Seriously mom, what's an alpaca? by Alan Parks

When you move to another country, it's hard to explain your new life to those at home.  Author Alan Parks has done a wonderful job of sharing the non-fiction story of his family's move to rural Spain to raise alpacas.  His easy going writing style made me feel as though I was reading a personal letter from him. 

He talks about the language challenges, the difference in cultures and the significance of the large expat community.  I particularly enjoyed the tales of his adventures with his Spanish neighbours.

When I was a teen, my family moved to an island in the Caribbean, and my father and his partners started a scuba diving business.  Mr. Parks had me reliving many of our experiences, some I had long forgotten.

I highly recommend this book to anyone considering such a move or who is curious about moving to a foreign country.  The armchair traveller will also enjoy the stories and still be happy to remain safely at home. 

Cover image courtesy of Alan Parks.