Morocco 2023-2024 Day 3 (12/21/2023) Casablanca

 I believe that Morocco is one of the most religiously tolerant countries I have ever visited.  Here in Casablanca, we visted the Hassan II mosque yesterday and this morning The Roman Catholic Church and a Jewish Synagogue. The three very different cultures live peacefully and in harmony with each other.  It is also one of the freindliest places I have visited.  Many times walking down the street people will greet you and say welcome to Morocco. If you look lost or confused, they will offer to give you directions.


The Church of Notre Dame of Lourdes


A Replica of the Lourdes Grotto



Interior





After leaving the church, we went to a Cultural center that told about the history of Casablanca and showing how the Three Cultures (Muslims, Jews and Christians) have lived in harmony for centuries.


Ettedgui Synagogue, an Historic Synagogue in the "Old City"



Tora


Just a Short Walk Away is Rick's Cafe.  This Cafe was built as a replica of the Cafe in the Bogart-Hepburn Classic Casablanca.




Zak & Sarah ordered the Seafood Platter for 2 (Shrimp, oysters, clams, mussels,and more)


They called them Lamb Chops, we would call  it Rack of Lamb


Apple Tart with Ice Cream


The waiter was having fun and came and put his Fez on my head




They have a live band that performs in the evenings.


Classic table upstairs


These classic Tables are made in Essaouira, the town where Zak is from.


Of ocurse they have Casablance playing on the TV upstairs


Bar and Roulette Table




On the way back to the car we saw the old city wall with it's gun mounts facing the harbor

Phare El Hank the Oldest and Tallest lighthouse on the African Continent


Making friends of the locals



The bears wanted to get in on the act


Next stop the Mall of Morocco the largest Mall in Morocco.  It felt strange to walk into a mall here in a predominately Muslim country and seeing it completely decorated for Christmas. They were even playing Christmas Carols over the PA system.


Huge Saltwater Aquarium in the center of the Mall


That Morray Eel at the bottom was about 3 1/2 to 4 feet long


They have a chain of my stores here.




The people next to the aquarium help give a perspective of the size.


After the walk through teh mall a stop at one of the outside cafes for a beverage.

Morocco Trip Day 4













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