CAVE LIFESTYLE . . . CAVE LIVING TOP TIPS

The top tips for cave living in Andalucia….So what is so different? Not a great deal as long as one is prepared. Over the last few years we have experienced some rather odd situations, some unexpected and some quite painful! Here is a list of what we would have liked to have had when we first moved to our cave.

First Aid

In Spain every vehicle must carry a first aid kit. A wise thing to have around the home too but what is different from a UK kit to a Spanish one? The answer is the small things like vinegar for stings and plenty of ointment. Fly repellent is also a handy thing to have (there are very few mosquito's due to the lack of water and humidity) some flies do bite and unless antiseptic is applied these can fester into irritable bites and become infected.

Emergency Power

A box full of goodies that no cave or indeed any home in rural Spain should be without. Candles, matches, lighters, torch, batteries etc. Rural areas of Andalucia can suffer from power cuts at unexpected times so be prepared.

Plastic Bags

If you are buying a cave in a rural area keep two pairs of plastic bags per person in the cave. When the rain comes it gets quite muddy, plastic bags tied around the feet keep foot ware clean and ultimately the cave itself.

Gas Bottles

If your cave comes without gas bottles buy two or even three if you run a gas cooker and gas boiler. Gas does last a long time depending on the appliance but inevitably one bottle will run out…keep a spare.

Bulb Holders

A strange tip, bulb holders? Buy ceramic bulb holders, put quite simply plastic holders don't last five minutes.

Stones

Be wary of lifting stones and especially vigilant with children. Under a stone is the scorpions ideal home and although not deadly can inflict a very painful sting (magnified by 10 than that of a wasp) Scorpions can vary in size from the very small young to 15 cm plus. They tend to be a pale brown or beige colour. If an adult is stung you will have to grin and bear it until you get to the local surgery, for children get in the car and drive immediately to the nearest hospital.

Wasps

The wasp, during the summer months tends to be slightly more common in the Spanish garden and they love beer! Drink your beverage from a glass or bottle so you can see any activity that may be present on the surface. Essential with children consuming soft drinks.

Stung by a wasp?

This really is a fantastic tip that works but you need to be quick. Upon being stung hold a cigarette end or flame as close to the point of pain as possible, the burning neutralises the pain and within a few seconds the pain will have gone.

Sturdy Shoes

Woodland and footpaths can present a host of obstacles; a good pair of boots may prevent sprains and the less than pleasant 6 or 8 legged creatures getting into your sandals.

Water meter

Once it's in it's in right? No, the water meter will freeze very easily and needs insulation. Old blankets, Hessian sacks or any material will do to cover the pipes and the stop cock.

Oil and Water

Oil and water doesn't last as long in high temperatures especially if you run an older car in Andalucia. Depending on the reliability of your cars engine function to retain fluids, oil and water will need to be checked frequently. If you do have to top up with water use "mineral water" from bottles. This may sound extreme but some areas have quite "hard" water and if used will result in a red sludge forming in the radiator / cooling system and expansion tank and will require regular flushing.

Fly Protection

The Spanish fly is arguably one of the most annoying and persistent of creations to ever exist. Do buy fly mesh for windows and fly strip for doors, these can come in plastic or chain form with many designs to choose from. Reasonably priced and very worth it.

Adaptors

Three pin adaptors are readily available and cost around a euro to buy. Keep some handy though as they don't last forever, this can be a problem half way through cutting your hair with the clippers . . .

Surge protectors

If you are running or intend to run a computer in Spain a surge protector is a wise investment, power cuts cause "spikes" which can damage computers beyond repair. Protectors cost around 9 euros upwards and are well worth the peace of mind.

Bin Bags

Probably one of the best time saving tips on this page! Take the bin bag to the bin, don't leave it outside overnight or the feline population of the area will have a wonderful time. In the campo wild and stray dogs can also be attracted so get rid of that bin!

Photo Records

This won't apply to all cave dwellers or buyers but where possible try to keep a photo record of your cave renovation, the most important for practical purposes being the electrics. Cables in Spain find the quickest route and don't necessarily follow walls in symmetry, a photo record will help you decide where is safe to nail a picture to the living room wall.

Mobile Phone

Many mobile phones do not receive a signal inside a cave due the rock density. If you are planning on getting a mobile check the regional reception of your provider. We have two phones, one for the village and one for our hamlet, neither work in the same location. Radio phones are available for rural areas; phones can also be available as part of your internet package and of course there is email, MSN and Skype with internet connections.

Fires and Barbeques

With long hot summers the landscape can become very dry and a big fire risk. Do not be surprised if the Guardia Civil stop by and pay particular attention to your late night BBQ during a hot year. This is quite common and they are simply observing if the fire is contained or put out after the festivities have come to an end.

Water pressure

Certainly in the out lying areas water pressure can fluctuate quite considerably. In 99% of cases the water pressure is restored and usually better than before (water is highly regarded and very important especially during the summer). The water is safe to drink and in some cases comes from natural springs or underground lakes. One tip though for campo caves is that during the summer the water pressure can drop as a result of farmers irrigating their fields during late afternoons and early evenings.