On the road to Ouzoud. Look at the majestic snow capped Atlas Mountains! We picked up our rental car at Casablanca airport for our four hour drive on mostly very decent roads.The impressive Hotel Borj des Cascades is our destination for three nights — feels so exotic and what we envisioned Morocco to be.As we hike down to experience the waterfalls — we paused to look back up at our Hotel Borj des Cascades — set high on the cliff.Cascades d’Ouzoud are some of the tallest in North Africa. The heavy rain storm we had while in Casa was much more significant here.The 360-foot drop of Cascades d’Ouzoud makes us feel a bit insignificant. The local Berber communities used the river’s flow to power traditional grinding water mills.We hiked up the other side of the Al-Abid river gorge and enjoyed the panorama view — along with one of the native Barbary Macaque. Gorgeous!This cute young Barbary Macaque was very acrobatic and active. Considered an Old World Monkey — it is the only primate in Africa that survives north of the Sahara Desert — and one of only two monkeys without a visible tail, the other being the Japanese Macaque.Back at the Hotel Borj des Cascades, we could appreciate the waterfalls more after having hiked to its base and back.To Infinity and Beyond! Too cold to swim but enjoyable just relaxing and reflecting poolside. Hotel Borj des Cascades‘The pinch me’ view from from our room balcony! Hotel Borj des CascadesWe had an amazing Fish Tagine dinner as room service — since other guests were not dining in — very special and delicious. Hotel Borj des CascadesMorning sunshine on our balcony. Hotel Borj des CascadesWe took a day trip to UNESCO Global M’Goun Geopark Museum, in Azilal — which exhibited the fascinating geological history of the M’Goun Massif. Built in 2017, the museum illustrated the area’s geography beginning from the creation of the universe. It unraveled all the phases this region went through as it revealed the complete history of our planet. This skeleton of the Atlasaurus imelakei, — named after the Atlas Mountain ridge — it’s one of the largest known dinosaurs, discovered in 1979.We had more appreciation of the complex geography of these rolling red hills on our drive back to Ouzoud. We did not detour to see dinosaur footprints but we did detour to a natural bridge……A local guide led us on the hiking trail under the natural limestone bridge to this spot where the opening forms a perfect outline of the African Continent. With the recent rain storms — just a few days ago — this area was impassable with a torrent of water reaching up above my head level. Demnate – Imi n’Ifri Natural Bridge
“What in heaven’s name brought you to Casablanca?” ” I came to Casablanca for the waters.” “The waters? What waters? We’re in the desert.” “I was misinformed…”Everybody comes to Rick’s! This renovated Building is at one of the entries to the Ancient Medina.The Usual Suspects dressed for a Sunday lunch reservation. The Riad is built right on the 1700’s fortification wall.Of all the Gin Joints, In all the towns, In all the world… we walked into this one.This renovated traditional 1930’s Moroccan Riad — courtyard-style mansion — was built for painter Abdelkrim Al Ghattas, is now Rick’s Cafe.Here’s looking at you, Kid!Very elegant! Fine dining with salmon and lamb, wine and dessert.There is so much Art Deco style architecture like the magnificent Cathédrale du Sacré-Cœur — a striking 1930 landmark by French architect Paul Tournon. The flying buttresses along the roof have pronounced right angles instead of the usual sweeping curves in Gothic churches.The façade features two rectangular towers in the local Art Deco style — a French-Moroccan blend called Mauresque. The city is a dazzling collection of white buildings (Casa Blanca).Gorgeous interiors. The rectangular windows with modernist stained glass in vibrant red and indigo blue penetrate the upper parts of the church — reminiscent of traditional Arabic mosque decoration.We wandered around town enjoying the sights — but took way too many architecture photos to share!The Hassan II Mosque is the pride and joy of Morocco — completed in 1993. Purposely built on reclaimed land jutting into the Atlantic Ocean — reflecting a verse in the Qur’an saying, “the throne of Allah was built on water.”We joined a tour after a rainy night and really appreciated the reflections on the courtyard tiles of the minaret — the world’s second tallest at 210 meters (689 ft). Hassan II MosqueOrnate and Opulent — a masterpiece of Moroccan craftsmanship — hand-carved plaster, gilded cedar ceilings, exquisite tile work, and acres of marble! The retractable roof slides opens for cooling during Ramadan. Hassan II MosqueSunset over the eastern Atlantic Ocean from our apartment in Casablanca with the Hassan II Mosque tower peaking out. Excellent apartment in Oceans One.“We’re shocked! Shocked to find that gambling is going on in here!” So we put it all on 22 and let it roll!As Time Goes By! A great jazz trio enlivened our second visit — the manager graciously sat us at an excellent table with a complementary glass of champagne!“Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
