LOCATION: Essaouira to Casablanca
What's happening?
Waved goodbye to our beach side accommodation washing them the best for the chaos of the festival to come.
Our return route took us back to @Mac's favourite coffee shop and then it was one turn to join the highway to Casablanca.
The timing was perfect - we had that late 10 am getaway and arrived at around 3 pm for checkin. We were back in the foyer where we had started the trip.
No enthusiasm for exploration we just bunkered down until our 7 pm meetup for our farewell dinner. A recap time with @Mohammed and @Smail and last stories with @TheRoyals. Way too much food and there was plenty of choices on the menu, seafood and meat seemed to be the winners.
It has been a fabulous trip and let's class this as a private trip. @Mohammed has been so accommodating, his knowledge, experience and expertise combined to ensure we always got the best of the best. @Smail drove us safely through long stretches of mountain roads and passes and was always there with a smile and a lending hand. And our travelling buddies @TheRoyals, loads of fun and filled with stories of their past adventures. Couldn't have wished for a more perfect match as travelling partners.
We have finished up with 150 MAD in cash - should be just enough to finalise our tips and get a drink at the airport tomorrow. 😅
Survival Barometer
Steps: 4 468
Weather: 27 we had 10 minutes of rain on the drive back
Can you believe that?
A little background from Co-Pilot.
@Mohammed had mentioned at the outset that if you could drive in Casablanca you coukd drive anywhere. We had forgotten about this chaos and the NOISE.
🚗 Traffic lights are… suggestions
In many parts of the city, especially outside major boulevards, red lights are treated as polite recommendations rather than rules
🐦 Storks sometimes block traffic lights
Casablanca’s famous storks build huge nests on top of traffic lights and poles.
When a nest covers the signal, drivers rely on intuition and vibes to decide who goes next
🚙 Roundabouts are gladiator arenas
There are rules for roundabouts — but no one follows them.
Entering is a test of courage, eye contact, and confidence.
Leaving is a small miracle
🎺 Honking is a full communication language
In Casablanca, honks mean:“I’m here.”“Don’t do that.”“Do that faster.”“I’m passing.”“I’m annoyed.”“I’m happy.”“I’m bored.”
It’s basically Morse code for emotions
🚧 Lanes are theoretical concepts
Lane markings exist, but drivers treat them like decorative street art.
Cars often form 3–4 improvised lanes on a 2‑lane road, especially during rush hour
🅿️ Parking is guided by “the guardian”
Most streets have a guardian — a man in a fluorescent vest who helps you park, watches your car, and expects a few dirhams.
He is part traffic controller, part negotiator, part neighborhood diplomat
"Yesterday it was horses - today I'm polishing up my driving skills."
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