Home, House Warming Party and Hike to Costa Brava Monastery

The House - Inspection, Work, Move

Friday was set aside to do a house inspection.  I was concerned about the owner's commitment to fix the

flooring in the hallway.  It's in the contract for him to do it, but I really didn't want to go the legal route.  Well, I was pleased with the work they did with that and the other things that were listed in the contract.  We also checked the utilities (air conditioning, heat, gas, water) and everything looked good.   I feel very comfortable with our meeting tomorrow and purchasing my new home.

On Wednesday the work begins on the flat - sanding, scraping, filling & painting.  I'm moving the toilet in the bath and installing large doors for the built-in closet in the bedroom (they currently have curtains over the closet).  That with other smaller items that are on the list will probably take 2-3 weeks.

No matter where they are in the process, I will be moving into the bedroom on June 20.  The bed will be installed that day.  I'll need to buy bed sheets that fit the bed (the bed sizes here are different than they are in the States).  So, I asked that the bedroom to be painted and that the toilet to be functional by the 20th.  It would be great if the doors and ceiling fan were installed, but I'm not counting on that.  I am very excited about the move though and having a place I can call home after almost 4 months.  Chris will be arriving on June 22!

Attending A House Warming Party

On Saturday I attended a house warming party (they call it an "Inauguracíón") of a friend who was offered to

buy a beautiful flat that he had been renting on a very prestigious street for a price much lower than market rates.  His mortgage was approved and he invited friends to have some wine at his old/new place and then go out to dinner.  I wasn't quite sure what the custom was for this kind of event, but I decided to buy a card and a small house warming gift at Casa Viva store.  When I arrived with the gift, the host said how nice that I would do such an American thing as to bring a gift.  Later an Irish friend came and brought an orchid plant for him.  I guess the the Irish and American cultures have similar traditions.  Later I received a very nice message from the host warmly thanking me for what I brought him.

I'll probably be having my own house warming party in September.  It will take a while to furnish the place.

Hike to Sant Pere de Rodes

Yesterday I went on a hike on the Costa Brava near France to the Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery, which dates back to 878, but was at its peak in the 11th and 12th centuries by Benedictine monks.  It was eventually abandoned in the late 18th century and reconstruction work began in 1935.

The hike was a little more than 9.9 kilometers, it was all up-hill and it was a very warm day.  It was wonderful to enjoy the very cool enclaves of this ancient monastery.  I also was able to talk to some new people and make some new friends.

I've done many hikes with this small group of friends who were on this trip