New year update/news

We were back in Marrakech last month and can report that the development (Phase 1) is now relatively close to being finished. Mum & Dad will return to take delivery late March/early April but the immediate neighbours have already moved in and we saw several other occupied villas during our guided tour around the site. Villas are being handed over to owners daily since the beginning of 2008 and the site is expected to 'mature' quickly as the new arrivals take possession, complete their gardens etc. By April the development should be well populated, although I imagine it will be later in the year before it begins to look and feel properly 'lived in'.

Some news regarding the shopping arcade: apparently several big names are taking units in the development - Zara is one of those retailers negotiating term (or so we've been told). The hotel is also well under way and is beginning to look as impressive as the plans.

On another note, we were saddened to hear of the sudden death of Cathal Ryan, son of the late Ryanair founder Tony Ryan. We knew he'd bought a villa on the development and were hoping to meet him there one day. Sadly, that will never happen. Apparently, his villa is to be used as an R&R base for Ryanair pilots. Perhaps we'll yet meet one or more other Irish compatriots there instead. They might even be willing to share a wee dram if not taking control of the instruments the following day...

That's all for now. Apologies for the lack of new photos. We were so excited to be back in Marrakech that we left the camera at the hotel!

[ p.s. Remember to check http://www.dealextreme.com/products.dx/category.0~r.44232144 - any purchases make a small donation to the KICKSTART, the Kenyan street kids charity).