Monday, March 21, 2021

We cannot believe it is our last day. It was such an amazing tour both in a group sense and the experiences we had. It is so difficult to believe we’ll be heading our separate ways tomorrow morning. 

It was a 3 hour drive from Marrakesh to the coast with a couple stops on the way. Aside from the “logistical” stop, we were able to tour an Argan Oil production center owned and run by women. 

On the way, Yassim told us that the triangle formed by the cities of Essaouira, Agadir and Taroudant was one of the only places in the world where Argan trees are grown. Goats are beneficial to the trees as they prune the trees during the hot months during mid-May through July when grass is scarce. They actually climb the trees in order to reach the branches and the tree nuts.

The women in the co-op were friendly and welcoming. We watched the nuts being processed from shell to Amlou, the “Moroccan Nutella”, and the famous oil. A table was laid out with bread to dip in bowls of honey, Argan Oil and Amlou.

We had our first menthol mint tea—can’t say it’s a favorite as it was nearly impossible to raise the glass to our lips without inhaling a lung full of Hall’s cough drops! Shopping over and back on the bus to drive to the gorgeous seaside port of Essaouira.

Tauck must have saved the best for last! The day was absolutely flawless: clear blue skies and bright sunshine making it perfect for photo opportunities. As we walked along the beach towards the ancient port, Yassim took this opportunity to give us an overview of the history, allowing us to learn more about this charming, walled city. 

This unique city, located on the Atlantic Ocean, has a colorful history, literally! It was founded by the Romans who settled here to harvest the murex sea snail that produced purple dye, the color and symbol of royalty. Others followed, including those from Portugal, Spain and the Netherlands. Essaouira was also known as Mogador until 1960. According to legend the Berber Regraga were the descendants of the 7 saints or apostles of Islam and had met with Mohammed. There is an annual festival where the descendants of these holy men gather to celebrate.

We walked to see the famed Flouka, the blue fishing boats tied up in the harbor. Despite the large number of boats being tied up, there was an extraordinary amount of activity as fisherman climbed over the boats and onto the pier, dodging seagulls (and tourists!). Walking away from the busy port, we entered the city through the Marine Gate, then onward, passing a fisherman repairing his nets, a healthy looking cat catching a snooze, all the while watching the waves crashing on the shore outside the massive walls.

We entered the main square with its restaurants, shops and white-walled architecture. Our next stop was the Sqala, a platform with Spain-made cannons overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Before reaching the Sqala, we walked along a narrow walkway with the city wall to our left and buildings to our right. Colorful blue doors and windowless alleys branched away from the wall to the inner Kasbah.

We reached another gate that opened into a souk where shopping opportunities abounded! Yassim promised we could spend 15 minutes looking around only after we climbed up a ramp to get a better view of the crashing Atlantic waves and large cannons of the Sqala.

It was an amazing view and definitely an easy climb. The Sqala is a platform that is nearly 600 feet long. We were unable to walk the full length as a film crew was in the process of creating the set for the Indiana Jones movie. We will have to see it when it is released! Mary Margaret found an opportunity to make a quick purchase from the artist set up along the Sqala.

Back through the clean and friendly Medina where we spend our allotted 15 minute shopping opportunity, to the Mellah, the Jewish Quarter where we toured the Bayt Dakia, or House of Memory.

It was a small but interesting museum with a prayer room inside. Many of the exhibits held objects used in religious ceremonies as well as traditional dress and instruments.

We left the museum and headed further into the Mellah, specifically to the jewelry school. The Mellah is well known for its silversmiths as the Jews brought this skill to the Berbers.

We had a brief demonstration on jewelry making as well as an opportunity to view the various styles as students became more skillful.

The selections offered in the showroom were amazing in their variety and design. Purchases made and off to lunch at the beach. It was truly a perfect last day in Morocco.

Essaouira, the ”Windy City” is a popular location for kite surfing. We did not see any activity other than people walking on the beach, enjoying the powdery sand.

We strolled back from the beach to our bus and a 3 hour drive back to Marrakesh where we had an opportunity to clean up before our farewell dinner.