The African country of Morocco has always been on my top list of destinations to visit, a rich culture and vibrant surroundings - not forgetting the sunshine and treasure filled souks! With a very kind offer to spend a long weekend in the coastal town of Eussoria, one really couldn't say no! So off we jetted - Sarah, Elodie, Michelle, Tanya and I, all ready for our Moroccan adventure.
After a short flight from Gatwick, we touched down in the capital Marrakech. Jumping in a taxi, we made our way over to the western costal town of Essaouira. A quiet fishing quarter the plays true to it's rich souri roots. Encased within the crumbling fort walls, the town sits on a beautiful sandy beach that stretch for a mile or so. 
Our home for the long weekend was to be the vibrant Dar Lazuli, a two hundred year old riad. With an inwards facing balcony, each of the four floors (including the amazing roof top) played host to a small apartment, each uniquely decorated in true Moroccan style with a fresh contemporary twist.
Let's take a look shall we?
Tucked away next door is the home of married couple Rachid and Latifa, the hosts of the Dar Lazuli riad. On hand to guide you through your stay (and rustle up a delicious tangine), we thoroughly enjoyed their company as they gave us a peek into the souri way of life.
Up bright and early on Saturday morning, we made our way through the markets with our guide Latifa and her daughter in search of ingredients for our first home-made Moroccan feast.
Bursting with fresh fruit,vegetables and an array of exotic spices, we wandered through the souks and stalls of the medina, watching in awe as Latifa haggled through her shopping list!
Armed with our fresh ingredients, we made our way back to the riad where Latifa demonstrated how to cook a traditional beef and cous cous dish. Bursting will veggies of all kinds, we each took a part in helping her prepare the dish...
Before we made our way up onto the terrace to dig in on the sunshine filled terrace.
With our full bellies content, off went went for a stroll to the port, making our way to the sand-dunes. Nothing quite beats the feel of warm sand beneath your toes, even if the Atlantic was a bit nippy!
En route back to the riad, we couldn't help but stop to watch the sun set over the tumbling waves in the old medina.
A few snacks later (with some serious girl talk thrown in for good measure) we settled into bed and lay in wait for Sunday's adventure...
First up was a trip to the Argan oil factory, teaming with little old ladies, busy turning the Argan nuts into oil, they are all part of a community group that support widowed and divorced women. Not a task taken lightly, we watched the nuts being grind down all by hand with a small trickle of oil being bottled for cosmetic uses or baked to form a salad dressing.
Putting our arm muscles to shame, Tanya helps grind the beans...
Sampling the delights of the Argan oil products and taking note of how the Moroccan women swear by this natural oil, I simply had to bring home a hair mask and some body cream.
Next up was lunch, walking along the sunny beach with soft rumbling waves, we stopped at a little fish restaurant boasting a fresh catch of the day.
Serving up a large dish of fried calamari drizzled in lemon juice with home made tangy tartar sauce - nothing beats delicious that fresh fish on the seafront.
After a busy morning, we made our way back through to the souk. Pouring over the delights and trinkets housed in the market, we thoroughly soaked up the atmosphere and mingled with the locals.
Waving Elodie and Michelle off as they made their way over the local hammam, we stumbled across the charming Al Madina riad.
Slipping behind the traditional blue Morrocan doors, inside we were met with a tranquil hideaway. A small terrace dotted with vines, brightly patterned tiles and large roses, it certainly was a hidden gem. Sipping a ice cold lemonade, listening to the trickle of the rose petal fountain.. bliss.
Sunday morning was filled with a walking tour of the city, our guide took us through the meandering paths. Past the souks, we found ourselves in quieter part of town named the Artisans Court to watch the jewellers, carpenters and weavers at work.
First stop was the wooden workshop, where locals carve intricate wooden pieces with mother of pearl and lemon tree to create amazing Thuya wooden boxes.
Just look at the glittering array of silverwear all welded by young apprentices..
Taking a look at the look at the impressive artwork painted by the women of the area.
Our final part of the tour led us to the the north medina wall, named La Scala. As we walked along the promenade we took in the crisp sea air and rumbling waves as we paced the fortress walls. Naturally Sarah and I pretended to reenact the many scenes from Game of Thrones that were shot here.
For our final night of our Moroccan adventure we took ourselves to the roof top terrace of Taros restaurant in the main square. Arguably offering the best spot, we took a moment to sip a chilled beer and enjoy the beautiful sun setting in the distance.
A weekend away never to be forgotten, a must-visit if you fancy forgoing the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, Essaouria is a town worth pinning on your map.
A massive thank you for the kind Dar Lazuli for inviting us to stay, riads don't come more friendly or stylish than this hidden gem.
Take a look at the beautiful companions that I travelled with: Sarah, Michelle, Tanya and Elodie. Should you fancy reading up on the charming Dar Luzuli boutique riad, click here.
Have you visited Morocco?
0 comments:
Post a Comment