Tuesday, Oct 1st, Essaouira, Morocco

Greetings!

Today was mostly an optional field trip to the investigate Argan oil production.  And to visit a winery.

But first, we visited a small village made popular by a visit from Jimi Hendrix in 1969.  A cafe at the entrance to the town announces the occurance, and contains photos, paintings, and murals in tribute to him.

Earlier in the trip, I criticized a practice whereby some tourists we're led to trees alongside the road in which goats had been tied to the branches.  There really are goats in trees in the process of making Argan oil.  But you need to find them yourself in the 2 million hectares of Argan trees in southern Morocco, and not be satisfied with photographing goats tied up in trees close by your hotels.

Our drive south of town reminded me of an African safari where the guides keep saying "I'll find you a cheeta, don't worry".  There has been so little rain this year, and thus so few Argan nuts on the trees.  The shepherds and goat herds are so hard to find.

Yes, the goats exist.  In early September (in a normal year), they climb the Argan trees, eat the ripe nuts, and the softer skinless inside ends up in a stomach pouch which is then regurgitated.  The results can then be gathered up by the women of the village, and taken to their co-operative.  The process of the elimination the husk, cracking the nut, crushing the seed, and obtaing the oil is done by hand by the women of the co-operative.  You can contact them through their website at www.arganouz.com

Afterward, we had lunch at Val d' Argan Winery, a really gorgeous little place with a wide selection of wine from local grapes.

To see all of the photos taken today, click on Tuesday, Oct 1st, Essaouira, Morocco.