Kembara Dunia: Magical Morocco ....

Morocco……

Morocco has always fascinates me in many ways. Its rich culture and great architectures has put Morocco in one of my must-go destination list. Actually, my trip to Morocco has been planned a few years back but cancelled at the very last minutes due to so many reasons. And only this third attempts that it materialized after lots of efforts being put till the very last day before we departed from home. (We managed to get the visa in 2 working days but system was down until the day of our departure and being offloaded from the overbooked flight and has to be re-routed with other carrier!!!)

Aerial view of Casablanca...the tall minaret of Hassan II Mosque clearly visible....

Our first touch-point into Morocco is the City of Casablanca. Earlier known by the Portuguese as Casa Branca which means “White House” , later it was known as Casablanca by the Spanish until today. True enough that most of the buildings in Casablanca are painted in white…. On our landing approach, we could see the aerial view of the city and spotted the majestic Hassan II mosque with its tall minaret. Our flight landed at Mohammad V International Airport and we took a direct train from the airport into the city centre Gare Casa Voyageurs that cost us MAD40.00. We booked the conveniently located Ibis Mousaffir Casa Voyageurs next to the train station.

Ibis Mousaffir Gare Casa Voyaguers

The next day, we headed to La Corniche or Ain Diab, a trendy beachside suburb which is famous for its ocean-front resorts and beautiful beaches facing the Atlantic Ocean. We took the spanking new tram from Casa Voyageurs to Ain Diab costing us MAD7.00 one way. You can find many establishments including health clubs, hotels, restaurants, public swimming pools and spas along the long stretch of the sandy beach towards the Hassan II mosque. Lucky enough, there are plenty of benches along the paved pathways for us to rest and continue our walk.

La Corniche or Ain Diab

One establishment along La Corniche or Ain Diab

We passed another tall structure by the seaside….the light house (El-Menara). However, there was nothing much to see surrounding the area as we passed by. We continued our long walk and it started to pay off as we were approaching the majestic Hassan II mosque. Considered by some as the 3^rd largest mosque in the world, this huge mosque has only one very tall minaret (tallest in the world). Designed by French architect Michel Pinseau and took 6 years to built, this massive mosque is really something that you should not miss when visiting Casablanca. Intricate mosaic designs on the walls and doors, this Moorish design and influence is similar to those found at Al Hamra Palace in Granada and the great mosque of Cordoba.

El Menara

Hassan II Mosque

The Atlantic Ocean....

Tall minaret of Hassan II Mosque

Hassan II Mosque

Intricate carvings and mosaics work....

We continued our visit to the Old Medina, one of the oldest walled quarter that house all sort of things that tourist are after. Not as big as Medina in other parts of Morocco, one can notice a clock tower at the arched entrance of the Medina. We walked through the narrow alleys and bought some souvenirs. We even tried some local food here and I personally impressed with local food that being cooked in small terracotta pot with covers called Tagine. They cook almost anything with tagine which includes bread, meat/chicken etc.

Shops outside the Medina...

Tagine....Moroccan specialty dishes...

On our second day in Casablanca, we headed to the New Medina, also known as Quarters des Habous. Located at the south of the city, the new Medina was built by the French in 1920s originally to solve the housing crisis at that time. Flanked by the walls, the arched entrance that lead us to a wider, properly planned rows of shops and alleys that sells all sort of things. I personally prefer the new Medina as it is less crowded and more organized layout for a relaxing window shopping spree. Local people also do their shopping here for clothing and food. There is a big mosque with a tall minaret at the centre of the Medina.

Quarters des Habous

Shops inside Quarters des Habous

Local Moroccan souvenirs....

Street inside Quarters des Habous

Pick your choice for olives....

Our last visit in Casablanca before heading to Ourzazate tomorrow is the Place Mohammed V, an open area with fountains surrounded all around by the Government Buildings. Visited by both locals and tourist, this area is accessible by taking the tram or taxi from our hotel. Just like Trafalgar Square in London, the area surrounding the fountain is full with pigeons. You can buy some corns and feed the pigeons or get your hands decorated with henna by the locals but be prepared to pay some hefty charges if you are not careful!!