Rabat, Morocco April 18, 2008

After a day at sea we landed in Casablanca. This as a giant modern city of 4 million with little to see other than the Hassan II Mosque. It being Friday, the Islamic sabbath, it was mostly closed. Instead we hopped on the train to Rabat, the nation's capital. We sprang for 1st class tickets though 2nd didn't seem too bad. Many other passengers, seeing us, decided to come along. Unfortunately, at first, it was raining in Rabat. Along with 2 other couples we walked to the King's (Mohammed VI) Palace but only got to the door- no visitors. The guards were colorful and the grounds looked interesting and ornate, fountains, trees, etc. Three of us were able to get a petit taxi while Bert and I and Tim schlepped through the rain about 3 miles to the Hassan Tower. The sun came out as we got there and it became a glorious day. Opposite the 12th century tower is the mausoleum and the white onyx crpyt of the past 2 kings. The cupola was covered in gold. We looked down from an interior balcony watched over by 4 guards in beautiful green uniforms. Outside the gates, 2 guards on white horses stood sentry wearing flowing robes that were very active in the wind.
On our own we made our way along the river to the ancient Kasbah. This is the original city, 500 meters square and 2000 years old. Tiny alleys every which way. One story buildings, the lower 3 feet painted deep blue while the upper areas are blazing white. We entered a rug making school and the young woman there showed me how to make a pile rug. Her hands were as fast as a machine tying the yarn and cutting it. We did buy a rug on the way back to the Gare in the medina.That was an experience but we each got the kiss kiss at the end of the transaction. I noticed that the businessmen on the streets traditionally greet each other with 4 kisses, 2 each cheek so they are doubly as affectionate as the Argentinians. I really liked Rabat. It was clean, organized and I thought of it as Morocco light. I guess the best place to go for the experience would be Marrakesh but that is for another trip.