Off on my hols

edmundoconnor
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Post zero.


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edmundoconnor
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So, I'm off to Casablanca for a few days (by way of Heathrow) before I attend my mum's 60th in Vendeé. Any suggestions for places to visit while in Casablanca? We might be going on a day trip to Marrakech.

And before you ask, yes, I'm going here.

 


Bacchus
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I always found casablanca a dissapointment compared to Fez or Marrakech


skdadl
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Och, Edmund, I envy you to bits. That is the trip I would take if I could, but it's a bit daunting to think of on my own and with no background at all. Have a wonderful time.


Boom Boom
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I wonder - how much it is to Casablanca and return from Toronto?


edmundoconnor
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Just over $1600 per person. And that's a bargain basement fare.


Bacchus
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Ouch you would be better to fly to england for 300-400 and then take a train or cheap ryanair flight down


edmundoconnor
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Two words: High season.


N.Beltov
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Were you attracted by the waters?


Ken Burch
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If so, you were misinformed.


Caissa
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We'll always have Paris.


Michelle
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Ha!


Sven
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Edmund, after you return from your visit, I hope you post about your travels to Morocco.  Ms. Sven and I are planning on going there in October 2011.


edmundoconnor
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I will Sven, although my experiences are going to be limited to Casablanca and (possibly) Marrakech. Apparently I really missing out by not going to Fez, Rabat, Salé, the High Atlas and so on. My mum has memories of being served gin and tonics by the pool at the British Embassy in Rabat, and always goes misty-eyed at the mention of Morocco …


edmundoconnor
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I am actually going to Paris after Morocco. I might as well get the raincoat now …


Catchfire
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Aside from the mosque in Casablanca, it's like a third-rate European city. Marrakesh or Fez are wonderfully lively places, as is the beach town of Essouira to the south, which I couldn't recommend enough. All of these places are easily accessible by bus. If you have time, you can even continue south to Agadir and Ouarzazate to take a day trip to the Sahara desert. Not. To. Be. Missed.


Boom Boom
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I rambled through the New Mexico desert - with scorpions and fire ants.


al-Qa'bong
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edmundoconnor wrote:

So, I'm off to Casablanca for a few days (by way of Heathrow) before I attend my mum's 60th in Vendeé.  

While in Vendée will you visit Puy du Fou?  I've been there a few times - it's a good place to take the kids.


Bacchus
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Catchfire wrote:

Aside from the mosque in Casablanca, it's like a third-rate European city. Marrakesh or Fez are wonderfully lively places, as is the beach town of Essouira to the south, which I couldn't recommend enough. All of these places are easily accessible by bus. If you have time, you can even continue south to Agadir and Ouarzazate to take a day trip to the Sahara desert. Not. To. Be. Missed.

 

And if you take the day trip there is a wonderful ruined Roman city with amazing 'signs' the romans used for different places


Boom Boom
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Is there anything in Casablanca today that might evoke images or memories of that famous film?


Bacchus
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Even Casablanca then wasn't like the casablanca in the movie Laughing Marrakech or Fez was tho


edmundoconnor
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Apart from the afore-mentioned Rick's Café that faithfully follows the set designs?

I've been to the Puy du Fou. Great fun, especially the birds of prey that swoop inches from your head.


Boom Boom
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Is there a Rick's Cafe in Casablanca today?


Bacchus
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Yes it was set up about 6 years ago. Its modelled after the movie


Boom Boom
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Great to hear - I'd love to see it, and get me photo taken there. I'll have to start saving me pennies now.


Sven
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We are finally set for five days in Morocco in November.  We'll be focusing on Rabat, Fes, and Marrakech.  Haven't pinned down an itinerary beyond that.  I have a bit more reading to do over the next two or three weeks to get that done.  I'm finding TripAdvisor to be an invaluable resource for information...


Catchfire
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While all three cities are great (although Rabat is less interesting than the other two, in my opinion), you should really make it a point to either hit up Essouira on the coast or Chefchouen in the northern foothills, both easily accessible by Rabat and Fez respectably. They each offer a unique view of such a diverse country. And if I were going for three weeks, I'd seriously consider heading south to the Sahara--when is the next time you will find yourself less than a day from the Sahara desert?


Bacchus
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Or East to some of the best Roman ruins Ive seen


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