Pat

Retired. Have time for the things I love: travel, my cat, reading, good food, travel, genealogy, walking, and of course travel.

Rabat, Maroc

2 April 2025 

We depart Casablanca for the 54-mile drive northeast to the city of Rabat. It is sunny and warm; the ocean is a brilliant blue and I relax. We are a group of 16 in a comfortable 32-person bus. Our Moroccan driver is Hassan. I go along for the ride.

The Imperial City of Rabat

Rabat, Morocco’s capital and seventh-largest city, has a metropolitan population of over 1.2 million. Strategically located on the Ocean at the Bou Regreg River, the Almohads founded the city in the 12th century. These people represented a Berber Muslim dynasty who ruled over North Africa and Al-Andalus (Andalusia) from the 12th to the 13th century. In 1170, the Almohads established a naval base in Rabat, meaning “stronghold of victory.”

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By Pat, ago

Casablanca – No, Rick Wasn’t Here

1-2 April 2025

Let’s first clarify the facts. No one filmed the iconic film Casablanca in Casablanca. Rick’s Café never existed. Whispered rumors were that Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart didn’t even like each other much. The only thing not fictional about the film was that in 1942, World War 2 was raging across Europe and North Africa. 

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By Pat, ago

Morocco Bullet Train

31 March 2025  When March came, my weather at home was stormy, cold and wet. I suppose I could say the month entered like a California Mountain Lion. Today, here in Tanger, March is exiting like a lamb. Many theories attempt to explain the proverb “In like a lion, out Read more

By Pat, ago

A Weekend in Tanger

28-30 March 2025 Whether spelled Tangier or Tanger, this vibrant Moroccan port on the Strait of Gibraltar thrives where the Mediterranean and Atlantic Oceans meet. Since Phoenician times (around the 3rd to 4th century BCE), the city has connected Africa and Europe as a strategic cultural crossroads. Its picturesque, whitewashed Read more

By Pat, ago

Tétouan and Chefchaouen

29 March 2025

We depart Tanger. Today, we visit two cities of northern Morocco. Picked up at our hotel, we meet Mostafa, our driver, and begin to learn more about Morocco’s culture and history as we drive the scenic route southeast. Actually, I think it represents the only route.

It is early Saturday and streets are empty. Muslims celebrate Ramadan so many enjoy the after sunset hours when they can eat, drink and smoke again. Most are sleeping in.

Driving and drivers appear sane and polite. They wave and honk. I think the honk means “thank you for not hitting me with your car.” I am like Mostafa’s calm demeanor and consideration on the road. At times we were seriously squeezed among cars but Mostafa kept his gentle karma.

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By Pat, ago

Tanger, Maroc 

28 March 2025

 While I traveled to parts of Morocco in 2010, I thought it a good time to update my impressions and learn more about this country. Actually, it was my niece who chose this trip from among other choices. Thankfully, it was the cheaper one. Maybe she felt mercy on my credit card.

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By Pat, ago