I often ask myself, how on earth did we get to this point?  It all began after a romantic holiday to Morocco for Riaz and Jane (my brother-in-law and sister-in-law).  Now, most people on their well earned breaks kick back, relax and switch off from the world.  But no. Not these two.  They met a Moroccan named Said, hatched a plan, and our future was about to take a new path.

Anwar and I met them in Cambridge shortly after their trip – they were clearly excited with news to tell, and it wasn’t until we were firmly settled in the local Chinese with the crispy duck ordered that they finally broke the dam.  And it went pretty much like this:

‘Morocco is an incredible country!’ (yes, I am sure it is, note to self – must go there sometime).  ‘Let’s buy a Riad and redevelop it, they are stunning!’ (OK, sounds like fun, but I am sure it will pass).  ‘Oh and by the way, we’ve found a 4 hectare plot of land in the Atlas Mountains that I think we should buy…’  At this point the duck shot down the wrong way and the choking fit ensued.

Composure regained, a billion questions sprang to mind, but through it all I could hear my husband slapping Riaz on the back shouting ‘brilliant idea, let’s do it!’.

That, it appeared, was that.  Gulp.

I feel I must explain at this point, this is not unusual behaviour for the Khan brothers.  And, if I am being honest, that is a big part of the attraction to my slightly crazy husband and family.  I am a safe kind of girl.  Yes, I have travelled the world and put myself into many situations where I have been out of my depth, but it is always pretty calculated.  The best way to describe our difference is in chunks.  I am small chunks.  They are big chunks.  But I have learnt you have to think big in this world if you want to get somewhere.  I’ve also learnt that big chunks and little chunks can achieve greater things together than on their own.

This was 6 years ago.  A lot can happen in that time.

Related posts:

1. Royal Welcome on the Road to Morocco