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Casablanca was not the stuff of Hollywood love stories. Traffic was bad, streets were full of people asking for money, there was lots of rubbish, and a 4 year old tried to pickpocket members of our tour group. We were driven to the waterfront area where there were bars and cafes, as well as hotels with swimming pools right on the beach.
Even at the most lux of restaurants with sea views a pizza cost less than $10 and a soft drink not more than $3. We had lunch overlooking the Atlantic ocean, before being driven to a site even more popular than Rick's Cafe - the Hassan II Mosque.
The third largest mosque in the world, with the tallest minaret in the world, the Hassan II Mosque perches on the edge of the ocean. It is the only mosque in the country which non- Muslims are permitted to enter. We paid our entry fee and were then given a guided tour by an English speaking tour guide. The women in our bus about group all had our heads covered but I was surprised that others did not and yet there was no move made to refuse them entry.
The mosque was built between 1986 and 1993. As far as mosques go it is pretty high tech. Doors of titanium weighing several tons are opened electronically. The roof can also be opened, allowing sunlight and fresh air to fill the cavernous interior, there are speakers and smoke alarms installed.
One side of the mosque has windows looking seaward. There is an intricately carved wooden balcony or second level to hold female worshippers. The glass chandeliers were imported from Venice, but the bulk of the building materials were sourced in Morocco.
Below the main level is the ablution area. Enormous fountains where Muslims can wash before they pray. There is also a Hamman - which reminded me of Turkish baths - which contains a pool of heated water simply to soak and relax in.
From the Mosque we travelled to Rabat, the capital city, where we experienced the hustle and bustle of the old medina in search of dinner.
- comments
Jane Price Oooo, loving the blog Mr and Mrs B! Sounds like you're having a fabulous adventure so far. Keep the stories rolling... xx
Kerry Walker Loving the blog, Tori! Sounds like you are off to an excellent start. Can't wait for the next update.