DAY 139---AGADIR, MOROCCO

                 

         We were docked here by 7:30.  So far this morning it is overcast and 63 degrees.  Later in the afternoon it is sunny and 74.  Perfect day here.

Historical/Background Info:

        This is another new destination for us.  Last night we sailed to the northeast about 225 miles to Agadir on the southwest coast of Morocco.  Morocco is a North African country (population 37.3 million) boarding the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.  Morocco’s capital is Rabat but its largest city is Casablanca.  Islam is the predominate religion.  It has the fifth largest economy in Africa.  Services accounts for half of it GDP, with mining, construction, and manufacturing adding another quarter.  Tourism, telecoms, IT, and textile industries have the highest growth.  Agriculture employs 40% of the nation’s workforce.  The rainy northwest raises wheat, barley, and other cereals.  On the coast plains olives, fruits, and wine grapes are grown.

        We are docked at Agadir which is a resort destination, known for its golf courses, beaches, and seaside promenade lined with cafes, restaurants, and bars.  The city’s population is near a half million.  Agadir’s economy relies mainly on tourism and fisheries.  Agadir has one of the biggest souqs in the country.  I went to this souq (market) today.

LAST EVENING

        We were invited to help one of our "bar-fly" friends, Pat, celebrate her birthday.  The party started with cocktails/champagne in Stars Lounge.  It was reserved for her party.

                                 This is Mary, another bar fly.  See was on my tour bus in Agadir.

                        There were 12 of us total and I was the only man.  I had quite a harem!

                               This is Nicole (social hostess) and Pat, the birthday girl.  (on right)

                                                                     A very happy Pat.

                               Next was a dinner in Chartreuse which Pat made the menu for.

                                                             Komang was our sommelier.

                                                         Six courses with wine pairings.

                                                           Mushroom soup was yummy.

                                                          More champagne to start with.

                                  Lobster, scallops, crap, caviar in a lime creme fraiche.

                                                We each had quite a few wine glasses.

                                                            A second French white wine.

                           Seared duck, fole gras, banana bread, and candied pineapple.

                                                                      Pumpkin ravioli

                                                                      Lots of glasses.

                                                            Italian brunello-my favorite.

                                                                     Chilean sea bass 

                                                               Another French red wine.

             The entree was a macadamia crusted veal loin lamb loin AND a small fillet of beef.

                                             The Chartreuse chef came out to take a bow.

                                             Our waitresses.  Sorry I did not get their names.

L to R:  Daniella (maitre'd), Joleza (head sommelier who just came on), and Maricel

TODAY

                                   View this morning from our balcony.  Buses are ready for us.

                                                                                My bus

                                                                       My tour name

                                                                           Our guide

        Mary is sitting just behind me.  Someone beat me to the back row of seats so I asked the guide if I could sit next to him on front row.

             Heading down one of the main streets a Agadir.  Great roads and very clean city.

        Our first stop was 30 minutes after departing the pier.  This is "Agadir Fantasia".  Here we watched a show.

                                        Above were photos of some musicians and acrobatics.

        We could have either sweetened or unsweetened tea as we entered.  There were also some small cookies.

                                  These horsemen did some riding at times throughout the show.

                                                      Small combo with 3 dancing ladies.

                     The horsemen fired their old rifles and it sounded like cannons going off.

                                                       Then acrobatic guys entertained us.

                                                            Last was this snake charmer.

                                                                   Back on the streets.

                       Next stop was at this small souq (market) that sold authentic souvenirs.

                                                 Next stop was the HUGE Souq Al Had.

The market was one of the biggest I've ever seen.  It would take all day to walk down all the alleys.

                                      Every thing you would ever need was sold in this souq.

                                     I only spent 15 minutes in it then retired back to the bus.

        Now heading to our last stop which was an old Portuguese fortress in the 16th century.  They call it The Kasbah.  It was the sight of the old Agadir but an 6.1 earthquake destroyed in in 1960.  12,000 to 15,000 killed and another 12,000 injured.  After that the new city of Agadir was developed below and the Kasbah was abandoned.  The walls were recently restored but you cannot go inside.

                                You could have your picture taken with a camel (for a price)                      

                                                  You can see our ship just right of center.

     Sardine fishing fleet tied up below.  They are tied up twice a year for 2 months each time.

 

                                                              Better view of our ship.

                                                            Siesta time for this camel

                                                      Better view of Agadir's beach.

        I returned to the ship at 1:30 and headed up to La Veranda to get some pizza after washing my hands.  I ate the pizza back in our suite.  It is now about 3:30 and finishing up with this post.

        Rebecca said she took the shuttle into town at the Amal Square just to say she has been here.  She did not get off the bus just rode in and right back.  Our friend, Patti, apparently got off but came right back on as she said the taxi drivers were hounding her.

       We will be having cocktail hour in Mariner Lounge as usual.  This evening we are to have dinner in Compass Rose with Joan & Charlie Davis and Lana & Dick Breakie.

        Tonight's headliner entertainers are "The 4 Stations".  Four young men from Spain I believe.  Rebecca said she heard them practicing this morning and sounded very good.  We will probably attend their show.

        We will be sailing again at 6:00pm and tomorrow will be a day at sea.  We will be packing!!!