Goats in trees
by toonsarah
Much of the landscape between Marrakesh and Essaouira is scrubby desert, used by Berbers for goat and sheep farming. Some crops grow in the more fertile parts – we saw maize, olive trees and also argan trees, native to Morocco. Later in the week we were to visit an argan oil cooperative in the Ourika Valley where we learned about its production and the variety to uses to which it is put. But it was here, about an hour out of Essaouira, that we first heard about it and saw the trees growing. It was also here that we encountered the curious sight of “goats in trees”. Of course we stopped to take a few photos and to tip the Berber herdsmen standing by for just that purpose. I had more than a strong suspicion that these goats had not chosen to climb the trees but had been lured up there by their canny owners to await passing tourists. Maybe so, but certainly goats have been climbing these trees for many years of their own accord as they have a fondness for the argan fruits. Indeed, the production of argan oil started when the Berber people learnt to collect the undigested argan pits from the waste of goats and to grind these into a paste and press it to make the nutty oil for cooking and cosmetic purposes. These days the fruit is harvested and the pits removed before the goats have had a chance to eat it, but the sight of the goats climbing the trees is popular with tourists so they are allowed (or encouraged) to continue to do so.
Grinding the almonds
by JLBG
The third step is grinding the almonds. This picture shows the grinding on a traditional stone grinder. A round stone is fitted with a wooden handle so that it is easier to move. It is moved by hand on a still stone mill until all the almonds are thinly ground.
Skala de la Ville
by barryg23
The Skala de la Ville is a great place to watch the sunset over Essaouira. Unlike the Skala du Port, it is free to climb the ramparts, from where there are great views of the sea and the nearby Ile de Mogador. The ramparts themselves were built during the Portuguese occupation in the 15th Century and contain an impressive array of cannons dating from the 18th and 19th century.
At the Western end of the Skala an artist sells engravings and rather touristy painted stones. The guy seemed faily uninterested in whether we were interested in buying or not - quite an uncommon practise in Morocco - that we felt more compelled to purchase something! Below the ramparts there are more expensive woodworkers souks. The quality of the produce here is high and it's a popular place for Moroccans to do their shopping.
The harbour.
by cachaseiro
The fishing harbour is one of the liveliest places in Essaouira.
It's still very much a working harbour and it's brimming with life and full of fishermen bringing in todays catch and people helping them loading it on to trucks.
The harbour also has some very good places to eat seafood.
It's my own favorite place in essaouira and i went there every day when i was in town.
Cinema set ?
by JLBG
Is this a cinema set ? Yes and no ! Essaouira is often used as a picture set. Here they use the natural set of Essaouira and add some frame city walls where they need it. What is true, what is fancy ??
If it is well done, you cannot say ! It was well done... Unless you go and look at the other side of the set...
Sign in with Facebook
From Dar Souiri
Here we go -- me and Atlas, a fine strong horse!
Essaouira port
Essaouira port
