You know, despite all of the negative things I have heard about Casablanca, I actually like it. Yes it has the problems of any huge city; traffic, fumes and the general chaos of business, but a long stroll around town reveals a very chic Art Deco glory to it. I certainly managed to track down a couple of interestingly smoky salons and some noble beachfront views of the Corniche. Mind you, I fit in pretty well with faded glory. Despite the Spanish influence in the title of this entry, Casablanca abounds with its French colonial past and it is this heritage that leads me to this evening's tipple....Dubonnet Rouge, a red-wine based aperitif flavored with spices and hints of quinine.
Still in Morocco but what a place to be. Bracing sea breezes and uber artsy attitude make this 18th century port town the place to unwind after the dusts of the desert. The walled medina has all of the beads, baubles and back scratchers you could possibly want on one holiday. There is even a good selection of hammans where you can be truly scrubbed and scoured as you decide where and what the first drink of the day will be. I chose a spot high on the ramparts to enjoy the setting sun. A cliche I know but you have just got to do it. As the winds whips up from the sea I settle in to my gin and tonic made with Boomsma Gin from Holland. Not always easy to get, particularly in Morocco but...where there is a will, there is a good time.
Marrakesh. Palm trees, dates and desert...but there is much more. Sitting on a balcony overlooking the medina at dusk and it positively heaves and I plan to heave along with it. Snail soup in the souqs, keftas and meguez smoking on the grills and it smells fantastic. The view is enjoyed with a Charbay Pomegranate Vodka infused with mint syrup.
