Morocco never disappoints. This was my third visit. My first visit was 25 years ago on an adventure travel trip full of camping and hiking. Last time was ten years ago with the family on Semester at Sea. In the process I've seen most of this amazing country from Tangier in the north to the desert dunes of Zagora and Erg Chebbi in the south. We arrived in Casablanca on the morning of Monday September 29. I spent that first day exploring Casablanca with a friend. Theno for the next four days I participated on a SAS sponsored field program that included two buses and 70 people traveling south to Marrakech, up and over the High Atlas Mountains, to Ouarzazate (for the first night), over the Anti-Atlas Mountains (a first for me) then along the date palm filled Wadi Draa to Zagora (for lunch and a swim) and then out into the desert to camp a night. We then reversed directions and headed back with a night in Marrakech.
Casablanca comes into view.
Governent buildings in Mohammed V Square. Peaceful demonstrations against failing economic measures were held here in lathe early evening just after our return to the ship.
This French built Catholic church has been repurposed as a community center. It has been stripped of any religious symbols, except the stained glass and for now is hosting an interesting Chinese art exhibit celebrating political and economic relations between China and Morocco. Such an interesting mixture of old and new geo-politics.
Mint tea.
With a cute human form hot bad to help pour.
Lots of fun art deco architecture from the French in the 1930s.
What a blending of cultures: chicken and shawarma tacos.
Traficc heading south out of town.
Great rest stops with all kinds of treats including more tacos and a Mexican theme.
Impressive agriculturally productive plains between Casablanca and Marrakech.
Future World Cup Stadium in Marrakech. Part of the protests include frustration with money going to such projects.
We had Tagine every day. I usually opted for the vegetarian version. Always tasty, but in moderation.
Up into the High Atlas Mountains towering up to 13,000 feet. Full of picturesque Amazigh (Berber) villages.
Solar power is often being used to pump water.
God, Country, King.
Film studio in Ouarzazate where countless films have been made when a Middle East setting is needed.
Anti-Atlas Mountains out the front window. (sorry about so many out the window photos).
Folded mountains thanks to plates colliding.
Extreme drought tolerant Acacia trees.
Palms of the Draa Valley
52 days to Timbuktu along the old trans Saharan caravan routes. 52 days on a camel! No Thanks!
Lunch and pool time. The ship librarian and I impressed the students with our water acrobatics.
Pottery factory making a special green pottery.
A new Christmas decoration for me.
Almost to Algeria.
An hour long ride out into the desert.
My camel. I always name them Huhzsabub after a favorite children's Christmas book.
Moon rise
Glamping isn't all that bad.
3:30 AM latrine breaks offered amazing views of the Milky Way.
Sunrise
More Tagine and delicious appetizers for dinner in Marrakech
Morning wanderings in Marrakech.
A Moroccan haircut.
Love fresh squeezed pomegranate juice.
Happy to see signs all over with Tamazigh --a recently approved national language.
Modern Casablanca
Back on the ship in time for a top deck dinner.
Today for lunch I enjoyed a delicious fish dinner with colleagues at Rick's --famed setting of the movie Casablanca.
I had the sea bream.
Walked through the Medina (Old City) just as the Friday sermon began. Mem sat outside the crowed mosque in the shade or in rows in the shuttered marketplace.
Like last time, I ended my stay with some sweet fresh squeezed orange juice. Nex stop, in eight days, Ghana!
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