Comments on: On the Tide Line ??? But Not Quite Washed Up

By: McEff

McEff — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 01:18:56 +0000

We drove over that pass from Ventas de Zafarraya and down to Velez-Malaga a few years ago and I actually remember seeing the trackbed of the railway cutting off to the right. That’s a walk I shall put on my list.
Cheers, Alen

By: maromapress

maromapress — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 19:29:06 +0000

Sure. Email me or give me a call in Frigiliana ??? I”m in the phonebook. Just come back from a great walk along the disused rail track that runs from Ventas de Zafarraya down to the village of Periana. Incredibly cold and windy at Ventas where the wind funnels though a gap in the mountains, but warm and sunny later ??? and magnificent views. This is one of the easiest walks in this area, flat or downhill all the way.

By: McEff

McEff — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 19:18:44 +0000

Hi David,
I’ve got about six weeks to go before I’m out of a job. The plan is to do the house up once I have the time, put in on the market, and try to get over there before Christmas.
We have some good friends in the Orgiva area and they’re giving us help and advice. And yes, I’m learning the lingo, but the truth is I’ll have to improve ??? and quickly.
So before long I might join you for a glass of wine in the sun.
All the best, Alen

By: maromapress

maromapress — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 19:10:05 +0000

Alen,
Spain has to be your next move! But please swot up on the lingo rather than follow the example of so many Brits who come down here and never learn a word of Spanish. Seems the printed newspaper is on its way out. Sad for us journos but somehow I have managed to survive as a freelance after opting out of the Fleet Street rat-race years ago. And today the sun was blazing down on my pueblo andaluz ??? and the wine wasn’t bad either!

By: McEff

McEff — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 16:52:40 +0000

Hi Andy. yes, the Rio Guadalfeo. I can see why they call it the ugly river, because even when we were over in Orgiva in November the water was grey and unappealing. And to be quite honest, it smells a bit too, and I know that from personal experience because I waded through it one day. mind you, it was quite warm, so it does have something going for it.
We once considered moving to the Orkneys, one down from the Shetlands, because property is as cheap as chips and we wouldn’t have needed any new clothes. I think, on balance, that Spain is the better option. Certainly my wife thinks so.
Cheers, Alen

By: Andy R

Andy R — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 16:37:03 +0000

Hi Alen,
I’m glad to hear you have a hill in your sights in Spain. As I write, we have a young guy here who is originally from Spain. Currently working in Norway as an outdoor adventure instructor he chose to come here to learn something about Cyprus. We provide food and lodgings in exchange for some volunteer work. It seems like a win win situation. Jodnas, that is his name, says that Orgiva is a stunning location with great views of the Sierra Nevada. Apparently in the spring Jodnas and his pals like to go kayaking and rafting on the river Guadalfeo – the ugly river, apparently due to the colour of the melt water. You probably know it? A couple of nights ago were looking at video footage of a 13 kilometre snow and ice race taking place in the Sierra Nevada, sent by a friend to Jodnas phone. The area looks quite challenging in winter, that may add to your pleasure if you are at all like my brother-in-law who when he moved to Shetland felt that he had arrived in a part of the UK that best suited his wardrobe! I have nothing to offer on the chicken and piano conundrum though I’m sure there would be homes waiting for all of them should you so decide.
All the best Andy

By: McEff

McEff — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 16:50:51 +0000

Hi Andy. Thanks very much for your generous offer. I’m not racing towards fresh employment, because I’m fed up of being employed and with the hassle it causes, but my wife and I are looking very seriously at acquiring our own sunny hilltop in Spain. Or at least a little bit of a sunny hilltop near Orgiva, just south of Granada. It’s a place we’ve visited five times and we’ve got friends there. That’s why I was so impressed with your hilltop in Cyprus. You’re several steps ahead of us.
We haven’t finalised any plans yet, we’re in the financial assessment stage and wondering what to do with the chickens and piano. It’s a big step so if we do it we’re going to do it right.
All the best, Alen

By: sprintexec

sprintexec — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 16:11:05 +0000

I???ve arrived late and others have trodden the blasted ground on redundancy. You may recall that responding to my comments on the Welsh slate mines you said that you wouldn???t mind being on a hill in Cyprus. Well, opportunity beckons. If you are not racing towards fresh employment and you fancy heading out to Cyprus we???ve some space here. It might make a pleasant change of scene?

By: Jo Woolf

Jo Woolf — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 13:16:01 +0000

I have noticed all this myself – the death knell of good English, in fact. It’s sad but inevitable. I can just imagine you in an old boat on the sand dunes (maybe a comfortable cottage, with a boat as a garden shed?)

By: McEff

McEff — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 12:43:08 +0000

Hi Jo. Thanks for your kind words. I’m sure something will turn up because it always does. Doors open and close all the time. The trouble with newspapers is everything is being channeled on-line and quality is sinking to the lowest common denominator. Design, punctuation, grammar ??? it all goes out of the window on newspaper websites. But that’s what the industry wants because it lowers overheads.
I fancy a complete change and this might just be the opportunity. I’d like to be the man in Local Hero who lives in an old boat in the sand-dunes and spends his nights gazing at the stars. Not so sure Anne would go for it, though. Anyway, something along those lines but perhaps with a bit more comfort and internet access.
All the best, Alen

By: Jo Woolf

Jo Woolf — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 09:32:29 +0000

No! How have I missed this post?! I am very sorry to hear you are being made redundant, Alen. That is never good news, but particularly at this time of year. Moving the whole subbing department of a Northern newspaper to Wales? Yes, that makes sense! (?) They will soon be regretting that, I am sure. Don’t despair – someone with your talent for writing and editing has got to be able to find work. And why not consider publishing a book (or three) on the landscapes that you know so well? You have got so much specialist historical knowledge, it should be shared on something more permanent than a blog! (But don’t give up blogging, either!) Great post, by the way. Keep smiling, and all the best for 2014. Jo

By: McEff

McEff — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 22:57:40 +0000

Hi Mark. It’s comments like yours that make writing this blog so worthwhile. Positive feedback is the best reward a bloke can ask for when he casts his thoughts on the internet.
Thank you so much and all the best for the new year, Alen