Land Rover Update

Don't ask!..........The container arrived in Casablanca during the first week of July. Customs decided to make a meal over the miscellaneous household items, nearly all of which were made and originated from Morocco, that I had placed inside the Land Rover. They thought I was bringing in goods from China as its most unusual to repatriate local goods. Moroccans are very concerned that mass produced Chinese goods will have a major detrimental impact on its handicraft industry. The Chinese are producing Moroccan slippers for little more than 10p a pair. However, because of this, I was required to provide additional documentation confirming origin. Meanwhile, the container was placed in the yard at the bottom of the pile. Customs said they were unable to separate the vehicle from the household goods for clearing because all items were detailed on a single Bill of Lading.

Despite my best endeavours, I haven't been able to make much satisfactory progress in clearing the Land Rover and goods. I expressed my concern at the potential demurrage charge to be told there would be no demurrage charge. Two weeks later I received a bill for over £6,000 for demurrage charges! This charge has since been negotiated and the goods have been moved to an area where demurrage is not accruing.

I'm going back to Marrakech and Casablanca on Monday with the objective of getting the goods cleared, whatever it takes! I've spent over £2,000 on car rental in the time that my Land Rover has been lying dormant in Casablanca. It's incredibly frustrating.

Meanwhile, I have just bought a new Mountfield lawnmower in the UK and consigned it today by airfreight directly to Marrakech. The size is about 0.25 cubic metres and weighs 38kg. The cost of air freight and charges was £180. It arrives in Marrakech on Sunday. Anything could happen? According to Customs, there's no duty on agricultural equipment including lawnmowers. Let's see!

Developments In Marrakech

Here is a map of Marrakech showing the major resort developments. There are currently 12 golf courses under development all scheduled to be completed within the next 2 years.

Warda

Just returned today from 10 days in Marrakech. Weather was fantastic averaging 34 degrees each days. Climbed Toubkal, the highest peak of the Atlas mountains at 4,167 metres. Warda is nearly completely finished. Just doing some final carpentry.

Warda at Night

Nehme

We are soon about to begin the pise rendering which will be a shade darker than Warda.

Pavilion

Staff House and Herb Garden

We're planting another herb garden just outside the kitchen door and alongside the staff house.

With all the sunshine and plenty of water this herb garden will look very established within 2 weeks.

We have two staff houses, one for each main house, comprising a large open room, kitchen and bathroom.  Each staff house can be occupied by up to 4 personnel.