Travelogues
One thing I discovered while penning Europe à la Mode is that travel and writing are both about the journey. This is a place to share your journey and the experiences you've enjoyed along the way. Check out these stories from fellow travelers and share your own at europealamode@gmail.com (up to 350 words + one photo)
Casablanca: Here's Looking at You, Kid
This line from the 1942 film Casablanca is one of the most iconic movie lines ever. The fact that the movie was filmed entirely in Los Angeles hasn’t detracted from Casablanca’s reputation as a must-see destination. Visitors may be surprised, however, to find that the city is more history and mystery than romance and glamour. Here is one traveler’s experience during a shore excursion:
Last time here Keith and I walked around Casablanca on our own. Today was a different experience via a tour. We learned Anfa was the first name of Casablanca. In Portuguese it was named Casabranca (not Spanish), then it was changed to Casablanca.
Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco with 4 million people and is the main port and business and economic center. Phosphate is the biggest export here, followed by cars, sardines, wines, oranges, and other fruit.
Religion is central to life in Casablanca. Our guide spoke of the 5 pillars of Islam and Islam being one of 3 main religions of the world. Because of the 5 pillars, there are 5 times of prayer a day. The Koran has 100 names for “god”.
We visited Notre Dame de Lourdes Church that has beautiful glass and a side grotto for offerings. Christians, Jews, and Muslims live peacefully together in Morocco.
The old City Hall is sandstone with the traditional horseshoe arch. Most doors have 2 knockers — the upper for men and the lower for women — with different sounds. Only men can answer a man and women answer a woman.
We went to The Hasan II Mosque with the world’s tallest minaret— about 700 feet — with beautiful art deco details. It’s the second largest mosque in the world after Mecca. It’s built at the ocean. There is symbolism in every aspect of the mosque.
We also went by Rick’s Cafe. I’m sure you remember the piano player and As Time Goes By.
Casablanca was a great experience. Tomorrow will be our last Moroccan port.
Cher—San Diego, CA (April 2023)
Hydra, Greece: Carefree and Carfree
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Dreaming of a getaway to the Greek Isles? Then you may want to consider the island of Hydra--#43 on the list of the 50 largest Greek islands. With a population of just over 2,000, Hydra (pronounced EE-drah) has banned cars and bikes in favor of water taxis and donkeys. Here's the scoop from someone who's been there:
The trip was billed as “Athens and the Heart of Greece”, a Rick Steves tour. It started and ended in Athens and included the Peloponnese region. The tour began on October 3, and lasted 14 days. There were approximately 20 “guests” in our group.
Simone and I arrived a couple of days earlier with two friends, Becky and Wade, and we acclimated a few days before meeting up with the group. We loved exploring Athens! Our tour was mostly by bus, a comfortable air-conditioned motor coach (27 hours), and train (1 hour) and boat (3 hours).
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The highlight of the trip for us was the Island of Hydra. We traveled to Hydra via ferry near Epidavro. The only way you can visit Hydra is by walking because cars, buses and trucks are prohibited. We rolled our suitcases along the winding narrow streets until we reached our hotel, the Greco Hotel Hydra. If you are traveling with large luggage or if you are staying a longer distance away, you can have your luggage carried by donkey!
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The island's whitewashed architecture is ubiquitous. The cafes and restaurants are picturesque and charming. We took a swim at a nearby beach. We hiked half of the island by a trail that terminated in a delightful outdoor seafood restaurant. Our friend Wade proclaimed it as “the best day of life”! And the other best thing? No cruise ships. They are not invited. We stayed two nights and wished we had stayed a week or longer.
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John & Simone—San Diego, CA
