This last phase has been personally challenging, and challenging also regards finding land for my project, the Earth Collective. I mentioned previously that I had to tackle some health issues, namely getting my mouth up to scratch, and sorting out an acute back injury. Having located a holistic dentist, I was shocked to find I needed nine restorations (ie. repairs). Six appointments later, the work is almost complete. The final appointment should round off a turbulent 2024. And I have managed all without an unaesthetic. That’s not to say I didn’t wince, but it wasn’t enough to justify a shot which was a great relief. Actually, that was the most worrying part of going to the dentist. As some may know, pretty much all jabs (including anaesthetics) now have toxic graphene in them, the cause of so much harm during the last few years. Having gone down a few rabbit holes researching mitigation strategies, I went equipped with a strong magnet in case I was unable to cope with the pain, and had to use the protocol developed by La Quinta Columna. I also sent a video to the dentist. But it wasn’t necessary. I hope my mouth will be in excellent working order for the next few decades, at least. And I expect that advances in health-care technology will, in future, provide less barbaric treatments that dentistry.

Regards the chronic back issue I have endured for the last few months, the cause of which was diagnosed as two compressed vertebrae, following more barbarism (this time, inflicted by a Croatian osteopath), and having adhered to instructions not to cycle (I cried) and do prescribed exercises daily, the situation was not much better. So, I made an appointment with a traditional Chinese doctor, acupuncturist and homeopath whom I had used before. It was an illuminating treatment which included lying front down on acupuncture needles implanted in my stomach (I didn’t know that was possible), cupping (my torso still sports large red blotches), bleeding acidity out of my tender back muscles, instructions on what to remove from my diet (now even more restricted) and an assortment of medicines. The next day, my back was beyond sore, which was extremely concerning. But after what I assume was a ‘healing crisis’ (yes, it is a thing), it felt much better. And this afternoon, I cycled for the first time in five and a half weeks. Oh joy!

On the property front, progress has been slow, very slow. And frustrating too. But there is some light at the end of the tunnel. Because of strict criteria for my project, I had been unable to find any potential properties online for the past couple of months. So, I drove to the region to track down some real-estate agents (the story of my last blog). I located two who promised to help me. But, based on past experience, I wasn’t holding my breath. However, a few days later, one of the agents emailed to let me know that a client of her architect husband had some land to sell which, apparently, fitted the bill. Most importantly, it wasn’t in a conservation zone, as this is a ‘no-no’ for planning. In true Portuguese style, information was scant. There were no pictures, no location details and no documents. Finally, two few weeks later, the agent went to the land and took some photos for me. It looked interesting. But without documentation, it was impossible to check if what she had told me was correct. Another week passed and one piece of information arrived, sufficient for my architect Odete to do a limited amount of research. This revealed that a quarter of the land was, in fact, in a conservation zone. Groundhog Day (another previous blog)! But as the land was large (some 50 acres), it could still work without using the protected area, though I would have to view the property to know how much of a sacrifice this was.

So, I arranged accommodation and drove to the Spanish border to view the property. I was greeted by the agent and her husband (neither of whom spoke English), the owner (a well worn farmer-cum-builder), and a colleague of the agent with his wife, the latter of whom spoke a smattering of English. It was quite a gathering! The land was indeed lovely, high up on undulating hills, with stunning panoramic views, 1000 chestnut trees, several meadows and three wells that draw on underground water courses. No buildings or utilities, which suits me as I prefer to start with a blank canvass. And the energy was sweet. However, there were some surprises – and not the good kind. Two small pieces of land within the plot were not owned by the seller, and had not been marked as such on the boundary map, so he would have to purchase them. More Groundhog Day! Also, the documents for some of the land were not in his name and would have to be changed. Plus there was a question mark over the ownership of the track that led to the property.

I returned the next morning to walk the land on my own, take it all in, and think about how it would suit my project. I also dowsed to measure various energy attributes and use a Guass metre to check for electrical and magnetic fields, and radio frequency. It passed with flying colours. It has now been a week since the visit and I still don’t have the documentation. I am promised it will arrive tomorrow. Meanwhile, I have arranged to go back with Odete on Friday, to show her the land and to meet with a planning officer at the municipality, to see if we can get answers that way. And to check that they are happy with my project.

It’s the nicest land I have seen so far, in a suitable location, avoiding most of the environmental hazards (covered in other previous posts) that I have experienced since arriving in Portugal. Sadly, lack of information and lax responses (if any at all) are a recurring theme, adding to the challenge of finding land. But I am an eternal optimist and it feels like there is a glimmer of hope.

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Footnotes:

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