A stormy conqueror

Day 23: Each campsite or pitch has its own character. This also applies to Granda la Carmela , where we have been guests since yesterday. There are almost only Dutch people here, which may be because Jack is using old contacts. Jack is Hortensia's life partner and together they run a business - part-time! – this parking space. Only God knows how they do it. One of the two is always on site and takes on their customers' problems with a laugh from ear to ear. Hortensia even finds the time to decorate the walls and walls on the property with colorful tile mosaic images that are a real splendor.

The area is very open, the campers are free on several levels. Free is a good keyword: washing machine, dryer, shower and electricity connection cost a small extra fee, which is not collected immediately. You can keep a tally of how often you have used something and you will be billed at the end. There is no control - only trust in the honor and decency of each individual. This principle even applies to purchases in the small but fine bodega, which is equipped with delicacies from the house kitchen. You take something with you, put it on the list and pay before you leave. As simple as that.

All of this fits in with the casual, friendly atmosphere on the pitch. There are plenty of benches and seats with a great view and barbecue stands that everyone can use freely. Everything is growing and beginning to bloom. Geraniums, oleanders, yukka palms, algarves, mimosa, olive trees, banana trees, medlar and fig trees, whose fruits are made into a delicious jam.

The atmosphere here is of course also transferred to the people who enjoy their freedom here. Like Roelof, who comes with his wife from “the middle of Holland,” as he says. They are here in their motorhome, but they have taken their boom trike with them on a trailer, which they use to explore the wonderful landscape here. They have already been to most countries in Europe and are soon moving on. “Probably further south,” says Roelof, “always towards the sun.”

The Dutch were and are a particularly freedom-loving breed of people - but their pets don't like being chained either. We have new neighbors – Dutch of course – and their dog runs around freely. Now it's a little long-haired dachshund and - it's hard to believe - he has taken our Emmi's heart by storm. It's not often that our princess lets strange dogs get close to her, but she seems to like Joris. He even picks her up, comes to our motorhome, barks briefly and then the two of them go for a little walk side by side. And Icke and I and Joris's master and mistress stand there, watching and smiling with a touch of heartbreak, as if our children were just walking down the aisle. Luckily Pipo still has a say...