Beach Life Orihuela Costa and Costa Calida

ILASIK Laser Vision Correction

2008-10-25T07:35:00.003+02:00

Do you wear glasses and wished you didn't need to.
I had a friend who couldn't even see to find her glasses in the morning. Her world changed once she had received laser vision eye correction. Technology has advanced in this field and it is now possible to correct eyesight by laser that gives 20/20 vision correction. The US military and NASA used this system for personnel who needed mission critical perfect eyesight. The system they used is called Lasik also know as iLASIK procedure is a technology which involves two lasers to do the procedure instead of one. The first laser uses wave front mapping and maps the unique characteristics of the persons' eyes and creates a corneal flap. The wave front mapping data guides the second laser for vision correction.This system is exceptionally safe and has been validated both by the DOD and NASA and is quoted as exceeding all established forms of safety and effectiveness.
95% of 100 military personnel having received this form of vision correction had achieved 20/20 vision or better.
Mr Steven Schallhorn, M.D., a retired U.S. Navy captain and leader of clinical research and studies done for the DOD regarding the use of LASIK. He is quoted as saying “technologically speaking, there is no better time than now to join the over 12 million Americans who have benefited from LASIK."

LASIK information
LASIK technology

Bad weather

2008-10-24T23:43:00.002+02:00

We are currently experiencing a bout of squally weather here in the Costas. Lots of rain,and plenty of wind. The seas are rough and grey and the skies more or less match. Occasionally the sun shines and you need to grab your sunglasses. Otherwise it is duvet weather. The beach bar is still open but not for long. It will disappear by the end of the month. So if you are about to depart from the UK or Northern europe to these parts bring an umbrella and rain jacket, just in case.

Readers Digest Widgets

2008-10-09T18:27:00.011+02:00

I recall Readers Digest from my youth when every month a new brown cardboard wrapped book would arrive in the post addressed to my parents. How times have changed. They now have a very snazzy website, with so many things to keep everyone entertained. If you have personal webspace it´s the ideal place to look for ideas to blog about.You can add free widgets and downloads from the website ReadersDigest.com Widgets
and can choose from the following:
Word Power - With Word Power you can build your vocabulary and challenge your friends and readers to beat your score.

Daily laughs - Daily laughs is a widget featuring funny photos, cartoons, jokes and videos to lighten up your day - check out Funny Cartoons or look at RD Laughs Main
Facebook 'prop my photo'- is a widget which allows you to add funny props to your profile pics. The finished product can then be entered into a competition for the funniest photo. [This is only possible with Facebook and not other social networking sites.]
Toolbar - The toolbar widget allows easy access to all of the Readers Digest articles and information at the touch of a button. Dowloadable with Internet Explorer and Firefox.The widgets are simple to install - 'grab.' So if you are looking for a way to entertain your readers I can recommend Readers Digest widgets and downloads.Also see Stand-up Videos

The Celtic Isle car boot sales

2008-10-06T21:16:00.003+02:00

Yes it's on, no it isn't. Well it was up and running every Wednesday until a couple of months ago when all of the table top/car boot sales operated in this area. However, the ayuntamiento [Town hall] decreed that all existing licenses had expired and they would not renewing them in the future. The rumour was that many traders were selling new items, thus using these mini markets to trade without registering as businesses in Spain. The legitimate businesses had complained because they had to pay for overheads and found it hard to compete.
However, last week there was a surprising u-turn. The Celtic Isle had obtained new paperwork and opened its doors once again to it's Wednesday market. However, mid way through the morning something bizarre happened. The Guardia Civil turned up and closed it down.
The phrase 'The left hand doesn't know what the right hands doing' springs to mind.'
That's Spain for you!

Coast of dreams TV Documentary

2008-09-29T14:49:00.002+02:00

This is currently being advertised locally
"A NEW DOCUMENTARY SERIES WANTS TO HEAR FROM BRITS IN TORREVIEJA…CHASING THE DREAM: Do you know a British family or couple who are about to make the big move to the Torrevieja area? If you/they are ‘upping sticks’ in the next couple of months, or have recently moved over to Spain, then we would love to hear from you.STARTING A NEW BUSINESS: Are you embarking on the ultimate challenge, putting it all on the line to be your own boss? If you’re starting a new venture in Spain - or have launched one in the last year or so we’d love to hear all about it.MORE THAN YOU BARGAINED FOR: Have you found that Spain is not what you expected? If you are fighting to stay where you are, or are considering leaving Spain behind then please get in touch.If any of the above sounds like you or someone you know, then please send an email telling us a bit about yourself to: coastofdreams@studiolambert.com.Alternatively call us on 0207 534 2016 and we will call you back.(Calls from the UK charged at standard rates on BT landlines – calls from mobile networks and overseas phone providers may be considerably more)."
Yet another program on this area of Spain.

APAH Dog Rescue

2008-09-26T12:12:00.002+02:00

If you find an abandoned dog, your first step should be to go the your local vets and they will check to see if the dog has a microchip. If the dog has, the vet will endeavor to contact the owner. However, if the dog is not chipped, do not take it to the local police because it is their policy to put the dog down if not one comes for it in 5 days.

I recommend you contact one of the dog charities. My local charity is APAH Dog rescue. They are based in Pilar de la Horadada. They are a charity who do an amazing job rescuing the many stray or unwanted dogs in this area.

If you are able to foster or want a dog or your own they always have a good selection from which to choose from from puppies to older dogs.

Visit their website here

Washingtonias

2008-09-26T11:56:00.003+02:00

One of the most popular palm trees here in the Orihuela Costa are the 'The Washingtonias' also known as the Desert Fan Palm.

They love this climate. These tall and majestic palms can reach a height of 25m. Once a year small white flowers form which turn into black seeds. These seeds are easy to germinate. Many have done so in my own garden where I have small palms growing in many of my flower borders and pots.

The dead leaves hang down and form a skirt, however ours are trimmed once a year to keep them looking their best.

They are a protected species and you have involve the local authorities if you want one removed.

Torrevieja market

2008-09-26T09:12:00.002+02:00

On Friday there is a market in Torrevieja. It is quite large and rambles over quite a number of streets at the back of Torrevieja, away from the sea, close to the Guardia civil main office. The market is separated by product i.e The fruit and veg stalls are grouped together, etc. It is quite easy to spend the morning rambling through it. If you don't go until mid to late morning expect crowds, particularly in high season. Hang onto your handbag, girls and men for that matter. They are police roaming around to deter pickpockets or bag snatchers, but it can still happen.

Tony's Soccer School

2008-09-25T17:51:00.002+02:00

If you have children aged from about 5 upwards and they want to play football. I can recommend Tony's soccer school. The children can train and play on weekends and some weeknights. It is based in Mil Palmeras where it is flood lit for those dark winter nights.
Tony's email address is me@thepickfords.fsnet.co.uk if you need any information.

Moors and Christians - Cartagena

2008-09-25T17:46:00.003+02:00

This weekend in Cartagena the Moors and Christians festival will take place. The events start tomorrow. This is quite a tourist attraction with coach tours advertising trips over this weekend. If you have a chance to go post your review here. Alas, I cannot go, but would love to hear about the events.

Telemicro

2008-09-25T17:38:00.002+02:00

Has Telemicro gone for good?

There has been a lot of speculation over the last couple of months of it's demise and possible/not possible return.

The story has gone quiet over the last two weeks and I have read nothing positive in the press, so I'm assuming the future for them looks bleak.

I am not affected presently as I use Torresat for my TV needs. Will they be next?

Favourite Spanish Food

2008-09-25T12:50:00.004+02:00

My favourite Spanish food is tapas. 'Tapas' means little plate and I love to taste numerous dishes which on their own don't fill you up which means you can have a selectionof different flavours.
I particularly like:
1. Garlic prawns.
2. Pork in tomato sauce.
3. Sepia [Cuttle fish] cooked with oil and garlic - great for dipping with crusty bread
4. Sardines
5. Calamares [squid] Deep fried in a light batter.

All rounded off with a glass of Rioja.
What's your favourite?

Torrevieja's Proposed High Rise Revamp

2008-09-25T12:26:00.002+02:00

There are plans a foot to build high rise blocks in Torrevieja. Currently there is a limit to the number of floors which can be built. I believe this number is 5. The plan is to build blocks with 28 floors. This, considering the problems with the credit crunch, over development and the area's propensity for earth tremors seems a little ridiculous. If anyone wants to see the plans go to the ayuntamiento in Torrevieja.

Earth tremor

2008-09-25T12:03:00.002+02:00

Yesterday at about 1700 hours there was an earth tremour. It is not recorded on the Instituto Geografico Nacional which means it must have been less than 1.5 on the richter scale. Nevertheless to experience it is a little disturbing. That is until you look at the Instituto's website. There are maps which show where these earth tremors occur. The main map is covered with tiny dots, each one representing a tremor event. There are hundreds of dots.

Rain and Drains

2008-09-25T11:54:00.002+02:00

A little bit of rain here floods the drains and makes roads turn into rivers. Well actually it's not so much a 'little bit of rain' but a torrential downpour from anything from 10 minutes to 2 hours. It's all or nothing here. Either full on sun or monsoon. It is very rare that it ever drizzles. The last couple of days has brought floods to roads everywhere. The knock on effect is that my tumble dryer is no longer redundant.

David Miliband

2008-09-23T20:25:00.004+02:00

I saw David Miliband on the TV last night. Now normally I do not get involved with politics, but I feel this is worthy of comment. He was addressing an audience of party members. I closely watched him through the news report and his stance and mannerisms revealed to me of a very condescending nature. His back was hunched and it appeared that he was addressing a group of naughty children rather than his contemporaries.

I am well aware that politicians get coaching on how to present their speeches and body language. They are also taught to deliver words in 2 or 3 word groups only, for emphasise and ease of understanding by their audiences. However, this staged approach on how to control the nation is wearing a little thin for me.

Schools Orihuela Costa

2008-09-23T20:14:00.003+02:00

There is a rumour that the new secondary school for this area has started to be built. We have waited years for this moment but no- one I know knows it's location. The rumour goes that the first stone has been laid. I think I will approach one of the local newspapers tomorrow to find out more info and report on it pronto.
The current school in Playa Flamenca is partly made up of temporary Porta cabins. The main part of the school is built on the edge of a ravine in which it is slowly sliding down. One day it will have disappeared completely.
Personally I have given up on the state secondary system also known as the instituto. Unless things improve I am looking elsewhere for education for my children.

UK Weather

2008-09-23T20:10:00.002+02:00

Everyone I have spoken to recently has complained about the UK weather. My mum told me she has had the heating on this week which when you live here seems quite odd. I have had the aircon on at night to cool the bedroom down because it's still quite stuffy, especially when a thunderstorm is brewing. the days have not been so bad bu the nights have been only 8 degrees. Snuggling under the duvet weather. When it finally arrives here I 'm quite looking forward to it. [How does the saying go?] You can take a girl out of the UK but not the UK out of a girl.

Gran Chino - Rioja and Torre de la Horadada

2008-09-23T19:59:00.004+02:00

One of our favourite Chinese restaurants is the Gran Chino restaurant in Rioja. It offers it's cheapest 3 course menu with wine, beer or soft drink for €6.85. The quality of the food is very good, always fresh and edible. However, we can equally recommend it's sister restaurant, the Gran Chino in Torre de la Horadada, which is lesser known and offers the same menu for €4.95. That is a real bargain. The only downside is that the spring rolls are not quite as good [ lacking in meat]. Order the Wan Ton soup if you are really hungry - guaranteed to fill you up. They do an extra menu at this one which offers for €6.75 for a 3 course with wine, beer, soft drink and double combo main course including king prawns or duck for this price. This is a real bargain.

Chez Restaurant - Villa Martin Plaza

2008-09-23T19:51:00.002+02:00

A couple of weeks ago we ate in Chez, Villa Martin. We had been recommended it by a number of people. To be honest we were disappointed. When we arrived it was fairly quiet with piped Spanish music and attentive service. Alls well so far. We thought we would treat ourselves to steaks. These were not a good as we were expecting in terms of flavour and options on the menu. They were entrecote and served with cold peppers from a jar. We have had better elsewhere. The atmosphere changed when the live entertainment started. A Spanish singer with a Spanish guitar. It started well with a few low key instrumentals but soon became hideous when he attempted to stand up and belt out Elvis numbers! the place soon filled up with diners. If we ever return I will not order steak!

Coastal Walks

2008-09-23T19:20:00.006+02:00

There's a brill walk you can do on the coast path around Cabo Roig. It offers good exercise as it's not on the flat and also great views. You see the sea crashing beneath you and it takes you past the military base, where you may even get to see fit young men on manoeuvres, wearing wetsuits, diving into the sea off of the cliff, or parachuting into the sea from military planes. It is possible to walk from Cala Capitan around to La Goleta beach. It is also possible to drop down into the marina for a coffee or snack on the way.

Thunderstorms

2008-09-23T19:09:00.003+02:00

I love thunderstorms. We had a big one on Sunday night, which brought clean rain. This is the rain I like the best. It doesn't make a mess of your car, patio, window surrounds and washing that you may have left out overnight, because here you get complaisant about those sort of things. They have been brewing up over the last couple of days. You can sometimes hear a rumble of thunder in the distance. I think we may get another good storm tonight. The Doodle is following me around which is a good indication. She hates thunderstorms.

Cala Capitan beach

2008-09-23T18:51:00.004+02:00

The beach looks lovely today. It gets combed every morning in the summer season, from March through to the end of October, whilst the beach bar is still there. I am still not walking the dog on it, as it's not permitted. A few other dog walkers are. We do in the mid winter when no-ones about. We are very particular about leaving only our footprints and the doodle [Labradoodle] loves the sea on calm winter days and loves to run around in circles on the beach. It's such an invigorating place in the winter when its either windy or it's calm. Most holiday makers never see it at it's best. I definitely recommend it as a place to visit.

Lists

2008-09-23T18:45:00.001+02:00

Lists - I like lists. They stop me from forgetting things. We are a household of listers. Husband does numerous lists and I do a lesser amount unless it's Christmas or we are going on a trip and I have to organise everyones things to take. Lists are invaluable.
What do you like to write lists about?

Motivation

2008-09-23T16:52:00.003+02:00

I'm back. I haven't blogged on this for quite a while. There will be regular posts on here in the future.
I've been reading up on motivation.
There are 5 key elements:
1. Tune into your feelings.
2. Work out where you want to be or what you want to achieve.
3. Focus - Concentrate on one thing at a time.
4. Write a list of things you want to achieve week by week of even day by day.
5. Get on with it and have fun on the journey. If it's not fun don't do it.
Bye for now!

Los Cucalos - Menu del Dia and beyond

2006-05-25T21:47:00.000+02:00

You probably wonder why if you are a reader of my blogs why 'menu del dia' features on a regular basis. Well, the reasons are these:

1. The kids are at school. So, peaceful lunches, with no indigestion, well not from the kids interruptions/bad behavior - anyway!
2. They offer good value for money. You barely need to eat again for the rest of the day!
3. The choice is immense. Every Spanish restaurant that I am aware of does a menu del dia. Although the food on offer is fairly similar. Catering to the local workers who enjoy good wholesome food. You can tell the better ones because they are full of local workers, mainly males working in the construction industry. The larger restaurants offer a separate areas for workers and tourists/locals/foreigners.

Anyway that is where Los Cucalos comes in. It's a very large Spanish restaurant with a conservatory area and a separate playground for the kids if they do come with you.
Lunch was: Starters Entremeses or lentil soup. Mains: Roast lamb, beef in sauce or Hake. We both had coldmeats/cheeses - Entremeses and Lamb. Lamb came with chips. There was the usual salad and bread and we also had alioli [garlic mayonnaise] - yum. Pudding [postre] was the usual offering rice pudding [arroz], a Spanish form of bread and butter pudding, ice cream [helado] followed by coffee. Half a bottle of vino each or solft drink, beer or water. All for 9 Euros.

This restaurant's normal menu in the evening and is very good if you have kids because they can go off a play in the playground. I can personally recommend any of the fish dishes, my favourite being sole in Almond sauce and also their meats are very good. Leg of lamb is only if you have a large appetite. The steaks are good and also the pork in mustard sauce.
Puddings are not bad. The best I think was banana crepes but only if you are still hungry. The paella was typical for the region which means it is cooked in quite a heavy stock. Personally, I prefer paellas not from this region, the lighter ones. But, each to their own!

Los Cucalos means Miner birds. Their is one in a cage in the entrance who occasionally squawks.

How to get there:
From La Zenia roundabout on the N332 go to towards Villa Martin. Go over the bridge which goes over the AP7 Motorway and at the mini roundabout go left [2nd exit]. Now go straight. The road forks and appears to turn into a dirt track. Take the track Los Cucalos is a building on it's own with a mural painted on the side wall.

Bon appetite!

"Your standard of living rises, but your standards drop!"

2006-05-23T22:33:00.000+02:00

I once asked a British resident in the Costas "How would you sum up living in Spain?"

I was told "Your standard of living rises, but your standards drop!"

I pondered on the statement prior to moving to Spain, and I really never understood it until I had been here several months.

Living here is substantially cheaper than living in the UK. [30% - 40%]. Which means that it is possible to live on just one income meaning that living here means I can spend more time with my two children. Eating out and entertainment is far cheaper and there is a great choice. You can luxuriate in the time you now have, relax and learn to enjoy life.

On the minus side: standards on many levels are below par. A few examples that spring particularly to mind are:
Attitude to Service or rather lack of it. Service is a foreign word to the Spanish It is strained if you're lucky or more often non-existent. You get used to the Spanish shrug of shoulders, with the turning down of the mouth and the dismissive grunt. I really feel the Spanish need to take a leaf out of the Americans' book of attentive reliable service.
Broken promises by any tradesman/shops regarding delivery dates and times, and non-returned promised phone calls by the same are the norm. You will have to chase, chase, chase unless they need paying that is.
Do not expect anything to be done in one day.

You need to take a leaf out of the Spaniards' book: eat, drink and be merry and leave the worrying for manana!

Gran china Restaurant - Rioja

2006-05-18T20:43:00.000+02:00

I can recommend the Gran China Restaurant in Rioja commercial centre. Rioja, for those who are not aware is between Los Dolses and Villamartin.

Tonight we went for their 'Menu del Dia'. Many Chinese restaurants offer similar menus for very few Euros. This is one that I particularly like.

Menu included:
Starter - Choice of:4 different soups,Spring roll, Fried won ton or Chinese salad.
Mains - One choice of:Chicken with almonds, hot sauce, sweet and sour or curry sauce. Fried chicken balls or roast chicken leg. Chop suey,Beef chop suey. Beef with bamboo and Chinese mushrooms. Beef with onion, or hot sauce. Omelet with ham. Fried spare ribs. Sweet and sour pork. Pork chop.
Choice of:3 rice delicious[ a bit like special fried rice], boiled rice, noodles or chips.
Choice of:Half a bottle wine, beer, soft drink, or water.
Choice of:Coffee, tea, ice cream or cream caramel.
All that for Euros 5.50

The Gran China is open from 12 lunchtime to midnight every day. Tel no. 966764345

Be careful on roundabouts!

2006-05-17T15:41:00.000+02:00

No, I am not talking about "roundabout girls!"

I am referring to the standard of driving on roundabouts in this area?

What happens is this. You approach a roundabout which has two lanes. One would normally take the left hand lane if one were taking the third exit. However, what drivers do here is this they sit in a queue of traffic in the right hand lane. Then once on the roundabout they cruise around the outside lane all the way round to the third exit, using no indication, of course.

They look shocked at any car using the inside lane. Anyone who does use the inner lane does so at their peril! As they are likely to be cut up by the outside lane huggers.

I am surprised there are not more accidents on roundabouts, to add to the already high Spanish car accident statistics.

We could all sit in the right hand lanes and add to the already congested roads particularly the N332 with a roundbout at every mile. I'm sure this is a major contributory factor to the congestion.

Or, am I missing something? Is there a special rule in the Spanish Highway Code which states this is the way to go?

All I can say is that when many of these people took their driving tests Spain didn't have any roundabouts!

Money Top Tips

2006-05-16T21:21:00.000+02:00

Here is some important information regarding some of the differences between English and Spanish banking systems.

Debit Cards
Did you know that that there are differences between the debit cards issued by Banks in Spain. Similarly to that of theUK the cards either operate on VISA or Mastercard systems. Visa issue the Electron card whilst Mastercard issues the Maestro card.

In Spain the Maestro card is for electronic use only. It has to be physically swiped, so therefore cannot be used for internet payments i.e booking flights. Internet payments are normally possible with the Electron card.

Cash Machines
There are three networks for withdrawing money from cash machines in Spain. They are Servired, Euro 6000 and Telebanco. Generally if you use a card in a dispenser from your own bank you will not pay any commission charges. If you use your card in a member Bank of the same network any commisssion charged will be minimal.

However, use you card ina different network and you will pay around 4% commission or more.

You have been warned!

Lo Pagan mineral lake

2006-05-15T21:56:00.000+02:00

Today we went to the Lo Pagan mineral lake. It is a large lake separated from the Mar Menor sea by a long wooden jetty. The lake has mineral mud on it's bottom. It is famous for it's healing properties for skin complaints and arthritis.

Everyone wears normal swimming cozzies.

The water is fairly warm but as you get deeper the water at the bottom gets warmer from the minerals. Take handfuls of mud and slap it all over and then let it dry. Be warned it is quite smelly! Then, go back into the water and wash it all off. The result... soft skin. Initially my skin felt quite dry and tight but after a shower at home even the palms of my hands felt soft. It's free too!

How to get there:
Take the N332 or AP7 to San Pedro del Pinatar. Lo Pagan is sign posted from the roundabout on which is a boat. Follow the sign towards the sea and at the windmill you will see the long jetty and a sign 'Banos de Lodo'. On the left hand side of the jetty there are platforms with steps down into the water. This is where you should head for. On the right hand side you have the Mar Menor sea.

Pinch myself Day [Flamingos]

2006-05-14T21:12:00.000+02:00

Today was one of those "pinch myself" days. Sometimes you just wake up in the morning and have to pinch yourself, just to make sure that you're not dreaming. It was a perfect day. The sun was shining, there was a warm breeze. Sitting out in the garden having breakfast. It was peaceful. [The kids were still asleep!] ......and then I spotted a Flamingo flying overhead. Wow! So, majestic and such an unusual sight. [for a Brit anyway].

Although this was not the first time I had seen one in flight. A couple of weeks ago a flock of about 20 flew over Cabo Roig one evening. They were squawking and making a hell of a racket as they flew over in formation. We all stopped in our tracks to stare skyward.

Fossilised Flamingo remains have been found which have dated back to 30 million years ago. Flamingos have been known to live for 44 years. They are generally a non-migratory bird and like to live in saline lakes. If you want to see them, then take a trip to the salt lakes near Santa Pola. Often you can see dozens of them from the N332.

'This is Spain' Exhibition

2006-05-13T15:26:00.000+02:00

If you want something to do next weekend, then the place to be is the 'This is Spain exhibition'. It is the 15th exhibition and is aiming to be the biggest and best to date with over 150 companies participating in this home, garden and lifestyle exhibition. Companies taking part are expected to offer special offers during the show.

It takes place at Los Montesinos. No need to give you directions just head for Montesinos and follow the crowds. Over 10,000 people are expected to visit over the 3 day event. Friday 19th, Saturday 20th and Sunday21st, starting at 10am - 6pm and entrance is 1 Euro. There is a grand draw with a holiday for 2 as first prize and many other independent raffles organised by exhibitors at the show. TKO radio station will be broadcasting live.

The HELP charity of Torrevieja will have a stand and will be able to assist with all those questions all expats have from N.I.E. related questions to how to register with the Spanish health system.

Will I be there? Well actually no, I will be doing what a lot of you will associate with.
I will be dashing around the house with duster, mop and bucket.
The relatives are coming!

The Coastpath - La Zenia, Cala Capitan and La Goleta

2006-05-12T13:25:00.000+02:00

Today hubby and I walked along the coastline between the La Zenia to La Goleta beaches. Whilst the actual beaches are unaffected. Work has commenced to widen and improve the coast path.

The pavement behind La Zenia beach has been dug up and is sectioned off. The rocky section of coast between La Zenia and Cala Capitan is also sectioned off with work ongoing. The pathway around Cabo Roig remains unaffected at the moment but once passed the Cabo Roig marina one of the pathways at the back of La Goleta beach is closed. It is possible to walk behind the beach as work is only ongoing on one level of the paths.

Further north at Punta Prima a lovely promenade has been created with lighting for those romantic evening walks. There are two bars/restaurants on the section of pathway. One is 'Nautilus', which is straight down towards the sea from the Punta Prima roundabout and the other 'Punta Prima restaurant' is further along if you walk along the path southwards. The restaurant backs onto the promenade and has both inside and outside dining and an outside terrace where you can just have a drink. It overlooks a small beach and has great views. They often have live music later in the evening. Very pleasant.

To the South once again a lighted promenade exists behind the bars, restaurants and apartments of Cabo Roig. I have heard that the plan is to join up all of these promenades which would be great, but quite a feat of structural engineering. I'll believe it when I see it.

'Menu del dia' Lunch

2006-05-11T16:02:00.000+02:00

Today husband and I ventured once again to San Miguel. For those who do not know, San Miguel is a small town about 15 minutes drive inland from the coast. It's on a slight hill and is a quaint small typically Spanish town.

In the heart of the town is a restaurant called 'Meson el Prado", Address: Calle Lope de Vega. Tel 966 723 241. It was recommended to us and has been rated highly on other sites, so our expectations were high. Overall, it was very good.

Starters were various soups, Russian salad, or bean salad, mains were lightly battered sole, chicken wings cooked in a sauce or cheese and ham escalope. All mains came with chips and vegetables. With the meal comes a basket of bread and a salad. Desserts were a choice from their quite extensive dessert menu ranging from tiramisu to lemon tart, to the obligatory flan[egg custard].

The food was very good but we were slightly disappointed with the quality of the house plonk. You get half a bottle each which is included in the price. You may well think that for 8 Euros a head what do you expect, but we have come used to all house wine to be of a very high quality in other Spanish restaurants we have visited.

The restaurant itself is very spacious, very Spanish and also very clean. There is a large dining area split into smoking and non smoking and also an outside covered dining area with vines around the walls.

We will be back!

My First blog!

2006-05-10T14:13:00.000+02:00

My first blog! A warm and sunny day. A quick visit to San Miguel market this morning to buy my favourite flowers - White perfumed lilies, and only €7 for a huge bunch. They'll last at least 10 days and will fill the house with an amazing fragrance. Good job my dad's not here. He won't let my poor mum have Lilies in the house. Associates them with death. Whilst I'm superstitious about some things that's one I choose not to adopt.
Got back home to find the council has attempted to kill the cockroaches that live in the drains. The road in front of the house has at least 2 or 3 hundred of the little buggers. Most lying on their backs kicking their legs. Husband spent the next hour or so monitoring their progress to ensure that none came close to the house. He has been around the house putting in all the plugs in the sinks and baths to ensure none invade us that way. He is currently patrolling and has just reported that the local Sparrows are now having a feast on dead poisoned roaches. So, if you have a home here which is unattended then I suggest you leave in all your plugs whilst you are away to prevent them invading. By the way, you will know if the council have done your area has they have sprayed fluorescent paint on the drainhole cover.