Why Jimena de la Frontera?

Let me introduce you to the historic town of Jimena de la Frontera. 

A few things you can't read on Wikipedia.

Jimena is actually not just a town but a municipality that includes San Pablo del Buceite and wait for it … our very own Los Angeles or as we call it, Estación de Jimena because there’s a train station. Estación means station and ours is connected to most major destinations. You may have to change trains along the route, and the times may be somewhat undesirable, but travellers can get just about anywhere. Apparently, there is even a retired naval officer in our town who has all the timetables of all the trains in the whole of Spain. A lovely neighbour describes him as a walking encyclopaedia of trains. 

The town of Jimena de la Frontera may be small town with only 5k to 6k inhabitants but it's vibrant. It’s full of as much, or as little life as any person is seeking. It really comes into its own in the summer months when people take to spending more time outdoors and tourists from all over the world visit us. In the winter months, you’ll find regular visitors who prefer to exchange their winter blues for our winter green. 

You can go to any one of the bars, shops or restaurants and the majority of the owners and their staff are all willing to have a little chat and a laugh. Everyone is friendly if you're not a grumpy, or pretentious, person! :-)

In May, the town celebrates its very own feria, which kickstarts all the summer fiestas, (parties), musical events, recitals and a whole list of other activities. There really is something for everyone. During the feria women dress in their traditional Spanish attire, the finest Andalucia horses can be seen parading the streets and beautifully ornate horse drawn carriages take to the streets. The laughter and dancing can be heard for miles. 

If you like trekking and you're a nature lover, you will not be disappointed by this municipality. There are so many treks to choose from around the village and so many others close by. One of the finest and closest routes circumambulates the village along the river Hozgarganta. In the winter it’s full of water running from the mountains to the sea. In the summer, it dries in places but not without leaving pools where locals and tourists alike can be seen bathing. 

Not to boast but our river is reputed to be one of the cleanest in Spain and has species indigenous to it; including fresh water jellyfish, which is apparently the only one found in Europe. If you’re here during the month of September you might be lucky to catch a glimpse of them. Fret not, they appear not to sting! I have this on good word of a lady who swam with hundreds of them! I wouldn't want to try it but then she is a very adventurous, remarkable and inspiring lady; and far braver than I will ever be. 

Jimena de la Frontera is a town where there is still a sense of community. Neighbours help neighbours and, from my own personal experience, even strangers are willing to offer a helping hand. 

The most extraordinary example is given by our current Mayor, Fran, who took the time, on a cold and terribly stormy winter's night, to visit people like me who had been flooded. Me! - A simple Italian/British national who ended up living here like so many other foreigners. 

The Christmas after lockdown he sent every household a small box of chocolates to thank us for our collaboration of staying home. He also gave local economy a kickstart with a prized raffle. He didn't have to do either but it shows his degree of care for the welfare of his people and his town. It shows how foreigners and locals are equally welcome. 

I would like to know if any other Mayor in the world did the same for their town!

During Covid, the council were spraying our streets long before any town in Italy, UK, USA and even China. The town hall’s response was quick. I wish I could say the same about the health centre but, I guess it was a confusing time for many. Nobody really knew what they were dealing with and everyone was scared. So, I'll cut them some slack. However, as a Naturopath and one of the only psychologists, in the area of transpersonal studies, to stand on the same stage as Medicine Sans Frontiers to train other psychologists in the midst of a calamity, I can honestly say there is no room for arrogance or supremacy when a person's health and/or their life is at stake. 

However, our Mayor, Fran, was concerned and our town hall was on the ball. Looking back over the course of events, we kind of put other towns to shame. Just saying .... ;-)

At present, the town hall is restoring the roads and making improvements all over the town. Honestly, this Mayor, deserves his role in this society and this little town deserves its place on the map and in the world. It has nothing to envy of anywhere else!

We have some of the most stunning views across the mountains and countryside. Sunrise and sunset are spectacular moments to be savoured with a cup of brew or a glass of Spain’s finest. 

That reminds me of a conversation I had with a Media consultant once. I should say, I actually don’t own a television but when I contracted an Internet provider, a friendly operator tried to sell me one. 

She harped on about how many inches, how many channels and all the benefits of getting a TV. I let her bla bla bla for a while and simply replied: “With all the wonders the natural beauty of Jimena has to offer, why would I need a TV? Yours is only 43 inches. My terrace gives me 360 degree vision. Instead of watching birds on the discovery channel, I can see them close up and personal; especially the vultures, eagles and kestrels out on their scouting missions. Moreover, last year, my neighbours and I watched thousands of kites migrating and at night I can hear owls. Instead of watching gardening programs, I can be out planting my own. So, really my TV is better LOL.” At least she had a good sense of humour and we both laughed. 

So, when people ask me why, as an Italian/British person I choose to live in Jimena de la Frontera, my answer is simply: “With this and much more that I hope to bring you from here on in, why not?”

En algunos días voy publicar también la versión Española. Por cierto, estamos en España!