EbroVoice

EbroRose July 26th, 2007

We welcome the herald of the EU, for bringing in new regulation from today, for the travel industry, airports and airlines for improved services and access for travel towards the elderly and Disabled! This will enhance the journeys for the Blind, as free travel must be provided for guide dogs. (Obviously they will need their own passport!) Though I am not sure if Snowy, the Labrador, gets her own seat and in flight drink and complimentary snack…

Our friends back in old blighty, Gary and Janet, have faced this problem for over 20 years now, since Janet was struck with crippling MS. Constantly, he has had to fight with airlines to allow Janet to travel and to get the extra leg room seating for her. I often heard him complain that they did not treat her with dignity and respect, rather as an encumberance and someone who merely slowed down their work routine, irrespective that she was a paying customer and a twice a year traveller and with a very good working brain that could comprehend their comments and attitude!

But, unless he booked twelve months in advance they would not have been abled to find her a seat. Likewise, the hotel tourist “hot spots” were limited to their choices, as the Disabled accommodation did not cater for adequate bathroom facilities (they supply the diasable toilet and completely overlook the bath and / or shower facilities)for them and often if they did, he could not get her wheelchair through the narrow doors of their allocated room.

Now, the low cost airlines whine that this change in regulation, will increase their costs, but surely that will be combated by disabled groups being able to travel together? This will also increase confidance in the elderly travelling out to their families who have relocated to Brighter Catalonia. Let alone, more wheelchair bound individuals from making spontaneous bookings and flying out more frequently and probably even further afield than Spain.Likewise, if hotels in Spain and Catalonia, had a couple of rooms with bath lifts or wheelchair access showers, this will also draw the disabled tourists. I know Gary and Janet would love to hear of those available near us in the Lower Ebro Valley in southern Catalonia.

We now hope that our dear friends ( who we do miss so much) Gary and Janet will be able to visit us,once these airlines get up to speed, ( full range of the EU law to be enforced by July 26th, 2008).

We know that as the Catalonians will definitely give them a warm welcome!

There are sporting facilities becoming more available to cater for Disabled people. Here, in the Lower Ebro Valley of Southern Catalonia, Spain, Natalie and Graham of www.ebrocatfishingadventures.co.uk – have already forged links with the British Disabled Angling Association ( http://www.bdaa.co.uk/)

Furthermore, “It was while I was reading the news, on www.eubusiness.com, this morning, on the new EU laws coming into force today, where elderly and disabled people have to be provided with the same travel service like other abled-bodied travellers on airlines, airports access and the ´the right to travel´ by travel agencies, I thought, ´this will open up boundaries beyond the beliefs of the diasbled´. Then I found your link on www.ebrocatfishing.co.uk – with the amazing name of my very own thoughts. Lets hope more sports people can travel better and sooner! If there are other activities available in Catalonia, Spain, we would love to hear from you.www.beyondboundarieslive.co.uk

• Business Enterprises , Fishing and more fishing , Hints for settlers , Sport , Where to go
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EbroRose July 24th, 2007

However, you pronounce James in Brighter Catalonia, one thing is for sure, James Patterson´s books are still a mighty good read in any language! (The translation is available in Spanish on the bookshelves here in Catalonia.)

Oh, thank you Richard and Paula J. for mailing me your copy of “1st To Die” and, yes, my favourite hobby is still reading! I had almost forgotten how good a read James Patterson´s books are to me.

The creator of well loved and respected Alex Cross, now weaves in the enthralling Women´s Murder Club, to make his plots even more absorbing. These professional ladies fight undauntingly together against the criminal minds, creating new dimensions to the already existing suspense.

A homicide inspector, a reporter, an assistant DA and a medical Coroner examinor are all friends united together, always there for each other with their academic accolades and wealth of experience, all with the same end purpose – to stop the criminals!

Nothing but nothing prepares them for these sick murders occuring all over in honeymooners´ paradise gone wrong, again and again and again.

This is definitely going to be a thrilling and spell binding series. Why would a brutal maniac killer target only newly wed couples? Where is his or even her link to them?

Yet, within all this slaughtering action James Patterson weaves a romantic thread – only to end in personal tragedy.

A novel where you, the reader forget about your family, your dogs and cats – they all go unfed, as you are totally oblvious to all of them, as this thriller races your pulse, gathering speed as you “chew up” page after page. When you think they have captured the killer, you stumble into a twist in the story. There is always more.

And when it is all over you are still thinking about it and start surfing immediately to find when the “follow up” is in print.

Astoundingly good read! Never tried one of his books? Go on – you´ll never regret it. www.jamespatterson.com

• Bookshelf , Hobbies , Languages & Literatures
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EbroRose July 23rd, 2007

You have read the bad press and the scare mongery on what makes good TV viewing ratings on "everything that could possibly go wrong, went wrong" on the Expats who moved to Spain . However, buying property in rural Spain / Catalonia may seem to be a daunting task after watching all this media coverage. Sure! But it need not be a nightmare for you.

So what do you do? Stay at home? Definitely, not!

Instead, you knuckle down and do more research and read every book off the shelf on ´Moving to Spain´and surf and surf the net. Now you want to find out for yourself, whether you can really live your dream in Catalonia. So what do you next?

It is really quite a simple process. All you need to do is, use the tried and trusted professionals who have been out here for many years. Those who work closely with multi-linguistic solicitors, those who have built up a confident and well-informed network with all the planning departments. But, gem above gem is one who is English born, but so fluent in Spanish and Catalan, he speaks it like his mother´s tongue and is very friendly, helpful and of a genuine good character.

Yes! You do need a Spanish bank account even if you are a non-resident if you are purchasing property in Catalonia.

Yes! You do need an NIE

Yes! It is strongly advisable to have a Spanish will drawn up after the purchase. It is cheaper in the longer run and can save your family money and heartache. Otherwise, the Spanish authorities can stipulate the right of horizontal succession.

Jeff Greensmith stipulates there are 12 main factors to consider:

• Finding a property

• Carrying out a survey

• Negotiating the purchase price

• Notary fees

• VAT and Stamp Duty

• Land Registry Fees

• The reservation contract — Contrato de reserva

• The private contract — Contrato de Arras

• Completion: signing the Deed of Transfer — Escritura Pública de Compraventa

• Registering the Deed of Transfer and paying the sale-purchase expenses

• Do I need an independent lawyer (abogado)?

• Do I need to make a Spanish will (testamento)?

“Buying Property in Inland Spain like other country property, fincas in
Spain have become very popular in recent years. Fincas Direct have extensive experience in dealing with country property in Spain. We can help you find your dream
home in inland Spain and make buying a rural property a pleasant experience.If you are planning to buy a country property in Catalonia – Fincas Direct is the one stop shop for all your needs,” says Jeff Greensmith owner of www.FincasDirect.com

Please do yourself a favour and read this linked article in its entirety. It is of untold current value and will make your relocation to this beautiful part of Catalonia, so much more pleasant. http://www.fincasdirect.com/buying-guide.htm

• Hints for settlers , Languages & Literatures , Property for sale
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EbroRose July 19th, 2007

Roll up! Roll up!

The quaintest market sellers from Medieval times gone by, will line the evening streets of the old, medieval part of Tortosa – the riverside town, along the Ebro.

See our wares, come and stare, artisan their craft will share, many products to compare, try not to buy, I thee do dare, a site so rare, cavalliers sit proud upon their grey mares, bands do blare, maidens with long hair, jokes to share, no tempers will flare, this is definitely the best fair, do come, if only but to stand and stare!

http://www.festadelrenaixement.org/eng/anemdefesta/taulellcarrer.asp

Traditional medieval festivity morsals to sample. All these delicacies cooked by the maiden´s fair hands of the Renaissance Cooking Workshops. Which one of these do we try first? Can´t make up your mind, take a few home with you to share with the family who could not get to the Fiesta.

Forn Pastisseria Alqueza
Forn Pastisseria Carlos Tal
Forn Pastisseria Panisello
Pastisseria La inglesa
Pastisseria La Petja
Pastisseria Pallarès

There are activities on all day and all night. One visit does definitely not cover the Renaissance experience. So set aside the next few days and mingle, absorb the pagentry, the art, the theatre, the street activities, the bands, you will be amazed at how the whole community has thrown themselves into this grand 4 day Fiesta. You will be thrilled! You will enjoy it so much!

There is so much to see and do for the whole family, from the infants to the grandparents.

The streets , bridges and balconies of everyone´s homes are draped in medieval coloured cloth and braids. The local restaurants bring their tables and chairs outside, bails of hay are placed along the way and make thankful seating for tired feet.

The Plaza´s around the town you will discover different activities in all of them. There will be events in the college just below the Castle. Live Chess players, Gigantes, men magnificently dressed do spar in fencing with one another. But take a look at the groups of folk with their little side bands, jugglers and tricksters, look behind the makeup! Do you recognize anyone? They could be your neighbour.

This is the only fiesta I visited last year where I was blown away with all the frivolity, geniality, good sportmanship, new friendships formed and miles upon miles of smiling faces. I still recall a group of normally serious looking faces of the nuns, standing on a corner, supporting each other as they split their sides with laughter. Junior novices looked up and were surprised, hiding their amusement and giggles behind their hands.

Everyone just loves this fiesta! All nationalities join in. So please come on down and have some medieval fun!

The detailed programme link is below

Don´t forget your camera!

http://www.festadelrenaixement.org/eng/programa/programa-2007-eng.pdf

Please park on the outskirts of the town. Park and Ride facilities are sign posted. Please use them. Please do not try to go through the main areas with your car. Certain roads will be blocked off.

Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy! Good cheer to all!

• Hints for settlers , Uncategorized
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EbroRose July 16th, 2007

Cooking becomes a whole new hobby out here. The cooking is shared by entire families and the men still claim they are better chefs around the barbecue than the women. Fine, by me, Angeles let´s have that one glass of red wine now!

Ganz einfag!

Germans make great potato salad, both hot and cold. Oktoberfest would not be the same without their salads. Bacon is always included in their salads and often they use red potatoes instead of white, and always a good measure of mustard.

Most supermarkets in Tortosa (Carrefour, Sabeco, Lidl, Mercadona, Suma) stock tubs of already cubed bacon – some is even heavily spiced, but both go well in potato salads.

Add your own varieties to this with your own sliced green, spring onions. I also think that red and green peppers thinly sliced or chopped just adds that extra voom to your salad.

Latino salad also uses bacon, but black olives along with an apple crumbled into it, with their tasty red onions and black pepper and a garlic clove crushed into it. All available in Catalonia.

¡ Muy fa`cile !

Orchestrate your basic potato salad, but be more adventurous! Look at what are the natural products you have on your land, or in the local markets or “Agrobotigas” and be creative. Green olives harmonize well with nuts, cashews (supermarket brands, maybe), but try you own almonds or walnuts, add some crunchy sliced celery and few radishes,thinly sliced just pulled up from your own veggie patch. Don´t forget to use the LIGHT mayonnaise to help keep our old arteries unclogged.

Some of the best potato salads I´ve tasted this season has include seafood. Different – but so jummy,with prawns accompanied with crab or crayfish. Fresh parsley sliced small, first sprinkled with own-grown lemons and then tossed into the salad with a genreous sprinkling of ground black pepper.

Catalonia is famous and overflowing with their varieties of sausages in all sizes, colours and thickness,unsmoked,smoked and spicy. Slice some of your favourites into your potato salad. Not sure which to buy or sample. ¡ No problema ! Either ask your local butcher or watch what the village ladies are buying..- Que bueno?

Howdy!

Have you ever tasted Californian Sweet potato salad? Wowee! Serves up well with barbecue or fried chicken and sits well along a steakor charcoal grilled chops and sausages.

Oh, yes, there is more than one way to make your barbecue memorable, instead of serving up the boring old jacket potato. Us Westerna and Northern Europeans need our stodge – though in more moderation than back in the colder climates.

More of these mouth-watering recipes to be found at:

www.allrecipes.com/recipes/potato salad

• Hints for settlers , Hobbies
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EbroRose July 14th, 2007

Life is so utterly different out here for a woman , when you put down your roots as opposed to just vacationing.

A woman´s role takes on many different and very sharp learning curves here in Baix Ebre. You tackle huge projects, unaccountable tasks, manage the most amazing life-changing factors and stress and dire, family health issues – all while you are trying to master (or should it be Mistress?) the two languages of Spanish and Catalan and make yourself understood on numerous hospital visits and medical appointments, across so many diversified medical departments, you wonder if you will be able to cope with it all.

But we do survive. We do multi-task. We grow stronger in health (even if one still has to continually wear a back brace due to spinal scoliosis ) and above all we become mentally stronger, even if one is – only a woman!

Across the generations of early settlers the women have always been the homesteaders, I remind myself as I´m up to the elbows in flour and baking, while I´ve home-grown fruit turning into jam on the cooker, and home-made relish standing in jars awaiting labelling

Then you need to quietly endure the roth of “him indoors” as you empty the concrete mixer as you over-full the, now battered, wheelbarrow and whoops! It crashes to the ground. yet again.

Oh yes, I have done it often!

I retaliate that you have not passed your apprenticeship in mixing concrete or cement (whatever the plan of the day is) unless you tip over the barrow at least once. To which my grandson retorts, ” Yeh, Grandma, how many times have you done this? Must be a long apprenticeship!” This is met with a smiling agreement from his grandfather, enjoying someone who shares his empathy in the finca.

Well, I am only a WOMAN!

I am sure there are many new, LADY settlers here in Catalonia and other parts of rural Spain or even Mexico, (Gardenia!) that can relate to this and have probably had worse happen to them. Yet, one drops exhausted onto one´s faded sunbed under the cool mulberry trees and feel the evening breeze off Mt. Caro or RiverEbro, to sip lemon tea (bit early for Sangria), the feeling of satisfaction, achievement and staying power is wonderful and I amaze myself at how I held my tongue.

The reality hits home. The woman´s day is not over yet! Now it has cooled off the various vegetable gardens need watering. Don´t forget the young olive and almond trees and newly planted olieanders, in the gaps along the fence where the Cyprus does not reach.

The evening meal seems in summer to be eaten later everynight. If we have it any later it would almost class as breakfast.But it is so much more enjoyable to eat on the cool terrace after the flies have gone to bed, dogs and cats are fed, and the chores are done for the day. To look up and see techno-colour sunsets draped across the mountains, promising wonderful weather for tomorrow and the weekend. If you are renovating your home and farming a finca, you don´t always have a free weekend.

Sorry, I forgot..I´m only a WOMAN..

• Hints for settlers
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EbroRose July 14th, 2007

The world of a Lady River Guide for Carp and the Giant Wells Catfish takes on a whole new outlook on the proverbial “ladies black fishnets” – or “keep-nets” as is the River Speak.

This is one entrepid lady fishing guide!

Don´t be mislead by her petiteness. Natalie Hull has great temerity, matched second to none with her tenacity and passionate knowledge of her sport, her hobby, her livelihood and expertise and skill in River Guiding on the Lower Ebro River for Carp and those enormous Catfish.

A very popular choice amongst ardent fishermen ( and the “Fisherladies” or Female Anglers) from around the world. Only this week Natalie has been out all week on the Ebro with a party of Australians. Her client base tells its own story. It is expanding rapidly with repeat bookings from France, Denmark, Canada, England, Lithuania, Ireland, other Australians and what is very interesting the number of Spanish and Catalonians that are now booking for this exhilerating sport. Each year a few more countries join her guest data base. Amercians and Canadians are hooked on fishing these big cats too.

http://www.womenanglers.us/

What are you waiting for out there?

I have seen some evidence of mighty catfish caught off the banks of “El Figueral”over the last fortnight from a charming and friendly Dutch family of father and DAUGHTER partnership (mother chose the poolside and a magazine – I can relate to that!)http://www.brighterspain.com/elfig.html = Hier begint uw visvakantie.

But why not make your holiday complete and try out a day or more on the river with Natalie. Natalie is the Lower Ebro Ladies Champion catfisher with her 182lb. That takes some reeling in! Besides you have the photos to take home with you, along with life time memories. However, be warned – you will yearn to come back next year.

The Dutch, the Belgiums and the Germans love to fish the River Ebro as well.

Bank fishing can be as rewarding as being out on the river. Evening fishing is also fun and takes on a whole new dimension. Go on! Take a peek at her price list and packages you will be pleasantly surprised.

http://www.catfishingadventures.co.uk/prices.html .

Who would imagine that a way for a father to bond with his daughter, would be to take her out of her mother´s hair for the day, at the gentle age of eight. Little did he expect her to become so hooked on fishing from her first day. Natalie has never looked back! I am sure, many a day when she is drifting down the wonderful Ebro, heading homewards after another amazing eight hours guiding, she casts her mind back, thankfully to all those precious days when she first start gathering her fishing knowledge from her father and mentor.

Natalie first started River Guiding on the Ebro from October 2003. Her PhotoCat Gallery show some awesome fish!

www.catfishingadventures.co.uk

New to the sport, want to find out what all the fuss is about, contact Natalie Hull. You will not be disappointed when you take part in this “adrenalin pumping” sport

• Fishing and more fishing , Hobbies
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EbroRose July 11th, 2007

                          DIMECRES -11 juliol (Catalan) – Wedneday 11th July.

Mid – week and fancy doing something different tonight and not wanting to wait for the weekend to go out, come on down to Jesus in Tortosa and watch the giant paella competition. What is even better you are invited to share in the spoils of the cooking afterwards.

The contenders heavily guard their “secret ingredients” passed down from generation to generation.

No, all paellas do not taste the same!

The evening starts early 18.30 and finishes late. Paellas are cooked slowly and cannot be rushed. It promises to be lively and entertaining and definitely,vocal.

The event is held by the Pergola, next to the canal and the old Immaculada Convent ( now restored for the use of the Jesusencs and the Bar Casal.) If you are coming from Tortosa roundabout at Hotel Corona, pass Sabeco Supermercado and turn left off the C12 at the overhead traffic lights. Should one be coming from the Aldover-Xerta- Benifallet direction, on the C12 pass Clibegas and at the overhead traffic lights, turn right into the village of Jesus. Be prepared to park on the outskirts of the village and show consideration and do not park across someone´s garage or entrance please.

The Paella cooks love to discuss and argue about their ingredients so don´t be shy in asking them what is in it…

Yet, the evening holds out for more than just “stuffing your bellies”.

20.00h Cervesada popular patrocinda del pub LA LLUNA – popular beers!

Also at 18.00 Coctel de cava patrocinat del pub BROADWAY (not quite New York!) – Spanish cava is very good, too good if you are driving. So do elect who is driving home before you start sipping.

The competition ends at 20.30 with the judging and then 22.00 the meal is shared out with XARANGA PA EN TOMATA washed down with more cava or cervesadas or even the much loved Vino Tinto.

But a fiesta (festa) would not be complete without their music, so you can shake off your meal at the popular dance that follows with tha fabulous and highly acclaimed l´ORCHESTRA HIMALAYA.

If you require tables and chairs be early as these are asigned from17.00 at 1 euro a chair and 5 euros a table. Not quite sure how many you can get around a table..should be fun finding out. These will be cleared away between 00.00 and 04.00 (!!) in a calm manner…what after all that cava?

Apartir de les 17:00 h es llogaran taules i cadires per a la Paella.

Pre: 1,00 € cadira i 5,00€ taula

La recollida de les mateixes sera de les 00.00 a les 4.00 h de la matinada.

The main street leading up through the village, round the corner from the Adjuntanment and in front of the junior school will be closed for seating and merriment.

Tancament dels carrer Molins dén Comte i Daniel Mangrame, perque tots els veins hi pinguin col-locar les taules.

# The Fiesta  Major continues on until the 14th July, so more of the same information and the rest of the programme can be found on the :

                                               www.emdjesus.cat

# Por informatiu de les mateixes i mas de programa de la festa major Jesus 2007 – del 6 al 14 de juliol.

# In the words of our popular Mayor, Pere Panisello i Chavarria ( President de l´EMD Jesus -Tortosa ) – Es la nostra festa! -

• Hints for settlers , Languages & Literatures
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EbroRose July 8th, 2007

>> For a truly tailored catfish experience, look no further than www.EbroCatfish.com <<

Graham is a very experienced River guide who personally tailors his plans and decides whether it is better to take a short drive up to the L´Assut (the Weir) at Xerta, off the C12 route, with “it´s fast flowing shallows and deep glides”, or t continue on down through Aldover where the river stretchesout even wider. More exciting fishing can be had at Amposta where the river seems to loose its kinks and reaches far out down to the Delta. Reportedly this is the area of deep trenches that Ebrocatfish.com find ideal for “drift Fishing.”

This is a very articulated set-up with care to your comfort and safety. A new and well-maintained, insured and registered boat (17´ California Skiff) that will harness one guide and 3 fishermen/women with excellent catfish rods and bait supplied. http://www.ebrocatfish.com/fishing.htm

The guests have no need to nibble on the corn or the “un-jellied” eels, as Maureen packs up a very satisfying lunch for you to munch while seeing some magnificent views from waters as you wait for Señor Catfish to take your bait. Maureen and Graham offer attention to detail to make you feel very welcomed, cared for, fed and watered, so you quickly unwind and relax in the beautiful surroundings of their property. Where they enthusiastically assign themselves to ensure you have exceptional and exhilarating days out on our diversed River Ebro and treasured memories to take home second to none!

Enjoy! – ¡ Gozar !  – Gaudir de!

• Fishing and more fishing , Hobbies
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