Our last days in Morocco were spent in Casablanca a city that speaks of romance and intrigue. It is a low, white city that spreads out for miles from the Atlantic Ocean making it highly desirable for everyone from the Phonecians to the French. FDR made a treacherous trip to meet with Churchill in WWII and many a spy movie has been set here if not actually filmed here. An enormous mosque dominates the landscape and it is the only one open to non-Muslims in the entire country. It is very new and paid for by all Morocs. A small charge to enter probably means that there is still a debt against this edifice. Luckily we had a late flight to Spain and could get a little rest which was much needed. Getting out of the country was not easy. A lot of mysterious checking of papers and staring at faces and passports and whispered conversations. Finally we were handed a boarding pass and were off.
Madrid is much color than the desert country that we left behind. Grand squares, Baroque buildings and a candy shop and bar on every corner. Everyone is laid back enjoying their coffee or beer, one more cigarette and one more photo before moving along. Families and enjoying Sunday together, lovers are getting one more kiss, and the past mingles with the present in a beautiful way.