Before coming to Morocco, I had a very different image of what the country would look like. From looking at pictures, I expected the people to be much more conservative in the way they dressed in public. I assumed most women would wear hijabs and that there would be a stronger expectation to dress formally or modestly everywhere. After my first day in Casablanca, I realized my assumptions were not very accurate. The overall atmosphere felt much more relaxed and modern than I expected. Most people dressed casually, especially the young people, and there was a much wider variety of clothing than I had imagined.

Another thing that surprised me was how different Morocco felt from the image I had in my head of a North African country. Before visiting, I pictured something that would feel very distant from western culture through the way the city looked. Instead, parts of Casablanca reminded me more of an extension of Europe rather than Africa. The cafes, the streets, and the coastal atmosphere is what gave me the impression of a European city. I also saw and heard a lot more French than I was expecting which further reinforced my new impression. I can tell that Morocco still has its own distinct culture and identity, but my first impression was still very different from my original assumptions.

One of the most interesting things I learned came during our visit to the Hassan II Mosque is that even though the mosque looks ancient from the outside, it was actually built very recently starting in the late 1980s and into the early 1990s. What fascinated me most was how modern technology was blended into the design without taking away from the traditional architecture. The mosque has hidden speakers, machine operated doors, a roof that can open mechanically, and even heated floors for prayer during colder weather. None of these features feel out of place because they are incorporated so carefully into the building. I found it interesting how the mosque combines modern engineering with religious tradition in a way that respects both traditions and daily practice.