/countries/show/morocco/1.rss en-us The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca is literally built on the Atlantic Ocean, with more than half of the Mosque jutting out over the sea. A passage in the Koran states that God’s throne was built on the sea, and King Hassan II, the Mosque’s creator and namesake, made this an architectural requirement.     Inaugurated in 1993, the King Hassan Mosque was completed in six years, a remarkable feat. Artisans and labourers worked around the clock, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to complete the masterpiece; and funds were raised from “donations” from the Moroccan people. The government literally went door-to-door requesting economic support. This raised some international criticism, but in general, local Moroccans do not seem offended by either the fundraising tactic or the magnitude of the investment.  The massive Hassan II Mosque can accommodate up to 120,000 worshippers: 20,000 inside, and another 100,000 on the courtyard. On a typical Friday lunchtime prayer, you can expect up to 18,000 people. During the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the Mosque has been close to capacity.  Mustafa, our talkative and personable tour guide, rattled off statistic after statistic telling us that most of the raw materials for the mosque’s construction came from Morocco. This includes cedar wood from the Atlas Mountains that’s been intricately carved, and beautiful marbles carefully selected from southern Morocco. He also pointed out some of the Mosque’s modern features, like an automated sliding roof, which is opened frequently to bring fresh air into the King Hassan Mosque; and electric doors to allow for the easy opening and closing of the enormous titanium doors, which weigh an astonishing ten tons. A crew of 300 people tends to the maintenance and upkeep of the Mosque on a daily basis. While we were taking our tour, I noticed a man vacuuming the never-ending carpet, and imagined that it was probably his sole responsibility.  The Hassan II Mosque is the largest Mosque in Morocco and the fifth largest worldwide. Its minaret is the world’s largest, measuring a staggering 689 feet, and boasts a laser beam at its top, pointing the way to Mecca. As the tour ended and I walked back into the blazing sun, my eyes slowly accustomed to the daylight again. I was already thinking about my next set of American visitors, and bringing them here to experience the delights that this Hassan II Mosque has to offer. It should certainly be included on the itinerary of any stay, long or short, in Casablanca.  Looking up at the huge minaret, where the blues of its mosaic design matched perfectly with the backdrop of the clear blue Casablanca sky, and the Atlantic’s waves crashed rhythmically all around me, I was again reminded why I have made Casablanca my home. Wed, 23 Feb 2011 03:34:59 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/hassan-II-mosque http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/hassan-II-mosque Morocco is a land that has eternally been a crossroads link between Europe and Africa. As such, it is a country that is fabulously rich in culture, and provides many Europeans with an insight into Islamic lifestyles and traditions. One of these traditions is known as “hammam,” often referred to as a “Turkish bath” to many people. Hammams were once viewed as an essential part of the life of a practicing Muslim. The religious significance of complying with the Islamic laws of hygiene and purification meant that many people visited the hammam prior to going into a mosque. Thus, a traditional hammam is actually separate for men and women, though many (especially those which cater for tourists) now allow for both men and women. As you wander through the souks of the medinas in any of the Moroccan cities, you will see many hammams, often signposted as male only. The locals will frequent these, so you may feel like you are getting a more "genuine" experience. However, this is not necessarily the case. Any hammam will give you a genuine experience, and it will mainly be the cleanliness and quality of the attendants that separates the seedy-looking ones from the nicer ones. Many friends had recommended Marrakech hammams from their visits to Morocco, so I chose a fairly well-known place called “Les Bains de Marrakech,” situated just inside the walls of the medina. It had all the attributes of a modern Western spa, but specialized in traditional hammams. This is what I would recommend for a couple, but if you are on your own or in a group of guys or girls, perhaps give one of the male only or female only hammams a go. Ask around before going in, because some will be quite confronting and/or dirty. The price of the nicer Marrakech hammams are still incredibly cheap compared to what you’d expect in a spa in Europe or North America. Once changed, we were directed into a steam room and instructed to lie down. After sweating for a good 40 minutes, the attendants returned to the room and rubbed us down with a black soap, which was left to soak into the skin for a bit. When they returned after a short period, wearing their kessa gloves (rough exfoliating gloves), we were vigorously rubbed down. And I mean vigorously! The amount of dead skin that came off me was incredible. I don’t think I’ve ever felt as clean as I was then. My skin was literally shining. After this experience, it was time for a bit of a lie down with a calming Moroccan tea before heading off to get a massage. After the massage, it was on to a cooling swim in the pool, and then another lie down with some tasty pastries. I was in seventh heaven, with not a care in the world, as the hammam had completely relaxed every fibre in my body. All in all, the Marrakech hammam spa is a highly recommended experience for any traveller to Morocco. It’s a fantastic way to get rid of the dust accumulated walking through the souks; and boys—I guarantee your ladies will absolutely love it! Mon, 13 Dec 2010 18:10:47 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/marrakech-hammam http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/marrakech-hammam Walking the dry, empty streets of the ancient Roman town of Volubilis, your feet will kick up dust and ghosts. Volubilis, once a Carthaginian trading post and then a remote outpost of the Roman Empire, has been abandoned for more than 1,700 years. The ruined city was been proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage site to safeguard its amazing structures — some of the best preserved in North Africa — and especially its stunningly well preserved mosaics. Once the administrative centre of a Roman province called Mauretania Tingitana, Volubilis may have once been home to as many as 18,000 to 20,000 people, all of whom were exempt from Roman taxation because they were so far away from the centre of power. Traces of the city’s inhabitants can be found everywhere, from the remains of the bathhouse to the olive presses that look as though you could almost start them up. Visitors can wander through the forum and the basilica, where the only remaining signs of life are the roosting storks whose nests top the beautiful columns that still stretch toward the sky. The dramatic mosaics are the highlight of any visit: these depict a host of mythological characters and events, from the lovers Bacchus and Ariadne to the Labours of Hercules. There are guides available at the site, or you can hire one in Fès or Meknès. Though it is easy to wander the site yourself and guess at what you might be looking at, a guide — particularly an official guide — can offer a great deal more depth and detail about the site and its features. Most guides speak reasonably good English and all are fluent in French. Getting to Volubilis is easily done by shared taxi from Fès or Meknès. Fri, 13 Aug 2010 01:46:13 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/volubilis-morocco http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/volubilis-morocco The cities of Morocco are unforgettable. Marrakesh, Fès, Casablanca, each city is a different feast for the senses with its vibrant colours, rich smells, and amazing culinary offerings. However, these cities can also be overwhelming, and sometimes a traveler in Morocco just needs to step out of the crowded streets, let go of the din of the vendors and follow the trail of adventure. If you're feeling the pressures of city life, find your way to the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco for a breath of fresh mountain air, and an extraordinary trekking experience you'll never forget. The High Atlas or the Grand Atlas Mountain range runs like a slash west to east for almost 1,000 kilometres across Morocco. The higher summits, such as the Jebel Toubkal, can rise up to the 4,167 metres high, and offer climbers endless opportunity for stunning vistas. There is an enormous variety of Atlas Mountain trekking tours, ranging from popular day trips from Marrakesh, to challenging six-day Toubkal Circuit treks, to even longer mule guided climbs. The High Atlas Mountains, Africa's most northerly peaks, separates the arid southern Sahara from the moist Mediterranean climate of the north. Remarked for their rugged beauty, behind every bend in the trail lies breathtaking views over jagged cliffs and yawning gorges. Herds of goats move across the shrubby slopes; you may not see the goat-herder, but he will certainly see you. Inhabited for centuries by pastoral people, small Berber settlements and terraced farms dot the mountainside. These small villages made of sun-baked mud houses cluster and cling to the formidable terrain of the High Atlas Mountains. Here life moves a little differently, crossing a mule cart with a line of women ambling bales of hay behind it is not an unusual experience. Setting up a High Atlas Mountain trekking trip is easy to do from the small town of Imlil, which seems to be dedicated to serving the needs of travellers. The town’s guide bureau or bureau des guides will help you hire an official guide. Beware of imposter and unofficial guides, who will be far more interested in getting your money than in showcasing the region’s natural beauty. A guide is definitely recommended if you’re an inexperienced trekker or if you’re doing one of the more challenging Atlas Mountain treks; the terrain can be challenging and in addition to keeping you safe, a guide can help you find places you might otherwise stroll right by. Mules are also an option if you plan to carry a great deal of equipment; some treks require tents, but others pass through Berber villages where accommodation and meals can be arranged. Wed, 04 Aug 2010 01:15:37 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/trek-atlas-mountains http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/trek-atlas-mountains No trip to Morocco is complete without a visit to the souks; especially the Marrakech souks. On your first visit to the Marrakesh souks, you may feel somewhat intimidated due to the invasive and pushy behaviour of vendors, although if you are familiar with markets in developing countries, the Marrakech souks will make you feel right at home. In either case, a visit to the Marrakech souks is an authentic Moroccan pleasure not to be missed. The Marrakech souks are located between Africa and Europe, housing treasures uniquely influenced by both continents such as herbal medicines, brass and silver handicrafts, hand-woven rugs and richly embellished clothes. Walking through a labyrinth of crowded, narrow passageways with small shops and stalls squeezed on both sides, the vendors hail “Come and look, just for the pleasure of the eyes,” waving a pair of babouches (pointy Moroccan slippers) or a silver teapot to attract your attention. Your senses will be overwhelmed by the noises, the calls, people pushing to get through, and the shear amount of products on display. With all this to bear you might be tempted to give up and head back to the tranquility and safety of your riad (guest house), but what fun would that be? Then you remember that you haven’t bought any souvenirs yet and your sister would never forgive you if you come back without one of the popular leather lamps hand-painted with henna. As chance would have it, you are standing just outside a store selling lanterns, and decide to give it a try. You step in and look around for something pretty that would fit in your suitcase, while the vendor encourages you with their sales banter: “Not expensive. I give you a good price,” and brings different models for you to choose from. By then, a small crowd has gathered outside the store comprised of tourists attracted by the haggling and locals curious to see how badly the tourist is going to be ripped off. Other vendors are now eager to sell to all the tourists now assembled there. After selecting two lamps, the pressure is almost unbearable as the final act is about to begin. “How much?” you ask in order to save some time, but you know this is useless and that you will have to make an offer first. “How much you want to pay for it?” is the inevitable answer. The problem is that prices are not displayed anywhere. Unless you have some experience, it is complete guesswork. So, you start with a low bid of 50 dirhams and the tourists in the crowd nod their approval. The vendor, now with an offended look distorting his face, screams that his products are the best quality and that he has five kids to feed plus his old aunt who needs medication, and how heartless of you to try to rip him off! He states his price: “400 dirhams.” This is his final answer. You quickly convert that it would cost about C$60, and that it does not look like a bargain at all. Once again, you’re about to turn around and leave, but there is no exit. The passersby are blocking the lane and the vendor and all the lamp stands block your exit on the other side. You are torn: You don’t want to be ripped off in front of your audience but you don’t want to hurt the vendor’s feelings either. Pointing at any imperfections, you say “100! There are dents on the wrought iron, and the henna is crumbling!” A few minutes later, you emerge from the shop proudly carrying your trophy: A grey plastic bag with two leather lamps that you ended up paying 200 dirhams. You will learn later that your French friends at the hotel bought them for 100 dirhams. Your first bartering joust in the Marrakesh souks can leave you exhausted and with mixed feelings. As you gain experience, it gets easier and becomes a lot of fun. You might even be invited to take a seat and negotiate the price of a rug around a cup of mint tea. You will also notice that as you start to know your way in the bazaar, and walk with more confidence, vendors and kids won’t harass you as much; and if they do, a couple of “La shukrans” (no thank you, in Arabic) will usually do the trick. If haggling is not your cup of (mint) tea, the Marrakech souks are still a unique place to wander around and soak up the bustling atmosphere of a typical North African market. It is an experience for all the senses. From the kaleidoscopic Souk Rahba Qdima with its carpets and rugs, to the vivid colours of skins and wools hung out to dry in the wool dyers market. From the deafening sound of hammers against metal in the Souk Hadadine, to the patter of the vendors. From the pungent smell of the leather bags in Souk Charratin, to the fragrant pyramids of spices and teas–—the Marrakech souks will never leave you feeling indifferent. Tue, 04 Aug 2009 20:33:06 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/souk-marrakech http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/souk-marrakech