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The Journey #2
Beyond Imagination: When the adventure of a lifetime becomes a lifetime of adventures
Craig Briggs’s bestselling travel memoir Journey to a Dream told the true-life story of his move abroad with wife Melanie and their dog Jazz. Not for them the tourist-packed Costas of the Mediterranean or the hills of Andalucia; they chose Galicia, an unspoilt paradise in the northwest corner of Spain.
In Beyond Imagination Craig and Melanie begin to realise their dream and finally take procession of their new house. When it comes to choosing a name for their new home one phrase stands about above the rest El Sueño (The Dream).
Transforming a sunbaked barren plot into a garden oasis tests his resolve and physique. An eye for a bargain sends them on a quest to secure a national treasure. As the adventures unfold new challenges appear.
Village neighbours are quick to introduce themselves and eager to assist when a communications oversight jeopardises their future, but even they are powerless to help when planning officialdom threatens to shatter their dream.
Stroll hand in hand with Craig and Melanie as they settle in to their new surroundings, and journey with them as they embark on a life Beyond Imagination.
In Beyond Imagination Craig and Melanie begin to realise their dream and finally take procession of their new house. When it comes to choosing a name for their new home one phrase stands about above the rest El Sueño (The Dream).
Transforming a sunbaked barren plot into a garden oasis tests his resolve and physique. An eye for a bargain sends them on a quest to secure a national treasure. As the adventures unfold new challenges appear.
Village neighbours are quick to introduce themselves and eager to assist when a communications oversight jeopardises their future, but even they are powerless to help when planning officialdom threatens to shatter their dream.
Stroll hand in hand with Craig and Melanie as they settle in to their new surroundings, and journey with them as they embark on a life Beyond Imagination.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 28, 2015
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 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 31, 2015
Beyond Imagination picks up where Journey to a Dream finishes. To really appreciate Craig and Melanie's entire adventure, it is very beneficial to read both books. In "Beyond Imagination" you truly live through and laugh at the adventures they encounter completing their beloved home El Sueño, it's interior, pool, landscaping and vineyards. You meet lovely neighbours, workman -all with their opinions and advice ( no matter how ill conceived). You learn about the musts for landscaping (IUVs are more important than cars). Whilst shopping Craig misses Melanie's excellent Spanish speaking skills, he is better than he was but sometimes reverts to sign language. You'll learn of Craig's tips (patents pending of course), their encounters of a dangerous kind, wine making and their quest for a new house to renovate ( What! They need to keep this up. We need more sequels). I laughed and chuckled continuously through this book. What an adventure! Looking forward to more from Mr. and Mrs. Briggs. A good read - funny and informative book on living in Spain.
January 19, 2020
I am now reading your third book and still laughing out loud to your adventures. I just love the way you write and describe everything. I feel I am there experiencing each moment with you. I hope you will continue writing about your and Melanie's life in Spain. I am curious as to what will happen to all the British ex-pat in Europe once Brexit is finalized?
March 3, 2022
I read the first of Craig Briggs’ books a couple of years ago, and have long meant to read the sequel. It seems I now have to read several sequels and I will, because I enjoyed this one very much. Having moved into the house they renovated in book one, Craig and Melanie are now set to live the dream. However, still too young and energetic to retire, the pair cannot sit still for long. This book is full of their adventures including establishing their garden, working with Spanish builders, social interaction with neighbours, learning to make wine and embarking on yet another renovation project. This is exactly the kind of memoir I like best as it is imbued with local colour and characters, as well as plenty of wry humour. A thoroughly enjoyable and lively read. Thank you, Craig and Melanie. I shall have to buy the rest of the series now.
August 31, 2017
I enjoyed Craig Briggs first book but if anything I enjoyed this one more. Book two finds Craig and Melanie finally moving into their new home in Canabal, Galicia along with their lovely dog Jazz. However it’s not quite completed and the final restorations and finishing touches (like internal doors) are beautifully and vividly described – and will give you a laugh too! For example when Craig undertakes the backbreaking job of ‘digging’ the garden so he can have a lawn really made me giggle. I really enjoyed reading about how they settle into the community and get to know and make friends with the locals. It also details how he was encouraged to start writing and to undertake the restoration of other properties! What a man! There are links at the end of the Kindle version so you can see the completed renovations and even have a virtual tour of Galicia.
October 21, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed book 1 (A Journey to a dream) so moved right into book 2. I might have enjoyed this one even more.
Craig, Melanie and their dog Jazz are ready to move into their renovated (almost) new home. Minus some interior doors and exterior landscaping. Which Craig jumps on with such vigor I thought I might have to take a trip to the ER just reading the whole process.
It's not all work though, they take time to get to know their new neighbors, enjoy the sun and local wine. They even try their hand at some wine making after learning how to prune their grape vines from the neighbors son.
Galicia, Spain seems to be the perfect fit for Craig and Melanie. They are constantly exploring, trying new foods and meeting new people. I had a laugh at times in some of these chapters!
There is great flow in book 2 and kept me reading. I plan on reading the whole series but have had to make a stop to catch up on some other reading.
Craig, Melanie and their dog Jazz are ready to move into their renovated (almost) new home. Minus some interior doors and exterior landscaping. Which Craig jumps on with such vigor I thought I might have to take a trip to the ER just reading the whole process.
It's not all work though, they take time to get to know their new neighbors, enjoy the sun and local wine. They even try their hand at some wine making after learning how to prune their grape vines from the neighbors son.
Galicia, Spain seems to be the perfect fit for Craig and Melanie. They are constantly exploring, trying new foods and meeting new people. I had a laugh at times in some of these chapters!
There is great flow in book 2 and kept me reading. I plan on reading the whole series but have had to make a stop to catch up on some other reading.
July 1, 2020
After finishing the first book of the series, i just had to carry on and open book 2, i was hooked on the journey as im sure so many of you will be if you as i start to enjoy Craig and Melanie's journey. The journey really does offer great humor and a wonderful outlook to life and how to get out there and enjoy whats on offer to all. Now im about to start book three and cant wait to see what this section of their journey throws at them
Martin
Martin
April 8, 2020
Highly Entertaining
Great second instalment of the trails and tribulations of Craig and Melany who upped sticks and moved to rural Spain. Strolls along at a relaxed pace, providing a nice comfortable read. Some great characters being introduced, who each add something to the saga. A really enjoyable read, one I highly recommend.
Great second instalment of the trails and tribulations of Craig and Melany who upped sticks and moved to rural Spain. Strolls along at a relaxed pace, providing a nice comfortable read. Some great characters being introduced, who each add something to the saga. A really enjoyable read, one I highly recommend.
September 16, 2016
Even better than the first book in the series
I loved Book 1 in this series and I also loved this one! Craig and Melanie Briggs had been getting the house 'done' while living in temporary accommodation in Book 1 and now Book 2 starts where they're about to realise their dream and move into their new Spanish home. The author has a great way with words, there are such lovely descriptions, everything sounds idyllic-and there are also some giggles in there too. This is just the sort of book I like to read: moving abroad-plenty of adventures, ups and downs, fixing up property, before and afters.
I really enjoyed this long-awaited second instalment about Craig, Melanie and their doggie Jazz exchanging Huddersfield, Yorkshire for rural Northern Spain. This was a very pleasant read, packed full of adventures-and misadventures-on their way to living the dream and continuing with more challenges. The first book in the series was great but I think this was even better. It flows really well all the time with great descriptions of the beautiful surroundings and well-paced yarns. There is a particularly interesting chapter about the foods they were trying. I think the writing flows even better in this book than the previous one. It's very well presented and accurate. All very pleasant reading-and it kept me reading!
I would have liked pictures in the book as it unfolded but there are links to many wonderful photos on Craig's website at the end of the book and these probably show off far better this way than them being added to the kindle edition. This was a great read-and Book 3 is out now! I’ve already started reading the next one!
I loved Book 1 in this series and I also loved this one! Craig and Melanie Briggs had been getting the house 'done' while living in temporary accommodation in Book 1 and now Book 2 starts where they're about to realise their dream and move into their new Spanish home. The author has a great way with words, there are such lovely descriptions, everything sounds idyllic-and there are also some giggles in there too. This is just the sort of book I like to read: moving abroad-plenty of adventures, ups and downs, fixing up property, before and afters.
I really enjoyed this long-awaited second instalment about Craig, Melanie and their doggie Jazz exchanging Huddersfield, Yorkshire for rural Northern Spain. This was a very pleasant read, packed full of adventures-and misadventures-on their way to living the dream and continuing with more challenges. The first book in the series was great but I think this was even better. It flows really well all the time with great descriptions of the beautiful surroundings and well-paced yarns. There is a particularly interesting chapter about the foods they were trying. I think the writing flows even better in this book than the previous one. It's very well presented and accurate. All very pleasant reading-and it kept me reading!
I would have liked pictures in the book as it unfolded but there are links to many wonderful photos on Craig's website at the end of the book and these probably show off far better this way than them being added to the kindle edition. This was a great read-and Book 3 is out now! I’ve already started reading the next one!
June 30, 2021
Book 2 of Craig and Melanie’s adventure in Galicia with their dog, Jazz
Lots of laugh out load moments and the manãna attitude of rural Spain
Loved reading about the first wine that they made and the local village characters
Just downloaded book 3!
Lots of laugh out load moments and the manãna attitude of rural Spain
Loved reading about the first wine that they made and the local village characters
Just downloaded book 3!
November 1, 2016
Very enjoyable
Very nice read. It left me with a happy feeling and the desire of traveling and adventure.
This is #2 of a series of 3 books. I will definitely get 1 and 3.
Very nice read. It left me with a happy feeling and the desire of traveling and adventure.
This is #2 of a series of 3 books. I will definitely get 1 and 3.
August 29, 2025
A thrilling book to delve into. This spectacular book, which followed the author and his wife as they sought to renovate a house, pool, and garden in the unspoiled region of Galicia, Spain, engrossed me. I’m filled with a deep desire to travel to this gorgeous country, thanks to these rich descriptions. Perhaps I’ll have the chance to meet the author and his charming wife. I’m eager to read Craig’s next book, “Endless Possibilities,” to see how his wine turned out. My taste buds are tingling with anticipation.
Craig Briggs’ opening book in The Journey series was a delight, and I’m excited to continue getting to know the quirky village neighbors who lend a hand to the Briggs as they tackle several issues in this thirteen-book series.
Craig Briggs’ opening book in The Journey series was a delight, and I’m excited to continue getting to know the quirky village neighbors who lend a hand to the Briggs as they tackle several issues in this thirteen-book series.
November 8, 2022
Beyond Imagination is a delightfully effortless read characterised by Craig’s typically dry Yorkshire sense of humour. Craig faces his adventures (and misadventures) with a droll stoicism while Melanie artfully speaks volumes in only a few words. The narrative rolls easily, comfortably off the page, broken only by the infernal clanging of the bell at the gate, or Jazz’s warning bark. A lilting, lazy days read.
February 18, 2024
I don't know why I stopped reading it, but I have now completed it. It was like visiting friends - comfortable in their company, enjoying their daily adventures and immersing oneself in their triumphs and disasters, none of which were overly dramatic.
June 20, 2017
A great follow up to book one. I really enjoy following not only the adventures but the normal day to day living that is Craig and Melanie's life in Spain.
March 31, 2019
Inspiring real story of a couples move from one country to another and the happenings surrounding it!
October 26, 2020
Drawn out, tedious conversations. Didn't finish it
November 15, 2025
Book two did not disappoint and I’m enjoying following Craig, Melanie, and Jazz as they set up their home in Spain. I suppose like some other reviewers, I’m now in the process of binge reading this series. Why not? It’s well written and fun to read, a pastime for my relaxing reading, usually just before bed.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews