Casablanca
We began our adventure in Casablanca, a modern city, second only to Cairo in North Africa. It has grown from 20,000 people a hundred years ago to 3.5 million today. It was in turn, a Phoenician port in the 6th century BC, part of the Roman empire, the capital of the Berber confederacy, the base of the Moroccan fleet in the 15th century AD, a Portuguese naval base in the 19th century, a French Protectorate in the early 20th century and since 1956 the capital of the independent state of Morocco.
Today, Casablanca is a clean (at least by African standards) friendly city. Many times as we walked in the streets, strangers would offer a smile and a warm "You are welcome in Morocco." It has good and inexpensive transportation provided by a fleet of Petit Taxis. There are plenty of good hotels and restaurants. We felt safe and unhassled. An easy start for our adventure.
Still, Casablanca is just a big city. And while almost any trip to Morocco will involve time there, a day is probably sufficient. Two would be plenty. There are only a few main event sightseeing opportunities: The Medina (old town); The Grand Mosque of Hassen II; Place Mohammed V; and The Nouville Medina. We arrived at mid-day on a Thursday left at mid-day on Friday.
Do Not Adjust Your Set: These pictures were taken in Mid-April 2000 with a first generation digital camera. They are as big as they'll ever get.
Read MoreToday, Casablanca is a clean (at least by African standards) friendly city. Many times as we walked in the streets, strangers would offer a smile and a warm "You are welcome in Morocco." It has good and inexpensive transportation provided by a fleet of Petit Taxis. There are plenty of good hotels and restaurants. We felt safe and unhassled. An easy start for our adventure.
Still, Casablanca is just a big city. And while almost any trip to Morocco will involve time there, a day is probably sufficient. Two would be plenty. There are only a few main event sightseeing opportunities: The Medina (old town); The Grand Mosque of Hassen II; Place Mohammed V; and The Nouville Medina. We arrived at mid-day on a Thursday left at mid-day on Friday.
Do Not Adjust Your Set: These pictures were taken in Mid-April 2000 with a first generation digital camera. They are as big as they'll ever get.