0241. Natural Water Park Ride (Mor 089--new)

I thought of catching a bus on farther south from Jorf Lasfar, but the only buses going by were buses going to pick up workers from  the OCP industrial complex--so I caught a ride back up to El Jadida to the same "Hotel California" I stayed in last February.  I called up Mehdi and we jammed together in a cafe down by the beach late into the night...

...El Jaddida is a great place to chill...

But next morning, I know I've got more terrain to cover, so I go grab a grand taxi to the next significant town down south.

Oualidia.

Now, I'm not much of a beach person, but Oualidia has got to have one of the most fascinating beaches in the world.  The outer coast is extremely rugged--but then there a breach between the rocks where seawater comes into a peaceful lagoon.  The water whirlpools lazily around a large sandbar--just like a natural water park ride... a perfect place to float around in an inner tube--just don't get swept out to sea! 

The town of Oualidia has two sides: the coastal side has campsites, hotels, and cafes where European tourists drink beer and enjoy the sun.  The other side of town is a much more gritty "real" Morocco.  It's market day, and humble folks from surrounding village come to buy basic necessities--and nothing more...

I explore both ends of town... Soak in the beautiful panorama from the hilltop overlooking the lagoon, and head on my way...