June 10th

We decided to go to the river, Oued Ksob River, (it's really a small stream). So we got around after making breakfast of eggs and bread. We headed out and hailed a taxi, of which there's an endless supply. Jeff told him, “Dar Sultan Palace,” Taxi driver lit up when he understood and he backed up to turn around. We leave Essaouira city limits and cross the bridge over the river. It seems even drier than I remember from just Monday. We saw it, but he can't drive there. So he let us out, Jeff paid, and we walked the short distance to the ruins that once was the palace. On the way could see the “river” – discovered that it doesn't even make it to the Atlantic Ocean. Anyway, the ruins were fun to think what it may have been. One small area still had some tile flooring. But now the palace ruins is mostly taken over by the sand dunes/drifts.  From here we headed a few yards to the beach. There was a tourist's excursion of ATV's (quad bikes) that was having fun and also a “caravan” of camels (four total) lead by a guide and loaded with more tourists, also heading to the beach. We crest the mounds of sand and see the expanse of the very long arc that makes up the beach all the way back to Essaouira. There were more caravans of camels carrying tourists! This beach is such an arc to almost be a shallow U-shape, approximately 4 km, or 2 1/2 miles. It's a pleasant enough day, a little windy. But this allows for surf and, boy, are people taking advantage of it!  A whole bunch of surfers – mostly because of surfing classes that are offered along the boardwalk – having a good time. (Jeff may take a class?!?)

We arrived back at the medina, lunchtime. Found a little square off the regular path. Me: starter of toast with cheese, avocado, raisins, sliced radish, and cucumber all sprinkled with nuts and honey; main of skewed beef kebobs and fries; and dessert of crepe with Nutella and chocolate drizzle. Jeff: starter of goat cheese with sliced radishes and cucumber, raisins, and same sprinkle of stuff; main of lemon chicken tagine (small portion) and fries; dessert of flan. YUM!

We left and was heading out the medina when Jeff saw a real estate booth. We stopped and talked with the guy – may have an apartment possibility. Our other one panned out. So still up in the air for place in the near future. Headed back to our place and had a siesta. Supper was leftover pasta. Went out for sunset and it was nice. Good day.