After a two day rest we emerged ready for a new adventure. Lucky for us our home-exchange partners (James and Sandra) are flexible so we headed to Costa Brava, Spain. It’s a long term house and car swap and James has been in our home since the day we left New Zealand.
We have decided to stay here a while and make it our base. First off, it is really nice to unpack and settle in. Secondly, what a great opportunity for a bit of Spanish immersion. My ability to speak is quite rusty and the girls are quickly discovering that the nonchalant attitude towards their Spanish lessons back home may not have been the best approach.
We met James in New Zealand before we left and he told us our home was so very different than his. Now we understand.
We are now in a charming 17th century home with wood floors, brick ceilings and thick stone walls which insulate it nicely. We are hoping we will not melt without air conditioning in the Spanish summer. I recently had a Skype chat with a friend who misinterpreted the sweat dripping down my face as a “glow.”
The big change for us is the neighborhood. I can only imagine James is going crazy from too much silence back at our New Zealand home.
Here the old houses are right next to each other and there is no foot path (sidewalk), so when I open the door I step out into the narrow street. Yes, sometimes cars go by, and none quietly.
Because of the close proximity, you can hear everything. It is as if your neighbors are in your home with you. We can’t understand most of it as Catalan is the primary language, although everyone speaks Spanish as well. Very few speak any English.
It is just lovely here. Lots to learn, but we are happy so far.
We are on an adventure.
For those who like the photos, here’s a few neighborhood shots:
Travel Counter:
We are in the forth month of our 250 day overseas adventure, and have just started living in a 17th century stone house in Spain as part of a home exchange. If you don’t want to miss any of our adventure you can:
- Click HERE to have each new post sent to your e-mail box.
- If you prefer your reader, click HERE to subscribe to Laugh Quotes feed
All photos on this page © Rhonda Albom 2012
Related Links:
- Save 20% Home Exchange using code: cdispatch10. Swap your homes for your vacation now!
- The Burj Khalifa, one of the tallest buildings in the world was one of the stops on our world trip.
- We have adjusted to a new life before, here are our top 10 adjustments to living in New Zealand
Travel with us as we laugh our way around the globe. I am Rhonda Albom, wife, mom, photographer and blogger, sharing the lighter side of our traveling family's life with two teens. 
Fantastic! I would love it there. The tiny bit of Spain I visited was incredible and I just loved everything about it.
Lynne recently posted..Skiing The Sella Ronda
So far, so good. We are loving it here.
Have a great time and get some rest. I’m thinking you’re going to enjoy staying put for a bit.
Have a terrific day.
Comedy Plus recently posted..Idiots and Geography
I think we will too, and being able to take hand carry luggage for shorter trips will be nice as well.
Looks quaint and cozy.
Joyce recently posted..Can’t Stop Laughing!
It is. I really like it here.
This town looks so quaint, and very unique. Enjoy the time in Spain in your borrowed home!
Thanks Maria. It is really quaint and I think unique too. This area is mostly 17th century, although the very nearby church is from the 14th century.
Such a wonderful homeschool adventure.
Yes, my girls have a year of life learning.
The place looks so neat and tidy and such a serenity. Hope I would be there. Love that solace and peace. Great pics and thanks for sharing them.
Victoria Battle recently posted..Les derniers chiffres du créationnisme aux Etats-Unis
It is a charming town, but not always peaceful. LOL – I have a few stories coming up in the next few days.
having just returned myself from visiting frineds in the “real Spain” I just know what you mean!….lol, lookinf gorward to reading your spainish adventures.
LisaAuch recently posted..Free Baby Bootee Pattern – Cute Baby Ballet Shoes
If you get back here again soon, let me know
That looks a lovely quaint place, I used to go to the Costa Brava frequently for holiday to a lovely resort called L’Estartit a few miles from Torroella de Montgri, the Catalan people are fab
Enjoy your time in Spain
stevebethere recently posted..Top Weekly EC Droppers June 29 – 2012
We will be heading out to L’Estartit one of these days, it is not too far from here.
It looks wonderful there, but of course the hope that you can relax in peace and quiet might prove difficult with the noice of the traffic and the neighbors. Of course, if you get on well with them and adjust to Spanish time (including siestas) it will hopefully be wonderful.
Tony Payne recently posted..Father’s Day Weekend
So far, so good. It is wonderful.
Mind blowing.It be really a good adventure.
adnan recently posted..Quotes for life
Let’s hope so