A proud villager showing off a newly installed toilet to his foreign neighbours - raising and closing the lid and flushing for the full "son et lumiere".

The authors account of the arrival of the travelling salesman's salad mule. Village housewives' handling of the fresh produce so severe that "tomatoes were practically pureed on the spot".

The disaster of having no ice for a gin and tonic during a drought.

In Seville 30 years ago, I marvelled at the beauty of an Atlantis style romanesque cemetary. And now thanks to tracking down this book - "Hugo" has enlightened me as to its origins and the reason for the "stacking system" for storing the inhabitants. The clue lies in the planting of the Bottlebrush Tree......read on.....

Reviewer : Georgina O'Connell, UK, July 2003

The book instantly transported me back to my own magical times in Andalusia, making me more determined to return for a new chapter of my own.

I loved the fascinating references to historical events combined with brilliantly witty observations of every day hum drum village happenings, and of the author's mutual bond with the affectionate Andalusians. His accurate and reliable accounts of their genuine hospitality and concern for strangers made me long to return to find a similar community.....

A proud villager showing off his newly installed toilet to his new foreign neighbours. Raising and closing the lid and flushing for the full "son et lumiere" ..........

The arrival of the travelling salesman with his salad mule. Village houswives' handling of the fresh produce so severe that "tomatoes were practically pureed on the spot"

The disaster of having no ice for a gin and tonic during a drought.

In Seville 30 years ago, I marvelled at the beauty of an Atlantis style, romanesque cemetary. At long last thanks to tracking down this book, "Hugo" has educated me on its origins and the reason for the "stacking system" ! The clue is in the planting of the Bottle brush tree ..... read on......

I have tried in vain to find other writings by Hugh S-D other than a Guidebook

Similar titles I enjoyed : Two Middle Aged Ladies in Andalusia by Penelope Chetwode (Wife of Sir John Betjemin)

As the author borrowed a horse from the Duke of Wellingtons stables and rode unaccompanied for weeks throughout the region, one wondered for the entire duration, who was the other middle aged lady.

Although listed as "History" this is incorrect as it is a true life modern account of an English couple buying a house in a small mountain village in Southern Spain and the trials and odd situations they found themselves in, which are quiet normal if you live here. The descriptions of the wonderfull neighbours, the song, dance, roof terrace party and dark moody bodegas are all so true to life you will be transported.

A gentle, pleasing and well written book that gave me hours of personal pleasure twice and will again! I highly recommend it.