When I first arrived in Casablanca, I thought I knew what to expect from Morocco. I'd read the guidebooks, watched the videos, and mentally prepared myself for the adventure ahead. But nothing could have prepared me for what actually happened. What I experienced in Morocco truly shocked me – though not in the ways you might imagine. From the moment I stepped into the streets of Casablanca to my train journey toward Marrakech, Morocco revealed itself to be so much more than I'd anticipated. Let me share the moments that left me genuinely bewildered and why being shocked by Morocco turned out to be the best kind of surprise.
The Gift That Set the Tone
My first genuine shock came within minutes of arriving in Casablanca. Walking through a local street – not a tourist area, just a regular neighborhood with garages and working people going about their day – I spotted a vendor selling small Moroccan flags.
"What are you selling?" I asked in my broken French.
"Moroccan flag, a gift," he replied with a warm smile.
"A gift? No, I want to buy it from you," I insisted.
But he refused. Absolutely refused to take my money. This stranger, making his living selling flags, wanted to give me one as a welcome gift to his country. When I finally convinced him to let me pay, pressing the coins into his hand, he seemed almost uncomfortable accepting them.
This wasn't just a transaction – it was my first lesson in Moroccan hospitality, and I was genuinely shocked by Morocco's generosity. This wasn't happening in a fancy hotel or tourist trap. This was real life, in a working neighborhood, with everyday people showing extraordinary kindness to a stranger.
A City That Defied My Expectations
As I wandered into a local park in Casablanca, I encountered another surprise that left me shocked by Morocco's unique character. There, in the middle of the park, were dozens of brightly colored chicks – pink, yellow, blue – being sold as novelties. It was quirky, unexpected, and somehow perfectly Moroccan.
The park itself was beautiful and well-maintained, with families relaxing, a fountain, and even an ice rink under a blue canopy. Nearby stood a striking church, and the whole scene felt worlds away from the stereotypes many people hold about North African cities.
But what really got me was the street food.
The 20-Cent Cotton Candy Experience
I spotted a cotton candy vendor with his wheeled cart and old-fashioned spinning machine. The whole setup was charming in its simplicity, and I had to try it.
"Salam alaikum, do you have cotton candy?" I asked.
"Yes," he replied, already preparing to make a fresh one.
I watched, fascinated, as he worked his craft. The sugar flew everywhere as it heated, the machine spinning and creating those sweet, fluffy clouds of pink and yellow. When he handed me this enormous, beautifully crafted cotton candy, I asked the price.
"Two dirhams," he said.
Two dirhams. That's approximately 20 euro cents. Twenty cents for this giant, freshly made cotton candy. I was absolutely shocked by Morocco's affordability. The taste? Pure sugar, pure energy, pure deliciousness – a perfect 10 out of 10.
This wasn't just about the price. It was about the care he took in making it, the pride in his work, the simple joy of the transaction. For 20 cents, I got so much more than cotton candy.
The Modern Side Nobody Talks About
Perhaps the biggest shock was discovering just how modern and developed Moroccan cities actually are. When I stumbled upon the Twin Center shopping mall in Casablanca, I was genuinely amazed.
This wasn't some dusty market or basic shopping area. This was a massive, contemporary shopping center with a train passing directly underneath it. Inside, I found:
- A spotless McDonald's
- Burger King
- Yves Rocher beauty shop
- High-end jewelry stores
- A Marjane hypermarket (Morocco's version of Carrefour)
- Multiple fashion boutiques
Everything was clean, modern, and bustling with local shoppers. The mall was as nice as anything you'd find in Europe, and I realized how much Morocco is developing. As my taxi driver later explained, with the 2030 World Cup coming to Morocco, the country is building and improving infrastructure at an incredible pace.
Being shocked by Morocco's modernity was a wake-up call to examine my own preconceptions. This country is investing heavily in its future, and it shows.
The Taxi Education
Now, let me talk about the taxis – because this is where things got interesting and taught me some important lessons.
Casablanca's taxis are red, which I learned is part of a color-coding system across Moroccan cities. In Meknes, they're light blue; each city has its own color. Clever system!
The Honest Driver
My first taxi ride was with a gentleman who immediately agreed to use the meter.
"To Hassan II Mosque, please. Will you use the meter?"
"Yes, the meter," he confirmed without hesitation.
That 12-13 minute ride cost us 16 dirhams (about €1.50), and it was perfectly fair. The driver was friendly, professional, and honest. When I told him I was making videos, he was supportive and even recommended using his Instagram.
The Dishonest Ones
But then came the learning experience. After visiting the mosque, we tried to get another taxi to our next destination – a 9-minute journey.
First driver: "30 dirhams, there's no meter."
We politely declined.
Second driver: "50 dirhams for 9 minutes!"
Again, we said no thank you.
Third driver: "30 dirhams... okay, 25... okay, 20... okay, 15!"
Watching the price drop with each rejection would have been funny if it wasn't so frustrating. Even though 15 dirhams was actually less than our previous fair ride had cost, we declined on principle. I refused to reward dishonesty, even when it became cheaper than the honest alternative.
The lesson? In Morocco, the law states that taxis must use the meter. Always ask for it. If a driver refuses, find another taxi. There are plenty of honest drivers who will treat you fairly, and they're the ones who deserve your business.
This experience shocked me not because of the dishonesty – you find that everywhere in the world – but because of the contrast between the genuine kindness I'd experienced from everyday Moroccans and these few opportunistic taxi drivers.
Hassan II Mosque: Architectural Magnificence
If you visit Casablanca, the Hassan II Mosque is absolutely unmissable, and I was truly shocked by Morocco's architectural achievements when I saw it.
This isn't just a mosque – it's one of the largest in the world and the largest in Africa in terms of capacity. Here are some mind-blowing facts:
- Interior capacity: 25,000 people
- Total capacity: 80,000 people (when the exterior courtyard opens during Ramadan)
- Unique features: A retractable roof (the guide jokingly called it a "convertible mosque")
- Location: Built partially over the Atlantic Ocean on pillars
- Entry fee: 140 dirhams (about €13.50) for a guided tour
The architecture is absolutely stunning. The intricate tilework, the massive prayer hall, the ablution room that can accommodate 1,400 people washing simultaneously – every detail is breathtaking. The speakers are cleverly hidden within the pillars, and the attention to detail in the geometric patterns and zellige tilework is extraordinary.
Our guide explained that the building sits partially on water, with pillars extending into the ocean. The retractable roof can't stay open too long because the salt air from the sea would damage the interior – a fascinating engineering challenge.
Walking through this magnificent space, with its soaring ceilings and beautiful craftsmanship, I was shocked by Morocco's ability to blend traditional Islamic architecture with modern engineering. This mosque, completed in 1993, stands as a testament to Moroccan ambition and artistry.
The Sacred Heart Church: A Symbol of Tolerance
After the mosque, we visited the Sacred Heart Church (Église du Sacré-Cœur), and this visit shocked me in a different way.
Here was this beautiful, massive church right in the heart of a predominantly Muslim city. Nearly empty when we visited, it stood as a quiet reminder of Morocco's religious diversity and tolerance. The guardian kindly allowed us to film and explore.
The church's Art Deco architecture was stunning, and its peaceful, echoing interior offered a moment of reflection. What struck me most was how this Christian landmark exists harmoniously alongside mosques, synagogues, and other places of worship throughout Morocco.
Being shocked by Morocco's religious tolerance and historical openness to different faiths added another layer to my understanding of this complex country.
Infrastructure That Impressed
Walking through Casablanca, I kept noticing details that contradicted the dusty, underdeveloped image some people have of Morocco:
The modern tram system: Brand new, clean lines running through the city center, helping people avoid traffic. Smart, efficient public transportation.
Well-maintained parks: Green spaces with families picnicking, fountains, and recreational facilities.
Clean streets: Yes, like any big city, there are areas that need work, but overall, Casablanca was much cleaner than I expected.
Architectural diversity: From Art Deco buildings to contemporary structures to traditional riads, the cityscape tells the story of Morocco's evolving identity.
I found myself genuinely shocked by Morocco's development and the care put into public spaces.
The Train Journey: Comfort and Efficiency
The final chapter of my Casablanca adventure was the train journey to Marrakech, and here again, I was pleasantly shocked by Morocco's rail infrastructure.
Casa Voyageurs Station
The train station itself was impressive – modern, spacious, with clear signage and plenty of amenities. There were coffee shops (Costa Coffee, espresso bars), fast food options, and comfortable waiting areas.
The station felt safe, clean, and well-organized. Digital displays showed all departures, and finding our platform was straightforward.
The Train Experience
Our ONCF train featured compartment-style seating – private cabins with space for six to eight people. Here's what impressed me:
Features:
- Air conditioning (crucial, as it was quite hot initially)
- Small fold-down tables for meals or work
- Window blinds for privacy or sleeping
- Overhead storage for luggage
- Clean, modern interiors
- Working toilets (basic but functional)
The journey:
- Duration: 3 hours from Casablanca to Marrakech
- Scenery: Desert landscapes that were absolutely stunning
- Comfort: Spacious enough to stretch out and relax
- Cost: Very reasonable for the distance and comfort
The train glided smoothly through the Moroccan landscape, and I found myself mesmerized by the views – endless stretches of desert, occasional settlements, the play of light on the sand.
The Compartment Camaraderie
What made the journey special was sharing the compartment with other travelers. We chatted, shared snacks, and exchanged travel tips. When the cabin got crowded, people were respectful and friendly. When it emptied out, we could spread out and relax.
This communal travel experience felt very Moroccan – people sharing space, being considerate, helping each other with luggage, and treating fellow passengers with warmth.
What Actually Shocked Me
Looking back at my Casablanca experience, here's what genuinely shocked me about Morocco:
1. The overwhelming generosity of strangers. From the flag vendor to random people offering help on the street, Moroccans went out of their way to welcome visitors.
2. The incredible value for money. Twenty cents for cotton candy. €1.50 for a decent taxi ride. €13 for three people for a massive accommodation. Morocco offers amazing value.
3. The modernity and development. Shopping malls, trams, high-speed rail, contemporary architecture – Morocco is investing heavily in infrastructure and it shows.
4. The architectural splendor. Whether it's the Hassan II Mosque, colonial-era churches, or Art Deco buildings, Casablanca is an architectural treasure trove.
5. The contrast between genuine kindness and opportunistic behavior. Most Moroccans I met were wonderfully kind, but the few dishonest taxi drivers reminded me to stay alert.
6. The cleanliness and organization. Train stations, shopping centers, mosques – everywhere I went was clean, well-maintained, and efficiently run.
7. The religious and cultural tolerance. Seeing mosques, churches, and synagogues coexisting peacefully speaks volumes about Morocco's pluralistic history.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Based on my experiences being shocked by Morocco, here are my top tips:
For Taxis:
- Always insist on the meter ("compteur")
- The law in Morocco requires taxis to use meters
- If a driver refuses, simply find another taxi
- Fair is fair – reward honest drivers with your business
For Sightseeing:
- Book mosque tours in advance (Hassan II Mosque fills up quickly)
- Arrive early for the last tour of the day
- Dress respectfully (covered shoulders, long pants/skirts)
- Bring some cash for entry fees and tips
For Transportation:
- Trains are excellent, comfortable, and affordable
- Book tickets ahead during peak travel times
- Arrive at the station 30 minutes early
- The ONCF (Moroccan rail) system is reliable and modern
For Food:
- Don't miss street food – it's delicious and incredibly cheap
- Bring small bills (coins and small dirhams) for vendors
- Try everything – from cotton candy to fresh orange juice
For Money:
- Morocco is incredibly affordable compared to Western Europe
- ATMs are widely available in cities
- Carry small denominations for markets and street vendors
Embracing the Shock
Being shocked by Morocco was the best thing that could have happened to me. Every surprise – whether it was unexpected generosity, impressive modernity, or architectural magnificence – deepened my appreciation for this incredible country.
Morocco defied my expectations in the best possible ways. It showed me that preconceptions, no matter how well-intentioned, can never capture the full reality of a place. You have to experience it yourself, with an open mind and willing heart.
From Casablanca's bustling streets to the peaceful interior of its grand mosque, from 20-cent cotton candy to modern shopping malls, from honest taxi drivers to dishonest ones – every experience taught me something about Morocco and about travel itself.
What about you? Have you been to Morocco? What shocked you about your experience? Or if you're planning to visit, what are you most excited (or nervous) about? Share your stories and questions in the comments below – I'd love to hear about your Moroccan adventures or help you plan your trip!
And if you're just beginning to explore Morocco through this blog, welcome to Bewildered in Morocco. Subscribe to follow along as I continue discovering this fascinating country, one shocking (in the best way) experience at a time.
Salam and safe travels,
Hassan