Agadir

After 4 weekends of trekking across Morocco, we decided to head down south to the relaxing town of Agadir.  Agadir is a beach town that sits on the Atlantic coast and is the gateway to southern Morocco.  The town was destroyed by an earthquake in 1960, so it lacks the charm of many other Moroccan cities.  Modern resorts have been built up along the beautiful board walk, and the beach is one of the nicest along the Atlantic coast.  This was our farthest road trip yet, but we were able to stay on the autoroute the entire time.  Time wise, it wasn't much longer than traveling northeast through the mountains to Chefchaouen (roughly 5 hours).  The one attraction that we were excited about, horse and camel rides along the beach, was nowhere to be found.  Regardless, we enjoyed walking up and down the board walk, relaxing on the beach, and eatting great food.  The best highlight was unexpectedly meeting up with our Olmsted friends, The Saunders!  We were even staying at the same hotel!

We've gotten into a nice groove of Jamil stopping for gas while I grab snacks and drinks inside and then met the boys at the playground behind the gas station.  I'm beginning to love these rest stops, Turkish potties and all...not really, but the playgrounds are just what the boys need!  Just don't confuse the men and women signs at the mosque for restrooms.  Yes, these rest stops have it all.

Abraham is attempting to prematurely graduate to the big-boy swing.  Baby swings are nowhere to be found, and he got his first face full of sand on this road trip.  I was even holding onto him...oops!  However, this tough guy wanted to get right back on the saddle.

We arrived in Agadir just in time for the sun set.  There is something so natural and mysterious about watching the sun set along the ocean.

We were a bit concerned about the overcast, which is unusual with Agadir's consistent mild climate and sunny skies, but it cleared up nicely the next day.  On the hill top to the right was Arabic writing beautifully lit at night.

Oh, what should I describe in this photo; wiping sand out of Gabriel's face after explaining countless times that sand stays down low, the beautiful Arabic writing on the hill top, or the tourist colorful attire (or lack thereof)?  Agadir is one of the top tourist destinations in Morocco (however beautiful, it would not be on the top my list), so my typical concern over wearing a tank top was no longer an issue (or a top at all if I chose).  I'm sure it's just a taste of what we'll see in Spain next weekend. ;)

Jamil attempting to read and relax...ha!

Flithy and Oh So Sweet!

I think Abraham has finally figured out that sand tastes pretty gross... maybe the incident above on the swing had something to do with that.  He did an awesome job playing appropriately and fairly independently!  Huge success!

Before we headed back to Rabat we met the Saunders downstairs for breakfast.  Over the weekend the guys enjoyed morning runs, and we all had a lovely dinner on the boardwalk together.  We look forward to many more adventures with our new friends!

Another sleeping in the car photo... I just can't help myself.  Next time I need to capture some car meltdown moments!  Maybe I'll save that for when I figure out how to add video.

Gabriel asked us to turn around and look.... they were giggling about holding hands and even continued to giggle and hold hands while I fumbled for the camera.  They'll be hitting each other with those hands in a matter of seconds, but does it get any cuter than that?  Well, we've got to get home, do some laundry and repack for our next adventure to Spain!  Ma Salama, friends!