CASABLANCA, MOROCCO Arrive: 0800 Saturday, September 3 Onboard: 1800 Tuesday, September 6 Depart: 2000 Tuesday, September 6
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CASABLANCA, MOROCCO Arrive: 0800 Saturday, September 3 Onboard: 1800 Tuesday, September 6 Depart: 2000 Tuesday, September 6 DAY 1: Saturday, September 3 CAS10 DIPLOMATIC BRIEFING FOLLOW-UP DISCUSSION: MOROCCO (Following Diplomatic Briefing – 1030, On Ship) Minimum 5/No Maximum (PRICE: FREE) PRE- SALE ONLY [FDP: RUX] Students will meet with an American diplomat assigned to Morocco and have an opportunity to learn about work in diplomacy and the Foreign Service. Occurring directly after the general briefing, this session is open to all members of the shipboard community. CAS11 INTERIOR VISIT OF HASSAN II MOSQUE (On Arrival – 1030) Minimum 16/ Maximum 35 (PRICE: $42) PRE-SALE ONLY [FDP: MORROW & HOLCOMB] Visit the Hassan II Mosque, the world’s third largest mosque. Completed in 1993, the mosque was designed by French architect Michel Pinseau and built by Bouygues. The minaret of the Hassan II Mosque is the world’s tallest at 689 feet. Similar to the architecture of the Alhambra, the mosque displays strong Moorish influence but also includes modern touches, such as electric doors, a sliding roof and heated floor. It was also built to withstand earthquakes. Built on reclaimed land, almost half of the surface of the mosque lies over the Atlantic. This was inspired by a verse of the Qur’an that states, “the throne of God was built on the water.” Part of floor of this facility is glass so that as many as 25,000 worshippers can kneel directly over the sea. Eighty thousand additional worshippers can be accommodated in the courtyard. Suggested attire: long cotton trousers for men, skirts or long cotton pants for women are recommended. Women should also bring a scarf to cover their heads. CAS12 CASABLANCA CITY ORIENTATION with INTERIOR VISIT OF HASSAN II MOSQUE (On Arrival – 1300) Minimum 15/Maximum 90 (PRICE: $65) PRE-SALE ONLY More than 150 years ago, the village that eventually developed into modern-day Casablanca contained a mere 600 inhabitants. Today it is the economic center of Morocco, the country’s largest city and Africa’s second-largest city, with a population of more than three million people. It is a new and vital city, clearly a product of the 20th century. Casablanca is a modern and well-planned city that is good at hosting the many foreign visitors who pass through each year. Morocco Field Program – page 1 Visit the Hassan II Mosque, the world’s third largest mosque. Completed in 1993, the mosque was designed by French architect Michel Pinseau and built by Bouygues. The minaret of the Hassan II Mosque is the world’s tallest at 689 feet. Similar to the architecture of the Alhambra, the mosque displays strong Moorish influence but also includes modern touches, such as electric doors, a sliding roof and heated floor. It was also built to withstand earthquakes. Built on reclaimed land, almost half of the surface of the mosque lies over the Atlantic. This was inspired by a verse of the Qur’an that states, “the throne of God was built on the water.” A section of the floor is glass so that as many as 25,000 worshippers can kneel directly over the sea. An additional 80,000 worshippers can be accommodated in the courtyard. After visiting the Great Mosque, drive through Casablanca’s varied neighborhoods, including the Ain Diab Corniche, lined with swimming pools, restaurants and nightclubs; and the luxurious Anfa residential section, where Churchill and Roosevelt met for the Casablanca Conference during World War II. Continue to Mohamed V Square, the Central Market, the Habous Quarter, the Mahkama (court), the Cathedral Notre Dame du Lourdes, and the Royal Palace Mechouar. Finally, enjoy a walking tour through the mechouar bazaars of the new medina adjoining the Royal Palace. Suggested attire: long cotton trousers for men, skirts or long cotton pants for women are recommended. Women should also bring a scarf to cover their heads. Please note: The chronological order of visits may change to avoid uncomfortable overlapping of groups at the same time and place. CAS13 MARRAKECH & CAMEL RIDING IN THE PALM GROVES – GROUP A (On Arrival – 1230 Day 3) Minimum 30/Maximum 86 (PRICE: $528) PRE-SALE ONLY Located three hours from Casablanca on an oasis at the base of the High Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is the gateway city to the Sahara. Legend and fact both contribute to the explanation of Marrakech’s unique character. The town’s origins are attributed to the development of an oasis, which grew out of the refuse of caravans from the south, whose food supplies contained dates. The palm groves that sprang up provided an ideal place for the Saharan nomad Almoravids to settle. Since this time, Marrakech has seen many dynasties and fortunes rise and fall, resulting in a remarkably beautiful city which has not only become the capital of southern Morocco but an integral city to the Islamic world. The cultural, natural and historical attractions of this traditional Berber capital, seat to nearly all of Morocco’s dynasties over the last thousand years, make Marrakech the top tourism destination in North Africa. Highlights of this trip include exploration of Marrakech, the camel ride in the palm groves and indulging in the country’s flavorful cuisine – from typical Moroccan lunches to tempting pastries. Suggested packing list: light comfortable walking shoes, cotton trousers, knee-length shorts, light shirts/T-shirts for day wear; protection from the sun and layered clothing for cooler temperatures in the evenings. Includes: hotel accommodations in Marrakech; 2 lunches, 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts and a snack of Moroccan pastries with mint tea (Day 1); all tours and transfers. Morocco Field Program – page 2 CAS14 THE HABOUS DISTRICT (1000-1400) Minimum 11/Maximum 25 (PRICE: $84 +OOPEX) PRE-SALE ONLY [FDP: FINOCCHARIO KESSLER] This FDP is specially designed for Professor Finocchario Kessler's research students, but others are welcome to come and enjoy with us the bustle and excitement of the big souk in the heart of Casablanca. In the beautiful architecture of the Habous district, enjoy a stroll through elegant arcades, small squares and alleys. The souk has all kinds of merchandise on display. Participants can wander, stopping whenever somebody finds an item of interest. Participants will have an opportunity to appreciate the Moroccan craftsmanship and practice their bargaining skills. Professor Finocchario Kessler's students will participate in the overview provided by the guide, but will then have up to two hours to explore independently a setting, individual or group of people to unobtrusively observe. Class instructions will be provided to students prior to this FDP. We will all reunite at noon at a designated restaurant in the souk area to share a Moroccan meal together and debrief our observation experiences. Note on bargaining: The interaction with the merchant will provide participants with a glimpse into the local culture. These traders can negotiate with a rudimentary knowledge of English. The storekeeper has no qualms about charging the tourist twice the price he will obtain from a native; you have to protect your own interest. At the same time, no matter how low a price you offer, the merchant will not take offence. The bargaining is all very polite. It is really a game and it should be played according to the time-honored rules. If you offer a price and the merchant accepts it, you have to consummate the transaction. Walking away from the store after the shop-owner has accepted your offer shows poor manners. Please note: Please dress appropriately for hot weather and bring plenty of water. OOPEX includes local currency if you wish to purchase anything. Lunch is included, but beverages are at your own expense. CAS15 CASABLANCA CITY ORIENTATION (1330-1730) Minimum 21/Maximum 86 (PRICE: $39) PRE-SALE ONLY More than 150 years ago, the village that eventually developed into modern-day Casablanca contained a mere 600 inhabitants. Today, it is the economic center of Morocco, the country’s largest city and Africa’s second-largest city, with a population of more than 3 million people. It is a modern and vital city, clearly a product of the 20th century. Casablanca is a modern and well-planned city that is good at hosting the many foreign visitors who pass through each year. Visit the Hassan II Mosque, the world’s third largest mosque (outside viewing only). Completed in 1993, the mosque was designed by French architect Michel Pinseau and built by Bouygues. The minaret of the Hassan II Mosque is the world’s tallest at 689 feet. Similar to the architecture of the Alhambra, the mosque displays strong Moorish influence but also includes modern touches, such as electric doors, a sliding roof and heated floor. It was also built to withstand earthquakes. After visiting the Great Mosque, drive through Casablanca’s varied neighborhoods, including the Ain Diab Corniche, lined with swimming pools, restaurants and nightclubs; and the luxurious Anfa residential section, where Churchill and Roosevelt met for the Casablanca Conference during World War II. Morocco Field Program – page 3 Continue to Mohamed V Square, the Central Market, the Habous Quarter, the Mahkama (court), the Cathedral Notre Dame du Lourdes, and the Royal Palace Mechouar. Finally, enjoy a walking tour through the mechouar bazaars of the new medina adjoining the Royal Palace. CAS16 MARRAKECH/ESSAOURIA (1330 Day 1 – 1700 Day 4) Minimum 20/ Maximum 43 (PRICE: $452) PRE-SALE ONLY In addition to visiting Marrakech, the cultural and traditional Berber capital, this trip also explores Essaouira. The harbor and mild climate of Essaouira have drawn many visitors over the centuries, from the Phoenicians in the seventh century BCE to Jimi Hendrix and Mick Jagger in the late 1960s.