149. Here's looking at you, kid.

CASABLANCA

"Mercie, we can walk from here"

Casablanca sports the third largest Mosque in the world, the Hassan II Mosque completed in 1993 with the world's tallest minaret. For some reason, unknown to us, we were waved into the closest park, within sight of the Mosque, with us taking the closest park within it while all other traffic progressed into a dusty parking area hundreds of metres further on which was great, but surprising. The Mosque is certainly impressive though I was very surprised by the visible deterioration in twenty five years, none of the many fountains working and obvious repair work taking place and much of the grounds fenced of with obvious damage. On reading the wiki link above salt water has penetrated the buildings reinforcing so rather than being a fine building of which it can be proud until the end of time  they are now striving to enhance the building's life by 100 years. 

We had been warned that Casablanca was seedy but it is nothing of the sort. We were very impressed, lovely avenues and well laid out. We visited the park in the centre of town but it was closed for maintanence so we headed for the market area, Old Medina. I loved driving in Casablanca often with crowds pressing in on all sides. Setting the Discos adjustable suspension to offroad we were able to see over peoples heads which made it fun, rather than oppressive. In tight spots there was plenty of happy help as we manoeuvred. Again we were waved into a park, nearby. I put it down to my superior car cleaning skills* proving their worth. The markets were wonderful though at times I was glad that English is not spoken widely when Roman made various comments in his hundred acre voice. To my great surprise, vendors did not hassle us at all. Later, when Audrey's tank was brimming we were lead to a simple door and once inside found our selves in segregated bathhouse, men down stairs and women upstairs. Beautifully tiled and obviously in common use. Roman, Fyfe and I found ourselves in a largish warm room much like swimming pool changing rooms complete with men of all ages coming and going to showers/baths etc. One small boy, cleaning his teeth, stopped mid stroke such was his surprise.












Video below of us in Old Medina, Casablanca

*Though not a patch on Grooming Master - Mr Mark Luney