The Capital

After a nights rest, it's time to explore the capital of Western Sahara, Laayoune! Laayoune is by far the biggest city in Western Sahara. The population at this moment as approximately 200,000, but the city is growing quickly. In the city there are three main-areas: the old Spanish center, the modern Moroccan center, and the fast growing suburbs with big, square, high buildings.

The Spanish center is the oldest part of the city. In this area you find a lot of very interesting architecture and small markets, but this is clearly not the best part of town.

The modern center is full of extreme monuments and big public buildings. This is where is the most business-centers, banks, bus stations, tourists agencies, and restaurants and hotels are, but you'll also find the biggest souq (bizarre) here, lots of small teahouses and small street food places.

The souq of Laayoune (souq meaning bizarre or market). This area is very typical for the whole region: a market that is very, very quiet at daytime. The second it gets dark, it transforms completely! People come from everywhere, you hear the salesmen shouting and the streets are covered with bikes, cars and really anything on wheels.

Therefore, the only way to see the Souq Djemal (for those who may not know what Souq Djemal is; it is the liveliest part of Laayoune) in a decent way is by going there in the evening. When you enter the souq, you'll be surprised by the smells and the colors of all the food they sell here: from the local specialty fresh fish, and the delicious olives, to complete cows and goat heads.

This is truly a magnificent sight to behold! Everything is so bold and lively! After a night of excitement and exploration, it's time for this blogger to rest. Until next time, my fellow readers!