I was lucky enough to be back in Gaucin to see the almond blossom at its most stunning against beautiful blue skies; it’s the time of long shadows, wood fires and cold nights…. mid February. However the countryside was dry, and the lack of rain was the subject of many conversations. Nonetheless this is a very good time of year to enjoy walking around the area and there are many delightful walks of varying difficulty and places of interest to take in, or restaurants on the way/ at the end of the walk…which is often what we seem to do!…Bring layers, binoculars and cameras.

By the 1st of March, the weather had changed and we were on the receiving end of “Storm Emma” and probably more rain than has fallen in such a short time for years; hopefully this will mean exceptional spring flowers in the next month or so and full rivers throughout the summer. Any visitor can join the Gaucin Walkers, on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10.00am outside the petrol station. See the Gaucin Walkers Facebook page to find out exactly what’s taking place.

Patrick Elvin leads the longer walks and has published 2 books: WALKS AROUND GAUCIN and 40 HALF DAY WALKS IN THE SERRANIA DE RONDA AND JIMENA AREA. With good maps and 'wikiloc' tracks. Both books are available on Amazon for about 10 Euros each. They are regularly updated.

We managed to find our way to the top of “El Hacho” on the 18th of February, just following the signs and the path, which makes it much easier than scrambling up to the top...definitely worth it on a clear day.

Several friends have been uploading local walks on the Wikiloc tracks App. which I’m sure some of you are already aware of. The GPS- share with all - online walking track database.
Some guests and visitors to Casa Mosaica will already know about Platero & Co. the delightful restaurant that Helen and Barry opened recently in Gaucin after successfully running Mesón La Pozuela in the nearby village of Jubrique. Barry prepares and cooks high quality seasonal local food on the premises and Helen has worked hard to source an interesting variety of local wines for their wine list.

There is a lovely terrace for outdoor eating and the inside is very cozy on cooler nights. It’s a delight not to be missed, and it’s only a short stroll from Casa Mosaica.

The restaurant is small and very popular so booking is advisable. They have a great website with excellent photos of some of their delicious dishes, and a convenient online booking form.
We have a great new Moroccan Shop in the village (on the corner by the Farmacia) Ali’s Regalos. Ali, a young Moroccan/British entrepreneur is selling Moroccan ceramics as well as textiles and leather gifts; definitely worth a look around, even just to see his “Bazaar” and meet Ali...I wish I had room for this wonderful rug.
Some of you will know that I am taking a sabbatical from designing mosaics. I could not resist, my last mosaic floor has been made for the new cloakroom / extra shower for the Casa Mosaica apartment that we are building currently and will be ready for the first guests of 2018.

I hope it will make the apartment even more comfortable by adding a second shower for the Master bedroom, plus it will have a washing machine for visitors use. There will probably be a shell theme!... Finished photos to follow in the next newsletter.

I will be exhibiting mosaics for the last time, at the 2018 Art Gaucin Open Studios event at the end of May and have made a special stock page on the CM Studio website with all remaining mosaic pieces for sale, which I will try to keep updated.

I'm delighted to say we have new guests coming to visit from all over the world this year and it's particularly nice when visitors return for a second stay;  so thank you for making Casa Mosaica your holiday choice and a very special thank you to 2 exceptional guests who come every year for 2 weeks making 2018 their 8th consecutive year.

There is still plenty of availability in the Casita for this summer. Please share the news and my website and I can offer 10% off high season Casita prices to any readers (and friends of readers) of this newsletter for 2018.

Best wishes for now from the entire Casa Mosaica Team:
Ruffi, Raffa, Alex, Andrea, Jim, Charlie, Emma and not forgetting of course Kevin & Geoffrey


Best Regards,
Emma V. Cornish