Days 112-113 Casablanca, Morocco

Weather
Sunny, low 70's

Map

What we did
We arrived in Casablanca in the afternoon for an overnight stay, which gave us more time to explore the city and experience its culture. On our first afternoon, we joined an included excursion, a bus tour with a few stops that allowed us to get out and take a closer look. Our first stop was the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Africa. It can hold 25,000 worshippers inside the prayer halls, with space for another 80,000 in the surrounding courtyards. The sheer size is striking, but it is the intricate craftsmanship that really captures your attention. At night it shines a laser that points to Mecca but unfortunately with all of the light pollution especially from the ship, our pictures were grainy. At another stop, something as simple as door handles became unexpectedly fascinating. Our guide explained the symbolism behind them, pointing out one shaped like a hand with a ring. Known as the Hand of Fatima, it is believed to protect against the evil eye. The ring also serves as a subtle message to visitors, indicating that there are no unmarried women in the household. We attempted to walk around the Royal Palace, but the guards did not allow access, so we slowly drove past the gates just to catch a glimpse. Our final stop was a government run shop that our guide enthusiastically recommended, noting that many of the handicrafts were made by women and offered at good prices. Interestingly, a different guide brought us back to the very same store the following day! We ended up purchasing Ras El Hanout, a traditional Moroccan blend of 35 spices that is widely used in local cooking.

The next day, we took part in a Moroccan cooking class, and having our friend Pam along made the experience even more enjoyable. We began with a visit to a local market, where we saw how residents shop for fresh produce and seafood. The cleanliness of the fish section was especially impressive. From there, we headed to Dar El Kaid, a traditional Moroccan restaurant. Upon arrival, we were welcomed with a tea ceremony featuring green tea with sugar and fresh mint, accompanied by small cookies. Afterward, we climbed up three levels to the rooftop patio for an open air cooking session. There, we learned about the spices used in Morroccan dishes, how to prepare briouats (samosas), and began the process of making a chicken tagine. Because this dish requires several hours to fully develop its flavors, we returned to the dining room for lunch. The meal began with khobz, a traditional bread, served alongside a variety of salads arranged on a large platter consisting of potatoes, beets, rice, carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, and more. Everything was served family style, with our group gathered around shared tables. The main course was a flavorful chicken tagine with preserved lemons and olives. For dessert, we enjoyed Jawhara, which means "jewel", a delicate pastry made with layers of phyllo, orange blossom cream, and almonds. After another quick stop at the same shop from the day before, we made our way back to the ship feeling full, happy, and immersed in the flavors of Morocco.