Centro Plaza - More Shops Closing

Centro Plaza is changing quite alot once again with shops closing down....

RWK Kitchens isnt closing down but moving to opposite the Andalucia Plaza Hotel.

The French Tea Shop / Gift Shop is closing down and today is the last day with up to 90% off their last few bits.

The Hairdressers that was there Gary Peters closed down and the shop has been put back into 2 shops....looks like something is going in there ....but who knows what. (Thats now a cafe)

The Shop next to Deli-icious is taking ages to open. Its said "Opening Soon" for ages. (Now Open)

Valentines in Marbella

I cant believe January is nearly over with. The days, months, years just seem to go so quickly . It feels like Christmas has only just left and Valentines Day is on the way. I saw some red hearts in a shop yesterday that got me thinking about it.

Its pretty quiet around at the moment and many restaurants have closed down for January. The other night walking around we noticed that Pravda is closed until Santa Semana, so if you were thinking of booking Pravda for Valentines, then you better think again.

So where do people really go Valentines in Marbella?

Where did you go Last Valentines?

I finally Win Something but....

I have never won anything, raffles, competions, nothing. So when our number came up for our Christmas School Fair Raffle, saying that we had won a Nintendo DS, I have to say I was very excited, infact all 3 of us were.

Yes, of course we can go out an buy one if we want, but when you win something its different - isnt it.

So that was in December.....and now its end of January and we are still waiting for it.

Rather dissapointmenting when you have told your child that you have won a Nintendo DS and every day she asks you where it is....and I dont know, because after being fobbed off numerous times, was finally told that it had aparently gone missing. I personally would have preferred to have been told the truth from the start, rather than giving a child false promises....but we are all different.

Lets see if we ever receive the prize that we won...

Mum and Todder Groups in Nueva Andalucia

Hi Jo!
I am a new mother living i n Nueva Andalucia & I wonder if You know of any parent groups or Spanish chat rooms? I am new to this part of Spain and it would be wonderful to get together with other parents. My son is 10 and a half weeks =).
Thanks


Hi, I think there is a mum and todder group in aloha, but your best bet would be to go to www.mumsinspain.com and register lots of other mums on the site to talk too. If you find any other good toddler groups or placces to go please do let me know Regards Jo

Taps, Dishwasher & Toilets all broken - Plumber in Nueva Andalucia

It seems like everything is just going wrong in my house at the moment. But ive woke up with a terrible migraine and so everything seems bad.

For weeks weve had problems with our toilet, the water continues to drip from the cystern into the loo, our outside tap just constantly leaking and then last night our dishwasher decided to not drain. I just hate wasteing water.

So my plumber came round this morning, probably thinking he was only going to be here a few minutes, but as always nothing runs smoothly.

Toilet finally fixed, dishwasher has had it and the outside tap needs replacing...so hes coming back to finish up on Friday and unlike many workmen here, Im pretty sure he will come.

Im off to finally take something for this migraine as its just getting worse and hopefully will be able to go to work tomorrow and do some work.

English Kids watching Spanish TV - bilingual

A couple of weeks ago we finally got round to getting a new tv from Urende in Marbella.

On our last tv, a few months back we finally bought the Spanish Digital Box as the Spanish TV naturally through the telly was just dreadful. With the Spanish Digital Box it was alot better and finally watchable. Being able to watch certain programmes in English or Spanish was great, although, everyone still preferred watching sky tv including my daughter.

But since we got our new tv with is alot bigger, it comes with the digital box already in it (as its so modern). We have loads more channels that we even had with the Spanish Digital Box. Not only that because the picture sooooooooooo much better Spanish isnt such a chore to watch anymore.

Nearly everyday, my daughter asks for Spanish TV, mainly cause she loves Disney Channel - but thats fine with me. The more Spanish language shes listening to in the house the better.

Agrojardin Garden Centre Estepona

Yesterday we were supposed to have a birthday party but unfortunately because of the weather it got cancelled. We ended up going to Agrojardin as we havent been there in ages.

They have some great reductions on things at the moment, although some of it was extremely overpriced to start with.

A few times back when we went there we really thought some people were trying to steal one of the dogs. Well now that have blocked off the top of the cages where the dogs are - so they must have had problems.

The cafe / play area has changed now. The play area has been moved just a little further away from where it was to be outside with the plants. They have put tables and chairs there too so you can still keep an eye on your kids.

Revolutionary Road - Puerto Banus

Sticking to some of my New Year Resolutions, we arranged for a friend to look after my daughter Friday Night so we could have a couple of hours out on our own. We normally go out about once a year together!

We went to see Revolutionary Road at Puerto Banus in Original Version. It was a good film, but very slow and couldnt see where the film was going at all. The acting of Kate Winslett and Leonardo De Caprio was fantastic, really really good.

Good film, but I realised I prefer a little bit more action when watching something on the big screen.

Dont forget to park in the big car park in the centre and give your ticket in when buying cinema tickets to get your 3 hours free.

Indoor Swimming Pool Estepona

On Saturday we got up and went to the Public Indoor Swimming Pool in Estepona. We got there a little later than we normally do and it was a little busier. Normally we have the small pool practically to ourselves.

I still get amazed as to how clean the pool is, its spotless. They are still very very strict about Swimming Caps and Flip Flops so do remember to take them with you - or you can buy them there.

They have all the gadgets there, I have never seen so many people using such gadgets for swimming - in an indoor pool, web gloves & flippers.

We get so hungry after swimming and always go to the cafe upstairs. We stayed and had lunch there as we was a little later - just sandwich mixtos that were very nice - mainly because the fry the bread too - not very healthy but very tasty.

Food Poisoning in Marbella - Food Poisoning in Puerto Banus

When I lived and worked in London I can honestly say I could probably count on one hand the number of people I knew who had ever had food poisoning.

I had never ever had food poisoning before, infact I realised had never vomited until I moved here. We suffered food poisoning 2 years running here - both times after eating Tapas in Marbella and also in Puerto Banus. Then we have had a couple of times of gastroentiritis.

Since then I have never eaten Tapas again - and touch wood have been fine. The first time it was the chicken, the second time it was meat balls (for me) - for my husband it was Chicken and Prawns at a popular Buffet Restaurant. Tapas is cooked and sometimes left out. Whilst I enjoyed Tapas, I just cannot eat it now. I cant even go back to those restaurants.

We then experienced eating at Laguna Village where we were served raw chicken. My daughter had already put it in her mouth but luckily enough it was too hot and she spat it out - it was completely raw.

I write this because I met some people this morning who had only been here for 3 days on holiday got was ill due to food poisoning from eating Chinese somewhere in Puerto Banus.

What else can you expect when - when the Abta Travel & Tourism group have their annual meeting here in Marbella that they all get food poisoning too - Twice!!!

I would say every single week I meet someone who has had food poisoning here and its all sorts of restaurants, including some of the more expensive ones.

In the summer becareful of:

Tapas sitting around, Mayonaisse, Prawns, Chicken, Eggs & Pork.

In the Winter becareful of:

Prawns & Chicken / Poultry as restaurants are very quiet.

We dont eat out much anymore because we find it ridiculously expensive. Id rather save going out for when we are on holiday.

How can these restaurants get away with it? Maybe because noone complains.

Surely the only way to get the food standards up is to complain. You must complain, even fill the complaints book if there is one.

If the restaurants dont know that people are getting ill - how will they change?

I love food as many of you know but I am very fussy when it comes to restaurants - where I eat and what I eat. I dont eat in beach bars where the toilets are filthy. I dont eat food that is just laying around with flys all around, I dont eat prawns and rarely eat chicken out.

If you have had food poisoining and made a complaint - do email with what you did and if you got any response.

We all have to start complaining - holiday makers coming on holiday getting ill is not good. We have evolved - theres not need for the holiday dodgy tummy anymore. Its not like years ago where we could blame the water.

Sorry if this is once again Negative - but its true. I am shocked how many times people get food poisoning here.

Hiring Pushchairs in Marbella

Dear Jo Have just been 'surfing' and found your info. My Uncle lives in Mijas Costa and we are going out to see him at the end of June for two weeks. During the stay, my Daughter is coming out for a few days and by then my little Granddaughter will be 11 months. Rather than risking bringing out her own pushchair, is there a facility to hire? Even if you could just give me a contact no. or name that would be great. My Uncle is in his late 70s as are most of their friends and so although he said he would see what he could find out, I thought I'd do the same from here. Thanks for your time. Regards

Hi Lynne There was a company that did that but it seems to have stopped. Sometimes renting could cost more than buying a cheap pushchair. You can pick up cheap pushchairs in Hypercor and Alcampo in La Canada for about 35 / 40 euros sometimes (the basic type) I hope this helps Regards Joanne

Scandinavians in Marbella Area

Hi Jo!
We were just reading your website about scandinavians here. We are a couple (36 and 25 years) that live in San Pedro and would like to come in contact with other people here. Do you have any suggestions or any tips on were we could meet some other people that have moved down here? Any good meetingpoints? Or do you know anything about any scandinavian scociety?

Have a great night!

Thanks!


Hi, There are many swedish people around. Especially Nueva Andalucia. In centro Plaza by the Bull Ring in Puerto Banus there is Starz which is run by a swedish guy and there are lots of swedish that go there. Also just behind that is a scandinavian cafe. Los Naranjos Golf Course is also run by Swedish people too. I hope this helps Regards Joanne

Wedding DJs in Marbella - Marbella DJs

I was contacted the other day by a lady who is looking for a DJ for a wedding. The wedding is going to take place 8th July 2009.

If you are a Marbella DJ that covers, Nueva Andalucia, Puerto Banus, Marbella, Estepona etc do contact me so I can put you in touch.

jo@nuevaandalucialife.com

I have to pay Complementary Tax in Spain - help

With regard to my post about paying extra tax after buying a property in Spain , Michael Foltinger wrote me the following in order to give people some more information.

Michael has lived and invested in properties here in Marbella since 1986 and has seen many changes. He is not a tax person, nor a solicitor but has a wealth of knowledge about buying and selling property in Marbella. Michael has also dealt personally with the problems of Complementario Tax in Spain.

If you are thinking of buying or selling a property here in Spain at the moment or in the future, I definately recommend speaking to someone who knows exactly what questions you should be asking your solicitor and the vendors. This really could save you a lot of money.

All Michaels contact details are below.

Written by Michael Foltinger

A brief speech on the Complementary tax problem.

Why does this tax exist?

Like most tax rules it got created when there were very clear differences in declared values not only on properties but various other types of assets. In most countries when you transfer ownership of assets you are obligated to pay a transfer tax. In Spain that tax is very high at 7%.

And there were also high capital gain tax of 30% which encourage the seller to declare the sale prices to be as low as possible.

Today the transfer tax is still 7% but the capital gain has been reduced to 18% for private sellers.
More important the price on most properties has falling to levels where very few sellers would be able to make a capital gain. So this complementary tax should now be irrelevant. However it is not.

If you today want to buy a property you need to ask your adviser, preferable tax-lawyer to obtain the tax valuation the local tax office “hacienda” has established on the property you consider to buy.

It is now possible that this value is higher than what you would have to pay the seller and thereby also declare in the escritua, “title deed”, in front of the Notary.

This means that both buyer and seller can later receive a claim from the Tax Office and maybe even a fine for having bought or sold at a lower value than the tax office has registered.

As a buyer, is it advisable to know this possible “cost”. Specially if it is not possible to obtain legal proof to the tax office that the present value is different than what the tax office has established.

Again the best person to negotiate with a tax office is someone with the knowledge to present your case in the correct way and whom “talk the language” of the local tax officer.

Buying a property abroad does create the need for more advice. Beside the language and culture barriers there are also issues regarding the legal and the taxes.

In the UK a person would not be forced to assume important issues related to property purchase because you choose to work with people and companies that are established with license and indemnity insurance and only working for the interest of their clients.

Often Estate Agents are paid by the seller, but in the north of Europe the agent has a responsibility over for the consumer also in Spain, but it is not needed or obligatory to offer any guarantee to the consumer.

Wherever in the world it is always recommended to hire your own independent adviser mostly a local well established lawyer company with a good reputation.

Most people know a lot about the laws and taxation in their country of origin or long term residence but when you look to invest in another country, even if it is member of the European Union it makes sense to consult a Tax Lawyer. Because the law is equal for all but not everyone has an equal case.

Many of the latest stories regarding taxation has also happened in Denmark, UK and high taxed countries just long time ago, 20 years ago. Just in different ways and has been solved in different ways

Spain is a Latin country and so it will always be different than the Nordic EU countries. Today it is easy to find a property using Estate Agents but it is needed to invest time and money to consult with lawyers on both legal and tax programs that will affect you as a homeowner in a foreign country.

You can contact Michael on the numbers or email below.

Telephone: 0034 952 811 909 Fax: 0034 952 811 678 Mobile: 0034 607 580 010 e.mail: mfo@eurobolig.com



back to original post about Paying Extra Tax when you have completed on a property

Moving to Marbella in February

Hi Jo

Myself and my partner are moving to the marbella area, we have booked the flights and arrive on 03rd Feb. I just have a few questions and after reading your site numerous times over the last month or two I thought that you would be the best person that I could ask..... Firstly what would be the cheapest area to settle in we want to be as close as poss to marbella centre but for it not to cost the earth!! we are just looking for something basic 1 bed apt/studio till we are settled with jobs etc then look for something better. Speaking of the job front we have found that many recruitment agencies don't want to know unless you are actually there and already settled, do you know of any that do employ or at least pass your details on to the companies that they represent cause we cant find any which has become a little frustrating!! also just planning ahead i was thinking about driving on the wrong side of the road and came over a little nauseous (as i tried this once before in portugal which is a story for another day..) are there many instructors out there that offer just a few basic lessons to get you used to it and the average cost if you know.

I think that's all I can think of at the moment but i'm sure something will pop into my head as the days get closer.

Thanks in advance

M


Hi Michelle Firstly Driving... If you drive a left hand vehicle here you are fine. What happens is driving a UK car here on the other side is so difficult. There are instructors that Im sure you will find and beable to have a few lessons. I do beleive if I can drive abroad anyone can. Jobs - yes, I think agencies want to be sure the people are here. Keep your eye open on www.yourmarbella.com and www.thesurinenglish.com which is also a paper. You may find somewhere Centre of Marbella also San Pedro. Negotiate hard as there are some desperate people here at the moment as times are bad so you may get a bargain. Depends on your budget. I hope this helps a little and you enjoy your new life in Marbella. Regards Joanne

Cheap Car Hire For February Holiday in Marbella

There are a few people thinking of taking long weekends in Marbella at the moment. I get asked all the time "how do I get from Malaga Airport to Marbella or Puerto Banus" and whats the cheapest ways.

Well at the moment you could hire a car in February for 5 days for under 50 €uros. It costs 80€uros in a taxi one way.

With the weather being a little dodgy at the moment you more than likely wont be sat by the pool sunbathing.

We definately advise getting a hire car. When renting a property or Hotel check about parking. Most apartments have parking but Hotels, especially in Puerto Banus, you will have to pay per day.

You can get a Cheap Malaga Car Hire Quote Here.

Puerto Banus Market

For me Markets are all about bartering and negotiating price. Thats the fun of markets. But if you expect to do that at Puerto Banus Market, think again.

Its pretty much like Spain generally where prices are set, we have one department store El Corte Ingles and not much choice.

Before Christmas, I bought a kids flamenco dress. It was 8€uros when the other stalls had them for 10€

This Saturday I went there to get another one. I couldnt find the exact stall this time. I asked one woman how much her dresses were - "10€uros she said". I asked if she was the stall that sold them for 8€uros - "NO, SIEMPRE 10€uros" she shouted.

So I walked down the road and all the other 2 stalls also both wanted 10€uros. So I just bought one.

As I walked up the road, the woman from the first stall shouted and stopped me and said "Cuanto - How much you pay?" I couldnt resist and just said 8€uros. Her face was a picture, it was just brilliant.

Nintendo DS For Kids age 5 Years Old

When my daughters grandparents said they wanted to buy my daughter a Nintendo DS for Xmas and Birthday I wasnt particually happy. I felt that it was a bit old for her and also I prefer her to play more with her toys, dolls, puzzles.

But I have to say I am more than impressed with it. She was bought some games, Enchanted is her favourite and she really knows how to play it, (with some professional help from her cousin age 6). Its amazing what these kids learn.

We also bought Brain Training and Big Brain for us. Big Brain she can play and its about adding, matching, identifying, memory and most of the games she can do.

We have rules of times and days she can and cant play. But to be honest, most of the time if its out of sight its out of mind.

I still think she could be a little young for it on one hand but technology is such a big thing of our lives at the moment, maybe we should the sooner kids get into Computers and Technology the better.

If you do buy a Nintendo or thinking about it, there are 2 types of cases we have found. One where the Nintendo is securely fitted in and the child can play the Nintendo in the Case - the only thing is there is nowhere to put the games.

So we bought another case for the DS and the Games but you have to take the Nintendo out each time to play.

personally the first case is the best and get a little pouch for the games. I think it will last longer being able to be kept in a secure case at all times.

In UK they are about 99 pounds (sometimes including 1 game). Here they are 150€uros. You can also order on www.game.co.uk and pay for delivery.

Estepona Park & Los Farollilos Restaurant

Yesterday was a lovely day, blue sky, sunny, warm in the sun. We went early to meet friends at Estepona Park. We got there about 1030 and were the first ones there, but it soon got extremely busy. Many of the kids wore their Sunday best and all their new clothes they got for Navidad and they were riding their new bicycles & pushing their new prams.

It was the nicest day we have had in a long time. That cold spell seems to have gone.

Then we said goodbye to our friends and was going to go home for lunch and as we passed Los Farollilos in La Campana we thought we havent been there in ages, so we went there.

Its actually the only Spanish Restaurant that we do go to. We´ve know the owner there since we first went there nearly 7 years ago and all the waiters are very welcoming. We ate very very well with a salad to share to start, pizza, veal escalope, chicken, 2 puddings, 3 drinks and it was 36euros. We ate so much we didnt need to eat again in the evening.

Then we spent Sunday afternoon chilling and well me, playing Guittar Hero most of the time. I bought it for my husband for Christmas - but Im completely addicted to it, it really is fantastic.

Timetable for Malaga Airport Bus to Marbella

The Times for the Airport Bus that runs from Malaga Airport to Marbella Bus Station are as follows until June 2009.

Leaving Marbella Station at....

05.30, 0700, 0915, 11.00, 12.45, 14.45, 16.30, 18.30, 20.15, 22.15

Leaving Malaga Airport at...

0615, 0800, 1015, 1200, 1345, 1530, 1715, 1930, 2115, 2300


Remember at Malaga Airport you pay on the bus. At Marbella you need to buy a ticket first.

Bus From Marbella to Ave Malaga

There is now a bus from Marbella Bus Station that takes you direct to the AVE Malaga Train Station.

Times are Monday to Saturday

Leaves Malaga Station 10.45, 12.40, 14.40, 17.35, 1945, (21.45 & 23.40 only on Fridays)

Leaves Marbella Bus Station 09.25, 11.50, 13.35, 16.30, 18.30, (20.45 & 22.40 only Fridays)

On Sundays there are 4 buses a day.

Leave Malaga Station 14.30, 17.30, 19.40, 21.45

Leaves Marbella 14.30, 16.30, 18.35, 20.40

This is a great service for those who either just want to get to Malaga City or take a train to Madrid, Barcelona etc.

www.ctsa-portillo.com is the main website to double check bus times.

Marbella to Madrid by Bus

I stopped off yesterday at the Bus Station in Marbella. Whilst there I picked up some information on routes etc.

You can go to Madrid by bus from Marbella Bus Station with Daibus.

It takes just over 7 hours and there are a number of bus through the day.

For up to date Time Tables look direct at their website here Madrid to Marbella By Bus

If you are at the Marbella Bus Station they all have a stand with Discount Vouchers on. I picked some up with 4€ discount for Sea Life in Benalmadena & 1.50€ off Fuengirola Zoo.

New Entrance Open into Puerto Banus

The road works at Puerto Banus are finally over. As you leave Puerto Banus (by PYR Hotel) to join the N340 to go to Marbella you now have a lane so you can continue to drive along - so you dont have to stop anymore.

The problem is that now there is another exit into Puerto Banus just a few yards along by the El Corte Ingles Car Park.

So take care driving there as people are still rather confused as to what to do. Also as you join, people may be coming off to enter Puerto Banus and theres not much time to change.

Urende Marbella - Best Places to buy TVs & Electrical goods in Marbella

We finally decided to get up to date with TV fashion and treated ourselves a new TV as a late Christmas Present. Im still shocked that they dont even sell the old thick heavy TV anymore.

My husband saw the one he wanted in Boulanger La Cañada and it was 300€uros cheaper there than in El Corte Ingles. I refused to have anything to do with buying a TV from Boulanger as I just wont go into that shop anymore after the problems I have had.

I told my husband about Urende in Marbella and it so happened that they had the same offer on as well.

We went there Friday Night. The sales guy was very good. We decided to buy the TV. It was about 8pm and they delivered it next day by 12 midday. They called beforehand to check we were in. They give 15 days return policy and 2 years with Sony.

So far I have to say the service in the shop was very good. They delivered when they said they would which is very important.

Urende have a great selection of TVs, PCs, Fridges, Washing Machines, Computers, Irons, Hairdryers, Wii, Nintendos - everything really.

The are at the end of Marbella just passed all the Car Showrooms. Or you could stay on the N340, go passed La Canada and come off at the next exit.

www.urende.es

Wedding Planner in Marbella

Laura contacted me after my December Newsletter. I havent met her or worked with her before, but she wrote me a wonderful email and thought that her and her company may be very useful to some of you reading this newsletter that may be thinking of getting married in Marbella...

Written by Laura Charles at Reviva Weddings...

As the Christmas and New Year festivities finally come to an end here in Marbella many of our thoughts now turn to the summer - idyllic days and evenings enjoying the hot Mediterranean weather and the influx of thousands of holiday makers escaping to the sunshine turning a quiet town into a vibrant, busy holiday destination.

However, the Costa Del Sol is not just a holiday resort, as more and more couples faced with the credit crunch move their weddings abroad. Destination weddings are extremely popular here in Marbella. Cheap, short flights, a wonderful choice of venues and our fabulous Mediterranean climate all entice couples wanting to get more value for their money when it comes to tying the knot.

European Destination weddings now account for 333 million euros of the global wedding market, so it makes sense that many of the hotels and venues here are catering for this booming industry.

But planning and organising a wedding abroad is a daunting task especially when it comes to all those lovely details that can make a wedding so special. Compared to the US and the UK market, Spain is still dragging behind in offering couples all the choices they take for granted in their own countries and now with the limited luggage allowance bringing everything with you is not as easy as it was.

I Laura am an interior design and stylist, having worked for twenty five years in the events industry in the UK and the US, I realised there was a huge gap in the market for wedding design and decorations and created Reviva Weddings two years ago.

I now runs an extremely popular, stylish wedding design and decoration company based here in Marbella, offering a delightful range of decorations in fact everything you need to make a celebration truly special and spectacular - chair covers, sashes and table linens, lanterns, candles and lighting, sky and water lanterns, fabulous flowers, an online wedding shop, and delightful details such as personalised fans, that all bring a wedding together.

As well as creating weddings in most of the wonderful venues here in Southern Spain, I design and style fabulous parties and events here too, including some of Marbella’s most famous visitors, the Saudi Royal Family, and works across Europe designing and decorating weddings and parties.

If you would like more information please contact me, Laura at www.reviva-weddings.com or take a look at my fabulous blog for more examples of my work www.theweddingdecorator.blogspot.com.

Chef Agencies in Marbella

Hi Jo, I wonder if you can help me.Could you please advise of any Chef Agencies in the Marbella area.I an currently seeking employment and finding it difficult to fin an agency. Thanking you in advance. Frankie

Hi Frankie

I dont, but I will post your question up and see if anyone else answers.

Regards Joanne

Sales Started in Marbella

Well I must have been feeling a little under the weather yesterday as it was the first day of the sales here in Marbella and I stayed at home catching up on work and housework.

Zara Home has its usual 30, 40 & 50 % off. El Corte Ingles started with 30% off alot of stuff just before the sales. Normally goes to around 40 / 50%. Then towards the end of the sales they give an extra 20% off sale prices for a week. Mango has 50% off and Zara Clothes too.

Back to UK for New Year from Spain

Happy New Year to you all.

Well we were going to stay here over Christmas and New Year and then took a last minute flight back to the UK on Boxing Day to spend with family. We had a great time and our little girl had the most wonderful time with her cousins.

It was freezing where we were, everyday 2 pairs of socks, hat, gloves, scarves - I will never say its cold here again.

We finally went to the Eden Project which was brilliant to see. I cant beleive we hadnt been there before as its only about 20 minutes from where we normally stay.

But after a couple of weeks of eating eating and more eating we are back and still eating....we bought so much yummy stuff from Morrisons in Gibraltar before we left that we are finishing all that up too now.

I can completely understand why obesity is happening in the UK. The portions are huge and its so cold you cant be bothered to excercise.

The food was great, even in the local pubs the food was tasty and seemed so cheap. We went out one night on our own to a lovely little restaurant. We had a wonderful 3 course meal each with alcohol and it came to about 47 pounds. The same meal here is 100€uros which is about 100 pounds.

Its amazing that England seems so cheap - although its probably too cheap which is why many shops are in so much trouble.

Anyway, its good to be back and back into routine again.

Mum & Toddler Groups Fuengirola

Hi Jo, saw your article regarding mother and baby groups and wondered if you could give me some advice.
I have a 9 month old baby and live in the fuengirola area, and was looking at the possibility of starting my own group in the area. I would like to be able to offer mums something more than a playmat and toys for the kids and coffee and cake for the mums, but to do so would take some investment. So the group would have to pay some kind of fee- membership or weekly contributions. Are you aware if there any regulations regarding club memberships and also the type of venues to hold these meetings- insurance for one instance.
Your help would be appreciated.
Best wishes for the New Year
Y


Hi Y

Honestly Im not too sure about the legalities etc. There is one group Ive heard of here in Marbella that rent a large room above a bar where mums meet once a week. I think they pay a little money each time for tea, coffee and general running. There is also a large kids play area here called Kidz kingdom and I think either they or someone else like yourself has started a mum and toddler group there one morning per week. If you have a ball park place near you I would contact them first to see if they already have a group and if not, maybe start there - then all the insurances etc should be in place. You can also look at www.mumsinspain.com which is a forum for mums and you can ask questions and see if there are any groups already. Good luck and happy new year.

Regards Joanne

Daily Tours to Granada, Gibraltar,

Hi Jo, Ive seen a thread regarding day trips from Malaga to Gibraltar and The Alhambra palace. Can you advise if trips to these locations are possible from Malaga, the costs and time it takes to get there and back for each trip? Cheers Jeff


Hi Jeff, There are a number of different tours available. There is a coach that stops off at many of the big hotels along the coast. I did found a leaflet the other day, but cant find it at the moment, but remember there wasnt a website or contact details on it (strange). If you go to any of the big hotels where ever you are staying, they will be able to tell you what time the tours are.

Regards Joanne


Hi Joanne, Thanks for this - if you could send me some more detailed info on where i can book tickets for the Alhambra and the best places to go for the tours in Malaga that would be great. Id also be interested in costs and Travel times if you can provide them? ta Jeff

Hi Jeff,

I found the website with telephone number for tours from Costa Del Sol to Alhambra etc.

http://www.visitdailytours.com/

Regards

Joanne

Being a Counsellor in Marbella Spain

Hello Jo
I wonder if you might know if there would be an opportunity for me to set up as a private counsellor there? I am Diploma accredited.
There is a large English community I believe, but unfortunately I do not speak Spanish yet! Would you have any idea of the best area for me to do this? I would be initially going for a 2-3 week holiday very soon.
Many thanks.
Hope you are not too cold!
M


Hi, There is a large English Community all along the Costa Del Sol. Regarding Counselling - im not too sure. There are quite a few people that do healing etc and also there is now Marbella Rehab opened. If you are still looking for accommodation in the Marbella / Puerto Banus Area you can look at www.lamaestranza.eu. Other websites that may be useful to you are www.mumsinspain.com a forum and also www.yourmarbella.com you could see if there is any info on there too.

Good luck

Regards Joanne