Casablanca!!!

When we docked in exotic Casablanca in the African country of Morocco, our ears were assaulted with shouts of taxi, taxi, taxi! It’s something we expected from a port city. It makes us happy to see so many competing for our business – that would mean we can barter for a good price. The first taxi driver that approached us did not give us a good price so we moved on. As it turned out we went from taxi driver #1 named Mohammad to taxi driver #2 named Mohammad. It is a very common name. Negotiations went smoothly with Mohammad #2 so we went with him.

Casablanca is the penultimate port in this 9-day cruise and like the previous ports I conducted a “see-what-happens” attitude to exploring the city. It turned out, luckily, that Mohammad has a set itinerary. He also was able to communicate fairly well in English.

On the drive from port to city, Mohammad was spewing memorized spiel about spots we were passing. I was hardly listening, to be honest, as I was trying to get as much drive by shots as I could. I was so fascinated by the passing street scenes that I could not resist. However, while the people were friendly and were waving at us – no escaping the tourist look on us – the window needs cleaning and a drizzle came down - sadly I had to quite shooting.

We passed by RICK’S CAFÉ. My ignorance on its significance to the people of Casablanca was evident. My husband, who also has not watched the 1942 classic film CASABLANCA starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, was likewise lost why we are stopping at a restaurant. We were not even hungry. But Mohammad was persistent; he wanted us to take our photos by the door – even though the restaurant was closed. To avoid offending him, we took photos, which I posted as a status update on my facebook account. My brother commented: “Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine.” Of course not having seen the movie his comment further puzzled me, so I Googled it and found what it is. As an update I still haven’t seen the movie despite a promise to see it after visiting the city in 2014.

The first part of the tour was visiting the second largest mosque in whole world the Hassan II mosque (separate post). We took our time here especially when the drizzle got a bit stronger.

Next in Mohammad’s agenda was a drive through and a walk through the waterfront area or La Corniche. We arrived there in bad weather and the sea was rough, big waves crashing against the rocky edge. We were persuaded to stroll and I appreciated the walk, even though it was chilly and very windy.

The shoreline was lined with restaurants and resorts and the walkway was pretty crowded with a combination of tourists and locals using it for jogging/running. Mohammad told us to meet him at McDonald’s at the end of the road. I was tempted to see what they’re selling in the local McDonald’s but we didn’t succumb to temptation.


As photographed from a moving car.


Our driver Mohammad showing us the way to Rick's Cafe.


Ordinary facade isn't it?


Street scene.


Colorful street scene.


Airing laundry.


Hotel Excelsior.


Love the tiles.


Driving around.


Gloomy day


I find this beautiful.


Looking out to the Atlantic.


La Corniche


Strolling La Corniche in a drizzle


Rough seas.


Fishing in rough seas.



To be continued……………………….

OUR WORLD TUESDAY