There were some guys from England, a group of mates of a unique calling. Termed 'alternatives' by their pairs and looked down on by the system as no hopers, they jumped aboard the newly opened benefit policies available to them at the completion of their university terms and headed off to see the world. Using this sudden easy to come by income they headed off to Portugal where it would not only last longer but would mean travelling in style. Here, with the old Peso, the Pound was strong as the BFG on spinach.
They travelled for a wee while as minstrels, living the nomadic life and taking it all pretty easily really. No worries, no pressure, no demands. They just used their benefit for the benefit of enjoyment and when it ran out, headed back to the home country for a top up. This looked like it could be their life. They had found the dream without trying.
Then while wandering in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, they came across a forested valley. Uninhabitated except for the odd woodland creature, it was a haven hidden from the world. A place to escape without havng to escape. Suddenly the travelling life, though great, seemed to have reached an end. And so they pooled their benefit money together and bought two small areas of it.
They built some huts, moved there stuff in (all 5 bags worth), and so began a decade (and now longer) of living it with nature. Located 50 or so kms from Granada, there is still access to town to grab essentials and over the years this place has grown into a big hippy commune. It has become a home at the end of many travellers travels. Kind of like a n expat travellers village. 3 more parts have been added, 2 on forestry land and one is kind of a squatters rights place now.
Everything I read about the place makes it sounds relaxing. I cannot wait to go. I won't be staying long but it will be cool to know it exists...
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