Homework / Study Centre Nueva Andalucia

A new study centre has opened up in Los Naranjos where Mercadona is within the urbanisation.

Offering Spanish, English and some French they can offer help with homework after schools and in holidays.  Prices pretty reasonable too. 

Bus Passes in Marbella / Estepona

Anyone know anything about Bus Passes travelling from Estepona to Marbella. 

Ive been told for someone to travel 3 times from Estepona to Marbella costs them over 60€uros per month.  Is this true?  Because it crosses over 2 different areas you cant get a pass.

Any help please?

A Thousand Cranes Marbella - Charity Event for Japan Marbella

Theres so much going on in Marbella at the moment, its great.  There is Black Box Theatre just behind Mango and they are holding one more night of A Thousand Cranes" where all monies will go to help with the tragedy in Japan.

Saturday 9th April at 9pm.  Tickets just 10€uros.

More information and directions etc Click here Black Box Theatre

This Weekend in Marbella - Siente Marbella

Saturday April 2nd

Siente Marbella

 Siente Marbella - We are going there to enjoy the sunshine hopefully, get some Churros, chill and relax to the music all around.  Its from 9 till about 5pm all around the Old Town.  Park up and walk around, in all the plazas there is entertainment....Absolutely brilliant a couple of weeks ago.

Marbella Piscina Municipal

Después de estar un poco molesto de que mi hija hasnt sido capaz de ir a nadar durante semanas, en primer lugar debido a una enfermedad después con rumbo a la piscina fue quebrado, y me decidí a buscar en la Piscina Municipal de Marbella.


He oído algunas cosas malas sobre él todo el mundo, más me dice que si quieres que tu hijo a hacer clases de natación - están llenos y siempre una lista de espera. Así que yo sea yo, decidió comprobarlo por mí mismo y oír de la boca caballos.

Ok, así que la piscina es una piscina cubierta. Es un poco difícil de entender el calendario .... muy confuso, sin embargo, las familias pueden ir los fines de semana entre el 10 y 1,45 los sábados y domingos.

Ahora, ésta es la parte extraña, usted tiene que pagar por adelantado, ya sea mediante el pago en la cuenta bancaria determinada o se puede ir de lunes a viernes y reservar previamente. Muy barato e incluso más barato con Empadron. Tengo mi Empadron unos meses atrás, de modo de natación en el fin de semana para 2 adultos y 1 niño me ha costado un total de grande ..... 5 € uros.

Ahora usted tiene que comprar el billete con antelación y su único durante 1 hora .... pero eso es suficiente. También es mejor llamar antes de que encajona la mano hay competencias en ... como este sábado.

A continuación, las clases de natación .... le pregunté acerca de las lecciones y clases .... me dijeron que mi hija tuvo que ir en la lista de espera. Pero cuando llegué a hablar con él y comprendió que en realidad mi hija puede nadar y nadar muy bien ...... ¿adivinen qué .... tengo un espacio! Dos veces por semana durante 45 minutos 11 € uros para el mes. Así que estoy muy muy contento, ahora sólo tengo a mi hija a ir allí y nadar en una lección que hablan español .... esto es un niño que acaba de comenzar una clase de baile fuera de la escuela.







Los dedos cruzados!

Indoor Swimming Pool Marbella

After being a little upset that my daughter hasnt been able to go swimming for weeks, firstly due to illness then due to pool being broken, I decided to look into the Marbella Municipal Swimming Pool.

I have heard a few bad things about it plus everyone tells me that if you want your kid to do swimming lessons - they are full up and always a waiting list.  Well me being me, decided to check it out for myself and hear it from the horses mouth.

Ok, So the swimming pool is an indoor pool.  Its a little difficult to understand the timetable....very confusing, however families can go at the weekend between 10 and 1.45 Saturdays and Sundays. 

Now, heres the weird part, you have to pay in advance, either by paying into the bank account given or you can go there monday to friday and pre book.  Very cheap and even cheaper with Empadron.  I got my Empadron a few months back so swimming at the weekend for 2 adults and 1 child has cost me the grande total of..... 5€uros.

Now you have to buy the ticket in advance and its only for 1 hour....but thats long enough.  Also best to call them before hand incase there are competitions on...like this saturday. 

Then the swimming lessons....I asked about lessons / classes....I was told that my daughter had to go on the waiting list.  But when I got talking to him and he understood that actually my daughter can swim and swim pretty well......guess what....I got a space!!!    Twice a week for 45 mins 11€uros for the month. So Im very very happy, now I just need my daughter to go there and swim in a Spanish speaking lesson....this is a child who has just started a dance class outside of school.

Fingers Crossed!!! 

Go Karts in Estepona

Hi Jo

Other than funny beach are there any other places for Go Karts?

Thanks

S

Boat Charter from Estepona

Do you know of a good boat charter from Estepona.

Clay Pigeon Shooting Marbella Clay Pigeon Shooting Costa Del Sol

Hi Jo

Do you know of anywhere that does Clay Pigeon Shooting?

Thanks

S

Kids Chesty Cough & Allergy Marbella -

Last week my daughter was off school, once again for 2 days.  She started coughing again really badly.  The first time I took her to the doctor, he said farangitis, didnt give me antibiotics as he preferred not to as she recently got over pneumonia.

A couple of days later she got worse, almost retching at night times...it was awful.  Back to the doctors who decided now time for antibiotics.

I really wanted my little baba to be well, but didnt want to do anymore antibiotics.  That would be 2 lots within 2 months.

So we got her some probiotic tablets and some lemon & honey syrup with herbal stuff in from the Health Shop in Nueva Andalucia by Centro Plaza.

Firstly, rest, fresh food only, mainly soups, cut down on milky products, lots of fresh fruit, before she went to sleep put the facial steamer I have in her room for 15 minutes, put books under her matress so she was up a little bit.   I gave 2 spoonfuls of the syrup 3 times a day and the probiotics in the morning....

It was horrible to hear her coughing another couple of days...but I pleased to say that she is now better.

Although anything can happen any time and she may come home today with another bug, Im so happy I  perserved and didnt give in to antibiotics.

Tan Truth Spray Tan in Marbella

Marbella Mobile Beauty is now offering the fantastic 'Tan Truth' spray tan product!


Perfect for all over body use, this fast drying formula can be airbrushed onto the skin in minutes and will develop between 2 to 6 hours to give an even, streak free and long lasting tan.

Try it in the comfort of your own home (no mess AT ALL) for just €25!!!

Call 637444136 for appointments

Lorena Morlote Marbella

Along the Golden Mile next to Mil Milagros another hairdresser is opening up.  I say another as it was a hairdresser before and just a few doors away is another huge hairdressing salon.

This one is called Lorena Morlote, all about hair.  Website very funky, except you need all day to get to the index page...all very flashy...but then I guess my  less than 1mb telefonica connection in my house doesnt help.

Seems that Lorena Morlote is a bit of a "famous" hairdresser her in Spain.

Andalucia Tennis Experience Puente Romano - Tennis Marbella

I cannot beleive its a year already since the last Andalucia Tennis Experience.  We went along on the first day (when it was cheap) and actually had a really nice few hours.  Our daughter was a little bored so didnt stay long, but it was a lovely hot day and a really really nice atmosphere there.

The dates of the Tournament are from April 2nd to April 10th.  There is also a Wheel Chair Tournament from April 8th to April 10th.

Prices range from Free for Kids under 6 to 26€uros.  So its really cheap.  Last year we rememember actually the hotdogs were more expensive than our tickets.

For more Andalucia Tennis Experience Ticket Information Click here.

Applicants Pay to Apply For Job at Ayuntamient

I was forwarded this story yesterday that appeared on Euro Weekly News.

Its a story thats rather unbelievable...except if it happened in Andalucia....as it seems, with all the corruption and scams....nothing really has changed.  How can we expect people to change, the mayors, the police when the Ayuntamiento does this....

They charged 21€ for unemployed people to fill in an application form to work for them.  There were 4,300 applications, totalling 90,000€uros.

You can read the original story here.

http://www.euroweeklynews.com/2011032386380/news/costa-del-sol/4300-apply-for-46-council-jobs.html

If anyone else decided to charge for job applications you would be fined...

PR Companies in Marbella - VIPS Marbella

I heard about this little thing that happened today  and well.... it got me thinking

What did it get me thinking?

Well, it got me thinking about the people paid to do PR for new bars & restaurants opening on the coast. 

Personally, I am not one for "VIP Invitations"  or "Special Open Evening" or "Launch Parties" or whatever you want to call it.  Im also very very proud to never have appeared in the Essential or Hola Magazine in 8 Years....honestly...I do mean very proud!

But when you have,  say, ...a big opening for a big bar, club or restaurant opening one year and then suddenly you are doing another a year later....because....the business hasnt worked....do you think they ever think about maybe inviting other people to the "Launch Party" or "Open Party" because obviously what they did do didnt work?   Anyway...what the hell is a VIP...personally if I owned an establishment in Marbella in a Crisis as we are....every single person would be a VIP!

So where am I going with this?

Well, if you look in Essential Magazine or any other free Magazine on the Coast, every week or month its the same people day in day out going to these "VIP" openings.  Why are they VIP?  Because they do your accounts?  Because they are the main drinks supplier?  Because they did your Interior Design?  Because they have another business on the Coast?  Because they have money?

Well thats great, fantastic, amazing...

BUT

What do you need to keep a bar or restaurant going?  PEOPLE

Do you want people all year round ?  YES

and now the hardest question that seems to be really difficult....

So what sort of people would be the best people to invite?  THE RESIDENTS.

Quite simple really isnt it?  Now if you are opening something you probably have a PR company doing stuff for you charging a fortune....when really I have given you it for free.

The Locals, The Residents, whatever you want to call us....we are the people that will be coming to your bar more than anyone.


So...what should you do?

Well, if you are part of an urbanisation, leaflet drop that urbansation giving them an incentive to come and continue to come.

If its a bar / restaurant, people love to be able to walk so they can have a drink....invite all the residents within a 10 or 15 minute walk of your establishment.

Why not invite the VIPS?

Well, because when will they find time to come when they are too busy being VIPs for another opening!!!



Husband just read this and shouted...Jo, you should do PR...this is PR!!!...My reply...PR??? its just plain common sense.

Maxwells Closed - Golden Goose Opens on Golden Mile

What an absolute shame that such a brilliant place seems to have closed down.

Yes Maxwells on the Golden Mile has had the name removed and changed to....

Golden Goose.

Doesnt quite have the same ring tone does it.

"what you doing Saturday night, fancy going to Maxwells?"

or

"What you doing Saturday night, fancy going to Golden Goose?"

Well another chance for another VIP Opening...cause the last one obviously did so well.

I LOVED MAXWELLS

Smallworld Cafe Marbella

We took some friends to Smallworld Cafe Saturday Night....they hadnt been there before and we thought that coming from London they would like it.  We call Smallworld our "London Food".

It was pretty busy in there as they had a big birthday party that night and the Rugby was on.  But we had a table on the higher bit as you walked in.  At first...I didnt really want to sit up there...I felt like I was sitting in someones living room with the telly on...but all the people watching were ok, studently, chilled out and after a few minute didnt even think where we were.

Kids had the pasta with pesto, I went for the burger, which is delicious but cant finish.  There was also the Milanese, the Barbequed Chicken Pizza and the Terrayaki Salad....everyone loved their food.  Im definately going for the duck or beef terrayaki salad next time...looked delicious.

The guys had 4 beers between them which is the El Bulli Beer at 5.50€uros each...not bad price really considering its 3.50 to buy in Hypercor.

Bill for 1 starter, 2 kids meals, 4 adults meals, all delicious and cant fault was 93€uros.

Siente Marbella - Whats On in Marbella on Saturdays

Feel Marbella - Siente Marbella!!!

The first saturday of every month, Marbella will be filled with Musicians and Magicians, Arts & Crafts. We went this Saturday (the first try out) and it was brilliant. There was a great Atmosphere around. Basically park up and get into the Old Town and in all of the Plazas / Squares there were shows. The music group (first photo) were fab. Get there, grab a table, sit and chill.

It was really good and made us feel Proud of Marbella again. They are doing their best to bring more tourism there and I think it will work. We ended up going, taking a coffee (in a cheap place, not plaza de los naranjos), I popped into a couple of clothes shops that I didnt know were there...It was buzzing!!!

First Saturday of every Month!!!  9 till 2

Reflexology Nueva Andalucia, Acupuncture Nueva Andalucia

I received this lovely email a number of weeks ago...

Dear Jo,

I have come across your blog (http://nuevaandalucia.blogspot.com/) several times over the years since moving to Nueva Andalucia and have found the information you write very insightful.

I am a natural health practitioner and am looking to boost my practice and my online web presence.  I was wondering whether I could offer you a free treatment of your choice in exchange for a blog post about your experience and a link back to my website? Or perhaps at the very least just a link?

Please let me know what you think? For more information on the treatments I offer, please have a look at my website: http://www.rayoflifetherapies.com/

Best regards,

Julie

  

Review of Ray of Life Therapies, Nueva Andalucia

On Friday, after weeks of illnesses and being unable to make it,  I finally met up with Julie for a Reflexology Session.  I lovely when people send emails like this, as my blog is a personal blog, based on things that I personally experience, rather than an email saying..."can you mention my company".  You can often tell that you will like someone from their email.

Whenever I am meeting someone for the first time, I always wonder if we have already met somewhere (Marbella sometimes being small)...but we hadnt met before, although we did know many people incommon which was nice.

We instantly got on and I felt very comfortable with Julie, she had a nice way about her.  After having my feet in a foot bath for a few minutes, I then relaxed on the bed where Julie started the reflexology.  

I love reflexology as I really do feel each point connecting to the parts of my body. Theres not much hiding...for example, there was a point that was very sensitive...my stomach.  Then another point...my shoulders....neither were a surprise.  I certainly couldnt fool Julie into thinking I was  a really calm, chilled out person...Im not.

The session lasted about 45 minutes, maybe a little more and with the music in the back ground, I certainly nodded off a couple of times.

I thoroughly enjoyed my session of Reflexology.  I felt completely relaxed and comfortable with Julie.

Julie also does NLP Life Coaching, Acupuncture, Homoeopathy and of course Reflexology.  She can treat all the usual health problems such us, neck & back pain, stress, bowel problems, insomnia, headaches, menstual problems and lots more

Her Website is http://www.rayoflifetherapies.com/ or you can call her on  0034 628 054106.  Please do mention that you saw this on Nueva Andalucia Blog. 

 

Job Offer Nueva Andalucia - Customer Service Person

UPDATE:  This job has now been filled.  I have been told that the employer had about 25 enquires, 10 interveiws.  It was a very difficult selection as there are some really good people out there.  I would have no hesitation in recommending some of the applicants that I interviewed.



Position Is Open from 1st April 2011

Part Time Customer Service Person

Part of the Customer Care Team for a busy UK based retail website

Monday - Friday 10am - 3pm

Plus extra work for holiday cover and over busy Christmas period.

Location : Centro Plaza, Nueva Andalucia

Main duties...
Taking telephone orders and also solving customer issues and queries via telephone and email.

You will need...
To have English as your mother tongue and a good command of written english.    To be computer literate and ideally have some experience of customer services. You will need a good telephone manner, be well organised and able to deal calmly with people who need assistance.


What we offer....
A good, working environment and a part time contract. Possibly leading to a full time position.
 
 
How To Apply

Please call Gary on 650 783 779 or email  gary.ingram@plus-four.com with the following putting "job offer" in the subject box.  Contact details including address, telephone number and email address and a CV if possible.

Wedding Planners, Photographers, Villas in Marbella

After my last newsletter, I have been inundated with emails.  People emailing offering advice, telling me about their own weddings, where they would  have liked to get Married, Photographers, Planners etc.

Here is a lovely page of personal stories and advice from people that have or wished they got married on the Costa del Sol.  Weddings in Marbella
Here some of the people that have contacted me...a list that may be useful if you are deciding to get married.

Once again thank you to all for emailing offering your services and especially to those (you know who you are) who have offered to simply help me in return for the help, information, or recommendation you have received from this blog.  Its appreciated.

http://www.caprichia.com/

Villa http://www.talk2sir.com/ reference 080

http://www.jjweddingphotography.com/

http://www.costadelsolweddings.es/

http://www.owenfarrellphotography.com/

http://www.ludwigstudios.co.uk/

New Paseo Connecting Puerto Banus with San Pedro

I just found these photos on my mobile, but they are of the new part of the Paseo between Puerto Banus and San Pedro.  The whole area has changed and its rather a nice place to walk along now.  There were still a few odd parts not finished but it does look good.

They have even sorted out the problem in front of the "Sean Connery" land and put a bridge with glass window.  (photo to come)

So you can walk pretty far along the paseo, with the bridge that has been built conecting Puerto Banus with Marbella, but there are a few places where you need to take a detour or go down some steps (if travelling by bike).  In front of Coral Beach is still a problem.

Driving Speed from 120 to 110

If you are arriving on holiday, be careful on the roads.  The speed limit has been reduced from 120 to 110kph.

The reason....to save fuel.

Babilonia Bar Puerto Banus

New Bar on Front Line, cant remember what was there before, maybe Taco Taco bar or something like that.

Now a very nice looking chilled out bar called Babilonia....not too sure if anything to do with Olivia Valere Babilonia...might be, might not...but here in Marbella, people do have a tendency to open things and allow people to assume they are part of a "bigger" brand.

Anyone knows anything about Babilonia Front Line Puerto Banus....leave a comment.

Mumbai Bar Puerto Banus

As just mentioned on Belstaff Puerto Banus post, lots of places on Puerto Banus Port opening and closing, it looks like Mumbai Bar has closed.

If it hasnt and you know more, please do leave a comment.

Belstaff Puerto Banus

Strolling along Puerto Banus the other day, lots of shops once again, closing and new ones taking their places.

Belstaff is the next big name to hit front line Puerto Banus.

For Belstaff Website click Here

Stuzzikini Marbella - Good Italian Restaurants Marbella

Saturday Night we happened to be in Marbella Old Town having come across the Carnival there.  We stumbled on Stuzzikini which was recommended to me just a few days beforehand.

From the outside, looks very quaint and small, lovely colours and atmosphere. On entering, was welcomed, all the staff very nice.  Because we didnt book and was given a table at the front and told that we had to give the table up for 930.  No prob... it was only 7.15pm.

First came some lovely bread with tomato and another with tuna...delicious.  Then our order was taken and we (2 adults 1 child) went for the chicken liver with onions and bacon on crostini, followed by 2 pizzas, margerita and then the fresh basic and mozzarella, 2 glasses of wine and a water.

Then some more bread was put on the table with a delicious olive oil and balsamic.  It was also delicious.

The chicken liver was amazing....I never eat stuff like this normally.  It was very very tasty.  The pizzas came and knew I should have ordered 1 pizza and 1 salad.  They were big (11").  Both were very good but the fresh mozzarella & basil was superb.  The whole pizza base was good to perfection and flavoured so well.

By the time we finished our pizzas, the restaurant started filling up.  Up until this time service had been really really good, then we seemed to be forgotton about a little.  We wanted to share 1 dessert and another bottle of water, but after waiting for quite a while for even eye contact in the end my husband had to get up and ask for the bill.  My daughter started to get very tired and I preferred to go.

Bill was about 26€uros for chicken livers, 2 pizzas, 2 glasses of wine and a water, plus all the delicious bread to start with. 

Regardless of how the service ended up, the food was great and it changes every week, its fresh, its delicious and what I loved was that everyones part of the team there, even the chef came out and gave us our pizza. 

Will we go back....100% yes.

Best Areas to Buy in Marbella

hi jo
We are French and we leave in aix en provence , I read always your blog and it is a pleasure   We want to live in Marbella about 5 years and we dont know where is a better place to buy ?

Center Town? Golden Mile? or Nueva Andalucia can you help me . we go at marbella one time by year and this year two time in May and July i have see that you rent an apartment but it was too late i have made my reservation may be next year scuse me for my poor english

Best regards




Dear R

Personally, I think you need to come and wander around all the areas for yourself.  If you dont know people urbanisations are a great way to meet people and not so lonely.

I have holiday apartment in La Maestranza, Nueva Andalucia, we lived there for 6 years and it was great....but in the end I was fed up living where many people came on holiday.

Marbella along the golden mile -  more people living there rather than on holiday.  If you can find a nice urbanisation which isnt too close to the Port will prbably be best.  La Maestranza is great and lots of people live there but come summer it can be noisy like many others.

Come, walk around and get a feeling for yourself.

Regards

Joanne

Casa Stores Closed

Hi  Jo,
Can you tell me if the Casa shops in La canada and San pedro are closed for good or just temporarily? I always love browsing through them and always leave with a large bag of goodies.
Thanks,

_______________________________________________



Dear N

As far as I know, the ones I know of have all closed.

I dont know what the website is to check.  Yes...I loved this shop too, always something to buy.

Regards

 Joanne

Nannies on the Costa Del Sol

Dear Jo,
I am now the editor of Confeti, a wedding magazine on the Coast. I have numerous brides asking for recommendations for a Nanny company that can look after the children while the wedding is taking place. Any ideas would be much appreciated.

Many thanks

Nicola xx

Cooks & Cleaners - How to get a Maid in Marbella

Dear Jo,

I subscribe to your website and thoroughly enjoy your newsletters.

We have a house on the coast which we rent at holiday time when it is too hot for us. This year we have ten guests coming from August 26th to September 10th and they would like someone to come and cook breakfast and clear away and shop for, cook and prepared an evening meal and clear away.

If you know of anyone who might offer this service can you let us know?

Best regards and thanks,

Good Painters and Cleaners in Nueva Andalucia

Hello Jo
Would you know of any good painter and honest cleaner. Our apartment is close to PYR hotel.
I could meet them in April when I am over.


I love your emails on the updates and good luck with the wedding :-)

Kind regards

Summer Work in Marbella

hey, i seen you e-mail on a website regarding nightclubs in marbella. me and my friend are coming over for summer and was wondering how id go about getting a job in a bar/nightclub for summer and wandered if you could help me. please get back to me if its not to much trouble.
becci

Please leave a comment if you can help.