Day 16 – Essaouira
We move further south today even though we had some warm weather and the locals were really welcoming.
We left at our usual time of around 10:30 – 11:00 am and made a short trip of 40 miles to Safi where we visited a Marjane supermarket for a shopping fix for the girls. Tina insisted that she was given time to browse the shop. I am sure she would still be there if I didn’t occasionally chivy her along. The newbies were surprised at the extent of the products that can be purchased from white goods to toilet rolls. A number of them came out with plastic buckets with lids for all manner of purposes.
Tina spotted a clothes boutique and a jacket in the window. She entered the shop and eventually bought a long sleeved jacket for £25. There was no bargaining her and I was most disappointed.
When we got back out we found cars parked up in between the vans although there was acres of space in the car park. Brian commented that they must be brain dead. Soon a policeman turned up and was discussing the stupid of this action with the driver. He was very thorough looking through this guys papers. Eventually he was allowed to leave. I bagged up some sweets and gave them to the policeman saying they were for his children. He was most appreciative.
After filling with fuel we were on our way again. Driving through some of the villages you have to take great care. People, bikes, donkey carts and cars come from all manner of directions without, what seems, and consideration or care in the world. Knock me over please seems to be the message.
We get to our destination and there has to be 60+ vans here. The most I have ever seen and I think we have been here at least 4 times. We are right up the end. The temperature today was a steady 24°C and we did see on our dashboard 31°C whilst waiting to get into the fuel station. Much better that back in the uK I believe. We still haven’t gone as far south as we plan and it should get better.
Evening meal done and we sit and watch a film… Ricky and the Flash. I was expecting a negative reaction before the start but actually got a positive reaction at the end. Merrill Streep was very good in it. Didn’t know she could sing.
Oh just to mention we did buy the cake we ordered. The guy pleaded that he lost money on the last one so the price was back to the original 30 MAD (£2). When asking shall we have a slice of cake. “No, thats for when we all get together” comes the reply. Most disappointed but at least she’s trying to help with my weight loss program. Krish will be pleased !!
Probably go into town tomorrow and sit and have a relaxing lunch in the sunshine. It has to be done. I will think of all of our friends and family back in the UK in the cold (but only for a second ha ha)