Since I got back to the burgeoning Springtime of my Andalucían village after a brief visit to the UK, the place has been a frenzy of activity.

At long last, after three months of wet, the worst winter in living memory, the skies have been largely clear and sunny, with the effect that the huge amount of rain damage has had a chance to dry out.

Now from eight o’clock in the morning onwards the typical sounds around are of scraping sawing, cutting, hammering and jet-washing, as everybody, local and guiri alike, sets to to renovate and decorate in time for the fast approaching holiday season.

Oddly, I’m the only male engaged in this painting work, for this is traditionally women’s work in this part of Spain.  The Spanish men are too busy in the bars!  No, they are doing the heavy labouring and building work or are engaged in their normal daily jobs.

Progress is slow, as there are lots of white surfaces to cover, and it’s a race against time, as more rain is forecast in a couple of days!  But, hey, who’s complaining?

©  Paul Whitelock