We left our hotel in Casablanca before 8am and got on a train bound for Rabat. I was pleasantly surprised by the modern train with comfortable seats and ample seating... good feeling! We had a 45 minute journey and after storing our luggage in a cafe, we walked the streets of Rabat for three hours (two would have been enough). Rabat is the political, financial and administrative capital of Morocco. The centre of town is quite modern with some beautiful buildings. We wandered through the souks where we were treated to the sights, smells and sounds of an exotic country - lots of fruits, leather goods and spices.
Next we walked up to the Oudaïa Kasbah. The fortress and city walls date back to the 1100s. We were pestered by a guide at the entrance here. "There are lots of people inside the walls, you will need a guide," he said. Saïd, our Intrepid guide has warned us about this so we gave him the flick. Well, we got inside the ramparts and there was literally not a soul in sight. LOL.
Arriving back to the cafe and a two litre bottle of water was certainly welcome. We grabbed some lunch and headed for the station to board our next train to Meknès. Remember that good feeling I had about the train going from Casablanca? That went very quickly! As our train pulled into the station, it was clear that it was full to the brim. We struggled on board with our luggage. The carriages were set out in a Harry Potter style format with cubicles for eight people then a walkway down the side big enough to allow you to squeeze past others. We spent about an hour standing and then managed to get a seat but I had a Russian next to me who wanted to take up his seat and half of mine as well, so it wasn't overly comfortable. I wondered how we were ever going to get off but our trusty guide, Saïd, managed to organise us all beautifully.
We didn't stay in Meknès but instead headed up the hill to the beautiful Moulay Idriss. It was here that Moulay Idriss I arrived in 789, bringing with him the religion of Islam, and starting a new dynasty. After Mecca, Moulay Idriss is the most holy city for Muslims and it is the site of pilgrimages. The town is perched on top of a hill and I felt sorry for the little donkey that was piled up with all of our luggage. I hope the handler gives him a big meal tonight bought from the tips we paid him.
We are staying in a beautiful guest house that is run by a family and we were welcomed with a beautiful glass of mint tea.
While some of the others have gone off on an extra walking tour of the town, I have elected to stay behind and as a result was able to engage in a wonderful conversation in French with our host Mohammed on a range of topics. I am also enjoying one spectacular view from my terrace!
Tonight we will enjoy a meal cooked by Mohammed's wife Rashida... all for the meagre cost of 85 dirhams ($12.50). Saïd mentioned several courses.
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