The most eye-catching façade is that of #208; the colourful zellige with which it is covered mark the contribution of the Moroccan craftsmen made to the construction of buildings designed by French architects.

Casablanca's main market, Marche Central, takes place every morning along the boulevard, offering a wealth of the finest Moroccan produce from the agricultural regions of Fez, Meknès, Gharb, and Doukkala.

The place is a small, but high-quality, version of the traditional souks of Morocco. Catering to the needs of the Moroccans, it is a guarantee that you will be able to find something truly local.

The market is divided into different sections, with stalls selling dried produce, including nuts and fruits, fresh flowers, pets, and livestock, and a wet area where you can buy fresh produce. There is also a section where you will be able to find hand-woven straw baskets, moccasins, rugs, and handicrafts.

The fresh food section offers vegetables, meat, and all kinds of seafood. You'll even find live turtles -- sale of turtles as food is prohibited in many Western countries -- deemed to be somewhat of a delicacy here.

For some of the greatest shopping and a taste of local favourites, nowhere beats the souks, or the Medina, where you will be able to find the most traditional of arts and crafts and the most exotic of food items, including the one cure-all known as the "little doctor in your home," the eucalyptus seed. If you place a small amount in a small scrap of cotton, twist the cloth so it tightens into a round ball, rub it against your palms, and place it under one of your nostrils, inhaling deeply, I assure you, any head flu, cold, or blocked nose will immediately be cured!

As we left the ship, the tour bus was waiting on the dock to wisk us off on a whirlwind tour of this city of intrigue and mystery. A city of nearly 4 million inhabitants, Casablanca is Morocco's largest city and a world-renowned center for trade. Originally named Anafa by the Phoenicians, the Portuguese occupied the city in 1575 and renamed it Casa Branca or White House. Our first stop was the Central Market. A kaleidoscope of color and charm, we viewed the every day activities of the people as we walked among the stalls, packed with spices, meats, fish and flowers. I was surprised at the number of American brand name products lining the shelves.

When I think of Morocco, sandy deserts and hot arid climates come to mind. But here in the market, I saw an enormous profusion of colorful flowers and was told that all were grown locally on farms just outside the city. Like any city market in the world, we also saw an interesting array of local street musicians and colorful characters.

As we emerged from the Market, out tour guide was there to quickly herd us back onto the waiting buses, ready to hustle us off to view more of the sights of Casablanca.