Like many others...my journey began while sitting in the warmth and comfort of my living room...watching "House Hunters International"...I, unfortunately turned the TV on, just as the final decision was being made by the center of attention this hour, Clare Galloway, a quirky artist from Scotland that had decided to escape the rush of the big city and find somewhere that she could concentrate on her art and focus on a self sustaining lifestyle. But.. could I be wrong!!?? Did I hear correctly...she was purchasing a home in Italy for less than $20,000?...That cannot possibly be correct!! We have been to Italy on numerous occasions...from one end to the other and I had barely seen a ruin for $20,000!!
I immediately "Googled" the show, hoping to stream the episode and watch it...but alas...another thing that only Americans can get and not a Canadian...I cannot watch the show online...DANG! Next step..."Google' Clare Galloway...I found her on face book...being the "Polite Canadian" that I am, I immediately wrote to her and explained my story of how I just saw part of the show....our love for Italy...and now...was THIS REALLY TRUE!!??
I went to sleep that night with visions of Sugarplums...oh no..no..that was later...but...I digress....I went to bed with visions of Italian cobbled streets and the warm sun of the Amalfi beating down on me while sipping achilled glass of Pinot on a terrace...bliss...
When I woke up I dashed to my lap top..knowing full well that I should not expect a reply from Clare...I quietly booted up the lap top and waited..tapping my foot...and TADA! She had replied...OK..I had not even opened the message yet...I was like a kid opening a gift...I had not mentioned anything about this to my partner when I watched the TV clip so he was just looking at me like I was crazy...I just said ..."Tell ya in a minute" I slowly read through her message, she was clear and friendly and so helpful...I could not believe that what I saw was true..it's one of those moments when you think your gonna pee with excitement!
She directed me to contact an American that was currently in the process of purchasing a home there...she explained she was quite busy working on her studio and getting her art together and didn't feel she could give me the guidance she knew I would need....oh she was so smart on that point, as once I connected with Patsy, "The American," she was deluged with questions from me....
How could this be possible?...how could it be so affordable?...how is it possible?...have you bought yet?...should I go right now?..are there more houses?...poor Pat's...we began an online friendship as she tried to calm me and guide me through what would soon be not just the beginning of a dream but the Fulfillment of one.
Through this blog I hope to guide you through our process of not just going to Guardia, but the search for the house...the meeting of the most wonderful people in the world..the experience as it has changed my life forever...
Everyone should have the opportunity to experience EVERYTHING that Guardia has to offer...you just need a dream...a vision...and have a credit card with a 20K limit and it's all attainable...so what are you waiting for?..apply for that credit card...follow my blog and soon enough we can be sharing a glass of ice cold Guardia wine on a rooftop terrace!...Oh...did I mention I have a rooftop terrace!?...
