The Romance Adventure

Chapter 15

Reni still had no response for Zak by the time they'd reached their destination.

In its grandeur, the mosque sat perched on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, gleaming white exterior and green tiled roof reflecting the sunlight with a brilliance that left her stunned. The building juxtaposed curved archways with the straight solid lines of the tower reaching towards the cloudless blue sky.

Zak greeted a short, thin man in a crisp white, long-sleeve button-down shirt.

After hellos were passed around like cups of tea, their tour guide, Hamza, led them inside the architectural marvel. The hushed whispers of visitors mingled with the soft echo of footsteps on the marble floor. The interior was a symphony of geometric patterns and intricate mosaics.

Reni felt small, an insect in a beautiful, inexplicable new universe. Entering the prayer hall, she wondered how many people it could hold and guessed in the thousands.

Hamza, speaking reverently, filled them in on the facts. "It is the only mosque in the city that non-Muslims can visit. The prayer hall accommodates up to 25,000 people, and another 80,000 can gather in the courtyard." He pointed. "There's even a retractable roof."

Examining the vast space, in awe of the intricate tiled decorations on the walls, a profound reverence washed over Reni. Every turn brought something new to study. She admired the ornate chandelier that hung from the high ceiling, its countless crystals shimmering like stars.

The light filtered through the stained-glass windows, casting vibrant hues upon the tranquil space. She couldn't help but marvel at the harmony of design, the seamless blend of traditional Moroccan architecture with contemporary touches. A quiet spirituality infused the air like incense.

Hamza moved close. "It took the work of over 10,000 master artisans from Morocco. It's a national treasure."

"It's beautiful."

"Come, I will show you some of the highlights. You can view the carpentry, moldings, and Zellige tile work. Each is art in its own right."

They followed, walking along the intricate patterns of the carpeted prayer hall. Reni's steps slowed as she attempted to take in the details of the building.

Hamza himself was a treasure trove of knowledge. "Completed in less than eight years with the capacity to hold 100,000 worshippers, it provides a glimpse into the major faith of the country and its traditions."

They ascended the minaret, her eyes wide as she took in the breathtaking view of Casablanca sprawling beneath. The expansive city, a tapestry of white buildings and winding alleyways, stretched towards the horizon, its energy a stark contrast to the serenity of the mosque, even full of tourists.

Reni stayed there for a moment, contemplating the beauty and wonder of the country, feeling she could spend a lifetime exploring and loving it. Maybe she could move here? After all, she was a teacher and life-long learner, and Morocco offered endless possibilities.

Zak touched her back, and she reluctantly returned to reality. They headed down and ended the tour in the courtyard, where the rhythmic sound of water flowed from the fountains.

They thanked the guide, and Hamza set off.

The soothing soundtrack of water followed them as they strolled amidst the fragrant gardens. Manicured hedges framed a central reflecting pool, its glassy surface mirroring the sky.

Finding a quiet corner beneath the shade of a towering palm tree, her eyes fixed on the tranquil pool, and they lounged in silence, letting the moments trickle by like the water in the slow-moving fountain.