“Vuelta a España” means “return to Spain”.  OK technically it’s the name of Spain’s version of the Tour de France; hence the bicycle. But for my purposes it translates as: I’M GOING BACK TO SPAIN! To live! For 4 months! Alone! In a fifth-floor flat a block from the beach! With a balcony! On the Mediterranean!  Yes, I’m terribly excited. And terribly terrified. 

A year ago, the dream was born on a sidewalk in Salem, Oregon: I was sipping (OK guzzling) Rioja (note that my bicycling bullfighter has a bottle on the back of his bike) and savoring some epicurean tapas. My soul-sister Laurie and I were at Andaluz Restaurant & Tapas Bar, sitting outside at a little, European-style, wrought-iron café table.

It was sunset, and one of those magical nights when anything can happen. And after 2 or so glasses of good wine, anything can pop into your head. And you’re inevitably going to entertain it! I was intoxicated by more than just the wine; the flavors of Andalusia, birthplace of both flamenco and bullfighting, were cavorting around on my palate and in my brain. Suddenly and without warning, I remembered that I have an uncle, a dear uncle, a British uncle who owns a vacation flat in southwest Spain.  “I wonder if he’d let me use it…” (WHY, in my 62 years of life, HAD THIS THOUGHT NEVER OCCURRED TO ME BEFORE???)  “I wonder how much rent he’d charge me…” Laurie vowed to come visit me and just like that, the thing took shape. I e-mailed my favorite Uncle Gerry as soon as I got back to Fairbanks. His reply? “It would please us for you to use it.  And no question of any rent. It would do it good to be lived in. It is hardly used these days. It’s a good flat. I refurbished it a few years ago. Completely rutted and rebuilt, so new kitchen, bathroom, etc."

It would please you?? No, no, you’ve got that wrong. IT WOULD PLEASE ME!! (Understatement of the year)

 --- The Mediterranean was just a few meters behind me when I took this photo, 12 yrs ago while visiting Spain. My Uncle Gerry’s flat is above the two blue & white sun shades; top floor.  I’ve never actually been in it.  (More on that later) 

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 Here’s the view from the street, alongside the flat. I suspect the view will be slightly better from the 5^th floor...

 

 And here’s a birds-eye of “my” beach; the one I plan to run on every  morning:
 

I know, it’s a tough assignment. But somebody’s got to do it. And besides -- no Spain, no gain!