Well the time arrived and we were sitting on the Ryanair 737 aircraft flying to Malaga. Leaving 20 minutes early we landed 40 minutes early, but that was OK by me. Mobosol Car Hire were waiting for us & less than fifteen minutes later we were driving to Colmenar & our hotel home for a few days. The sat nav was nightmare & as I drove, Phet just could not get in to it.
Waiting for us outside the hotel in the warm sun was Tamara (now everybody knows Tamara!!), who had kindly consented to help us until she flew to England 3 days later. I have to say Tamara was really wonderful as our guide, translater & sometime estate agent. We were completely helped by her and her assistance was invaluable & I sadly began to rely on her. She also helped to fix the dreadful satnav. The best though, she said I wasn't as grumpy as I look on my picture! Thank you Tamara.
So! a plan of action for the next fews days was mapped out with several properties under scrutiny, then back to Tamara's for a cup of tea (why do the British seem only to make nice tea?) & a tour of her lovely home. Then going on one of her wonderful morning walks & I wondered if she'd rent it to me. She is totally in love with the Almond blossom, but it is beautiful.
Phet & I went back to the hotel & had a quick drink (or in Phet's case "two or three"), then off to bed in readiiness for a full day. Tamara arrived spot on at 10.00am & said she would drive (who had told her about my "rally driving") & we spent the morning driving to some villages looking at properties, which for various reasons were rejected. All the owners were really kindly & good people, but it were'nt the people we were viewing. Popping into Maria's Bar for a quick bite our quest continued into the afternoon, no siesta's here! We looked at a property in Riogordo but from the outside only as the owner was not available, shame that as the house looked promising. All possibilities, but no real joy & feeling comfortable . We met up with Tamara again in the evening taking part in a quiz. (Don't ask how we did, but we did go home with a wooden spoon!). But there was good news, Tamara had managed to contact the owner of house we had viewed from the outside & we could now see it from the inside as she had adjusted her plans just for us. The house inside was lovely, close to the centre of the village & Phet could possibly set up her hairdressing salon their. Ummm careful thought is needed here. Riogordo is a lovely place, they even have coffee bar in the Town Hall!
The scouting trip continued & I was wondering if Tamara was getting a little worried as she was leaving for England the next morning & she had not packed or prepared anthing yet. The final house of the day was in Colmenar in the mountains, quite cool & windy their. So mid afternoon we parted company, us to continue looking and investigating & Tamara to pack etc.
We had two chances left a house in Sadella on Sunday morning and an appointment with an Estate Agents in Puente Don Manuel to maybe look at properties around the Lake (Vinuella).Was my optimism and dream of 40 years again about to be dashed? Sure the houses in Riogordo were OK but somehow just didn't "hit the spot". Perhaps I was being to choosy & picky. But looking back over the last 3 days Phet & I decided that the best house we had seen was .............................................. Tamara's.
Enough now I'll continue soon to tell you about the next four days, watch this space !!!!!!