Our journey to Casablanca via Tarifa (southern Spain) by ferry into Tangier and then train was successful in spite of my doubts that it would be. I forget that 25 years ago when we backpacked through Japan and Europe there was no internet to check timetables and no online bookings etc!  Tarifa is a charming coastal town with castles and fortresses that never went to sleep. We boarded the ferry there to take us to tangier, Morocco. I was very excited to arrive. Morocco! Had been a dream of mine to travel here for so long. Encountered a grumpy taxi driver who complained bitterly about having to take us to the train station for such a measly fare. Just like many cabbies at home! The 6 hour train trip to Casablanca provided glimpses into life in the small towns and cities along the way. Honestly some looked like a war zone with buildings collapsed into piles of rubble and others unfinished. It wasn’t what I was expecting.  We arrived to the chaos of Casablanca. On first impressions it reminded me a lot of Phnom Penh for the filth, chaos and traffic, but with different clothing. Most women covered from head to feet, some even with the full face cover. Some men in traditional garb but most not. Cats everywhere! In our couple of days here I’ve only seen one pet dog and a couple of strays. Interesting street art around. (Note the traffic!)

We visited the third largest mosque in the world-Mosque Hassan II. An incredible building of marble and mosaic fitted with chandeliers made from Murano (Venetian) glass. Apparently no one really knows how much it finally cost to build but it was part funded by the king and mostly funded by donations from the general public. The same people who live in their slum like housing…Aaah organised religion..

There are several markets. The old medina s quite touristy (although i haven’t seen a lot of tourists here!) and the new medina, next to the King’s palace, is local. I always enjoy fossicking around markets even if I can’t buy much because otherwise I have to carry it with me! Lots of solver and leather. The food here was also great. Finally got to eat a real Moroccan Tagine. Note the absence of couscous which is a different dish altogether.(chicken with preserved lemon and lamb with artichoke. Yum!)

Oh did I mention the olives – which are served at breakfast here as well! Wish I had smellovision. The aroma was amazing! 

Had to have a drink at Ricks Cafe even though there is no actual tie to the movie – just crass cashing in on the name!

Have really enjoyed my first Moroccan city. Touring the country over the next couple of weeks. Stay tuned!