How Cortijo Romero, in Spain, is still facing uncertainty as it rides the ups and downs of the pandemic.

None of us thought that travel restrictions to Europe would still be in place at the start of our second summer in the pandemic.   If I could travel to Spain this month I would definitely choose to be at Cortijo Romero for a week of restoration.  This stunningly picturesque creative holiday centre has been important to me for a number of years and it feels like a emotional wrench to be unable to visit.   The weather forecast this week is showing day time temperatures ranging from 25 ℃ to 28 ℃ with a scattering of cloud providing a little respite from the heat.  At night, a coolness will descend across the valley making it easier to sleep if windows are left ajar.  This year, the mountainous area of the Alpujarras around Cortijo Romero has experienced plenty of rain, making everything look green and lush.  Following a fairly cool May, the wild flowers are out in abundance with dazzling colours everywhere you turn. 

Cortijo Romero is ready and waiting to re-open this month with a full programme of courses all provisionally planned, with many guests all provisionally booked.  Ruth, their wonderful manager, continues to ensure the centre is ready to welcome guests.  The garden and grounds need constant upkeep, with loyal staff continuing to make sure that everything is kept in order.  Even their cat Ramona who lives in this idyllic paradise, has been cared for every day and is curled up asleep outside the office wondering when the guests will return to give her some extra strokes.  But no matter how much Cortijo Romero plans, prepares, changes plans yet again, adapts and attempts to predict ahead it seems that uncertainty continues.  It remains difficult to know when Spain will become designated a "green" country where we will finally be allowed to travel for a much needed holiday.

Last year, Cortijo Romero was able to run seven weeks out of their planned forty-two weeks.  By utilising every financial support possible, it has hung on but now faces a difficult path ahead.  One thing I know for sure is that Cortijo Romero must survive this pandemic and continue to provide a healing sanctuary for so many.  It has been opening its warm, welcoming arms to countless guests since 1986 and more often than not, people return.  Perhaps it is the presence of the majestic mountains all around that provide such a deep sense of grounding and support?  Or is it the sense of community that is created every week by the dedicated and familiar staff alongside like-minded guests that draws people back.  The delicious food prepared by the talented cooks is probably the best vegetarian food that I have ever eaten in my life, even more so because they can provide gluten-free options.  Every guest would tell a different story about what CR means to them and what makes it a truly special place.

By the start of 2021 we were all ready for this year to be "better" and begin to get back to some kind of normality.  While the politicians endlessly debate about what to open and what to restrict, Cortijo Romero is left in limbo.  Even though it remains empty of guests so far this year, the spirit of CR remains truly alive for many.  Various course leaders are leading online workshops or classes which are proving very popular in this difficult pandemic time.  My last visit to Cortijo Romero was in the autumn prior to the pandemic starting, participating in "Yoga and Sound" with Leah Barnett and Fiona Agombar.  Throughout the months since, I have regularly joined them both on zoom for restful yoga classes and nourishing
mini-yoga retreats.  

Cortijo Romero feels like a wise and supportive old friend who I feel blessed to be able to visit.  No matter how I am feeling it accepts me just as I am, whether that is energetic and vibrant or flagging and in need of some nurturing.  CR has shown me that is okay to feel deeply and be human rather than hiding my sensitivity.  In recent years CR has allowed me to rest a little more than I normally do and to listen to what my body needs.  My time there always fills me with some insight, wisdom or compassion to help me along my way.  And now it is my turn to help CR in return, to give support so that it can continue to thrive for years to come.

Friends of Cortijo Romero will know that Alan Dale (who has owned and run CR for 28 years) has recently started an appeal for donations with an aim of raising £150,000 by the end of August.  As soon as I heard I donated half the cost of a week's course that I would have spent last year.  Just imagine if every past guest that is still in contact with CR donated a small amount the target could be reached and we would all breath a sigh of relief.

Being unable to actually travel at the moment, I can only imagine being at Cortijo Romero, perhaps seated with a group on the stunning roof top surrounded by the mountains.  We would be singing and drumming, sending songs of hope to the local area and across out into the world to reach all the people who know and cherish CR.  The songs would be uplifting, moving and celebratory.  Lilting melodies would remind us that we are still connected and that human interaction can never be replaced by a computer screen.  And the drums would call out to everyone to help, in any way that we can so that CR can continue to ride the ups and downs of the pandemic.   

Photos taken at Cortijo Romero by Martin Elliott and Sue Edge

https://www.cortijo-romero.co.uk

Comments

  1. AnonymousJune 19, 2021 at 2:15 PM

    Cortijo Romero is such a special place. I look forward to going back there before too long.

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownJune 19, 2021 at 5:43 PM

    Beautiful Sue. Oh how i wish i was there. I pray it can ride out these uncertain times 🙏

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sue WalkerJuly 9, 2021 at 7:43 PM

      Thanks for reading and your prayers will be shared by many that CR can ride out these uncertain times.

      Delete
  3. John McKennaJuly 9, 2021 at 12:18 PM

    Can't wait to return in November, to plant more trees, Tai Chi on the roof, and see all my lovely friends.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sue WalkerJuly 9, 2021 at 7:45 PM

      Hi John! Thanks for reading and glad you are heading out in November for the tree planting week. I am hoping to get out for some yoga in the autumn (fingers crossed!).

      Delete

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