We arrived in Essaouira and checked into a cute riad, or guesthouse, in the ancient medina.
The riad's cental courtyard was open-air, with a rooftop area, to keep it cool in the summers. But in the winter it was COLD.
Riads don't have heating; we didn't pack warm enough clothing, but luckily the owner gave us heavy Berber blankets and a space heater!
The rooftop of the riad, overlooking the Old City. Sunny but chilly!!
Our first meal in Essaouira: Olives and tagines at a cute little bistro. This was the ONLY beer we ordered the entire trip, since it's ridiculously expensive and hard to get in a Muslim area.
The next day, we set out to explore the medina!
We stopped for the famous Moroccan mint tea at one of the many tea shops.
Moroccan tea in the sunshine!!
Enjoying the two hours a day when it was warm and sunny outside :)
The Old City of Essaouira, as seen from the fishing docks.
One of the many ancient gates to the Old City.
Essaouira's main square.
Matt on the main square. Essaouira is French for "well designed"; on the request of the Sultan, a French architect designed the medina on a grid.
The Joneses conquer Essaouira!
The famous clock tower of Essaouira.
The doorway is a passageway to the main square.
The gate to the daily market.
Essaouira is a walled city, with locks that let in the sea. The next day, this would be nearly dry.
Me at the docks!
We explored the city walls; they were accessed via an ancient gate in the walls.
Essaouira