Goats climb trees in Morocco

This is NOT photoshopped!

We are on our way to Essaouira in Morocco for a day trip to the coast, and we stop to see a herd of goats up an Argon Tree.

Why are they up there?  Because they are eating the Argon nuts.

They climb up and suck and chew the outer shells, and then the nut is swallowed, and comes out the other end!

It is hilarious to see, and “one of the wonders of the world” declares Explorason.

Here is a photo of the nuts.  So after a coffee break, we will go and see the Argon Oil process. As we stop for coffee, Explorason enjoys the break with a chat to the local donkey.

He tries to find blades of weeds to feed it, and in fact, the owner comes along and offers him a ride on the back, but I have no coins to tip him so I decline.

So off he rides. I wonder what his life holds in this dusty town. His teeth rotten but his smile was large and full of life, with kind eyes.

Next, comes a wagon all covered with pastel sacks that have been taped or sewn together.

People here use whatever resources they have.

Life is simple, and the wagon has about four people in it.

We then stop at a co-operative to learn about Argon Oil.

I really liked this place. 

The lady had a few confused English words, but overall the information was fabulous and it was a great time where Explorason was totally engaged in the learning process.

As we entered the ladies were busy breaking open the shells with two rocks.

We see here the nut and also one that is still in the outer husk, as she explains it to Explorason.

We then ask if we can try. We tried for about 5 minutes and failed to break so much as one nut open! 

Next is grinding, so we even are allowed to have a go at this. I’m surprised that they don’t mind one bit that we take photographs either.

Next, we have a turn at extracting the oil and it feels like a piece of clay we are needing.  It also looks like concentrated peanut butter.

We arrive at Essaouira and the coast is just so pretty. I realize how much we have missed the ocean.

We are hungry so we head to town for food and I promise Explorason a swim later in the day.

We get to the entrance of the Medina. Today we travel without friends we met at dinner last night from The Netherlands. Such lovely people and we enjoy their company.

We head past a few market stores that beg me to stop, but I know this is a “tourist town” so we move on, with hungry tummies.

We find a traditional restaurant to stop and have lunch.

The service is slow. Super slow. A drink takes about 15 minutes, and I think the kitchen is staffed by one hungry soul who is fasting himself at Ramadan.

So there is no speed to serve us as we are probably torturing them to have to cook our food.  It really is a slow, slow lunch.

We then head down the main shopping area. It is a mix of the old and the new. Time standstill – except for the mobile cell phone!

It is fun to watch the locals, and this man actually had just smacked the younger guy across the head five-seconds before the photo – I do think it was a joke! But really I’m not sure.

As we walk down the street I take a photo of an old lady and a man throws something at me. Obviously, this was the wrong thing to do.

We then want to (well I want to) take photos of the famed fishing boats of the area, so we head to the wharf.

As we walk down toward the area, the gulls are going cray overhead, and the aroma of dead fish is somewhat overwhelming. Yes – it pongs! A lot of locals stroll about, obviously oblivious to the nostril inhaling we are suffering.

Folks sit and chat, and kids dive in and swim. It seems to be a happy and relaxed place. But oh – the smell.

An old man jokes with us and wants to see Explorason take this photo. He leaves his crabs he is killing and cleaning and jumps behind the camera.  He makes us laugh. I have no idea what he is saying and wish I could photograph the two of them in action.

So after the final photo, it is time to depart the area, and – yes – head for the beach!

Explorason joins two local kids who are digging holes to bury themselves in the sand.

I watch him play.

There are no words exchanged as there are two languages here, yet these kids play for over one hour together happily.

Why can’t the rest of the population of this world do the same?

Language is not a barrier to friendship.

We may be of different races, different colors and speak different languages.

Why can’t we all just get along?

They take turns.

They help each other.

It is just a proud Mum moment for me!

Our friends find us on the beach. They have been off shopping and come back with stories to tell. It is pretty cool that they even find us. And it is nice for Explorafriend to have made new friends too.

I also want to share something else. Morocco is not all that you hear.

To cover up and not expose your shoulders.

Not to swim, let alone not to wear a bathing suit, and definitely not to wear a bikini.

It is all a load of rubbish – well so we found !!!!!

After two years of travel, my advice is that you should NOT listen to others.

To make your own mind up.

To explore for yourself.

To have your own experience.

Just because one person has a bad experience, doesn’t mean you will.

Today is just that lesson for me.

Make it your own journey.

This is a wonderful country, and a wonderful world and I love exploring a new part of it every day.

We hope you enjoy sharing our journey, and if you do, please take a moment and share our blog.

Questions and Comments

• What fascinates you about Morocco?
• What do you make of their culture?
• How was the experience?
• Do share your comments with us below.

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