We needed a break from the intensity of Marrakech and took a 2-hour bus ride to Essaouira (pronounced “essa-weera”). Essaouira used to be an important port before the French deemed Casablanca the main port. It has recently discovered tourism, however, and we saw a greater concentration of tourists, both Moroccan and non-Moroccan, than in Marrakech. But it still retains the feeling of a large town going about its daily routine. We enjoyed our 24 hours here.

We walked through the port area in the afternoon. Most of the fishing boats were already in for the day, and there were just a few remaining fish to be sold.

The pace of Essaouira was more relaxed than Marrakech, but there was still a lot of activity. I’m standing on the main commercial road that bisects the city. Abraham stands in the alley near our hotel, the Cap Sim.

Something’s always gong on at the town beach. There was some kind of traditional horse race on the beach when we were there. Elsewhere were impromptu games of football.

Away from the activity of the port and commercial areas, Essaouira revealed a different side. Some areas were crumbled or abandonded, indicative of the city’s declining significance as a port and its faltering economy. Some alleys were cool, quiet, almost serene.

Our bus back to Marrakech made a brief stop here. Needless to say, the surroundings were not evocative of Paris.