Wow! Great to have a good night’s sleep after Thursday’s travel and a hectic week before I left.
Great too seeing the Hassan II Mosque illuminated at 7am and then the daylight gradually appearing around it. The sun was up by 7:30 – fantastic after those long, dark Scottish days.
Dawn
Then a lazy buffet breakfast in the hotel. I don’t do that often – I prefer the nearest cafe and a croissant. It was included in the room deal, so…
I’ve become a Novotel fan in recent years. Good rooms and (often) good deals, especially if you book (and pay) in advance.
Novotel Casablanca
The Casablanca one (where I stayed in 2009 as well) is well located in the city centre, on Blvd Houphouët-Boigny. The address is a bit of a mouthful, however. (Houphouët-Boigny was the first president of Côte d’Ivoire and served – mostly himself – for 30 years.)
My Royal Air Maroc flight to Ouarzazate was at 22:40, so a 12 noon hotel checkout gave me plenty time for some gentle sightseeing. I was tempted by a guided tour of the Mosque, but with bright sunshine and 16-18⁰c for weather, why be inside? Anyway, I have another day in the city on my way home at the end of the month.
Wilaya
I did a city centre walking tour recommended by my guide book. It was good. The best bit was the law courts. Fascinating for an ex lawyer. I didn’t go into an actual court, but the building and atmosphere were wonderful.
Tribunal de 1ère Instance
I loved spend the day just wandering, while taking in the warm winter sun and getting back the atmosphere of the city.
4⁰c and “brisk” for the midnight arrival in Ouarzazate.
Domestic Departures, Casablanca Airport
ⓒ iain taylor, 2017