Flying into Paris at sunrise for my transfer to Casablanca and the start of my North Africa adventure!

I have a month each in Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt.

Morocco is English, Maroc is French.

The official languages are Darija (Moroccan Arabic) and Tamazight (Berber) but French is common everywhere. Even government buildings add French to their signs.

English is not common, so I’m dusting off my high school French and testing years of exposure to bilingual labels!

Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco, and the economic centre.

I loved the contrast from the old Medina area that dates back to the 12th century and the modern city.

I’m definitely getting my long walks while testing the accuracy of Google Maps!

In minutes I could go from the souks (bazaars) in the maze of little streets to a huge supermarket and mall.

And there were wide boulevards, grand buildings, huge green spaces.

Square of Mohammed V in the heart of the city is famous among the pigeons for it’s fountain.

United Nations Square with cool shadows in the pedestrian walkway underneath.

Arab League Park covers 30 acres in the heart of the city.

Next door is the Church of the Sacred Heart.

But the big star in town is the Hassan II Mosque (1993).

It is the third largest mosque in the world. 25,000 can pray in the mosque hall with another 80,000 on the outside grounds.

The water from the dozen fountains in the abution hall (pre-pray cleansing) runs before each of five prayers a day.

It was built partially on land and over the water.

The seawall beside it is part of a long promenade and is busy.

I was going to call this the ‘Tagine Tour’! It’s the most popular meal 🥘 and only 30-60 dirham (Cdn$4-8) depending on where the restaurant is.

I usually had the chicken version, which was baked with vegetables.

I love the murals for the colour.

And of course cats are allowed everywhere in Muslim countries.

They are well fed but this fellow looked like he was going to help himself to the fish.

And arches!

At the front door of the Royal Palace.

Trompe l’oeil

And of course, Casablanca means the movie.

It was filmed in 1942 in Burbank Studios in California. But in 2004 an American woman opened a restaurant based on the set of ‘Rick’s Bar’ from the movie. It’s popular with tourists.

And then it off to the train station and an one hour trip to Rabat.

Casablanca station.

And arriving in Rabat, the capital city.

Walking past the Parliament buildings.

La Grande Poste.

The walls of the Medina, and one of the many gates.

Fortunately I already bought a Moroccan carpet in Tanger a few years ago, so I’m not tempted!

More tagine!

Beldi Kefta is a classic street food with grilled minced meat, onion and tomato. Very good for 15 dirham (Cdn$2).

And sfenj, a type of donut.

Nougat and nut brittle for my snack collection.

Breakfast buffet bread display at my hotel vs the Riad.

Kasbah Oudaya is a fortress from the 12th century on the edge of the Medina with panoramic Atlantic Ocean views.

It has the peaceful Andalusian Garden, laid out by the French during the colonial period.

I walked down along the ocean where the waves were crashing in, and the protected beach next to it.

Mouth of the Bouregreg River

Mosque (1184) and Mausoleum (1961)

Pigeon wall

The Mausoleum.

Gates of the Royal Palace where again I couldn’t go.

Loved the camouflaged cell phone towers.

The Riad (guest house) where I stayed in the Medina. Riad’s were originally mansions of the rich. They share a similar layout with a courtyard.

The TV room.

Cemetery

This part of the Medina was more for locals buying their food. I gorged myself on incredible strawberries!

Other parts were full of more tourist oriented shops, along with the tourists. This was a different from Casablanca.

Madrassa (school) from 1366

The weather has been nice around 20 oC but yesterday it rained. Fortunately I had enough days here that I was able to see everything.

I’ve also felt very safe here, with only minor warnings about motorcycle purse snatching on the busy roads. Nothing new.

The people have been very friendly and helpful, and shopkeepers aren’t pushy. I appreciate that when I’m just window shopping.

Today I’m off on the bus to Chefchaouen. I have to go find the taxi stand as Medinas are car free.

See you there!