The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco
The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco
On our first morning in Morocco we visited the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, one of the largest mosques in the world. We were looking forward to seeing the mosaics in Moroccan buildings, and we were not disappointed on this occasion – and it was only the very first morning of our two week tour.
Shown in the photo above is some of the detail of the floor mosaics. The designs were amazing, the artistry inspiring and the finish immaculate. I could have lingered for many hours just soaking in the brilliance of the artisans who created this magnificent building, but sadly, we were ushered along by our guide if we didn’t keep moving.
Despite the sacred nature of this building to the local Muslims there were few restrictions on us as visitors. Sure, we had to remove our shoes on entering which was something we expected. But as for taking photographs there was no hindrances to snapping away at whatever took our fancy.
I’ve already shared a few photos in recent posts here and have many more to show in the coming days.
The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco
The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco
One of the highlights of our visit to Morocco was a hour or so spent at the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca on our first morning in the country. This enormous mosque is architecturally stunning, both in design and size. The photos do not do it justice, and one’s camera does a poor job of conveying the sheer magnificence and beauty of such a structure. Truly awe inspiring.
The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco
The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco
The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco
Scenes of Pinnaroo, South Australia
Hotel in Pinnaroo, South Australia
When I visited Pinnaroo in eastern South Australia recently I realised I had never actually driven into the the town, nor had a good look around. Normally we have just driven past without stopping; the main road by-passes most of the town. I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised.
Pinnaroo appears to be a vibrant rural town with many fine facilities and a good feel about it. I did stop for a morning tea treat from the local bakery. Outlets like this in country towns in Australia are always worth checking out. I was not disappointed; my chocolate coated donut was delicious.
Just like so many country towns in Australia, Pinnaroo boasts several beautiful buildings, including the two pubs shown on this post. I didn’t have the time nor the inclination to test out what they were like inside. Knowing the kind of hospitality such towns exude in abundance, I’m sure I would have been made most welcome.
Hotel in Pinnaroo, South Australia
Bendigo Bank building, Bendigo, Victoria
Bendigo Bank building, Bendigo, Victoria
The city of Bendigo in central Victoria is a very historic city. It boasts many beautiful old buildings of the Victorian era of the nineteenth century. Some of the more modern buildings make an interesting contrast with the old. One such building is the very modern Bendigo Bank building shown in the photo above.
While we were passing by alarm bells were coming from the building. No-one seemed terribly perturbed and the building didn’t seem to be in the process of being evacuated. I’m not sure exactly what was happening.
Bendigo Post Office, Victoria
Bendigo Post Office, Victoria
Bendigo is a beautiful regional city in a lovely rural setting in the central north of Victoria. It is situated about an hour and a half drive from Melbourne along a modern freeway.
Bendigo has a rich and colourful history, built initially on the gold mining which brought great wealth to the area. Now it is a regional centre, tourist destination and boats many beautiful old buildings of the Victorian era.
One of those beautiful buildings is the historic old Bendigo Post Office, shown in the photos on this page. For more details of this building click here.
Bendigo Post Office, Victoria
Bendigo Post Office, Victoria