Last week, on the eve of Ramadan, we embarked on a quick yet immersive journey from Tangier to Casablanca and Rabat aboard the Al Boraq speed train. The experience was fast, efficient, and a glimpse into Morocco’s modernity seamlessly blending with its deep-rooted history. Now, as I sit back in Tangier, reflecting on the last few days, there’s a bittersweet feeling of growing familiarity with this beautiful country and the realization that we are nearing the end of our stay.

Casablanca: A Day of Walking, Rain, and Beautiful Discoveries

Our trip to Casablanca was on Friday, just a day before Ramadan began. Upon arrival, we took a bus to Café Arabica, as the girls had one request: good matcha. The morning started slow, sipping on our drinks, soaking in the city’s hustle, and watching people go about their day.

The rain caught up with us shortly after, but that didn’t deter our exploration. We made our way to a cathedral under renovation, a grand structure that we only got to sneak a peek inside thanks to a kind security guard. It was breathtaking—the vast, open interior and intricate stained-glass windows even in their unfinished state.

Seeking refuge from the rain, we stumbled upon an art gallery showcasing the works of a local Moroccan artist (I need to find out the name!). The gallery was alive with bold colors, rich textures, and evocative storytelling through paint, a vibrant contrast to the grey skies outside.

From there, we walked to Hassan II Mosque, a towering symbol of Casablanca’s spiritual and architectural beauty. The mosque is truly breathtaking—the scale, the intricate tile work, and its oceanside setting make it feel surreal. We prayed Asr namaz there, taking a moment to absorb the serenity before heading toward Quartier Habous, a charming old district with its own allure. There, we made our way to a famous pâtisserie, indulging in Moroccan sweets—a must after a day of walking in the rain.

By the time we reached the train station, we were exhausted. In a moment of weakness (no other choice), we opted for McDonald’s. It was terrible. It made me wonder, yet again, why the world still indulges in such mediocrity when surrounded by so much amazing local food.

Rabat: A City of Elegance and Fasting

Sunday brought us to Rabat, the capital city, on the first day of Ramadan. The atmosphere was markedly different—clean, grand, and quiet as people observed their fasts. We walked out of the train station and made our way to Boho Café, which, unfortunately, was a disappointment. The online reviews had painted a different picture, but reality fell flat.

Luckily, fate had better plans. We stumbled upon a small local joint where we had Moroccan parathas with honey and olive-filled samosas (I need to find out what they’re actually called!). The food was simple, warm, and absolutely delicious. Similarly, in Casablanca, on the way to Café Arabica, we had an olive paratha with cream cheese and honey, which was surprisingly delightful.

In Rabat, we took our time wandering. We found a park where our little one played, and we watched the city move at its own pace. From there, we walked to the medina, a different experience from other Moroccan medinas we had seen—less chaotic, more structured. The Andalusian Gardens provided a peaceful respite before we ventured back into the city.

By evening, we sat by the coastline, watching the sun fade, feeling a sense of calm. As Maghrib time approached, we visited the Hassan Tower and Mausoleum, expecting to see its usual grandeur, but it was eerily quiet—ghosted, as everyone had left for Iftar. The emptiness added a layer of mystique to the experience.

I decided to try my luck with my developing Arabic skills, ordering “arba chaiyun maghribun la sukhar”—four Moroccan teas with no sugar. It worked! Small victories like these make traveling in a new country even more enjoyable.

Our final meal in Rabat was at an Italian place in the train station, the only spot open for those not fasting. We shared a pasta and a pizza, took the train back, and called it a day.

Tangier: A City That Grew on Us

Returning to Tangier for our last few days felt nostalgic. We had finally gotten used to Morocco—its rhythm, its people, its language. Google Translate had become second nature, and being Muslim made interactions smoother, with “Assalam Alaikum” and “Alhamdulillah” opening doors to many friendly exchanges.

Some highlights of Tangier included great eating spots, with the girls loving La Flamme Rose. For our final night, we went to Cape Spartel, had some delicious beachside BBQ, and later an Italian dinner to cap it off.

As we prepare to leave, I can already feel the nostalgia setting in. Morocco has been a journey—one of discovery, of comfort in the unfamiliar, and of embracing the simple joys of travel. I’m going to miss this place, but I know that wherever we go next, the lessons and memories we’ve made here will travel with us.