The town hall Square in Guardamar was the venue today for a classic car and Harley Davison display. The weather cleared after a damp morning and there was a fine display of vehicles to look at. Later in the afternoon Spongebob and Dora the Explorer were due to make an appearance. Beer and montaditos were being served for 1 euro and all the proceeds were for Caritas.
Despite some unseasonal weather, we do do need some rain after a particularly dry winter though, it does feel like summers if hot on the heels of spring. When the sun is out its got some real heat in it, Johns been in the sea already and nature is showing us a few well loved signs too. We particularly like to see the Swifts and Swallows arrive. A couple of weeks ago we were in the gardens of the old palace at Jacarilla and house martins along with one or two swallows were busy collected mud to build nests on surrounding buildings. Not a sight John will forget in a hurry as one house martin deposited a little reminder on his head, no don't laugh. I tried to convince him it was lucky, and we have won a weekend for two in Madrid this last week so....
As I say though we love to see, and hear, the swifts at this time of year. The first time we every saw them in great numbers was a few years ago when we were working on a hotel barge in france, now that was interestingway to spend a summer.
The swift is a medium-sized aerial bird, an amazing flier. Even sleeping on the wing! Although it is a plain sooty brown, in flight against the sky it appears black. It has long, scythe-like wings and a short, forked tail. It is a summer visitor, that winters in Africa. As the daylight goes they can be seen wheeling across the sky as the take insects on the wing. They look as if they are related to the swallows but in fact are in same family as hummingbirds. As one of the fastest fliers around they reach speeds of 18–50 km/h,
Guess they are the original members of the mile high club as not only do they feed, drink, and preen in flight the are the only group of birds known who actually mate on the wing.
We have read lots of theories as to why and when they make there evocative screaming call, whatever the reason it heralds summer to us.
Didn't know whether to laugh or cry at an item in the Spanish news this week. What do you think? its seems a 25 year old spanish man took his parents to court to demand they pay him 400 euros a month and let him continue to live at home. Now I know its very very difficult for young people in Spain at the moment, due to unemployment, but I ask you what next. This young man is neither working or studying, apparently he is what is know as the youngest ni-ni, Youngest child I guess. Anyway there he was happily living in the family home, Madre y Padre forking out the payments on his car, but i guess he felt he needed some pocket money too.
The judge, in his wisdom?, has decreed that the poor little lad should leave his cozy nest in one month, however he had also decreed that the long suffering parents will give there little darling 200 euros a month for the next two years. It seem the judge thought the son was capable of finding a job, he has some knowledge of the stock market, but he also needed help making the transition to "emancipation." He didn't need I help taking his parents to court though did he!
Else where in Spain this week young people have been standing up to be counted. In the Spanish capital of Madrid they protested about the lack of future they face in Spain today because of high unemployment, job insecurity and government spending cuts. The number of unemployed in Spain, which has the highest jobless rate among developed countries, could reach a record of more than five million, the labour minister has warned.
In contrast there was also a story of British students flocking to Salou to drink themselves stupid, which leads me to the conclusion they will not have far to travel down that road.
I would guess a few people will be checking out there motor homes if they bought on the Costa Blanca within the last three years. The Guardia Civil, have revealed that staff from Alicante ITV vehicle testing stations have assisted in the selling of written-off motorhomes as new. This follows the arrest of 27 people. Twenty one of them are vehicle inspectors at the ITV stations.
The 33 Motorhomes were amongst more than 400 which had all been sent for scrap as unfit to be on the roads. They had all suffered serious damage in floods which happened in France in 2008. The Interior Ministry said on Wednesday that a Czech company which bought the vehicles, supposedly to break up for spare parts,instead repaired them and fitted them with new plates and vehicle identification numbers.
33 were sold on to an Alicante company for 9,000 € each and then theses were given false vehicle inspection . The vehicles, which posed a serious risk on the roads and for their occupants, were then sold as new, some 10,000 € below the market price.
The total amount defrauded is put at more than 1 million €.
No news on whether or not the buyers have all been informed but I am hoping it was a top priority to remove them from the roads.
themselves from all the Royal wedding palaver that is. We shall not be watching listening or taking part in any way shape or form. Now we may share a name with the bride to be but that my friends is as far as it goes. And its not sour grapes because no invitation was forthcoming, any such missive would have gone the same way as the invitation I got to a royal garden party some years ago, in the basura that is. Never thought that was worth buying a hat for event either. Quiet honestly find it amazing that people here are holding "Royal Wedding" events, when someone said to me a few weeks ago that they would be at a local restaurant for the wedding I thought they must meant someone we knew and asked them who was getting married! Since then we have noticed an awful lot of bandwagon jumping going on from local businesses.
Now they may be a very nice young couple and there's no denying its nice to see people making a commitment. I am all for the institute of marriage, we celebrated our 38th wedding anniversary only this month. However its the monarchy I object to, more especially the UK one. If you are going to set yourself up as being a cut above the hoi polloi then I say you must be like Caesars Wife, above suspicion that is. Well lets face it they can hardly boast to that after the last few years. I know some people say " well there only human" well that's my point I suppose, apart from having several very large homes and pots of money they are no different nor better than you or me, except perhaps they had some very pushy ancestors.
And before you play the "good for tourism" card re the royals I have to say this, if the UK spend all the money required to keep a monarchy, on decent roads, public transport, clean beaches and generally improving towns and cities the much needed overseas tourist trade would no doubt improve.
So while 2.8 million children in Britain today live in poverty (Joseph Roundtree Foundation ) it is estimated that between 20 and 80 million pound will be forked out by the British tax payer for this wedding. its a pity they did not listen Boris Johnsons the eccentric Mayor of London who has said "If they want a cut-price deal with a central London venue with a view of London landmarks, the ideal place would be City Hall. I'm not saying the wedding should be cut-price or bargain, but a cost-effective wedding in keeping with our cost-effective times." For once he was speaking sense.
So is it a case of "let them eat cake" I rather think so. To my way of thinking donating to a charity that fights child poverty in UK rather than celebrating the wedding of people you do not know and will never meet is a far better option.
So we will not be huddled around a large screen, moist eyed with fellow brits in some restaurant or bar that's for sure. In fact we will be with the Aussie branch of the family and friends from UK ( they are coming over for the weekend to avoid all the flimflam) I am sure we will enjoy a right royal knees up and judging by the weather now it might just be on the beach
Its amazing how many people have arrived in Guardamar for Easter, i read in the papers that the same amount of people come for easter as they do for the summer, and so they do.
The Parque Canada Marsa area at Benimar is nearly completed we had a walk round the other day and it is very pleasant with a large lake, with waterfall, a childrens play area, and plenty of seating, the park is overlooked by the terraced seating of several bars and restaurants including El Mundo de Espana (formerly "The Pub") so this is a bonus for them. The lake has been stocked with fish but they dont have much cover as yet.
Further towards Rojales the new centro commercial is taking shape well, apart from there being a large Consom Supermercado other retail units will be incorporated in the building, hopefully this will be the start of the rest of the complex being developed.
As one of the most popular destinations amongst UK holidaymakers there are countless choices for the perfect all-inclusive Canary Islands holiday. Here are ten reasons why you should book one today.
Budget
One of the big advantages of booking an all-inclusive holiday is that you won’t need to incur too many added expenses while away, so you’ll be able to plan your budget accordingly. Just make sure you have a little extra for those spontaneous day trips and excursions!
Reliability
When booking an all-inclusive resort holiday you can be sure you’re needs will be met and when any issues do arise, you’ll only have to deal with one party who will be fully trained to ensure all your wishes are appropriately tended to.
Weather
When arranging an all-inclusive holiday anywhere you’ll want to be guaranteed great weather to really make the best use of all the facilities in the resort. By choosing a holiday to Gran Canaria, with year round sun and warm temperatures, you’ll be sure to come back golden whichever time of the year you go.
Resorts
The resorts in Gran Canaria boast great facilities, fantastic accommodation, countless activities and gorgeous beaches. What more do you need?
Water sports
Gran Canaria is famous for water sports with both locals and tourists taking part. Sailing and big game fishing are two of the biggest pastimes to be enjoyed in Gran Canaria with other sports such as windsurfing and diving on offer for holidaymakers.
Theme Parks and Attractions
Whether you’re ideal family day out consists of a Wild West theme park, a ride on a roller coaster, a visit to an animal park or a splash at the water park, holidays to the Canary Islands will fulfil your heart’s desire.
Camel Trekking
Fun for all the family; why not join in one of the best attractions to be enjoyed in Gran Canaria? Camel trekking is ideal for those on all-inclusive holidays in Maspalomas.
Las Palmas
Consider taking some time out of the all-inclusive resort to take a trip to the capital of the island, Las Palmas. This cosmopolitan city is home to traditional restaurants, stylish shopping and one of the best beaches on the island.
Nightlife
Gran Canaria offers much for those holidaymakers looking for some fun during the night time hours, with those seeking something a little more alternative than other resorts on the island, advised to head to Playa del Ingles.
Festivals
Festivals are a huge part of the culture of this vibrant island. Holidaymakers making the trip in July can enjoy the annual Jazz festival, those in August the Film Festival with other music festivals to be enjoyed in the winter.
Amanda Hattersburg writes about everything travel related and in particular cheap holidays abroad. She writes frequently on these subjects and enjoys guest posting on numerous blogs.
583 jobs were on offer at the new Murcia, Corvera International airport, 1,300 training places were available, All applicants were required to speak English, with a minimum pass of B1.Full time training started in March and subject to Aviation authority approval the airport should open late summer this year, Spanair and Iberia are among operators expressing an interest in moving operations from San Javier to Corvera, and there are fears a drop in passenger numbers at San Javier could cause its closure.
A THING OF THE PAST AT ALICANTE
Ryanair are threatening to withdraw 80% of their flights at Alicante airport, Aena are insisting that all flights must be boarded by the airbridges in the new terminal, this according to Ryanair will increase boarding and passenger arrival times and cost them annually 2 million euros extra, the boarding and arrival is normally achieved through front and rear doors of the aircraft and the airbridge will mean only the front doors can be used which will drastically increase their 25 minute turnaround time. At present Ryanair are responsible for 4 million passengers passengers passing through Alicante if they do withdraw it will bring it down to 1,5 million, Around 12 UK routes will disappear including Bournemouth, Doncaster, Humberside, Manchester,Stanstead, Gatwick, East Midlands, Leeds Bradford, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Birmingham and Bristol.
It has been reported that Budget airline Air Berlin are prepared take up the routes if they are dropped by Ryanair.
Ryanair of cause would also be losing a substantial revenue so i imagine will try to locate at another airport, none would be so handy for Benidorm and the coastal strip to Torrevieja, but there is the new Murcia airport at Corvera due start taking and recieving flights late summer 2011, and the wonderfull Murcia San Javier.
Lidl supermarket had a special on today, 800 grams of prawns for 2.59 euros
couldnt resist them so have stocked up the fridge and freezer, so it will be prawns with salad, prawn cocktails and paella with loads of prawns, and you can save the shells and boil them up to make a nice fish stock.
I got to Lidl as they opened and the offer was soon taken with most people having 2 or 3 boxes each.
The Mayor of Benidorm has sent a formal invitation to Buckingham Palace inviting Prince William and Kate Middleton to spend their honeymoon in Benidorm, He believes that should they take him up on the offer they would spend an unforgettable few days very close to their fellow Brits, security guarantees are offered and an excellent climate.
They would also have and excellent choice of high class accommodation, and all inclusive available if required.
Royal insiders believe it would be unlikely the offer will be taken up, Although Benidorm as a venue for a no holds barred stag and hen night might be a possibility.
