Casablanca - day 1 in the White City

It didn't take long to decide what to put on today ... only one choice! After a good night's sleep and an amazing array of food on offer for breakfast we had a free day ahead of us.

A small group of us set out to find an ATM and a supermarket. Cashed up with dirham (1 dirham = 15 cents AU) we headed to the Carrefour Gourmet supermarket in search of essentials like razors and deodorant (just in case our luggage doesn't arrive today) and snacks.

Casablanca is very French with street names in French, lots of patisseries and most people say Bonjour. I even saw men with bread sticks under their arms! 

The big hotel in the centre, the Onomo City Centre, is home for three nights.

This afternoon most people have gone for a walk and I've stayed home to blog. Noel and our local guide hope to be able to collect our luggage too. Fingers crossed.

Several hours later:  A big day of walking was thoroughly enjoyed by all, the highlights as passed on to me were the ex Sacre Coeur Cathedral and the surrounding gardens with fountains, a group of North African singers who meet regularly in the park to sing and enjoy fellowship, and the friendliness of the locals.

Unfortunately Rick's Cafe based on the bar in the film Casablanca was closed. Even more unfortunately, any attempt to contact the airport proved futile with regard to lost luggage.    

Thanks to Jen B. for these four photos

At 6 pm we had welcome drinks and nibbles in the attractive outdoor eating area of the hotel. Very nice typical Moroccan finger food, lots to drink and our guide Driss Karim gave us an introduction to the tour and himself. 

A second rescue attempt, a foray to the airport 25 kms away, happened after the Welcome as Marg had a luggage tracker and it was showing that her case was at the airport. A long story but Noel, Kelly and Marg faced up to a huge area full of lost cases  and checked them all several times. One by one they retrieved all the ten suitcases through dogged determination, with help from red Bunnik labels and straps, What'sApp communication between the searchers and group back at the hotel ... and several small miracles.

Some photos, with thanks, from Marg C.

Three hours after setting off (10.30 pm) they were welcomed home. Marg, her luggage tab and her two co-searchers were HEROES.

Bon soir.