Agdal (Naperville of Morocco)

Moroccans are proud of Agdal and justly so. It's an upscale suburb of Rabat where the streets are quiet and clean, the apartments are pleasing, and the fashionable and elegant or Morocco live. At first I didn't want to go there; and I did think it was a bit boring. I wanted something more exciting–an impressive historic site, a tinge of exotism or feast for the senses like Marrakech or Fes. Then I realized this is what most Moroccans probably aspire to. It's as close to the West as they may be able to get. It's not too far from the university, has a MacDonald's, French sidewalk cafés and patisseries, and many other stores oriented to the consumer society. People for the most part dress Western style and speak French. Poverty seems to be at bay, although I did see one man walking up and down a sidestreet calling out for assistance. So, the myriad of handicrafts aren't present. The dishes you see available could be purchased at Target. Ornate arches and medieval walls don't pop up before your eyes. The noisy hustle and bustle of the medina or the central market near Bab al-Hadd are far away. Instead, the area is calm, attractive, and well-kept–with gardens nearby. An area the average person would find a comfortable place to live.