Totally Frenched Out

From the blogger formerly known as Samdebretagne

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Morocco

I just got back from 4 days in Morocco. It was an okay trip, but I think I'm starting to be "over" North Africa. We were in Casablanca, which is not a touristy city at all. And I don't know if it's specific to that city, but at least compared to Tunisia, there seemed to be a somewhat higher standard of living and a bit more personal freedom. The buildings were a bit newer and well-maintained, there were a lot of high-priced SUVs everywhere and we saw a lot of women wearing Western-style clothes and no headscarf. And also contrary to Tunisia, we weren't harassed a single time during the whole trip - we were able to pretty much walk about freely, even at night.
The two touristy things there were Rick's café from the Casablanca film:

and the Hassan II Mosque:

It was a pretty incredible mosque - it has room for 25,000 worshipers and a retractable roof. It's also the only mosque in Morocco that women are allowed to visit.

After the visit, we walked over to watch the sunet at the beach:The warm weather and sunshine were a nice change from the snow in Paris, but I have to say it is nice to be home again....Even if it's for less than 24 hours!

Labels: ,

6 Comments:

Blogger Diary of Why said...

Oy, what timing. I just this very second turned off the tv, and what was I watching, of course, but Casablanca. How very serendipitous. :)

December 6, 2010 at 2:02 AM  
Blogger Oneika said...

I hear ya about being "over" certain places!! I am sooooo "over" Asia... Get me outta here... ;-)

December 6, 2010 at 2:19 AM  
Blogger Crystal said...

you know I've never had any real desire to visit North Africa. I guess I'm afraid of being approached all the time by people trying to sell me stuff. Vendor harassement does not sit well with agoraphobes like myself.

I'd love to see the Oriental landscapes though but I'm not sure I'd like the hustle and bustle.

Have fun in Holland and see you next Saturday?

December 6, 2010 at 8:48 AM  
Blogger Sarah said...

Know the feeling. I spent an academic year in Cairo and returned never wanting to go back to anywhere that regarded women as lower than a dog turd.

December 6, 2010 at 9:08 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm like Crystal, never visited North Africa, but for the moment it has no real appeal for me. Maybe someday, but for the moment I am still happy checking out Europe!

December 9, 2010 at 7:21 PM  
Blogger Ken Broadhurst said...

Beautiful sunset picture.

December 12, 2010 at 9:55 PM  

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home