The laid-back surf towns of Essaouira and Sidi Kaouki

The laid-back surf towns of Essaouira and Sidi Kaouki

Travelers to Morocco enter the country through the chaos of Marrakech, which can be a thrill in small doses. After a few days, you may be ready for some chill-out time. Enter Essaouira (pronounced ess-way-ra.) Meaning "well designed," the name was bestowed by Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah after hiring a French architect to build [...]

Meandering in Marrakech

Meandering in Marrakech

I’m sitting in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus from Marrakech en route to Essaouira, a small coastal town. I’ve just been ripped off 28DH by the waiter in the Marrakech bus station café; less than $3 USD, so I’m not really bothered by it. Just another trick added to the list of things to watch out [...]