~ Essaouria ~ 
Today we had a whole day to explore Essaouria! So we got up super early to do something very exciting – our washing (it’s the little things)! After this we did something that was actually exciting, we went horse riding! We were picked up from our hotel and driving to a small ranch type thing on a river that ran into the ocean. The stables we quite cute and the horses were beautiful. We were all introduced to our horses, taught some simple commands and saddled up. We went on a one hour ride down to the beach and back. It was beautiful riding in and next to the water. Lucky for me my horse was terrifically behaved and we managed a little trotting and cantering. The horses Roisin and Max were riding bucked and became a bit scared when the quad bikes came close to us, but otherwise it was smooth sailing. We ran into a herd of goats with some dogs and no people. Our guides said these goats and dogs go for a walk each day – about 4 or 5kms and then the dogs brought them back home! How cute! 

After our stint being apart of the Saddle Club we headed back into town for lunch and to properly explore the UNESCO-listed medina. We each enjoyed a delicious panini for lunch before going exploring. Initially we were trying to find the setting of Game of Throne’s “Astapor”, we became a little turned around in the winding streets and thought we were lost. However, much later, we found out we HAD made it to the right place but the area to access it was closed off for repairs. Thankfully for us any city gait leads to the medina, so you’re unlikely to get too lost. 

We made our way to the old port where we explored the Ramparts or defensive walls that guard a small castle. There were canons still intact and beautiful seaside views. We finished our exploring with a well deserved ice cream! Max returned to the hotel while Roisin and I went to explore more of the medina and the shops! We didn’t purchase anything but had fun poking around all the stores.

Tonight we had another amazing experience of Moroccan hospitality. We were invited to one of Mohamed’s friends house who, together with his wife who is a chef, run Moroccan cooking classes. We did not have enough time to participate in a class but they still wanted to make us a delicious meal. Again we were invited into their home with welcome arms and given another delicious meal! We have been so completely spoilt! After we had finished eating his adorable children came and joined us in the room. We chatted and laughed and played with the kids – one of them was having a great time DJing using Max’s phone. It was adorable.