Agadir Morocco

We pulled into a port with a heavy, somewhat nauseating smell of dead fish.  I was later to learn that Agadir is the World's largest exporter of sardines.  

It is also a beautiful country with white sand beaches and long standing traditions.

The excursion for the day was Sencaciones de Taroudant.  So we traveled to the oldest city, Taroudant.  Our guide was very passionate about his country and we learned a lot.

We drove through the city and then out to the highway on our way to Taroudant.  Along the way we saw many Argan trees.  The small fruit produces argon oil which is used both in cooking/salads and in cosmetics.  The tree is unique to Morocco.  The goats climb the trees and then lounge.  it is the most peculiar site.  Since the ground is dessert like with limited vegetation, they eat the leaves and fruits.

The goat herders generously allowed us to take pictures of the goats.  This is not the case with many people in morocco.  They expect to get paid if you take their picture.

 Next we stopped at a cafe and were provided with mint tea (a local favourite) and sweets.

Then we continued on to the old city.  It is all enclosed within a stone wall, as all the old Moroccan cities are. We were warned about pickpockets and somewhat questionable people. The following are pictures of the old city and the market.  

They have everything you need in the market from pots to clothing, jewelry, tools, cosmetics and food.  It is a true one-stop shopping place.  The streets are very narrow and people in their cars, bikes and motorcycles go crazy fast.  It is a wonder no one gets killed.

The town square is in the centre of the city.  It was full of people, street performers and such.  There was even a snake charmer (who wouldn't let anyone take his picture).  I did get a few pictures of the locals, who didn't mind being photographed.

This is the argan co-op. I bought some amazing night cream here that is removing all my facial wrinkles.  

We took a tour around the hotel district of the city on the way back to the boat and stopped to look at the beach.  Miles of beautiful white sand beaches.  I wish we could have stayed longer.  Temperature range in Morocco is always warm and usually sunny as they have barely any rain.  I would like to return to this each some day.

Well patrolled with army people with large guns.  Kind of sad to see them on the beach.

Then it was back to the ship.  Here are some pictures of the port and town from the ship.  There were an amazing number of containers on the docks.

Upon return I got a little bit more sun on the deck.  Dinner was lovely as always.  The waiters did a dance for us that evening.  It was  great fun.  

After winner their was a Motown night at the Casino.

Another fabulous day, in the sun.