Rabat

Yesterday (August 1), I headed on a faculty lead trip to Rabat the capital city of Morocco. It was a little over an hour away from port so I had a nice nap on the way there. The faculty that led the trip was raised in Rabat so she had alot of connections. We went to the Royal Palace compound. The king no longer lives there but all governmental work is held there. A day prior to our visit they had a large celebration because it has been 14 years of the current King. Moroccan flags were flying everywhere you could tell how proud citizens are of there country. We could not get into the actual palace but we saw the changing of the guards and just walked around the outside.

Next we headed to a botanical garden that was in an old city that the Phoenicians built. The ruins were cool you could still see part of the ornate tile work. The gardens were breathtaking! There were orange trees, banana trees and so many different types of flowers. It was also nice and cool due to a breeze. Some birds had built ginormous nests on top of some of the columns. The birds looked similar to cranes. There were also chickens roaming around and many cats and kittens like always. There we a fountain that had several eels in it which was strange but very cool.

We went to the Hassan tower and ruins from a mosque that was destroyed by the Lisbon earthquake. It was never completed. But next to it a mausoleum was built for King Mohammed the fifth (the grandfather of the current King). It was amazing! The tile work was so intricate and the tomb was beautiful marble. The mausoleum was guarded by ceremonial guards with interesting outfits and decorated rifles. As a group we discussed how usually mausoleums were built in the past but this one was very recent as in the 1970s. It makes me wonder why we do not have something like that for our leaders.

We headed to the oldest neighborhood in Rabat and enjoyed a glass of mint tea. (the first liquid we consumed publicly). I give Muslims a lot of credit for fasting in the heat! It is very tough! I can understand the food aspect but water is very difficult. The souks in Morocco have beautiful rugs! In my opinion better than Turkey! They also have silver an leather.

As sunset was approaching we went to Professor Bargash's family home to have a traditional Iftar meal with her family and personal friends from various professions. The house was amazing and we only saw a small portion. We ate in the open sky courtyard and it was nice and cool. The meal was out of the world! Best meal of the trip for sure. It was a 5 course meal with appetizers, soup, a traditional pastry, couscous and dessert! I can't even explain how delicious it was. I ate with a law student, a diplomat who works with Muslim/Jewish affairs and a judge who's focus is human rights. These guests made for wonderful conversation and a once in a lifetime experience.

We left Rabat with a happy tummy and we were all exhausted. Ramadan is an unique time to travel in a Muslim country, you don't have an option to not fast. Unless you don't leave the ship or your hotel. Although its difficult it makes me feel more involved in the culture. I am excited for what the next three days have in store for me.