Two days in Casablanca, we spent most of the time in the old city. Around the Centreville (downtown) is the old Casablanca with art-deco architecture circa 1920s and 30s.
Typically like other cities in Morocco, Casablanca also has its own Ville Nouvelle (new town) which not really my point of interest though I passed by it on the way back when I saw high rises of buildings with IBM, HP, NOKIA and other global names.
The old town has its own character. It’s like going back the art-deco era though I think the buildings should be preserved better. Frech influence is very strong, until today. The cafes have small tables along the five-foot ways with all chairs facing the streets.
You can see a lot of men (rarely women) smoking and drinking their mint tea with their friends watching the world passing by. Reminds me so much of cafes and restaurants in France and Turkey. I found out later that this also applies to other cities and small towns where we stopped by and have a cuppa watching the locals passing by. Today, Casablanca is still the biggest port in Morocco.
2 comments:
love the pics!!!
Casablanca is one of the biggest cities in Morocco. It is to be quite frank, a city, nothing special about it. As all cities it offers its western comforts, McDonalds and other fast food chains can be found. A cosmopolitan city where houses prices are cheaper than Europe has fuelled a drive in demand for property in Morocco due to such a big amount of tourists and foreigners. It is a business centre, and reflects appropriately the living standards of Moroccans, the out skirts of the city is lined with make shift shacks, plastic bags and other rubbish surrounds the squats, as does the scent of death. All in all Casablanca was an experience; I don't think I will return. It's a shame because the surrounding areas are quite special; beaches that line the coast are very clean, warm water and great surf, up to 5m in winter. Keep your wits when traveling in Casablanca, I would not recommend single girls traveling alone, or in groups of girls, it is also advised to dress appropriately and wear a wedding band.
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