This piece can just go on and on, depending upon, how long I wanna key in and what all transcend into my mental space as am keying. But where to I start from…probably, from the - by now famous culprit - Paulo Coelho. This time just an anthology – which endearingly charming preface and introduction. Twas ‘Inspirations’ I started the day with - which is spruced by extracts of writing from Hans Chirstian Anderson, Machiavell, Lewis Caroll, D. H. Lawerence, Yeats etc…made me ponder over some stark realities of some of the articles or relish some ole favourites. Nice way to settle the mind – not too dreamy or not too practical - to a peaceful state. And look forward to Casablanca.
Yeah – this is not just Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergam’s Hollywood classic. This is the commercial capital of Morocco. A port city, and the most cosmopolitan place in Morocco – kinda the Mumbai of India. Btw, the French speaking Morocco is in North Africa and is just 15KM away from Spain by sea. Infact two cities of inside Morocco mainland are a part of Spain. Pls google ot wiki for more.
Casablanca is port city of Central Morocco and about +1 hour ahead of GMT [-430 hrs IST] in summers [rest of the year, same as GMT]. Casablanca’s symbols and imageries have the mix of the European and the Moslem world. Primarily because of its history. Morocco was colonized by two European countries Spain and France and [if I remember my history] it ruled Spain and other parts of Europe for 300-400 years, [till just before Columbus set to sail to discover the America I think around 14th century AD]. Its brilliant climate - 20 degrees Celsius, lovely sea breeze, beautiful buildings, infectious and omnipresent cafes [which will invariably have a row of seating covers almost on the pavements]. The people are very helpful and the Petit [small] Taxis inexpensive. But Petit Taxis, you need hardly use – can walk,walk and walk around the city soaking in every bit of it.
Wont write about all the places we saw, walking. Not in a mood to recollect all the names. But certainly want to talk of two high points. The Mosque, the King Hassan II Mosque…haven’t wiki-ed it for history….but as it is….amongst the most stupendous and awe inspiring monuments I have seen. I can vividly recollect the awe I experienced while approach the Vivekananda Rock Memorial [Kanyakumari] by the boats. This experience was right up there. The monument, is radiant because of the liberal and thoughtful illumination; expansive because of the large space; exquisite because of the intricate designs in the huge walls; serene because of the calm of the large prayer hall; and utterly infectious because it is sea breeze [it right on the beach]. It also clearly symbolized the confluence of Casablanca…one side neon lights, the razzmatazz of the commercial capital; the other side where football playing street children amongst the bourgeois bylanes. I think twas splendor. I guess in sometime, I ll have some pix uploaded.
The other beauty – was guess what – Hollywood aficionados – it is Rick’s Café. Just for a quick refresher. Rick’s Café is a highlight of the movie Casablanca. Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman are at their very best. I remember RD [Reader’s Digest] listing top 10 Hollywood movies ever in an issue about 20 years back…and this was no. 2 in this list. Btw, if you haven’t seen it – pick up the CD/DVD whatever. Fyi, yours truly needs to do the same. ;). In real life Rick’s Café is very close to the sea, a stately building converted to a princely restaurant. With glittering glasses and bustling European tourists, standing out at first sight. In a few minutes exotic wines, fish, meat items…make one says wow!!. I was off alcohol and non-veg yday, so made do with the delicious sundae. The fare comparable to Mainland China in Mumbai or Delhi.
That’s it for now. Time venture downstairs for a leisurely walk….and healthy chat with the amiable Casablancis, before I bid adieu to the place in 2 hours…
Casablanca
Jun 13, 2010
Fore noon
Ps: added for the leisurely walk… While, Casablanca is to Morocco what Mumbai is to India in terms of strategic importance. Goa is probably the place which resembles best the relaxed pace and sleepy energy - can you believe it, all shops – apart from some food joints are closed in a Sunday. In terms of size, it will probably be like Pune / Ahmedabad / Hyd…about 40-50 lakhs population. Cheers!!
Yeah – this is not just Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergam’s Hollywood classic. This is the commercial capital of Morocco. A port city, and the most cosmopolitan place in Morocco – kinda the Mumbai of India. Btw, the French speaking Morocco is in North Africa and is just 15KM away from Spain by sea. Infact two cities of inside Morocco mainland are a part of Spain. Pls google ot wiki for more.
Casablanca is port city of Central Morocco and about +1 hour ahead of GMT [-430 hrs IST] in summers [rest of the year, same as GMT]. Casablanca’s symbols and imageries have the mix of the European and the Moslem world. Primarily because of its history. Morocco was colonized by two European countries Spain and France and [if I remember my history] it ruled Spain and other parts of Europe for 300-400 years, [till just before Columbus set to sail to discover the America I think around 14th century AD]. Its brilliant climate - 20 degrees Celsius, lovely sea breeze, beautiful buildings, infectious and omnipresent cafes [which will invariably have a row of seating covers almost on the pavements]. The people are very helpful and the Petit [small] Taxis inexpensive. But Petit Taxis, you need hardly use – can walk,walk and walk around the city soaking in every bit of it.
Wont write about all the places we saw, walking. Not in a mood to recollect all the names. But certainly want to talk of two high points. The Mosque, the King Hassan II Mosque…haven’t wiki-ed it for history….but as it is….amongst the most stupendous and awe inspiring monuments I have seen. I can vividly recollect the awe I experienced while approach the Vivekananda Rock Memorial [Kanyakumari] by the boats. This experience was right up there. The monument, is radiant because of the liberal and thoughtful illumination; expansive because of the large space; exquisite because of the intricate designs in the huge walls; serene because of the calm of the large prayer hall; and utterly infectious because it is sea breeze [it right on the beach]. It also clearly symbolized the confluence of Casablanca…one side neon lights, the razzmatazz of the commercial capital; the other side where football playing street children amongst the bourgeois bylanes. I think twas splendor. I guess in sometime, I ll have some pix uploaded.
The other beauty – was guess what – Hollywood aficionados – it is Rick’s Café. Just for a quick refresher. Rick’s Café is a highlight of the movie Casablanca. Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman are at their very best. I remember RD [Reader’s Digest] listing top 10 Hollywood movies ever in an issue about 20 years back…and this was no. 2 in this list. Btw, if you haven’t seen it – pick up the CD/DVD whatever. Fyi, yours truly needs to do the same. ;). In real life Rick’s Café is very close to the sea, a stately building converted to a princely restaurant. With glittering glasses and bustling European tourists, standing out at first sight. In a few minutes exotic wines, fish, meat items…make one says wow!!. I was off alcohol and non-veg yday, so made do with the delicious sundae. The fare comparable to Mainland China in Mumbai or Delhi.
That’s it for now. Time venture downstairs for a leisurely walk….and healthy chat with the amiable Casablancis, before I bid adieu to the place in 2 hours…
Casablanca
Jun 13, 2010
Fore noon
Ps: added for the leisurely walk… While, Casablanca is to Morocco what Mumbai is to India in terms of strategic importance. Goa is probably the place which resembles best the relaxed pace and sleepy energy - can you believe it, all shops – apart from some food joints are closed in a Sunday. In terms of size, it will probably be like Pune / Ahmedabad / Hyd…about 40-50 lakhs population. Cheers!!
Mouth watering description...
ReplyDeletebrace up for more..this is a lovely place....
ReplyDeleteI was enchanted by the place after watching the movie. Your post has left me salivating. Look fwd to the next post!
ReplyDelete