Day 40 – Essaouira
It rained in the night which was the first rain we had seen for many days. However the temperature during the night was warm compared to the coolness in the mountains at night.
We set of for our destination to the north. Before we reached Taghazout I was stopped for speeding. I was doing 72 k.p.h. in a 60 k.p.h. stretch. The police here give out an instant fine which in my case was 300 Dh (about £22.50) but I pleaded that we were on our way home and didn’t have a lot of money. He let me off with a fine of 200 Dh (about £15). No receipt or paperwork was offered or given so not sure where the cash will end up!
Next stop was Taghazout village where we obtained some more bottled water, bread and yoghurts. Then on with the journey. The road followed the coast for part of the way before turning inland. It was twisting and up and down mountains. It took about 3 hours to reach the town of Essaouira.
We are parked in a guardien parking area for the night. I have had the van washed for the price of 70 DH (about £5) by an enterprising young man. We have had the usual band of street vendors trying to sell us all sorts of things – Car wipers, Jewellery, Carpets, pictures. We have yet to have the fruit offered…. they may still be around yet.
Been making plans for our trip home when we get to Spain / France. We are going to visit some friends we met a few years back who live close to Perpignan. Should be there over the weekend of 22nd / 23rd Feb. They are going to make an appointment for us to take the dogs to the vet on the monday morning so that they can get back into the UK. It will then leave us just over 3 days to get back to Calais. Lots of driving but it should be a good end to the holiday.
Had a fry up for dinner and we used the last of the fresh strawberries. Not bad for winter eh! Starting to eat out of the stock of food we brought with us. Really do not want to take it home.
Tina has been a little better today. Had a sleep this afternoon whilst I had a short walk around the Medina. Would like to spend a little more time here but that is something we don\’t have now.
On to Oualidia tomorrow – another guardien parking area. Tonight cost 25dh (£2). Where else could you get this value for money.