Saturday was the last full day of the tour. It was definitely a relief to not be riding camels and donkeys any more. Though it was a lot of fun being on the beach and having such a pristine space to ourselves, it was nice to get back to civilization.
It actually turned out to be a very enjoyable but packed day. In the morning we enjoyed a last stroll around Essouira and enjoyed the view of the ocean from the ramparts and wandering through the town. This was definitely my favourite place so far in Morocco.
On arrival in Essouira the previous day we dropped almost all the clothes I have with me at a laundry to be washed. As I’m continuing to travel this seems to be necessary periodically as a reset on cleanliness supplemented with some hand washing or garments at hotels.
In the early afternoon we (5 of the females of the group) submitted ourselves to a beloved Moroccan ritual – the hammam, or bath. (Sorry no pictures!) This was a traditional hammam, not a glitzy spa at one of the new hotels and was located down a side street in the maze of Essouira. After locking away our valuables in a locker we stripped down to our bathing suit bottoms. The hammam consisted of two dark low barrel vaulted rooms heated by pipes of hot water under the floor. The first room had three stone slab tables used for the treatments and the second room contained low chairs where we waited between treatments and was also the source of the copious amounts of water they used. First step in the process was to rub us down oil, then using a black rubber mitt they vigorously scrubbed off all our dead skin all over our bodies. After being on the camels and out on the beach it’s not surprising how much skin came off. After being rinsed off we were covered in a clay mud from head to toe to draw out the toxins in our skin. This detoxification was increased by continued sweating in the hot humid environment of the room. Once we were deemed sufficiently clean we were rinsed down once again and layed out on the stone slab tables to enjoy a lovely massage. The hammam was a lovely experience and was perfect after the camping.
Unfortunately our time in Essouira was then at an end so we once again piled into our bus for the return trip to Marrakech. Sadly we left Rich and Zoe in Essouira as they were proceeding by local bus for some beach time. They were on their honey moon so they needed some down time together.
In Marrakech we spent the evening in saying goodbye. First stop was drinks on a roof top terrace at the main square to watch the sun set and the square come to life.
Jamaa el Fna square at sunset
We then went for dinner at a local restaurant where I continued my dietary experimentations.
Pigeon tajine
Afterwards we returned to the hotel and said our goodbyes as most of the group was leaving for the airport first thing in the morning. I was sad to see them go as I had a very good time on the tour and enjoyed getting to know my travel companions. I really look forward to keeping in touch with them.
Sounds absolutely lovely and decadent to go to the hammam – I should think it would have been very relaxing indeed!! Enjoying your photos and descriptions very much, keep it coming! I trust you are over your cold / cough now??
xo Lee