Ile d’Oleron is good-sized island off the coast of France in the western France on the Bay of Biscay. Accessible by car, bus or ferry, the island features a network of small towns. Each has it’s own personality, but the rhythm of the island is driven by the tides, oyster harvesting and sailing harbors.

There a lots of ways to see Morocco, but depending on time, money and the amount one can absorb at any given time, choices need to be made. Also, availability, time of year, weather will also shape the trip.

We made Marrakech our base, planning trips to the Sahara and Essaouira from there. We also stayed in two riads, one more like a hotel and one like staying someone’s home. Both were in the Medina and gave us a slightly different take on life there.