A Hoopoe on the Nispero Tree

With their Andalusian guesthouse ready to welcome visitors, Robert and Sabina face new challenges. They battle through a snowy winter and face another year of drought. With few bookings, no water, and very little money left, they start looking back and doubt their decision to leave their cushy jobs in the Middle East for the harsh reality of life in the countryside. Was moving to Andalusia a big mistake? At times, it's hard to see how they can continue on this adventure. Learning the ropes of the hospitality business is riddled with stress. Held captive by guest reviews, they endure numerous customer indiscretions in order to put their guesthouse on the map. Instead of the gracious hosts that they had imagined themselves becoming one day, they become somewhat disillusioned with it all. It's not all sangria and castanets. But while their journey is filled with setbacks, burdens are made lighter thanks to new friendships and the kindness of their neighbors, whose families had lived in the valley for generations. Written with a wry sense of honest humor, this story is filled with events that will make you laugh out loud, moments when you might shed a tear, and situations that will make you ask: What were they thinking?