La Tertulia

Strange name you may think, but let me enlighten you.
"A Tertulia is a social gathering with artistic, political or literary overtones specifically in Spain or Latin America. The term is originally Spanish and has little currency in English in describing Latin cultural contexts. It is similar to a Salon but in recent centuries has been a regularly scheduled event in a public place such as a bar or cafe. Participants share their recent creations such as poetry, songs, writings, artworks or even opinions. Usually, but not always, the participants in a regular scheduled tertulia will be in some respects, like minded individuals with similar politics, literary tastes etc."
That is roughly what a tertulia is and we felt it encompassed the sort of place we want to have. So to describe the feel of the cafe (and remember, this is still some way down the track so we will see what materialises) I will try and visualise it: a rustic room with a mish mash of different tables and chairs. Big tables for big groups and small tables for intimate chats. Couches, settees, lounges, call them what you want, for comfort. Ceiling high shelves filled with books and magazines and newspapers. Great coffee, healthy breakfasts, tapas and nice wine. Good music, also live (mags!) and people having a good time.... hopefully lots of them. This is our vision so far.

Time Passages

I know it's a long space between blogs, but this is the support act to the actual event. The days pass, we prepare, we sell, we think, we talk, we plan. It just seems pointless boring you with the fill in time between now and departure. But, what has been happening? I've been working in my home office designing, working for a friend at his office designing, working at a department store called Myer training staff in motivation, customer service etc. Last week I did a 'barista' course. Now that was interesting. What do I know about coffee??... well lots now as it happens. I know how to make a latte, cappucchino, espresso... you name it.
I guess the biggest news is that we have decided on a name for the cafe/bar in Seville. It will be called ...La Tertulia. I will go into great detail in the next blog as to why what and where :)
For the moment, it's almost summer here in Perth, the weather is improving and so does the mood of the populace as they get some sun into their weary damp winter bones.

Departure date

So, well there we are. Date for departure from Australia has been set. Last sighting of Perth will be January 23, 2010. The plan is to fly to Ireland, spend some time with family, tour a bit and hang out with friends I haven't seen for some time and Margriet hasn't met. Then off to The Netherlands for the Dutch side of things.
When you make a time like this, everything becomes so final. There are a lot of things to do of course, but now the clock is ticking. We talk a lot about Spain and all the things we want to do there, where we will stay etc. We have many plans but the important thing is to keep the momentum going, to keep talking about it. Excitement is like a virus and we look at each other in that silly knowing way. It's also kind of scary, but yes... what excitement!

The rain in Spain...

It's been raining steadily here all night... most of yesterday, most of the week in fact. This morning as I type this it's cold. The sun is weeping through the clouds. I'm tired of it, things wear me down so easily these days. Of course it's the anticipation thing biting at my toes again. It can't come quick enough... departure that is.

The past few weeks got distracted and left planning outside for a while so back into it now with aplomb! This week begins with the promise to get back into the Spanish lessons proper. There is no doubt that lack of some sort of communication will greatly hinder any progress and delay integration. Basically, it will make things difficult. But the good thing is, new passports have been arranged. Now that they are all new with a 'chip', we decided to get new ones. Mine Irish and Australian, Mags in Dutch. Without European passports, things would be impossible. Enquiries have also been made with shipping companies to collect, store and eventually deliver belongings. So I guess that's the trickle which will turn into a flow... course it will.

It's all in the planning

...and so it begins, the plans start to take on a life of their own. To take a breath, a small leap of faith and silently halt your current existence, pack it all into little boxes and await the departure date.

In the end, there is so little to do really. You have 24 years of gathering possessions around you and lately losing more than you have gained. Depletion by choice will make the end game so much easier. How many fond memories of this place would you take on your journey to a new life? There are the necessities of course, sitting, sleeping etc. But what of all the other bits? Baggage!

Perth has been nice. Is that the right adjective? Is that the right way to describe the effect this isolated village has had on my mortal existence here? Yes, it's been nice. But time to move on.
So in a nutshell, or a few sentences, we, that being Margriet and I, will leave these sunny shores in the antipodes for the sunny plains of Andalucia. Seville to be precise, well initially anyway. Why Spain you might ask. There are many reasons which will reveal themselves as the posts continue. For the moment, lets call it a seachange.

So, much to do. We have set an end date for leaving Australia at February 10, 2010. But discussion and impatience may just have brought it forward to Christmas. That is Christmas in Ireland with my family, time in The Netherlands with Margriet's family and then the drive to Sevilla!