The Last Days of the Bus Club


Book Description

It's two decades since Chris Stewart moved to his farm on the wrong side of a river in the mountains of southern Spain and his daughter Chlöe is preparing to fly the nest for university. In this latest, typically hilarious dispatch from El Valero we find Chris, now a local literary celebrity, using his fame to help his old sheep-shearing partner find work on a raucous road trip; cooking a TV lunch for visiting British chef, Rick Stein; discovering the pitfalls of Spanish public speaking; and recalling his own first foray into the adult world of work. Yet it's at El Valero, his beloved sheep farm, that Chris remains in his element as he, his wife Ana and their assorted dogs, cats and sheep weather a near calamitous flood and emerge as newly certified organic farmers. His cash crop? The lemons and oranges he once so blithely drove over, of course.




Driving Over Lemons


Book Description

Meet Chris Stewart, the eternal optimist. A man who flies to Spain, sees a peasant farm on the wrong side of the river and, with scarcely a second thought, hands over a cash deposit. And then finds he has acquired not just the farm, but the farmer, too, who has no intention of leaving. Not to mention the lack of running water, electricity or even a bridge. It would be enough to send most people straight back home. But Chris and his wife Ana are made of stronger stuff - and besides, they have sunk all their savings into their farm, El Valero, and buying a flock of sheep. So there is no turning back. Life gets tough, but it also gets good. Driving Over Lemons is that rare thing - a funny, insightful book that charms you from the first sun-lit page to the last. And one that makes running an Andalucian mountain farm seem like a half-decent career move. It has been a major bestseller both in Britain and Spain.




A Parrot in the Pepper Tree


Book Description

Chris Stewart's Driving Over Lemons told the story of his move to a remote mountain farm in Las Alpujarras - an oddball region of Spain, south of Granada. Funny, insightful and real, the book became an international bestseller. A Parrot in the Pepper Tree, the sequel to Lemons, follows the lives of Chris, Ana and their daughter, Chloë, as they get to grips with a misanthropic parrot who joins their home, Spanish school life, neighbours in love, their amazement at Chris appearing on the bestseller lists . . and their shock at discovering that their beloved valley is once more under threat of a dam. A Parrot in the Pepper Tree also looks back on Chris Stewart's former life - the hard times shearing in midwinter Sweden (and driving across the frozen sea to reach island farms); his first taste of Spain, learning flamenco guitar as a 20-year old; and his illustrious music career, drumming for his school band Genesis (sacked at 17, he never quite became Phil Collins), and then for a circus.




Driving Over Lemons


Book Description

Travel Writing.




Andalucia


Book Description

Andalucia is the quintessence of Spain and yet, historically and culturally, it is surprisingly unlike the rest of the country. Its literary history began to develop with the Romans and reached an early flowering when Arabic poets drew on centuries of literary tradition, together with the landscapes and passions of Moorish Spain. Later, Prosper Mérimée, Byron and Washington Irving forged legends of exotic southern Spain that persist to this day and Spanish writers themselves captured the rich tapestry of Andalucian culture, from Cervantes' Seville to the Córdoba of Baroque poet Luis de Góngora and Lorca's 'hidden Andalucia'. With the advent of the Civil War, a new generation flocked to Andalucia and were inspired to write some of the twentieth century's most iconic works of literature, from Hemingway's For Whom the Bell Tolls to Gerald Brenan's The Spanish Labyrinth and Laurie Lee's trilogy of books. As vibrant and compelling as the region itself, Andalucia: A Literary Guide for Travellers illuminates the very soul of Spain.




The Rough Guide to Andalucia


Book Description

Now available in PDF, the fully updated The Rough Guide to Andalucía is the ultimate guide to this autonomous region in southern Spain; an exciting blend of fiestas, sherry, Roman ruins and whitewashed villages. Lavish photography brings to life the region's wealth of attractions from the breathtaking Alhambra palace in Granada and Córdoba's exquisite medieval Mezquita to the spectacular natural beauty of Andalucía's numerous national parks. The Rough Guide to Andalucía provides comprehensive coverage of all major sights and towns, with incisive reviews of the best places to eat, sleep and drink in every price range as well as insider tips on the best tapas bars, clubs and beaches. The detailed and easy-to-use colour maps and plans for each major town, city and monument, alongside expert advice on getting around, as well as engaging commentary on the region's history and culture mean that you really can make the most of your visit to Andalucía. Make the most of your time on EarthTM with The Rough Guide to Andalucía.




The Rough Guide to Andalucía (Travel Guide eBook)


Book Description

This practical travel guide to Andalucía features detailed factual travel tips and points-of-interest structured lists of all iconic must-see sights as well as some off-the-beaten-track treasures. Our itinerary suggestions and expert author picks of things to see and do will make it a perfect companion both, ahead of your trip and on the ground. This Andalucía guide book is packed full of details on how to get there and around, pre-departure information and top time-saving tips, including a visual list of things not to miss. Our colour-coded maps make Andalucía easier to navigate while you're there. This guide book to Andalucía has been fully updated post-COVID-19. The Rough Guide to ANDALUCÍA covers: Málaga province, Cádiz province, Seville and Huelva, Córdoba and Jaén, Granada and Almería. Inside this Andalucía travel guide you'll find: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EVERY TYPE OF TRAVELLER Experiences selected for every kind of trip to Andalucía, from off-the-beaten-track adventures in Las Alpujarras to family activities in child-friendly places, like Cabo de Gata Natural Parkor chilled-out breaks in popular tourist areas, like Seville Cathedral. PRACTICAL TRAVEL TIPS Essential pre-departure information including Andalucía entry requirements, getting around, health information, travelling with children, sports and outdoor activities, food and drink, festivals, culture and etiquette, shopping, tips for travellers with disabilities and more. TIME-SAVING ITINERARIES Includes carefully planned routes covering the best of Andalucía, which give a taste of the richness and diversity of the destination, and have been created for different time frames or types of trip. DETAILED REGIONAL COVERAGE Clear structure within each sightseeing chapter of this Andalucía travel guide includes regional highlights, brief history, detailed sights and places ordered geographically, recommended restaurants, hotels, bars, clubs and major shops or entertainment options. INSIGHTS INTO GETTING AROUND LIKE A LOCAL Tips on how to beat the crowds, save time and money and find the best local spots for swimming, hiking, tapas or wildlife spotting. HIGHLIGHTS OF THINGS NOT TO MISS Rough Guides' rundown of Málaga, Cádiz, Seville and Huelva's best sights and top experiences helps to make the most of each trip to Andalucía, even in a short time. HONEST AND INDEPENDENT REVIEWS Written by Rough Guides' expert authors with a trademark blend of humour, honesty and expertise, this Andalucía guide book will help you find the best places,matching different needs. BACKGROUND INFORMATION Comprehensive 'Contexts' chapter of this travel guide to Andalucía features fascinating insights into Andalucía, with coverage of history, religion, ethnic groups, environment, wildlife and books, plus a handy language section and glossary. FABULOUS FULL COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHY Features inspirational colour photography, including the stunningAlhambraand the spectacular Jardín Botánico Histórico La Concepción. COLOUR-CODED MAPPING Practical full-colour maps, with clearly numbered, colour-coded keys for quick orientation in Córdoba, Jaén and many more locations in Andalucía, reduce the need to go online. USER-FRIENDLY LAYOUT With helpful icons, and organised by neighbourhood to help you pick the best spots to spend your time.




The Rough Guide to Spain


Book Description

The Rough Guide to Spain is the definitive guide to this captivating country, with in-depth coverage of everything from its classic cities to hidden island beaches. With stunning photography to inspire you and clear maps to steer you, this guide will ensure you discover the best of Spain, whether it's ticking off Gaudí's stunning architectural masterpieces in Barcelona, hiking in the magnificent Picos de Europa, admiring Granada's splendid Alhambra, or taking part in one of the country's fabulously vibrant fiestas. Insider reviews reveal the best places to eat, sleep and party with something for every budget, whether you want to stay in a majestic parador, sip sherry in Jerez, bar-hop in Madrid or nab a table at one of Catalunya's hottest restaurants. Make the most of your holiday with the Rough Guide to Spain.




The Rough Guide to Spain (Travel Guide eBook)


Book Description

Practical travel guide to Spain featuring points-of-interest structured lists of all sights and off-the-beaten-track treasures, with detailed colour-coded maps, practical details about what to see and to do in Spain, how to get there and around, pre-departure information, as well as top time-saving tips, like a visual list of things not to miss in Spain, expert author picks and itineraries to help you plan your trip. The Rough Guide to Spain covers: Madrid, around Madrid, Castilla-La Mancha and Extremadura, Andalucía, Castilla y León and La Rioja, Euskal Herria: the País Vasco and Navarra, Cantabria and Asturias, Galicia, Aragón, Barcelona, Catalunya, Valencia and Murcia, the Balearic Islands. Inside this travel guide you'll find: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EVERY TYPE OF TRAVELLER Experiences selection for every kind of trip to Spain, from off-the-beaten-track adventures in Las Alpujarras to family activities in child-friendly places, like Parque Nacional Coto de Doñana or chilled-out breaks in popular tourist areas, like Segovia. PRACTICAL TRAVEL TIPS Essential pre-departure information including Spain entry requirements, getting around, health information, travelling with children, sports and outdoor activities, food and drink, festivals, culture and etiquette, shopping, tips for travellers with disabilities and more. TIME-SAVING ITINERARIES Carefully planned routes covering the best of Spain give a taste of the richness and diversity of the destination, and have been created for different time frames or types of trip. DETAILED REGIONAL COVERAGE Clear structure within each sightseeing chapter includes regional highlights, brief history, detailed sights and places ordered geographically, recommended restaurants, hotels, bars, clubs and major shops or entertainment options. INSIGHTS INTO GETTING AROUND LIKE A LOCAL Tips on how to beat the crowds, save time and money and find the best local spots for hiking, African-style safari, visiting art museums, bar-hopping and clubbing or sherry tasting. HIGHLIGHTS OF THINGS NOT TO MISS Rough Guides' rundown of Barcelona, Madrid, Andalucía and Castilla y León's best sights and top experiences help to make the most of each trip to Spain, even in a short time. HONEST AND INDEPENDENT REVIEWS: Written by Rough Guides' expert authors with a trademark blend of humour, honesty and expertise, to help to find the best places in Spain, matching different needs. BACKGROUND INFORMATION Comprehensive 'Contexts' chapter features fascinating insights into Spain, with coverage of history, religion, ethnic groups, environment, wildlife and books, plus a handy language section and glossary. FABULOUS FULL COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHY Features inspirational colour photography, including the stunning Camino de Santiago and the spectacular Cala d'Hort. COLOUR-CODED MAPPING Practical full-colour maps, with clearly numbered, colour-coded keys for quick orientation in Segovia, Toledo and many more locations in Spain, reduce need to go online. USER-FRIENDLY LAYOUT With helpful icons, and organised by neighbourhood to help you pick the best spots to spend your time.




Alternative countrysides


Book Description

This electronic version has been made available under a Creative Commons (BY-NC-ND) open access license. A fresh anthropological look at a central but neglected topic: the profound changes in rural life throughout Western Europe today. As locals leave for jobs in cities they are replaced by neo-hippies, lifestyle-seekers, eco-activists, and labour migrants from beyond the EU. With detailed ethnographic examples, contributors analyse new modes of living rurally and emerging forms of social organisation. As incomers’ dreams come up against residents’ realities, they detail the clashes and the cooperations between old and new residents. They make us rethink the rural/urban divide, investigate regionalists’ politicisation of rural life and heritage, and reveal how locals use EU monies to prop up or challenge existing hierarchies. They expose the consequences of and reactions to grand EU-restructuring policies, which at times threaten to turn the countryside into a manicured playground for escapee urbanites. This book will appeal to anyone seriously interested in the realities of rural life today.




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