Morocco Pavilion

Morocco Pavilion



The Morocco Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase is one of my personal favorites. It seems to get overlooked by a lot of folks and that’s a shame because it is not only quite beautiful and intricate, it is perhaps the most accurate rendition of the country represented than any other pavilion. Here are a few interesting facts about the pavilion and a bit about Morocco:

It is the only pavilion in the World Showcase actually sponsored by a country.
The King of Morocco sent his Royal Architect to Florida to supervise construction to ensure accuracy.
All of the mosaics found in the pavilion were done by a team of Moroccan Artisans sent over by the King.
The buildings in the Morocco pavilion represent religious structures and therefore are not lit during Illuminations. Take a look it’s the only pavilion not lit.
The prayer tower is a replica of a religious shrine in Marrakesh.
All of the mosaics and arches have a defect in them that was purposely placed there. The reason, only Allah can create perfection and therefore all man made objects must be flawed in some way.
Morocco and the United States have a very long history. Morocco was the first country worldwide to recognize the United States as a sovereign nation.
O.K. that’s enough about history and trivia, let’s talk about the beauty of the pavilion as illustrated in some of my photos:









Unfortunately, I think a majority of visitors give this pavilion (and probably several others) a cursory exploration. If you take the time to explore it more deeply you will not only be rewarded with the beauty shown above but inside these buildings there are wonderful things to experience.



After you have finished your exploring and shopping there are still many surprises left in store for you. Two of the better restaurants in the World Showcase, one table service and one counter service, are in this pavilion. Restaurant Marrakesh, the table service venue, has an outstanding menu with a lot of variety. Don’t worry about the food being too exotic (no – they don’t serve goat’s  eyes or monkey brains) it is delightfully seasoned and delicious. My wife is an extraordinarily picky eater who only likes “regular food” and she has always been delighted with her meal at Restaurant Marrakesh. They also have an authentic Moroccan band and a “G” rated belly dancer for your enjoyment.

The counter service location. the Tangierine Cafe, serves food every bit as good as Marrakesh but with a bit more limited menu. Be aware, the portions are quite large so you may want to consider sharing.

After you have eaten you can get some Baklava for desert at the stand along the promenade in front of the pavilion – YUM!! While you are enjoying your dessert you just might catch a show from Mo’ Rockin, a lively and talented group of musicians who perform several times daily.

Please do yourself a favor and spend some time in this pavilion, you will be rewarded with experiences you won’t soon forget. As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!



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Resources - Useful Facts About Morocco

Resources - Useful Facts About Morocco


Passport / Visa Requirements
These Requirements are subject to change. Check with the embassy or consulate in your home country before you depart.
Travelers visiting Morocco need a passport valid for at least three months. Visas are not required of MOST Foreigners. A return or onward travel ticket is required.

Customs
Visitors are allowed to import, duty-free 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco and 1 liter of spirits. All currency or traveler's checks must be Declared upon entry. It is illegal to import or export Moroccan currency.
Business Hours
Banks are open 8:30-11:30 AM and 2:30-4:30 PM Monday-Friday, along with a midday break on Friday. Shops are open various hours, DEPENDING on the season, and the personal preferences of the owner. Some close for lunch, drank Many are open later in the evening. Government offices are open 8:30 AM to Generally noon and 2:30-6:30 PM Monday-Friday, along with a midday break on Friday. During Ramadan and in the summer, hours are shorter Generally for banks and government offices.
Climate
Morocco's Mediterranean coast subtropical climate HAS tempered by oceanic influences the coastal cities That give moderate temperatures. Essaouira at temperatures average 16 ° C (61 ° F) in January and 22 ° C (72 ° F) in August. In the interior, winters are colder and summers warmer. The mean temperature in Fez is 10 ° C (50 ° F) in January and 27 ° C (81 ° F) in August. Mountain peaks are covered with snow falling on MOST of the year, and temperatures of less than -18 ° C (less than 0 ° F) are common in the Higher elevations.
Mainly Rain falls in winter and MOST heavily in the northwest. Average annual precipitation is about 96 centimeters (38 inches) in Tangier, 43 centimeters (17 inches) in Casablanca, 28 centimeters (11 inches) in Essaouira, and less than 10 centimeters (4 inches) in the Sahara.

Government & Economy
Morocco is a Muslim kingdom since 1999 Governed by King Mohamed VI, son of the late King Hassan II. The political structure is a social democratic and constitutional monarchy. Agriculture: Exports include fruits (oranges, tomatoes, figs), early vegetables, flowers (roses), preserved food ... Minerals: Three-quarters of the world's stock of phosphates, energy goal HAS to be imported.

Population
The original people of Morocco are the Berbers. The Arab population today is Concentrated in the North and in the cities. The population of Morocco is Estimated at 27 million people.

Language
Moroccan Arabic is the official language of the Kingdom first, although Many people speak dialects of the Berber language, Especially in and south of the High Atlas.

French is the second language, Commonly used on signposts Alongside Arabic, menus and in shops. English, German, Spanish or Italian is Understood Many hotels in gold or Wherever tourists markets are found.

Clothing
Between November and March, medium-weight clothing with a raincoat. Light-weight clothes are needed in summer. In DeLuxe hotels, guests Usually more formal clothes change into for dinner.

Religion
Islam is the state religion. However, the country HAS always beens tolerant Towards the other religions. The Largest Jewish community of the Arab world lives in Morocco.

Money
The Moroccan dirham (DH) is nominally Divided into 100 cents. It may not be imported or Exported. Visitors can import as much foreign currency (in cash or traveler's checks) as They wish. Their goal shoulds keep receipts for exchange foreign currency exchange back to before departure. Visa, American Express and Diner's credit cards are accepted in hotels and shops MOST.

Tipping
Taxi drivers shoulds not be tipped. Generally Restaurant waiters expect a tip, Which varies from 10 percent in more expensive restaurants to cafes in A Few dirham.
Electricity
Current is 220 volts AC, 50 Hz for newer buildings, 110 volts AC, 50 Hz for older ones. European-style two-pin plugs are standard.
Local Time
G.M.T. the whole year.

Electricity
Generally 220 volts supply. European plugs.



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Morocco Basic Facts: interesting fact morocco

Morocco Basic Facts:  interesting fact morocco

The Kingdom of Morocco is filled with cultural and natural treasures that will not disappoint even the most adventurous traveler. Morocco's fascinating medieval cities like Marrakech and Fez lie in between the great Sahara Desert and the Atlantic Ocean. The Atlas Mountains make up the backbone of Morocco, this is where traditional Berber culture still thrives today.
Location: Morocco is in Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and Western Sahara; see map
Area: Morocco covers 446,550 sq km of land, slightly larger than California, and slightly smaller than Spain.
Capital City: Rabat
Population: Just over 32 million people live in Morocco.
Language: Arabic (official), Berber dialects, and French which is often the language of business, government, and diplomacy.
Religion: Muslim 98.7%, Christian 1.1%, Jewish 0.2%
Climate: Hot summers (June - September) and cool to cold winters (especially in the Atlas Mountains). Avoid the desert during the summer months and watch out for sand storms February to April. More about Morocco's climate and average temperatures...
When to Go: May to October for the beaches; November to April for the desert; April to October for the mountains, March to June and September to November to explore the imperial cities like Marrakech and Fes. More about "Best Time to Go to Morocco".
Currency: Moroccan Dirham, Click here for currency converter.

Morocco's Main Attractions:

Marrakech: The imperial city of Marrakech has a fascinating medina filled with tiny shops, artisans and cafe's. Stay in a converted Riad (boutique hotel) and enjoy the delights of the main square, the Djemma el Fnaa, every evening. More about Marrakech...
Fes: The oldest of Morocco's imperial cities, Fes is a living, breathing, chaotic and fascinating medieval city that is still brimming with energy and life. Labyrinth streets give way to gorgeous mosques and pungent tanneries. More about Fes...
Essaouira: A laid back coastal town with a lovely medina, excellent seafood and decent beaches has made Essaouira one of Morocco's up and coming attractions. More about Essaouira...
Chefchaouen: A personal favorite, this little mountain town, painted in brilliant hues of blue, is relaxing and simply gorgeous. More about Chefchaouen...
Western Sahara: Camel trekking is the order of the day in Morocco's golden, red sand dunes that seemingly stretch on for ever.
More about Morocco's top attractions ...
Travel to Morocco

Morocco's International Airport: Mohammed V International Airport (Airport code: CMN) is Morocco's main airport for long-haul flights. Marrakech also has a busy international airport, Al Menara Airport (Airport code: RAK), with service to many European destinations.
Getting to Morocco: Most people either fly into Morocco or arrive by ferry from Spain and France; details on getting to Morocco.
Morocco's Embassies/Visas: Most nationalities including those from the US, Canada and the UK do not need a visa to enter Morocco as a tourist. Click here for a list of Moroccan Embassies to double check.
Morocco's Tourist Information Office (ONMT): Angle Rue Oued El Makhazine et rue Zalaga, BP 1910100 Agdal, Rabat, Morocco E-mail: contact@onmt.org.ma, Web Site: http://www.visitmorocco.com/
More Morocco Practical Travel Tips

Morocco's Economy and Politics

Economy: Moroccan economic policies brought macroeconomic stability to the country in the early 1990s but have not spurred growth sufficient to reduce unemployment - nearing 20% in urban areas - despite the Moroccan Government's ongoing efforts to diversify the economy. Morocco's GDP growth rose to 5.9% in 2008, with the economy recovering from a drought in 2007 that severely reduced agricultural output and necessitated wheat imports at rising world prices. Moroccan authorities understand that reducing poverty and providing jobs are key to domestic security and development. In 2005, Morocco launched the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH), a $2 billion social development plan to address poverty and unemployment and to improve the living conditions of the country's urban slums. Moroccan authorities are implementing reform efforts to open the economy to international investors. Despite structural adjustment programs supported by the IMF, the World Bank, and the Paris Club, the dirham is only fully convertible for current account transactions. In 2000, Morocco entered an Association Agreement with the EU and, in 2006, entered a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US. Long-term challenges include improving education and job prospects for Morocco's youth, and closing the income gap between the rich and the poor, which the government hopes to achieve by increasing tourist arrivals and boosting competitiveness in textiles.
History/Politics: In 788, about a century after the Arab conquest of North Africa, successive Moorish dynasties began to rule in Morocco. In the 16th century, the Sa'adi monarchy, particularly under Ahmad AL-Mansur (1578-1603), repelled foreign invaders and inaugurated a golden age. In 1860, Spain occupied northern Morocco and ushered in a half century of trade rivalry among European powers that saw Morocco's sovereignty steadily erode; in 1912, the French imposed a protectorate over the country. A protracted independence struggle with France ended successfully in 1956. The internationalized city of Tangier and most Spanish possessions were turned over to the new country that same year. Morocco virtually annexed Western Sahara during the late 1970s, but final resolution on the status of the territory remains unresolved. Gradual political reforms in the 1990s resulted in the establishment of a bicameral legislature, which first met in 1997. The country has made improvements in human rights under King Mohammed VI and its press is moderately free. Despite the continuing reforms, ultimate authority remains in the hands of the monarch.



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