Dear Diary,

My first visit to Casablanca has inspired me. Oh how I loved it. A time for relaxation, modest dresses, delicious fresh food, and the sort of inner peace that can only come from long walks by the sea. Every place I’ve been that people warn me against, has rewarded me with amazing memories and moments of humour and connection with local people. I try to afford new cities or countries the grace that I hope is afforded to me – I make no pre judgements and arrive with an open mind and an open heart hoping for a great experience. In the past I’ve felt embarrassed to be a half-Moroccan who knows nothing of the culture. But as I’ve learned and visited more, I’ve come to feel very at home in Morocco. I imagine what my ancestors may have done in these lands – the more I visit the more I feel connected to this country: it’s a place with spirit. 

My favourite experience in Casablanca was not the gorgeous suite at the Four Seasons or the exceptional dinner at the Royal Mansour. It was taking a moment to myself on the last morning to walk along the beach. The beach is not the prettiest but it is totally unspoiled, with beautiful fine soft sand. I thought it was lovely. Modestly dressed I kicked off my sandals and began walking along the beach. Soon I noticed mussel shells here and there buried in the sand. I noticed men in waterproof coats with large sacks balanced on their backs appearing from the rocks, and decided to approach them and ask them what they had caught. The basic French I speak was enough for simple conversation. They had sacks of mussels! I wish I knew that 100 meters from the hotel these mussels are in abundance and are enjoyed my local people. I love mussels! They also had baby octopus (or squid), and another member of their group was out in the sea (no boat, just walking neck deep into the sea with a fishing rod) fishing for a local fish I forget the name of. We shared a few laughs… perhaps a few too many as the lead fisherman then asked if I have a husband 😂

People that live close to nature have something that city people don’t have. I felt the people here were at peace with each other, themselves, and the environment. They enjoy leisure – from the window of my suite I could see local children playing football for that felt like 5 hours a day on the beach. As you walk along the beach they pass the ball to you, encouraging you to join in. I’m not going to pretend I could easily hang up my Louboutins, cast aside my penchant for Michelin Star dining, and spontaneously stop enjoying the a stroll through Harrods or the gentle caress of 500 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets… BUT… in my jogging bottoms and baggy t shirt on the beach of Casablanca I had my most peaceful moment of the year. Oh how I wished I had an extra day to go fishing with the fishermen to learn how they catch the mussels. I felt an immense amount of gratitude. To be able to travel in style, for good health, for knowing enough French to speak to people, for being a natural risk taker, and also grateful for good luck.

This has been a great time for me. I am sad to leave but happy to have experienced this special place. I’m looking forward to my next adventure.

B ❤️