Vultures Everywhere!

Africa » Morocco » Grand Casablanca » Casablanca

So I've jumped north and here I find myself in a blue skied Morocco. And here I have waited and waited ... and waited.

Apart from Rick's bar which has only recently come into being, the Casablanca film references (+1 pt with Laura's family for knowing the director was Hungarian) within Casablanca are few and far between. There is definitely pretty unrestricted Ryanair flights to Lisbon these days and happily the vultures are gone (seeking refuge in the more touristed spots around Fes and Marrakesh no doubt). Casablanca is not really on the tourist circuit but the Atlantic coast city has a rather nice feel to it, a Medina full of locals bartering, a new town with some interesting (often crumbling) mauresque and art deco architecture. Note: I have no clue what art deco and mauresque mean precisely but from what I can tell its a sort of Parisian 1930-40's chic. Casa (as the locals know it) has some class and lends itself to the impression of an up and coming cosmopolitan city, something I rarely find.

Butane donkey

It's little brother who is involved in politics - Rabat - is probably even more interesting, a town known for nothing in particular but with a beautiful medina - its on a grid pattern and that makes it practically manageable to navigate! Other than that it is sprinkled with nice cafes, more chic architecture, a really modern train station and a great kasbah with views over the Atlantic.

Back to colonial powers, as quite frankly describing places can only last a paragraph or two before you fall asleep. Trying not to sound too blasé about the whole thing but the French really did leave behind a great cafe culture and good bakeries. Now if you know me, I am a big promoter of La cuisine Anglais especially a good loaf baked at Davill's. Unfortunately for the empire, good for me; the Davill family ancestors never bothered to visit any British Colonies. But the French, well, they seemed to drag along Monsieur Davillé to every potential colony or outpost and he taught people how to bake a baguette and enjoy a cigarette and cafe au lait whilst lounging on the street. Frankly speaking, as a hand-me-down from colonial times you can't really say it's a bad thing. I suppose the British gave the world G&T, swings and roundabouts?

One last spot in Morocco which I think was great was the contrasting Volubilis and Moulay Idriss. Ancient Roman ruins with some delicate touching up by some artistic French archaeologists and a Holy Town, perched on the side of a mountain containing the remains of Moulay Idriss, the grandfather of Morocco. The twin's charm is being able to stay in one and admire the other (personally I would recommend the town which is less crumbly to stay in).

A pleasurable "activity" is to sit on a roof watching over the ruins, surrounded by olive orchards and wheat fields whislt feasting on chicken kebabs, fresh bread and mint tea. (That was Christmas!)

Beware heating is not commonplace, luckily the tea is!

Happy New Year all! Here's looking at you, kid.