An early getaway from Essaouira and our lovely Perle d’Eau riad with a big thanks to Ernest and his team for serving breakfast on the rain swept terrace at 7.30 am.  Can never tire of that view of the crashing waves over the rocks with the sun beginning to glint shades of pink on the clouds.

Then onto the bus for a long drive to Casablanca.  Not too bad really as we were able to join the motorway (almost zero traffic), so made good time to El Jadida, an old Portuguese fortress (15th century), where we stopped for lunch and a visit to the underground cistern.

And a walk along the ramparts.

Our bus journey for the last 90 km was a merry affair.  Heavy rain played havoc with the air conditioning system resulting in water falling on those in the front row.  Majid managed a stop-gap fix, which worked until we made any sharp turns or spun through a roundabout.

Into the Melliber hotel — our first western style hotel, nice and functional, apart from some missing towels, but none of the character of the riads we’ve enjoyed elsewhere on the tour.

Dinner was at Rick’s Café, created by our dear friend Kathy Kriger, who sadly passed away suddenly in August.  A bittersweet reunion for Pam and me with Issam and his team but so lovely to be back at what has justafiably become a Casablanca icon.

The legend continues…