JOHN AND ANNE HAMMOND have burnt their boats. John has taken early retirement, they have sold their suburban bungalow and bought a cottage in southern Spain. Life will be perpetual sunshine and cheap booze.
But the realities of everyday living intrude. Encounters with builders, bureaucracy, odd-job men and their attempts to integrate into their new life are frustratingly humourous.
John tries writing a best seller and his wife takes up painting again. But when they have to contend with the Spanish driving test and the traumas of family visitors, forest fires and the late hours of Spanish friends, the pressure becomes intense.
Our naive Brits sit on their terrace, the sun warm on their backs drinking wine and contemplating their new, palm-fringed swimming pool. Across the valley, whitewashed cottages cluster around a blue-domed church.
ÔOo-o,Õ Anne says. ÔItÕs ever so nice!Õ John nods. ÔIÕve never been one to complain.Õ ÔYes you are,Õ says his better half. ÔYou complain all the blooming time.Õ