As 2010 dawns to a close, we look forward to a prosperous 2011. Idealspain looks forward to a bright future and lots of new travels.
We would like to thank all our loyal readers and wish you all a very Happy New Year.
LATEST MAGAZINE PUBLISHED
The latest issue of the Idealspain magazine is published today and can be found here
It's packed with travel features, news and advice about Spain. There are a few new videos to see too. During 2011, the magazine will be published quarterly as Idealspain will be relocating and exploring a new part of Spain.
Best wishes
Steve and Sandra
Idealspain
Friday 31 December 2010
Sunday 12 December 2010
Our weekend travels
A weekend in Cadiz
Taking advantage of the warm December sunshine, we planned a weekend away in Cadiz. This wonderful southern city has always held an attraction for us but our last two visits were far too short.
You can’t help but love Cadiz whatever time of year; in the summer the beaches are unbelievably clean and draw huge crowds. In the winter, there’s nothing finer than exploring the historical city centre.
Over two days, we covered almost every square inch of the city, including all the plazas and parks, the two cathedrals, 11 churches, towers and so much more. We found Cadiz to be one of the cleanest cities we have ever been to and wherever we went we received a warm welcome.
Our hotel was just outside the city gates, in the new part of Cadiz. It was just a few minutes’ walk into the old part. The highlights of the trip were the Plaza Espana with its monument of huge proportions and a trip up to the top of the Tower de Poniente. Opened to the public this year for the first time.
See our video report here
Baelo Claudia – Roman city
On the way home from Cadiz we called in to see the Roman city of Baelo Claudia at Bolonia. This third century city, although in ruins, makes an interesting visit. The new visitors centre houses a museum of finds and with free entry for EU citizens so it’s great value too. We were a little disappointed that the staff wouldn’t let us into the complex with the video camera in order to make a video for the website. However, the problem was solved as we headed down to the beach where a perfect view of the city can be had. We ended up with a nice video after all.
Baelo Claudia is the most complete Roman city in the Iberian Peninsula and shows the forum, baths, market, stores and several temples.
See our video report here
Taking advantage of the warm December sunshine, we planned a weekend away in Cadiz. This wonderful southern city has always held an attraction for us but our last two visits were far too short.
You can’t help but love Cadiz whatever time of year; in the summer the beaches are unbelievably clean and draw huge crowds. In the winter, there’s nothing finer than exploring the historical city centre.
Over two days, we covered almost every square inch of the city, including all the plazas and parks, the two cathedrals, 11 churches, towers and so much more. We found Cadiz to be one of the cleanest cities we have ever been to and wherever we went we received a warm welcome.
Our hotel was just outside the city gates, in the new part of Cadiz. It was just a few minutes’ walk into the old part. The highlights of the trip were the Plaza Espana with its monument of huge proportions and a trip up to the top of the Tower de Poniente. Opened to the public this year for the first time.
See our video report here
Baelo Claudia – Roman city
On the way home from Cadiz we called in to see the Roman city of Baelo Claudia at Bolonia. This third century city, although in ruins, makes an interesting visit. The new visitors centre houses a museum of finds and with free entry for EU citizens so it’s great value too. We were a little disappointed that the staff wouldn’t let us into the complex with the video camera in order to make a video for the website. However, the problem was solved as we headed down to the beach where a perfect view of the city can be had. We ended up with a nice video after all.
Baelo Claudia is the most complete Roman city in the Iberian Peninsula and shows the forum, baths, market, stores and several temples.
See our video report here
Monday 6 December 2010
Bank holidays and local scum
Constitution Day (Día del Constitución)
The 6th December is a national holiday in Spain and marks the ratification of the new Spanish constitution of 1978 after the death of Franco. After the death of Franco in 1975 a general election was held in 1978 and the new parliament (Constituent Cortes) drafted a new Spanish constitution. This was eventually passed by King Juan Carlos on the 27th December and came into force on the 29th December.
Since that day, the 6th December has been a public holiday and 99% of businesses are closed. The Spanish use the day for family outings and the restaurants fill to capacity.
The 8th December is also a public holiday to mark the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. This means that the 7th December, in the middle, although not an official holiday, is also often taken as a day off. This is called a ‘puente’ or bridge.
Petty crime in Spain
Spain is no different to any other country, where petty crime is rife and tourists are often seen as easy targets. Tourists tend not to be as street wise as the locals and are often unaware of the typical methods used by street thieves. That’s not to say that locals are not at risk too. We, personally were subjected to a typical theft just this week.
Whilst sitting in a street café, my coat was placed on the back of the chair. A group of 3 Moroccan men came and sat behind me and placed their coats on the backs of the seats. They were only there 2-3 minutes and sat sipping water from bottles. Suddenly two of them got up and left in a hurry whilst one went to pay the bill inside.
A few moments later I realised that one of the men had dipped into my coat pocket and stolen my mobile phone.
We managed to get in touch with Vodafone within an hour and had the number blocked and the sim card replaced. This was made easy as I had kept the original sleeve in which the sim card came. This had the original serial number on it. Without this number it would have been impossible to stop the card and retrieve the number: a lesson to all.
Although losing a £100 mobile to a scumbag was difficult to swallow, I feel I came off lightly. It could easily have been my wallet.
This event has inspired me to re-write information about stolen mobiles on our website here and about stolen credit cards here.
The 6th December is a national holiday in Spain and marks the ratification of the new Spanish constitution of 1978 after the death of Franco. After the death of Franco in 1975 a general election was held in 1978 and the new parliament (Constituent Cortes) drafted a new Spanish constitution. This was eventually passed by King Juan Carlos on the 27th December and came into force on the 29th December.
Since that day, the 6th December has been a public holiday and 99% of businesses are closed. The Spanish use the day for family outings and the restaurants fill to capacity.
The 8th December is also a public holiday to mark the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. This means that the 7th December, in the middle, although not an official holiday, is also often taken as a day off. This is called a ‘puente’ or bridge.
Petty crime in Spain
Spain is no different to any other country, where petty crime is rife and tourists are often seen as easy targets. Tourists tend not to be as street wise as the locals and are often unaware of the typical methods used by street thieves. That’s not to say that locals are not at risk too. We, personally were subjected to a typical theft just this week.
Whilst sitting in a street café, my coat was placed on the back of the chair. A group of 3 Moroccan men came and sat behind me and placed their coats on the backs of the seats. They were only there 2-3 minutes and sat sipping water from bottles. Suddenly two of them got up and left in a hurry whilst one went to pay the bill inside.
A few moments later I realised that one of the men had dipped into my coat pocket and stolen my mobile phone.
We managed to get in touch with Vodafone within an hour and had the number blocked and the sim card replaced. This was made easy as I had kept the original sleeve in which the sim card came. This had the original serial number on it. Without this number it would have been impossible to stop the card and retrieve the number: a lesson to all.
Although losing a £100 mobile to a scumbag was difficult to swallow, I feel I came off lightly. It could easily have been my wallet.
This event has inspired me to re-write information about stolen mobiles on our website here and about stolen credit cards here.
Wednesday 1 December 2010
A rainy day on the Costa del Sol
What to do on a wet day in Spain?
We decided to visit the Museum of Fuengirola. Not the biggest museum in Spain but a nice visit anyway.
The entry fee is just €2
There are several rooms of exhibits and the museum centres around the Venus of Fuengirola, a Roman statue discovered in the 70's when excavations were underway for the new railway. There's also an original Jabega on display - a fishing boat typical of this area.
The only fault with the museum is that there are no notes in English.
See our video of our visit here
We decided to visit the Museum of Fuengirola. Not the biggest museum in Spain but a nice visit anyway.
The entry fee is just €2
There are several rooms of exhibits and the museum centres around the Venus of Fuengirola, a Roman statue discovered in the 70's when excavations were underway for the new railway. There's also an original Jabega on display - a fishing boat typical of this area.
The only fault with the museum is that there are no notes in English.
See our video of our visit here
Friday 26 November 2010
Don't organise a street party !
Oh my.... I know that the UK has already strangled itself with the red tape and red tape but is this a step too far?
With the Royal wedding fast approaching, it's just been discovered that in order to organise a street party within your local community, you have to get a handful of permissions, complete pages of forms and pay huge fees to the council.
What has happened to good old community spirit?
This is just one more reason why we are so glad we left the UK before it sinks.
Can you imagine what would happen if every fiesta in Spain had to go through that kind of procedure? This could be seen as good reason to start a civil war.
Can the UK actually back-peddle and remove all these 'nanny state' restrictions?
What exactly can you do in the UK to have fun?
In the event of a Royal wedding in Spain, the country would come to a standstill and the authorities would join in the street parties. Life should contain at least a a little fun.
Long live the fiesta !!
With the Royal wedding fast approaching, it's just been discovered that in order to organise a street party within your local community, you have to get a handful of permissions, complete pages of forms and pay huge fees to the council.
What has happened to good old community spirit?
This is just one more reason why we are so glad we left the UK before it sinks.
Can you imagine what would happen if every fiesta in Spain had to go through that kind of procedure? This could be seen as good reason to start a civil war.
Can the UK actually back-peddle and remove all these 'nanny state' restrictions?
What exactly can you do in the UK to have fun?
In the event of a Royal wedding in Spain, the country would come to a standstill and the authorities would join in the street parties. Life should contain at least a a little fun.
Long live the fiesta !!
Friday 19 November 2010
Back to the grindstone
What a fabulous trip away but nice to get back to the office.
Our research trip took in over 1,500 miles and cities such as Tarragona, Alicante and valencia. We called in at lots of towns such as Vilanova, Denia, Calpe, Casteldelfels and Altafulla.
All our reports will be published in the next Idealspain magazine as well as on the website.
Our research trip took in over 1,500 miles and cities such as Tarragona, Alicante and valencia. We called in at lots of towns such as Vilanova, Denia, Calpe, Casteldelfels and Altafulla.
All our reports will be published in the next Idealspain magazine as well as on the website.
Saturday 13 November 2010
Higher still
We've driven well today and made it as far as the outskirts of Barcelona. We have explored Casteldelfels and weren't that impressed. Certainly not the nicest place to live. It looks like this is where those city slickers from Barcelona spend the weekends.
From here we went back south slightly and ended up in a little town called Vilanova, right on the coast. We will spend the night here tonight and explore in the morning. It looks like there's a nice marina and seafront. The hotels in this area are expensive compared to those on the southern coast which is a surprise. Sandra awarded a bar in Sitges an award day - the most expensive gin and tonic in Spain. The Macciato bar on the Paseo Maritimo in Sitges deserves the award for charging 7.50 euros. You should avoid this bar if money means anything to you.
From here we went back south slightly and ended up in a little town called Vilanova, right on the coast. We will spend the night here tonight and explore in the morning. It looks like there's a nice marina and seafront. The hotels in this area are expensive compared to those on the southern coast which is a surprise. Sandra awarded a bar in Sitges an award day - the most expensive gin and tonic in Spain. The Macciato bar on the Paseo Maritimo in Sitges deserves the award for charging 7.50 euros. You should avoid this bar if money means anything to you.
Friday 12 November 2010
Exploring north
It's a bit colder in Alicante tonight rather than Marbella. We are heading north towards Barcelona and exploring new towns along the way.
When we return in a few days time we will have lots of new reports on the website.
It took about five hours to get to Alicante but was a pleasant drive. Alicante is very quiet this time of year and we have no trouble finding a hotel at a good price. Tonight we are staying at the northern end of the city, close to the beach. Tomorrow we head for Valencia.
When we return in a few days time we will have lots of new reports on the website.
It took about five hours to get to Alicante but was a pleasant drive. Alicante is very quiet this time of year and we have no trouble finding a hotel at a good price. Tonight we are staying at the northern end of the city, close to the beach. Tomorrow we head for Valencia.
Wednesday 10 November 2010
iPad jailbreak for 3.2.2
Oh how I love those friendly geeks who spend their lives hacking and cracking. Can't believe that the new OS for the iPad (3.2.2) has been cracked at last. GeoHot has liberated my iPad at last and poked Apple in the eye.
Without these clever hackers the world would be so different and freedom of choice would be non existent.
Long live the hacker and mu iPad. Down to Apple now to try to patch the latest jailbreak.
Without these clever hackers the world would be so different and freedom of choice would be non existent.
Long live the hacker and mu iPad. Down to Apple now to try to patch the latest jailbreak.
Saturday 6 November 2010
A wonderful day out
Malaga Car Museum
What a superb day out at this new museum - the Museo de Automoviles in Malaga. This museum is located in the enewly refurbished tobacco factory and has a huge collection of important motor vehicles representing more than 100 years of driving.
Entry to the museum is just 6€ or 3€ for pensioners, which represents excellent value for money.
See the Idealspain video here
Wednesday 3 November 2010
Chestnut harvest time in Pujerra
A day out in Pujerra in Andalucia to see the chestnut harvest
Pujerra is known as the chestnut capital of Andalucia and today we went to find out how they process the chestnuts in this tiny village
The whole area is covered with chestnut trees and most of the village work in the industry at harvest time. On the 1st of November it's the annual fiesta for the chestnut (Castanos) and the village truly comes alive.
We were invited into the village cooperative to see how the chestnuts are processed before being sold all over Spain. Roasted chestnuts are a delicasy in Spain and they are also used in cakes and purees.
Whilst walking round the village a local lady comes out and presents us with a plate of cakes, much to Sandras' delight.
See the video of our day out here
Tuesday 2 November 2010
Idealspain Magazine - Latest free issue
December magazine online now
The latest issue of the Idealspain Magazine is now online and it's FREE to read as usual
The Christmas special is packed with 30 pages of features and articles including reports from our recent tours including Malaga, Trujillo, Albacete and much more
There's a timely feature about skiing in Spain as the Sierra Nevada opens its doors and a great survival guide to living in Spain over the winter. As always there's lots of multi-media content including our latest videos of Spain
Make sure you read your copy here
Friday 29 October 2010
Time to take the rock tour
Gibraltar day out
We have been to Gibraltar dozens of times and took the tour of the rock many years ago. It's not really something you would want to do on a regular basis and isn't the cheapest of days out. However, with a few hours to spare this week we decided to take the tour once again, this time armed with the video camera and we're so pleased we did.
The tour costs £10 per vehicle and £2 per person but you can spend as much time on the rock as you like throughout the day. The price includes a visit to the tunnels, St.Michael's Cave, the fortress and a few small exhibitions. You also have the chance to see the famous Gibraltar apes. You have to mind where you park though when you get to the apes or they will pounce on you and start to dismantle your car.
We were fortunate enough to time the visit with a landing at Gibraltar airport so got some great video of the Easyjet Gatwick flight landing. This airport is the only one in the world where the traffic has to stop to let planes cross the road. This won't be the case for long though. Gibraltar will very shortly have a tunnel that goes under the runway. 
See the video of the plane landing here
The rock tour is something that everyone should do at least once when visiting Gibraltar. See for yourself with our short video guide here. We were lucky enough to see the apes violently brawling and caught it all on video.Sunday 24 October 2010
Malaga airport museum
I've been past it a thousand times and never had the time to go and have a look. Today I changed all that and made the effort. It's not the biggest museum but it's interesting all the same and it's free to look round. I've put together a short video of the highlights.
Wednesday 20 October 2010
My Epson printer has finally died
It's a sad day today....
My trusty Epson R265 has finally died after three years of service. Admitedly, we converted it to use a continuous ink system when we bought it so we have saved thousands of pounds, but alas, we couldn't beat the greedy giant, Epson in the end.
It seems that all Epson printers have a self-destruct facility built in. When Epson think you need to give them £50, the printer tells you the ink pads are full. It refuses to work until you take it to Epson and pay them to replace the pads.... even if they are not really full.
How can this be legal I ask?
The printer was only £50 to buy new so.... we throw them away, filling our landfill and buy another one. I think Epson should pay a huge tax on landfill due to their greedy tactics.
Anyhow, that's my moan for the day as I bid farewell to my Epson and I've just installed a new HP 5460. Let's see how long that lasts before HP start demanding money for services that are not really neccessary.
My trusty Epson R265 has finally died after three years of service. Admitedly, we converted it to use a continuous ink system when we bought it so we have saved thousands of pounds, but alas, we couldn't beat the greedy giant, Epson in the end.
It seems that all Epson printers have a self-destruct facility built in. When Epson think you need to give them £50, the printer tells you the ink pads are full. It refuses to work until you take it to Epson and pay them to replace the pads.... even if they are not really full.
How can this be legal I ask?
The printer was only £50 to buy new so.... we throw them away, filling our landfill and buy another one. I think Epson should pay a huge tax on landfill due to their greedy tactics.
Anyhow, that's my moan for the day as I bid farewell to my Epson and I've just installed a new HP 5460. Let's see how long that lasts before HP start demanding money for services that are not really neccessary.
Sunday 17 October 2010
Battle of Fuengirola 1810-2010
The Battle of Fuengirola 200 year bi-centenary
Re-enactment 2010
This weekend saw the 200th year since the Battle of Fuengirola took place at Sohail Castle.
This important event in history was marked with a huge re-enactment of the battle.
Idealspain had two video crews and two photographers there all weekend and have produced more than 500 colour photographs and a two hour DVD that is available online.
Thursday 14 October 2010
Our day in Malaga
Today we spent the day exploring Malaga city. Arriving refreshed by train was excellent and avoided the hassle of parking the car.
Our first port of call was the tourist office where we collected a street plan. Our walking route started at the Cathedral, then the castle and Roman theatre.
From here we explored the back streets, taking in an excellent tapas bar.
Our video shows the highlights of our visit to this wonderful Andalucian city
What a wonderful day - see the video here
Gibraltar for the day
A day in Gibraltar
Yesterday was yet another cloudy day in southern Spain but we decided to head for Gibraltar for the day. The cooler temperatures of October make exploring much easier. Gibraltar was as busy as it always is and coaches were pouring in. The queue at the border was about 30 minutes so not too bad. Once in, we parked in Morrisions after filling up with cheap diesel and collecting some cheap cigarettes. They are still just £1.50 a packet and deisel remains under £1 per litre.
We drove towards Europa Point where we made a short video. It shows the Trinity Lighthouse, the Mosque and views to Africa. See the video here.
Our next trip is a day in Malaga city.
Tuesday 12 October 2010
Last day of the feria
Today, the 2010 Fuengirola feria comes to a close.
The final event is a mass at the Church of Carmen this morning in honour of the Virgen del Pilar, the Patroness of Aragon.
The service will be followed by an exhibition of Aragonese folk dances in the Plaza de Espana.
The 10 day feria has been hailed as a huge success despite the economic downturn.
The final event is a mass at the Church of Carmen this morning in honour of the Virgen del Pilar, the Patroness of Aragon.
The service will be followed by an exhibition of Aragonese folk dances in the Plaza de Espana.
The 10 day feria has been hailed as a huge success despite the economic downturn.
Sunday 10 October 2010
Bullfighting on horseback
Idealspain visits a bullfight
Idealspain went to see the bullfighting on horseback today
See our video here
Saturday 9 October 2010
Bulls saved - for today anyway
Today is the bullfighting day for Fuengirola feria on the Costa del Sol and 5 bulls were due to fight this afternoon, however the first heavy rain of the year has been falling all day and the bullfight has been postponed
At present it's unsure how long it will be before the bull's fate is arranged
The bullfight in Fuengirola is one of the most important of the year and tickets were practically sold out, despite the cost. The best seats are 120€ each. Sunday was supposed to be bullfighting on horseback but this too may have to be cancelled
Meanwhile the feria will continue until next Tuesday. It's quite common for the Costa del Sol to be hit by rain at this time of year and it's not the first time Fuengirola feria has been affected
Friday 8 October 2010
Latest Idealspain Magazine available free now
The latest issue of the Idealspain Magazine
Is now available online and it's FREE to read
Packed with information about Spain and our travels
This month we visit Carmona, Benalmadena, Cuenca, Segovia, Guadalupe and more
News from Spain over the last month
Tips on life in Spain
and much more ......... Read it online here
Thursday 7 October 2010
Flamenco dresses out in force at the 2010 feria
Thursday night and we make another visit to the 2010 feria in Fuengirola
Now all the girls are in flamenco dresses... the Andalucian horses are out and the sun's still shining at 7pm
Have alook at the latest video at today's feria here
The 2010 Fuengirola Feria is well underwayThis week we have been busy filming and photographing the 2010 Fuengirola Feria. This is one of the largest ferias on the Costa del Sol and is a classic example of how the Spanish love to party and show off.
Our videos include the build up to the feria, the opening ceremony and switching on of the lights as well as the traditional Flamenco Mass on Thursday 7th October.
The feria is full of colour, music and tradition.
You can see our series of videos, uploaded within an hour of the event, here
Idealspain magazine
The latest issue of the magazine is almost ready for publication. Packed with features and stories about our travels, it's availabe online free of charge.
Read the latest issue here
Wednesday 21 July 2010
Updates from Sunny Spain
Flamenco weekend
What a wonderful weekend we had; we stumbled upon a genuine flamenco show in a tiny Andalucian village. We were the only foreigners there and the Spanish villagers made us so welcome. The flamenco was filled with so much passion it brought us to tears
Latest magazine
Our latest issue of the Idealspain Magazine is just a day or so away from publication. The magazine is our biggest ever issue and is packed with new features and stories. It's available free of charge online at www.idealspain.com
Fish supper
A taste of real Spain last night; the sword fish was so fresh. What a wonderful meal and the ocean lapping at our ankles. Oh how we love the food in Spain
New horizons
This weekend we are planning a trip to Almeria to explore a few new towns that we have misses. The reports will be published on the website next week and in the September issue of the Idealspain Magazine. We will tell it exactly how it is, as usual
Baking
We cooking now as the weather hits over 40 degrees. It hasn't rained for 12 weeks. Struggling a bit but thank heaven for air conditioning
What a wonderful weekend we had; we stumbled upon a genuine flamenco show in a tiny Andalucian village. We were the only foreigners there and the Spanish villagers made us so welcome. The flamenco was filled with so much passion it brought us to tears
Latest magazine
Our latest issue of the Idealspain Magazine is just a day or so away from publication. The magazine is our biggest ever issue and is packed with new features and stories. It's available free of charge online at www.idealspain.com
Fish supper
A taste of real Spain last night; the sword fish was so fresh. What a wonderful meal and the ocean lapping at our ankles. Oh how we love the food in Spain
New horizons
This weekend we are planning a trip to Almeria to explore a few new towns that we have misses. The reports will be published on the website next week and in the September issue of the Idealspain Magazine. We will tell it exactly how it is, as usual
Baking
We cooking now as the weather hits over 40 degrees. It hasn't rained for 12 weeks. Struggling a bit but thank heaven for air conditioning
Wednesday 14 July 2010
Fiesta del Carmen on the Costa del Sol
This weekend sees the annual Feria in the Los Boliches part of Fuengirola. Carmen is the patron saint of the fishermen.
The weekend will be marked by a fairground in the town, lots of concerts, parties and games on the beach.
On Saturday the statue of Carmen will be brought out of the local church, paraded through the town and let along the beach to the sea.
This will give the fishermen a whole year's good luck.
The weekend will be marked by a fairground in the town, lots of concerts, parties and games on the beach.
On Saturday the statue of Carmen will be brought out of the local church, paraded through the town and let along the beach to the sea.
This will give the fishermen a whole year's good luck.
Behind the times no more
Ok so we've been so busy touring Spain and writing about our travel exploits that the modern world has whizzed past us. We've realised that we should be telling the world about our travels not only through our website but using social media, hence, then new blog.
You might find it amusing for a while until we get the hang of it but eventually we hope to write as we travel
You will be fascinated by some of the stories
You might find it amusing for a while until we get the hang of it but eventually we hope to write as we travel
You will be fascinated by some of the stories
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