By the beautiful sea . . .
Trip Start
Feb 16, 2006
1
13
17
Trip End
Feb 28, 2006
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Essaouira,
Morocco
Monday, February 27, 2006
Marrakech - Midnight
Dear Readers:
Another fabulous day in Morocco! We are out the door at 8am, driving to the seaside port of Essaouira. Because of the recent rain, the passing scenery is green and gorgeous. We stop at a women's cooperative where they crush the seeds that produce Argan Oil, observing the process and purchasing some if so inclined (I resist).
Our guide tries to fill the few hours drive with more information about Islam, and it is interesting to hear about the religion from the perspective of a believer, but I almost feel as though I am being proselytized
01 High Atlas Mountains
. After an explanation of the difference between Sunni and Shiite Islam, I ask which branch Osama bin Laden adheres to, and he makes it clear that he tries to know as little as possible about a man who is not at all appreciated in Morocco.He repeatedly states that what Osama is teaching has nothing to do with Islam, which forbids the harming of yourself or another person. The only exception is when you are yourself being killed, and then it is permitted to kill. Time passes quickly, and we are soon on a bluff overlooking the beautiful, white city on the ocean.
After a couple of photo stops, we plunge into the old city. It is amazing how broad the avenues are, and how straight. Not at all like the wandering lanes of the medinas we have visited up to this time. We clamber around on the fortress wall with cannons facing out to sea. Next is a visit to the handicrafts center where I purchase a wooden mask of a Berber face to add to our collection.
Lunch is at a restaurant with an ocean view from the upper level terrace. I gratefully soak in the sun, which has been so absent during this tour. I have absolutely no idea that we are just around the corner from the new home of one of my clients
02 Fields
. We have arranged in advance to allow the group inside to see it. The original plan was for the owner to be present to greet us personally, but he is unable to get away. Instead, his "man" meets us at the restaurant and escorts us to the five-level abode.My client had sent me on a mission to determine the state of finality of the finishing touches, so my clients and I acted as spies-sweeping through every floor and commenting on the wild color schemes and decorative touches. I can't wait to see it after my client has actually moved in!
Back to Marrakech, arriving at about 6pm. I sort out the tips for the guide, the driver, and his assistant with my faithful tip auditor, and then the phone rings. Two of my clients have misplaced their Royal Air Maroc airline tickets, and are in a panic. I tell them I will get on it with my tour operator, but it is Sunday night and there is really nothing we can do at this point until Monday morning. I will meet with him first thing tomorrow.
A client and I go to dinner together near the famous Square of Marrakech. First we split up and wander around, soaking up the atmosphere individually, and then at a designated time we meet back in front of a café to eat and compare our impressions of the experience. It is truly a community gathering place, with large circles of men enjoying music and dancing and storytelling and other forms of entertainment. There is joy and laughter and tightly packed crowds fending off the nighttime chill.
After dinner and a pastry, we take a few more turns around the square before taking a taxi home. Exhausted, at midnight, I bid you good night!
Big hugs,
Dan
