Also known by its Portuguese name Mogador, the city of Essaouira —"the wall" — was so named for the fortress walls that originally enclosed the city. The bay on which the city is sited is partially sheltered by the island of Mogador, giving it a relatively protected harbor against the strong Atlantic winds.
The city has been the backdrop for movies as well as the inspiration of artists of all genres. Here, in the early 1950s, Orson Welles shot some of the labyrinthine streets and alleyways of the medina for his movie "Othello." It is said that the seagulls inspired Alfred Hitchcock's movie "The Birds" and Jimi Hendrix was inspired to write "Castles Made of Sand." For me, I am inspired to photograph the quality of light here as it plays on the walls and hidden recesses of the alleyways that make up the medina.
Last evening, after settling into the Riad Dar Maya, I began my exploration of Essaouira.
The city has been the backdrop for movies as well as the inspiration of artists of all genres. Here, in the early 1950s, Orson Welles shot some of the labyrinthine streets and alleyways of the medina for his movie "Othello." It is said that the seagulls inspired Alfred Hitchcock's movie "The Birds" and Jimi Hendrix was inspired to write "Castles Made of Sand." For me, I am inspired to photograph the quality of light here as it plays on the walls and hidden recesses of the alleyways that make up the medina.
Last evening, after settling into the Riad Dar Maya, I began my exploration of Essaouira.
Dinner at La Table Madada was so-o-o-o good last night . . . starting with the best fresh coconut daiquiri I've had in many years. And, no, there was not an umbrella! The ambiance is lovely. Once a carob bean warehouse, it is now a trendy restaurant with deep-purple chairs and banquettes, stone arches and giant lampshades hanging from the ceiling. But it is more than that . . . the food is delicious with original Moroccan and Mediterranean dishes including many freshly caught seafood offerings, and there is even a cooking school, L'Atelier Madada, if only there was more time.
How good is the restaurant? Well, we went back the next night and even ordered some of the same again — lobster pastilla! Need I say more . . .
How good is the restaurant? Well, we went back the next night and even ordered some of the same again — lobster pastilla! Need I say more . . .