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New Life in Andalusia #1
The Crinkle Crankle Wall: Our First Year in Andalusia
After years of dreaming of living close to nature, free from a daily commute and noisy neighbours, Sabina and Robert decide to travel from Abu Dhabi to Spain in search of their dream home. As soon as they drive across Andalusia, they fall in love with its rugged beauty, whitewashed villages, red geraniums, giant aloes, and endless olive trees. After weeks of visiting ruins and dilapidated sheds advertised as homes, they find a little stone cottage in a mountain valley in the middle of nowhere. Equipped with everything that a romantic soul a patio shaded by grape vines, an ancient bay leaf tree, and a formidable oak in front of a long driveway, they fall in love with this property and decide to reform it into a guest house. With little foresight or planning, they exchange cushy expats lives for a life in the sun.
Quite quickly, however, they find themselves battling cowboy builders, no electricity, a dry well, torrential rain storms, and a freezing cold winter without a roof over their heads. Through all these adventures, they develop relations with their neighbours who had lived in the valley for many generations. Puzzled by the strangers’ behaviour, the neighbours teach them about olive picking, and the cultivation of local vegetables. But primarily, they offer their endless generosity and insight into life in rural Andalusia.
As they begin to settle in, financial problems confront our somewhat naïve couple. Without steady pay checks and construction bills piling up, their idea of the good life starts to fall apart. Written with a wry sense of honest humour, this story is filled with twists and turns that take the reader on a journey from a life where every day was monotonously repetitive to a place where every day presents a new challenge.
Quite quickly, however, they find themselves battling cowboy builders, no electricity, a dry well, torrential rain storms, and a freezing cold winter without a roof over their heads. Through all these adventures, they develop relations with their neighbours who had lived in the valley for many generations. Puzzled by the strangers’ behaviour, the neighbours teach them about olive picking, and the cultivation of local vegetables. But primarily, they offer their endless generosity and insight into life in rural Andalusia.
As they begin to settle in, financial problems confront our somewhat naïve couple. Without steady pay checks and construction bills piling up, their idea of the good life starts to fall apart. Written with a wry sense of honest humour, this story is filled with twists and turns that take the reader on a journey from a life where every day was monotonously repetitive to a place where every day presents a new challenge.
Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2020
344 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
Sabina Ostrowska
44 books17 followersSabina Ostrowska also known as Sabina O. is the author behind the bestselling 'New Life in Andalusia' series. Enjoying life among the sunny olive groves of southern Spain, Sabina crafts her narratives with a vivid sense of place. 'Shadows of Serenity,' her latest work, marks the debut of her cozy travel mystery series. Here, she invites readers on armchair adventures that span the globe. So pour a glass of your favorite wine and delve into these enthralling mysteries.
Facebook @sabinawriter
Instagram @sabina.author and @harrysinclair.cozymystery
Author webpage www.sabinaostrowska.com
Facebook @sabinawriter
Instagram @sabina.author and @harrysinclair.cozymystery
Author webpage www.sabinaostrowska.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
May 23, 2021
What happens if you take two city dwellers, living in the UAE, and transplant them to a ruin in rural Andalucía? Answer: The Crinkle Crankle Wall.
Sabina Ostrowska’s first travelogue memoir is full of those ouch moments of a duck out of water scenario with hilarious language barriers, dodgy builders and a rapidly greening swimming pool but Sabina and husband Robert buckle down and get stuck into fitting into the local community with aplomb.
Although I live 1000km north of Sabina in a totally different part of Spain, her descriptions of rural life and the characters which populate their tiny rural town struck a strong chord. Language problems, fitting in with the neighbours and renovation nightmares all struck home and I enjoyed following a similar yet very different story of moving to Spain.
Sabina Ostrowska’s first travelogue memoir is full of those ouch moments of a duck out of water scenario with hilarious language barriers, dodgy builders and a rapidly greening swimming pool but Sabina and husband Robert buckle down and get stuck into fitting into the local community with aplomb.
Although I live 1000km north of Sabina in a totally different part of Spain, her descriptions of rural life and the characters which populate their tiny rural town struck a strong chord. Language problems, fitting in with the neighbours and renovation nightmares all struck home and I enjoyed following a similar yet very different story of moving to Spain.
May 10, 2021
A very entertaining and humorous story of the start of a new life in Andalucia, Southern Spain. Living in the area ourselves we can relate to many of their experiences. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
May 11, 2021
A good feel good book of the ups and downs of life in rural Andalucia. A perfect summer holiday read
August 2, 2021
Amusing, insightful and informative -- all at one and the same time.
Sabina Ostrowska has a sharp eye for the eccentricities of British ex-pats (including those of her English husband) and an even keener eye for the customs and foibles of her new rural neighbours in rural Andalucia.
In this delightful memoir of the trials and tribulations she and Robert endure as they attempt to convert a set of farmyard buildings into a comfortable home and attractive guesthouse, the author captures not only national characteristics with wit and flair but reveals all the missteps they make with humour and self-deprecation.
Readers who enjoy reading about the entertaining and inevitably frustrating efforts of ex-pats struggling to settle into a new life in Spain, will read The Crinkle Crankle Wall with pleasure.
After rapidly smiling my way through this, Sabina Ostrowska’s first book, I look forward to her second.
Sabina Ostrowska has a sharp eye for the eccentricities of British ex-pats (including those of her English husband) and an even keener eye for the customs and foibles of her new rural neighbours in rural Andalucia.
In this delightful memoir of the trials and tribulations she and Robert endure as they attempt to convert a set of farmyard buildings into a comfortable home and attractive guesthouse, the author captures not only national characteristics with wit and flair but reveals all the missteps they make with humour and self-deprecation.
Readers who enjoy reading about the entertaining and inevitably frustrating efforts of ex-pats struggling to settle into a new life in Spain, will read The Crinkle Crankle Wall with pleasure.
After rapidly smiling my way through this, Sabina Ostrowska’s first book, I look forward to her second.
July 4, 2022
The curated egg
This is a mishmash recalling some of the actual life in spain, a very little about the characters around, and lots of bland detail about renovating staircases and the like. I do question whether to even call it a travelogue since the essence of life in spain is thin on the ground. For that reason I cannot really recommend it as an escapism read, because, in truth, you dont.
This is a mishmash recalling some of the actual life in spain, a very little about the characters around, and lots of bland detail about renovating staircases and the like. I do question whether to even call it a travelogue since the essence of life in spain is thin on the ground. For that reason I cannot really recommend it as an escapism read, because, in truth, you dont.
February 12, 2023
This was a lovely book. It was funny, real, and very well written. I enjoyed the journey from ‘lazy’ expats to ‘hard-working and DIY-passionate’ home owners. I would’ve – most likely – made the same mistakes. If we ever move abroad and start a big project such as the author’s, I’ll have to read this book again and make notes on what not to do. LOL
August 12, 2024
Disappointed
I've seen this book compared to Driving Over Lemons and A Rosie Life in Italy. I have to disagree. Whereas I grew to love Chris Stewart and Rosie Meleady, I can't say the same here.
Early on in the book, Ostrowska made a comment that raised my hackles ("I admired a family that knew how to kill a pig to make food that would last a year. I liked that they had kept the old killing bench..."). But I decided to put my personal sentiments aside and read on.
Unfortunately, there were several other instances where I felt shocked or offended:
- her decision to fly her cats in the cargo compartment despite the risks to their safety ("I was determined that I would not sit on the plane with this lamenting diva squealing for eight hours.")
- her disparaging comments about a Spanish neighbour ("Despite being only one hundred and fifty centimeters in height and having the build of a ten-year old boy, Mercedes can be surprisingly strong-willed...like a little female Napoleon.")
- "From the way my sister overdramatizes the possible contamination of her vegetables with a single molecule of meat, you may think that she is severaly allergic to meat protein. The very thought of meat invokes a psychosomatic rash on her pale, iron-deprived cheeks. The mere notion that a cooking utensil had touched meat and then touched a piece of vegetable that she is eating might make her go into anaphylactic shock."
- her shameless cunning in staging photos of their rental apartments ("hopefully we will lure some hapless travellers into booking their stay with us")
If you happen to be a tall, carnivorous, non-cat-loving person who doesn't care about fraudulent listings on Booking.com, you may like the book. But altogether, it didn't sit well with me.
The dialogue was almost non-existent and really bland. There were also several instances when Ostrowska went on a preachy rant about consumerism.
I do admire her courage in taking a leap into the unknown and her mind for business. Perhaps this book could have been much better with the help of a good editor, but as it stands, I had to give it 2 stars.
I've seen this book compared to Driving Over Lemons and A Rosie Life in Italy. I have to disagree. Whereas I grew to love Chris Stewart and Rosie Meleady, I can't say the same here.
Early on in the book, Ostrowska made a comment that raised my hackles ("I admired a family that knew how to kill a pig to make food that would last a year. I liked that they had kept the old killing bench..."). But I decided to put my personal sentiments aside and read on.
Unfortunately, there were several other instances where I felt shocked or offended:
- her decision to fly her cats in the cargo compartment despite the risks to their safety ("I was determined that I would not sit on the plane with this lamenting diva squealing for eight hours.")
- her disparaging comments about a Spanish neighbour ("Despite being only one hundred and fifty centimeters in height and having the build of a ten-year old boy, Mercedes can be surprisingly strong-willed...like a little female Napoleon.")
- "From the way my sister overdramatizes the possible contamination of her vegetables with a single molecule of meat, you may think that she is severaly allergic to meat protein. The very thought of meat invokes a psychosomatic rash on her pale, iron-deprived cheeks. The mere notion that a cooking utensil had touched meat and then touched a piece of vegetable that she is eating might make her go into anaphylactic shock."
- her shameless cunning in staging photos of their rental apartments ("hopefully we will lure some hapless travellers into booking their stay with us")
If you happen to be a tall, carnivorous, non-cat-loving person who doesn't care about fraudulent listings on Booking.com, you may like the book. But altogether, it didn't sit well with me.
The dialogue was almost non-existent and really bland. There were also several instances when Ostrowska went on a preachy rant about consumerism.
I do admire her courage in taking a leap into the unknown and her mind for business. Perhaps this book could have been much better with the help of a good editor, but as it stands, I had to give it 2 stars.
May 10, 2021
Enjoyable read!
Enjoyable read. The author has a good sense of humor...and maybe some tough luck in their adventures, but the glass is always half full so it’s enjoyable to read!
Enjoyable read. The author has a good sense of humor...and maybe some tough luck in their adventures, but the glass is always half full so it’s enjoyable to read!
April 6, 2021
I enjoyed reading this memoir a great deal and I look forward to Sabina’s next book.
May 25, 2021
Problems with buying a fixer up
working in the UAE and making tons of money is fine for some people but for this couple after several years doing weekend vacations constantly and shopping has finally reached the end. Deciding to to give it up and buy a fixer upper in Andalusia they spend a couple years before finding a place they love. It is amazing how many books I have read like this and most of them never have enough money to complete it they way they want. It took a couple years and I was happy that this book told how they made money while they were renovating. I thought it was well written and I loved ever thing they went thru. Luckily they did speak a little Spanish. The area had wonderful people who had no problem helping with their big equipment and helping them learn what to do with the olives and growing veggies, etc. if you are thinking of moving and renovating a place you really should read this book. I can’t wait for the next installment—wish I could read it now!!
working in the UAE and making tons of money is fine for some people but for this couple after several years doing weekend vacations constantly and shopping has finally reached the end. Deciding to to give it up and buy a fixer upper in Andalusia they spend a couple years before finding a place they love. It is amazing how many books I have read like this and most of them never have enough money to complete it they way they want. It took a couple years and I was happy that this book told how they made money while they were renovating. I thought it was well written and I loved ever thing they went thru. Luckily they did speak a little Spanish. The area had wonderful people who had no problem helping with their big equipment and helping them learn what to do with the olives and growing veggies, etc. if you are thinking of moving and renovating a place you really should read this book. I can’t wait for the next installment—wish I could read it now!!
May 18, 2021
A Wonderful Read
Having lived in Andalusia this memoir called out to me. I had bought off-plan and lived there full time, no re-builds for me.
This is a very enjoyable read about Sabina and Robert's new life in Spain, not all sun, wine, and roses, lots of very real-life struggles, both physically and financially. Sabina describes the local area and people with great passion, bringing everything to life for the reader.
Adapting to a new way of life in rural Andalusia, throwing themselves into learning the ways of the village, embarking on harvesting their olive trees, delighting at the production of their own olive oil. Harvesting and learning how to preserve figs and tomatoes, there is never a dull moment. No matter the hardships encountered, they still manage to see the humorous side of life.
I highly recommend this and so hope there is a follow on memoir.
Having lived in Andalusia this memoir called out to me. I had bought off-plan and lived there full time, no re-builds for me.
This is a very enjoyable read about Sabina and Robert's new life in Spain, not all sun, wine, and roses, lots of very real-life struggles, both physically and financially. Sabina describes the local area and people with great passion, bringing everything to life for the reader.
Adapting to a new way of life in rural Andalusia, throwing themselves into learning the ways of the village, embarking on harvesting their olive trees, delighting at the production of their own olive oil. Harvesting and learning how to preserve figs and tomatoes, there is never a dull moment. No matter the hardships encountered, they still manage to see the humorous side of life.
I highly recommend this and so hope there is a follow on memoir.
May 17, 2021
I love a 'moving to a different country' type memoir - this one didn't disappoint. I've had a house in Andalucia for 20 years now - and so this memoir was on my radar. Unlike the author and her husband, we didn't have to 'rebuild', and neither do we live there full-time. It's not always sun, sea & sangria as you will find out if you read this book. I like the way the author tells their story.
January 30, 2023
The Crinkle Crankle Wall is the story of the author and her husband’s search for a home in Spain that has outbuildings which can become rental apartments to provide some income. Spain is a country they have never visited and whose language they don’t speak- what a brave and intrepid endeavour! Sabina and her husband are big fans of the TV show Grand Designs and their minds are full of architectural features they would love to incorporate into a rural cottage - but first they have to find one. Once that task has been successfully completed, the refurbishment project begins and with it comes the misery of living in a home without a roof during rainy season.
Sabina’s witty and entertaining manner of describing a situation makes for a highly enjoyable description of events which were no doubt traumatic at the time. Living on a construction site for months sounds horrendous, as does the rapidly greening swimming pool water which required the couple to quickly learn pool maintenance.
I thoroughly enjoyed the imaginary conversations Sabina invents, for example between the animals in the “Live Cargo Transport” on the plane over to Spain, and later, between the unused tools the couple were amassing at their Cortijo.
The colour pictures at the beginning of each chapter are lovely and give the reader a clue to the theme of what is to come.
This is a delightful account of a move to Spain and is told with heart and skillful storytelling. It is obvious that all of their hard work paid off and the home has finally become their beloved sanctuary
Sabina’s witty and entertaining manner of describing a situation makes for a highly enjoyable description of events which were no doubt traumatic at the time. Living on a construction site for months sounds horrendous, as does the rapidly greening swimming pool water which required the couple to quickly learn pool maintenance.
I thoroughly enjoyed the imaginary conversations Sabina invents, for example between the animals in the “Live Cargo Transport” on the plane over to Spain, and later, between the unused tools the couple were amassing at their Cortijo.
The colour pictures at the beginning of each chapter are lovely and give the reader a clue to the theme of what is to come.
This is a delightful account of a move to Spain and is told with heart and skillful storytelling. It is obvious that all of their hard work paid off and the home has finally become their beloved sanctuary
August 26, 2025
This book was so funny!
More than one time while reading this book, I laughed out loud to the cat seated on my lap! What a great adventure!
I also enjoyed really looking at the drawings/paintings at the beginning of each chapter! They were so well done. Sometimes they looked like photographs until greatly enlarged then they looked like paintings!
More than one time while reading this book, I laughed out loud to the cat seated on my lap! What a great adventure!
I also enjoyed really looking at the drawings/paintings at the beginning of each chapter! They were so well done. Sometimes they looked like photographs until greatly enlarged then they looked like paintings!
June 10, 2021
Great read of an interesting life
I really enjoyed this book. The author was an accomplished writer and gave great descriptions to an almost impossible feat to create a new life in Spain. Her humor would make me laugh out loud. Now I am on a search for more of her writings
I really enjoyed this book. The author was an accomplished writer and gave great descriptions to an almost impossible feat to create a new life in Spain. Her humor would make me laugh out loud. Now I am on a search for more of her writings
September 6, 2021
A wonderful read.
Sabina and her husband Robert find a rundown house in the hills of Andalusia and proceed to convert it into holiday apartments.
Their trials and tribulations during this labour intensive time are told with a wonderful sense of humour, and make this a thoroughly enjoyable read.
I have no hesitation in recommending this memoir.
Sabina and her husband Robert find a rundown house in the hills of Andalusia and proceed to convert it into holiday apartments.
Their trials and tribulations during this labour intensive time are told with a wonderful sense of humour, and make this a thoroughly enjoyable read.
I have no hesitation in recommending this memoir.
Read
October 24, 2024I've read a few hooks of similar accounts and by and large, they are all basically the same. People go to foreign country, can't speak the language and expect to renovate an old house with a small budget and problems ensue.
Note to self to not read any more!
Note to self to not read any more!
March 27, 2022
Laugh Out Loud Funny
It’s an entertaining read and maybe in part a “what not to do” when remodeling a house in a new country. I’m definitely looking for book 2.
It’s an entertaining read and maybe in part a “what not to do” when remodeling a house in a new country. I’m definitely looking for book 2.
May 29, 2021
Sabina and her husband are tired of leading the luxury expat life in the UAE, and want a simpler life. So buying a ruin in a remote part of Adalucia, Spain sounds like a wonderful idea. With an extremely limited Spanish vocabulary, and most of their building experience gained by watching endless episodes of Grand Designs, they plan to make a home for themselves, and set up a bed and breakfast business. With help from the British community, and friendly locals, will they realize their dream, or will the fight against the elements, dwindling funds and lack of experience send them scurrying back to their former lives as teachers and writers? Read it and enjoy finding out. I did. And I look forward to a second book following their next adventures.
August 2, 2021
Quirky fun story of a couple living their dream.
The Crinkle Crankle Wall by Sabina Ostrowska was a rather quirky story of a couples journey through life trying to live their dream and sharing what they learn along the way. So many hardships, but just as many triumphs. It made me appreciate what I have, but question if I have lived overly cautious and maybe should have taken more risks. Overall I would recommend reading this fun light book, you just might extract some knowledge of customs and language from other countries too. One thing that I loved about this book was that they had drawings in between chapters of this digital copy. I was so excited about that, that I actually looked forward to finishing each chapter. They were lovely drawings too!! I received a copy of this book from the Author via Voracious Readers and Amazon in exchange for an honest review. JKSlovestoread/JudySamson
The Crinkle Crankle Wall by Sabina Ostrowska was a rather quirky story of a couples journey through life trying to live their dream and sharing what they learn along the way. So many hardships, but just as many triumphs. It made me appreciate what I have, but question if I have lived overly cautious and maybe should have taken more risks. Overall I would recommend reading this fun light book, you just might extract some knowledge of customs and language from other countries too. One thing that I loved about this book was that they had drawings in between chapters of this digital copy. I was so excited about that, that I actually looked forward to finishing each chapter. They were lovely drawings too!! I received a copy of this book from the Author via Voracious Readers and Amazon in exchange for an honest review. JKSlovestoread/JudySamson
April 26, 2021
Nice introduction to Andalusia
Really well written I loved how well this book flushed out their move from Saudi Arabia to the south of Spain. I finished it way too quick! I'm sure there is a lot more to learn about the area and local people I sincerely hope there is a follow-up book which takes the couple out of their house to meet more people and explore more of their surroundings!
Really well written I loved how well this book flushed out their move from Saudi Arabia to the south of Spain. I finished it way too quick! I'm sure there is a lot more to learn about the area and local people I sincerely hope there is a follow-up book which takes the couple out of their house to meet more people and explore more of their surroundings!
April 28, 2021
I've just finished the book and loved the story and the author's sense of humour, even in some difficult situations that they get themselves into. I've recommended it to all my friends and family.
September 9, 2021
Loved it, loved it
I have read an inordinate number of books by people starting a new life in France, Spain, Outer Womberbumboojah and for the most part, they are not well written and seldom as amusing as their authors think they are.
This book is different. First of all, the writer is Polish and writes exquisite English that makes me weak both in admiration for her and shame for the rest of us. Secondly, it is hilarious. The vicissitudes of Sabina and Robert's first year living in Andalusia make one both wince in sympathy and fall about laughing. If this sort of book is your sort of thing, you will love it too. Highly recommended.
I have read an inordinate number of books by people starting a new life in France, Spain, Outer Womberbumboojah and for the most part, they are not well written and seldom as amusing as their authors think they are.
This book is different. First of all, the writer is Polish and writes exquisite English that makes me weak both in admiration for her and shame for the rest of us. Secondly, it is hilarious. The vicissitudes of Sabina and Robert's first year living in Andalusia make one both wince in sympathy and fall about laughing. If this sort of book is your sort of thing, you will love it too. Highly recommended.
March 29, 2021
Very entertaining
I found this memoir very entertaining and well written. I was transported to another place that was idyllic and yet took perseverance and determination to survive. Would recommend.
I found this memoir very entertaining and well written. I was transported to another place that was idyllic and yet took perseverance and determination to survive. Would recommend.
April 7, 2021
As someone who has moved to rural Spain, I've found it very relatable. The memoir is written with a lot of humour. A very good read!
Read
June 7, 2021Very entertaining and fast-paced.
April 12, 2021
I liked the humour and the adventures in Spain. It was a light-hearted read.
September 20, 2023
A chore.
May 11, 2023
Sabina (the author) and Robert have a dream of starting a new life in rural Spain. A dream which involves olive trees, sunshine and cold white wine, a gorgeous home amidst the olive groves with space to provide holiday accommodation. Optimistically, they embark on househunting with enthusiasm, some naivety and not very much Spanish. After a succession of disastrous properties and some bizarre vendors, they settle on the house of their dreams…But moving in isn’t quite what they expected and their work has only just begun!
For all you lovers of programmes like Grand Designs, A Place in the Sun, DIY SOS etc….this is for You!! There are lots of references to Grand Designs in the book as Sabina frequently wishes she had absorbed some of the lessons of those owners who overspent their budget, dreamed too big; planned inadequately..
This is a blow by blow account warts and all - incidentally the house is called Cortijo Berruguilla which means ‘little wart’! - of the first two years in Andalusia. There are highs - drinking wine on their terrace, eating their own fruit and vegetables and some really incredible and supportive neighbours! And the lows! Oh my goodness the lows! A swimming pool that turned green, living without a roof or water, running out of money and living on tomatoes. When things go wrong the couple learn building techniques on Youtube…
This is a funny and fascinating account and very probably a cautionary tale for anyone who shares similar dreams! In the first few years the couple have so much to navigate. Undoubtedly they were a little naive and ambitious but their ingenuity, determination and sheer blooming hard work are remarkable.
And the ‘crinkle crankle wall’ of the title is apparently an architectural term for a wall that curves! What a perfect title for this book.
For all you lovers of programmes like Grand Designs, A Place in the Sun, DIY SOS etc….this is for You!! There are lots of references to Grand Designs in the book as Sabina frequently wishes she had absorbed some of the lessons of those owners who overspent their budget, dreamed too big; planned inadequately..
This is a blow by blow account warts and all - incidentally the house is called Cortijo Berruguilla which means ‘little wart’! - of the first two years in Andalusia. There are highs - drinking wine on their terrace, eating their own fruit and vegetables and some really incredible and supportive neighbours! And the lows! Oh my goodness the lows! A swimming pool that turned green, living without a roof or water, running out of money and living on tomatoes. When things go wrong the couple learn building techniques on Youtube…
This is a funny and fascinating account and very probably a cautionary tale for anyone who shares similar dreams! In the first few years the couple have so much to navigate. Undoubtedly they were a little naive and ambitious but their ingenuity, determination and sheer blooming hard work are remarkable.
And the ‘crinkle crankle wall’ of the title is apparently an architectural term for a wall that curves! What a perfect title for this book.
February 13, 2024
This book makes me long for adventure. Long for a challenge. I have fallen in love with the idea of following Sabina and Robert relocating their life, then house hunting in Spain while sitting down in a cafe drinking wine and crossing items off the ‘must have list,’ all while justifying the move in their heads.
Room for a vegetable garden. Gone, who really likes fresh vegetables.
Easy access to town. Not that important.
Two bedrooms. Unnecessary, as there are only the two of us.
A roof. A waste and who wants to bother with the upkeep?
The author and her husband invite us on the unenviable process of moving away from their cushy life in the UAE to Andalusia to renovate and establish a guest house. They are relying solely on their accumulated knowledge gathered from watching home renovation TV shows and following pet bloggers online.
How much heartwarming and hilarious culture shock can one couple handle? From shoveling decade's worth of animal crap off the barn floor in 40 degree heat to how do you get a satellite internet connection in Spain, apart from waiting for the Spanish Space Exploration agency to get off the ground? Have you ever been to a party to celebrate the poor and unreliable electricity of the local area?
And then there is the final rush to get the finishing touches on the guest house for the first guest due for NYE 2015.
What on the list needs the most attention while they enjoy a glass of wine?
Fixing the staircase? Maybe the guests will pay attention to the 2 foot drop.
Getting beds for the visitors? Perhaps they will enjoy a more rustic holiday.
A roof? I am sure no one will notice.
Room for a vegetable garden. Gone, who really likes fresh vegetables.
Easy access to town. Not that important.
Two bedrooms. Unnecessary, as there are only the two of us.
A roof. A waste and who wants to bother with the upkeep?
The author and her husband invite us on the unenviable process of moving away from their cushy life in the UAE to Andalusia to renovate and establish a guest house. They are relying solely on their accumulated knowledge gathered from watching home renovation TV shows and following pet bloggers online.
How much heartwarming and hilarious culture shock can one couple handle? From shoveling decade's worth of animal crap off the barn floor in 40 degree heat to how do you get a satellite internet connection in Spain, apart from waiting for the Spanish Space Exploration agency to get off the ground? Have you ever been to a party to celebrate the poor and unreliable electricity of the local area?
And then there is the final rush to get the finishing touches on the guest house for the first guest due for NYE 2015.
What on the list needs the most attention while they enjoy a glass of wine?
Fixing the staircase? Maybe the guests will pay attention to the 2 foot drop.
Getting beds for the visitors? Perhaps they will enjoy a more rustic holiday.
A roof? I am sure no one will notice.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews