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Introduce myself & Questions on living accomodations
First off - I chose Morocco as my FIRST choice as to where I want to live.  It's diversity, people, culture, beauty call to my heart.  I have DREAMED to be in Africa for years.

Approximately 6 weeks ago (or less), in sunny Palo Alto, California (San Francisco Bay Area) I had an epiphany that it was time to move and do my own thing, as my child spread his wings, so should I.

Thusly, within 5 days, I proceeded to sell, give away, donate and toss just about everything I owned (a few items -my books & art supplies are in a tiny storage unit), Too late to turn back.... I sold the car, have temp digs in the spare room via the generousity of an aquaintance of a friend.

I got all the shots and bought passage on a freighter - CMA CGM Florida - departing NYC for Tangier on 24 September, arriving approximately 5 October - barring extraneous events.  Me and one small carry on bag.  I'll return stateside at some point (months down the road) and ship over a few things.

I am friendly, truthful, considerate... artist and bohemian with a sense of humour and curious to learn about everything, appreciating that in the vastness of life... I know nothing, or at least... very little.   I want a place to live modestly within my means (read:  fixed income), be a part of my community - meaning learn and adapt/adopt the language, customs, culture and call it my home.

Why Essaouira?  Well, at first I thought Marrakech, close to the Atlas Mts., because I love to snow ski...  but I kept reading about Essaouira....

I don't need to live in the center of town.  I'd like to live in a small house - a place for my books, to do my art: water colour, acrylic, collage, sewings, stone carving, building stuff; have a bit of a garden, do some community volunteer work, get to know and get along with my neighbors, even a bit outside of town in a village is fine. 

~  Who do I contact / where do I go to find a NON TOURIST place to rent?  What is the proper way to go about it? What are the do's and don'ts?  How do I make sure I do not offend / insult people? 
    I would like to eventually apply for a residence permit. I do not want to purchase a home.  I am researching documents and financial requirements and am gathering everything together.
~  Does anyone have any recommendations for an economical and nice hotel to stay while I find my feet for when I arrive?
~ Grocery shop in markets (like a local - I am not seeking "like they have in America")
~ Bank? I'll have to open a local account.
~ Public transport?
~ Cost of living?

I realize I am not thinking of even 25% of what I need to know before I arrive....  like, what do I do and where do I go when I hop off the freighter?  I have a big learning curve and am working on it...  but I won't know near enough.......

Thank you in advance.  I truly appreciate it.  Respectfully, e.