In the 1700s Essaouira was known as Mogodor and it was the biggest port in North Africa. They exported gold, ivory and slaves, all from Timbuktu, to Europe and the Americas. Today it is a fishing town and tourist town. I think it is the most touristy town I have been to in Morocco.

I'm in a nice Riad and I am going to take it easy for a couple of days.

Yesterday was dark and dreary in the morning as it seems to be a lot here. I had breakfast and headed for the beach. It was pleasant enough. The water here is crystal clear, unlike the Mediterranean, but it is cold. I think it is as cold as home.. After the beach I just came back and relaxed for a while cos my ankles were killing me. Later I went for a walk through the medina again. I was looking for somewhere to have a beer and searched everywhere and eventually found a place about 50mtr up the road from my Riad. I was having a couple of quiet ones and I met a group of Aussies on a tour. We had a great time swapping notes and it was good to just be able to talk to people.
Today the weather is perfect. The sun is shining and we are back into the high 30s. I did sleep in a little. I was lying in bed thinking it was early cos it was still dark. When I looked at the time it was 9.10 and I remembered my room doesn't have windows. It is always dark. The beach was great, well as good as it get in Morocco. Walking back I had to laugh. The big resort here, Le Medina, has a section of beach roped off for guests, they don't have lounges, they have double beds to lounge on, and a boy to run for drinks and food.
Tomorrow I am on a local bus to El Jadida.