La primera agua Friday 13 July (no, we are not superstitious) was our first 'water day' at the cortijo, an hour between 1 pm and 2 pm when we could take water from the azeicia. In the winter, water days are once a week. But in the summer, they may only be once every one or two months. So, summer water days are big social occasions. Everyone makes sure they are up at their cortijos ready, at their apointed hour to first, fill their tanks and, then, if there is sufficient water irrigate their land. While they wait, they pick their produce (cherries for the man from Almeria) or check their irrigation channels. We made sure to be there in plenty of time after Miguel alerted us by email and telephone. We have several neighbours, Miguel and Encarni above us from whom we bought the cortijo. To, the west above and below, a gentleman from Almeria, immediately to the west, a family from Granada, and further to the west a professora and her husband, also from Granada. Most come just for 'al fin de semana' but often for longer in the summer and Christmas holidays but everyone was there on Friday. It was a fun day. We learned heaps. And all this was first put in place centuries ago by the arabs. Amazing! Miguel opens the top sluice gate at 1 pm. First priority is to fill the tank for domestic water. This one serves our cortijo. Drinking water we bring from a spring on our way up.

The water flowed abundantly. Once the domestic tank is full, next, the water flows down to fill . .

. . . the tank for our irrigation water. The water goes into a pipe, under the terrace and into the tank.

Miguel and Rodney examining one of the almond trees. The cold snap at blossom time means that there are very few nuts up here this year. To their right, a walnut tree with lots of walnuts.

Down on one of the terraces clearing out the channels so that water runs to the trees-apples, pears, cherries, almonds, walnuts, blackberries and (loads of) vines.

Miguel and behind him, one of the many chestnut trees, in flower.

Unblocking the pipe the takes the water beneath the track to the terraces below. The neighbour with the wellie boots has the right idea - it's can be a wet and muddy job.

Dinner on the terrace

29 June our first weekend at the cortijo Rodney testing out the IBERBANDA internet connection. Painting the 'balcon'.

Spot the internet receiver on the roof.

Javana Spa Indonesia is famous for its spas. So, yes we did, we took a four-day break at Javana Spa, an idyllic spot, about three hours south of Jakarta.

First morning, up at 5.30 am for a walk through the jungle to waterfall 1. Hot ginger tea to encourage us.

Healthy lunch! Crispy cheese sticks were standard fare.

A favourite - the onsen. Outdoor open air pool fed by sulphur springs from the volcano.

A rare moment of relaxation in between the nature walks, exercise and spa sessions.

Early morning stretch before the hike to waterfall 4.

Yes he did. The water falling on your back is said to be therapeutic.

Me too. Briefly. Definitely invigorating.

Hard to beat isn't it?

Great pool but we just didn't get round to fitting in a swim.

Jalarta Highland gathering 2007 Pipers from Hong Kong slaking their thirst with fresh coconut.

Totally engrossed in the caber tossing.

Last run through for the pipers from Singapore.

Lynn Rowland family weekend tradition: omlettes for breakfast The chefs at work.

Life is good Back in Spain after our month in Jakarta, the coritijo beckons. We've made a start on shifting some of our belongings up though have not slept there yet. The temptation is to just sit and admire the view! Down at the apartment in Salobrena, work is underway painting, but not so frantically that we don't have time to admire the sunset.