"Casablanca, whats in a name?" Wilaya de Casablanca by Christopher03

Don't be to drawn to this place just by the name. Casablanca is one of the biggest cities in Morocco. It is to be quite frank, a city, nothing special about it. As all cities it offers its western comforts, McDonalds and other fast food chains can be found.

It is a business centre, and reflects appropriately the living standards of Moroccans, the out skirts of the city is lined with make shift shacks, plastic bags and other rubish souround the squats, as does the scent of death.

For these people it was the hope of a better lifes that brought them to this place. Poverty is prominent, It is a real reminder that you have arrived in Africa, not quite as off puting as India, but very close, third world standards can be viewed amongst these poor souls. there is very little opportunity for these folks, education is non existence and disease in on the increase.

Employment consists of begging, handy crafts from home villages and prostitution. Children beg in the streets and young women line the doorways of make shift brothels.

In the city centre alcoholism is a prominent part of society as is hasch and the use of IV drugs beggars with horrific disformities sit on the curbs and children sell single cigarettes from cardboard stalls.

All in all Casablanka was an experience, I don't think I will return. It's a shame because the sourounding areas are quite special, beaches that line the coast are very clean, warm water and great surf, up to 5m in winter.
Keep your wits when traveling in Casablanka, I would not recomentd single girls traveling alone, or in groups of girls, it is also advised to dress appropriately and wear a wedding band.