27 November 2017 –– Casablanca, Morocco

We arrived in port early this morning still before sunrise, and couldn’t believe the amount of commercial ship traffic and loading/unloading transpiring!  It is a major port for all goods into and out of North Africa, and it reflects it.

At first glance Casablanca reminded us so much of Sao Luis, Brasil – crowded streets, crazy drivers, lots of pedestrians, old buildings that had been gorgeous in their day, and lots of restoration and construction.

Our first point of interest was Mohammed V place that seemed to have more pigeons than people.  Across the street was a post office, but as we came to expect had a beautiful mosaic around the main door way.

Next was the highlight of the whole tour – the Hassan II Mosque.  It was constructed from 1987 to 1993 for about US$1 Billion and used all materials from Morocco except for the chandeliers (Murano glass from Italy) and the sound system (from Sony Japan).  Some 15,000 craftsman were employed and all the area is marble from the Atlas Mountains, handcrafted Hispanic and Moorish architecture throughout, Berber inspired color schemes on ceilings, walls and doorways.  The colors were made from natural dyes from pomegranate skin, saffron, indigo, and henna and then oil painted on the surfaces.  Totally, totally done by hand!!!

The mosque itself is fashioned after a ship and is suspended in the Atlantic Ocean, with only the outer buildings, such the museum, library that is over land.  The main mosque columns that support the structure are anchored to the sea bedrock 180 ft. into the ocean.  The interior space can hold some 25,000 people at prayers that are 5 times a day, and the surrounding square supports another 80,000, twice a year on their high holy days. The mosque’s minaret is the tallest in the world at over 690 ft. high, and can be seen from all over Casablanca.  Truly amazing!

Then we had a refreshment break at a seaside restaurant and then on to the United Nations square for a bit of shopping.  Across from the square is the old Medina bazaar that is walled and is not really safe for foreigners to wander in.

Final stop was the Mayor’s Palace, or Pasha House, where the old Moroccan governor used to live with his harem and wife.  

Further down the same street, we were able to see the back side of the King of Morocco’s palace that he uses when he is in Casablanca.  His principal residence is in Rabat, the capital of Morocco.

Bye, Bye Morocco!  We enjoyed our visit and experience.