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The Journey #10
The Accidental Explorer
From Amazon bestselling author Craig Briggs, The Journey continues with book ten in the series, THE ACCIDENTAL EXPLORER.
Craig and Melanie enjoy the best of both spring, summer, and autumn in beautiful Galicia and winter on the Costa del Sol. During their time in Andalucía, they revisit some old haunts and explore new ones. He falls in love with the magic of Málaga and the charm of Estepona’s old town, but questions Ronda’s links to literary greats.
On their return to Galicia, work in the vineyards requires his attention. Their passion for food and love of wine flow through Craig’s narrative like a meandering waterway. Accompanying these irresistible flavours is an eclectic mix of music from Galician bagpipes to Portuguese fado and Spanish rock icons of the 1990s.
Bumps in the road keep their feet on the ground, and a lapse in concentration results in an unwanted bill. When a slapdash landlord raises their concerns of a potential property scam, they hold their nerve, but nothing prepares them for Nature’s assault on their precious grapes.
Craig’s flowing writing takes us on an unforgettable journey through Galicia and beyond. His keen observations and comedic prose breathe new life into history and introduces us to the characters preserving this rich culture for future generations.
Craig and Melanie enjoy the best of both spring, summer, and autumn in beautiful Galicia and winter on the Costa del Sol. During their time in Andalucía, they revisit some old haunts and explore new ones. He falls in love with the magic of Málaga and the charm of Estepona’s old town, but questions Ronda’s links to literary greats.
On their return to Galicia, work in the vineyards requires his attention. Their passion for food and love of wine flow through Craig’s narrative like a meandering waterway. Accompanying these irresistible flavours is an eclectic mix of music from Galician bagpipes to Portuguese fado and Spanish rock icons of the 1990s.
Bumps in the road keep their feet on the ground, and a lapse in concentration results in an unwanted bill. When a slapdash landlord raises their concerns of a potential property scam, they hold their nerve, but nothing prepares them for Nature’s assault on their precious grapes.
Craig’s flowing writing takes us on an unforgettable journey through Galicia and beyond. His keen observations and comedic prose breathe new life into history and introduces us to the characters preserving this rich culture for future generations.
- GenresMemoir
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 3, 2023
74 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Craig Briggs
16 books54 followersIf life deals you a bad hand, don’t fold, take a chance; a good player will always come out on top.
Craig Briggs was born on the 12th of July 1962, in St. Luke’s Hospital, Huddersfield, the second child, and only son, of Donald and Glenys Briggs. The birth of their daughter had been a joy. The arrival of Craig would make the family complete. Unfortunately, Craig was not a ‘normal’ lad; he’d been born with congenital feet deformities.
Unaware of his disability, Craig got on with life as any infant would. His first birthday brought a gift that would change his life forever. A marvel of modern engineering, manufactured by J.E. Hanger and Co. of London for and on behalf of the National Health Service. Bespoke footwear gave him what the Vespa had given the youth of the fifties: freedom and independence. They weren’t quite as stylish as an Italian built scooter but he didn’t care. From now on, Master Briggs was on the move and no one would hold him back.
Over the next five years a series of surgical procedures changed the way he moved. When the time came, his mum walked him to school like any other proud parent and his dad gave him his first and only piece of worldly advice. ‘If anyone hits you, hit ’em back.’
With one exception, his mind proved sharper than his boxing prowess. Academia was not really his thing; he found it difficult to concentrate on anything that didn’t interest him.
In May 1980 he left college and entered the employment market. Margaret Thatcher was busy dismantling British industry and unemployment was running at a post-war high. He signed on to receive unemployment benefit and spent the summer lounging around the house watching the Wimbledon Tennis Championship on telly. As the tournament drew to a close, parental pressure to find work intensified. In September, during one of his many visits to the Job Centre, a job card caught his eye: ‘Wanted: trainee retail managers’.
Five hundred and sixty applicants chased six positions. He pleaded his case at an interview and ended up being selected. After a two-week training course in the seaside town of Southport, he passed with honours, achieving the rank of assistant manager. When asked where he’d like to ply his newfound retail skills, he chose London, a city paved with gold.
In October 1980, he left Huddersfield a naive child, and returned three and a half years later a wiser and more mature young man. A brief period of letting his hair down followed, catching up on lost time and lost youth. During these wild and hedonistic months, he met the love of his life and future wife, Melanie.
His career in retail spanned six and a half years with five different companies but to realise his dream he would have to go it alone. Not long after his twenty-sixth birthday, he handed in his notice. His future lay in leather jackets. Unfortunately, no one shared this vision and his aspirations fell at the first hurdle.
The prospect of returning to the retail trade pushed him into pursuing a different path. He reached a compromise and worked as a self-employed agent for one of the nation’s largest insurance companies. The job title, Financial Consultant, exaggerated the role. In reality he was nothing more than a desperate insurance salesman. Life was hard and the insurance industry ruthless. Trying to sell a product that nobody wants, and which by its nature will never benefit the payee, is not easy. Unlike most recruits, he managed to survive and learnt some difficult but valuable lessons.
His ‘Big Break’ came when he was asked to invest in a fledgling printing business. The first year’s accounts showed greater losses than actual sales. Against all professional advice he jumped at the chance, re-mortgaged his house and bought an equal stake.
By accident rather than design, he’d finally found his true vocation. The company was losing money hand over fist. The bank had taken a second charge on the partners’ homes and his investment was swallowed up in a
Craig Briggs was born on the 12th of July 1962, in St. Luke’s Hospital, Huddersfield, the second child, and only son, of Donald and Glenys Briggs. The birth of their daughter had been a joy. The arrival of Craig would make the family complete. Unfortunately, Craig was not a ‘normal’ lad; he’d been born with congenital feet deformities.
Unaware of his disability, Craig got on with life as any infant would. His first birthday brought a gift that would change his life forever. A marvel of modern engineering, manufactured by J.E. Hanger and Co. of London for and on behalf of the National Health Service. Bespoke footwear gave him what the Vespa had given the youth of the fifties: freedom and independence. They weren’t quite as stylish as an Italian built scooter but he didn’t care. From now on, Master Briggs was on the move and no one would hold him back.
Over the next five years a series of surgical procedures changed the way he moved. When the time came, his mum walked him to school like any other proud parent and his dad gave him his first and only piece of worldly advice. ‘If anyone hits you, hit ’em back.’
With one exception, his mind proved sharper than his boxing prowess. Academia was not really his thing; he found it difficult to concentrate on anything that didn’t interest him.
In May 1980 he left college and entered the employment market. Margaret Thatcher was busy dismantling British industry and unemployment was running at a post-war high. He signed on to receive unemployment benefit and spent the summer lounging around the house watching the Wimbledon Tennis Championship on telly. As the tournament drew to a close, parental pressure to find work intensified. In September, during one of his many visits to the Job Centre, a job card caught his eye: ‘Wanted: trainee retail managers’.
Five hundred and sixty applicants chased six positions. He pleaded his case at an interview and ended up being selected. After a two-week training course in the seaside town of Southport, he passed with honours, achieving the rank of assistant manager. When asked where he’d like to ply his newfound retail skills, he chose London, a city paved with gold.
In October 1980, he left Huddersfield a naive child, and returned three and a half years later a wiser and more mature young man. A brief period of letting his hair down followed, catching up on lost time and lost youth. During these wild and hedonistic months, he met the love of his life and future wife, Melanie.
His career in retail spanned six and a half years with five different companies but to realise his dream he would have to go it alone. Not long after his twenty-sixth birthday, he handed in his notice. His future lay in leather jackets. Unfortunately, no one shared this vision and his aspirations fell at the first hurdle.
The prospect of returning to the retail trade pushed him into pursuing a different path. He reached a compromise and worked as a self-employed agent for one of the nation’s largest insurance companies. The job title, Financial Consultant, exaggerated the role. In reality he was nothing more than a desperate insurance salesman. Life was hard and the insurance industry ruthless. Trying to sell a product that nobody wants, and which by its nature will never benefit the payee, is not easy. Unlike most recruits, he managed to survive and learnt some difficult but valuable lessons.
His ‘Big Break’ came when he was asked to invest in a fledgling printing business. The first year’s accounts showed greater losses than actual sales. Against all professional advice he jumped at the chance, re-mortgaged his house and bought an equal stake.
By accident rather than design, he’d finally found his true vocation. The company was losing money hand over fist. The bank had taken a second charge on the partners’ homes and his investment was swallowed up in a
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 22, 2023
I have thoroughly enjoyed this next book in Craig Brigg's 'Journey' series. It's an entertaining slice of his and Melanie's life in lovely Galicia. My word, but they do work hard running their holiday rental at Campo Verde making sure everything is as good as it can be for those who stay there. As well as that, Craig has developed a real interest in cultivating his own grapes to make wine - and that's not an easy task at all. Thove vines require a great deal of care! Sometimes the rewards are hard earned.
However they do like to take time to explore the beautiful sights and historical places of Galicia. I love Craig's eye for detail and his vivid descriptions of various places - including amazing Roman remains and even Megalithic tombstones. It's truly a fascinating part of Spain.
I'm sure they have earned their winter holiday in the sunny south, Cheers Craig enjoy your 'Tea Time Tasters' in the sun.
However they do like to take time to explore the beautiful sights and historical places of Galicia. I love Craig's eye for detail and his vivid descriptions of various places - including amazing Roman remains and even Megalithic tombstones. It's truly a fascinating part of Spain.
I'm sure they have earned their winter holiday in the sunny south, Cheers Craig enjoy your 'Tea Time Tasters' in the sun.
August 8, 2023
Once again, Craig has written an enjoyable and entertaining book. Having read all the other books in the series, I expected something good, and I wasn't disappointed. As well as learning about his endeavors in grape growing and wine brewing (do you 'brew' wine?), we are treated to some excursions around Galicia. From castles and monasteries, to fairs and food, rivers, and the most beautiful scenery. Yes, I Googled many of the places Craig and his wife Melanie visited, and if I could, I'd be hopping on the next plane to visit them myself. Craig does an excellent job of painting word pictures, though, with interesting historical facts thrown in. I know this is the tenth book of the series, but I'm hoping Craig has more memoirs in him.
December 12, 2024
Great books.
This is a great series. I love reading about their beautiful Spanish home, travelling around, taking in the surroundings. Often told with humour, these books never fail to give a lift.
So enjoyable learning about their daily life in this beautiful, green part of Spain; making their own wine; attending fiestas, concerts, etc. All strung together so expertly, and a delight to read.
Can't wait for the next one.
This is a great series. I love reading about their beautiful Spanish home, travelling around, taking in the surroundings. Often told with humour, these books never fail to give a lift.
So enjoyable learning about their daily life in this beautiful, green part of Spain; making their own wine; attending fiestas, concerts, etc. All strung together so expertly, and a delight to read.
Can't wait for the next one.
September 5, 2023
Absolutely loved the book , I have read all of Craig’s books . I so enjoy sitting and reading on how they moved to another country, built/ renovation, and talking about the locals and culture.
Coming from an Italian background, born and live in Australia , my parents continued with the it’s culture. I just loved the in depth description of the towns , bodegas, churches.
Keep writing Craig .
Coming from an Italian background, born and live in Australia , my parents continued with the it’s culture. I just loved the in depth description of the towns , bodegas, churches.
Keep writing Craig .
February 12, 2026
I’m so happy they enjoyed Malaga in this one. Plus, this volume had me looking up new places on maps and finding photos of more unexpected Galician locales, some quite ancient. What a place it is. I’d love to visit sometime. By now I’m considering adding a Teatime Taster into my own daily routine.
On to the next!
On to the next!
August 12, 2023
hmmmmm not sure
Book 10 is a bit like a warm cup of tea. Nothing new. exciting or fun happens but it’s comforting all the same. It may be starting to feel a little forced and bulked out with sight-seeing facts. Is it just me or is the term ‘Teatime Taster’ starting to grate?
Book 10 is a bit like a warm cup of tea. Nothing new. exciting or fun happens but it’s comforting all the same. It may be starting to feel a little forced and bulked out with sight-seeing facts. Is it just me or is the term ‘Teatime Taster’ starting to grate?
September 13, 2023
Galatcian Paradise
Another fabulous book about living the dream in Galacia. If only.... but you can see it through his eyes and feel yourself there. And watch out for grass snakes but try not to fear them.
Another fabulous book about living the dream in Galacia. If only.... but you can see it through his eyes and feel yourself there. And watch out for grass snakes but try not to fear them.
April 22, 2025
More tales from Galicia and the Costa del Sol
Time passes and Craig shares his experiences with us, spending the summers in Galicia and winters in Andalusia. A treat for those who wish that they were brave enough to take the plunge.
Time passes and Craig shares his experiences with us, spending the summers in Galicia and winters in Andalusia. A treat for those who wish that they were brave enough to take the plunge.
December 31, 2023
As always, Craig Briggs manages to bring to life their day to day life in Galicia
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews