Safi

Up bright and early on Thursday for a 7.30am departure to Safi to visit our client office there.

What a beautiful drive! We were in our 15 seat mini-bus and with only 10 of use there was plenty of room,we took the coast road. It was amazing-such a wonderful coast line so unspoilt. I imagine its cold in the Winter with strong winds off the Atlantic; but the area is popular with local tourists in the Summer. Often the fields go all the way to the coastline, lots of small scale agriculture with far more donkeys then vehicles. Many little group of animals (sheep or cows) with their own shepherd and using every available inch of ground.

It was great to meet the Near East Foundation staff at the Safi office and some of their local youth entrepreneurs. They were very inspiring – a young female potter who started a co-operative using the business skills learned at EYEM. A young man who started a copy shop and used Facebook groups  and messaging to raise awareness and build business.

We were then fortunate enough to visit the local pottery co-operative where we met the lady from our NEF meeting and were given a tour.

 

Time for a very quick look at the Safi - it is a very attractive town – on the coast and with an old walled town. Then a convivial lunch with our local hosts.

 Then began the long trip back to Casa – about 4.5 hours.