Word from Jeff, the permits are in the hopper. We can legally renovate our casita, the 50 square meter wonder. The well permit awaits a final rubber stamp. But we are on the way to becoming farmers in the Spanish countryside.
Our friends Cristina and Waldo in Gratallops have offered us the use of their delightful hotel C'al Llop (cal-llop) from mid-January for one month, while the hotel is closed and they take vacation. A month in the Priorat! We are excited and nervous simultaneously. The litmus test. I adore Cristina. She's funny, smart, and full of life. She sent a greeting referencing the marvelous Spanish black and white film Bienvenido Mr. Marshall, "Americanos os Recibimos". Check it out!(Americanos os Recibimos)
Jeff sent images of a similar casita the contractor has been working on in nearby Vinebre. Overall looks good. Our month will be spent hammering out the details, and hopefully overseeing "groundbreaking". We are committed to this project, come hell or high water. The economic crisis only adds to the resolve to not become immobilized with fear. Slog on, that's the adventure of life.
We hope to also be poking around looking at townhouses. The "casita de campo" on Finca C'an Do will be just that, not a palatial Spanish country house. The system is casita in the country, townhouse in the village. Been that way for centuries. We have no interest in being "expatriates" but rather members of a community as it exists. Vamos a ver. Faith and patience.
