October 11, 2023

My flight left at 9pm and arrived in Casablanca at 8:20 am on October 11^th. After my busy day in NYC I had planned to sleep during the 6-hour flight but that was not to be! There was a baby who chose to scream for the entire 6 hours everyone was a bit grumpy!!! But the minute I stepped out of the airport I was energized with the beautiful county of Morocco!!! As the rest of my group started to assemble I was so excited because they are a group of interesting women who I can’t wait to get to know. There was a bit of a glitch when one of the travelers was missing. They took us to a café near the airport for coffee while they look for them. This gave us a chance to chat together and start getting to know each other.

About 11:30 we headed off to explore a bit of Casablanca before driving to Rabat for the night.

Casablanca’s history—well, it’s complicated. Influences range from French to Spanish to Portuguese to Arab to British. The city is clean overall which is unique based on other African countries I have been in.

Our first stop the ornate Hassan II Mosque, which has the tallest minaret in the world. It sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean creating a specular view. There was children body surfing just below the mosque. I loved the square with the kid rides that can be driven around the square and you don’t even need coins they are free!!!

As we drove though Casablanca’s neighborhoods along the way to the city center the beauty of the city evolved. We drove past Rick’s Café (from the movie Casablanca) that I will be going to when we come back to Casablanca.

Our last stop before heading to Rabat was the Notre Dame de Lourdes Cathedral. Outside the cathedral is a cave that is dedicated to mother Mary. The highlight of the cathedral is the incredible stained glass that covered every wall.

Then off to Rabat. Since all of us had been up all night there was a lot of nodding off during the drive. When we arrived at Tour Hassan Palace Hotel we were greeted with mint tea (I am in love with it!!) and sweets. The hotel is incredible and the staff very welcoming.   By the time we had tea and got our keys it was 5:30 and we were meeting at 6:30 for a tour briefing and then a group dinner.

After the briefing disaster struck!!! Walking through the marble lobby is slipped on a wet patch and my right eye caught the corner of a table. I am going to be ok but the lack of my right eye while it is swelled is really impacting my depth perception and the double vision sucks! The hotel staff were incredible, one woman held ice to my eye until the doctor arrived. This is the first time I have been seriously injured while traveling and it’s no fun but everyone in my group and the hotel staff has been incredible and so supportive. The doctor was a mobile doctor and I was amazed that it only cos$40.00. My story for this is always gonna be that I was in a bar fight at Rick’s Café!!! A way better story than the truth!

Yet another adventure but not a best day ever!