touring Spain

36. New Ideas Are Being Formed!

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It’s been quite a while since my last blog. Why? Well, it’s been a busy time here in Cave Land. Since Cueva Limon opened in April of this year we have seen a steady flow of guests – family, friends, travellers from holiday booking sites like Airbnb etc. It has been full steam ahead and then more!

We have been proud to welcome many interesting people from all over the world to Cueva Limon. A few lovely guests have given us their own tips and ideas to the what they felt could benefit future guests. We just love constructive feedback.

From our own perspective, we have been able to see for ourselves what works well, which areas we can improve on and any changes we can implement to ensure future guests get the best possible holiday that we can provide.

The little things we have picked up from our guests are; to have a magnifying mirror in the main bedroom; to install the table tennis table inside the wood shed (it was far to hot most days to use the table out in the garden area) and; we have fine tuned the timing of when to prepare the hot water for the jacuzzi (remember it is heated by means of a wood burning stove). These little things keep our guest happy and that is what it’s all about.

On top of these small changes we are proud to announce that 2022 will end with 3 new experiences that we can offer to our future guests.

FIrstly, we are preparing a strip of land to be used for archery sessions. I have always wanted to do archery and, although rarely hit the target, I am really enjoying the experience. I hope our guests will too.

Secondly, we are building a double adult chair swing which will overlook the beautiful views we have at the front of our cave. This swing has been in the planning for quite a while and I purchased the seats two years ago so this is a long time coming. Hopefully, the wood is being delivered next week from Wood2Go and, with the help of a good friend, will be ready to use in a matter of weeks. I cannot wait. This is a similar image but ours will have proper seats to sit and relax after a tiring day in the jacuzzi.

Thirdly and not so exciting to most, is to insert the swing ball post into concrete. The base that comes with the set has not lasted long and is quite inadequate for hitting the ball any harder than a tap. Before you say ‘Isn’t swing ball a childs toy?”, I would reply that it was a fun game for any age. I love it and I’m the wrong side of 60. When it’s firmly cemented into the ground the game can really commence.

Hopefully, with the few minor changes and three good additions to enhance our guests experience, 2023 will be a great year for us all. Please take a look at Cueva Limon website and see what we can offer for your next holiday. Don’t forget, our prices stay the same all year round. My biggest pet hate is that prices rise during school holidays leaving families and people working within the constraints of school terms with often a massive rise in the cost of enjoying a holiday abroad. Take a look and if you have any questions please get in touch. http://www.caveholidays.com

35. Hot tub has landed.

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To choose, purchase and install a hot tub is easy isn’t it? I can honestly answer that question with a, ‘Hell no!’ For me it has been a lengthy road from beginning to end with many things to consider at every stage.

My first consideration was on style and size. I had imagined something slightly different from the circular or square tubs but large enough to easily accomodate 4 people. Size was important as I found the advertised 7-8 seater tubs may only be suitable for tiny people that like crowds and that’s not us.

Then there was a decision to be made on the type of hot tub. The all electric tubs ‘jacuzzi’ can be very expensive to heat the water and, in our case, would need a separate electrical feed from the main box, which when quoted for, was a small mortgage. However, after a little investigation I was introduced to the wood burning hot tubs (similar to what you may see in Sweden). With the water heated by wood, the only electricity necessary was for lights and jets which have minimal requirements. After installing an extra electric socket to the garden area where the hot tub was to be sited, we were all set.

I eventually found the perfect 8 sided tub with a wood burning stove, LED lights and lots of bubble jets – except it had to come from Estonia. If anyone is looking to start a new business within Spain then wood burning hot tubs would be a good choice!

After several months the hot tub arrived, and with the help of our local builder Miguel, was carefully located in the rear garden of the cave on top of the concrete base that had previously been prepared.

This is when my fun started. It was time to design the area around the hot tub and make it somewhere for ourselves and guest to relax and enjoy whether you were in or out of the tub. The design was not the only consideration – there was the practical issues too like how do you get into such a high tub!

The outdoor shower was built and floor tiled, the hot tub base was plastered, steps built, statues purchased, plants planted, gravel spread and blue grass laid. I now know that, at my tender age, my knees and back have lowered their limits of usage than ever before! Slowly it all took shape.

I wanted this particular area to be a continuation of the already established back garden keeping a flow all the way through. I hope I have achieved just that.

I am pleased with the outcome and looking forward to many happy hours sitting in the tub with a glass and a good book or just simply relaxing as I listen to the many birds around us. I cannot wait for guests to try it out too when we open Cueva Limon in April this year. Take a look at other photos we have at http://www.caveholidays.com.

Let me know what you think. Stay safe and well.

33. Building a table – part 1.

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Cave life continues during this weird and daunting time we find ourselves in. As the virus persists to threaten our lives, John and I are finding our happiness in the immediate part of the world we call home. Our cave has been our saviour. It has given us shelter, room to move, repair jobs to do and new ideas to design and build.

I don’t think we will ever be in a position where we can sit back and say, ‘ We are done’. It’s never going to happen but perhaps that’s a good thing…. it keeps us on our toes and certainly keeps us busy. We may have aching backs and bad legs between us but…. we carry on, as you do.

I have several projects ongoing at the moment. One of these projects is the building of a new table with seats within the rear garden area. The actual design of this table has changed 4 times from when I first sketched out a design on my computer. After transferring the design to the garden by placing breeze blocks to give me an idea of size and shape I decided that the first two designs were a little complicated (and that is slightly understated), How about a circular table with a base to match? All sounds good until you ask the local metal man if it’s possible to make a round frame for the table top so we can fit bardos within the frame and then tile. He simply said no – not possible! Plan B… how about 6 sided table top? That was a ‘yes’ so off he went. In the meantime I had a friend build a circular base for me as I really do not want to try cutting breeze blocks with a cutter. I will try most things and have my tools all lined up in the garage but not a large cutter that was needed to cut these bricks. I have my limits!

As of last week we have had the frame delivered and I have placed it on the base to give me an idea of the size. I am so pleased with the overall look – thankfully. Now… what size should the seats be? That appears to be a straightforward question and one that should be easily answered. So why did I find it so hard? Well, firstly the patio area for the table is not level. It runs down in two directions. As the table will be fairly level, (thanks Steve), the seats around the table will be differing heights. Eventually, I decided that after measuring the height of each of the 6 sides and working out the gap that would be needed between the top of the seat and bottom of the table, it became easier.

Ok, I’ve got the height sorted. Now for working out how far from the actual edge of the table the seats should be? They cannot be too close as someone like me would never get in. They cannot be too far away as smaller people would never reach their food or drinks! It was a few days of measuring and moving blocks about before I decided on what I think will be a good compromise and I’m sticking to it. Anyone that cannot reach the table can sit on my lap! So, the blocks have been positioned and tomorrow I am going to start to concrete them in.

Post note: the seats will have to wait as I was called to have my first jab yesterday and not quite feeling up to cementing today. Perhaps tomorrow.

Stay safe everyone.

31. Tourist Board inspections are scary – or are they?

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It had arrived. We had received notification that our new cave rental, Cueva Limón, was to have an inspection from the Tourist board of Andalucia. All licenced holiday rental properties have inspections at some point and it was time for ours. We were notified 10 days ago of the date and time and given guidance on what to do with regards their visit during these covid times.

We had 10 days to ensure we had all the relevant paperwork in order, registrations, visitors books in place, first aid and fire precautions sorted and all the other smaller things you need to look at when having such an inspection. This all seems relatively simple but not so easy when you are in the middle of a lockdown. We have had the paperwork in order for some time and the forms had been printed off the computer. Amazon, due to lockdown, was the only way I could buy a first aid kit, fire blanket and fire alarm at such short notice. The inside painting jobs we needed to finish off and the building of a garden bench and table in the back garden had to be left half finished due to lack of materials. But at least the inspector could see that we had started and what our intentions were.

Although John is going to our local school twice a week to learn Spanish we decided that this inspection was too important to try and answer any of the questions we would be asked so we arranged for a recommended translator to join us and help with communication. I’m so glad we did. He was great and although we did understand some of what was being asked the rest went well over our heads. Thank you Annie for the recommendation and thank you Guy for your translation during the visit.

When our allotted time of 9.30 arrived we had our first surprise. We did not have one inspector come to see us but two! The fact that there was more than one put our stress levels through the roof. It was going to get very serious we thought – two inspectors aiming questions from both sides. However, it was nothing like what we had imagined. It was 45 minutes of “Muy Bonito” (very nice), lots of photos being taken and many wide smiles on both of their faces. The two inspectors were very happy with everything we had achieved and the projects that we had yet to finish off. The only request was that we purchase a printed pre numbered complaints book from the bookshop in Baza. Their parting words were, ‘We are very impressed and we wish you the best for your future bookings. Muy Bien’.

I will admit to being nervous before their arrival, very nervous on their arrival and a complete jelly on their departure. It will take me a few hours to actually stop shaking. I was in complete shock that the visit went so well.

Moral of the story is … don’t worry about what may happen. It may surprise you and never happen at all and if it does, you can work it out. However, life is not that simple is it? We are all human and we will continue to worry about the ‘what ifs’ in life. Makes things more interesting I suppose, however in my case, it’s given me more grey hairs.

Please take a look at Cueva Limón and we hope you will consider joining us in the near future for a holiday that you will remember, Cave life is the best – come and try it for yourselves. http://www.caveholidays.com

Keep safe and keep smiling.

29. SOLD – broken our own record!

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How lucky are we!

Our success at selling properties started when over 14 years ago we decided to sell our cottage, office premises and 2 businesses back in the UK.  We wanted to relocate to Cyprus but imagined it happening in 6 months to 2 years allowing us time to sell.  However, fate had other ideas and everything sold within 2 weeks!   The cottage was sold unbelievably quickly,  it Soldactually went through within 11 days, that’s from viewing to final completion.   Yes, 11 days, honestly.  He was a well known footballer looking for somewhere to stay in the area whilst he was seconded to another local team.  Apparently…. the whole cottage could have sat in his lounge within his permanent home!

Then, after 11 years in Cyprus, we decided to relocate to Spain the same thing happened.  Both our Cypriot properties, Villa and the beautiful rental apartment sold very quickly,

within weeks.  It was brilliant but quite scary as we had nowhere to imagesmove into.  If you have been following our story you will know that we had purchased a beautiful unreformed cave.  A cave that was certainly not livable. So the search began for a cave in Spain that we could actually move into.

Now we are selling again but, I hasten to add, not our home.  I love my cave home far too much.  As I had explained in the last blog (28), we are looking to slow down and not work so hard.  I sometimes feel that I am playing catch up everyday and getting nowhere.  So, the decision was made to advertise our 6 rental caves on Facebook.  Well, I was absolutely amazed at the  overwhelming response I received within the first 24 hours.  It was a complete surprise.

186674951On the same day as the advert went live I answered a message from one couple who actually told me they were so interested that they were driving over as we “spoke” to take a look.  We agreed to drive up and meet them so at least they could look inside and….. they are now the new owners – or will be shortly. images Contracts have been signed today, deposits paid but, due to their work commitments abroad, they will be unable to take over officially until 1 April 2021 (may make that 2 April for obvious reasons!)

We cannot be any happier, for us as sellers and for Debbie and Bryan as purchasers.  They are an absolutely lovely couple and I have no doubt whatsoever that they will make a roaring success of the business.  The ideas they have will only help the business to continue growing making it even more of a success than it is now.   Please don’t forget that bookings for Cuevas de la Paz continue so if you would like to take a look please visit http://www.caveholidays.com.  When the sale is finalised I will keep you up to date with the new web address giving you choices for your future holidays in cave land.

How do we feel?  Being truthful… quite sad in as much as we have worked hard to get the business to where it is now but I also feel a huge relief as I can now put my energy and time into Cueves Limòn which is our rental cave next door to our own cave.  Up until now it has only been used for family and friends although it is fully licenced for tourists.  Our hesitation has been about our three dogs that share the outdoor space.  Should we separate the outdoor area or advertise for dog lovers only?   We decided on dog lovers only!  So, a new launch of the website for Cuevas Limòn will be happening very soon ready for the 2021 season.   This will keep me busy enough but in a more relaxed way if that makes sense.

Take a look at http://www.caveholidaysspain.com but please remember it’s not quite ready yet as there are lots more photos to add and plenty more to say.  However, it should give you a taste of what’s to come.

So… please bear with me as I finalise the website of Cueva Limòn.   I am truly looking forward to sharing our own piece of cave land with some great people.

Again, congratulations and a huge welcome to Debbie and Bryan.  We look forward to good times together.

Stay safe and keep following.

Sue

28. Semi-retirement? Yes please!

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Lock down has made an impact on all of our lives and that continues throughout 2020.  Personally we have had time to re-evaluate our own lives, our workload and what we truly want for our future.

Our house2

I can honestly say that I have really enjoyed being at home, building benches, tables and pottering about trying to make our waste bank into something that resembles a rockery.  I have loved it.  We do have a rather large cave and lots of area around us so there is always something to be done.  My ‘to do’ list never gets any smaller.  As soon as one job gets crossed off another two get added.

I would never have dreamt that I would have said that at the start of this year.  We were working hard to build the rental business up at Cuevas de la Paz (CDLP) which were doing so well.  Rentals were coming in and I was kept very busy – all was looking great for 2020.  Then Covid-19 hit giving me time to sit and think.

It has made us realise what is important, what we need to live a comfortable life and what makes us happy.  We have everything we can possible want right on our doorstep.  We have a lovely home that has been reformed and designed to our liking, we have a second cave next door, (Cuevas Limón), that has been reformed and designed with the view of renting out for holiday lets and we have our wonderful life in cave land.  CDLP was certainly an extra bonus but its success has been our/its downfall.  This sounds a little odd but that is what has happened.

Cuevas Limón (our cave next door) has been fully licensed for a while now but because we have three rescue dogs that share the outdoor space we were in two minds of what to do.  We have now decided to begin advertising the rental from January 2021 but… only to dog lovers.  I am still working on the website so it’s work in progress but take a look and see what we have to offer http://www.caveholidaysspain.com

imagesWe are both of a certain age and want to look forward to a slower pace of life, as we had in lockdown.  So the decision was made 24 hours ago to advertise the sale of CDLP.

WOW.  we did not expect such a response so quickly.  We have had so many people wanting further information we were rather taken aback.   One couple came to look within a couple of hours of me advertising on FB.  We did really like them and talks continue.  Other messages have been discounted as we have decided against the ‘Rent to Buy’ option.  We have been warned by a few people not to go down this path as it can be very troublesome for both parties and that is what we are trying to get away from.   There have been other cash buyers wanting to continue with information which is great.  So…..watch this space… it’s all looking promising.

Would you say I was daft if I said that I wanted the CDLP to be bought by people that shared the same dreams  and passion as we had – well yes we are daft and a little mad but at our age we are allowed.

Stay safe, stay happy.

 

 

26. Lockdown within Cave Land – part 4

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IMG_20200503_100635We are now in our 9th week of lockdown – 59 days to be precise.  What has that meant for us?

For the first couple of weeks we just got on with it.  What choice did we have?  But then there were days we lost our positivity and needed to kick ourselves in the butt.  Thankfully it hasn’t happened that often and as I have said before, and will say again, we are lucky to live where we do in such lovely surroundings and scenery.  It really does help to be able to sit outdoors and enjoy what we have around us.

We are trying to keep busy and that is not difficult at all.  The hardest part is finding the energy each day.  There is so much to do and our ‘to do’ list is never ending.  I have painted in several areas of our cave house, built two tables by the back door, we have a new front door step, everything in sight at the front of the cave has been jet washed  (including the cane furniture), made a pair of concrete wellies, updated the sign post and …. we are trying really hard to keep up with the weeding.  This last task is the one we mostly fail with. Weeds just grow anywhere and can be inches tall overnight.

 At the moment we are still unable to go food shopping together and we can only go to our nearest shop.  It’s not a deal breaker but John and I have different tastes and what I would purchase is not necessarily John’s first choice (or second come to that).  He is a vegetarian who likes ginger, marzipan and nuts (my worst nightmares) and I am a meat eater who enjoys ribs, marmite banana toasted sandwiches and chicken curries (Johns worst nightmares).   We are very different in our tastes that’s for sure.  So over the 9 weeks my solution has been to take pictures of the items I would like John to get for me.  Generally it’s successful but sometimes not….  it can be exciting to see what I get.  We are trying to stick to the rules and go shopping only when necessary not only because we have been told but because we feel safer not going out.

As of last Saturday I can join John on the daily walks with the dog.  We are allowed to go for a walk within 1km of home and to walk together has been good for us.  We do not have specific times to go out as we are in a small populated area so have the freedom of going out at a time that suits us.   It is good to see the spring flowers, especially the poppies we have all around, and to feel the warmth of the sun as we amble along with the three boys.  As fate has it we have rain forecast for this week but the sun will be back soon.

Other than not being able to take a drive out in the car, or go to our favourite bars and restaurants, its life as usual for us accept that our rental business has obviously been put on hold.   This year was to be our first full year and it started off better than we expected.  We had so many advance bookings we were over the moon.  However, from March the cancellations have poured in.  We have accepted that business will be slow for the rest of the year and money will be tight but so many others are in the same position.  We are not on our own.  Hopefully we can all enjoy our freedom and breaks away in the very near future.

If you would like to plan ahead, please take a look at our cave rentals.  Go to http://www.caveholidays.com and choose a cave that is right for you.   I will be happy to answer any questions you may have or pass on information about our area in cave land.

imagesStay safe everyone and one day we will look back and hold our heads up high and say we did it.  We got through it and came out of it.

25. ‘Lockdown’ within cave land – part 3.

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download-2It’s now day 12 of lockdown in our cave home.  

We have had days when we have been happy, sad, worried, bored, busy and thoughtful but thinking about it, can’t we say the same for our normal everyday lives too.

As some of you know, I am usually out and about working hard getting our rental cave ready for guests to enjoy and ensuring they are well maintained.  However, I have not visited the caves, Cuevas de la Paz, for 12 days and that’s a strange feeling!   I miss them!   If, like me, you are forward planning to take a short break when this strange time is over please take a look at http://www.caveholidays.com. There are other great rental properties within our area where you can stay and I highly recommend you take a look at the places you can enjoy and the new experiences you can have within the Altiplano.  You may get an idea of what our area has to offer from the website. It is a beautiful place.

So, my time has been spent, like many others, doing the jobs that get added to the ‘when I have time’ list which in reality, would normally stay unticked.  I’ve emptied drawers, batched cooked, cleaned, sorted out clothes and generally slowed down.  This is not a bad thing but I do wish I could have friends around to witness how clean and tidy our cave is now. 

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When our doors are once again open, the house will have returned to the ‘almost tidy’, ‘as clean as you are going to see it today’ and ‘more dog hairs then I care to think about’ cave then I would honesty like but…. If you are friends you will understand (I hope).

I have also taken more time to read posts on Facebook, which for us living in a small community, has been a vital source of information during our 12 days. It has also on occasions given me a few great laughs with the funny words and videos that are out there.  It has also been the biggest source of rubbish just like our newspapers can be on occasions.  We do have to consider each post with care and decided if we believe it or not ( looking at the source of the post is a good guide for me).

I found this on FB recently which for me epitomizes what I mean about false information and I absolutely love it.

IMPORTANT INFO. PLEASE READimages-1.jpg

Just a heads up The Ministry of Defence have been told to be on standby for complete UK lockdown as of Sunday evening at 6pm… No one is to leave their home’s unless you work in Front Line Retail or the NHS and have brown hair.

I heard this directly from my neighbour Trigger who is best friends with a guy called Boycey.  Boycey knows a guy named Del who drinks down the pub with his uncle Albert.  Albert was in the Navy during the war so knows his stuff.

Please pass it on.

On the more positive side I do enjoy the posts that make me smile or perhaps make me think (I’ve been told that using my little grey cells is a good thing).  I  found this on FB today posted by a friend and its is just perfect – could not have put it better myself!

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           Do we say ‘we are stuck at home’ or

           should we say ‘we are safe at home’. 

         One word makes so much difference.

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Today on day 12 the Horton household have chilled out.  Not doing that much, just pottering about and smiling at all the good things we have around us.  John’s highlight was popping to the chemist for my hayfever pills and his own prescribed medication.  My day was made even brighter when I spotted the crowd gathering around our bottom gate. 

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Now it’s time for a spot of TV for even more relaxation.  Tomorrow is another day when I may get started on the painting of the dining room walls…… or not….. I may just make these for the garden.  My choice is endless.

Thats day 12 in cave land.   Take care everyone and stay smiling.

24. ‘Lockdown’ within cave land – part 2.

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images-1

Today we are on ‘Day 8’ of our lockdown in cave land and … it’s Mothers Day.

My last blog was posted on day 4 when I wrote about how lucky I felt being in lockdown in such a lovely area with the room and space I have around me.  Now, 4 days later, my thinking has altered slightly.

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I am beginning to realise that it is not how big your castle is, how large your garden may be or the number of places you can hide in that makes lockdown more bearable.  On day 8 I am more inclined to say, although size does matter, it’s the state of mind we have that is my new number one.

As human beings we tend not to like being told that we cannot do the things that we have taken for granted all of our lives.  We all know that this lockdown makes total sense and may totally agree with the rules that we have been asked to abide by but…. deep in the back of our human minds we don’t like the thought of not being allowed to do the most normal of activities.  It is so easy to get into a negative frame of mind.  We are all human, it will happen, to some more than others.

What do I personally do to combat my own images-1human failings – especially on this particular mothers day?  Please remember, I am not saying my way is the right way but sharing what appears to be working for me …. so far.

1.   I am taking it day by day.  I am not looking towards the end of lockdown (now extended to the 12 April) as for me that appears to be too many days away from today.  In reality it’s not but…

2.  I am not planning my day’s activities.   Instead I give myself something to aim for.   Today images-4for example I would like to spring clean my bathroom.  You notice I said ‘like to’ and not ‘must do’.  This gives me a get out clause if I decided to do something else.  There is always tomorrow!

3. I am actively researching places I would like to visit when this is all over. images-12 It may be several months away but I am getting excited about the not so far off future when I can tour around.  I enjoy planning where to visit, where to stay, what to see, history of the different areas etc.  It doesn’t have to be far from home.  There are so many beautiful places to visit within Spain and I would love to see as many as I can.  A night here, a weekend there…. sounds good doesn’t it?

4.  I am trying to keep in contact with the outside world.  I try and talk as often as I can to family and friends by messages or phone.  I have images-6also enjoyed the many live events hosted on Facebook over the past few days.  I have watched exercise classes to great music sessions from people coming together, (not literally of course), from all over the world.  People are talking, performing, sending jokes, sending recipes – simply communicating with strangers.  One particular event yesterday moved me to tears reminding me that we were all in this together.

5.  For me personally, I do not want to stagnate.  Yes, it is great to have a sofa day but I images-7know that the more sofa days I have the less positive I get.  I need to see and feel that things are getting done.  It may be painting the dining cave walls or simply sorting out a drawer. Whatever the task – I do need to feel a sense of achievement.  Others may not need this but, I know that I do.  

6.  There is a lot of bad press out there.  We have all read it and have been affected by it.  However, there is also a lot of great news out there to.  images-9  Speaking to my son Chris today by phone – he commented how positive it was that people are thinking about others and offers of help are spreading far and wide.  I couldn’t agree more. The different ways that people are offering help and sharing with others is amazing and seriously makes my eyes leak.  It doesn’t need to be much.   A simple text to someone you have not spoken to for a while saying ‘hi’ may be all it takes to make that person’s day a better one.  We often have no idea what other people are going through, and  we may never know, so I try to be kind and reach out whenever I can.  But, again, we are all human and we must not forget to consider our own personal well being.  We should never be afraid to ask for help.  Don’t forget that. 

7.  I remind myself of the things I do have and not what I don’t.  My life is good and I don’t need to be reminded of that fact very often.  To whomever it may concern – A little less curve balls thrown in my direction would be good though – please.

Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, keep positive and keep planning for the future.  Most of all keep talking.  images-11

Hugs to everyone especially to all moms on this very unique Mothers Day.

22. ‘Semi retire to Spain’, they said!

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Is it me or does anyone else feel that 2020 is racing towards 2021 at great speed?

It is now a full 12 months since we opened our cave rentals, Cueves de La Paz (Caves of Peace), to guests.  What a year that’s been!

Before we arrived in Spain we lived in Cyprus for 11 years where we had a modern rental property so we came here with a good basic knowledge to start us off – or so we thought!  I knew the first year, (and probably the next two after that), would be a steep learning curve.  We now know that the knowledge and wisdom we had gained in Cyprus was kind of useless to us here in caveland Spain.

Why?

Location – The apartment in Cyprus was close to several lovely beaches and had 180 degree sea views. It was located within a holiday hotspot. The apartment had two large bedrooms with spectacular views. Guests had use of a shared gym suan and a large shared pool with changing room, (being only a small apartment block the pool was often private).  It was contemporary designed with a roomy feel.   We were continually booked with UK guests looking for 7 to 14 days holiday accommodation each year.

Here in Spain, our cave rentals offer a completely different holiday.  Caves provide quite an unusual experience, (you need to sleep in a cave to find out why). We have tried to keep a traditional Spanish feel to the interiors whilst adding all mod cons.  As the caves are within the Altiplano area of the Granada province, the location has a completely different feel and provides a contrasting type of holiday.  The area is not particularly a holiday hotspot especially for the UK market as Benidorm or Malaga may be…I could go on but I think you get my drift!

Advertising – In Cyprus we received all our bookings from Owners Direct but here in Spain this particular site appears to be fruitless (again, perhaps targeting the wrong holiday market).   After trying several other companies we are finding that Booking.com gives us the majority of our bookings together with our own private advertising on facebook and blogs.

Amenities – In Cyprus the gym was very popular and was a booking incentive for many of our guests but not here in Spain.  The cave gym has been ‘played with’ for a few minutes but not actually used as a gym.  Guests were amused but not excited by the equipment.  So, we have now decided to relocate the equipment to our own home, I’m not saying it will get any more use now but all the good intentions are there.

The swimming pool in Cyrus was well used by most of our guest for 6-7 months of the year.  So, we have considered adding a swimming pool within the large garden area.  However, with the diverse weather we have here on the Altiplano we feel that the weeks in the summer where the pool would be utilised to its full potential does not justify the cost of installation and upkeep and would not increase our sales to take theses costs into consideration.  Instead we advertise the local village swimming pool which is minutes away and is one of the best in the area but, again due to the cool nights, it is only open from the end of June to the end of August.

Language – One of the main challenges we face, particularly with our guests is communication as the vast majority are Spanish citizens.  We are both attending lessons and can now communicate on a basic level which is ok however, we intend to improve our Spanish with each guest we welcome to our caves.  Our guests appear to appreciate that we do try which is great and we are thankful that they in turn try and help us as much as possible when explaining about jacuzzis and gas bottles!  

IMG_3690Maintenance – The general repairs to caves can be totally different to houses and apartments for obvious reasons. A cave is a living thing, it needs air circulating around and caves especially need to be lived in.   Ongoing maintenance is a must in most properties but without doubt one of the most important jobs when you have caves.  This keeps me very busy and I can honestly say that I do not have smooth hands any more!  Sorry John but that’s life!

But, the future is looking good – We have most certainly learnt a lot during the last 12 months and I know we have lots more to learn.  However, I will say it has been fun (mostly😎).  We have received wonderful reviews from our guests during the first year and had the honour of meeting many lovely people.   The lovely comments we receive keep us moving forward knowing that we are getting most things right.  Hopefully this will continue throughout 2020 as our diary begins to fill in.  Watch this space.

For more information about the cave rentals please take a look at http://www.caveholidays.com