When I think of Casablanca, I think of romance, lost and reunited loves, the adversities of war, jazz cafes (especially one named Rick), and of course the movie Casablanca (which by the way remains as one of the most popular films of all time). “Here’s looking at you kid,” the most quoted line from the movie, had been used a million times when referring to Casa (as the locals call their city). But oddly enough, this unromantic phrase became one of the most romantic lines in movie history hence the amorous prenotion that alludes to Casablanca. I hate to shatter the illusion but this industrial city is far from romantic. There’s not much in the city that reflects the expression of love. Except of course, Hassan II Mosque, where its grandeur beauty impresses even the most pragmatic person. And…..oddly enough, Rick’s Cafe, founded by an American woman based on her love for the movie.
When we first arrived in the city, I was unimpressed with what I saw and quite relieved we weren’t spending more than one night there. Unfinished constructions and old dilapidated buildings were everywhere, not to mention the awful traffic! And as prevalent in cosmopolitan and international cities, the people in Casablanca weren’t as warm as the people in Chefchaouen or even Fez. Despite it all, it was still in my list of must see and do. It is after all one of Morocco’s most famous cities.
I only had two main reasons to be in Casablanca. First, to see the largest mosque in Africa, the Hassan II Mosque. There are daily tours for non-Muslims but very limited on Fridays (Friday is the worship day for Muslims). We arrived in Casablanca from Fez on a Friday but I made sure with our driver, Saíd, that he’d get us there in time for the last tour. The day before arriving in Casablanca, our travel agent informed us that we have been upgraded to a different hotel since our original hotel was having problems. I was so glad to find out we were going to stay at Sofitel Hotel. But when we got there, the hotel notified us they only had a room with a king sized bed available. After raising hell to give us a room with two beds, they finally gave in. I was upset that this setback might have caused us to be late and miss the last tour at the mosque. We dropped our bags in our room and immediately drove there.
Arriving at the mosque, I was awestruck by this massive architectural marvel. This is by far the most impressive mosque I’ve ever laid my eyes on. And fortunately for us, this is one in two mosques in Morocco that allows non-Muslims to enter the premises. We purchased our tickets and followed the English language tour guide towards the entrance. They gave us a plastic bag for our shoes before we could proceed. It was just as impressive inside as it was outside of the mosque. The work of art is spectacular, massive chandeliers hung above the intricately designed ceilings, and the floors were made with marble. This mosque is partially built over the ocean and can allow 25,000 worshippers inside (and another 80,000 outside). The minaret stands as the second tallest in the world. A minaret is a visual cue to a Muslim community serving as the symbol of Islam and to perform the call to prayer (thanks, Wikipedia!).
After the tour, Saíd took us to a coffee shop in the corniche. I sat there sipping my mint tea and thinking the ambience could be a lot more beautiful but everything around me seemed dated. After touring Hassan II Mosque, there was not much else to do for tourists. Fortunately, I was still excited about one thing: dinner at Rick’s Cafe.
How could anyone miss Rick’s Cafe in Casablanca? It is after all the main location for most of the action that took place in the movie. But believe it or not, Rick’s Cafe was a fictitious place and had never actually existed. If you didn’t know, the movie was filmed in the Warner Bros. Studio in California and not in Morocco, therefore, Rick’s Cafe was just a Hollywood fantasy. But a former American diplomat in Morocco by the name of Kathy Kriger decided to recreate the cafe. It was opened in 2004 exactly as it was portrayed in the movie. I made a reservation via email months in advance to make sure we get a table on the night we were there. When we got there, there was a long line of tourists waiting to enter inside. Two or three men stood in front of the restaurant to manage the reservations. Fortunately, we were called to go in after a few minutes of waiting.
Since we were in Casablanca, where the seafood is known to be delicious, I decided to take a break from the chicken tagine I’ve been eating the past three days. I ordered shrimp for appetizer and seabass for my main entree. I also tried the local beer Casablanca. Rick’s Cafe, albeit touristy, was not only a fun place to be but I was equally impressed with the quality of the food. I stood next to the piano envisioning the romantic setting in the movie when Humphrey Bogart asked Sam, the piano player, to play As Time Goes By, the song that reminded Rick of Ilsa during their love affair in Paris. I went to the bar and caught a reflection of me. I stood there thinking to myself if this was in the movies, I would end my day in Casablanca by having a toast, raise the bottle of beer and tell myself, “Here’s looking at you kid! You made it to Casablanca!”
Oh wait…I actually did that! 😉
I luv the mosaic behind your son!
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Yeah all the mosaic work in Morocco is just incredibly gorgeous. It’s what drawn me to Morocco to begin with. And the food 😋
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Is it similar to Portugal?
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I’ve never been to Portugal but for sure it’s similar to southern Spain. I’m guessing they are pretty similar to Portugal. Very typical of the Moorish designs.
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I’m always interested to hear people’s opinions about Casablanca, and I find they are usually similar to yours. I lived there for a year and I’ve always thought that what made it a relatively liveable city was that at first impression it was actually unimpressive, meaning that tourists usually preferred other Moroccan cities. This meant that with a bit of French you were treated like a local, which always has its benefits! Anyways, I’m glad you ended your time in Casa on a high note at Rick’s Cafe. I’m planning to share some more old photos and memories from my time there soon! 🙂
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Hi there! Thank you for visiting and reading my post. You’re right I have read so many negative opinions about Casablanca and many of them even discourage you to go. But from my son’s observation, he thinks that as a local or an expat Casa might be the better city to live in Morocco because it is going to be more international. As a tourist it is definitely not as interesting. I’d love to see the old photos!
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By the way, do you have a blog? It says that your blog is no longer working. I’d love to follow, if you have a new site
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I just saw this now! I don’t know why my username isn’t connected to my new blog but yep, here it is https://lifeofleisure.blog/
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Hey there! Thanks for the link. You should see the notification that I have followed. Looking forward to following each other’s journey.
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My name is Roland I am eighty yrs old and live in Texas.
the reason reason for this respond is to know the name of your father,
I read that you were born in Atolia California and that you are Canadian.
I am a Canadian now an americain and I had a small mining operation in Atolia in 1968.
I should know your Parents if I can get thier names, A good friend of mine was a fellow by the last name of Paul he was owner of the Silver Dallar Saloon.
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No, I’m so sorry but I wasn’t born in California. Perhaps you’re taking about my husband’s family? I know his mother’s side came from Canada and moved to California.
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Beautiful YOU! I wish I could look as young as you when my son becomes that big! I also think the same about Casablanca and Paris. Good to see you enjoy! Keep traveling!
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Aww thank you so much, Vinneve! I’m sure you would look as beautiful or even more. I just thought about what you look like and I don’t think I’ve seen any of your pictures! Lol
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Yes no photo ever as I tried to be very private. It’s just who I am and even in FB only my relatives and few friends grace my walls 🙂 but I wouldn’t mind for you to email me vinneleestar@yahoo.com Cheers!
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I totally understand. My life is an open book lol! I’m now curious what you look like haha! Have a great Wednesday
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Geesh, what a building. The inside and outside are phenomenal. And that strategically placed knee cap… 🙂
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Mike, I’ll give you an A+ for observation 😜😜😜
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😀
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Beautiful pictures Boots! Casablanca was such a great movie. My grandfather taught me to play music ‘by ear’ like he did. ‘As time goes by’ by Herman Hupfeld, ‘Stardust’ by Hoagie Carmichael, and ‘Begin the Beguine’ by Cole Porter were three of his favorites. I really am glad that you had the chance to visit Morocco. 🙂
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Hey Larry! Wow aren’t you lucky! I wish I was musical but as much as I love music, music hates me 😂
I hope you are doing well! I know it takes a lot of time to write a blog post but I hope I get to read some of your adventures!
Thanks for reading! I’m so happy I got to go to Morocco before my son relapsed.
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