Curious Encounters & A Setting Sun In Essouira, Morocco

I start today’s wander in a park that runs along the beach, to the south of the old city. The park is not very impressive, as it is mostly just a long, narrow strip of green between the beach and the main coastal road. There isn’t much to see, save for some bushes and rows of palm trees on either side. Near the end of this park, you will find an interesting green statue...

At the time, I had no idea what this statue symbolized, but I did think it had a cool design. Upon further research, I learned that it is a Muslim blessing, but done in a unique three-dimensional representation of the ancient Kufic writing style. This writing style is one of the earliest forms of Arabic, developed in the 7th century AD at a place called Kufa, in modern-day Iraq. Although the symbolism is old, the monument itself was installed more recently, in 2003. To me, it just looks like art, but I imagine it would be pretty cool to drive by this and understand its true meaning. The sculpture itself is located just off the road, on the main southern approach to the city, a greeting to Essouira’s visitors.

Not far from the monument, I found another random piece of art. I am not sure if it was intentional, but I don't think this “wall” would look out of place being displayed in a fancy modern art museum somewhere.

Across the street, I see another curious sight. A young donkey, walking alone, picking around in the garbage. If you look closely, there is a torn piece of green plastic tied around one of his front legs. It looks like the little guy was stronger than his owner gave him credit for. Seeing as nobody was around, I’d imagine this must have been a great time for the young donkey, perhaps getting his first taste of freedom.

I gave him an apple I had in my bag, which he practically inhaled with one chomp. Without missing a beat, he was back to opening the blue plastic bag, which he soon found his way into for some delicious old vegetables. When we parted ways, he walked confidently down the road and away from the city. I wonder how long it would be before someone stopped him. I'm not sure about the memory of donkeys, but I’m sure this day of freedom is not one he will soon forget

The sun is setting, so I head back to the beach. The wide, flat beach and hard, packed sand flatten out the waves, creating a mirror-like reflective surface for the water to beautifully mimic the sun’s majesty.

Walking through the thin layer of water, with the setting sun reflecting around me, is a somewhat surreal experience. There aren’t many people around, so the atmosphere is quite pleasant and oddly peaceful with the soft sounds of the tamed waves, and sea birds kawing nearby.