Agadir, Morocco
19 November 2007- Monday
Agadir, Morroco
Dock in the new port and as usual it's bustling. Got a later tour today since I elected to visit the ancient Saadian capital of Taroudant (which I'd seen protrayed as a mud brick desert fortress on the edge of the Sahara from the old Beau Geste movie) Saw all that was left of the Fort on a hill overlooking the harbor. Fort and most of old Agadir destroyed by an earthquake in 1960 with 15,000 deaths- the squadron of C130 from Evreux France where I was stationed at the time flew in the relief supplies. A new city has been built to support the mostly European tourists looking for second homes in a sunny climate. Had to drive throught the fishing wharf area- an olfactory experience I don't care to repeat. Highlight of this excursion was to see tree climbing goats in argan trees. The Argan are small trees with an olive shaped fruit that contains a nut which is pressed for oil and is edible- typical Morrocan breakfast bread dipped in argan oil (I couldn't live here). Got a couple of pictures before the goat herder whistled them down- so It's aplanned tourist experience. Taroudant a disappointment, built like a fortress alright but surrounded by a modern city. Took some photos from the ramparts and then walked throught the souk (market). Guide never stopped for explanations but lead us into a town square where we aited for the bus to return. I did find a store that sold stamps and luckily had euros with me because the merchant refused to accept dollars. (This could lead to a tirade on how our countrys decline is related to our present administration, but I'm trying to keep this apolitical. of course our economist lecturer is not saying anything to allay my fears that we will not long be the leading world power.) Drive back not very exciting- Moroccan roads are in great shape. Dinner good as usual and had a talk with Al who lives with his wife Barbara in Mexico. He used to own a restaurant there specializing in sea food. a real interesting guy who has Parkinson's. The theater tonight was Vincenzo Gentile- an Italian violinist who did a really nice job in spite of the acoustics being screwed up. I like the guys soft spoken accent- he sounded like Luciano Pavorati but he has a bald head so he looked like Mussolini- said he was only on for one night and was joining another ship tomorrow. These shipboard entertainers move around alot- must be well paid to lead such a hectic life.
forgot to mention that all these new building in Morocco hae rooftops covered with satelitte dishes. Guide says the reason for that is the connections are free if you have a telephone
Agadir
Agadir, Morroco
Dock in the new port and as usual it's bustling. Got a later tour today since I elected to visit the ancient Saadian capital of Taroudant (which I'd seen protrayed as a mud brick desert fortress on the edge of the Sahara from the old Beau Geste movie) Saw all that was left of the Fort on a hill overlooking the harbor. Fort and most of old Agadir destroyed by an earthquake in 1960 with 15,000 deaths- the squadron of C130 from Evreux France where I was stationed at the time flew in the relief supplies. A new city has been built to support the mostly European tourists looking for second homes in a sunny climate. Had to drive throught the fishing wharf area- an olfactory experience I don't care to repeat. Highlight of this excursion was to see tree climbing goats in argan trees. The Argan are small trees with an olive shaped fruit that contains a nut which is pressed for oil and is edible- typical Morrocan breakfast bread dipped in argan oil (I couldn't live here). Got a couple of pictures before the goat herder whistled them down- so It's aplanned tourist experience. Taroudant a disappointment, built like a fortress alright but surrounded by a modern city. Took some photos from the ramparts and then walked throught the souk (market). Guide never stopped for explanations but lead us into a town square where we aited for the bus to return. I did find a store that sold stamps and luckily had euros with me because the merchant refused to accept dollars. (This could lead to a tirade on how our countrys decline is related to our present administration, but I'm trying to keep this apolitical. of course our economist lecturer is not saying anything to allay my fears that we will not long be the leading world power.) Drive back not very exciting- Moroccan roads are in great shape. Dinner good as usual and had a talk with Al who lives with his wife Barbara in Mexico. He used to own a restaurant there specializing in sea food. a real interesting guy who has Parkinson's. The theater tonight was Vincenzo Gentile- an Italian violinist who did a really nice job in spite of the acoustics being screwed up. I like the guys soft spoken accent- he sounded like Luciano Pavorati but he has a bald head so he looked like Mussolini- said he was only on for one night and was joining another ship tomorrow. These shipboard entertainers move around alot- must be well paid to lead such a hectic life.
forgot to mention that all these new building in Morocco hae rooftops covered with satelitte dishes. Guide says the reason for that is the connections are free if you have a telephone
Agadir
Labels: Barcelona to Rio
posted by DT at 7:39 AM
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