Monday, 19 May 2008
Fancy Going Walking in Spain?
Nothing majorly positive about this except to think that maybe you just can do many interesting and sometimes frankly stupid things in Spain. Thanks to Ben at www.notesfromspain.com for the heads up on this video. If you are of a nervous disposition you shouldn't really watch this.
It is the Camino del Rey in Malaga and if anybody fancies going there this summer for a walk get in touch. I will put yu in touch with a psychiatrist.
Sunday, 27 April 2008
To Counter All the negativity
Here is a post I have placed on our Valencia Property Blog I thought it appropriate for this blog too as Spain continues to be a great place to live despite the impending World Economic Recession if you wish to see it that way. However as you are reading a positivity blog you probably won't be thinking like that dear reader.
If you have been following developments recently in Spain in the UK press you could be mistaken for thinking that the sky was falling in as the country grinds to a halt. The British press loves giving grief to others when ignoring problems at home except when it is politically expedient to point out the problems. Look at the news in the UK last week about mortgage approvals being down 47% year on year and prices down 2.5% in a month and you have a much truer comparative picture with what is happening there. Here in Spain, much the same really but mortgage approvals have dropped about 20% despite the banks seriously cracking down on credit. Prices are dropping as many sellers were asking over the top prices. On our page we have some sellers who are British who need to take out money because of the huge increase in the cost of living in the UK. That allied to the weakness of the pound against the Euro has given them the opportunity to drop their prices to achieve a quicker sale.
So what about quality of life. Here we generally wake up in the morning knowing that it will probably be sunny and warm and knowing that when we use the water or gas for our morning shower, go to do the shopping or even fill the tank with petrol that, despite the fact that the Pound has depreciated against the Euro 15% recently, it is still much cheaper here to live a simple life. Public transport is cheaper and you can get about happily by metro, train or bus for pennies rather than pounds. It's not all good news though, electric is roughly equivalent to the UK and phones and mobiles cost more. Crime is lower, people are generally healthier and the World Health Organisation recommends Valencia and the surrounding area as one of the best places to live in the World from a health perspective.
According to the UK press the Brits over here are all bored as they do nothing all day except drink. Untrue again, many of our clients here work in multinationals, in the oil industry, in I.T, in international sales and development roles and they are given a choice of living anywhere as long as they have good communications. Believe it or not they choose Spain and more particularly Valencia as their base and have a thoroughly great time.
So what will your money get you currently? Evidently you have to spend fewer Euros to get a great property because sellers are more willing to accept offers whereas previously they would only sell at asking price. Factor in the need of the seller and you will generally get good discounts but don't set your heart on one single property as there are plenty on offer. Take a good look through the main site at www.valencia-property.com and see for yourself what you will get.
(The photos illustrating this article are of two houses at the following links, Almansa, La Pobla a typical Valencian Paella, an image of the current America's Cup holders Alinghi and the end of a rambling route by Olocau.) For more info get in touch on info@valencia-property.com
If you have been following developments recently in Spain in the UK press you could be mistaken for thinking that the sky was falling in as the country grinds to a halt. The British press loves giving grief to others when ignoring problems at home except when it is politically expedient to point out the problems. Look at the news in the UK last week about mortgage approvals being down 47% year on year and prices down 2.5% in a month and you have a much truer comparative picture with what is happening there. Here in Spain, much the same really but mortgage approvals have dropped about 20% despite the banks seriously cracking down on credit. Prices are dropping as many sellers were asking over the top prices. On our page we have some sellers who are British who need to take out money because of the huge increase in the cost of living in the UK. That allied to the weakness of the pound against the Euro has given them the opportunity to drop their prices to achieve a quicker sale.
So what about quality of life. Here we generally wake up in the morning knowing that it will probably be sunny and warm and knowing that when we use the water or gas for our morning shower, go to do the shopping or even fill the tank with petrol that, despite the fact that the Pound has depreciated against the Euro 15% recently, it is still much cheaper here to live a simple life. Public transport is cheaper and you can get about happily by metro, train or bus for pennies rather than pounds. It's not all good news though, electric is roughly equivalent to the UK and phones and mobiles cost more. Crime is lower, people are generally healthier and the World Health Organisation recommends Valencia and the surrounding area as one of the best places to live in the World from a health perspective.
According to the UK press the Brits over here are all bored as they do nothing all day except drink. Untrue again, many of our clients here work in multinationals, in the oil industry, in I.T, in international sales and development roles and they are given a choice of living anywhere as long as they have good communications. Believe it or not they choose Spain and more particularly Valencia as their base and have a thoroughly great time.
So what will your money get you currently? Evidently you have to spend fewer Euros to get a great property because sellers are more willing to accept offers whereas previously they would only sell at asking price. Factor in the need of the seller and you will generally get good discounts but don't set your heart on one single property as there are plenty on offer. Take a good look through the main site at www.valencia-property.com and see for yourself what you will get.
(The photos illustrating this article are of two houses at the following links, Almansa, La Pobla a typical Valencian Paella, an image of the current America's Cup holders Alinghi and the end of a rambling route by Olocau.) For more info get in touch on info@valencia-property.com
Sunday, 9 March 2008
The Elections and The Guardian
Spain has elections today against a backdrop of a typical negative campaign with the politicians taking pot shots at each other. Whoever wins not much will change but the prediction is for the government to get back in. Valencia is in a strange position because it is run on a regional level by the PP and obviously has to answer to the PSOE at national level. Whoever gets in has some great possibilities to build on and a few challenges too.
The Guardian newspaper has been running a series of articles this week comparing Spain and Italy as Italy too is on the verge of elections and if you read the articles you will find that Spain comes out very well. Have a good read and get back to us with your thoughts.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/series/rometomadrid
Thursday, 7 February 2008
Have a Laugh
If you know a little bit of Spanish and want to learn more I will give you a great site to hear a lot more in a minute but first have a look at the following video. Excellent mickey take of your first term of Spanish classes.
Anyway I have found a great site for learning Spanish through blogs and vlogs. Try it for yourself and sign up for their course. Spanish is a great language to know and not only because of the huge variety of swearing you can indulge in. The site is at http://www.notesinspanish.com/ Also check out their site in English at www.notesfromspain.com. Join the forum. It is rare to find a forum so friendly but have a look.ç
Anyway I have found a great site for learning Spanish through blogs and vlogs. Try it for yourself and sign up for their course. Spanish is a great language to know and not only because of the huge variety of swearing you can indulge in. The site is at http://www.notesinspanish.com/ Also check out their site in English at www.notesfromspain.com. Join the forum. It is rare to find a forum so friendly but have a look.ç
Saturday, 2 February 2008
If You Want A Place to Stay Near Granada
I have been contacted by someone I now consider a friend in Granada. She has a beautiful B+B Guest House in the mountains near Antequera in a small town called Iznájar. If you are in the area and want somewhere to stay or even if you want an idea about somewhere to stay then read on and check out the website link at the end.
Casa La Celada
Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Subbética mountains, to the south of the ancient and historic capital of Córdoba, La Celada is a small but beautiful white "aldea", or satellite village of Iznájar - famed for overlooking Andalucía's largest freshwater lake.
Iznájar means "Happy Castle", and it is a truly classical White Village, or Pueblo Blanco, complete with the essential dozens of bars, narrow winding streets and festoons of colourful flowers and fiestas all year round.
One hour from the cities of Málaga, Granada and Córdoba, La Celada and Iznájar are ideally placed for all manner of holiday requirements. For the sports enthusiasts we are in cycling country, abseiling and canyoning terrain, we offer myriads of wonderful walks from the famous El Torcal in Antequera to any number of walks around the lake and surrounding carpet of ancient and beautiful Olive Groves. For the family centred holiday we have our own "beach" by the lake together with the famous Belen de Navidad made by Galleros out of pure chocolate, or Flor de Rute's spectacular spun sugar displays in Rute. Further afield are many water parks, wolf parks and zoos .. but for the children the safety of the streets is the biggest attraction - and the friendship that the local children automatically and wholeheartedly give.
And for those amongst us who simply wish to relax ... we offer here at Casa La Celada a beautifully appointed Guest House offering Bed and Breakfast, where we happily cater for Gluten, Wheat and Dairy Intolerances, a blissful retreat from the hectic lives we live ....
Suites with jacuzzi baths and four poster beds; twin rooms tastefully furnished; a huge and well supplied sitting room; and above all our roof terrace with hot tub, barbeque, sunbathing and shaded seating areas.
We look forward to welcoming people from all walks of life to our own Piece of Paradise.
Visit us at our website www.casa-la-celada.com
Saturday, 19 January 2008
January Weather and Life
I have a friend back in London at the moment on a visit and every time he sends an email he ends with the words "brass monkey weather" Here in Valencia I can see the sun at the moment. Yesterday was T-Shirt weather and when playing football at 5.30pm yesterday let us just say that we were sweating profusely.
Today again is a really sunny day and the kids are playing in the garden. The garden is full of trees with lemon trees in full producing mode and a lovely lawn that isn't too muddy to play on. This evening we will go out for a walk as the fiestas are on in the town and that of course in Valencia means Fireworks, bonfires and more fireworks.
Now when you hear about Spain in the news the picture painted is usually a black one these days but from a quality of life perspective I really wouldn't wish to be anywhere else at the moment.
Today again is a really sunny day and the kids are playing in the garden. The garden is full of trees with lemon trees in full producing mode and a lovely lawn that isn't too muddy to play on. This evening we will go out for a walk as the fiestas are on in the town and that of course in Valencia means Fireworks, bonfires and more fireworks.
Now when you hear about Spain in the news the picture painted is usually a black one these days but from a quality of life perspective I really wouldn't wish to be anywhere else at the moment.
Saturday, 10 November 2007
Global Warming to be Addressed
The recent joint Nobel Prize winners the IPCC, are holding their annual meeting in Valencia this week from the 12th-17th of November so expect traffic jams and lots of extra security.
They are preparing to release their annual report which will point out areas where urgent action needs to be taken. Why is this positive? Well, they are seen to be doing something and Valencia has been chosen for this major event.
They are preparing to release their annual report which will point out areas where urgent action needs to be taken. Why is this positive? Well, they are seen to be doing something and Valencia has been chosen for this major event.
Saturday, 3 November 2007
You Know You Have Lived in Spain When...
Thought it would be good to put a few light hearted things on here. I particularly like 3, 20, 28, 38 and the last one.
This list comes from a great group on Facebook. Here Join the group.
1) You think adding lemonade, fanta or even coke to red wine is perfectly acceptable. Especially at lunch time.
2) You can't get over how early bars & clubs shut back home - surely they're shutting just as you should be going out?
3) You aren't just surprised that the plumber/decorator has turned up on time, you're surprised he turned up at all.
4) You've been part of a botellon.
5) You think it's fine to comment on everyone's appearance.
6) Not giving every new acquaintance dos besos seems so rude.
7) You're shocked by people getting their legs out at the first hint of sun - surely they should wait until at least late June?
8) On msn you sometimes type 'jajaja' instead of 'hahaha'
9) You think the precious aceite is a vital part of every meal. And don't understand how anyone could think olive oil on toast is weird.
10) You're amazed when TV ad breaks last less than half an hour, especially right before the end of films.
11) You forget to say please when asking for things - you implied it in your tone of voice, right?
12) You love the phenomenon of giving 'toques' - but hate explaining it in English
14) You don't see sunflower seeds as a healthy snack - they're just what all the cool kids eat.
15) You know what a pijo is and how to spot one.
16) Every sentence you speak contains at least one of these words: 'bueno,' 'coño,' 'vale,' 'venga,' 'pues nada'...
17) You know what 'resaca' means. And you probably had one at least once a week when you lived in Spain.
18) You know how to eat boquerones.
19) A bull's head on the wall of a bar isn't a talking point for you, it's just a part of the decor.
20) You eat lunch after 2pm & would never even think of having your evening meal before 9.
21) You know that after 2pm there's no point in going shopping, you might as well just have a siesta until 5 when the shops re-open.
22) If anyone insults your mother, they better watch out...
23) You know how to change a bombona. And if you don't, you were either lazy or lucky enough to live somewhere nice.
24) It's not rude to answer the intercom to your flat by asking 'Quien?' (or maybe that was just my flatmate...)
25) You don't accept beer that's anything less than ice-cold.
26) The fact that all the male (or female) members of a family have the same first name doesn't surprise you.
27) The sound of mopeds in the background is the soundtrack to your life.
28) You know that the mullet didn't just happen in the 80s. It is alive and well in Spain.
29) You know the differenc between cojones and cajones, tener calor and estar caliente, bacalao and bakalao, pollo and polla...and maybe you learned the differences the hard way!
30) On a Sunday morning, you have breakfast before going to bed, not after you get up.
31) You don't see anything wrong with having a couple of beers in the morning if you feel like it.
32) Floors in bars are an ideal dumping ground for your colillas, servilletas etc. Why use a bin?!
33) You see clapping as an art form, not just a way to express approval.
34) You know ensaladilla rusa has nothing to do with Russia.
35) When you burst out laughing every time you see a Mitsubishi Pajero (thanks Stuart Line for reminding me of that one!)
36) You have friends named Jesus, Jose Maria, Maria Jose, Angel, maybe even Inmaculada Concepcion...
37) You know that 'ahora' doesn't really mean now. Hasta ahora, ahora vuelvo...etc
38)When you make arrangements to meet friends at 3, the first person turns up at 3.15...if you're lucky!
39) Central heating is most definitely a foreign concept. In winter, you just huddle around the heater under the table & pull the blanket up over your knees...and sleep with about 5 blankets on your bed!
40) Most women under 30 own a pair of those attractive 'Aladdin' style trousers with the crotch around the knees (you know what I mean!)
41) Aceite de oliva is 'muy sano', of course. So you help yourself to a bit more.
42)When women think that clear bra straps are in fact invisible.
43) When it's totally normal for every kitchen to have a deep-fat fryer but no kettle.
44) Te cagas en la leche....
45) To avoid that cheap Eristoff vodka you have to ask for 'un esmirnoff'
46) When you know what a guiri is / have been called one
47) When you add 'super' in front of any adjective for emphasis
48) When it's completely normal for men and women to have at least one facial piercing
49) When you pay for something that's, say, 8.50, you always ask, 'Quieres el cincuenta?'
50) Blonde girls actually start to think their name is 'rubia'
51) When you accept that paying with a 50 euro note is going to get you a dirty look if you're buying something that costs less than 40 euros
52) If something is great, it's 'de puta madre'
53) You can eat up to 5 times a day - first breakfast, 2nd breakfast around 11.30, almuerzo, merienda, cena
This list comes from a great group on Facebook. Here Join the group.
1) You think adding lemonade, fanta or even coke to red wine is perfectly acceptable. Especially at lunch time.
2) You can't get over how early bars & clubs shut back home - surely they're shutting just as you should be going out?
3) You aren't just surprised that the plumber/decorator has turned up on time, you're surprised he turned up at all.
4) You've been part of a botellon.
5) You think it's fine to comment on everyone's appearance.
6) Not giving every new acquaintance dos besos seems so rude.
7) You're shocked by people getting their legs out at the first hint of sun - surely they should wait until at least late June?
8) On msn you sometimes type 'jajaja' instead of 'hahaha'
9) You think the precious aceite is a vital part of every meal. And don't understand how anyone could think olive oil on toast is weird.
10) You're amazed when TV ad breaks last less than half an hour, especially right before the end of films.
11) You forget to say please when asking for things - you implied it in your tone of voice, right?
12) You love the phenomenon of giving 'toques' - but hate explaining it in English
14) You don't see sunflower seeds as a healthy snack - they're just what all the cool kids eat.
15) You know what a pijo is and how to spot one.
16) Every sentence you speak contains at least one of these words: 'bueno,' 'coño,' 'vale,' 'venga,' 'pues nada'...
17) You know what 'resaca' means. And you probably had one at least once a week when you lived in Spain.
18) You know how to eat boquerones.
19) A bull's head on the wall of a bar isn't a talking point for you, it's just a part of the decor.
20) You eat lunch after 2pm & would never even think of having your evening meal before 9.
21) You know that after 2pm there's no point in going shopping, you might as well just have a siesta until 5 when the shops re-open.
22) If anyone insults your mother, they better watch out...
23) You know how to change a bombona. And if you don't, you were either lazy or lucky enough to live somewhere nice.
24) It's not rude to answer the intercom to your flat by asking 'Quien?' (or maybe that was just my flatmate...)
25) You don't accept beer that's anything less than ice-cold.
26) The fact that all the male (or female) members of a family have the same first name doesn't surprise you.
27) The sound of mopeds in the background is the soundtrack to your life.
28) You know that the mullet didn't just happen in the 80s. It is alive and well in Spain.
29) You know the differenc between cojones and cajones, tener calor and estar caliente, bacalao and bakalao, pollo and polla...and maybe you learned the differences the hard way!
30) On a Sunday morning, you have breakfast before going to bed, not after you get up.
31) You don't see anything wrong with having a couple of beers in the morning if you feel like it.
32) Floors in bars are an ideal dumping ground for your colillas, servilletas etc. Why use a bin?!
33) You see clapping as an art form, not just a way to express approval.
34) You know ensaladilla rusa has nothing to do with Russia.
35) When you burst out laughing every time you see a Mitsubishi Pajero (thanks Stuart Line for reminding me of that one!)
36) You have friends named Jesus, Jose Maria, Maria Jose, Angel, maybe even Inmaculada Concepcion...
37) You know that 'ahora' doesn't really mean now. Hasta ahora, ahora vuelvo...etc
38)When you make arrangements to meet friends at 3, the first person turns up at 3.15...if you're lucky!
39) Central heating is most definitely a foreign concept. In winter, you just huddle around the heater under the table & pull the blanket up over your knees...and sleep with about 5 blankets on your bed!
40) Most women under 30 own a pair of those attractive 'Aladdin' style trousers with the crotch around the knees (you know what I mean!)
41) Aceite de oliva is 'muy sano', of course. So you help yourself to a bit more.
42)When women think that clear bra straps are in fact invisible.
43) When it's totally normal for every kitchen to have a deep-fat fryer but no kettle.
44) Te cagas en la leche....
45) To avoid that cheap Eristoff vodka you have to ask for 'un esmirnoff'
46) When you know what a guiri is / have been called one
47) When you add 'super' in front of any adjective for emphasis
48) When it's completely normal for men and women to have at least one facial piercing
49) When you pay for something that's, say, 8.50, you always ask, 'Quieres el cincuenta?'
50) Blonde girls actually start to think their name is 'rubia'
51) When you accept that paying with a 50 euro note is going to get you a dirty look if you're buying something that costs less than 40 euros
52) If something is great, it's 'de puta madre'
53) You can eat up to 5 times a day - first breakfast, 2nd breakfast around 11.30, almuerzo, merienda, cena
Sunday, 28 October 2007
The Real Truth About the Market
If you believed all the hype about what is happening in the Spanish property market then you would be looking for the blood letting everywhere. While it is true that the market has slowed considerably compared with five years ago, we at Valencia Property said for many years, rises year on year of over 20% in property values were not sustainable. However bear in mind the following. Foreign investment in Spain in the first six months of 2007 went up by 30% compared with the same period last year.
My explanation is that Russian money is flowing into the country and all of the immigrants from South America and Eastern Europe are now starting to settle into jobs here and want to buy property. Short term prices may start to fall but long term the future looks pretty stable due to the increasing immigration and disparity between demand in large cities and availability. It is also a good time to rent out properties that you may have bought some time ago as demand is growing because higher interest rates are moving some people out of the possibility of buying. Expect rates to start dropping next year.
My explanation is that Russian money is flowing into the country and all of the immigrants from South America and Eastern Europe are now starting to settle into jobs here and want to buy property. Short term prices may start to fall but long term the future looks pretty stable due to the increasing immigration and disparity between demand in large cities and availability. It is also a good time to rent out properties that you may have bought some time ago as demand is growing because higher interest rates are moving some people out of the possibility of buying. Expect rates to start dropping next year.
Monday, 1 October 2007
Levante Win A Trophy
Levante are the other team in Valencia. The one supported by thos living in the port and beach areas. They do not have a great history but now their only ever trophy is to be remembered. Could this be a sign that finally the Spanish are coming to terms with the stupidity of the divisions caused by the Civil War from 1936-9? Hopefully it is.
The article is taken from the Guardian newspaper and the url is here.
Levante pick up football trophy - 70 years on
Levante sit bottom of the Spanish football league, with a single point, and were thrashed 4-1 by Barcelona on Saturday. But Levante will be picking up one trophy this year - even if it is 70 years overdue. The Spanish parliament has voted to recognise Levante's victory in the Republican Cup final of July 18 1937, a game that had long been wiped from the official records.
In 1937 Spain was divided; the fascist forces of Franco occupied just over half of the country, while the republicans were besieged on the other side. Football still had its place, and the eight clubs on the republican side organised their own league, with the four top-placed teams competing for the Republican Cup, an offshoot of the King's Cup, the Spanish equivalent of the FA Cup. That year Barcelona, having won the league, went on a tour of the US and Mexico to raise money for the republic, allowing fifth-placed Levante to take their place in the cup. Levante went on to beat their cross-town rivals Valencia 1-0 to lift the only trophy the club has ever won.
But Franco's regime rejected the republican league and cup, removing all mention of Levante's victory from the record books. The only evidence of Levante's win comes from newspaper reports and their fans' memories. One fan in particular was desperate to get the history books rewritten. Xavier Rius appealed to the Spanish football federation to reinstate their victory, but initially met with little success. He went to the Valencian MP Isaura Navarro of the leftwing IU-IVC, who took the issue to parliament. Success was achieved last week, with the help of a rebellious centre-right People's party MP. Parliament approved a call for the football federation to recognise the Republican Cup. Seventy years on, Levante's long-suffering fans can finally celebrate their one trophy.
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