4:30 pm stroll to see lights at Alaska Land (now Pioneer Park). A mere – 4F.
Lights in Alaska Land, Fairbanks, Alaska
4:30 pm stroll to see lights at Alaska Land (now Pioneer Park). A mere – 4F.
For Lost In Translations Thursday’s Special Pick A Word November 2022: Sequential. The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco. Opened in 1993, it is the largest functioning mosque in Africa and the 7th largest in the world. It was paid for with mandatory donations by all citizens of Morocco. It is the only mosque in Morocco open to non Muslims. Interestingly, this is not a religious proscription as many assume. When the French established a “protectorate” over Morocco (1912–1956), they passed a law forbidding Muslims from entering Christian churches and forbidding Christians from entering Muslim religious buildings. The French felt this would prevent religious disputes and attempts at conversion. The law is still on the books .
Assilah is on Morocco’s Atlantic coast north of Rabat. It has an arty vibe and holds an important annual arts and cultural festival in its medina. Originally settled by the Phoenicians, Assilah was an important Arabic city that was later conquered by Portugal. In the 18th and 19th centuries it was a pirate stronghold. From 1912-1956, it was part of Spanish Morocco.
15th century walls built by the Portuguese surround the 12th century medina.
Looking out from the promenade along the ocean with Portuguese battlements along the beach
Sculpture from the cultural festival
White-washed buildings with touches of green or blue, typical Andalusian style in Morocco
Privacy windows in t b e narrow streets of the medina so woman could chat
Mural from festival
The coast line of the now trendy location.
Section of a mural
An all seafood lunch. I really don’t like my food to stare at me.
In the market
School sign in Arabic, French, and Berber (Amazigh).
On a 17 day tour of Morocco. So far have been to Rabat, Assilah, Chefchauon, Ouazzane, now Fes. What a wonderful country. A few shots from Rabat.
Main gate at Royal Palace, Rabat.
Chellah, a medieval fortress on the edge of Rabat
Sub-Saharan musicians in front of the gate at Chellah
King Mohamed V Mausoleum
Hassan Tower. Unfinished minaret, c. 1150 and remains of unfinished mosque.
12th century wall of unfinished mosque
Cats are everywhere in Morocco
Modern graffiti in the Kasbah
Where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean from Kasbah overlook. Kasbah mean fort
Kasbah Gate
Andalusian music, Moroccan music from Spain
Chicken and almonds tajine
Playing with my Samsung S22 Ultra and low light
Lecture on Moroccan clothing styles at the Cross Cultural Center for Learning, our hosts in Rabat.
The New 3 Rs: Retire, Recharge, Reconnect 