We made it to Casablanca! A few morning showers were not going to derail the start of our Moroccan adventure.

After our overnight flight, my friend Sarah and I hit the ground running. We are doing an indecent trip booked through Audley Travel. First stop, with our knowledgeable guide Naima, was the impressive Hassan II mosque, right on the Atlantic.

Casablanca is the economic center of the country and home to close to 8 million. Although often serving as entry point to the country it doesn’t offer many of the more exotic experiences found elsewhere.

It was, however, a very good introduction to Moroccan culture and I felt starting with the mosque was a perfect (and respectful) launch to our visit.

I’ve always loved beautiful doors and Morocco has so many incredible entryways. The doors shown above are from the mosque and around the Medina (old city).

In the Medina, we were also intrigued by the community oven and grateful for the free sample of a delicious almond pastry offered by the area’s most famous local bakery (Patisserie Bennis Habous).

Because the French controlled the area from 1912 until 1956, their influence is evident everywhere, and deco architecture can be spotted throughout downtown. French is widely spoken.

Our driver Mohammed did a great job getting us around town, including to see a variety of Atlantic vistas. We ate more than we needed for lunch at the lovely seaside restaurant Cabestan, with vista of waves crashing against the rocky shore. Although totally modern, they are celebrating their 100 anniversary.

Dinner at Rick’s Cafe lived up to expectations. They did a fabulous job recreating the club featured in the 1942 movie Casablanca. And the food and service were wonderful. It was a fun experience.