June 26th

Yesterday was a “recoup” day. We arrived back late Saturday after the festival, and tried to sleep. Even with our earplugs in, we could hear people still enjoying themselves until like 03 am! So Sunday we weren’t up for anything, and to boot, it was extremely foggy and very humid. We could not see the ocean from our window until noontime and then couldn’t see horizon for a few more hrs. after that. It was so quiet and foggy, that it was almost eerie! We did go to the Carrefour – I saw the stalls in the parking lot. It’s for live sheep, and they are for sale! Jeff had seen it last Sunday. So Sunday is sheep sale day. (Try saying that fast five times!)   😉

Anyway, this morning was better, but still a bit foggy and humid, but it burned off pretty quick. After breakfast, we went out. First, as we were walking by the Jewish cemetery, two women were coming out. So when we arrived at the door we tried to go in, locked as always! But the ladies saw us and motioned to wait one minute. They went and got the key! So we went in. There a groundskeeper was cleaning up. Big task! There is a history of Jewish people here, but almost all left when the country of Israel came to be. Three other people showed up and one of the ladies unlocked the one building in the center of the grounds. I went in briefly. The older man was Jewish and kissing a tomb(? or an alter) that was inside, then he picked up a book and was praying. I took a couple of pictures before he started praying, and left to give him and the other two some time. As we were leaving the cemetery, at least three other Jewish people came in.

Now to the beach. It was not low tide but was working toward this level. So we did the beach toward the medina and crossed the exposed rocks up to the other side of medina to access to the boardwalk. On the beach, we did see the colony of seagulls, but we also saw four cormorant-type birds perched on a tall rock surrounded by the water.  There were not many people out on the beach today. When we arrived at the boardwalk, we were hungry! So we checked out the little fish shops/restaurants. They are set up on two sides of a square. So the end two seem to attract most of the customers. We were so ready to eat we stopped at the first one. The fish he showed us were quite fresh. I picked out a “white” (this is what he called it – I think it’s a white seabream). Jeff picked out a red snapper, and the guy gave him two of them plus some sardines. He weighed them and told us the price with drinks and a salad. We agreed and sat to eat! The server gave us drinks and salad right off – simply sliced tomatoes, red onion, and green bell pepper that had a bit of oil and a coarse salt sprinkle. So good, fresh and simple! As we were waiting for our main, we watched a “water guy” trying to sell some water or a photo-op to tourists. These guys are characters. Then the fish arrived!! All on a big plate, grilled up, and hot. Very good! The “white” fish was a firmer meat and tender-flaky. Snapper was softer meat and just fell apart. Both were excellent! I didn’t have any sardines, but Jeff said they were as good as we have had. Successful venture!! 

I don’t remember if I have talked about the cats. Anytime you sit to eat, you have two to five cats watching you closely. Only once as I recall have I heard one meow to beg. Anyway, the reason I bring this up is an older kitten laid on the bench at the next table from me. He made sure I was aware of him but he never begged and actually laid to “sleep”, but knew my every move. After I finished, there was a piece of my fish – I think it was organ meat – that I did not want. So I gave it to the kitten. Jeff was not happy, but the kitten sat up ate it and then laid back down. He was satisfied and did not beg for more. And I had some joy. I don’t normally feed the cats, but there was something about this one. Anyway, cats are a big issue here, and as I am typing this I think I have bought this up. So all is said. 

Supper will be a light one, and as always will watch for sunset!