Part of the experience of living "on the economy" in a foreign country is getting to know your landlord and neighbors. We have always been lucky to have great landlords (knock on wood) but, this time, I think we hit a home run. Armando and La Signora (I have yet to figure out her first name) are farmers. Simple, honest people. Armando appears to be in his late 70's and his wife isn't too far from that. They also own the land next to our house where they have planted a decent garden. I would describe it as wild. It is not the nicely-manicured, perfectly-formed rows of plants that we usually imagine when someone mentions garden. A key to the garden, and an invitation to take whatever we want, is included in the rent. Jeff and I took off to explore it a few days ago after he got home from work. We didn't cover every square foot because I need more time (and appropriate shoes and clothing) to get over the tall grass brushing against my legs, the feel of the ground -- so soft and spongy brought about by years of accumulating layers of leaves, cuttings, etc., and the mosquitos. Nevertheless, on our short trek we saw amazing grapevines that seem to trail throughout the entire garden -- over the tops of the numerous citrus, apple and pomegranate trees. There are also pumpkins waiting to ripen, and loads of zucchini. I've located my rain boots and mosquito spray and am looking forward to walking through the garden again!
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