09 MAY 2017.DAY 3. PART TWO - CASABLANCA , MOROCCO.

09 MAY 2017.DAY 3. PART TWO - CASABLANCA , MOROCCO.

This is screenshot of Casablanca Map.

It shows places of interest we saw​ In Casablanca.

Screenshot  map, above, gives limited information. "Interactive Map" gives much more information. For interactive map go here. OR go to this link https://goo.gl/yMjhfB.
How to navigate through interactive map has been explained earlier.

HASSAN II MOSQUE.

Hassan II Mosque.

sorry for bad pdoto,exremeties cut,luckly not by much.

On one of his birthday celeberations King Hassan of Morocco had stated his ambition in these words:

"I wish Casablanca to be endowed with a large, fine building of which it can be proud until the end of time ... I want to build this mosque on the water, because God's throne is on the water. Therefore, the faithful who go there to pray, to praise the creator on firm soil, can contemplate God's sky and ocean".

Today vesitors to Hassan II mosque witneess the fulfillment of his wish. The work was commenced in 1980 and completed in 1993.However rather that standing "till end of time", in 2005 it was noticed that the foundations had eroded due to saltwater of the ocean. After three years of research a stronger cement and able to resist chlorine erosion was evolved.Restoration waork was carried out with molly grade stainless steel combined with this newly evolved high strength cement.Restoration work cost more than 50 million Euros. It is said the restoration work would extend life by more than 100 years.We can take it as "end of our time"

Hassan II Mosque is located on a platform half, the portion projecting in sea and the other half on land, covering an area of 22 acres.This location was selected due to one verse in Quran which says "God's thrown was builr on the water.

Central main prayer Hall is huge with a Length of 1000 meters (3300 ft) and width of 200 meters (660 ft).  Prayer hall is enormous and can accommodate 25000 people. Outer court can accomodate additional 80000 people, thus, with a capacity of 1,05000 people Hassan II Mosque is the worlds 2nd largest Mosque, next only to that of Mosque of Medina.The main  Prayer Hall is centrally heated.

Mosque structure, inside and out side,including the Prayer hall, is cement concrete covered beautifully and extensively with marble, decorated with cedar wood carvings, stucco art and zellij or Mosaic (Zellij is tilework made from individually chiseled geometric tiles set into a plaster base) to form intricate , colourful and fantistically beautiful geometric pattererns. In fact every inch of not only the prayer hall , Hammams complete but innner wall surfaces of the mosque as also the outer walls are fully covered ftom bottom to top in the above mentioned decorative materials.It looks magnificiently beautiful.The roof is supported by majistic and grand coloumns.Lighting and speakers of public address systems are cleverly hidden in the niches on top of the coloumnsat the base of the arches.The roof of the prayer hall measures 200 ft by 185 ft and weighs 1100 tons.The massive  roof is retractable so in good weather star-lit sky is visibe while prayers are offerred.

The mosque has seperate hammams for men and women.Brass fittings in hammams are not tarnished despite the humid and saline atmosphere. The secret lies in the plastering material of these plliers which had eggyolk and black soap .This dehumidifies the air in hammams and thus saves the brass fittings from tarnishing by sea air.For keeping the hammams warm there are plenty of steam inlets.The hammams are also beautiful . It was therefore surprising to learn form our mosque guide that since its completion till date, the hammams have never been opened for  pumblic use.

Minaret of Hassan II Mosque is the tallest minaret and religious structure in the world. It is 210 meters (690 feet tall).It is square in shape thrusting skyward. With base to the top width ratio of 1 to 8 (between basement and the summit) . Like rest of the mosque the concrete structure of the minaret is also covered with beautiful decorative cedar wood carvings, stucco art and zellij or Mosaic .

Laser lights are fitted on the top of Minaret pointing towards Mecca.The Laser beam has range of 30 KMs or so.
Hassan II Mosque in pictures:-

Hassan II Mosque.

Sorry for bad photo , extremeties missing,luckly not by much.

The walls have Horseshoe design arches , Coloureful , artistic and beautiful maosiacs. The  colourful arches on walls have water cisterns,   adding to the beauty and useful fixtures to the mosque.

 

One of the  major entry gate .

Horeshoe design for arches has been used extensively throughout the Mosque . Even though basic design remains horseshoe , Further details and the design of mosiac on every door / gate are all different but equally beayuiful and grand.

Another major entry gate. 

Majastic and grand looking Coloumns and arches of Hassan II Mosque.

Speakers of public address system are cleverly hidden in niches at the top of the coloumns at base of arches .

Central panels of the roof.They weigh 1100 tons and yet, are these two distinct panels are  retractable and open outwards left & right .

Fountains and water source of Hammams.

Even though it was seen earlier in the day , I felt due to its importance it deserved a seperate blog b itself . Hence it was last,of all the attractions of Casablanca.

This ends the blog of Day 3 , 09th May 2017 . 

Tomorrow is a long day as we travel from Casablanca to Tangier via Rabat . Do sight seeing of both the places before going to our hotei in Tangier.

To see all the Casablanca and Hassan II Mosque photos of Day 3 , 9 May 2017 go to .

(Photos .https://goo.gl/photos/rD4GDuxb7VbfDLGt5 )

back up Casablanca .9 May 2017

09 MAY 2017.DAY 3. PART FIVE - CASABLANCA , MOROCCO.

This is screenshot of Casablanca Map.

It shows places of interest we saw​ In Casablanca.

Screenshot  map, above, gives limited information. "Interactive Map" gives much more information. For interactive map go here. OR go to this link https://goo.gl/yMjhfB.

With this URL Interactive map should open in a new window.
To navigate through this map use the left vertical panel on the map :

1. The panel gives contents of the map which are self explanatory.Placing the cursor  on any item in the panel will highlight that item in the map .

2. Click on the item in panel will open an information window in the map giving information about that item. If photos about that item have been uploaded they will also show in the information window.

3. For example placing the cursor on Hasan II Mosque will highlight Hasan II Mosque with a circle. Clicking on the same , will open a information window in the map  giving information about Hasan II Mosque.

​By the time we had reached and checked in at  Hotel Les Almohades it was too late to any thing.

Next morning after breakfast, before going for sight seeing, did a photo session in hotel for pictures to be put up in Trip Advisor.

First place to be visited was Mohemmad V Plaza or Casablanca Square it is popularly know.

CASABLANCA SQUQRE.

Casablanca Square.

Courthouse building in the background.

Some people may feel that there is nothing special and deserving to be called a "place of interest. Just like any other big square in any other city  But for the local population it is the hub and may be the nerve centre of their city. A place where their High Court, Treasury, Other important Government buildings and commercial Centre is located.

It is a big Square around which  important buildings like High Court, City Treasury , French Consulate, the are located. In front of the High Court building there is a very well laid out garden with a beautiful fountain. A large paved court is ahead of the fountain and the garden. There were 15 statues in the courtyard. Could not have a closer look or click them from close as For reasons ,we could not fathom, entry to the courtyard was barred. Clicked the statues as best as I could.

On the East of this courtyard(opposite the Court house) separated by Avenue Hassan II is another huge courtyard with a monumental Fountain, popularly known as Pigeon Fountain due to presence of hundreds of pigeons flocking around the Plaza and fountain. Lot of construction work seemed to be going on further west of fountain plaza. 

 

City Treasury.

Paved plaza with statues.

High Court in background.

High Court Plaza with statues.

High Court in background.

High Court Plaza with statues.







High Court Plaza with statues.





High Court Plaza with statues.

Tram Tracks West of High Court Plaza.

Pigeon Fountain Plaza, beyond Hassan II Avenue.



Afternoon found us loitering around on Boulverda de la Corniche, A clean broad, well maintained road running along the sea shore, lined on both sides with palm Trees. On one side were private Yacht Clubs and swimming pools. On the other side were Casinos , night clubs fancy restaurants and high end shopping. Our local guide told us come night and this place will transform from no crowd, almost deserted look to a crowded ,buzzing place with rich locals and tourists when the Casinos, Night Clubs and restaurants are going full blast. It becomes the focal point for Casablanca Night Life. Majority of people decided to return in the evening do shopping and sample little bit of night life. We were not interested in either so we opted out. Some hoe it so happened that for some strange reason the group which had gone returned disappointed before even the night had descended properly on Casablanca.

Boulevard de la Corniche. Center background Hassan II Minaret.

Private swimming pool/clubs.

Beach, Private swimming pool/clubs.

Private Yacht Clubs/Swimming pools.

Restaurants / Casinos on other side .

Next blog I will cover Hassan II Mosque as I felt , it deserves a full blog by it self.

To see all the photos of Day 3 , 9 May 2017  go here.

or go to / copy paste this link.

(Photos .https://goo.gl/photos/rD4GDuxb7VbfDLGt5 )



09 MAY 2017.DAY 3. PART ONE - CASABLANCA , MOROCCO.

09 MAY 2017.DAY 3. PART ONE - CASABLANCA , MOROCCO.

This is screenshot of Casablanca Map.

It shows places of interest we saw​ In Casablanca.

Screenshot  map,gives limited information. "Interactive Map" gives much more information. For interactive map go here. OR go to this link https://goo.gl/yMjhfB.

With this URL Interactive map should open in a new window.
To navigate through this map use the left vertical panel on the map :

1. The panel gives contents of the map which are self explanatory.Placing the cursor  on any item in the panel will highlight that item in the map .

2. Click on the item in panel will open an information window in the map giving information about that item. If photos about that item have been uploaded they will also show in the information window.

3. For example placing the cursor on Hasan II Mosque will highlight Hasan II Mosque with a circle. Clicking on the same , will open a information window in the map  giving information about Hasan II Mosque.

​By the time we had reached and checked in at  Hotel Les Almohades it was too late to any thing.

Next morning after breakfast, before going for sight seeing, did a photo session in hotel for pictures to be put up in Trip Advisor.

First place to be visited was Mohemmad V Plaza or Casablanca Square it is popularly know.

CASABLANCA SQUQRE.

Casablanca Square.

Courthouse building in the background.

Some people may feel that there is nothing special and deserving to be called a "place of interest. Just like any other big square in any other city  But for the local population it is the hub and may be the nerve centre of their city.

It is a big Square around which  important buildings like High Court, City Treasury , French Consulate, Other important Government buildings and commercial Centre are located. In front of the High Court building there is a very well laid out garden with a beautiful fountain. A large paved court is ahead of the fountain and the garden. There were 15 statues in the courtyard. Could not have a closer look or click them from close as,for reasons ,we could not fathom, entry to the courtyard was barred. Clicked the statues as best as I could.

On the East of this courtyard(opposite the Court house) separated by Avenue Hassan II is another huge courtyard with a monumental Fountain, popularly known as Pigeon Fountain due to presence of hundreds of pigeons flocking around the Plaza and fountain. Lot of construction work seemed to be going on further west of fountain plaza. 

City Treasury.

Paved plaza with statues.

High Court in background.

High Court Plaza with statues.

High Court in background.

High Court Plaza with statues.

High Court Plaza with statues.

High Court Plaza with statues.

Tram Tracks West of High Court Plaza.

Pigeon Fountain Plaza, beyond Hassan II Avenue.

Boulverda de la Corniche,

Afternoon found us loitering around on Boulverda de la Corniche, A clean broad, well maintained road running along the sea shore, lined on both sides with palm Trees. On one side were private Yacht Clubs and swimming pools. On the other side were Casinos , night clubs fancy restaurants and high end shopping. Our local guide told us come night and this place will transform from no crowd, almost deserted look to a crowded ,buzzing place with rich locals and tourists when the Casinos, Night Clubs and restaurants are going full blast. It becomes the focal point for Casablanca Night Life. Majority of people decided to return in the evening do shopping and sample little bit of night life. We were not interested in either so we opted out. Some hoe it so happened that for some strange reason the group which had gone returned disappointed before even the night had descended properly on Casablanca.

Boulevard de la Corniche. Center background Hassan II Minaret.

Private swimming pools/clubs.

Beach, Private swimming pool/clubs.

Private Yacht Clubs/Swimming pools.

Restaurants / Casinos on other side .

With so many photos on the phone with such a small size I had missed out to mention two places, Clay Oven Restaurant and Royal Palace Casablanca.

After Hassan II Mosque, the Boulevard we went for lunch at Clay Oven Restaurant . Nice place good lunch.

Clay Oven Restaurant. We had lunch here.

​​Typical Indian decor,Clay Oven Restaurant

Royal Palace Casablanca.

Royal Palace Casablanca. Tourists are allowed only up to the main gate of Royal Palace and that too, not closer than about 50 to 75 yards. Frankly going all the way  there, just to look at couple of doors , though of good craftsmanship, was not worth it.

Royal Palace Casablanca,

Main portals of Royal Palace Gate.

Closer look at the beauty of Royal Palace Gate .

A Palace Gate we saw on the way to Main gate of Royal Palace of Casablanca.

Closer look at portals of gate in previous photo.

 

I  feel that covering Hassan Mosque II, last remainig attraction of Casablanca, including the photos will make this blog extraaa.. long, even for my standard. I will, therefore cover Hassan Mosque II in seperate, next blogg.

To see all the photos of Day 3 , 9 May 2017,  go here.or go to / copy paste this link.

(https://goo.gl/photos/rD4GDuxbII Mosque as I felt , it deserves a full blog by it self.7VbfDLGt5 )

08 MAY 2017.DAY 2. PART FOUR - Jemma El Fnaa Square - MARRAKESH.MOROCCO.

​08 MAY 2017.  PART FOUR - Jemma El Fnaa Square - MARRAKESH.MOROCCO

This is the screen shot of Marrakesh Map.It shows places we saw​

till date & the ones we will see today.

To see interactive map go to https://goo.gl/fxaMBb.

How to navigate through interactive map has been explained earlier.

By the time we had finished exploring Bahia Place it was pretty late and we walked to restaurant for our lunch.

It is unfortunate that the name of the name of restaurant did not show up in any of the photos nor did I note it down any where.I wish I had done so as the restaurant décor had faithfully tried to copy Bahia Palace.See photos.

Restaurant,gate in of the dalans.

Restaurant, lamp shade and inner passage roof.

Restaurant, lamp shades and inner passage roof.

Restaurant, lamp shades and inner passage roof.

Restaurant, lamp shade and inner passage roof.

After lunch we took a leisurely walk through the narrow lanes lined by souviners, gift items ,brass lamp shades and knickknacks etc on both sides.These lanes took us to a square known as Jemma Ei Fnaa Square.

JEMMA - EL - FNAA SQUARE.

​​

Jemma EL Fnaa Square.

Jemma El Fnaa Square is World Heritage Site. Wiki has an amazing photo of Jemma El Fnaa Square.This is was what wiki it has to say about it :

During the day it is predominantly occupied by orange juice stalls, water sellers with traditional leather water-bags and brass cups, youths with chained Barbary apes and snake charmers despite the protected status of these species under Moroccan law.

As the day progresses, the entertainment on offer changes: the snake charmers depart, and late in the day the square becomes more crowded, with Chleuh dancing-boys (it would be against custom for girls to provide such entertainment), story-tellers (telling their tales in Berber or Arabic, to an audience of locals), magicians, and peddlers of traditional medicines. As darkness falls, the square fills with dozens of food-stalls as the number of people on the square peaks.

The square is edged along one side by the Marrakesh souk, a traditional North African market catering both for the common daily needs of the locals, and for the tourist trade. On other sides are hotels and gardens and cafe terraces, and narrow streets lead into the alleys of the medina quarter.

Once a bus station, the place was closed to vehicle traffic in the early 2000s. The authorities are well aware of its importance to the tourist trade, and a strong but discreet police presence ensures the safety of visitors.

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jemaa_el-Fnaa)

After lunch we had reached around 2/3 PM, we did not see the food stalls at the height of doing brisk business nor did we see the large crowds which gather there after sunset and early night.

We loitered around for 2 to 3 hours ,waiting for the time when our coach was to pick s up from appoint near the square.on one side fairly large area was barricaded as major kind of civil work seemed to be  underway.

So we did see rows and rows of stalls with furniture, and other paraphernalia of a food stall securily tied, covered under colourful waterproof plastic sheets. Froit juice and soft drink stalls were doing fair amount of business . So were the shops of traditional medicine. The hotels lining one side of the wall and the traditional bazar the otherside .

Hotels,Restaurants on one side .

Hotels,Restaurants on one side .

We did not see any snake charmers, nor story tellers,were lucky to miss the attention of pickpockets as well during our loitering. While relaxing at Le Grand Balcon du Café Glacier we did see a group of acrobats performing all over the square and also just for a minute in front of café where we were sitting.

Lanes leading to traditional Bazar.

A chemist shop in tradional Bazar.

Massive work in progress at the squqre.

Acrobats performing.

Another view of Jamma El Fnaa square.

Koutoubia Minara in background.

 

Another view of Jamma El Fnaa square.

Koutoubia Minara in background.

As the time to rendezvous with our coach was approaching, we gradually started walking towards the rendezvous point.On the way we saw a neat & clean building proudly flying Moroccan National Flag. It was a Marrakesh branch Post Office. Wondered why all our Government Offices do not fly our National Flag. Are we not proud of our country?

                  

Jemma El Fnaa branch of Marrakech Posy office.

Near our RV point long row of Victorias. 

The coach arrived at appointed time . We boarded it and were on our way to Casablanca, second city to be visited in Morocco. A distance of 240 KMs(149 Miles).

On the way again passed near Jardin Sidi Hmed El Kamel or Zaharada Park from where we had gone to see the Bahia Palace.

Once out of the city saw lots of date plam plantations, Olive plantations. Was

intrigued by large cactus plantations. My curiosity was satisfied by the local guide travelling with us . Apparently cactus fruits are sweet and very tasty. Very popular amongst the public.Hence the plantations.

  

                   

Jardin Sidi Hmed El Kamel OR Zaharada Park.

Date Palm Plantation.

 Cactus Plantations.

 Cactus Plantations.

A Train to Marrakesh.

Around Halfway to Casablanca we  had taken  Coffee and Tea break.At a now familiar, service point along the highways at Gas Station, Afriquia Station Chouia. Saw that Restraurant was preparing and gearing up dinner time ,which would be coming up shortly.Pleanty of chicken dishes all ready in Tagine(Eartehn Cooking Pot) to be placed on oven an interesting sight.

In tagine , chicken dish ready for coooked.

After the break started for Casablanca by about 1945 hours . By the time reahed Hotel Les Almohades Casablanca and checked in it was too late to do any thing .Not even a short photo session . Just went to sleep.

To see all the photos of Day 2 ,8 May 2017  go here.

(Photos .https://goo.gl/photos/kHPoGDxM1szHRt667 )

END DAY TWO.