The Moroccan adventure begins here – in Casablanca.  This small settlement named Anfa (‘hill’ in English) in the 7th century grew to a major trade center in Morocco during the 20th century.  This was due to the vision of the first resident-governor (as a French protectorate), who set about developing the port and adopted the Spanish name Casablanca (white house).  In fact – this name may have had a significant effect on world events because in January, 1943, FDR and Winston Churchill met in Casablanca to determine the date of the allied landings in Normandy.  The Germans got wind of the meeting but translated “Casablanca” to “the White House” and believed the meeting was in Washington, D.C. and never stopped the meeting!

But, back to the future.  One’s thoughts of the land around Casablanca might be of sand dunes and camels.  However, approaching the city from the air gives the feeling of flying over the California central valley where agriculture is a major industry —

The green of patchwork farmland.

Having landed and ventured into the city, Casablanca is like any other large city – LOTS of traffic!  That’s where the refuge of a riad (hotel) comes into play.  LeDoge is just that boutique hotel in a 1930’s townhouse that makes each guest feel quite special.

The lovely LeDoge Hotel

It was discovered that the journeys in Morocco always begin with a welcome Morocco tea and sweets.  Don’t plan to hurry in, get your key and settle into your room.  That is NOT the way it works.  The luggage is left at the desk as you are escorted to a very pleasant seating area to relax and enjoy the tea – and these items do NOT come quickly.  They give you time to relax from your journey and unwind.  Shortly, the tea will come.  While you are enjoying, your things will be taken to your room – waiting for you when you finally arrive;-)

Chill!!!  Enjoy the tea and sweets.

There are two things Casablanca is known for.  One a bit silly and the other quite serious – Rick’s Cafe, from the movie Casablanca, and the Hassan II Mosque.

First, Rick’s Cafe.  As a real fan of the movie Casablanca, it is watched annually.  And, even though the movie was shot on a California set in its entirety, with no one involved in the movie having ever set foot in Casablanca, Rick’s Cafe was a must see – and very nice dining experience.  The food and service were wonderful and wouldn’t have been missed for anything!!

Of course, dinner at Rick’s Cafe was a must. Bogart and Bergman were nowhere in sight;-(

Now – for the serious.  The number 1 attraction in Casablanca is the Hassan II Mosque – the only mosque in Morocco that can be entered by a non-Muslim.  The late king, Hassan II, wanted to create and leave something for the people of Morocco that would incorporate the religion, Moroccan architecture and the talents of the Moroccan Artisan.  The result is a magnificent structure designed by the French architect Pinseau and various Moroccan artisanal bodies.  It took 7 years to build and 35,000 craftsmen who worked with marble, iron, stucco and tile mosaics.  It blends traditional Moorish architecture with 20th century innovation such as the sliding roof and glass floor through which the Atlantic Ocean can be seen.  The results are stunning!

The minaret soars 656 ft above the ocean, reportedly making the mosque the tallest religious building in the world.  The highlight inside is the vast prayer hall.  Every surface is covered with exquisite decoration from patterned marble floors, intricate tiling, carved stucco work and carved wooden ceilings.  Even the chandelier lights are from Murano, Italy.

The Hassan II Mosque was spectacular with its soaring minaret.

Before a Muslim enters the Mosque for prayers, they must ‘wash’ in the ablution area.  The washing follows a ritual washing the hands, face and feet reciting prayers as this is done.  Of course, the men and women do this separately.

The ablution area for men.

Even here, the marble and mosaic work was beautiful.

After ablution, one proceeds upstairs for prayers.

The main prayer hall looking toward the minbar (pulpit) and niche with its cedar wood ceiling.

One of several titanium doors in the Mosque.

The detail – and apparent softness – of the carved stucco atop the marble columns was a stark contrast!

More detail of the marble, mosaic work and the carved stucco.

Examples of the many types of ornamentation.

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This visit to Casablanca was everything hoped for.  Time to move on.  We will NOT be riding on the Marrakech Express to get us to Marrakech – but that is the next stop.

Climb Aboard – E & G on the go