A week ago I signed a lease for the apartment of my dreams in the best building in the best neighborhood in Rota. I had always dreamed of living in this building because it has a subterranean garage and there are very few garages in the older, classsic part of town. So I was sitting in exile out in Cordoba checking rentals in Rota when this one popped up. Wow. I moved fast and got it.
I had fun out in Iznájar, Cordoba - but discovered some things that have proven most valuable. Most important, at my age it doesn't work to live out in the country. I want to be able to walk to cafes, shopping, or just go out and meet people in the streets. (I could never do that in the US, but here people walk and meet one another). It was good to learn that. In Iznajár I got to do a show (success) and turned down two more when I moved back to Rota. I met the Iznájar flamenco locals (both of them) and had fun, but it's good to be home.
Here is the central patio of my new piso - 4 apartments on each floor. It looks classic with the marble columns, but it is only about 15 years old. Old buildings don't have garages in the basement and elevators.
Here's the living room - marble floors in every room. 3 BR/ 2 BA. means that I have plenty of room for guests and grandchildren.
Here is a typical bedroom, before sheets and bedspreads. All of the bedrooms have big closets which isn't all that typical in Spain.And here is a view from the roof of the plaza Bartolomé Pérez taken from the roof terrace. This plaza is right outside my bedroom window. Bar La Concha (best tapas in Rota) is on the left, the Castillo in the center, and the cathedral on the right.
And below is my neighborhood - double click to make larger.
As you see, I am right next to a terrific beach!
I have an idea that I could run flamenco tours from here. 1200€ would get the guest(s) a week's lodging and tour guide services all week, visiting whatever flamenco attractions are the most interesting in Cádiz, Sevilla, Jerez.... Included in the price is a private fiesta with the local gypsies from the Agujetas dynasty. Frankly, only the very most experienced flamenco travellers would be able to get even close to as much action as I can provide. When I first came to Spain in 1983, I brought a knowlegeable friend to get me started. It took years off the process of learning how to get around in the world of flamenco. And even when things are slow, my brain is available to be picked.Otherwise, I've fallen back into my Rota friend group; am playing Saturdays at the peña; and will be coming out in the local newspaper this week - a 2 page interview. So things are going pretty well. I still miss You-Know-Who, of course, but am getting used to the idea that this is the way the rest of my life is going to look. I think I can handle it. Lately doing a lot of cooking and reading - living quietly between intense social life.
And the other exciting thing happening is a new guitar, made especially for me. I met the guitar maker, Andrew Smith, (half English- half Spanish) in Jerez when I took my cheap guitar in for repairs. While there, I tried a few guitars that he had in process of being finished and was amazed at the quality - and how easy they were to play. After several visits, I ordered one. They are very affordable for the quality. As I write this, he is varnishing it and it should be ready by the end of the month. Very excited!!!
Don't be afraid to write - same email as always.
