Chapter 3 Arrival

Home is where the art is

Just after I got off the Alsa bus, a dusty Landrover rocked up and out came Simon.
He and his wife, Donna, have run the residency since 2010.

While we drifted through almond groves, the smaller town of Vélez Blanco and what looked like the backdrop of a 1960s American cowboy movie, he layered our views with information about the environment, the draughts, the diversity of trees and more. But he also asked me many questions, showing a genuine interest, which made me immediately feel at ease.

And it only got better from there.
As we drove up the sandy white road leading to the Cortijo (farmhouse), their Schnauzer, Frida, ran up to us with a friendly bark.

The Joya: residency is based at Los Gázquez, five beautifully restored farmhouses made into one off-grid, sustainably minded destination within the Parque Natural Sierra María - Los Vélez, Andalucía, Spain.

The smooth white house is cool inside and tastefully designed by Donna and Simon. Since they have hosted over 500 artists so far, and they are artists themselves, the house serves as an incredible art gallery that makes you turn and twist your head to enjoy the pieces on the walls, floors, and ledges.

My room is a spacious double bedroom with a large bathroom attached. The sun was setting through my two windows, giving me orange warmth.
Welcome home, Talia.