(Photo - New boardwalk with Ocean Vagabond in the Background )

Essaouira Beach Changes

Things are really moving fast in our little city, especially along the waterfront. Essaouira beach and the boardwalk have new signs, guard posts, playgrounds and an information center. The signs have a map that indicate where watersports are allowed and the locations of important places like the police, toilets, restaurants and the information center. The biggest news is that the Boardwalk is being extended all the way down the beach to the circle, where the road splits and the camels are rented.

There has already been a lot of construction and I yesterday went up to take a look. I stopped my bike along the sidewalk just past the Ocean Vagabond and hopped over the cement wall to get a good view. It looks like the planned boardwalk cuts directly through the present location of the Vagabond - see photo above. This means the rumor may be true that they are moving down the beach to the end of the new boardwalk. It may not be coincidental that this move opens up the entire front of the New Atlas Resort.

I remember when the only cafes on the boardwalk were the Fanatic and the Ocean Vagabond. Then a few years ago Sofitel built their new Restaurant Cote Plage. This was followed by Restaurant de la Baie, the smart cafe built right next to the Fanatic. Now the Fanatic has closed and been transformed into a chic new Restaurant that should open in the next few weeks. That's quite a little strip of nice places to eat and relax. But let us wait and see. I'll bet Atlas Resorts have some exciting plans for their large section of the boardwalk.

Overall, I would say that Ocean Sports are getting pushed down the beach in favor of luxury cafes which is normal for a growing city. Luckily we have a very long beach!

News:

New 10 Dirham store opens up in front of Supermarket Fath!!

Weather - Great waves all week in the bay, but it will be best at the Cave. Sunny warm afternoons!!

Current Events:

The Alliance Françoise is hosting the exhibition «Le Maroc à contre-jour» de Jean-Claude Laffitte - Du 3 au 24 février - Vernissage le samedi 3 février à 19h.

For at full schedule of events at the Alliance Françoise, go to their website at:

http://www.ambafrance-ma.org/institut/afm-essaouira/index.cfm?num=948&archives=1&motcle=28

The Alliance Françoise is located on Rue Laalouj not far from Dar Suki.

Upcoming Events

Gnaoua Festival 2007 - Dates have yet to be posted.

Next Week: New Stores Around the City

Blog Posted each Monday by Ron Bauer, see you soon!