The New Normal - The Capital of Morocco, Rabat

Last Wednesday, GWA arranged an all-day excursion for us newbies to visit the capital of Morocco, Rabat.  We took a school bus to the train station, and then an hour-long train ride to Rabat.  The train was comfortable and not too hot. The scenery as we went started out was very much "city scape",  eventually changed to countryside as we left Casa and back to city upon entering the capital.

Judy and Richard on the train to Rabat (from Casa)

Train Station at Casa

Rabat is a heavily policed city with about 1.7 million inhabitants.  This city has been Morocco's political and administrative capital since its independence in 1956.  It has beautiful colonial architecture and the streets are lined with palm trees.  Rabat has less traffic, and seems more laid-back and less grimy and frenetic than Casa.

First, we walked around the water area and the Kasbah of the Oudaias, an old castle.  It is located at the mouth of the Bou Regreg river and was built in the 12th century.  The castle is in the oldest part of the city and boasts stunning views of the river and ocean.  The Kasbah now is primarily residential, with narrow streets and a "blue theme".  Most of the houses were built by Muslim refugees from Spain and it is a lovely, picturesque place in which to wander.

Kasbah of the Oudaias

Next we had lunch with the group at Le Restaurant Dhow, le grand bateau.  It was a touristy place, but very pleasant and relaxing. The bow of the boat was cool, with couches and pillows.

Our third destination was the Chellah; Necropolis, Roman and Phoenician ruins.  The walled area of Chellah was the site of the port of Sala for 1,500 years.  After you pass through an ornamental gate (paying 10 Dh to get in), you see paths that lead down through the gardens, trees and ruins in the valley.  It was so cool to see the storks in their huge, high nests, making a clicking-clacking sound.

Stork nests in Chellah

Chellah Stork 

Our last destination before heading back to Casa was the medina "Rue du consul", a touristy shopping area.  They have beautiful items including leatherwear, clothes, purses/bags, shoes, pillows, cloth, rugs, etc.  For some reason, I didn't take a picture; the one below is from the Internet.  :-)  I'll get a few next trip!