MONTHLY CHALLENGE|TRAVEL|WRITING

The Return

How I fell in love with La Alpujarra

Man-made mountain carvings due to soil erosion as a consequence of water irrigation systems (all photos by author)

Pull. Draw. Tug.

There are myriad reasons why we return to some places. One of them is related to where we come from, or grew up. Another one could be linked to a turning point in our lives, a catalyst with deep meaning. Or, it could just be that we’ve found yet another home in this place.

For me, La Alpujarra in Spain’s Sierra Nevada, is that third reason.

Whilst I know that my connection has been made solely during holiday time, I also have to acknowledge the pull of the landscape, how drawn I am to the language, and the nostalgia-tinted tug at my sleeve from the people.

So, what brings you to Andalucía? The young immigration officer asked me once my plane had landed. I’m in love with your land, I answered; no hesitation in my voice whatsoever. We both had a giggle.