Casablanca

Today’s visit from our cruise ship: Casablanca, Morocco

With 3.5 million residents, Casablanca is the 2nd largest city in Africa after Cairo. It serves as the commercial and financial capital despite its relative young age as a major city. It was only during the French protectorate of 1912-1956 that the city assumed its pivotal role in the Moroccan economy and grew from a village of just a few thousand to over 3 million inhabitants. The dream of a French governor in the early 20th century, the city is a modern, bustling, cosmopolitan center with skyscrapers, modern government buildings, and planned urban enclaves. Although very westernized, men and women are still segregated in most facilities.

The highlights of my day here were as follows:

Mosque Hassan II

First we took a taxi to the world’s 2nd largest mosque after the one in Mecca. Casablanca’s skyline is dominated by this massive edifice. It holds 25,000 worshippers inside and 80,000 outside. It also holds the world’s largest minaret. It was partly constructed on the water; we saw it emerge as the ship entered Casablanca waters. At one point, you can see the water through the glass floor.

Old Medina

Next, we took a taxi to the old Medina, a colorful market where merchants sell a conglomeration of fruits, vegetables, spices, meats, beans, grains, olives, clothing, pottery, crafted wood, fragrances, fabrics, shoes, berber crafts, jewelry, and many other items. “Mustafa” insisted on guiding us through the web of tiny streets that were a confusing maze of passageways. I enjoyed taking in all the sights, sounds, and smells of this lively medina.

I found the Moroccans to be warm and gracious.

In addition to their currency, the dirham, Moroccan vendors accept Euros, British pounds, and $ dollars.

In case you were wondering: Humphrey Bogart NEVER came here and the film Casablanca was shot entirely in Hollywood.