Written by AI:

Life in Rabat blends the rhythm of a modern capital with the relaxed atmosphere of a coastal city. As Morocco’s political and administrative center, Rabat offers clean streets, reliable public services, embassies, universities, and a growing business scene, while still feeling calmer and less hectic than cities like Casablanca or Marrakesh. Residents enjoy a mild Atlantic climate, beaches, cafés, gardens, and historic neighborhoods such as the medina and the Kasbah of the Udayas, alongside modern districts with tramways, shopping centers, and cultural venues. Daily life often centers around family, social gatherings, fresh food markets, and café culture, with French and Arabic commonly spoken. Rabat is generally considered one of the safest and most organized cities in Morocco, making it attractive for students, professionals, diplomats, and expatriates seeking a balance between tradition and contemporary urban life.

Written by Me:

Today is a new day, and we are in a new city! After breakfast at the hotel in Casablanca, we headed over to Rabat! Life in Rabat feels much calmer and more peaceful, with cleaner streets, less traffic, and lots of bright white walls. It also felt much safer, in part because of the Kasbah wall that surrounds the city and medina. We began our day in Rabat going for a walking tour with our guide Pedro, who really emphasized the community aspect of Rabat (and Morocco as a whole). Pedro explained how people used to (and still many today) would go to drinking fountains, bakeries, and community showers when they needed to use them, but also for the social aspect. Inside the medina, he also pointed out one of the water sellers walking around who, in exchange for his (free) services is taken care of by the community. In the US people are often so focused on themselves (me included) and so this was an important reminder of the power of community and empathy. Although the medina was filled with so many different shops and markets, I was surprised by how well organized it was. There was one area for jewelry, another for shoes, and another for leather, unlike Casablanca where all the different shops were mixed together.

I was reminded of the strong sense of community in Rabat again after our walking tour, when we headed back to the Center for Cross Cultural Learning for lunch! The chicken served came in an amazing, caramelized onion and lemon sauce, which we later learned would be normally served at Moroccan weddings! I was met with the same generosity once again when I finally got to meet my host family! Despite the language barrier, we enjoyed mint tea (which I liked much more than I would have thought!) and watching the Caftan Fashion show! It reminded of my Sunday afternoons watching TV with my family.

Rabat is a wonderful mix of new and old (both in terms of buildings and ways of life). It was more what I had originally expected Morocco to be like, but also a reminder of the diversity that exists. This has got me thinking more about myself and where I fit into all of this. Until tomorrow, I’m excited to see what else I will learn (and eat!).