We left the campsite at about 10.00, it was a very quiet place and we all had a solid sleep. Our destination for the day was Essaouira a large town known for its fishing and kite surfing, it is called the windy town. 

El Jadida

El Jadida is about 100 kilometers from Casablanca and we arrived there about 11.30 after an interesting drive down the coastal road. We found an easy park next to the old walled part of the town. This fortification was built by the Portuguese centuries ago. The cistern in the centre of the old town is now a tourist attraction and for 10 dirhams you get a ticket and venture in. Small compared to the cistern at Istanbul but interesting all the same. After walking along the ramparts it was lunch time and the place had no lack of seafood places to choose from.

We sat down at our table and immediately came out bread, not a small amount 3 large round flatbreads. This was accompanied with some spicy dipping sause. We ordered 3 serves of fish and when it arrived we were suprized how big they were. When we finished the remainder was wrapped in paper and we had it later for our evening meal.

More sim cards

My sim card is working well most of the time and Jenny and Lori also wanted one for their phones. After lunch we went for a stroll down the main street but all the phone shops were closed for lunch. We did find the icecream shop open and had to make a purchase. Driving out of town we spotted a Maroc telecom shop and parked up to try our luck. The helful man spoke good english and after about an hour they had their sim cards. We had to have passports for id and there were issues with getting the sim cards to work. In the medina my sim took 5 minutes with no id. 

We drove another 100 kilometres that afternoon and stayed in the town of Oualidia. A designated motorhome parking area has been set up in the town and it only costs 30 dirhams. Along with 3 other motorhomes we spent the night which was rudely interrupted by motor bikes going around the carpark and later about 6 dogs barking at 3.00 in the morning. They soon left and the place became quiet again. 

Wednesday 20th September, just so I  can keep track of what day it is. Jenny and Lori went for a walk to the beach while I sorted out some photos on the computer. We had 200 kilometres to drive today to Essaouira and the road was slow going at times, many trucks and the road becoming narrow with broken edges. We stopped at Safi on the way to get some supplies and also stopped on the side of the road for lunch with views of camels and fish jumping out of the water. Entertainment while we ate.

Essaouira 

Arriving at the campsite at about 3 in the afternoon we set up and assessed our new campsite. Shit I said this could be a contestant in the worst campsite in Morocco competition. There were a couple of plusses, shade under the gum trees and I forgot what the other one was!!. Anyway it was cheap and close to the town. 

We walked past the camel rides and kite surfers into Essaouira, taking about 20 minutes. Near the harbour they have food stalls with fresh fish where you can choose what you want and then they cook it, serve it with chips, salad and a drink. Of course bread is always on the table at every meal. After we strolled through the medina being tempted by the icecream stall then it was time to call it a night. A taxi back to the campsite cost 10 dirham or $1.35. Easier than walking. Tomorrow we will return and explore Essaouira some more.