Photo of the Week - Full Moon rise over Essaouira Beach

There is no better way to start you day in our beautiful city than with a warm Pain au Chocolate and a hot coffee. Where to get your coffee is obvious, if you're a local you go to the Cafe De France. Many Moroccans consider the oldest the best, and the CDF is by far the oldest cafe in the Place.

Where to get your Pain au Chocolate is a much more tricky proposition. Some say that the Pain at the Maison Gourmand is the best. I tend to agree, but it's a bit far away and they charge 3 per pain. You can get them on the street that goes to Bab Marrekech for 1 DH, but they are a bit dry. The best place? In my opinion the best all around value is at the little bakery directly across from the Hotel Cap Sim. It's near the place, just walk past Jacks Real Estate Office, turn left up the alley and the bakery is on your right. Go early because they sell out by 10AM. Arrive by 9 and you get a nice warm Pain au Chocolate for 1.5 DH. Buy a couple and get on over to the Cafe De France.

Essaouira Beach Walks

Essaouira is surrounded by beautiful beaches, Safi Beach to the north and Essaouira Plage to the south. This week I took advantage of the low tides from the full moon and took two grand excursions traversing the length of both beaches. For both of these trips you can either cycle or walk.

My first big adventure was the ride down Safi Beach to Moulay Bouzerktoun. I estimate the distance on the Beach to be at about 14KM. This hike begins at the end of the main auto route. You go over the little hill on to Safi Beach and the directions are easy from there, just follow the beach. I was able to ride my bike the first 13KM, unbelievably pristine virgin beach. I only passed one person the whole way down. For the last KM, you can walk on the rocks or there is a road that is up from the beach a bit.

On my bike it took me 1.5 hours to get to Moulay and then 2 hours to return on the auto route (29KM). To walk should take about 4-5 hours. Bring lots of water and don't worry. Moulay is a tiny town, but it does have bus service back to Essaouira.

The hike down Essaouira beach to Cap Sim is a bit shorter but just as fantastic. After crossing the River Ksab you make your way past the Castle in the Sand and from there the beach stretches all the way to the light house. On the way you pass a couple little fisherman villages remind you that people still happy to live out in the sticks. They always wave when I pass and seem quite content.

The beach ends when to get past the lighthouse, but it easy to find the trail. Keep following along the coast and you will arrive at "The Cave" which is a very popular surf spot. From there you follow the trail inland to the main highway or continue along the coast to Sidi Kaouki.

This was quite a difficult ride because I had to carry my bicycle for at least a few KM's over the rocks. This is a much easier hike that will take about 4 hours. Take the bus back from Sidi Kaouki.

News:

New Street Cleaners - Essaouira has taken another great step forward in the area of public sanitation with the purchase of 2 brand new mini street cleaners. They are bright green and are only driven by the female staff of the public works.

New Dollar Store Opens in Borj - Well a 10DH store anyway. It is located directly across the street from Super Market Fath and really has a interesting stock. Lots of great deals on plates and glasses, and even has some interesting furniture. The toy section must be really good because it was too crowded to make it down that aisle.

The Wind will subside by the end of the week - The wind should die down and the surf should be good on Safi Beach by the weekend. In the afternoon, the entire bay will be good for windsports.

Current Events:

The Alliance Françoise is hosting the exhibition "Le soufisme, « coeur de l'islam »" for the month of December.

December 12 the AF will host the Documentary Film «Des îles, des volcans, des hommes» about the culture of Indonesia.

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&archive...

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

 

Upcoming Events

Basketball game December 24th. ASE is currently in 6th place with a disappointing loss to third place Rabat last weekend.

Gnaoua Festival 2007 - Dates have yet to be posted.

December 31st is Aïd al Addha (fete du mutton) which is one of the biggest religious celebrations of the year. Be sure to get up early and go to the Place Moulay Hassan to see the Morning Prayer.

 

Next Week: The new chic Restaurant "Elizir" located on Main Street and Rue d'Agadir.

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