Morocco Day 5: Casablanca, Mosque and a historical tour!

Back again!

So on the 5th Day, we travelled to Casablanca through train. Though the train ride didn't take as long, it took a good hour at least I think. Walking into Casablanca was totally different from the other cities. It was more the city for mainly tourism and is evident in the overwhelming numbers of people everywhere!

The first place we went to is the Hassan II Mosque which is the work of the previous King. It was, I think, one of the few if not the only one which allows tourists to enter inside the Mosque. And oh my goodness, it was simply amazing! I went to the English tour while the rest went to the German tour. The photos didn't say enough but the beauty of the Mosque and how much work was built into it was just simply spectacular. I don't think I would've learnt so much about the culture, or be even motivated to look, but being there taught me so much! The roof of the Mosque was also opened that day which only opens 40 days during a whole year! So we were so lucky! Normally it's only opened for festivals or really really nice days. The door in which only the King and special officials come through was also opened to see if it worked! So we were extremely lucky! The work and architecture was simply thrilling! I could type some of the things that were in the tour but then again, you could have always find it in Wikipeadia, like always. But it just doesn't catch the essence of the Mosque. All I can really say to that is that, if you are ever in Morocco, go to the tour. The experience was just something that no one could buy!

Anyways, after that we ate this small cafe which was quite delicious and completely filled with tourists! Haha! But eating outside amidst blue and yellow walls was a nice feeling!

We met up later with the rest of our group and our tour guide for around Casablanca! She showed us the streets and history that made Casablanca the city it is today! It was interesting to find out that many of the buildings which were built there, were either inspired by Europe and yet in return inspired some of the most famous buildings in Europe today! It has a both a mix of influence from Western Europe and Latin America!

That day, we went home and just had a simple dinner in places near the hotel. Most of the guys went to the nearest place to eat in which had a live tv of the football match! I think it was FC Barcelona vs. Madrid. Haha it was quite funny! Yet not so funny, when I was woken in the middle of the night due to the cheers of fans of Madrid. (Was it Madrid that won?) Haha!

Anyways, two posts in one day!

However, I must go to sleep now!

Ciao!
With love, from Austria

Vivian