A pleasant drive to the coastal town of Essaouira. Some real history here. First settled by the Carthaginians in the 5th century BC. They considered it one of the best harbors on the western African coast. The Berbers upped the ante around the first century AD with the "purple trade". The dye from the intertidal murex shells provided the purple in all Roman Senatorial togas.
Finally, the Moors, French and Portuguese were in and out of Essaouira during the Middle Ages and thereafter, primarily as a major trade route that originated in central Africa in Timbuktu delivering goods both north and eventually to the New World.
Also, at one point, 40% of the population were Jewish. We heard on our trip that Moors/Muslims have a saying, "A community without Jews is like meat without salt". Interesting. Oh, "modern history"? Jimi Hendrix and Cat Stevens wrote songs and smoked dope here.
Finally, the Shawarma Sweepstakes. Those who have followed past blogs, know we are adding to our country-list for the World's Best Shawarma. We are up to 6 or 7 countries now and we are adding Morocco to our "life list".
For the un-initiated, A Shawarma is a Levantine Arab meat preparation, cooked on a huge spit all day, then sliced and placed in a pita type bread. Lamb, beef, chicken depending on the country and resources. 5 stars is the best, few Shawarma's earn a 5 star. The last 5 star was one I had off of a push cart in Oxford England.
Moroccos's Shawarma was discounted from a 5 star for the following reasons:
--Minus .5 points because it was chicken not lamb and wrapped in foil, not paper.
--Minus .5 stars because they were cutting tile in front of the food stand and tile dust was blowing in where we were sitting.
--Plus .5 stars because of the price, 40 Dirham, ($4) for the Schwarma and chips, (french fries).
--Minus .5 points because it was sauced with mayonnaise/ranch dressing, not tahini sauce.
--Minus .5 points because of the cat I had to fend off the whole time I was trying to eat the Shawarma.
Total: 3.5 stars. Average in score, but the cat made it a memorable meal.
This was quite a sight an Argan tree full of goats.....Tree goats, I guess.
Finally, the Moors, French and Portuguese were in and out of Essaouira during the Middle Ages and thereafter, primarily as a major trade route that originated in central Africa in Timbuktu delivering goods both north and eventually to the New World.
Finally, the Shawarma Sweepstakes. Those who have followed past blogs, know we are adding to our country-list for the World's Best Shawarma. We are up to 6 or 7 countries now and we are adding Morocco to our "life list".
For the un-initiated, A Shawarma is a Levantine Arab meat preparation, cooked on a huge spit all day, then sliced and placed in a pita type bread. Lamb, beef, chicken depending on the country and resources. 5 stars is the best, few Shawarma's earn a 5 star. The last 5 star was one I had off of a push cart in Oxford England.
Moroccos's Shawarma was discounted from a 5 star for the following reasons:
--Minus .5 points because it was chicken not lamb and wrapped in foil, not paper.
--Minus .5 stars because they were cutting tile in front of the food stand and tile dust was blowing in where we were sitting.
--Plus .5 stars because of the price, 40 Dirham, ($4) for the Schwarma and chips, (french fries).
--Minus .5 points because it was sauced with mayonnaise/ranch dressing, not tahini sauce.
--Minus .5 points because of the cat I had to fend off the whole time I was trying to eat the Shawarma.
Total: 3.5 stars. Average in score, but the cat made it a memorable meal.
Another bonus photo. Below is a child's bed clothes, (pajamas). "Baby Iman", not sure what to make of this. Another box was "Baby Oussama". I had to look that one up. I think he is a famous soccer player.....I think.
Anyway, I'm not worried. Why don't we have "Baby Obama", or "Baby Pope Francis"? Instead we have "Baby Batman, Spongebob, Darth Vader" pajamas.
I guess your Shawarma (and friendly cat) doesn't count against your "smaller cut of meat" rule from your Day 7 post.
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