Essaouira

The next two nights we are staying in Sidi Kaouki, but on our way there we are stopping to visit also Essaouira, a city port on Morocco's Atlantic coast. 

The characteristic blue fishing boats in the port

Before Essaouira we stopped at an argan oil women's cooperative. This is the only part in Morocco and in the world where argan grows. Due to this fact the cosmetics containing argan are very expensive.
There are goats eating the argan fruits from the trees. Yes! I saw a lot of goats in argan trees. The fruits are collected and transformed in oil for cosmetic or culinary use.
It's so hard to leave outside the occidental misconceptions about African countries! I was so convinced that Morocco's roads must be terrible. Bigger it was my surprise to discover the opposite. Romania can't dream of roads like this.
After these days I strongly believe that the only way I can truly enjoy a place, a different culture that the one I live in, is to keep my mind open.
The distance from Marrakech to Essaouira is around ~180km.
Before having lunch we visited Skala du Port, a bastion offering picturesque views over the fishing port. 

The fortified tower that defends the harbour entrance 

Moulay Hassan Square in the port

If Marrakech is buzzing, Essaouira is the opposite. And this is the reason I liked it more. I love tranquil places that calm my mind.

Essaouira souk

If brick red is the colour of Marrakech, blue marine is the colour of Essaouira. At each step I saw white washed walls with blue doors and windows. This is something characteristic to all sea side settlements.

Buildings in medina of Essaouira 

I can't pass by without admiring the colourful craftwork of local artisans.

Coloured Moroccan ceramics

Street in medina of Essaouira

Essaouira is also a city of animals, cats and dogs equally. Hassan told us that the stray dogs and cats strolling down the streets are the symbol of the big-hearted people living there that take care of them and feed them despite their poverty.

Stray dog on the streets of medina

Blue door

One of the main streets of the medina with shops

A dog sunbathing

Cat sleeping in the warm sun rays

Shops down the city walls

In this place was also filmed the episode "Walk of punishment", the third episode of the third season of GoT. On exactly this place, Daenerys, accompanied by Ser Jorah Mormont and Ser Barristan Selmy, walks along a sea wall known as the "Walk of Punishment."

The fortified ramparts of the city 

More narrow streets with artisan's boutiques

Essaouira beach

Dromedaries eating from argan trees 

Sunset view from Sidi Kaouki auberge

Auberge is the french word for an inn.

Sunset view on Sidi Kaouki beach

And we are halfway through the journey...