#584 First time in Morocco, our oldest friend

After seven ports in Europe, we finally arrive in Africa in the Moroccan port of Casablanca! 

It's our first time to visit Morocco, the oldest ally of the US.  "On December 20, 1777, Morocco became the first country to formally recognize the colonies as a unified sovereign nation."  And according to Morocco-US relations, the Treaty of Friendship between the US and Morocco is the longest unbroken treaty relationship in U.S. history.  We definitely feel welcome.  That's for sure. 

Casablanca is Morocco's largest city.  Docking on a gorgeous day, we tour the Hassan II Mosque - the largest mosque in the country and the 7th largest in the world. Built on the Atlantic Ocean, it's magnificent - inside and out. 

Built in 1993 with lovely hand-crafted marble and a retractable roof, much of the funding came from mandatory public subscription.  Sometimes, I wonder about money spent on showplaces like this (or the Boris Yeltsin presidential library in Saint Petersburg) when there are so many pressing needs.  But you can't question the majesty of the Hassan II Mosque.


Yours in appreciating the welcome to Morocco,
Mary