Casablanca

The process of disembarkation was different in each country -- not so handy in Morocco.  We picked up our passports and disembarkation cards on the ship, but then had to wait over an hour in a very slow moving line to get the cards stamped.  By then we were hungry.  But without local money, that was problematic -- my card did not work in the ATM, so I went to a bank, and had another long wait. 

Finally with money in hand, we set out to explore the medina (old city) and find food.  We unsuccessfully looked for a recommended place, then were getting really hungry.  We had been told to avoid cafes that were serving only men -- and in fact, in the medina, there were never any women in any cafe.  Will saw people carrying sandwiches in bags, so we followed them upstream to a small shop with about 4 tables on the sidewalk.  We were near a naval base, and there were some well dressed military or merchant marine men at 2 of the tables. 

Their presence suggested a respectability, and perhaps acceptable food handling practices.  I do not know what drew me, but I looked at what was being assembled on a pita and said we wanted 2 of those.  Anyway, I am back to vegan now, but ate a grilled chicken and chicken liver combination.

The sparkling sea and almost oppressive bright blue sky was a great backdrop for our exploration.  We had to wait until mid-afternoon for the tour of the mosque (until after prayers).  Some folks from the ship who were also visiting the mosque told us where to find the restaurant we had been seeking.  Indoors and out were incredible mosaic patterns.  What was particularly interesting to me was that the glazed ceramic tiles were cut to shape, including V cuts into the ceramic.

After the mosque, we wandered through the markets -- stuff that probably did not sell at our Goodwill was spread out along the street.  There were also sections where welding was being done and where furniture was being made, as well as a bit of food.  We got some great small round loaves of bread.

Walking back towards the ship, we ran into friends, and together found the restaurant for dinner.  We sat outside, with a soothing fountain nearby.  I had an wonderfully flavored fish tagine and non-alcoholic beer.  Some places do serve alcohol, but many do not.