Casablanca, Morocco

March 24, 2008

Casablanca Morocco...such an exotic place. I can’t believe that it has been over 35 years since I was here! Believe it or not, Casablanca was the very first place in the world that I ever traveled. My good friend, Hugh Latta, suggested that we go on a short vacation. He chose Morocco and so I went. What memories I had then and what new memories I have today.

Certainly the city doesn’t look anything like it did more than three decades ago. Many new and huge buildings have been built...the city is a hustling and bustling place that serves as the economic capital of the country. In fact there was very little that even seem familiar to me at all. But, let’s face it ...that was a long time ago and times have changed. I remember distinctively the “water sellers”...colorful men who were on the streets with large animal skins filled with mineral water that they would gladly sell. Of course, we tourist, wanted their photos...but the locals were flocking around them to buy a drink of water. Well...times have changed indeed. According to our guide once the concept of bottled water in plastic bottles came into vogue, these poor water sellers were basically out of a job. So now, you still see a few around...but instead of actually selling water, they are now only to be found at tourist attractions and the only think they sell is a pose for a tourist photo.


We began our day by driving past the main square: the Place Mohammed V. Such a clean and interesting place with tons of ordered palm trees lining park-like boulevards and hundreds of people going about their daily life. We ventured on to an area called New Medina which is a modern development in a traditional style and is the home of the Royal Palace. The current king is only 44 and is apparently well respected. The Royal Place is a grand look place that can hold some 50-75,000 people in the open courtyard outside. Very impressive.

Equally impressive is the Great Mosque, completed in 1993 and boasting the tallest minaret in the world. The Mosque will house more than 25,000 people inside and another 75,000 outside. What a memorable place!

We paid a visit to Notre Dame de Lourdes Church, a very contemporary Catholic Church. I found this visit very curious for two reasons. First, the guide went out of his way to explain that Morocco was 96% Muslim with the remaining 4 % being made up of Christains, Jews, and other religions. Why then, on a tour called “Casablanca Highlights” would we visit a Catholic Church? Granted, the full side walls of colorful stained glass from France were beautiful...and the structure itself was impressive in its modernity....but to consider this a “highlight” was a bit too much. . Second, the guide told us that the building was built in 1929 and that the windows were install in 1959. I really question his dates. This church was way to modern to have been built as early as 1929. If indeed, it had been built then I can’t imagine why we didn’t study it in our history of architecture courses. I think the whole place was “remodeled” in 1959...the building seemed to be inspired by LeCorbusier’s work. Maybe I am wrong and I intend to do some research when I return to verify my date or his...at least I have been there.

We ventured into the most colorful central market to see the beautiful displays of fresh fruit, nuts, vegetables, fish and meat. Wow! What a grand place to shop for beautiful food!

Driving along the coastal road, we saw the golden beaches of the Ain Diab Resort where we enjoyed a refreshing drink before returning to the ship. All in all, it was a good time....and very different from my first experience in this exotic city! Now it’s on to Adadir!