Day 53 – Essaouira

Delightful day. Leisurely morning whilst we get organised to visit the medina in the centre of town.
We walk up to the hotel where we are likely to get a petite taxi. Soon one comes along and we all start to get in. Sorry says the drive “I am only licenced to carry 3 passengers” I am sure that we have seen these taxis elsewhere with 4 passengers and the driver. Tina and I got in with the understanding that Terry & Brenda would catch the next taxi.
Once down in town I start to look at each taxi as they come by as there is more than one place where they could be dropped off. I must have stood there for 20 mins before walking back to Tina and suggesting we try somewhere different just in case we missed them. Lo & behold they had walked the journey and were only just behind me.
We all walked around the medina with its different shops selling all manner of things aimed at the tourists. We came upon the battlements where there were cannon still in place. Looking over the wall the sea was crashing over the rocks. It was a great vista and pleasantly relaxing.
After walking around some more we came upon a square at the back of the shops which had restaurants on all sides. We chose one and ordered our meals. Very nice and delicious. A little expensive by Moroccon standards but still cheaper that we are used to. The cost around 100 Dirhams or £7 each.
We now walked back to the area where we had parked 12 months before. The car park was still there but Motorhomes were not allowed anymore. Each couple took a taxi back the 2km to the van. It cost 7 dirhams (50p). You wouldn’t get that value in the UK.
Tina rested the afternoon and we made a decision to move on tomorrow to Safi … about 140km (just about 90 miles). We have chosen a campsite where we can get electric and catch up on the washing. Our trek north continues albeit slowly.