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Day 02 Rabat |
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Since
the first time I came to Morocco 10 years ago, I have always had Haci as
my guide. Unfortunately, Haci had passed away two weeks ago. We will
have a brand new guide, Rashid. I am hoping that he will be as nice
as Haci. |
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I passed out the tiny Turkish Carpet designed bags and asked the group to use them as MELITOUR bag tags. Since I have toured with every one on the tour before , I know that this is going to be a wonderful two weeks. At 10:30 we left the Ramada Hotel. Casablanca here we come! Our first stop was Hasan the 2nd's Mosque, the biggest mosque of Africa. 30.000 people had worked for 7 years and finished the mosque with a perfection. The foundation of the building is in the Atlantic Ocean. the closest building to the mosque is the light house 2 miles away from the mosque on the wonderful beach. The warm colors of the pinkish-yellow stone and green marble framing the most intricate mosaics made of tile and solid gold creates an exquisite exterior. |
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When we found a shady spot where we could sit until the gates were opened for the visitors. Some locals were waiting to go in too. I saw a family of four walking towards us. They did not want me to take their family picture but they kindly allowed me to take the pattern embroidered on the jalaba of the mother. Having been to Turkey before and knowing about the evil eye charm, every one in the group except Kathy knew that she was now well protected. The weather was perfect. The high clouds were making a nice thin shield over the sun. though we had the nice light of the sun, the warmth was at the desired temperature. Finally at 11.00 AM the big bronze door opened and we were now allowed to walk in to the huge mosque. |
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After
a short drive along the Atlantic ocean, we passed by the shore where the
U.S. marines had landed Morocco in the 2nd World War. |
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Our
next stop was the Virgin
Mary's Cathedral completed in 1959, after the French had left the country. |
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As we were driving in a very congested avenue, we saw a flower market in one of the side streets. After a quick U-turn we found our selves in the flower market. The shop keepers were very nice and generous. We were all given a rose and some of us even got warm hugs. |
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