Morocco 2023-2024 Day 2 (12/20/2023) Casablanca
We started the day with a delicious breakfast compliments of the Hyatt. You can't get Honey much fresher than this. right from the Honeycomb.
After breakfast we haeded off the the Hassan II Mosque. There we were able to visit the museum that told how the mosque was built and the various artwork incorporated into the building of this beautiful structure. The museum was having an exhibition presented and hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As part of that exhibition they had a Virtual Reality tour of the two Grand Mosques in Saudi Arabia, Mecca and Medina. I was able to watch the presentation of Mecca during the annual Haag. Before watching the virtual reality presentation one of the Saudi representatives explained each of the steps involved (with Zak's interpretation into English). An incredible view into the muslim culture.
After breakfast we haeded off the the Hassan II Mosque. There we were able to visit the museum that told how the mosque was built and the various artwork incorporated into the building of this beautiful structure. The museum was having an exhibition presented and hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As part of that exhibition they had a Virtual Reality tour of the two Grand Mosques in Saudi Arabia, Mecca and Medina. I was able to watch the presentation of Mecca during the annual Haag. Before watching the virtual reality presentation one of the Saudi representatives explained each of the steps involved (with Zak's interpretation into English). An incredible view into the muslim culture.
The Doors were Massive
Displays in the museum showed how the various mediuns (Wood. stone, plaster. etc.) were used in the construction.
Ancient Koran text hand printed and painted on Gold Leaf
Saudi Representative that explained various parts of the exhibition
This Saudi was a tall one
Walking across the courtyard for our tour
This is a sam[le of the type of chair the Imam would sit in.
This is an Abulation area where one would ceremonially wash and cleanse themselves before prayer
After leaving the mosque we travelled on the the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, only to find out that we could not visit the interior. Because there were not enough parishioners to support a cathedral this large with a number of other Catholic churches nearby, the Catholic Church sold it years ago and you have to get priorauthorization to visit the interior from the current owners. It is being converted to a multi cultural event center.
So we walked through the park next door and over to the Mohammed V square with its fountaind and thousands of pigeons (it was like being in St. Mark's Square in Venice.
Lots of Pigeons
Next off to the Habous area of Casablanca, this a tradional marketwhere you can buy anything from olives to silver.
One of the most famous pastry shops in Casablanca. Fabulous!
Olives of every variety
Fresh Meat
The white thing hanging is a Camel's Hump
You can buy a camel's leg or (a little hard to make out in the picture but on the left) a camel's head
You buy the meat you want from the local vendor and take it to a shop where they prepare it for you.
This bread, similar to pizza crust is made by pressing the dough against the top of the wood fired oven. when it drops, it is done.
Fabulous meal
Link to Video of - Musicians at our Table iin Habous
We finished off the day with a stop at a modern mall where they even had Santa's workshop
Video Link to Performers in the Mall
After a long day the bears needed a drink.
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