June 3, 2026 Finished Well The 800km journey from the ferry that carried me across the Strait of Gibraltar less than a month ago to this beach resort town ended in a 90km rip in a steady tail wind. It was a good moment rejoining my wife, Sharon in a place we both know well.  … Continue reading Essaouira →

May 27, 2026 Eid al Kebir (also called Eid ul Adha in other parts of Islam) is the biggest holiday on the Islamic calendar. This "Festival of Sacrifice" lasts for three to four days and commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son for Allah. Tourists are told that all shops, and restaurants will be … Continue reading Eid el-Kébir →

May 24, 2026 Safi also has a kasbah (fortress).  It is on the Atlantic coast.  It too was built by the Portuguese in the 15th century.  In recent decades, Portugal has been funding preservation and restoration of these ancient buildings.  These facts are well known to the locals and they are quick to point this … Continue reading Safi, Morocco →

May 21, 2026 Azemmour is another fortified city on the Atlantic coast.  Like Asilah, the fortress was built by the Portuguese. In the fifteen century, the Azemmour government paid an annual fee of ten thousand shad (river fish) for Portuguese protection against piracy and political instability.  This arrangement went on for about 25 years until … Continue reading Azemmour, Morocco →