Amigos in a very special place.

I have so many things I want to say and share about my experiences and adventures during my first stay at Cortijo Golondriño in Castillo de Locubín. It will probably take me a few legal pads of writing to get it all out, but first I want to spend a little time on the topic of found friendships.

"It takes a village to raise a child" is a famous African proverb I decided to re-tooled into "It takes a village to help a dreamer" (yes... the dreamer is me) as a way to frame my experience here in Spain. I would like to thank a village of wonderful individuals who decided out of the kindness of their heart to jump in and be part of my happy place. I'm always fascinated by this colossal human attribute that I keep witnessing during my lifetime, time and time again. These actions keep reminding me that I'm so proud to be part of the human condition, especially during these challenging times the world seems to be experiencing today.

I like to start by mentioning Diane Heston, an English bird-kind hearted-bike riding-property selling-gin enthusiast-sunshine lover-beautiful of a person who rescued my dream from a scary tailspin.

A great man usually is found alongside a wonderful woman, his name Andy Heston and together they are my angel connection... Cheers Friends!

Mari Carmen and Manolo... all I can say is B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L people, punto y coma!

They are truly good friends, and from day one they have been genuinely interested in me and my dream. Their help and support have been an incredible pillar in my process here in Castillo. Manolo is the caretaker of my babies (olive trees), the root of my dream at Castillo. Mari Carmen and Manolo are proof that I chose the right pueblo to begin my new life in Spain. Thank you for always reminding me that Castillo was the right choice! Gracias Amigos.

Marina, owner of Castillo's one and only amazing Hospedería Locubín, another important person in the Cortijo Golondriño's world.

I stayed at her Inn when I came to Castillo last year and we instantly hit it off! She hve been a great guide and mentor in my process of becoming a homeowner and resident of Castillo de Locubín.

Juan Diego, animal/land lover and my favorite vecino (neighbor). Juan Diego is an exceptional person, passionate and very servicial (so helpful). I said "passionate" because he has followed his grandfather and father's legacy of raising burros. Donkeys were an important part of the aceituneros (olive growers) before technology outgrew their function on the fields. Juan Diego still kept the passion of raising burros and you can see it in his eyes every time you talk to him. He became my agriculture sensei and father figured in La Sierrezuela. Muchas gracias amigo!

All of these wonderful villagers have made a tremendous impact in my world here in Castillo. I'm so excited to continue to build wonderful and lasting relationships with all of them. Mis amigos de Castillo. Muchas gracias... ¡Gracias totales!