Is Summer Already here in Marbella?

Is summer time here?

This morning I did the school run and then went for a run along the beach front, I say run but a slow jog for about 5 minutes I managed before I got a really bad stitch. It was so lovely first thing in the morning.

The weather has been amazing, really hot. So hot you cant imagine how its going to be in July and August.

Its that time of year were you may not drink enough water and become dehydrated cause you dont realise its that hot and its only April. But do take care!

Also, Im finding the sun really strong this year.... I never normally get burnt, but this year its happened a couple of times.

So if you are coming on holiday, dont forget your swimming stuff and sun cream!

Weather for next 5 days looking good!

Mosquito Time in Marbella

Do mosquitos have any use in this world at all? Why cant they become extinct instead of beautiful looking animals like polar bears or elefantes

Last night there was a little bugger in my room stopping me from falling asleep. Then 6 o clock I get woken up by one flying right by my earhole with that aeroplane sound.

Im not sleeping well at the moment as it is, but to be woken up by a mosquito at 6am, that really peed me off. Got bitten really bad on my arm.

They are huge at the moment too!

Nail Extensions Marbella

Yesterday I saw a friend of mine who had some nail extensions put on again. They looked really nice.

I used to have them done all the time when I was younger and before child. But never had them done here cause its so expensive to maintain.

My daughter loved my friends nails, and she remembered that I had a box of false sticky ones from boots. She found them this morning and begged me to put them on.

So I put them on today and it was lovely having nails again. You feel so different. Until I go to type, or wash up, or try undo a knot....

So, no nail extensions for me.

But wondered if anyone had this BioSculpture Gel done.

I would just like something on my own nails to make them stronger and look nicer, but have to have them short!

Playing Bridge in Marbella

Ive been asked today if I know anywhere that where people can play Bridge her in Marbella Area.

If you anyone knows of anywhere, please email me or post a comment.

Thanks

Jo

Cake Baking Classes Costa Del Sol Marbella

Hello Jo, Hope you are well. Wandering whether you know of any cake baking classes on the costa? Regards

Hi Aaron I dont know but will post it up incase anyone else does know.
Regards Jo


If anyone knows of any classes along the Costa Del Sol for Cake Making / Cake Baking please leave a comment or email me.

Dolph Lundgren Burgled in Marbella

Dolph Lundgren is the latest person to be burgled in Marbella!

You can read more here, but 3 people entered the house, tied up his wife and threatened her. But when they saw photographs of Dolph Lundgren in them, they left!

Read More here about Dolph Lundgren being burgled by The Daily Record

Teaching a child to ride without stabilisers

We hit that milestone when our daughter was asking to ride without stabilisers. I dont remember being as young as 5 years old!

Last week I spent just over an hour in the garage (as its very quiet). I would hold on to the seat and one hand on shoulder then try and let go. She managed to ride a very small amount alone, once Id given her a good push.

On Saturday we both went down to the garage with her. My husband is a much better bike rider than me so he tried to teach her, but after she hurt herself with him teaching her, it was then down to me.

We tried and tried holding on to her but it still wasnt working. Then she wanted to try and do it completely by herself - from stationary to moving. She practiced and practiced and practiced and within a couple of hours she got it!

Shes a bit wobbly but shes got the balance. Shes fallen off a few times, but shes got the helmet and knee and elbow pads. Its hard for me not to rush in and stop her falling, but she has to learn.

Today I went with her again and she just picked up the bike and rode straight away. Its incredible how they dont forget.

She managed to do the length of the garage today!

Now need to concentrate on using the Breaks!

So if you are teaching your kid to ride without stabilisers....

1)Make sure they are ready

2) Lots of patience

3) Lots of encouragement


It took us about 2 hours altogether. She still needs lots more practice but thats all it is practice!!!

Its just amazing seeing what can be accomplished with a bit of practice.

Gant Puerto Banus

Gant has recently opened up in Puerto Banus. Its down the side where the big boats are between Cartier and Max Mara. Theres 2 shops next to it thats also being worked on - wonder what they will be.

Todds has opened as well and looks great. That side of the port is looking fantastic!

Thai Gallery Puerto Banus

On Saturday Night I took my husband out for dinner. I honestly find it hard to find somewhere nice. The main reason is Im yet to find a restaurant that is consistent. You can go once and it will be fantastic, go again, its bad service, bad food and expensive.

I really wanted to try and go to Novellis new restaurant but that was only opening last night (sunday).

So I decided on Thai Gallery - as its food I dont make at home. We used to go here a lot and when we first moved here, the place was packed and everyone was dressed up. There was valet parking outside, all the flash cars, it really was buzzing.

Saturday Night there was one man opening and closing the barrier, hardly any cars and certainly no signs of valet parking (although we never used this anyway - what was the point?). The restaurant had a few people in and more came.

There were mainly women, about 5 groups of 4 women. I said - wheres all the men? My husband said "probably getting a curry".

We had 1 Gin & Tonic, Water, Mix Starter for 2, 2 Main Courses and 2 Teas and the bill was 67euros. Thats not bad and all the food was good. Service was good too.

We went for a walk along the front of the port and it was quite busy especially Khans Indian Restaurant - which was full of Men and also the Chinese just around the corner - also completely full of men.

A few new shops opening including Gant Puerto Banus which has just opened between Cartier Puerto Banus and Max Mara

Gas In Nueva Andalucia - Natural Gas

I heard this morning that apparently Pipes for Natural Gas was being put in in Nueva Andalucia.

They are being installed around Aloha Area at the moment.

This is great news as a bit of competition for the Endesa, unless they own that too. So that means no more use for the gas bottles.

Ive never used gas here but its good to see some changes happening.

If you know anymore please do post.

Growing Herbs in Spain

Im not a born gardener, in fact im rubbish at even remembering to water plants. The only time I do remember is when they´re about to die.

Im desperate to have my own herb garden. For years ive bought herbs and planted them. The only one that has ever survived is Rosemary.

Basil, coriander, parsley it all goes limp and dies.

This week Ive bought loads. Even the gardener planted some Rosemary, basil and parsley for me in a big pot and told me where to put it. Next day they all look dead.

Whats going wrong?

I love cooking and having cooked all week with fresh herbs, Ive really realised how great they are and how much better everything tastes.

I just didnt want to have to keep going to El Corte Ingles to buy them all the time - although the quality of their herbs is fantastic.

Anyone been successful growing herbs in Spain?

Do Breast Biopsy Hurt? Breast Biopsy in Marbella

Its been months since I found a lump in my breast, infact Im shocked reading this post that it was since last August I have been putting things off.

I finally decided to do something about it and get the biopsy done. Ive been so stupid leaving it all these months.

After the Eco Mama I was supposed to go back to the Gynecologist for him to check it....what with Christmas, moving and lots of other stuff I didnt go back.

But 3 weeks ago I made an appointment and saw him. There and then he did the biopsy - which to be honest was better as I had no time to worry about it.

Painful? Well it wasnt as painful as I thought it was going to be. Uncomfortable yes...and just my luck he had to do it twice as he didnt get enough liquid the first time. Im the biggest baby and honestly other injections have been more painful.

Coming back from holiday I called them to get results....normally they give you good results over the phone and bad you have to come in for...well this is for Smears and stuff.

The receptionist said - yes I need to make you an appointment to come and see the doctor.....oh no, its bad news isnt it! So Ive had 3 days of a little worrying.

I went yesterday to the doctor yesterday and Doctor said its benign and ok. I cant find the paper at the moment to get the proper word but it said something like "Fibroidenema" .

If you find a lump, go check it out straight away - honestly the worrying about it will make you ill. And the Biopsy didnt hurt half as much as I thought it would. Its just a thin needle to drain out some of the fluid.

New Shops in Puerto Banus

I passed through Puerto Banus this morning and theres a few changes.

Just opposite El Corte Ingles behind the old Andalucia Dream Homes office there are buiding works going on in the 2 big shops there. Anthonys Jewellers is also being worked on at the moment.

Anyone know what its going to be?

Apartments Near Puerto Banus Bullring

When talking about Puerto Banus, most people know the front line and also the bullring (Plaza de Toros).

If you are looking for apartments Near Puerto Banus Bullring then La Maestranza is perfect. Perfect because its just a 3 minute walk away but still out of the way where you wont get caught up in the Saturday Market Traffic as you can have other roads to choose from.

On Saturdays traffic can be a nightmare around Centro Plaza and the bull ring down to Puerto Banus because of the Market. The roads are closed off, but you still get the odd person trying to drive up.

This summer the Davis Open Cup is on at Puerto Banus Bull Ring July 10th, 11th and 12th. So if you are a tennis fan and want to be close but not ontop, then have a look here at some holiday apartments close to Puerto Banus Bullring.

Good Hairdressers in Marbella & La Canada

After my morning working myself up to go to the Dentist, I finally also got round to getting to the hairdresser. Even he couldnt beleive how long my hair had got, no wonder it was looking a complete mess.

George Henry in Magna Marbella is a genious. He cuts completely effortlessly and it all looks great in the end.

In the evening once done some work, cooking and put my daughter to sleep I popped out to La Canada as its my other halfs birthday at the weekend.

Theres not 1 shop in La Canada where I could get a birthday card from!

Many of the shops had offers of 20, 30 40% off.

Ive gone off La Canada - I find it boring, uninspiring and theres not much choice.

Post in Nagueles

Ok, Ive been here nearly 2 months now and havent received 1 letter. Its a worry!

English / British Dentist in Marbella

I finally plucked up the courage to go to a dentist. Its been nearly a year and a half. The last time I went as some of you will remember, I came down with Bells Palsy. Now Dentists say that its not from the Dentist as they cant touch the nerve, but many people have said they suffered the same after going to the dentist. Will I ever know what really brought it on?

But I had heard about a Scottish Dentist in Marbella. 3 people have now spoken about him and so I booked an appointment.

I went yesterday and he was very nice. You know, it was the first time in nearly 7 years a dentist has said something positive.

All the other dentists have said I need about 4 or 5 fillings each time.

Alex the Dentist said there is 1 tooth that will probably need a filling within 6 months. I could do with a couple of xrays in the future sometime just to double check but he cant see any problems. Said brushing and flossing is really important too.

Ive had some awful experiences here with Dentists, where I had a filling, where it didnt even hurt me, then the filling caused me pain for 6 months.

Even if you speak good Spanish, theres nothing like going to a Doctor or Dentist and speaking in your own language.

The other thing - I thought was very good value.

At the moment they are opposite Lidl upstairs from Salon Services in Marbella.

Reliable Baby Sitters in Puerto Banus?

We go to Puerto Banus regularly, well every year with our two children aged 5 and 7. Is there any well trusted, reliable babysitter you could recommend? We stay at Playa Rocio at the Cortes Ingles end of the Port.M

HI Martin You could try the Costa Del Sol Aupair. http://www.costadelsolaupair.com/services_provided.html
Please mention Nueva Andalucia Life Blog Regards Joanne

April Weather in Marbella

Ive been away for the most of April but heard whilst away that the weather was fantastic. Since we have been back its been amazing.

Today, after another crap morning of waiting in for Telefonica and my dealings with them for the passed 2 months, I sat and relaxed in my garden for a couple of hours having a well earnt manicure and pedicure......its boiling and think ive got a little burnt.

I had a pedicure about 5 or 6 weeks ago and actually it was still practically perfect, not chipped at all, just grown out a little. Today Ive gone for a gorgeous pink. My manicures dont normally last long as im always washing up or do some kind of thing to ruin my hands, but for short stumps they look amazing, Joanna Hooper just makes them look so nice.

Today Its hot, yesterday was boiling, so hot that you can imagine what its going to be like in the summer.

Telefonica in Spain - Shocking!

I find it a worry the fact that a company like Telefonica who dont know their arse from their elbow are the Telephone Company for Spain. I find it even more of a worry that they own O2 in the UK. Very very worrying...

So, 2 months ago I moved.

I asked Telefonica if I can have the same number. "No" They said. So if I cant have the same number, I wish to cancel the line obviously. Easy enough?

In our new place, there was already a telephone line that just needed transfering. The lady who runs the development transferred the line and about 3 weeks later a man came to install the line etc and give us our new number. We called for ADSL to be installed too.

So all I need is to cancel 1 telephone line with adsl and then need adsl added to my new line.....isnt that easy?

Over the past weeks I have had about a hundred conversations with Telefonica. Ive had calls from the ADSL Man saying Im here in Nueva Andalucia to give you adsl.....on the number I wish to cancel. Then they tell me they are transfering the number when they told me they cant.

I even got told to get someone Spanish to call them - the worrying thing was that I did have someone Spanish call them to explain and they still cocked up.

So last week we finally got a call that Monday morning yesterday 10am ADSL will be fitted....YIPPEEEE

I waited and waited and waited. Then they said they are definately coming after 4.30pm...I waited and waited and waited.

Ahh, no, now they are coming on Tuesday morning at 10am, I waited and waited. Oh 11am someone comes.

Finally!

But.....They have come to INSTALL A NEW TELEPHONE LINE.

I ALREADY HAVE A TELEPHONE LINE I JUST NEED ADSL!!!!!!!!!!!!!


To be continued.....

Crime around Nueva Andalucia

I have heard of a few things going on around Nueva Andalucia, handbags being snatched around the Centro Plaza Area and break-ins.

Now the burglaries - I havent heard have been particularly forceful, but where holiday makers have come and are a bit too relaxed not double locking doors, leaving windows open.

Just be aware. Use the locks on doors, shut windows and keep eye on your bags, wallet, mobiles etc.

What is happening to Puerto Banus Bullring?

Hi Jo

Found your excellent blog by accident whilst searching for something else but your seems one of the few to give an honest personal opinion of what's happening in the area.
My question is, do you know if the bullring is open and hosting bullfights this year? I'm staying nearby at the end of June and have always wanted to go but some sites say that it's open and others say that it closed for redevelopment. Others say that there is a big market there on a Sunday. Confused!

Hope you can help
Kind regards

D

Hi D

The bullring has been out of use for years....I think there was a couple of concerts there since we have lived here in 6 years. On saturdays there is a market from Centro Plaza (shopping / office centre) near the bullring, goes all the way down the road into Puerto Banus. Stalls used to be around the bull ring but i dont think are anymore.

This summer they hope to hold the Davis Cup there you can read more information here http://www.surinenglish.com/20090404/news/sport/davis-200904041202.html

If you want to see bull fight...I think the Marbella one is still in use and also Ronda which is 45 / 1 hour drive - beautiful place though.

Thanks for the compliment on the website...the reason why its true is becasue I dont take payment from anyone. Therefore I can write what I lilke (within reason) and its a great feeling. Theres so much hype out there about restaurants etc but they write it all themsevles and other people put it on their websites because they get paid to do so.

Should you ever require accommodation in the future or for friends have a look at www.lamaestranza.eu. Also if you ever have any travel questions you can post them on our new forum at www.airport-guide-forums.com

Hope you have a good time Jo

Seder Night in Marbella - Pesach in Marbella

Hi, found your address on the internet and am wondering if you can help me out. I am coming to Spain for Pesach with the family and would like to know if any of the Hotels are doing communal seders this year and if they are could you let me have details. Our house is near Estepona , and there are seven of us all adults. I do hope you can help Regards Leonore


Hi Leonore

Actually I was speaking to someone the other day who said there was something on at the Ritz Carlton Villa Padierna Hotel. heres the hotel website, maybe they will be able to give more information http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/VillaPadierna/Default.htm

Regards

Joanne

Car Desks at Malaga Airport

Often Im asked about which car companies are at Malaga Airport. Which ones do you pick the car up from straight away and which do you have to get a bus too.

Because off all the works going on this has changed quite alot but here is a great article all about Car Hire Companies inside Malaga Airport.

There are also loads more car hir companies just outside the airport and you can read all about Off Site Car Hire Companies at Malaga Airport here

Get a car hire quote here now.

Malaga Airport to Malaga Maria Zambrano Train Station

Written by Michelle Elkins

Another fantastic article which is a great article to link to if you have a Website about your Holiday Apartment where your nearest Airport is Malaga. Theres so much more to see and its so easy to travel from Malaga itself.


Full article about Malaga Airport to Vialia Shopping Centre Malaga here

As Malaga strives towards being the European City of Culture for 2016 and the seat of communication and economic growth for the south of Spain, substantial investment has been ploughed into developing the region´s infrastructure.

A serious overhaul of the transportation network has included construction of a brand new terminal and runway at Malaga Airport, due to be finished in 2010, and the massive expansion of Malaga Maria Zambrano Train Station which now boasts the Vialia Shopping and Leisure Centre, a 4 star hotel and an increase in train lines from 5 to 8.

Completed in 2006, this has enabled the station to go from purely providing local routes to high speed AVE links to major cities such as Barcelona, Madrid and Seville, a massive coo for the city of Malaga.The new station is a bright, airy composition and is filled with almost every modern convenience.

The lay out is simple and effective. Those travelling into the station by train are first greeted by a newsagents and a cafeteria as they disembark. Once through the exit doors there is a luggage scanner on the left for people boarding the trains and on the right there is a Unicaja cashpoint, lockers to store luggage and phones.

Beyond this is a passage lined with the four Malaga train station car hire firms, which are Avis, Europcar, Hertz and National Atessa. At the end of this walkway lies the entrance to the Barcelo Malaga Hotel and Convention Centre. The four star hotel has a fresh, contemporary design with 222 rooms, free Internet, fabulous breakfast buffet, clean, comfortable rooms and even a slide which runs from the 1st floor to the ground floor.

Staying here is ideal for exploring Malaga as taxis and buses are located in front of the main exit and the trains are always on hand to take you off on daytrips to locations further afield. For those that love retail therapy there is of course the Vialia Shopping Centre right ....continue to read here....

Also a great page all about the shops at Vialia Shopping Centre Malaga

Idiots Guide to Malaga Car Hire - Malaga Car Hire Inside Terminal & Out

Written by Michelle Elkins

A fantastic article about Malaga Car Hire. If you have a Website for your Holiday Apartment, this is great article to link to for your renters.



Idiots Guide to Malaga Car Hire - Full Article Here.

If you are one of the many millions of Brits expected to fly out on holiday to the Costa del Sol this year, there is a good chance you’ll be jetting into Malaga Airport. As Spain’s 4th busiest airport, Malaga Pablo Picasso Airport sees approximately 13 million passengers through its gates each year, which results in the 2 terminals (soon to be 3) getting a little chaotic especially around peak season.

With this in mind, it pays dividends to know in advance exactly where everything is. So once the luggage has been collected, the main priority for most people is getting out of the airport and to accommodation as quickly as possible so the fun can start. This more often then not means finding the right car hire at Malaga Airport.

Whether due to impatient kids, size-able baggage or the unfamiliar temperatures, trying to grapple with confusing airport signage and wade through golfers, foreign students, hen parties, as well as regular holiday-makers, can prove a trying way to start a holiday, unless forearmed with the right knowledge.

Our Idiot’s Guide can ensure you move like a heat seeking missile through the swathes of people, reach your target desk and be out of there before you’ve even had a chance to break a sweat. There are currently 23 Malaga Airport car hire firms in total but only 10 of read more here

Gymnastics & Dance Classes Riviera Del Sol

hi jo
could you tell me of any gymnastis or dance classes for kids in the riviera del sol area?there was one at aztec but she is now stopping that.thanksmandie

Hi Mandie Im not too sure but will post your question up and see if someone comes back with an answer Regards Joanne

What do you think about Telefonica?

For around 6 years now, when people talk about telefonica (the telephone company here) not one person had a good word to say about them. We heard such bad things all the time.

For us, I have to say they were quite good. They would always say line would be installed in 10 to 15 days but turn up the next. Couldnt complain to be honest. Someone always sorted out our problem.

But....the last 4 weeks, well, they certainly have made up for it.

TELEFONICA ARE COMPLETE AND UTTER XXXXXXXXXXXXXFGHF&ITHFTYDRDRFDR&&%%$$%$%$%&$%$%$%$%$%&$%&$%&$%&$%$%&$%&$&%$$·$ED$D%RRT%&R%R&/&R%&/%&/%&/%/&F%&$·$%·$%W$%S$%·&&%$·%&$%$$%&$%&$EDRER%&F%&&T&/T/

ah I feel a little better.

Is it Hayfever or Flu?

Im feeling absolutely dreadful today as had a terrible night sleep.

I went to bed and couldnt stop coughing and had real problems breathing. Had awful sensation in my throat. Nose was completely blocked and eyes felt heavy. I felt really fluey.

2am I took some Zyrtec and it worked fantastically on my throat stopping me from coughing. But nose and eyes are still quite painful. Just couldnt get to sleep.

Its so hard to separate the symptons as there are alot of bugs and viruses going around at the moment, but everyone also seems to be suffering with bad hayfever.

Any ideas? When will this bad Hayfever period be over?

Post Office Nueva Andalucia Malaga

If you live around Nueva Andalucia and get a Yellow Card saying you must go to the Post Office - have a look at the address on it!

We had to go the other day and went to La Campana to be told that now we have to go to El Corte Ingles Puerto Banus which to be honest is a pain in the backside because you have to park up.

Also the Post Office in El Corte Ingles has moved to Sotano 1 by the books....so if you do go you may as well park near here.

Also just to remind about addressing envelopes. The Address is Nueva Andalucia, Malaga. Not Nueva Andalucia, Marbella, Malaga! People in post office told me off!!!