{"id":2602,"date":"2014-11-22T17:24:38","date_gmt":"2014-11-22T17:24:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/2ndcupoftea.com\/?p=2602"},"modified":"2014-11-23T08:38:42","modified_gmt":"2014-11-23T08:38:42","slug":"invited-guajar-alto-andalusia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/2ndcupoftea.com\/?p=2602","title":{"rendered":"You Are All Invited… Guajar Alto, Andalusia"},"content":{"rendered":"

…To my new home. Yes home, house, dwelling, abode, crib even. As of yesterday around 11.23 a.m I am no longer ‘homeless’ (apologies to parents as this was technically never true). My suitcase and backpack are unpacked and for 8 weeks (apart from a short trip back to England) I will be in only one place – MY place.<\/p>\n

\"THE<\/a>

THE Moment… Entering Number 44<\/p><\/div>\n

Herman Hesse said; one never reaches home, but where friendly paths intersect the whole world looks like home for a time<\/em>. I have certainly taken advantage of many a friendly path over the past 15 years, my time working as a guide. I’m so often told I ‘have the best life’ – best JOB I often try to correct my judges.<\/p>\n

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Last year the total number of beds in which I slept was 187 which always somehow sounds dodgy. I can assure you these were solitary experiences, taking place in more than 21 countries – still talking only last year. I certainly don’t plan to retire just yet, but lets just say the prospect of stringing together more than 30 consecutive nights in one bed holds more than a little appeal.<\/p>\n

So where? Well those who know me will not be surprised to hear in the end I chose somewhere surrounded by beautiful countryside and remoteness; steeped in history; close to hiking and skiing – as well as close to beaches; a land of delicious food and of course (again if you know me); wine. Italy holds a few too many painful memories, so sticking to my beloved Mediterranean; I’m writing to you from Andalusia, Spain.<\/p>\n

Welcome to Guajar Alto. Guajar what?! Yes, ‘alto’ the ‘high’ one – as there are three. Needless to say of these three serene whitewashed, once moorish, villages I picked the one at the end of the road – furthest from internet, telephones, televisions, motorways, but closest to miles of mountain paths, a local Spanish dialect I am struggling to comprehend and surrounded by 150 or so souls most of whom I am sure do not visit in a lifetime as many countries as I do in a season (this is not boasting) – just the perfect antidote to my normal ‘life’.<\/p>\n

\"Home...\"<\/a>

Home…<\/p><\/div>\n

He is happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home<\/em> – Goethe. For too many years now I have found peace in other people’s homes. Travelling has never been a chore for me, only the sacrifices it has brought. People often ask me why ‘second cup of tea’ and my response is always – ‘read the site and you will see’. The truth is that the inspiration comes from a remote mountain people, obliged by customs of hospitality to offer visitors at least one cup of tea. If you are offered a second you a friend for life, a third; family.<\/p>\n

As I have crossed the world I have notched up a long list of people who have offered me not only several cups of tea, but beds, couches, mattresses, floor space to bed down for the night, week, month even. Part of my buying this small 87m2 house in Royal Street ‘Calle Real’, lies in the expectant joy of being able to return the favour – the living room has a very large and comfortable sofa bed and the terrace – onto which a mattress is easily placed offers incredible views of nothing but stars, so close…<\/p>\n

\"Guajar<\/a>

Guajar Alto – My New Home…<\/p><\/div>\n

As the title of this rather different post goes – you are all invited. Cups of tea; first, second and thirds, await. The log fire will be lit and bottles of wine opened. I have worked non stop for two years, saving every single penny that came my way to achieve to be at that signing yesterday. A ‘home’ has been such a goal for me. Though last night – the first surrounded by my own walls was special – I have realised I have not bought a ‘home’, but a house.<\/p>\n

Le Corbusier one of the pioneers of modern architecture said; The home should be the treasure chest of living<\/em>. Though these walls have been lived in, not yet by me. What will turn it into a home is not least you – come, visit, stay (even when I am not there) you are my friends; you know who you are and I owe you so much – come and help me fill that treasure chest with new memories.<\/p>\n

Someone whose opinion I respect more than most, recently told me – not intended as a compliment – that it is ‘a shame I don’t know the value of money’. She may well be right. This was in response to a rather pricey present I bought in the midst of all this saving. She is certainly one person I tried to show what does matter to me, but it is true I have never really learned to understand money. I am grateful to it for in the end providing me with a roof over my head of course, but the truth is, money means very little to me. I have not bought happiness yesterday.<\/p>\n

Yesterday I moved in with one suitcase and a backpack, not far from the sum total of my belongings. As I unpacked into a small house – that I can in no way fill (yet), it provided food for thought that at age 38 this ‘hoard’ amounts to what I have accumulated. Not much. I always dreamt (and got close I think) that one day rather than a suitcase it would be a partner I’d bring over the doorstep into ‘my’ house. I struck out a few times, but that’s life.<\/p>\n

I have not posted anything to my site for awhile as I wanted to ‘return’ with this news, which I hoped would happen. As I waited to write, I came across several quotes about homes and houses and what they mean to people, trying to understand what one might one day do to me. In the end, the one I liked the most, that seemed to sum the last years up for me – was one that simply contained the word ‘home’ and as such appeared in a google search – though unrelated. So, rather unusually, after repeating one final time; please come and visit – the last word goes to Babe Ruth of all people;<\/p>\n

Every strike brings me closer to the next home run<\/em>…<\/p>\n

\"If<\/a>

If At First You Fail…<\/p><\/div>\n

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