Hallo Lumbisi

The search for somewhere affordable which would give us the space and tranquility we needed was long, but led eventually to Finca el Cortijo in Lumbisi - 4,000 sq metres of land on the side of the mountain, beside an insanely steep and deep gorge, and with an almost derelict house, completely derelict outbuildings and a 'garden' which, when we first saw it, was a head-high jungle. First impressions were not very positive but the more time we spent there, the more we realised that this could be something good - very good! Slash and burn here; scrape and paint there; roof and tile repairs on top; unblock the drains and channels below; connect up the electricity and water; dry out the smelly dampness and humidity; hang up the 5 hummingbird feeders; and ... and .... it all soon took shape in our minds. And that has been Project 'New' House for the Summer holiday, as it has taken shape in reality. The owner, a restauranteur who lives now in Spain, had the place unsuccessfully on the market for an age and finally gave up, deciding to see, instead, if some loco family might be interested in renting. He has agreed to finance the essential repairs and renovation and has left us in charge of deciding what needs to be done. A start was made by cutting down some huge conifers. Shame! But inevitable given their state of health. Immediately the light came in and the place transformed itself. From then on, the work has been so productive. Robbie and Maia love the place - from the day we took over the property, they have been barefoot, running about, playing - enjoying. John loves the place - total peace, lovely views, a challenge, wildlife. Our two tortoises are in heaven, and our two white doves who, after a week's confinement, were let loose, are exploiting their new-found freedom. Of course it is not and will not be easy. There are drawbacks, most of which will I guess present themselves when the rains return in September. This is no place for arachnophobes. We are far from shops and services such as buses. If there is an earthquake we will probably disappear into the gorge. We need to beef up security. But the pluses are so many. So many! Just the simple pleasure of waking up in the morning, curtains open, to see the sun rise on Ilalo is a holiday in itself, without having to journey to the coast or to the jungle.