In September 2022, I ventured into one of the most dynamic and captivating cities in Morocco: Casablanca. My first encounter with this Moroccan metropolis left me with an unforgettable impression. One of Casablanca’s iconic gems is the Hassan II Mosque, a majestic structure that seems to touch the skies. This huge mosque, located on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, is an architectural marvel. Its imposing minarets, its elaborate design, and its vast forecourt make it an essential site for visitors. The Hassan II Mosque is a symbol of the grandeur and beauty of Casablanca. But Casablanca is not limited to its famous mosque. The city has a surprising diversity, ranging from Anfa, the booming modern district, to Ain Diab, where you can enjoy the beaches and the sea breeze. In the Habous district, you can explore the historic charm of the medina, with its narrow streets and traditional stalls. The contrast between the different parts of the city is a real mosaic that reflects the diversity of Morocco. On the culinary side, I made a memorable discovery in the "Mahlaba," the local dairies. It is here that I let myself be tempted, two or three times a day, by the delicious avocado juice named Za3za3 (the letter "3" represents an Arabic letter that has no direct equivalent in the Latin alphabet). At the same time creamy, sweet, mixed with a profusion of crunchy dried fruits that add an exquisite texture. This concoction is a true work of taste art, a sensory experience that awakened my taste buds and illuminated my days in Casablanca.
I was also able to taste snails accompanied by their tasty and spicy broth. According to my research, the recipe is almost always the same with some changes by one or two spices; licorice roots, green tea, mint, cumin, caraway, anise seeds, hot pepper, thyme, bitter and sweet orange peel. For me, this trip to Casablanca was special in many ways. It was the first time I travelled to an Arabic-speaking country outside of Tunisia. This experience gave me a better understanding of Tunisia by comparing it with Morocco, to see the similarities and differences that enrich the Arab culture. I also took on the challenge of changing my dialect to include local linguistic elements, while striving to make greater use of literary Arabic. It was an exciting linguistic adventure, a deep dive into the richness of the Arabic language. In the end, Casablanca offered me an extraordinary cultural, culinary and linguistic adventure. This dynamic and welcoming city left a lasting impression on me and reminded me that travel is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in new experiences, discover new flavors and enrich yourself with the diversity of the world.
