Bedrock

We got up early this morning and took some photos as you’ll see, there are no shortage of places to walk here, from the slightest challenge to major effort – something for everyone. We spent the morning in Huescar, firstly at the market and then general shopping for floor stains etc. The markets generally seem to concentrate on food and are absolutely great, though if you’re used to the kind of markets which include surplus junk you might be disappointed – there are so many bazaars around town I can see why they might not put lots of junk out in the markets.

We then went off to the builder’s merchants for some screws and replacement screwheads (not Chinese) and so the jacuzzi is now finished, requiring 2 concrete rest plates for the hinge and that’s it. Tomorrow is our last full day and the plan is to go off in search of a lake with a beach.

As you’ll see by the photo of the upstairs bathroom (a work in progress like everything else) I’ve now mastered the process of taking photos in confined spaces. 36 photos in a rown to get something that looks (admittedly distorted) like a bathroom.

Finally for today, here’s a photo of somewhere that reminded us of Southfork! The range of caves from first class to almost derelict is amazing – some are almost full-blown buildings with straight walls, others little more (on the outside) than a front wall. Some even have the BBQ on the roof!

If I get a surge of energy tomorrow I’ll make up some more internal panoramas. Tomorrow promises to be hot and clear… just the job.

So, we’ve spent the entire summer holidays either over here or on the phone organising things… all of this starting way back in February when we first committed to buy. Was it worth it? Most definitely – we’re at the starting blocks of learning a new language, we’ve made new friends, we’ve discovered new foods and a slower way of living – and real, reliable sun – not the excuses we so often make back in Blighty (“well, we had HALF a day of sun”). We’ve made mistakes, it’s cost more than it might have, but we’ve had a ball in the process. If it were not for making a living I would move over here without thinking about it – I’ve seen nothing that makes life here impractical and I can keep in touch with people as usual – indeed many folks I’ve spoken to by phone, chat or email have had no idea I’m not in my office at home. Maureen is chatting away to her mother in the USA as I speak – at 1.2p per minute… all via the computer (she’s on a USB cordless Skype phone). The webcam is working so I can easily keep an eye on the place when we’re back home in the UK and the builder is all ready to complete the work while we’re away.

One more full day (could be a winner) and we’re back in the UK until October. On our next trip it’ll be logs for the fire!!

And now…. a trip to the local bar for tapas….