Tuesday, June 29, 2010

End of Term - Summer Holidays in Spain

Today was officially the last day of school for my daughter. Its funny how they grow up and the teachers become less cuddly as they are in Early Years & Reception.

Last year I remember the teachers, kids & parents balling their eyes out. This year it was just bye and no tears really.

So tomorrow we will take it easy and my daughter can have a nice well earned rest. These International Schools really work the kids and at just 6 years old they really are knackered. My daughter has been knackered since the start of the final term.

I wasnt going to put her on a summer camp as she has so many friends around the area. Then there was a place left a Fuerte Nagueles which I went to take but tonight my daughter said she didnt want to go. She wants to stay here and be with her friends by the pool. Whilst on one hand I think I should push her, on the other she knows what she wants. When my daughter is ready to do something she will in her own time.

Its 11pm and she has just come in from our neighbours house after watching the football match and actually, I dont want to be calling her in to go to bed whilst all her friends are playing out.

Its summer and its only 12 weeks and we really do turn Spanish, late nights, late lunches and late rises and siesta.

Just a couple of weeks before the family & friends come out for their yearly holidays and before you know it - its all over.

So Im going to enjoy this summer with my little girl and have as much fun together as possible.

Boutique Hotels Marbella - Hotel Claude Marbella

This morning I went for breakfast to a beautiful Hotel right in the heart of Marbella Old Town. Breakfast was delicious, the Spanish definately know how to do good croissants.

Its beautifully decorated throughout with rich purples, silver, glass, leather, fur...every thing just goes so beautifully.

Downstairs there is a lounge area, dining area. Upstairs there are just 7 bedrooms and then a roof terrace which has numerous tables and chairs looking over the rooftops of Marbella Town. The bedrooms have the huge eaved ceilings and are decorated absolutely stunningly.

You can find all details of Hotel Claude Marbella here.

If you are looking for Hotel Claude Marbella its pretty simple to find. If you find the Piano Shop opposite the Dance Studio, walk up the hill so the piano shop is on your left continue up and its on the left just passed Casanis Restaurant.

Lovely for a small party of people taking over the whole hotel for a special occassion.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Fuerte Nagueles Summer Camp

Ahhh Ive done it! Ive just put my daughter on the Fuerte Nagueles Park Summer Camp. I wasnt going to but then a couple of her friends are going and with her being rather shy, I thought it would be a great opportunity.

However...I am sooooo English...asking all the questions, when, where, how, do you have insurance etc. They look at me like I am mad which worries me on one hand but then the relax attitude is why we kind of moved here too.

Anyway, 2 weeks just till 2pm 100€ yes 100€! So if she doesnt go a couple of days its not the end of the world.

HAVE YOU SENT YOUR KIDS HERE?

DO YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS?

My worries are 1 monitor for 15 kids..which does seem alot. They go out of the camp a few days to funny beach which also worries me...maybe she wont go those days.

Any comments appreciated.

Chinese Bazaar Nueva Andalucia - Chinese Shop by La Maestranza

You may be very happy or you may be disspointed...Chinese Shops are like Marmite I think, you either love them or hate them.

But I think it also depends on where they open up....There is one opening up where Delicious used to be in Nueva Andalucia, just by Mercadona.

So you have that really posh looking cafe with Chinese Bazaar right next door...it does look very very cheap.

There are positives...its a shop that sells everything from tools to paper, clothes to stickers...you can always find something you need. Great for mums whose kids are sticker mad too like mine.
We did need something like this. Ive often needed a pad of paper, envelopes and theres nowhere there to get.

Negatives, cheap looking, theres no excuse to get your big inflatables...lovely. How many inflatables can you fit in 1 pool. Watch the inflatables take over!

What do you think of the Chinese Bazaar in Nueva Andalucia

Thursday, June 24, 2010

My Idiots guy to Noche de San Juan June 23rd Spain

Last night was the first time we have ever seen San Juan in 7 years of living here it was a great night and amazing too see.

If you dont live by the sea or dont have Spanish Friends that do it then you may never be aware of it.

But also, sometimes like us sometimes you feel abit out of it being "English" or not Spanish...not really understanding whats going on.

Well Noche De San Juan...Im personally not one for long explanations of things so heres my quick explanation of Noche de San Juan if you wish to go next year.

Either go to a chiringuito for dinner which may have special entertainment on for that night.

Alternatively just go to the beach around 11 / 11.30pm on June 23rd. Nearlly all along the beach will be something. Last night we went to San Pedro Alcantara.

About 11.30pm the place was packed! People young and old, all different cultures and nationalities wandering around.

There was a bar put up to take a drink & tapas. All along the beach were effigies and bonfires prepared.

At Mid Night....go stand in the sea and let the water pass over your feet for 7 waves. Throw in a flower and make a wish.

Then the Bonfire....you can write down on pieces of paper, things you want to be rid off from the previous year and on the other positive things that you wish to happen. Roll it up in a ball and throw them on the fire.

Take, towels, wear shorts or rolled up trousers...take big picnic blanket or something to sit on and food / drink as you wish

Thats its!

There was a big stage put up last night on the beach with a band, loads of people, kids, teenagers, families all set up to camp there for the night. The atmosphere was brilliant.

There was fire all along the coast and then people setting off these lanterns with fire that went up into the sky.

What was funny was the thought of this happening in the UK...health and safety would have a mare....Open Fires, Kids, Sea, Nightime...

But last night then reiterates all the reasons why we are here and not in the UK. Whilst we do have our downs the relaxed feel of the Spanish is why we originally came and you have to love it for that.

The Spanish know HOW TO PARTY!!!

Review of Primark Algeciras

Review of Primark Malaga

Im not particularly a fan of Primark...I have been in a couple in the UK and always end up walking out as its all too much for my little head. Too many clothes everywhere. Also its a shop where you need lots of time and when on holiday in the UK we dont have time to fit everything as it is let alone, spend 3 hours in Primark.

My friend has been dying to go to Primark and on a number of times we went to go but the weather was dreadful and neither of us likes driving further than Fuengirola if truth be told.

But we set off and I drove...left at 9.15am. Drove on the toll through San Pedro and then Manilva. Then the road just eventually joined the N340 again. Stayed on this passed exit for Gibraltar, La Linea, passed Los Barrios and then 10 minutes later (i think) passed Eroski on the right, bull ring on the left and took the next exit 106.

Drive up the hill off the exit, turn right to the round about and then over to the left (straight on) and you will see PRIMARK!!!

Its in a shopping Centre called centro Commercial Europe. There was Primark, C&A, Mercadona, Sports Shops, Jewellery Shops...a few shops. Still many units empty.

Primark was on 2 floors and sold mainly clothes, kids, mens, womans. They had tea towels, towels, beach towels, some cushions, but that was it for homeware.

Prices...cheap. 6 pairs of kids trainer socks - 2€. 4 teatowels 1.50€, Tshirts 3 & 4 €, sandals 1.50€ to 10€. Lots of jewellery Bags all around 3€ to 10€

Sadly we were in that 1 shop for 3 hours...I so nearly just put everything down and walked out with nothing...I really dont enjoy shopping that much.

But I persevered and left there with 2 bags completely full for 90€. A Mac, 3 pairs of sandals, 4 tshirts, 2 beach top thingys, 11 pairs of socks, belt, 20 teatowels - yes 20! necklaces, 4 different sets of bracelets and a Spain Football Top for my little girl.

I thought it was quite good for basic stuff...it didnt seem to have HIGH FASHION that I sometimes see on the TV.

Ive got a tshirt on today - which I love and the sandals - well I wore last night, very comfy but did feel it getting bigger and bigger where the elastic is going already.

But I think worth a trip.

Took 1 Hour from Nueva Andalucia to Primark Algeciras

Black Out Stuff for Windows - Stop Sun Coming in

I need help with blocking out the sun.

Bought curtains, had then fitted all with black out material...which is great and does work. Except the light peeps in from the top and the sides and in one room slightly at the bottom.

Was thinking of just getting a long piece of material and draping over the top and down the sides....but would this have to be blockout fabric too?

Where can I buy just the block out stuff from?

Or how can I secure the curtain to the side of the window / wall without ruining either?

Is there something you can stick on the windows at all?

Help, I need complete darkness in my little girls room or late nights and early mornings with the sun beaming in are going to be a nightmare

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Where to go for Noche de San Juan June 23rd

Hi Jo,

Can you tell me where a good place is to go on the beach for San Juan. We want to go with kids to a restuarant around Elviria to Marbella. But some seem to be charging a fortune.

Can you help

Thanks

Sue

Office to Rent Nueva Andalucia

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It has two toilets and a kitchen area (open plan with main office area).

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Friday, June 18, 2010

England Fans are anything but Fans

Im not a football expert but do enjoy watching the World Cup England and Spain Matches.

But having looked on facebook and seen everyones comments...most are all about sacking the Manager...again.

Surely, at some point it has to be just about the players . We have had so many Managers and every time England play its the same thing.

The other thing that really really annoys me is at the end of the game tonight England V Algeria, the Algerian Fans were cheering....The English Fans were booing.

Even Wayne Rooney said...Nice to see your own fans booing you.

The mentality of the supporters is all wrong. They are called supporters and do anything but.

We can never forget what "the fans" did to David Beckham!

Living in Spain you see such Loyalty, to their country and people. I feel this is missing in the UK - the minute anyone does anything wrong they are out and dismissed.

Also, maybe get rid of that bloddy awful buzzing noise in the crowd and let the crowd be heard chanting "ENGLAND"

Spain Football Matches for World Cup

If you want to be safe on the road in Marbella, avoid driving when Spain Play....

Spain v Honduras 21st June 8.30pm Spanish Time on ITV1

Chile v Spain 25th June 8.30pm Spanish Time on ITV1

Driving conditions up to 20 minutes before the match was very dangerous with people driving like maniacs to get to their places to watch the match.


England Football Matches

Wednesday 23rd June Noche de San Juan

Slovenia v England 4pm Spanish Time

Bjorn Again Marbella Bullring - Abba & Mamma Mia Marbella Bullring

Very excited to open the paper to day to find that Bjorn Again are playing at Marbella Bull Ring, all the hits of Abba & Mamma Mia.

Also Ruth Lorenza from X Factor will be there too.

Place: Marbella Bull Ring

Date: August 18th

Time: 8pm

Prices: Kids up to 12years 20€

Standing 30€

General Seating 40€

Premium 70€

Want to buy Tickets?

Contact Steve on 676 289 968 quoting Nueva Andalucia Blog

Or Click through to DREAM TICKET PROMOTIONS

My First San Juan Noche

I am very very excited at finally going to San Juan Noche. We have never been before...not too sure why but just one of those things I guess.

But next Wednesday we are going with some friends - professionals to experience our first San Juan Noche.

Its starts late and ends well when the sun comes up the next day. Lots of music, dancing, fire, food drink and you can also write down the bad things you want rid off and throw them in the fire or maybe the sea to be rid of all bad.

All sounds very spiritual but I have to say I cant wait to see it.

You can read more about San Juan Noche here

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Heat & Football in Spain

The Heat and Football do not make a good mix - although it was only todays match that really caused a stir Spain v Switzerland.

Today doing the school run was a completely and utter nightmare and I would be surprised if noone died at the result of it.

I was undertaken twice which really frightened the life out of me. Cars trying to take short cuts up 1 way streets, people running across busy roads, people hooting non stop as if its going to make any difference.

Next Spain Match - take care in the car or better avoid the the road full stop!

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Galaxia Guadalmina

Whilst writing about the possibility of a La Cañada Underground Kids Play area I also remember seeing the other day another kids play area - like Kidz Kingdom opening in Guadalmina by Supersol. Its NOTHING to do with Kidz Kingdom as far as I am aware. Even though being by Supersol people may think it is.

Not too sure when its going to open.

But Kidz Kingdom 2 is opening up August time in El Rosario by Yellow Taxi.

Personally, Im not too sure theres enough people here to keep all these places going and keep them busy.

But then I know many people who dont like going to Kidz Kingdom when its raining because it is sooooo busy...so with another 1 or 2 down the road, it may just attract a new audience.

Time will tell.

Kids Play Soft Play Area La Cañada

Now, I could be wrong but Im pretty sure that a Kids Play Area Frame similar to Kidz Kingdom (but not Kidz Kingdom) is opening up in....

LA CAÑADA!!! finally a place for the kids to play but....

its going to be in...

THE UNDERGROUND CAR PARK NEXT TO THE PETSHOP.

I was in a rush as always leaving that place....I always try get there about 2.45 giving me 1 hour until I have to leave to get to school. Beleive it or not I actually find shopping here boring.

So I was rushing out and saw people putting these tubes and frames together and Im pretty sure its going to be one of those big play areas.

Pista de Hierro Gibraltar y Monos Gibraltar

El jueves, mi hija y otro amigo y el chico fue a Gibraltar durante el día. Se Marbella Feria por lo que todo se cerró aquí.

Llegamos a Gibraltar y se estacionó en el subsuelo Par de coches sólo por Mc Donalds y caminó a través de. Enseguida encontramos un hombre que hizo las visitas para ver a los monos. Normalmente sus 25 € por persona, pero hemos preferido ser solo nosotros, 2 adultos y 2 niños y nos cobraron 70 €.

Así que ve a las cuevas, St Michaels Cueva y los Monos. He estado aquí varias veces y nunca ha tenido problemas con los monos antes, pero esta vez los monos eran muy activo y acaba de saltar a todo el mundo. Uno grande me saltó desde atrás, me fui volando junto con mis gafas de sol y realmente daño a mi cuello. Su mucho mejor ir con los guías turísticos, ya que saben cómo manejarlos.

Pero normalmente hay que convencerlos de que realmente vienen en tus hombros ... pero no esta vez. Los monos son muy fuertes y rasgar las bolsas de usted si piensan que el alimento está en allí.

El recorrido duró cerca de 1 1 / 2 horas. Fue muy divertido y una gran subida con el guía de turismo, ya que los niños van a oír hablar de la historia, etc A continuación, nos dejó en la parte superior de la calle comercial donde paseamos hacia abajo y luego tuvo un almuerzo. Entonces los chicos se nos está volviendo loco para ir de patinaje sobre hielo.

Encontramos Rey Bastión centro de ocio de Gibraltar que ha bolos, patinaje sobre hielo, gimnasio, cine, es realmente buena. Llegamos a las 3 pm y así como íbamos en todo el mundo salió así que tuvimos toda la pista de hielo a nosotros mismos ... brillante diversión. 30 minutos, 4 de nosotros sólo 6 libras!

Después de estas compras más antes de regresar a casa. Parque de coches proyecto de ley era caro pero había estado allí casi todos los días de 11 a 6 sobre 15 €.

Usted podría aparcar fuera, sólo asegúrate de tener el cambio de los medidores. Gibraltar - Un Gran Día de salida y el rey Bastión centro de ocio hace que sea aún mejor

King Bastion Leisure & Monkeys in Gibraltar

On Thursday me, my daughter and another friend and kid went to Gibraltar for the day. It was Marbella Feria so everything was closed here.

We got to Gibraltar and parked in the underground Car Par just by Mc Donalds and walked through.

Straight away we found a man who did the tours up to see the monkeys. Normally its 25€ per person but we preferred to be just us, 2 adults and 2 kids and he charged us 70€.

So straight up to the caves, St Michaels Cave and the Monkeys. Ive been up here a number of times and never ever had problems with the monkeys before, but this time the Monkeys were really active and just jumping on everyone.

One big one jumped me from behind, I went flying along with my sunglasses and it really hurt my neck. Its so much better going up with the tour guides as they know how to handle them.

But normally you have to really persuade them to come on your shoulders...but not this time.
The monkeys are actually very strong and will rip your bags off you if they think food is in there.

The tour lasted about 11/2 hours. It was really good fun and great going up with the tour guide as they kids get to hear about the history etc.

He then dropped us off at the top of the shopping street where we strolled down and then took some lunch. Then the kids were driving us mad to go Ice Skating.

We found King Bastion Gibraltar leisure centre which has bowling, ice skating, fitness, cinema, its really good.

We got there at 3pm and just as we were going in everyone came off so we had the whole Ice Rink to ourselves...brilliant fun. 30 minutes, 4 of us just 6 pounds!!!

After this more shopping before heading home. Car Park bill was expensive but we had been there practically all day from 11 till 6 about 15€.

You could park outside, just make sure you have change for the metres.

Gibraltar - A Great Day Out and the King Bastion Leisure Centre makes it even better!

Velocidad de Coches en Marbella Fotos

Estoy enfadada esta mañana después de recibir otra carta de la gente de Transporte con una foto de mi exceso de velocidad de coches .... Sí Ahora hay cámaras por todos lados, aparentemente

Creo exceso de velocidad es peligroso, pero haciendo 120 en un 100 por la autopista no es nada comparado a estas personas que la velocidad en las carreteras donde la gente normal y los niños están caminando.

Sólo un par de semanas tuvimos otra por no traer las luces encendidas en un túnel.Si la policía quiere realmente ganar dinero y dinero para cosas que son peligrosas por qué no acaban de colgar alrededor de las escuelas y ver los coches con niños jugueteando suelto en la parte posterior sin cinturones de seguridad o los que vienen a la escuela en una moto, las mamás y los papás que el chat sin parar en el teléfono todo el camino de la escuela a casa.

No tengo idea de cuántos más voy a estar esperando ya que es de fecha posterior al 17 de abril. Así que ha sido advertido ... prestar atención a su velocidad.

Speeding Fine - Speeding Cameras in Marbella

Im really pissed off this morning after receiving another letter from the Transport People with a picture of my car speeding....Yes There are now Cameras everywhere apparently

I do beleive speeding is dangerous, but doing 120 in a 100 on the motorway is nothing compared to these people that speed on normal roads where people and kids are walking.

Just a couple of weeks ago we had another for not putting lights on in a tunnel.

If police really want to earn money and money for things that are dangerous why dont they just hang around schools and watch the cars with kids jumping around loose in the back with no seatbelts or the ones that come to school on a motorbike, the mums and dads that chat non-stop on the phone all the way from school to home.

I have no idea how many more I will be expecting as this is dated back to 17th April. So you have been warned...pay attention to your speed.

La Moraga El Corte Ingles Marbella


Me di cuenta esta mañana que La Moraga tienen sus signos en las afueras de El Corte Ingles en Marbella. Es el mismo signo como Puerto Banús.

Parece que se haya hecho cargo del piso de arriba cafetería! Es una gran idea para atraer a la gente a la Subdivisión de Marbella, ya que es una tienda muy tranquila.

Me preocupa que Danni García puede ser más importante que hacer todo bien .... La Moraga en Puerto Banús, La Moraga Dulce, La Moraga Beach, La Moraga en El Corte Ingles y también en La Moraga Aeropuerto de Málaga.

Si alguien tiene todavía que me haga saber lo que su gusto. Voy a tratar de ir allí muy pronto.

La Moraga El Corte Ingles Marbella


I noticed this morning that La Moraga have their signs up outside El Corte Ingles in Marbella. Its the same sign as Puerto Banus.

Looks like they have taken over the cafeteria upstairs! Its a great idea to draw people to the Marbella Branch as it is a very quiet store.

I worry that Danni Garcia may be over doing it all though....La Moraga Puerto Banus, La Moraga Sweet, La Moraga Beach, La Moraga in El Corte Ingles and also La Moraga at Malaga Airport.

If anyone has been yet let me know what its like. I will try and go there soon.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Scams & Solicitors on the Costa Del Sol

Many people have been ripped off here on the Costa Del Sol. They get a scratch card which ends up amazingly to be the winning card!!!

You have won a holiday of a lifetime...yes you won it!!! But suddenly you find yourself in an office full of tough looking sales people and writing out a cheque for 3k, 4k 5k or 6k for the privilege of winner.

Then there are all these false doctors that we have heard about. Plastic surgeons that arent plastic surgeons at all. Some peoples lives have been ruined by these people. Their bodies or faces will never been the same after going under the knife of some of these cosmetic surgery clinics right here in Nueva Andalucia & Marbella.

Once you have realised you have been ripped off...the first thing you want is your money back - right?

The all of a sudden you come across solicitors / lawyers who are or say they are helping other people that have been ripped off by the same people as you....they are your saviour...you just want them to help you get your money back, you trust them completely...

But can you???

Could one scam follow another? Could someone be taking advantage of people that are desperate to get the money back therefore spending 200, 300 or 1,000 more wont make any difference?

If you have been ripped off, find a solicitor that someone you know well has used before. Dont go whats on the internet or papers...as anyone can advertise their services and write what they want about themselves.

Some of these people are very clever...but what goes around will come around...I do beleive.

No More Sushi, No More Dance Groups, No More Dog Shops and No More Cupcakes

One thing that drives me mad here is that not many people have original ideas. Everyone jumps on the bandwagon here (and probably in the uk too) but where Marbella is actually a small place things get noticed and you always find out who the sneeky buggers are that are about to rip off your business.

One minute theres a shop opening selling gorgeous clothes for dogs...next minute there is 4 or 5 in a square mile between Nueva Andalucia & Puerto Banus.

Cupcakes...If I see or hear or another person doing cupcakes or birthday cakes, ill SCREAM!!! I do not beleive that all these people making and selling cupcakes & birthday cakes can survive. One person does it, then another copies and suddenly theres about 15 different people doing the same thing.

Dancing...Princess Studios really is a great place if you are looking for dancing...now Im not saying this is the "Original Place" but now theres dancing places everywhere...once again, many of these companies are only targeting the English....and there just are not the amount of people here. Many parents have cut down the amount of extra activities their kids are doing simple because they cannot afford it.

And lastly Sushi....Sensations opened up a while back now and having been there its very good. But now there is Wasabi and 2 more that I have seen opened up in Puerto Banus. Thats 4 sushi places I know of all within walking distance really.

Whilst I really admire people opening up businesses and trying to make a living, really do your homework before hand. Theres just too much of the same thing here and in the end each one will but the other out of business.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Ice Skating Gibraltar

Had a great day out in Gibraltar yesterday. Did the tour and also ice skating.

ice sKating is in the new sports centre King Bastion. it's just off the high street near the big central car park,

1.50 pounds for half an hour including skate hire. We had the whole rink to ourselves, it was great fun.

there is also cinema, bowling, arcades etc...really nice inside

Tivoli World

I forgot to mention that last weekend we went to a birthday party at Tivoli World...

The party was great, kids had a fab time.

was bit shocked at the prices....It's now 7euros just to get in and then 12euros for the super tivolino....it was about 4 euros last year.

Tivoli is a great night out for kids, my daughter now 6 loved it as she was ready to go on some faster rides with us.

Definitely Recommend it

Marbella Feria

tonight we went to Marbella Feria...every year the same, hard to get motivated to go, but once there it's really good fun.

I've decided my next business is going to be the fun fair...we worked out that one little kiddy ride took about 90euros for a 5 minute ride...2.50 euros minimum each ride...seems a lot,

we stood for ages watching the teenagers going on the mad rides at the end...I felt sick just watching these kids being swung left right and centre.

On sunday at 6.30 the rides are half price for kids. If you haven't been before it's opposite the blue single home

Friday, June 11, 2010

Am I missing something?

I questioning whether I am right or wrong....

Last week the local handyman was fixing the pavement at the entrance of our garage. We were all told to park outside and not enter or exit the garage. The day got changed and not too sure everyone was informed...therefore....

Yes they went ahead with the work, put some big thick concrete slabs and stuff ontop thinking this would stop people going in and out of the garage....NO it didnt work.

People werent informed.

So this morning, its Marbella Holiday and I want to go out. I cant because where people drove on the newly laid concrete last week (because they were not informed) they have to do it all over again....yet my car is in the garage.

After a big moan and demand that I get my car out...the workmen agreed and allowed me out.

I said...there are lots of cars still in the garage....why don´t you knock on everyones door and tell them whats happening, get them all to take their cars out so you do not have to repeat this...

"Its a holiday today" was the answer...but people were in. They didnt seem to understand what I was saying...Am I missing something? They didnt seem to think that people would move their concrete slabs should they need to get out of the carpark.

Because people were not informed the first time they have to repeat the job. Already this afternoon, someone who needed to get out has moved the stuff and driven out...

Next week they will have to repeat the job.

What is wrong with informing everyone? Is this not general common sense? Do I not understand something because I am English?

Bit like when there was a communion that took over the whole pool area - none of us were informed.

Am I missing something?

Tuesday, June 08, 2010

How Clean Are The Spanish?

Unbelievably Clean & Tidy!!!
A few years ago when I became friends with a Spanish Family I was shocked at how clean and tidy her house was. It didnt matter what time of day I went there the house was immaculate. I mean completely and utterly immaculate - like a showhome.
I thought maybe its just her, she didnt work and do anything else during the day, just clean...what a life...just to clean all day.
Then over the years as Ive become friends with more Spanish Families I realise that the majority are exactly the same. Some borderline neurotic.
Some people I know even take a white marker to brighten up inbetween the kitchen tiles every week. It looks great but what a job. I got my friend a little job putting up pictures the other day, as he was drilling the husband was standing there with a hoover...god forbid a bit of dust should fall.
I have a Spanish Lady that comes once a week for 1 hour and she does the windows and terraces....noone cleans like my Rosa. Shes just amazing, the windows are spotless, the terraces are shining, I dont know how she does it. I watch her and copy her and all I make is a mess.
The products in Spain are amazing - if you understand them completely. With all the different materials here you do have to be very very careful with the products you use.
For example, use a sponge when it says sponge...not a light scourer. Dont let Viakal drip onto stone tiles otherwise you will be left with white streaks. Certain products that fall on marble floor will take the shine away.
Yes these are all the problems in my house where I just didnt realise the strength of some of these products.
I think there is opening for a Spanish Lady to do courses in Cleaning & Cleaning Products...for me they really are the domestic goddesses.

Monday, June 07, 2010

Job in Nueva Andalucia - Customer Service Person

THIS JOB HAS NOW BEEN FILLED
IF YOU HAVE A JOB YOU WISH TO ADVERTISE JUST EMAIL
JOB VACANCY

Customer Services Person For Online UK Business

Must be confident on the telephone

English as their principle language

Previous customer service role an advantage

No cold calling

10am - 6pm

Full contract

Based in Centro Plaza

Contact Gary on 0034 650 783 779 or email Garymarbella@gmail.com

NO AGENTS PLEASE

Aupairs / Housemaid Marbella

Dear Jo, do you know where I can find an Maid / Aupair in the marbella area? Im looking for a Spanish Speaking girl to mainly clean a few hours a day and look after the kids sometimes. A mix of the 2 if possible.

Thank you in advance

Tracey


Dear Tracey,

You could look here http://www.aupairspain.com/principal.asp?0=1&1=137910. Alternatively sometimes there are adverts in the local papers..people looking for work.

Regards

Joanne

Wednesday, June 02, 2010

El Chapperal School La Cala Marbella

i am movin to the costa del sol 25 may 2010 i have a nine year old son and am worried about schools do you know anything about el chapperal school in la cala thankyou


Dear Michelle,

I havent heard of this school. I will it up and see if anyone else knows.

Regards

Joanne

Ipads Marbella - Where to buy IPADs in Marbella

Yesterday our IPAD arrived...well a friend brought it over from the UK. Its really neat & light but someone else has been hogging it so I havent had much time to play.

One thing I have already noticed is that the keyboard when landscape isnt really good to type on. I thought I would be able to blog from it but its more like texting and made lots of spelling mistakes etc.

However, for checking Emails, Surfing the Internet, Playing Games - its brilliant. I have an ITouch and I love it! Its just brilliant keeping up with the news, emails etc and fits in a pocket. The IPAD is a lot bigger so its going to funny seeing where and how it fits in.

If you are looking to buy an IPAD and you are living here best to contact the Apple Experts at www.marbellamacsolutions.com

FNAC La Cañada may stock them too...will find out.

Seatbelts on Coaches Law

Its that time of year when the kids go on their school trips. Throughout the year we are sent newsletters reminding us of the law of kids sitting in the back seat wearing seatbelts at all times etc etc.

The police will also fine you should your child not wear a seatbelt

Yet, come a school trip more than 40 children are allowed on a coach wearing no seatbelt.

Why is it not ok to have 1 child sit in the back of a car without a seatbelt, yet its ok to have a coach full of children without?

Tuesday, June 01, 2010

Review of Smallworld Cafe

My husband was off work yesterday so we had a day together and went out for lunch. We thought maybe Nermans, but closed Mondays, Polo House - but after spending 15€ on 3 cokes a couple of weeks back - didnt fancy that, MC Cafe - but been there before and then finally I thought about Smallworld.

So went back to Smallworld even after our experience last time. Parking firstly is great - lots of parking.

Walked in and once again all abit busy - I asked someone for a table for 2 but he ended up just being a customer, noone really there to ask if theres a table free etc etc. Eventually someone came up and said choose wherever you want.

We sat out the back area. Menu was great. A number of different things on the menu, but not too many which is always good for someone like me who cannot make decisions.

We took the Beetroot houmos & guacamole with vegetables & chips - this was delicious - big portion of veggies & chips, we could have done with another pot of houmos but only because we are piggies with houmous. Delicious!!!

Then for mains we both took burgers, I took the normal one and my husband the mexican. The portion was huge. Burger was delicious, could see and taste it was homemade, full of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and cheese. Chips were delicious too - really hot, fresh, crispy & light.

For pudding we took the carrot cake between us - very nice, not the best we´ve had but it was good. I just had water whilst my husband tried a bottle of beer by Ferran Adria El Bulli, it was one of the best beers he has ever tasted. 5€ but you get 2 good glasses out of it....A MUST TO TRY!!!

Infact, every dish that the waitress brought out for other tables look fantastic...you want to try everything on the menu.

Got the bill for for 2 of us, starter, 2 main courses, pudding & 3 drinks it was 41€ - We were very full and the food was Excellent.

Came to pay the bill and niether of us had any change on us to leave a tip just 10€ so I asked to change it up - to be told - I have no change. Well one lesson is when someone has eaten and paid the bill - you ALWAYS have change. Not too sure if the girl realised we had just eaten there. So unfortunately wasnt able to leave a tip. I personally cannot beleive there was no change in the till.

Its very busy - suprisingly busy actually. Lots of students from Les Roches walking by, big groups of people that all knew each other - did feel a little cleeky at times, studenty, people just kind of lounging around looking like they owned it - or maybe they did - but not bad people at all unlike some places that seem to attract the wrong crowd.

Overall - Food & Price - very good, would definately go back again for a tasty lunch. Nice place to go for a very casual evening for food & drink. Always improvement in service / waitress area. Cannot fault the chef at all!

Sponsor Spelling Test for PAD - HELP!!!

Next week on the 7th & 8th of June my daughter is taking part in a sponsored spell in aid of P.A.D. which is a local charity that specialises in the rehabilitation and rehoming of abandoned dogs & cats.

Since 1998 they have found homes for more than 5000 dogs and cats which is really remarkable. Due to the terrible winter we just had, PAD are desperately looking to raise money for all the damage that was caused by the flooding this year. Many pipes are broken, beds, blankets towels and toys all need being replaced.

If you would like to sponsor my daughter she has 10 words to spell next week. You can donate to my Paypal Account here and the money will be passed on, leaving your name & message mentioned PAD.

Thank you.