![Reply](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/buttons/reply.gif) |
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
21 Apr 2011
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,461
|
|
To add to the last post, this trip the same watchy-man who last year was asking 10 Dh for overnight parking in Taroudant was now asking 25 - and was very upset when he didn't get it! Some serious inflation going on - wonder what he will want next year??
Like a Moroccan in Laayoune put it - "they are getting crazy up north"
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
21 Apr 2011
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 116
|
|
10DH for overnight parking ![Sad](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/smilies/sad.gif) ...and I thought I was a tight Jock git.
Maybe if there are a few 4x4s/bikes and everyone was contributing, 10DHs would be ok.
But that's not much for someone giving a solo vehicle/bike his undivided attention for probrably 12hrs.
I value my wheels and gear a lot more than that.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
21 Apr 2011
|
![palace15's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/avatars/Avatar116.jpg) |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LONDONISTAN, England
Posts: 1,034
|
|
It reminds me of the guy who parked his car in Liverpool and the local kids asked "do you want us to look after your car mister?", "No, its ok I will leave my Rottweiler in it, it will be safe"
To which the Scouse kids enquired "so the dog can put out fires can he?"
The guides parking 'fees' are cheaper than London parking, and safer!
__________________
'He who laughs last, was too slow to get the joke'
Never confuse the map with the journey.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
21 Apr 2011
|
![Matt Cartney's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar14008_1.gif) |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
|
|
Strange. Is this a new thing? I was in Morocco in 2006 (which is a obviously a few years ago now) for about three weeks, toured all round but wasn't once asked for money to 'watch my bike'. A 2003 trip in a car (OK a battered old citroen) - same thing. Parked anywhere I liked, no problem.
I wasn't really in cities much - just in smaller towns, is it prevelant everywhere?
Its a shame - I never felt like my bike was at risk. This either signifies a change in the risk of theft or is just a new scam to relieve tourists of their money. Either way, not good.
Matt
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com
http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/
*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
21 Apr 2011
|
![palace15's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/avatars/Avatar116.jpg) |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LONDONISTAN, England
Posts: 1,034
|
|
I was first in Maroc on a bike in the early 80's and it was the norm, returned again in '06 and still the same for parking, but was pleasantly suprised that there were less hawkers and hasslers in and around Tangiers and other large cities nowadays, and was told there had been an official clampdown on them.
I found that the parking attendants were doing a pretty good job, so have no complaints about them.
__________________
'He who laughs last, was too slow to get the joke'
Never confuse the map with the journey.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
21 Apr 2011
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,114
|
|
I've had mixed experiences of parking guardians in Morocco. In places like the middle of Marrakesh they've done what they're supposed to do, in the sense that the bike + baggage was still there when I came back but my worst ever traveling theft was at a hotel where we arrived very late and because there was an all night parking watchman (that we paid) we weren't as careful with unloading as we should have been. Next morning the bike was still there but just about all the luggage was gone. The attendant said he'd seen nothing and the hotel said "tough".
Caveat Emptor as they used to say when I last toured the Roman Empire.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
21 Apr 2011
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2007
Location: London
Posts: 621
|
|
Just read this thread with a not inconsiderable degree of amusement, esp the story about the scouse kinds and the rottweiler!
I encountered this sort of thing in Morocco myself. It's irritating and a bit of a culture shock, although I am aware that the people with the badges are entitled to charge you, so that isn't that much different to a parking meter. Also difficult to argue with a language barrier.
Maybe what's needed is to learn the French phrases for "I am not paying until I come back and I will only pay if the car isn't damaged" or (for the story about the man whose car was washed) "I am not paying for something I haven't asked for" or "I am not paying unless you show me an official badge"
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
21 Apr 2011
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: South Essex UK
Posts: 2
|
|
My experience was that it was good value for the money, we got into the "spirit of the occasion" and enjoyed good service. The funniest was when we parked the landcruiser in Marakesh and an old guy approached us (older than me!!) and held out his hand for his money, all official like, uniform, badge and walking stick, then i noticed the uniform..... General Post Office, it fitted him like a coalsack, but I bet he felt important!! The idea of "minding" the vehicles is worldwide and i still pay "minding" money in the London wholesale markets, a good job for older or retired porters, and a good service for not a lot of money. Have fun, Best regards, Bill Westley
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
22 Apr 2011
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 3
|
|
the guard Abdul
We had to park a few times in front of the Mauretanian Embassy in Rabat. When leaving we payed the guard by giving him a cigarette for his splif. He was very happy with this and the third time we came he offered us a meal! We ate couscous with him...
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
![Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.](/stuff/ripcord/ripcord-logo-250.jpg)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
![Five books by Graham Field!](/stuff/grahamfield/graham-field-2021-280.jpg)
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|