Casablanca Photo Diary

Some sights from my walks around the hotel, the market, and one evening when I went searching the city for shawarma. 

Summer Sweater

Two weeks ago, I took my daughter to the playground and saw a really hip mom wearing an oversized sweater, Doc Martens, and these cool sunglasses. I ended up asking her where she got the sunglasses—and ordered the same pair for myself online. I was trying to recreate the look but didn’t have an oversized sweater.

Then came my neighbor’s garage sale, and they happened to have exactly the sweater I was looking for.

It’s almost impossible to take photos when I’m out with my daughter, so inevitably, she sneaks into the background.

Shoes: Doc Martens
Pants: Everlane
Bag: Aesther Ekme
Sweater: Vintage from a garage sale

Belfast Photo Diary

I traveled to Belfast for work back in 2022, and it was truly a study in contrasts. From graffiti-covered streets bearing the echoes of the Troubles to the refined beauty of art museums and historic castles, the city offered a striking juxtaposition at every turn.

Arabica of Morocco

Ever since visiting all three Arabica locations in Kyoto and two in Tokyo, I’ve made it my mission to visit every Arabica location in the world. Surely, I can’t be the only one with this wild idea—their tagline does say, “See the World through Coffee,” after all.

Admittedly, this might be a bit ambitious. As of now, Arabica boasts a staggering 213 locations, including an eye-popping 87 in China alone. But I’m determined to make it happen, one cup at a time. Thankfully, Morocco made it easy for me: there are only two locations in the country—one in Casablanca and one in Marrakech. Since those were the only two cities I visited, I happily checked both off my list.

Casablanca

Berber fabrics on the seats

Moroccan tiles in the doorway

Kyoto latte never disappoints

Marrakech

Indoor fountain

Thought this was a matcha cookie - but it's pistachio

What Did I Eat in Morocco

I recently traveled to Morocco for work, and as is often the case with work trips, most of my meals were either hotel catering or wherever the client chose to take me. Fortunately, my client had excellent taste, opting for nearby restaurants in Casablanca like Rick’s and La Sqala—both of which were incredible and a welcome change from the hotel's western-style food.

When I had a free day in Marrakech, I finally had the chance to choose my own dining spots, and I made sure to pick some truly exceptional restaurants. While it wasn’t exactly the foodie adventure I might have dreamed of, I still managed to enjoy a good variety of flavors along the way.

Asian Food: Sushi (Japanese), spring rolls (Vietnamese), and Pad Thai (Thai)

Juices: Lemon, mixed fruit, cucumber, orange, and pomegranate

Desserts: my favorite being the black rice pudding from Rick's

Dips

Breakfast and snack at the Riad

Chicken Tagine, and Lamb Tagine

Western food

Client lunch at Petanque Social Club

Client lunch at Petanque Social Club

Cocktails 

at Petanque Social Club