Essaouira by the Sea

Essaouira is a popular place for Europeans. Thankfully, we are here in a bit of off season so the crowds are few. It is also the one place in Morocco where we saw a lot of cats - and healthy ones at that. 

 This kitty is the picture of perfect relaxation and being at one with the pillow. 

It must have been catnap time when we went through the market.

Chicken is on the dinner menu for someone. In my mind, I was thinking of Forest Gump's southern drawl and substituting chicken for shrimp: "Dey's uh, shrimp-kabobs, shrimp creole, shrimp gumbo. Pan fried, deep fried, stir-fried. There's pineapple shrimp, lemon shrimp, coconut shrimp, pepper shrimp, shrimp soup, shrimp stew, shrimp salad, shrimp and potatoes, shrimp burger, shrimp sandwich. That- that's about it."

Pick up some greens from the handcart a fellow was pulling through the pedestrian shopping street.

There were winding, tidy colorful streets full of little shops, many selling the same thing. The vibe is more relaxed than in Marrakesh.

Displays along a walkway.

The selection of textiles, especially rugs, are endless. My eyes swirl and my head swivels in all the beauty. I bought one from this nice man after much bargaining. There was no walking away without something!

Not all, but many door entrances are colorful. It is hard to say what lies behind them, although there is likely a large indoor courtyard.

Not all the kitties are sleeping. Shoppers generate curiosity. Some shops use the cute kitties to lure shoppers.

Dar L'Oussia is where we stayed in Essouira for two very special nights. Taken from the rooftop terrace, the endless beach is definitely a draw for vacationers.

Also from the roof is a photo of the rooms that line the interior and look down upon the courtyard.

This is the interior courtyard behind the door, taken from the third floor.