ISTANBUL - May 18

We guess it has been a little while since we last posted, because we haven't even written about Casablanca yet. Last Wednesday, we boarded a train from Fez for a 5 hour ride skirting the Middle Atlas Mountains and then along the sea to Casablanca. It was remarkably comfortable, especially given the harrowing bus rides earlier in the trip. We can't quite figure out why we had been advised not to take the train by several people, but we are always grateful for a variety of experiences.

One night in Casablanca was more than enough. We spent the late afternoon at the Hassan II Mosque, the world's third largest mosque built right on the ocean about 30 years ago. Here we found that a little baksheesh (tip) goes a long way. The sanctuary of the mosque is not open to non-Muslims, but an all-too-eager gentleman was happy to show us around the lower levels of the building provided we do so in the dark. We were able to view some spectacular marble fountains and mosaic tiles using the camera flash, but most of what he pointed out to us was completely cloaked in darkness. We've probably made better choices on the trip and were very relieved when the four big security guards let us out of the bowels of the building for another bit of baksheesh.

Afterwards, we walked around the city a little bit, but it was not the most friendly or interesting place we had visited. A mediocre meal at a touristy seafood joint rounded out our visit to Casa and brought our time in Morocco to a close.

Lots of love,
Jillian + Ari