Independence

As with anytime that you move somewhere new, we have been trying to get to know the nearby area and get involved with the kind of things that we are interested in.  We have become familiar with the kind of language schools around our area as we have been trying to get teaching jobs, but these schools often follow a strict curriculum, or have an emphasis on "English for business".  We also have a strong interest in any projects related to holistic agriculture, environmental protection or similar activities, but we've found little of this going on in the area.

It is becoming more and more clear to us that if we are to get involved in the things which we are interested in we have to pursue them more independently as well. With teaching, we have advertised our independent services through the local village council, and so now instead of being hired in a school with a boss and taxable salaries, we have the possibility of working creatively and on our own terms. It may not work out, but it will all be a part of the learning experience; so next time we can do it better. 

Our desire to be putting our permaculture-related skills in practice may also realise itself in a similar way. While of course we are not averse to getting involved with existing projects, in the immediate vicinity there do not seem to be any. However, what the area does have is acres and acres of abandoned land.  The tourist boom stopped, the economy is in crisis, and most buyers want Moroccan oranges now because they are cheaper than Spanish ones. And what has been left is a lot of potential. We don’t know the best way to utilise this potential yet, but the first step has already been taken. We are here, and we have ideas...