Here's looking at you, kid

And so it is that my trip comes to an end in Casablanca. The city may not be the Casablanca of Rick and Ilsa but the hotel goes a long way toward capturing the feel.

After a very sound sleep I enjoyed a quick breakfast on the terrace of the Oulidia dar. The weather was overcast so my decision to head out early proved to be a good one. I had my nicest transport - a fairly new SUV type van. The scenery was much the same as I had come to see the previous day and I must admit I dozed quite a bit. After what seemed like a quick 2 1/2 hours we entered a busy and noisy and not particularly picturesque city. After asking directions a few times the driver pulled up to the door of Le Dodge.

It is a small Relais and Chateau property - so it is a bit of a splash out for my last night. It is completely reminiscent of the Art Deco 1930s. I am in the Charlie Chaplin room which actually part of the original building. It's a nice way to end the trip. 

After checkin and a quick tea I wanted to see just one sight in Casablanca - there aren't that many - the Grand Mosque, third largest in the world and one of very few open to non Muslims. Unfortunately I had bad info on the times for the entry and had an hour to kill after arrival. So I walked along the corniche hoping to find a cafe but only found a small cart selling fresh orange juice and fish sandwiches - with some cheese, olives, tomatoes and onions. It was just what I needed. 

Back at the mosque we did an hour long tour. It holds 25000 people on two levels for male and female and has a retractable roof. It's funny how many churches and cathedrals you will see in Europe but how few mosques. It is just as grand as any cathedral and the open space is striking. 

On the lower level is the ritual washing area and a very nice public hammam that has never been used. 

After a taxi and a quick walk I retreated to the roof deck for some peace and tea and then I started to organize my bags before a nap. 

I decided to take dinner at the hotel and even wore my sport coat. The menu is decided French which to be honest is a welcome change at this point - sweet and sour shrimp, duck breast and pineapple - with a nice red wine of course. 

The dining room is small so I couldn't help overhear two couples next to me speaking of Boston and Cape Cod.  The Cape Codders are from Orleans and have a house in Orleans and she is a VP at the Cape Cod Five. Yes the world is really that small. 

So that's a wrap. Breakfast tomorrow and then off to the airport for connection to Lisboa and the direct to Boston. Hopefully I will make the Nantucket flight to be able to sleep at home tomorrow night. Fingers crossed. 

As most of you know I really write this as a travel journal for me but am thrilled that many of you enjoy it as well. I'd welcome feedback as I'd love to figure out a way to do something more with it. I don't really understand why anyone other than family and friends would be interested in my musings but perhaps I am missing something. 

Another wonderful adventure. I think that I am blessed to be able to travel and I will leave you for know with something I received from another travel blogger, Matt Kepnes (Nomadic Matt). 

"No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow."