwest part of the country. We saw many orange groves, covered green houses, and vineyards. Jamal knew of a Berber Market that was held on Saturdays so that was our first discovery.

Adil left us off and we spent almost an hour walking through the stalls and tented wares. We smiled and tried to greet the people, mostly men, but there were a few women vendors.

A few were very reluctant to make eye contact or have their pictures taken. Gennie and I would ask politely and if they said if no, we thanked them and walked on.

After a few tries, we were successful and then it was like a chain reaction; we would show the photos and then the friend or neighbor would ask to have his picture taken also.

What a delightful learning experience! After many photos, many hand shakes, and many High -5’s, we left the market and were on to our next adventure.

At 10:30 we stopped at a little café outside of Chichaoua for a cold drink and to use the rest rooms. While Adil and Jamal shared a mid-morning snack, we had a chance to walk around and take a few photos.

This is the only region in the country of Morocco where the famous argane trees grow. The oil of the nut is one of the main ingredients in the cosmetics we saw at the Berber Pharmacy.

Goats climb the trees to eat the nuts. We saw several goats in a tree along the roadside. We stopped to take the classic photo of the goats in the argane trees and as soon as we stopped, five young men came out from the surrounding trees wanting money. There are not many tourists in this area but it is amazing that the locals found us so easily!

At 12:10 we stopped at the Co-Op Assouss Argane where we saw the process of roasting and then grinding the nuts to make the famous oil. Hanane, our guide told us of the products that the women make and sell all over the world.

As we got closer to the sea and the city of Essaouria, we could see the dunes of sand and smell the salt air. The air was heavy with humidity and the winds were strong. The temperature on the shore was 75º and the humidity was up to 72%.

We walked along the sea wall to a very nice restaurant on the Atlantic. Gennie and I shared a wonderful seafood salad, Barbara and Vilma had salads and Jamal and Adil had delicious looking fish plates.

After our lunch, at 2:30 we visited the main city entering through the Bab Gate of the old walled fortress. For three delightful hours we strolled down the streets, looking at the merchandise and the shoppers and vendors.

Our first learning and discovery of the afternoon was the Artist’s Cooperative where artisans crafted silver jewelry. The pieces were tempting and very detailed with gems and precious stones.

We also visited a woodworking shop. Here artisans carved and produced inlaid products in the traditional Muslim designs.

Our last official stop was the port where the fishermen were just unloading their catch of the day. As sea gulls swarmed above us, we watched housewives and merchants bargain for the crabs, eel, and every other gift of the Atlantic.

At 6:00 we made a brief stop back at the restaurant where we had lunch just to use the restrooms before we began our journey back to Marrakech.

Our “Optional” excursion was an unforgettable experience. All four of us were tired but so happy we changed the program and let our Tour Director show us even more of his beautiful country.

We arrived back at the hotel at 9:15. While Gennie started typing the journal, I went out to get us a pizza. We had our late night snack and then finished looking at our hundreds of photos.

Accommodations: Moroccan House Hotel - - - Meal: B

Please see our Trip Evaluation -- Click Here -- A Complete Review of Overseas Adventure Travel Pre-Trip to Marrakech, Morocco.

If you are traveling individually may we recommend:

Jamal Boularhbar, Tour Leader

recommended by National Geographic Adventure Magazine

j_boularhbar@hotmail.com

+212 611 320 874