Blogs from Casablanca, Grand Casablanca, Morocco, Africa - page 11

Casablanca ist ziemlich wie ich es mir vorgestellt habe. Breite Strassenschluchten durch den sich eine stählerne Lawine zwängt, umsäumt von kleineren Läden in denen es verschiedenste Dinge zu kaufen gibt. An besseren Orten ist das eine oder andere Café platziert mit Sicht auf die bewegende Szenerie oder in einen kleinen grünen Park. Alles scheint ein bisschen heruntergekommen, nicht sehr gepflegt, ich denke Casablanca hat schon bessere Zeiten erlebt. Ein steter Smog liegt in den Strassen und über der Stadt obwohl ein steter Wind die Temperaturen sehr erträglich machen. Ein leichtes Jäckchen ist immer angesagt. Die Menschen sind sehr gemischt, sehr viele westeuropäisch, modern Frauen und Männer mischen sich mit den verhüllten Frauen und bärtigen Männern welche doch eher meinem Bild von (fundamentalen) Muslimen entsprechen. Es ist offensichtlich, das Casablanca der Schmelztiegel versch... read more

This morning we got a taxi to the Cathedral. It is not being used any more, but it has lovely stained glass windows. We climbed up the tower which was full of pigeon poo. At the top we could see the sea and the whole of the city. Then we walked through the gardens and round the art deco part of the city. We saw the market which was full of fish, oysters, fruit, veges and dates. Then we had chicken + chips for lunch. In the afternoon we went to the beach but it got cooler and windy. I have the hiccups.... read more

Very early tomorrow Daddy and I will be flying from Luton to Madrid and then on to Casablanca. We will be staying in an apartment right opposite the Hassan II mosque!... read more

The walk to the train station took no time at all and we bought the tickets with no problems. The train was comfortable even in second class; it puts England’s trains to shame. We arrived in Casablanca slightly early and were the absolute last people to get off the train. We deliberately chose a hotel near the station so that we wouldn't waste the day looking for a place to stay. Unfortunately we walked around the block to get to Hotel Central but it was still worth it. It was cheaper than the price given in Lonely Planet and it was the first place in Morocco that actually felt like a hotel. The staff were really friendly and let us know that it was safe to walk to the mosque despite the warnings in the guidebook. ... read more

So we have all heard of Casablanca. Humphry Bogart running a bar in French Morocco and hanging out with the ex-pats. Its a sultry image, a stylish and cosmopolitan enclave in Africa. In reality, Casablanca is nothing like its Hollywood image. But then again, what is? Real-life Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco, although not its capital (Rabat) and as such it is a busy and sprawling city with an affluent centre that gradually extends out into more residential and communal areas. Apart from the modern nightclubs and restaurants that line the coast, it is true that Casablanca is not a stunning city. It is not red like Marrakesh, or blue like the village in the north that is featured on all the postcards. It is a working city more than a tourist centre, and ... read more