Benalblog

Smoking ban AGAIN

2010-10-21T11:32:00.000+02:00

Congress approves the new anti-smoking legislation Oct 21, 2010 It's expected the ban on smoking in all closed places will come into effect on January 2 2011 The Health Commission in Congress on Wednesday voted to approve the new tougher anti-smoking legislation which is expected to be enforced from January 2 2011. Following the Commission approval, the legislation goes straight to the Senate. The main measure is the banning of smoking in all closed public spaces, both on inside patios and outside hospitals, and in children’s parks. The only closed spaces where smoking will be allowed will be prisons, psychiatric institutions, and disabled and pensioners residences, although only if specially prepared rooms are ready. The text outlines how hotels can reserve upto 30% of their rooms for smokers, and a terrace is defined as an open air space provided that there are no more than two walls. The new law will see the introduction in schools, as young as infant, of content designed to prevent children taking up smoking, and teachers will also receive instruction in the area. Anti-smoking treatments will now be sent to the Inter-territorial Health Council for approval, and their possible inclusion in the list of items covered by the National Health Service.

Feria San Juan 2010

2010-06-26T16:49:00.003+02:00

Another year another Feria, and I have pretty well covered what happens during the Feria, but this year (2010) there has been a major improvement in that the Town Hall has decided to follow the example of Malaga and involve the "village" of Arroyo. During the day for the period of the Feria there will be lots of events, offers street bars and things of interest to visitors and locals alike.

Changing to a Spanish license

2010-03-22T16:38:00.001+01:00

Today I eventually took the bull by the horns and decided to get underway with changing my UK driving license to the Spanish version. Having read in several places that you are allowed to drive in Spain on a UK license I have stuck with mine since we arrived here, but I have recently discovered that even if you are driving on a British license you are required to pass a medical and present the certificate to the police, not having this certificate if you are resident in Spain can invalidate your insurance. So if I have to do that I might as well apply for the license as well. Spanish bureaucracy is always intimidating, and I set off for the new "Trafico" building (just further on from the Palacio del Ferias on the right hand side), which in spite of being brand new and dealing with all things relating to the internal combustion engine has been built out of town, so you have to drive, and conveniently there is NO PARKING. Although you can park in the Feria ground over the road and cross the dual carriageway. The "Informacion" desks use the disneyland queuing system but if moved reasonably quickly and the lady on the desk had very little English but was extremely helpful and supplied the appropriate (simple) forms and instructions on my next move, which was to cross the room queue again and pay the fee. This was just over 25 euros and I was given the receipt and a "Su Turno" ticket and pointed further into the building. This time there was no queue and all of the paperwork was dealt with pleasantly and efficiently and I was told that they would telephone me in about 6 weeks when I should return to exchange old for new licenses. When I should also bring my medical certificate which would validate the license for 10 years. Outside the "Trafico" building and just about 50 metres down the road there is a cluster of Offices/surgeries that specialise in the drivers medical. The fee for this was 35 euros and quite amusing, but I suppose that it proves that you are not quite dead yet. A Summary eye test and a colour blindness test followed by a blood pressure check, and a tap on the knee to check reflexes and answer a few questions about your general health and you are presented with the stamped and certified certificate. As with all of these things in Spain you will need to go prepared, take along the original and copies of: Your current driving licence Photocard and Paper version. Residencia. Passport. 2 passport sized photos And in case you don't find the friendly ladies who speak English you are going to:- El centro de reconocimiento de conductores and the form you need is Solicitud de canje del permiso de conduccion.

Virgen de Carmen 2009

2009-07-11T12:27:00.001+02:00

Although something is going on somewhere in Benalmadena from the 12th to the 18th of July the Big day (or evening) is the 16th when at 19:30 hours, the image of The Virgin will be paraded through Benalmadena Costa. Carried shoulder high the virgin will take the following route from the "MAS" church by Bonanza square, Avenida Bonanza, Flamingo, Carril del Siroco, Antonio Machado, Alay, Juan Sebastian Elcano, and finally, to the yacht club, accompanied by the Banda de Música Nuestra Señora de la Paz of Malaga (band of bugles and drums). At around 21:30, the Virgen del Carmen will be put aboard the boat "Torremolinos", Alonso Gallardo, which each year takes the procession out to sea. Dozens of boats accompany Virgen del Carmen who is also applauded by the thousands of faithful who line the shore. While the boats travel the coast from the Marina to somewhere about The Santa Ana beach, those remaining in the Marina will be presented with a glass of wine served by venenciadores, courtesy of the Delegation of Celebration, and will begin dancing with Orquesta Nuevo Día Upon its return, around 22:30 pm the Virgin is received at the Yacht Club by a soprano and a tenor accompanied by saxophone and piano. This is followed by a spectacular firework display from the beach Malapesquera beach And from midnight in the Puerta Marina there is a big band and dancing until dawn.

Stop those annoying telephone calls

2009-07-02T10:04:00.002+02:00

For those of us living in spain unsolicited telephone calls selling all sorts services messages are a pain in the neck. As of July 1st 2009 you can subscribe to ListaRobinson.es where you can opt out of theses calls to your landline and or your mobile. You can also opt out of postal junk mail from spanish companies and email - SMS and MMS messages. Sounds like bliss I have registered and I really do hope the system works. The site is in spanish, click on Registro web under the CIUDADANOS section the click on the centre option and fill in the registration. You will receive a confirmation email and you must click the link to activate your account you can then select which services you want excluded. REMEMBER TO USE THE LINKS UNDER CIUDADANOS NOT Entidades as I did :oops:

Benalmadena Costa from the Sea

2009-06-22T12:09:00.004+02:00

We took the ferry from Benamadena to Fuengirola along with hundreds of schoolkids, well it seemed like hundreds :roll: I charted the costa from sea and you may be able to find your favourite Hotel, Apartment, Bar or Restaurant.

click here for a slideshow of the coastline

Remember that you can stop the slideshow and click the pic to blow it to full size

Benalmadena and Arroyo de la Miel Romeria

2009-06-22T10:38:00.005+02:00

The Benalmadena Arroyo de la Miel Romeria de San Juan paraded through the streets as usual but this year (because of the roadworks in the village) ended up at the Feria Ground in Parque Paloma. The Casitas (Large Tents) have already been constructed in readiness for the Feria which kicks of this week, and they were packed with revellers to welcome the Romerio.

click here for a slideshow giving a sense of the occassion
Remember that you can stop the slideshow and click the pic to blow it to full size

Mijas Races Summer 2009

2009-06-22T08:34:00.003+02:00

Here is the latest info available for the 2009 summer season at the Mijas Hipodromo.

Saturday July 4th

Saturday July 11th

Saturday July 15th

Friday July 21st

Friday August 7th.

Gates open at 8:00 pm with the first race at 10:00 pm Entrance fee is 5 euros with under 18's and over 95's Free. There has apparently been changes made to the restaurant areas and pricing bears in mind the "crisis"

For directions to the Hipodromo Click Here

Semana Santa 2009

2009-04-11T10:11:00.004+02:00

The Easter parade in Arroyo de la Miel this year was blessed with dry weather although it turned a little cold later on. Click on the link below for a slideshow that will bring a sense of the occesion

The Modernisation of Arroyo de la Miel

2009-03-07T16:05:00.001+01:00

From April for about eight months, works will take place in Arroyo de la Miel that will change its appearance, incorporating more green spaces, with another traffic light and separating the road from the pedestrian walkway. The council will receive an investment of state funding of 9 million euros, to add to the input from the Junta Safeguard Plan, of just over one and a half million euros. Also a stretch of Avenida Garcia Lorca and Antonio Machado, on the Costa, there will be alterations, also in the Pueblo, in the Avenida Juan Luis Peralta. ************************************************************************************************** Traders are worried about the economic loss that may suffer during that time, and the deadlines being met. A trade commission, composed of the town hall, ACEB and other groups will be reporting the progress of the work. Last January it was announced by the team of government execution that there would be 13 works projects. Spread widely throughout Benalmadena Pueblo, Arroyo de la Miel and Benalmadena Costa, with an investment of 9 million euros from the State Fund for local investment. The transformation of Arroyo de la Miel is one of the most outstanding projects, with work proceeding on the boulevard Antonio Andrade, and remodeling of the avenues of the "Station", "constitution" and a first phase of Garcia Lorca. PRESENTATION A condition to obtain these 9 million euros of state funds, is that all works must be finished within the year, a period which means the simultaneous execution of work. To account for and report on the development of these works to residents and traders, also a public presentation of projects will be established a Commission of Trade Town Hall, 'ACEB' and other groups that have already held two meetings. The works that detail the mayor of Benalmadena, Javier Carnero, accompanied by the deputy mayor of Arroyo de la Miel, Elena Benitez, Francisco Salido and, on the Coast, are designed to cover all villages in the locality, and not only the big streets and avenues. (The work is detailed in table below). Moreover, nearly one and a half million euros will be provided by the Junta de Andalucia through the Safeguard Plan, because of the increase in the unemployment rate, there will be more social work. The definitive plans of work being submitted, to residents and traders, before the launch, expected in April. For its part, wants to show ACEB based on levels of these works, and respond to all traders and businesses who want know or require more information. In the presentation of the work, it will ask the assistance of municipal officials to resolve the doubts that arise. Mayor Javier Carnero, presented these projects in the latest edition of Fitur, International Tourism Fair in Madrid in January and will involve the transformation of Arroyo de la Miel centre, the recovery of urban v modernization and improvements trade influences the first industry, tourism. Moreover, as noted in the presentation in the City of Benalmadena, if fomit credits allowed in 2010, with final settlement to be finished with Pueblosol as part of the town plan. Since this is the largest number of works projects which are to be taken in a legislature is to create over 200 jobs, and that the final outcome will be improved and the modernisation of small enclaves and large avenues, with effects on local trade, patience is called for from residents and merchants who will have to endure the inconvenience of the works for months . The ACEB, through the Committee of Commerce, will be made available to the City Council resources, in order to transfer the information to traders and businessmen affected by the works council will have to take the on concerns and demands of these parties, to find measures that minimize the impact of work on your business. With a budget of nearly 230,000 euros and an implementation period of three months, It is necessary to renew the asphalt and pavements, as well as rearrange the parking. Aid for commercial tourism of up to 60% of the investment, according to the mayor of Town Planning and Works, Jose Joaquin Villazon, this will allow remodeling of the main avenue of Benalmadena Pueblo. The reform affects 478 meters of track, from Las Moriscas to exit Retamar, and much of it is to renew the infrastructure for sanitation, water, stormwater, electricity and telephone. This area is to be renewed. using asphalt and steel, combining beauty with other streets of the village recently refurbished, and recovering space for pedestrians giving two meters of sidewalk. In addition, it will rearrange the parking all along the avenue, creating area for loading and unloading and for a taxi rank. Lastly, install new lighting and install new furniture.

Carnaval 2009

2009-02-23T18:14:00.002+01:00

Carnaval finished this year (2009) with the usual sunday parade of the lagatija (lizard) through the streets to its fiery fate on the beach below Las Gaviotas. I followed it with my camera and have put together a slideshow (click the link) Carnaval is the first big fiesta after the Kings (Los Reyes) have brought the Christmas and New Years celebrations to a close. In Benalmadena and Arroyo de la Miel the festivities are spread over three weeks. This year was blessed with beautiful spring weather allowing the "peoples" parade of the lagartija (Lizard) to go ahead as planned. Each town and city in spain has its own tradition to bring the carnaval festivities to a close, and in Benalmadena the tradition is to parade a papier mache lizard through the streets with the carnaval king and queen in attendance and any other of the previous nights fancy dress participants who have got up in time for the midday start. (2009 set off with almost exactly the required 20 minute delay at 12:20 ish) Each year the lizard takes a different form, usually politically incorrect and mocking the towns or the countries dignitaries. This year he was a property speculator who had obviously made off with the black dustbin bags stuffed full of cash.. The bands that accompany the lizard on his last journey alternate their tunes between lively jazz music and mournful dirges and the widows dressed in their mourning attire and pretend to wail and scream at the lizards impending doom. On arrival at the beach in front of las gaviottas he is taken from his trailer and deposited on the sands where he finally "dies" in flames watched over by the bomberos (firemen) who are a new addition to the festivities to make sure that the crowd does not get too close to the flames. The mourners continue to keen until the lizard passes on and only his ashes remain. Mourners, the bands and the crowd then make their way to a gourmet tasting of local rustic dishes and to enjot the performance of the irreverent carnaval troubadours, before dispersing for the next 12 months. �

NEW FIXED RADAR SPEED TRAPS INSTALLED IN MALAGA

2008-07-10T10:06:00.000+02:00

The first fixed radar speed traps are being installed on the streets of Málaga city. The City Hall is installing a first group of four of the traps which will come into operation shortly. They will be sited in the Avendia Andalucia, Avenida Valle-Inclán, Calle Pacífico and on the Paseo Marítimo Pablo Ruiz Picasso. The traps are being installed in small gray boxes usually placed in the central reservation of the road, and under the plan there will eventually be a network of 15 across the city.�

Footbridge collapses in Mijas Costa

2008-07-08T09:08:00.001+02:00

six people were injured, two seriously when a footbridge across the main coast road collapsed. The injured were travelling in three cars on the A7 motorway below. Six people, including a two year old child, were injured, two of them seriously when the bridge collapsed over both carriageways 198 km point in Mijas Costa. The accident happened at 4:55 pm when the busy traffic below was hit by the falling bridge. The two seriously hurt are two men who were trapped in their crushed car by the fallen bridge, a 47 year old who was driving the vehicle and a 30 year old who was a passenger. The four others to be injured were a family travelling in the car behind. All the injured were taken to the Costa del Sol hospital in Marbella. Witnesses say that a crane got hooked onto the bridge, causing it to collapse. There were no pedestrians on the bridge at the time. The accident led to hold ups of 30 kms for a time, and complaints that the only other alternative route, the toll AP7 continued to charge for some time before tolls were finally lifted. The road itself was cleared and opened again for traffic at 1130 pm last night, after being closed for some six hours. There are reports that another lorry hit the same bridge some months ago leading to speculation that the structure was damaged then.

Tourist chiefs are now optimistic for the summer

2008-05-06T10:33:00.000+02:00

Tourism chiefs on the Costa del Sol are taking the high occupancy levels over the May Day bank holiday as a prelude to a good summer. The Association of Hoteliers on the Costa AEHCOS has said that the Puente saw 85% occupancy levels in local hotels, and that the weekend has removed the memory of the poor Easter this year. Occupancy levels were also high in inland areas such as Ronda and Antequera, and far better than seen at Easter. Most of the inland tourists are from elsewhere in Spain.

Horrific road accident

2008-04-20T09:18:00.001+02:00

Apr 19, 2008 Nine tourists from Finland lost their lives in the dramatic accident on the A7 near Arroyo de la Miel, and 22 more have been seriously injured, including the bus driver and two tourist guides. An emergency number has been set up for those wanting more information - It is (+34) 955041861. Nine people died, one of them a seven year old girl, and 22 more have been seriously injured in a coach crash on the A7 Benalmádena bypass on Saturday evening. It happened at 1950 at the 224 km point above Arroyo de la Miel, when the coach, carrying a group of 47 Finnish tourists, driver and co-driver, came into a side contact with a KIA four wheel drive vehicle. It is a very fast downhill stretch of road and it had been raining in the area for most of the day. Eyewitnesses said the four by four tried to overtake the coach on the inside, and hit the side crash barrier when doing so. He rebounded from there to hit the bus side on which led to the bus driver losing control with the bus ending up overturned moving down the central reservation until coming to a standstill. It’s understood that one of the uprights on the central reservation crash barriers sliced right through the overturned coach. The driver of the four wheel drive vehicle tested 0.50 milligrams of alcohol in his breath, double the legal maximum and is being blamed for the accident. This was confirmed by the Government Sub Delegate for the province, Hilario López Luna, who also said the KIA driver has been arrested. He is a 27 year old man from Málaga and is now in the Clínico hospital with slight injuries. His father was with him in the vehicle and he was also only slightly hurt. The 47 tourists, driver, and two TUI guides, were all then trapped inside the wreckage of the bus, and despite the efforts of other drivers who witnessed the accident, had to wait some two hours before the emergency workers could gain access by cutting a hole in the roof of the vehicle. Later heavy lifting gear was brought in to right the vehicle. The coach driver and the guides are among the injured. The bus driver has been named as 53 year old José Jiménez. His daughter told the Diario Sur newspaper that only that morning he had been talking to the family about the responsibility of transporting so many people. His wife and children spoke of his ‘professionalism and prudence’ at the wheel. The Andalucian Health Service set up a mobile hospital at the scene, where a number of the passengers were attended to as soon as possible. The injured were then taken to different hospitals in the province – One youngster is in the Materno Infantil Hosptial where another woman has been admitted to the gynaecological ward, five injured are in the Carlos Haya hospital in Málaga, one of whom is said to be in a critical condition, five more were taken to the Costa del Sol hospital in Marbella and the rest, some seven to the Civil Hospital in Málaga. Other people were attended to in health centres in both Benalmádena and Torremolinos. The tourists were on their way back to Málaga airport from Marbella at the end of their holiday on the Costa del Sol. The coach was from the Tui España company, and had left from Marbella, picking up tourists en route in their return to the airport. The road was closed direction Málaga for a time, leading to considerable delays in both directions on a busy Saturday night. It is being described as the worst road accident in recent years in the province of Málaga and is the most serious coach crash seen in Spain since November 2001 when 20 pensioners lost their lives in Huelva. Meanwhile three people were seriously hurt in another accident at 0330am on Sunday morning on the other side of the same A7 road just 14 kms away at the 238 km point. Here a bus was in collision with a car which is reported to have jumped across the central reservation into oncoming traffic.

Community Nurse

2008-03-18T14:29:00.001+01:00

I have had to receive a course on injections recently and just found out about a service that locals who were unaware and visitors may find useful. After getting the prescription from the doctor who seemed to find it perfectly reasonable that I should inject my self, I went off to the farmacia where the assistant did not seem to impressed when I also asked for the syringes and instructions She sent me off to the nurse who it turns out is just up the road and for 5 euros she supplies the syringe and the does the deed. She also syringes ears, removes stitches, changes dressings and a sundry of other services for what I think is a very reasonable fee. She can be found in the building between the greengrocers and the bar "El Reloj" on the Calle Blas Infante. ( the pedestrianised street opposite the railway station and church in the heart of Arroyo) She also speaks good English

New Correos in Arroyo

2008-02-27T10:47:00.000+01:00

Last week they closed the Oficina de Correos (post office) in Calle del flores in Arroyo de la Miel and opened a new one without very clear directions on where to find it. I have now included it on the interactive map click here then click on the green tick to open the drop down menus - click on "Attractions and Landmarks" then click "Correos (new post office)" It is up the hill from the health centre. They have also introduced a fancy electronic "su turno" machine that lets you select which service you require and prints you a ticket, and there is a TV screen displaying the progress of the numbers and which counter to go to when it is your turn. It is certainly no quicker than the old system and if you want to collect a parcel and post a letter you will need a ticket for each and try not miss your turn. Isn't progress wonderful

Keystone Cops in Alhaurin al Grande?

2008-01-18T09:42:00.000+01:00

I have picked this up from the forum, who says crime is all bad? LOCAL POLICE officers from Alhaurin el Grande recently spent an entire night chasing a lone criminal who appears to have embarked on a one-man crime spree. Local Police sources say that a patrol had approached the man, who is a well-known criminal with several previous arrests for robbery, as he was driving errati-cally onAvenida Gerald Brenan. The suspect then repeatedly rammed the police vehicle. A car chase then ensued through Alhaurin el Grande’s central streets, until, cornered in Calle Cruz, the suspect reversed into the police car in an attempt to escape.A short time later, he was again located in a parking area where he attempted to run over another two Local Police officers who had arrived at the scene. Both officers suffered injuries as they tried to avoid the car. One of the officers then tried to stop the driver by shooting at one of the car’s wheels; unfortunately the bullet ricocheted off the ground and hit another officer in the leg. The injured policeman, a veteran of the Alhaurin el Grande police force, was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery but is reported to be making a good recovery. In the ensuing: confusion, the suspect escaped from the scene but, some hours later on the same night. Local Police received calls from a number of residents reporting a burglary in progress at business premises on Avenida Gerald Brenan. Officers who attended the scene found the same man emerging from a hole in the wall of a supermarket on the Cartama road, carrying two hams. As he attempted to get into a Ford Escort, Guardia Civil and Local Police officers from nearby villages once again tried to detain him, unsuccessfully. He managed to get into the car, which has since been discovered to have been stolen, and began driving towards Malaga. Another car chase followed during which the suspect drove through a Guardia Civil checkpoint in Campanillas. He was finally apprehended after he crashed in-to another car in Los Asperones. It has been ascertained that this was his second arrest in two days, the previous one being for the attempted burglary of a house in Alhaurin el Grande. He has since been charged but released from police custody.

The New AVE high speed train gets off to a dodgy start

2007-12-28T10:04:00.000+01:00

Journey time on the new route from Malaga to Madrid has been long awaited and has been set at two hours 30 minutes for non stop services and 25 minutes more for trains which stop en route. 11 trains will cover the line in each direction daily, a number which is increased to 13 on Fridays and reduced to ten on Sundays and nine on Saturdays. Ticket price is 76 € single, but there are discounts for advance internet booking which can take the price down to as low as 30 € 50 cents. It came the day after the Zapatero also officially opened the other new AVE high speed train line from Madrid to Valladolid. After the photos in Málaga the Prime Minister made his way to the airport and flew back to Madrid in an official plane, while the rest of the politicians returned on the train. A statement from the Moncloa said Zapatero had a ‘private meal’ to return for. The 7:10 AVE service from Málaga to Madrid on December 26th arrived 40 minutes late as the train stopped short of Córdoba when it failed to correctly read the signalling system on the Sevilla to Madrid stretch of the line. This older track uses a different signalling method that the Córdoba to Málaga link. It meant that RENFE were obliged to return the ticket price to the 281 passengers on the train. El Mundo has reported that the delay to the 2pm AVE from Málaga on Boxing Day was even greater, with the train arriving in Madrid one hour 40 minutes late. Travellers have told the paper that the train stopped and started on the Málaga – Córdoba stretch, the TV’s did not work, there was no water in the bathroom taps, and the oven in the cafeteria had broken. Currently on the new lines to Málaga and Valladolid RENFE returns half the ticket price for a 15 minute delay and all the ticket price for delays of more than 30 minutes. On established AVE lines a full refund is given if trains are more than 5 minutes late on arrival.

Christmas Weather

2007-12-27T10:32:00.000+01:00

We were very fortunate and had a dry sunny and generally very pleasant Christmas day after the foul weather of the previous week however heavy rain has brought flooding to the Western Costa del Sol with several estates in Estepona among the hardest hit. The main A-7 road was closed to traffic direction Málaga in Saladillo for three hours on Sunday. Estepona saw 45 litres of rain fall per square metre, with flooding affecting basements, shops and several roads. Some people were trapped in their cars by the water for a time when a stream burst its banks in the area of Playa Bella. The local fire service were called out more than 100 times. In Marbella the local fire service was called out 55 times as the rain also caused problems for some, mostly the flooding of garages and homes in the Guadalmina-Casasola, Los Naranjos and Jardines de Marbella urbanisations. In Mijas a wall collapsed because of the rain, the Paseo Marítimo flooded in Carvajal, Fuengirola, and some 20 vehicles had to be abandoned in the water of a restaurant car park in Churriana. There was far less rain on the Eastern Costa del Sol, but the Paseo Maritímo on the Ferrara beach in Torrox was at the mercy of the waves after the sand was washed away. Christmas Eve saw a spectacular hail storm in parts of the Axarquia, causing traffic problems and damage to crops in the area. Algarrobo was particularly affected and also suffered a power cut from the start of the storm until 3 in the morning. The local council has called for the area to be declared a catastrophic zone.

Local elections May 27th 2007

2007-05-27T18:15:00.000+02:00

The local elections take place today, and regardless of who gets in it has been an interesting few weeks as apart from the normal canvassing and baby kissing each political party has its public meetings culminating in "party night" on the Friday before voting day (no canvassing is allowed on the Saturday, which is a day of reflection). This year there were considerably more meetings than previously as Benalmadena has grown in size and importance resulting in more candidates, so on Friday evening the public squares and open spaces were buzzing. Depending on the size and finances of the political party there were disc jockeys, big bands, and the ubiquitous electric organ entertaining the electorate. Free bars are obligatory as is some form of gastronomic give-away, once again the quantity and quality of the food and drink is dependant on the finances available. The major parties and financially supported "independents" being over generous and hoping to secure votes by satisfying the "inner man" There is also an abundance of other give-aways, windmills and balloons in party colours being favourites and ensuring that the whole family, including the tiniest of tots, attend the party. The amazing thing to me about this type of electioneering is that there are no "spoilers", no interference from the opposition, no barracking, just a general fiesta atmosphere. The devout stay with their own camp, while the undecided, thirsty or hungry circulate collecting information and whatever else is on offer, until the kegs of beer and portions of paella run out in the wee small hours. Being a British ex pat I can't help but think how this form of politics would work back in the UK. The voting system itself is of interest as you do not vote for individuals, but rather the whole package. Each party has main candidate who is the wannabe mayor with a supporting cast who are numbered in order of their standing. There is a printed list of the entire candidature provided for each party and the voter places the unmarked list in an envelope and into the ballot box. The party votes are counted and according to percentage gained the council is built from the mayor down. So if a party wins say 6 seats then numbers 1 - 6 on that parties list will get in. As foreigners resident in Spain you are allowed to vote as long as you are registered on the "padron" (see archives June 2005) and have recorded your intention to vote, which incidentally is the exactly the same procedure for the Spanish population. The sad thing is that much the same as in the UK apathy reigns and it is estimated that there are three to four times times as many foreigners as the 9,110 resident in Benalmadena who have registered on the "padron" and of those only 2,480 have recorded an intention to vote - but as I am one of them I am off to vote right now

Telefonica phone manual in English

2007-03-05T09:21:00.000+01:00

Most of us who have signed up with telefonica have a "DOMO" telephone (the one supplied by telefonica) and struggled with the instructions - I have found this useful English translation, I wish that I had it five years ago

The most expensive road in spain opens

2007-03-03T14:40:00.000+01:00

On Thursday March 1st they eventually opened the much delayed section of the Autovia del mediterraneo from Nerja to La Herradura just 9.5 km long it carves its way through the mountainous terrain and consists mostly of tunnels and viaducts. It is the most expensive section of motorway in spain and cost 150 million euros and six lives when part of a viaduct collapsed in 2005. A spectacular feat of engineering and an experience to drive share that experience by clicking on the link and see just how quick 9.5 km can be covered - Give the clip a few moments to load

Mijas Races 2007

2007-02-18T11:51:00.000+01:00

This years (2007) dates are

They have eventually announced calendar for 2007.
Winter (Doors open 10:00 am)

Feb - 25th - 28th (Mijas Cup)

March - Sundays, 4th - 11th - 18th

Spring - Obviously the problems are still here - Call to check 952 59 27 00

Summer (Night Racing, Doors open 10:30 pm)

June - Saturday 30th

July - Saturdays, 7th - 14th - 21st - 28th - Plus Thursday 26th

August - Thursday 2nd and Saturdays, 11th - 18th - 25th.

Here's hoping that they can persuade enough owners and trainer to bring their horses back to Mijas to make these dates work

Mijas Races 2007

2007-02-18T11:47:00.000+01:00

This years (2007) dates are They have eventually announced calendar for 2007. Winter (Doors open 10:00 am) Feb - 25th - 28th (Mijas Cup) March - Sundays, 4th - 11th - 18th Spring - Obviously the problems are still here - Call to check 952 59 27 00 Summer (Night Racing, Doors open 10:30 pm) June - Saturday 30th July - Saturdays, 7th - 14th - 21st - 28th - Plus Thursday 26th August - Thursday 2nd and Saturdays, 11th - 18th - 25th. Here's hoping that they can persuade enough owners and trainer to bring their horses back to Mijas to make these dates work

Where did the weather go?

2006-09-06T10:12:00.000+02:00

I have moved my weather tables from the blog to the main site, they go back to July 2005 and are now easier to navigate http://www.benal-life.com/weather_records/weather.htm this link takes you to the current weather conditions and links back to previous months. I hope that you find it helpful

Update of Residencia application

2006-09-04T11:53:00.000+02:00

Having mastered the red tape that surrounds obtaining the padron we have decided to bite the bullet and apply for our residencia. I have scoured the web to try to download the application forms to no avail, and having turned up at Torremolinos police station at 10.00 am only to find that we were far too late to be seen.
We were told that there is a system in force whereby you join a queue that begins forming at around 7.00 am (when the office does not open until 9.00am) Once the doors open numbered tickets are distributed and after getting your number you will eventually be seen. Fine except we arrived at 8.00 am, and by the time we reached the front of the queue the allocation of tickets for the day ran out with the woman two places in front of us. I explained my frustration and was told to "go round the corner" where I would be given the forms. I waited at the end of the line of desks and eventually trapped a member of staff and explained my needs and was given a barely readable photo copy of the form. I explained that I needed forms for 2 people and was told to take photo copies (six will be required)
So I suppose that it is an ill wind. If we had got a number we would have been there all day.

I love it here, but it is a bloody frustrating country!!

-------------------- watch this space ----------------

OK We finally got together the appropriate paperwork

Original form plus three photocopies
Four passport size photographs
Passport & photocopy of passport

This time we were at the Torremolinos police station just after 6:30 am and third in the queue and although we had to wait until after 9:00 am we were rewarded by being attended to efficiently and quickly and we were on our way back home by 09:45 am. Half the queue was sent away as the days allocation of tickets had run out and those behind us in line would be waiting for up to four hours to be seen, by which time the staff become slightly more tense.

So the next move is WAIT! We have been told to look in and see if our application is accepted in SEVEN MONTHS.

-------------------- watch this space ----------------

Update June 9th 2006:- So! Seven months on and we return to Torremolinos police station at 6:30 am and once again third in the queue, but this time the system has changed and a particularly obstructive, obstreperous uniform on the door barked instructions in incomprehensible spanish issued numbered tickets to some but not to others and created a general feeling of bewilderment amongst the foreigners and spanish alike. We were directed behind a filing cabinet where a lady eventually took our applications and directed us into another very confined space behind another cabinet where we told to wait while the computer was consulted. All well and good until the "Komandant" manning the door and decided that we should not be there, and all attempts to explain were ignored and were were bundled into no mans land. Luckily I could still see the young lady at the computer when some 20 minutes later she stood and turned to look for us, and it was only with great reluctance that the "Guard" let us through. Remember that our applications were made together and we have waited seven months, got that? OK, now my wife gets her fingerprints taken and signs the appropriate paperwork and is given a form to take to the bank to pay the costs of the application (6.57 euros) and told to return with the cash receipt and the receipt she has just signed for in another 6 weeks.

That it seems is the proper procedure. For me however there was different news, as my application was not yet ready, apparently someone in Malaga has not been working sufficiently quickly enough to process my application inside the seven months and I have to return to try again in another 20 days. Bless all the civil servants!

-------------------- watch this space ----------------

Update July 4th 2006:- Left it a little late today and never joined the queue until 07:30 - a mistake. There were 30 people in front (about 150 behind by 09:00), so once we received the numbered ticket it was just as matter of settling down to wait in the very crowded room. I was eventually called at 11:45 I produced my paperwork and waited while the lady searched the computer, yes I was there, no it has not come through, I must come back in another 2 or 3 weeks. Good here innit!

-------------------- watch this space ----------------

Update July 21st 2006:- Back to Torremolinos where my wife went straight in ot 11:30 saw the policeman and received her "Tarjeta de Residencia" Hooray!!

Hopefully, I asked if he could look up and see if I had appeared on the computer yet, which surprisingly he did and came up with the expected mantra to come back in another 2 or 3 weeks. I went into my practised explanation that I had applied on the same day as my wife who is now in possession of her card and I am not even on the horizon yet. He agreed that something must be amiss and directed me to the Ministerio de Estranjeros in Malaga where I should make further enquiries. So off to Malaga where found the appropriate office quite easily (less easy to park) and found the same long queues that are a permanent component of these official buildings. At least we were in the shade and we arrived at the front of the queue in 90 minutes. No English spoken, but they were very understanding and I was taken into the building where a cumputer search was undertaken. It was now past 14:00 when they are supposed to close and after having photocopies of my documentation taken I was sent away, and I THINK that the gentleman who was dealing with me reckons that my paperwork has been "lost" somewhere in "there" and he waved his arm in the direction of a large office, AND I THINK ( it was done in spanish) that he will ring me in a week or two and let me know what is happening. We shall see!!

-------------------- watch this space ----------------

Update July 25th 2006:- well our man in Malaga came up trumps, he rang yesterday morning at 09:05 and struggled to tell me that he had found my paperwork and I should go to the police in Torremolinos and they would be ready to process my application. I queued for around 40 minutes to see the policeman who went off to see one of the ladies and sent me off to wait. I only had to wait for the couple being attended to to leave and I was called by name, and processed in record breaking time. I now have my receipt and have to return in six weeks to collect my card, perhaps this saga is nearing its end!

-------------------- watch this space ----------------

Update September 4th 2006:- Thats it!! Today I called in to the police at Torremolinos and I only queued for 45 minutes, and on production of my receipts and passport I was handed my "tarjeta de residencia"

Good luck to you if you are applying for yours, and I hope this tale of mine will at least help you realise that you are not alone - they really are not just picking on you.

-------------------- FIN ----------------

La clase de agosto - Salamanca 2006

2006-09-03T12:16:00.000+02:00

Gracias a todos los estudiantes por sufrir a las personas viejas, y gracias a Marga y David para su paciencia. Usted podría necesitar corregir esto para mí.
Yo he congregado una galería del cuadro de algunas de las fotografías que yo tomé.
Si cualquiera de los estudiantes de estas semanas tiene fotografías que les gustaría compartir, por favor el email a mí y yo haré mi el mejor para incluirlos.

Click HERE

you can also click the "link" below

and add your comments if you wish

Click webmaster@benal-life.com to contact me

Ferry to Fuengirola

2006-07-23T14:43:00.000+02:00

Last week we took the ferry from Benalmadena to Fuengirola.

An enjoyable trip made in good company

Queuing

2006-07-23T13:14:00.000+02:00

Thanks to Jennifer for pointing me in the direction of this article from Liz Parry, which I have reproduced below as personal reassurance that it does not only happen to me :)

I’VE BEEN QUEUEING NOW FOR YEARS..

BY LIZ PARRY

Anybody who has been here for any length of time at all will have spent a morning or two. or several, queuing for information. The “Trafico” queues are legendary, the “Residencia” offices are not big enough to house a normal morning’s queue, and as I discovered this week, the “Seguridad Social convenios con otros paises” office, where I went to find out if Spain has a deal regarding contributions paid towards a pension in the UK, you need to have considerable stamina just to get to the desk where they give you a number to wait your turn. That was after I’d been to two offices in another building to try and rectify some erroneous information “they” had about me and get a security certificate so that I can do all this business online, and before I went to yet another to try and sort put a different, but still social security-related query. At one desk I visited there was a form inviting me to fill in my assessment of the service offered in all these offices, but no envelope was supplied and it had to be posted, not Just left lying around.... You need to be tough for a morning’s official business in Malaga. In a masochistic sort of way, though, I was pleased that nothing much has changed ‘ since I used to queue for a “permanencia” - regularly - many moons ago. The same unsmiling “funcionaria” sent me from pillar to post, and another told me about the shop over the road where I could get my photocopies made. And of course, I still have to go back “manana” for the answer to one of my queries, and some time when I can face the queue again to sort out the pension question....

Like a bet?

2006-07-05T09:39:00.000+02:00

It seems that the police have eventually taken exception to the illegal (but accepted) gambling that takes place in many of the bars on this coast. It appears that they have "sat in" in plain clothes and watched the bets being placed before announcing themselves. Almost 9,000 € and 100 pounds in cash have been seized, along with 59 television sets, two computers, 15 satellite decoders, betting slips and promotional material. The law which has been ignored in the past can apparently bring fines of up to € 300,000. Bars in Benalmadena, Torremolinos, and Fuengirola were visited

Feria's & Fiesta

2006-06-24T14:14:00.000+02:00

We are now well into the festival and feria season, locally last sunday was corpus christi and there was as always a terrific floral display with religeous procession in the Pueblo. I have put a slide show of some of the streets on the main site (click here ).

Last night saw the fantastic firework display that sees in San Juan and the Benalmadena/Arroyo de la Miel feria which starts with a vengence today. (you can see a movie clip of the fireworks and some pictures of last years feria using the same link)

My gout is playing up and I know that it is going to get worse with the coming weeks of overindulgence, but you have to join in don't you? :) see you at the fair,

John

Renewing a British Passport in Spain

2006-05-28T15:40:00.000+02:00

My wife has just renewed her British Passport through the British Embassy in Madrid and I thought that it might be useful if I share the process. Forms are available on line at http://www.ukinspain.com/english/ with lots of useful assistance and information and as of this week they are issuing the new biometric passports - another new innovation means that you can pay by credit card. You can call in person at the Embassy, C/ Fernando el Santo, 16, 28010, Madrid if you are close by or post your application, our was processed within 3 weeks. What we originally feared to be yet another bureaucratic nightmare was simplicity itself

A scenic drive through the southern Axarquia

2006-05-08T14:39:00.000+02:00

A really beautiful drive that takes in phenominal sea and mountain views, white villages, in real historic andalucia. We did both loops of this drive in one day and with several stops including a two hour lunch at the nispero festival leaving at 10:30 am and we were back at 19:00 with 182 km on the clock. I have published the full report with directions and pictures here

The Chaos that is Malaga Airport

2006-05-02T09:54:00.000+02:00

I have just returned from Malaga airport where I had heard that there is some work going on relating to the new terminal, what an understatement! There are men in yellow coats with whistles doing their utmost to tie the traffic into even tighter knots that it is already. Here are a few snaps to give you some idea, so if you are using the airport this summer the best advice is USE THE TRAIN, because even you you allow extra time there is nowhere to park -

I suppose that it will be nice when its finished

From the Carpark

From the pedestrian bridge

From the train platform

Spot The Control Tower

SANTA SEMANA (Easter Week)

2006-04-17T12:39:00.000+02:00

With thanks to the Ayuntamiento of Malaga I picked up a brochure in English this year (2006) which has finally allowed me to understand what happens in Malaga during the week of Santa Semana I have reproduced it here verbatim and hope that you will find it of use planning your next Easter visit to Malaga
THE PASSION The soul of a city is especially apparent in its festivities and Holy Week, the most baroque, the most typically Andalusian celebration of all, sees Malaga become an enourmous stage upon which its entire population comes together to remember the Passion of Christ. In the candlelight, amidst the gleam of gold and silver and the aroma of incense and orange blossom, ther huge processional floats or tronos, veritable moving altarpieces, paint a truly unforgettable picture.
PALM SUNDAY Seven cofriadas or Easter Societies stage their processions today. parading a total of twelve shoulder borne floats. Exitement and colour are the watchwords on this first day of Malagas Holy Week. Morning Those who wish to wxperience all of the sensations that the days processions have to offer are advised to make an early start. At eight o clock the image of La Virgen de Lagrimasy Favores leaves the church of San Juan; the highlights of this procession are the striking beauty of its float and its passage through the Plaza de Felix Saenz. After a hearty breakfast, we suggest that you wait near the cathederal in order to see the departure of La olincia from El Patio de los Naranjas and share in the joy of the children bearing palms as they herald Jesus' enrty into Jerusalem. The rest of the morning may be spent strolling through the Parque de Malaga which along with the gardens od Pedro Luis Alonso, forms a precious green jewel at the heart of the city. Afternoon/evening After a light tapa lunch at one of the bats in the old town center, you should head for the Plaza de Capuchinos at 16:00 to see the procession of El Senor de la Soledad; the stuesque beauty of this image and the attention to detail of the Jewish guard that accompanies it are a wonder to behold. Make your way to the Molinillo district to witness the difficult departure of El Senor de la Salutacion from the church of San Filipe Neri at 16:30 or follow this procession through the area near Las Carmalitas Convent. This is a good moment to enjoy a rest at one of the many cafes in the old town centre and sample the delights of Malagas typical pastries. Next, you should head for the cathederal at around 20:00 to see La humildad passing through its interior. We recommend that you have dinner here at one of the establishments to be found in the Calle San Augustin area. Night After dinner at around 21:00 you should head for La Tribuna de los Pobres to see the magnificent floats paraded by El Huerto. Finally we suggest that you accompany the El Prendimiento society from Calle Dos Aceras until it lays its float to rest before a mass audience near the Conservatorio Superior de Musica. HOLY MONDAY This is the day of greatest contrast, since each of the six societies that carry their eleven floats has a most individual style. Morning One of the most intense moments of Easter week in Malaga is without doubt the transfer of Jesus Cautivo and La Virgen de la Trinidad to their processional floats following early morning mass on the esplanade of the church of San Pueblo. It begins at 08:00 but the enrty of the images into the Hospital Civil, where they are seen by the patients at 09:30 should not be missed. This morning also offers the chance to visit the church of Los Martires to see the floats paraded by the Pasion society whose candles are lit at 12:00. Afternoon/evening By 16:30 we should be on the steep slopes of Calle Carrion to see the difficult descent of La Crucifixion. Close by. just an hour later, we shall witness the vibrant departure of El Senor de la Columna and La Vergen de la O, known as "the gypsies"; here the music of the band mixes with the prayers and dance of the gypsy people. Afterwards, we can head to the area around the cathederal at about 18:00 to admire the floats of the Pasion society in Calle Santa Maria in the shadow of the gothic facade of the church of El Sagrario, just a stones throw away from this historic location, we can see Los Estudiantes wend their way from Calle Cister acvross Plaza del Carbon to crowded Calle Carreteriaa. Night After some sustenance at one of the bars or restaurants in the town centre, a must for any visitor is the unique sight of the procession of El Cautivo as it crosses the Puente de la Aurora bridge (22:00) with a sea of devotees in its wake who will have been following it since early afternoon and will continue to do so until it is returned to its temple. Another location not ot be missed is the Plaza del Obispo where, towards midnight, the floats paraded by Los Estudiantes will converge while the Bishop looks on from the portico of the main entrance to the cathederal. To round off this busy day, we recommend that you spend the early hours following Los Dolores del Puente (01:30) as the procession passes through El Llano de Dona Trinidad and Calle Cerrajo, locations steeped in history. HOLY TUESDAY La Victoria plays a key role today as three of the six societies whose processions take place on Tuesday come from this traditional district of the city. Morning The ideal way to spend an enjoyable, relaxing morning in Malaga is to take a stroll along the cities three promenades, visit some of our fine monuments or take advantage of this quieter time of day to visit the Contemporary Art Centre, Picasso's birthplace, or the Picasso museum. Afternoon/evening We recommend that you get to the Victoria district by 19:00 to see the departure of El Rescate from the narrow Calle Aguas and enjoy its colourful cortege, its artistic beauty and its unique float, which is the only one to feature a gothic style Virgin. Afterwards, head up to the Jardin de los Monos at about 20:00 to see the procession of El Rocio as it approaches the sforementioned square before continuing along Calle Victoria. At around 20:30 in nearby Plaza de la Merced, amidst the attractive arcgitectural setting provided by Picasso's Birthplace and the monument erected in memory of General Torrijos. we can witness the arrival of La Sentencia following its departure from its societies temple in Calle Frailes. Night We suggest that you sample one of the many typical dishes on offer in the old town centre before continuing. In this respect. we are sure that you will not be disappointed by the wealth of options to be found in the area between Puerta del Mar and Calle Larios. Get to Plaza del Obispo by 22:00 to admire the efforts of the members of the Nueva Esperanza Society in front of the main facade of the cathederal. From here you can head towards the heart of 16th century Malaga, Calle San Augustin, to enjoy the procession of Las Penas at around 23:00. Afterwards. we shall make for the Alameda Principal to see the procession of La Humilacion which parades the oldest of all Malagas Easter floats. To finish off Holy Tuesday, meet up with El Rocio as it comes back to the district of La Victoria to be returned to its temple amidst great popular fervour. HOLY WEDNESDAY Today we reach the halfway stage of Easter Week with its six societies parading their thirteen floats. Grandeur and splendour are the words that best sum up each and every one of these processions. Morning We can start off by visiting the temple museum of the Expiracion society, home to an art collection of great merit. Night Our afternoon journet begins at 16:30 in Plaza de Capuchinos with the departue of Los Salesianos. We shall then head for the church of Santo Domingo to see the Via Crucis of the congregacion de Mena on the streets of the Perchel district at around 18:00. At 19:00 we shall cross the Puente de los Alemanes bridge and make for the Plaza de Felix Saenz to admire the dense cortege of the Cofradias Fusionadas. Before taking a rest, we recommend that you attend the traditional ceremony in which a prisoner is freed by the image of Jesus el Rico at 20:30 near Plaza de la Aduana, very close to the Alcazaba. After keeping our strenght up by sampling 'pescaito' (fried fish) and some of the delights to be found in the old town centres many bars, we shall head for the Alameda Principal at 22:00 to see the magnificent floats paraded by the Paloma society, in which a number of doves, the birds that give the society its name, are set free (sadly abandoned this year because of the threat of bird flu) Then walk to the end of Calle Carreteria to witness the vibrant meeting of the floats, carried by the Sangre society at La Tribuna de los Pobres. Finally, we recommend that you try to find a seat in the Alameda Principal at around Midnight in order to enjoy the procession of La Expiracion and appreciate both the components of its cortege and the immense artistry of its floats. If you wish to see one of the floats returned to its temple, we suggest you watch El Rico in Calle Alcazabilla at about 01:30. HOLY THURSDAY This is without doubt the most popular day in terms of attendance, which makes id difficult to get around and find spots that are not too crowded. Morning We suggest that you be at the port by 11:00 to witness the Legionary Troops as they arrive in Malaga; these soldiers lift El Cristi de la Buena Muerte onto its processional float (12:00) and subsequently carry it to join the societies procession. After midday, a visit to the temple museum of the Esperanza society to take a closer look at the floats of El Nazareno de Paso and La Vergen de Malaga is a must. Afternoon/Evening We recommend that you head for the Plaza de Biedmas, near Calle Carreteria, at 18:00 to see the departure of the Vineros society and witness the ceremonial placing of the key in the hand of the Nazarene. Afterwards, at 18:30, make for the Alameda Principal to see the walking cathederals that are the floats of La Sagrada Cena and La Virgen de la Paz. At the nearby Puente de Tetuan bridge you can admire the procession of the Congregacion de Mena accompanied by both the Legion and the Navy, Then if you can manage to exit the Alameda Principal via a side street, head for Calle San Augustin to follow the sombre cortege of La Santa Cruz until it reaches Plaza de Merced at around 21:00. Night After a visit to one of the restaurants in the town centre to sample the wide variety of tapas and other dishes on offer, you can enjoy the visual feast provided by La Misericordia in front of the cathederal in Plaza Obispo at 23:30. Then head for the Alameda Principal to witness a unique sight in Malgas Easter Week; the crossing of the processions of La Esperanza and Mena at around 00:30. Afterwards go to La Tribuna de los Pobres to hear the people of Malaga pay complements to La Virgen de la Amargura (Zamarrilla) as it returns to its home district. Stay at this spot to receive the blessing of the Nazareno del Paso and accompany La Virgen de la Esperanza on its return home across the carpet of rosemary that now covers the streets of Malaga. GOOD FRIDAY Silence is the main feature on this day of mourning and reflection. fourteen floats are paraded through the streets of Malaga as eight different societies carry their sacred images. Morning As reflection is the iverriding characteristic of Good Friday morning, we suggest a visit to any of the churches with Eucharistic monuments in the old town centre. Afternoon/evening The large number of societies taking part today means that an early start is adviseable to avoid missing any of them. We suggest you watch the procession of El Descendimiento through el Paseo del Parque at around 17:30; you will be surprised at the beauty of the La Coracha and its surroundings. An hour later head for the Plaza de Arriola where the canticles sung by the Hermanas de la Cruz to the society of Los Dolores de San Juan will take you back several centures. By 19:00, you should be at the cathederal to admire the solemnity of the Via Crucis del Santisimo. We suggest that you follow a tea of torrijas and other pastries with a trip to the Puente de la Aurora to watch El Santo Trasiado and La Virgen de Soledad. Night After dinner, you should not miss the procession of La Virgen de la Piedad along the narrow Calle Ollerlas, the entrance to the Cruz del Molinillo district, at around 21:30. And if you want to see an Easter Procession in a rich architctural setting, witness the departure from the cathederal of La Hermandad del Monte Calvario and its progress along Calle de San Augustin at around 23:00. In nearby Calle Caldereria you can watch El Cristo del Anor and La Virgen de la Caridad as they return to the Victoria district shortly after middnight. As Easter Saturday begins, we shall see the majestic elegance of the Santo Sepulcro's cortege in Calle Larios, accompanied on its way by Chopin's funeral march, at around 01:00 all will be shrouded in darkness when, after El Hijo Muerto, we follow La Virgen de Servitas along the same street until it returns to the church of San Felipe Neri, amidst the prayers of La Corona Dolorosa, at about 04:00. EASTER SUNDAY With the procession of El Resucitado, Malaga celebrates the resurrection of the Lord. Nazarenes from each and every one of the societies take part together, creating a colourful cortege that, due to its extreme length, is best viewed sitting in one of the seats provided by the Association of Easter Societies throughout the entire route. This procession reaches the Alameda Principal at midday and end at the church of San Julian, near Calle Carreteria, at 14:00. Finally, there will be just enough time to sample a typical dish washed down with local wine befire heading off to one of our beaches to enjoy the benevolent clomate that makes Malaga a "City of Paradise".

New Orange Bus Routes

2006-04-12T18:41:00.000+02:00

Three new bus routes were launched on the first of March that cover the entire area of Benalmadena Costa, Benalmadena Pueblo and Arroyo de la Miel, named "Linea Naranja" the busses have a bright orange livery and the bus stops are also easily located with their distinctive shape and colour. It is possible to pay the driver if you offer the exact fare, or do not require more than 10 euros change. However if you are likely to use the busses regularly you are encouraged to purchase a bus card that can be charged with amounts from 5 euros up to 500 euros and the fare is electronically deducted when boarding the bus. (The cards and prepayments can be made at the Portillo office on the Avenida Antonio Machada opposite Avda de Alay and next to the tourist office. Prices are Normal Fare = 1.10 - with a "Portillo Card" = 0.65 - student with card = 0.40 - pensioner with card = 0.28

El Corte Ingles

2006-03-29T11:08:00.000+02:00

El Corte Ingles is opening it’s fifth store in Malaga province this morning. The company has invested 130 million euros in the new store in Mijas Costa which is 135000 sq metres and will create 1,400 direct jobs. The store, incorporating Hipercor is called Centro Comerical Costa Mijas and is located off the main coast road between the Cayetano Euromarket and the new Myramar shopping centre (it is on the site of the old saturday market). It has been amusing watching the build up to the opening, it must have been close because for the past week or so there have been thousands of workmen in and out of the new building causing traffic jams as drivers slow down to gawp at what seems to be swarmin ants.

WHATEVER NEXT

2006-03-24T11:05:00.000+01:00

Last weekend forums and chat rooms all over spain organised the worlds largest "botellion", an open air party where you bring your own drinks. These parties started because of the hight price of drinks in night clubs and the youngsters meet in parks, on the beach or wherever and drink at supermarket prices until sufficiently loosened up to go clubbing without having to spend too much in the club. Any way the internet managed to organise massive bottellions in cities all over spain, they were met with varied reactions from councils and police although most passed off peacefully enough. Following their success they are now trying to organise an orgy on the beach in Malaga. I wonder if I should take a bottle?? :)

Info.Ben

2006-02-19T14:04:00.000+01:00

Benalmadena ayuntamiento has launched a new SMS service (CALLS COST 0.90c ) send a text message to 5525 and the reply will be texted back.

Traffic: Text ben tra for the current traffic conditions in Benalmadena

Text ben inc for traffic incidents, road closures etc.

Weather: Text ben met for the current weather conditions

Chemists: Text ben far for the closest open farmacia

Info: Text ben inf to find out more about this service.

So could be handy if you "need to know" and it might even help to keep the rates down :)

FREE BEER

2006-01-31T19:53:00.000+01:00

If you live in or around Benalmadena and Arroyo de la Miel or you intend visiting next year please take a couple of moments to visit our forum and register - We are running a free to enter draw whereby you could win free drinks in any of our featured bars or restaurants.
Click on the link below for further details

The draw was made at JJ's in Arroyo de la Miel and the winners were as follows:

!st: Digger - who hasn't told us where he is from

2nd: jimhatt2 - from Paisley

3rd: jh4x - from Preston

and in case any of them fail to claim we drew a reserve

ClareandMark: from Heathrow

Congratulations to the winners, who need to contact me to confirm where they want to spend their winnings.

and commiserations to our losers, thanks for joining our forum, please continue using it and contributing whenever possible.

Where did all the sand go?

2006-01-26T12:08:00.000+01:00

You may have noticed the inverted umbrellas on our weather chart over the last few days. These winds are known as the Levante and have scoured the sand from many of the beaches along much of the Costa del Sol, including I am afraid Benalmadena. The Ayuntamiento have already promised to have it replaced before the Easter holidays, lets hope that they are true to their word.

Smoking Laws in action

2006-01-06T11:03:00.001+01:00

The last few days in and around Arroyo's smaller bars (including the spanish operated) has been quite amusing. Some decided to be non smoking and allow children and others elected to come down on the side of the smokers and forgo children and food. Then rumour began to run rife and now virtually all of them have reverted to pre Jan 1st 2006 and are allowing smoking, serving food and permitting children. It seems that the new law actually says that bars of under 100 sq m can be smoking bars and as long as children under 18 are accompanied by their parents they are allowed inside. Although they must post a large (at least A3) black bordered sign on the door stating their position in spanish (at least spanish) We will see what changes over the next few days or weeks

FREE Costa Classifieds

2006-01-03T19:11:00.000+01:00

At the same time our forum was hacked we also lost our sister site http://www.freecostaclassifieds.com which at the time was carrying well over 100 classified ads. It has taken me a while but I have restored the site using CGI instead of the seemingly more vulnable php but we have to start all over again as the ads were lost in the hack. If you have any thing to advertise or you need anything that relates to the Costa del Sol, the service is FREE and I hope will soon be filling with useful ads Cheers, John

el día de los Santos Inocentes

2005-12-28T10:06:00.000+01:00

Just a word of warning - December 28th in spain is "el día de los Santos Inocentes", Holy Innocents' day. Which in the equivalent in England of "April fools day" - so don't believe everything you read in the papers

Spanish postal charges

2005-11-27T12:16:00.000+01:00

The Spanish Post Office (correos) postal charges have long been a mystery to overseas visitors and foreign residents alike. Our Christmas cards last year cost an unexpected fortune, this year some advance homework has decoded the system, which unusually involves the size of the card as well as the weight. Weight limit 20 grams Maximum size 235 mm x 120 mm (91/4 x 43/4 inches) Postage to Europe including the UK .53 cents Postage outside Europe .78 cents If the envelope is larger than this it will cost Postage to Europe including the UK 1.05 euros, Postage outside Europe 1.38 euros but it must still not weigh more than 20 grams Heavier cards are charged more again, but the code for these is still a secret. You now know to shop for your cards more carefully than usual, but be careful because there is also a minimum size of 140 mm x 90 mm (51/2 x 3/12 inches)

Hacked

2005-11-23T11:21:00.000+01:00

In these days of computer viruses, bugs and worms I should not really be surprised that the hackers have attacked our forum. After a couple of days of "under the bonnet" work I am afraid that they have succeeded in removing all of the posts and it has resulted in losing records of all the people who have taken the time and trouble to register with us. More to the point it means that if you have previously registered you will have to register again to enter our "FREE BAR CREDIT" draw (click on the link, below right) and because all of our current members have been erased the draw will involve fewer people, so more chance of winning! We will work on redesigning the forum and making it more secure. WE WILL BE BACK!

Residencia

2005-11-23T09:41:00.000+01:00

I love it here, but it is a bloody frustrating country!!

-------------------- watch this space ----------------

OK We finally got together the appropriate paperwork

Original form plus three photocopies
Four passport size photographs
Passport & photocopy of passport

So the next move is WAIT! We have been told to look in and see if our application is accepted in SEVEN MONTHS.

Drought

2005-11-14T12:08:00.000+01:00

Yesterday we took one of our favourite drives up into the mountain (see the link below)which normally I would recommend anyone to do at any time of ther year, but yesterday once up in the mountains it was extremely cold and one of the best drives around the reservoirs made me think that we were in the wrong place. The water has nearly gone, with the exception of a small lake at the dam end. Listenening to the radio this morning it seems that Marbella, San Pedro and that end of the coast have been put on severe water restrictions with the mains water only being turned on for a few hours each day in sequence. Apparently the desalination plant has run into problems and some people have been calling in to REM radio claiming to have had no water since last Tuesday. Anyone out there effected? If you have more information please use the "comments" link to let us know.

El puente de Noviembre

2005-11-01T09:00:00.000+01:00

All Saints Day On November 1st, is a public holiday, fiestas called "Tosantos" (contraction of "todos los santos", or "all saints") are celebrated in the markets of Cadiz and the surrounding villages. As the 1st of November falls on Tuesday this year the weekend has been has been extended, and the majority of workers have taken monday off as well. The spanish call a long bank holiday a weekend El puente (bridge). It is also one of the busiest weekends on spains roads with record breaking traffic jams (colas) on Friday evening and again on the evening of the 1st and regretably one of the worst weekends of the year for road deaths. So if you are driving, give yourself plenty of room. Halloween is celebrated in some places in Malaga but it is not a Spanish tradition. 1st November - National holiday in Spain.

Smoking in Bars

2005-10-28T10:41:00.000+02:00

On January 1st Spain joins the smokeless countries, and if it works in Ireland I suppose that there is a chance that it could work here, but the fine print is interesting. There will be an eight month period to adapt, Bars & Restaurants over 100 sq metres will be able to have smoking areas provided that they are not sited inside other premises where smoking is banned (institutions, hospitals etc). The room for smokers must be clearly marked, physically separate from other rooms and completely compartmentalised, and will have to have an independent extraction system that completely eliminates the smoke. The maximum area allocated to smokers must not exceed 30 percent of the communal area and in any case must not exceed 300 sq metres. What might make it work is the fact that special inspectors are to employed to enforce the new laws and fine both the smoker and their owner of the premises between 30 and 600 euros. Smaller establishments (of less than 100 sq metres) will be able to decide whether to be a smoking or non smoking bar, but if they decide to go the smokers route they will have to install extractors that are separate from the main ventilation system AND they will not be allowed to have children on the premises. Lots of strange anomalies are sure to come to light over the next few months. Today one of the Spanish newspapers has discovered that if you employ a home help, nanny etc your home becomes a workplace, meaning that the home owner will not be allowed to smoke in their own home!

A day in Gibralaltar

2005-10-25T17:57:00.000+02:00

Being a nice day and having nothing urgent to do we decided on a day trip ti Gibraltar. Morrisons supermarket gets a visit from us 2 or 3 times a year to allow us to stock up with some items that are not readily available here or considerably cheaper. We wanted fresh meat, fillet steak and lamb in particular , so we remembered to take the cold box along with the frozen blocks and off we set. A beautiful morning for a drive, clear skies, and we had left early enough to avoid the long queues into gibraltar and particulary out, (if you can get out before 2.00 pm, you usually miss the longest lines). The motorway tolls are on winter rates, only 6.50 euros and there was very little on the road in spite of it being half term, and the Volvo open starting at Vallderama this week. As we approached La linea from San Roque I jokingly said to Bernie, "did you remember the passports?" the delay in answering then look on her face gave me the answer before she said "I thought you had them". So, when you plan your trip to Gibraltar, read all the good advice posted on this site and others. Plan carefully, but above all REMEMBER YOUR PASSPORTS!!

Toni - Talullahs & Oh So KOZEE Bar

2005-10-20T09:46:00.000+02:00

Sadly after spending some time in Malaga University Hospital Toni passed away in September. Our thoughts are with her family and especially Gemma who will continue to run the Oh So KOZEE Bar

Hurricane

2005-10-13T12:03:00.000+02:00

On Tuesday when we were assualted by the giant hailstones it seems that we were on the edge of Hurricane Vince which touched Spain, mainly affecting the area around Huelva which is on the Atlantic coast of Andalucia. This is being claimed as the first time a hurricane has touched spain, but before the days of satellite, how would they know??

La Abadia de San Antonio

2005-09-04T17:16:00.000+02:00

I have been working on a website and doing a good bit of printing work for a new reataurant in Fuengirola. They have eventually opened serving a fresh TEX MEX menu, which we sampled last week and we were amazed that TEX MEX could be so delicious. We have sampled this genre of cooking in chains and the odd pub and it has always seemed to be deep fried and over spiced, but this was wonderful. The Abadia de San Antonio is where the battle of the Alamo was fought and the owners formerly ran "The Alamo" restaurant in Dubai, so they bring with them pleny of expertise. Click on the Link (over on the right) to see their comprehensive menu and find out a little more about the restaurant, and the Alamo.

Update

2005-08-26T13:05:00.000+02:00

We have been back to England for a few weeks, and I am afraid that we have been so busy since returning that the blog has been neglected. Anyway our British plated car has been sold and we are now the owners of a spanish registered car. This has been an expensive exercise, but not nearly as expensive as it would have been to re-register the car over here.
To keep up to date with our attempts to register with the empadriamento, we have been back to the "Casa de la Cultura" where we had to fill in yet another form, which duly received its obligatory stamp and told to come back in 20 days.

- We returned to the Casa de Cultura this morning (Sept 2nd) and exchanged our copy of the form mentioned above and it was exchanged for the certificate of padron, not too painful an exercise after all ;) -

The time has also come to register as residents. Yet another task that has been deferred because of the bureaucracy, so having made the decision we need the application forms which we have been told are now available from the local police station. We asked and were told that "yes they are" but only on two half days twice in a month, but not at all in August, so we should go to the main police station in Torremolinos. Sounds fine, and we turned up at 10 am to find a queue out of the office and down the street. I appears that there is now a ticket system in place whereby you need to turn up well before the office opens and queue and a policeman distributes tickets until they are all gone after that you have to go back another day. WE ONLY WANT APPLICATION FORMS! Not been back yet, I am trying to find if I can download the forms from the net (ANY ADVICE PLEASE??)

Summer News

2005-07-15T10:21:00.000+02:00

Summer has officially arrived, although it has been steaming hot for the past couple of months. Apparently the sea temperature has already risen to 25 degrees, which is great until you find out that we are besieged by a plague of jellyfish, so be careful! Incidentally the collective noun for jellyfish is not a plague it is a SMUCK, really, a smuck of jellyfish! you just have to find a way of bringing this into a conversation, dont you? Some others you may find useful in the pub quiz - A crash of rhinoceros, a dole of turtles and a troubling of goldfish - you coulnt make them up. The prevailing wind is straight from Africa and bringing with it official heat warnings and advice on how to look after and protect yourself in the excessive heat. This advice is for the Spanish who are used to the heat, but with the death rate doubling in the heatwave it should be even more important for holidaymakers to note. Experts believe that Malaga faces another three years of drought with an official cycle being declared as "in progress", and it has driven them to eventually open the nine years old, never been used, desalination plant in Marbella to be made operational. It is now supplying 20,000 cubic litres of water a day to 11 municipalities, with one litre being added to each two litres of reservoir water. On a lighter note Benalmadena is the first bullring in the area to introduce "painless" bullfights. It is following the Portugese example and abolishing the stabbing and spearing of the bull, which will be returned to Portugal unharmed after the event. All this in the hope that more foreign visitors will attend. Rod Stewart was a great success at the Mijas Hipodromo on Wednesday and they are looking for even more attending next weeks (23rd July) UB 40 reggae festival Today is the feast day of the Virgen de Carmen and is another great "must see" event, the parades finish on the seafront and the Virgin is taken out to sea on fishing boats, with fireworks, beach parties and barbecues, it is something to be sure to catch if you are near the coast.

Feeling Smart?

2005-07-05T10:57:00.000+02:00

I had this interesting little puzzler sent to me by an old friend, thanks Lee

Try it for yourself

Test for Dementia

Answer these five questions.

You have to answer them instantly.

You can't take your time, answer all of them immediately.

OK?

Ready?

Here's your first question

San Juan

2005-06-23T12:00:00.000+02:00

Yesterday saw the start of this years San Juan celebrations in Benalmadena and Arroyo de la Miel with the street parade at the end of their Romeria. Although it is a much smaller affair than some in the area it is well worth a look. The parade winds around the usual route through "The Village" and swells as it picks up additional participants as it progresses and is a wonderful party atmosphere. In spite of its religious background plenty of alcohol is consumed en route and the singing and dancing becomes less inhibited. I have posted some pictures - Click here

The festival of San Juan is central to the Feria which kicks off at midnight on Thursday down on the beach, when the "chicos" jump through large fires and then plunge into the sea to prove their manhood, and are accompanied by the adoring "chicas". The evening closes with a really spectacular fireworks display (you cant set your watch by when it starts, but it will probably fire up just as you are walking off thinking that I made it all up)

UPDATE This year I have been a little more sober and checked the watch, so for future reference if you want to stay young you should be bathing your face in the sea at the stroke of midnight on the 23rd. To prove your manhood and macho side you should spend most of the night after midnight jumping across fires on the beach. The firework display actually started at exactly 1.00 am and was superb lasting 15 minutes without respite, although it seemed much longer. Click here to see some pictures I took of the firework display before they were fired More info Click here

We made a night of it this year and had a wonderful meal in "Las Brisas", one of the spanish restaurantes on the Playa Santa Ana and had this delightful young lady (Grace, on holiday from Liverpool)keeping us company at the next table.

The day of San Juan (this Friday) is a public holiday in Benalmadena and is when the Feria proper starts. The funfair part of it is much the same as funfairs anywhere, but there is so much else going on that over the next few weeks your are sure to bump in to something that takes your fancy. If you are holidaying make sure that you come up into Arroyo to see what it is all about.

UPDATE

We ate at around 10 pm before going down to the Recinto Feria (fair ground), because being spain, nothing starts early. We were however too early, although the rides and side stalls were open they had not really got going. The mayor eventually turned the lights on after 11.pm (They will be on earlier for the rest of the Feria, which finishes on wednesday) and they are also throughout the town. If you fancy catching one of the free concerts they start at 1 am. Next year we will not make the mistake of eating first as some of the food on sale was mouth watering and reasonably priced. Click here for some pictures that give the feel of the feria.*

****************************** ONLY IN SPAIN ******************************

Electric Knitting - The fair has arrived in Arroyo and the caravan dwellers need electricity. This is the pavement immediately outside the entrance to the Feria

Empadriamento

2005-06-17T19:44:00.000+02:00

Well I spoke too soon, Ascot on Friday has taken the shine off the rest of the week, lets hope that the Newmarket tips work out a little better.Party Ploy in the 7.00 goes well on good to firm and is a good price. another two that like the going are Just a Try 7.30 and Unscrupulous at 8.00 - shorter prices, but best of luck Laura. For those who don't live in spain or do and have not yet joined, you may be interested in the the process of registering with the local town hall. It is not a legal requirement, hence the fact that we have only just got round to signing up. After traipsing round three different local government offices we were told to go to the Casa Cultura (how unlikely is that) where we were given a sheaf of papers to fill in and a list of required photocopies required. Spanish bureaucracy is the other reason we have been deferring the moment. The system over here means that the local council only gets money from the National Government according to the number of people registered on the "Empadriamento" we have been lazy because we knew that we would be tying ourselves up with good old spanish red tape. Lots of brits over here are the same and it means that the council has to provide services for several tens of thousands of residents that do not exist as far as the National Government is concerned. This results in insufficient funds being available for police, health care, rubish collection and all of the other services provided by the council. Nevertheless it has still taken me three years to apply. We returned this morning (Monday) and queued again to find out that we had done it all wrong, as you do. Unusually we were given some help, replacement forms and further details of what would be required. We duly completed the forms again obtainedseven photocopied pages of the apartments "escritura" (deeds) and toddled off to rejoin the queue. This time everything was accepted and we were gived a stamped copy of our application, which I presume is a receipt until notification of acceptance is received. The point of this is to try and encourage others out there to put aside a couple hours, join the queue and sign up. Who knows if they have enough money they might start cleaning up the dog s**t, over optimistic I know, but it would be nice

Racing

2005-06-16T09:23:00.000+02:00

I am having a reasonably profitable Royal Ascot (even though it is at York) and currently doing my homework for this afternoons races. But listening to the radio I have been reminded that Mijas races are now on Friday evenings. Gates open at 8:00 pm and the first race is at 10:00 with the party going on until very late. My daughter, Laura, called yesterday evening to inform me that she is off to Newmarket this Friday evening and needs tips, so I think that I might head off for Mijas, just so that I am not left out of things. AND I wont be needing a jacket, it is steaming here at night

****************************** ONLY IN SPAIN ******************************

In Andalucia they are not really fussy about where they park

Anns Birthday

2005-06-12T14:35:00.000+02:00

On Friday evening we passed a very pleasant evening being wined and dined by Ann in her garden, and she looked after us regally. She doesn't want everyone to know her age but she felt that she had to celebrate as it's the last one before she reaches 65 :) Her beautiful little dog has had some troubles since being bitten by a cat (cats' mouths it seems carry a myriad of diseases) resulting in its back legs being paralysed. She has nursed for months now, and the dog has got used to the idea, but gets very excited and frustrated when she is unable to chase around. Although she now has been fitted with a set of wheels, REALLY, (I will have to get a photograph later) and on a level surface she gets about nicely;

The weather is following the same pattern and here is the forecast for today, in Spanish. I will translate this one but for future posts you will be on your own!

Hoy (Today)
	Manana (Morning)	Tarde (Afternoon)	Noche (Evening)
Prevision (Forecast)
Temp. Min/Max	20/26
El dia comenzara con alguna bruma matinal sin importancia y el cielo quedara despejado a lo largo de la manana. Por la tarde los cielos permanecean despejados.(The day it will begin with some morning fog without importance and the sky will be clear through the morning. In the afternoon the skies will remain clear.)

****************************** ONLY IN SPAIN ******************************

Manana means Morning - Manana means Tomorrow - but most of all Manana means "Chill" it ain't gonna happen yet

2005-06-09T18:58:00.000+02:00

To keep the weather up to date, much the same as yesterday, a little less in the way of breeze and a few very high small clouds have appeared on occasion. No point in taking another photograph it is identical to yesterdays. We have builders in working on the kitchen and it seems that the end might be in sight, my wife Bernie is looking forward to reclaiming her space, and I am looking forward to her being able to getting back into "chef" mode

****************************** ONLY IN SPAIN ******************************

In Andalucia You are required by law to wear a crash helmet on a scooter or motor-cycle - so be like a local and don't bother!!

Talk of the Town

2005-06-08T10:14:00.000+02:00

Keeping up to date with the weather more of the same yesterday, Glorious cloudless skies and the temperatures in the high 20's low 30's - this is what we came for!! This morning brings a pleasant light breeze and to prove that I am telling the truth here is the sky at 10 minutes ago.

This is the view from my office window, and that is the cable car climbing to the top of the mountain, a great trip and the best value for money of all of Benalmadenas attractions.

Anyway, I have just finished some printing for a bar in Alhaurin de la Torre. Shelly, Mick and Marg have taken over The Talk of the Town - it is in the Calle Antonio Machada at the side of Eroski- and came as a very pleasant surprise. It is a large spanish style "British bar" and restaurante with a terrific sized bar, separate pool room with a huge pool table and a wonderful gated terrace. Being off the main road there is plenty of room to park. If you are going to Alhaurin give them a look.

****************************** ONLY IN SPAIN ******************************

In Andalucia they drive mainly on the right, but sometimes they drive on the left and scooters particularly drive anywhere they damn well please

Marbella Feria

2005-06-07T16:28:00.000+02:00

Marbella Feria started yesterday and the spanish do like their feria's. Tonights festivities include a performance of hip-hop, but note the start time - 3.00 AM Even when one lives in spain the surprises still come along regularly, but I think that I will give it a miss :)

****************************** ONLY IN SPAIN ******************************

Andalucia is a trip hazard

Vines Restaurant

2005-06-05T12:25:00.000+02:00

I received this complementary email this week and thought that I would shareit. I would just like to provide some feedback on my 2 visits to the Vines restaurant in Benalmadena. My first trip was in February this year I read about the restauarant in the local Costa Del Sol news. After several disappointing and expensive meals out my boyfriend and I finally located the vines and went for a meal on our final night. What a great experience, the food was amazing, both taste and presentation. Simon waited on us for the evening and added a very personal touch and if I lived in the area I would definitely be going to the Vines for all family special occasions. It was so good that I decided to book a surprise meal for my Mums birthday and Mothers Day, she was on holiday in Benalmadena for both of them so I decided to fly over for a surprise and take her to the Vines. Both her and my Father enjoyed the experience and once again , the food and the service were top notch and the price was extremely reasonable great value for money. Many thanks to Simon and Lynne showing what great dining experinces should be. Andrea Morris Sandbach. Cheshire

****************************** ONLY IN SPAIN ******************************

In Andalucia hazard flashers are thought to be magical cloaks of invisibilty and switched on when double parking thus rendering the double parked vehicle invisible.

Hipodromo Concerts

2005-06-05T11:56:00.000+02:00

I have updated the information on this years concerts at the Mijas Hipodromo at Days out page and you can now get more information from Sea Breeze Promotions who have now set up a web site here

****************************** ONLY IN SPAIN ******************************

In Andalucia they are obliged to build wheelchair ramps - which it appears must not be wider than 2ft 6in or less than 45 degrees steep

Creation of Benal-Life.com and Benalblog

2005-06-04T09:47:00.000+02:00

I have created this "Blog" to share my thoughts and listen to yours, you may have noticed that Benal-Life.com is expanding beyond recognition. Bear with me while I give you a little background - Before we left England I wandered around the net looking for information on the bars and restaurants of several towns on the Costa del Sol, and once we settled in Arroyo de la Miel I came to the conclusion that the only site I could find was not very good and was sure that I could do better. However it took over a year before I became motivated enough to do something about it, as I had been talking to several bar owners about the project and they kept asking when could they see their bars on the web. In November 2003 we launched with a couple of bars and a restaurant, but with interactive maps that had taken many hours to create. That site bears very little resemblance to the one you see now. I have responded to users of the site who have had ideas and recommendations, and told me what they would like to see. Questions from potential holidaymakers have been answered and often led to the creation of new or expanded sections. This "Blog" is a natural progression as the articles that appear on it will be archived once a month and be searchable. I will do my best to keep them interesting and informative. For those who always ask today is Sunny the temperature is already up to 25 C

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Andalucian punctuality demands that you arrive at least 20 minutes late