Rabat to Casa and the final days

A relaxed morning brekkie and tour of Rabat. Once again Mustafa took us on a walk around town to see some great views across the river to Sali and the port areas. Last minute haggling... Feels like we are running out of time in Morocco! It is day 14 of the trip!

Got caught out at the Carpet Weaving Emporium  as the nice ladies smile and gesture for you to sit with them and watch as they do their intricate hand weaving at the looms ...then they tie a scrap of wool thread around your wrist ,still smiling, .....then when you try to get up and leave they turn into agressive snarling witches,  grasping your wrist until you pay them . I don't usually mind tipping as I know it means a lot for the locals but I don't like being accosted in this way until you pay over.

..and not just 5-10 MAD ..they want the big bucks here!!!! Luckily another group of tourists came in at this moment so we were able to escape while they once again put on the smiles!!!!

A stop at the Mausoleum of  .................. was just what we needed. This place was beautiful, serene and peaceful. The guards didn't mind having their photos taken, no tipping at all (a nice change) even putting on the "guard act" and standing to full attention when they see the camera coming out after they had been lolling lazily against the wall. A big area of gardens, water-fountains, columns, intricate architecture, and excellent old minaret.      

Unfortunately I didn't get time to wander through the garden area, which appeared to be the most green and lovely garden I had seen in all our travels through the country.

  I really enjoyed the space and design of this Mausoleum, and as we were there quite early before the tourist crowds we had the chance to wander at our leisure.  The tombs were inside a beautifully decorated double story room , quiet, peaceful and atmospheric.

Good fast drive along highway to Casablanca and to our Hotel Ajiad for a quick freshen up then back out to see the famous Hassan II Mosque, a huge modern (built 1993 - 1996) mosque right on the sea front. As it has no air-conditioning the whole roof slides open..what a marvel! The mosque is set in a ginormous open area that can hold many other people once the mosque is full. No expense was spared when building this monument to Islam, as the girls who went on the tour through the mosque can testify. I chose to wander around outside taking in the views and atmosphere...once again no bustling crowds whilst we were there...It was lovely and relaxing.

 

 

  More to come.....