North Africa Travel Notes: Casablanca Sketches: The Charming Style of the White City and My First Experience of Morocco

#100 Ways to Travel The reason I came to North Africa this time was because I had been in the UK for three months and decided to take a trip to Morocco with my friends. As for the Morocco visa, we chose to travel independently, but it turned out to be a real hassle (there are many recommendations on how to apply online). We used the most common application method, but we didn't receive the visa until the time of departure. We really went crazy looking for a private agent online. In the end I had to spend 250 euros to get an expedited visa before I finally got it done. Back to the topic, the usual way to travel in Morocco is to take a circular tour, visiting one city after another. We chose Casablanca as our first stop. Casablanca in English is “Casablanca”, which is simply Casa+blanca, meaning “White City”. We only stayed there for two days, so we moved quickly and picked out a few must-see attractions. The first is of course the Hassan II Mosque. This is one of the largest mosques in the world. It is located on the seashore and is so magnificent that it is beyond words! Especially when you see the minaret towering into the sky, it will really make you stunned. Part of the mosque is open to tourists, and you can go in and visit even if you are not a Muslim. The tile carvings and ceiling designs inside the building are so exquisite that you can't get enough of them. Another place not to be missed is the Habous Quarter, which is a bit like the old town of Casablanca and preserves many traditional Moroccan buildings and markets. These narrow alleys are filled with small shops selling handmade carpets, pottery, and spices, which are very interesting to browse. However, be sure to be careful with your belongings when shopping here, and remember to bargain! Although many prices sound cheap, Casablanca is relatively expensive compared to other cities in Morocco. It is recommended that you take a picture of the product you like and record the price. Of course, if you really like it, don’t hesitate, after all, the opportunity is rare. After visiting the attractions, you can take a walk along the Coastal Boulevard, where there are many restaurants with sea views. Sit down, order a cup of mint tea with some Moroccan snacks, and enjoy a leisurely afternoon while feeling the sea breeze. If you want to have a drink like we did, you have to be careful because Morocco is a Muslim country and alcohol is not available everywhere, only in certain restaurants. This time we went to Rick’s Cafe, which is famous for the movie “Casablanca”. We ordered it right away. Although the price is not cheap, the atmosphere is full and it is definitely worth experiencing. #NorthAfricaTravel #Morocco #Casablanca #UnpopularAttractions