Rain proofing

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“Human nature is like water. It takes the shape of its container.” ― Wallace Stevens
(Photo credits Unsplash - Samara Doole)

Rain proofing

We have had our first rain this week! It started raining late at night a few nights ago as we were just falling asleep, which is always a little unsettling as we were wrecking our brain wondering if everything that should not get wet is in fact stored safely. It is of course very welcome after more than 5 months of drought but with the soil so dry and hard after a long and hot summer, the first rain usually tends to run off the land immediately. For us it was the first time after the summer that our swales had to prove their functioning so Paul was up at the break of dawn for inspection!

Large parts of Spain (mostly coastal) had very extreme weather this last week. Heavy rainfall, tornadoes and hail caused terrible flooding, images which were shared on (social) media extensively. Very frightening sights of cars being dragged in what became a violent river through the streets of villages and towns. I believe sadly 7 people died in related accidents. Buildings collapsed and roads were heavily damaged.

Although there have always been extreme weather events on the planet I can't help but wonder if there is a way we can limit the flooding and damage that these conditions cause. Climate change will likely increase the frequency and strength of extreme events which will threaten human health and safety.

Whenever these disasters occur it always brings up the same discussion: is the weather extremer or are the effects of the weather extremer because more people are now living in these areas?

Whilst at the same time about as many hours are spent in politics as in the pubs discussing whether climate change is human induced or not I would like to make a suggestion to shift our focus:

Let's just assume it doesn't matter whether it is or not and make a plan based on what we know for sure:

The climate is changing and this will affect all humans on the planet, directly or indirectly.

Although we can not control the phenomenon we should not bear that as an excuse because what we do do mostly makes the situation worse.

Just a few simple examples of what we can do, preferably on a large scale:

plant more trees! This will slow down the speed of the water, hold the soil in place, prevent erosion (did I mention oxygen? ;) = limit floods
create more green zones in cities which will absorb water instead of flooding it full speed over asphalt = limit floods
rain water catchment should be separate from sewage so these don't overflow = limit floods
plastic and waste clogs the drains, we should be more aware of not letting waste lie around and better yet, produce less of it = limit floods
prevent building on dry channels which are a natural overflow for the river = limit human casualties

Everyone's contribution depends on their situation and possibilities but I am convinced we can all do something in the field in which we operate.

I almost felt sorry for the way in which mother nature was being blamed for the destruction on various social media posts whilst she is actually just showing us where we have gone wrong.

We have a lot left to do in (rain) water management at Back to La Tierra before we will feel we can cope with a similar storm.

Nobody can carry this on his own, water will always come from above and find the shortest way down. It's our responsibility to accept, understand and respect that.

As Bruce Lee would say, Be water, my friend.

Hasta la vista!

Paul & Marina

Exosition portraits in Hotel Ilunion in Málaga

On a lighter note, Paul is showing his latest work this month and next in Hotel Ilunion in Málaga.

This is Paul at his best! Portraits that each portray an individual emotion, a moment in time caught on canvas. The size is perfect to pull the attention to the work without being overwhelming.

The glass wall, although most artists cringe at the idea of so much light and background noise, is perfect.

But then of course that may depend on the 'presence' of the art ;)

A selection of Paul's portraits decorate our Sand Studio and the Back to La Tierra apartment

Paul at his exposition in Hotel Ilunion in Malaga
(Photo credits MasArte Marina Hernandez)

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Back to La Tierra · Finca La Tierra · La Alcaparra 5D · Mijas, Malaga 29650 · Spain