Escapism in Essaouira

(the port)

Escaping the heat and oppression of Marrakech for the seaside town of Essaouira was a blessing and could not have come sooner. Again living up to our name, we caught the bus conveniently located nowhere near the medina and proceeded to guess our way to the hostel in the towns winding backstreets.

Thankfully Essaouira is a much more chilled out and relaxed town; there’s nowhere near as much harassment, there’s a nice ocean breeze (though not quite conducive to getting a tan with quite intense winds), and you’re much less likely not to get totally ripped off in the souks.

After much aimless searching, I have also managed to find a ring design I love...of course it’s the most expensive style you can get isn’t it...i’m yet to buy anything yet, though should have been more prepared to haggle for 2 I really liked as I haven’t seen ones as good since...

If anyone decides to make their way to Essaouira you must stay at Hostel Essaouira. The staff is fantastic (thanks Adeal) and more than willing to get you food, surfboards or whatever you desire.

I did however mistakenly make the assumption again that a local could help you get the cheapest price for goods (as once tested in Bali), but again found they were just helping their friend get a sale! Jonno assures me that he’ll get me the price I want in Marrakesh or Fes.

(Jonnos boyfriend cooking us dinner)

But besides that, the hostel has great facilities- rooftop terrace where Adeal cooked us dinner, free internet and a big screen tv for relaxing time. We were also again upgraded, this time to the private room, after Adeal took a shining to Jonno :)

(hostel lounge)

9 out of 10- not really the hostels fault but there were 2 creepy guys there- a Belgian intent in making us all listen to his music and an old Mexican guy who tried to get a little too friendly with girls...