Our Dusty Paradise

From the easy familiarity of rural England to a remote corner of southern Spain, this captivating autobiography tells the story of two people who have opted for adventure, travel and new cultural experiences in their later years. The sights, sounds and fragrances of Andaluc?a are beautifully depicted, interwoven with the novelty of mountaineering in the Sierra Nevada, touring 'two-up' on a variety of motorbikes, and, sadly, the tragedy of living with terminal cancer.The endearing and lively author Linda and her laid-back partner Steve, quickly become part of local life while they re-build their house, clear the land and explore the high peaks that overlook their village home. They meet up with a host of memorable characters, from the warm-hearted Emilio to the somewhat intimidating Juanita, as well as those with more questionable lifestyles. Through the changing seasons, Linda and Steve delight in many new activities. They dance at a village wedding, sleep out under the stars, encounter a variety of wild animals, run the gauntlet of fiesta 'Devils' and, inevitably, meet up with Zorro the Fox. But even paradise has its price. Linda's battle with cancer and her determination to soldier on, contributes much to this story of life in the Alpujarras. This is an exceptional autobiography that includes many amusing anecdotes; snippets of practical information; experiences of terrorist bombings; and an insightful assessment of some members of the expatriate community. It is a rich and fascinating account that gives the reader a genuine sense of life in a foreign country being lived to the full.