Archive for 2009

Correfoc -pyrotechnic celebration – 12th September -Tortosa

EbroRose September 11th, 2009

Don’t forget tomorrow 12 th September, 2009 when Correfoc will start at 20:30 in Tortosa

English version

The Correfoc is a pyrotechnic celebration, celebrated mostly in Catalonia. It has its roots in the “Ball de Diables” (devil dance) in the 12th century. In the Correfoc, the attendants participate more actively than in the “Ball de Diables.”

Explosions, the brilliance from the fire and the whispering from the percussion create a deafening environment and accelerates the vibrations. It’s an indescribable feeling. In the darkness, horns silhouettes dancing and jumping in the middle of the deluge of the fire in an breathtaking environment of sweat and burnt gunpowder.

Catalan version

El Correfoc és un acte pirotècnic celebrat majoritàriament a Catalunya. Té les seves arrels en el Ball de diables ja documentat en el segle XII. Al correfoc, el public participa molt més activament que al Ball de Diables.

L’esclat del tro, la lluentor del foc, el fum i el remoreig dels tabals creen un ambient ensordidor i acceleren les vibracions. l’efecte és indescriptible. En la foscor, siluetes amb banyes dansen i salten enmig d’un diluvi de foc en un ambient irrespirable de suor i pólvora cremada.

Gerard Vidal Pallares

http://www.youtube.com/user/logolafre

http://www.logolafre.com/catala/contingut/secundaries/diables/diables.htm

http://www.logolafre.com/catala/contingut/principals/fotos/fotos.htm

Did you book one of those bargain Ryanair flights for October or one with EasyJet between 1stOct-16thDec 2009)?

EbroRose September 4th, 2009

You did? Fabulous. I was thrilled to see that Ryanair was still planning on flights into Reus from the more regional airports of Bristol and Liverpool.

There has been a lot of grumbles about Ryanair slashing flights out of London – Stanstead (news reported 21st July) and Manchester (headlines 17th August) because the overheads at those giants are extortionate. This is only good news for the smaller airports. We look forward to seeing the timetable from Leeds Bradford airport, and Mr. Marketing Director, we need flights from there into Reus, not Barcelona where Jet2 fly into. Then those who flew from Manchester can now run up to Yorkshire instead of the other way round.

11th August it was reported “jobs for Yorkshire”. Great! Ryanair reckons over a 1000 local jobs will evolve to support and sustain their services on the outskirts of Leeds. So the White Rose wins the “flight” war in the War of Roses again.

So www.EasyJet.com is too offering amazing deals before midnight on the 8th September so do hurry. The perk about their offer is you can fly between … right up to the 15th December 2009.Plus you get free car upgrade and a bonus by being entered into a super duper holiday prize draw.

Booked your flight, so the next step is to decide where are you going to stay and what are you going to do out here. We can help, advise or we can point you in the right direction. www.BrighterSpain.com.

The swallows are gathering in the UK ready for a winter destination in Africa. Our swallows in the Lower Ebro River Valley are still making their nests under whichever eaves they can find. This is a sign our warm weather will linger on for awhile yet, so maybe our autumn will be kind to us again this year.

Weather update today:

Tortosa .Southern Catalonia.Spain

Sunny to hot – 35 degrees celcius

Sat writing in my costume with a welcoming breeze blowing across the Lower Ebro Valley.
Outcome: “Perfect! Just Perfect Ma!”

Saturday 22nd August in l’Ametlla de mar – for tastings of ‘arrossejat’ followed by a Dixi night in the fishing harbour

EbroRose August 22nd, 2009

Fancy doing something different this evening? Good! So why not pop down to the seaside town of l’Ametlla de mar just off the AP7 & N340 or the train line of Barcelona- Valencia?

August 22  #  17:00h Fish Market XXV Arrossejat Cookery Competition. Taste the arrossejat.
August 22  #  23:00h Fishing Harbour Dixie night “La Vella Disieland”

http://www.ametllademar.org/en/p_benvinguts.htm

I have found a delightful recipe for “arrossejat” and am awaiting a translation.

This is the renowned LaVella Dixieland from Barcelona. However this link will give you an insight into the musical ensemble you will enjoy around quiet harbour lights. A town that welcomes everyone -locals, visitors and tourists and multi-cultural Expats. New friends will be made.

http://www.lavelladixieland.com/Sitio_web/a_information.html

Also the bands website gives the starting time as an hour earlier to be 22:00hours tonight.Perhaps if someone else has more local information they will kindly comment in the language of their choice.

(Aside: The comment will not be viewed immediately as it will await my approval to avoid the dread spam.Thank you.)

Festes de la Cinta in Tortosa 5th -12th September 20009

EbroRose August 21st, 2009

Just when you think the fiestas are nearly all over we have a wonderful one in Tortosa with lots of activities going on in the main park, behind the police station.

The dates are. 5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12

http://www.tortosa.cat/webajt/festes/cinta09/programa.asp

The nights the Expats and tourists seem to enjoy the most is on Saturday 12th September at 20:30

http://www.tortosa.cat/webajt/festes/cinta09/programa/dissabte12.html

20.30 h. Sortida del XXVI Correfoc de les Terres de l’Ebre.

Please keep hold of little one’s hands during the route the ” correfoc” (fireworks display team) take through the streets of Tortosa. British safety standards do not apply!
However, this procession is a photographic opportunity. Everyone will be held in awe at the magnificent fireworks and how they move and rotate along their path. Let the children have an afternoon siesta so they can share in the family orientated fiesta.

It is a delightful night where all languages and cultures intermingle. Just wonderful!

Who knows not where the wasp does wear its sting? In its tail. (Taming of the Shrew)

EbroRose August 19th, 2009

This saying sprang out of the blue yesterday while I was pegging out the washing in the Lower Ebro Valley . The pesky little enemy stung me on the side of my big toe, between the sandal straps, and I was hopping about wailing trying not to drop a wet double sheet in God’s fairest earthy sand.

Oh William Shakespeare we do indeed know all about these waspish stings, this glorious hot summer. We seem more inundated with wasps, bees and hornets of varying camouflage of tiger stripes http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Wasp, pitch-tar black and the dreaded red soldiers, than flies of annoying shapes and colours (mind you they are not entirely discreet in their appearances), who only seem only intent on homing in on Casa De Miramonte!

While we admire the design and flight of the magnificent hornet, we endeavour a hasty retreat from his flight path. I say ‘his’, because surely a woman would not be that devious in attack?

Hmm!  So what do we do about them? Spray them, trap them or let the cats and dogs chase them- all can have harmful outcomes.Be careful out there, they will get angry and turn on you if cornered or under attack. I know. I have lived in Africa!

I see Southern England too have been plagued with them this summer and the Sun paper reports in their article so aptly coined as “S.W.A.T TEAM” (caption of the year!) firm hold hairspray as being an effective way in glueing their wings and stopping them in full flight to be disposed of later under a heavy workmen’s boot, no doubt. I hear Greenpeace protest that damaging their wings will only cause a long and painful death. Do we care as we pullout another long sting out of my already peppered potted toe?

Living closeby to Tortosa, Catalonia, we have various large chain of Asia stores and , don’t laugh, we have found two of their products work very well and each are under an Euro. One does in fact stick wings together but they seem to die as rapidly as the flies do. The lilac “lavanda” container called “Instant Yuki matòn insecticide”. Oh this works on mozzies and flies too.

The other option has nothing to do with insecticides.Wasps don’t fly at night. So with, ” Alin Salfumant” you coat the honey comb with it, while you have a running hosepipe in your hand just in case any soldier wasps are still hovering about. Within 10 minutes you can remove the wasp and sling it over the fence ( make sure the neighbours aren’t at home first!) or burn it on the BBQ.

I know this latter product declares “potencia superior; acid clorhìdrico 20%; agua fuerte; regulador del Ph en piscinas; limpiar de inodors & desincrustador de cement y cal”. Hey if it takes the paint off the bottom of my newly painted pool, when dilution is incorrect, imagine how powerful it is when squirted neat into the waspish homes. Boom! Wasps die! A result!!!

EbroVoice – game – set – and match!

Postscript: Article worth reading:

Uns 800.000 espanyols són al·lèrgics al verí d’abelles i vespes

http://www.lamalla.cat/societat/salut/article?id=275774


Wells catfishing coupled with a WELLer welcome

EbroRose August 8th, 2009

Brighter Bed & breakfast

Brighter bed & breakfast

Rain, rain and more dismal weather seems to be in play for the British summer. So why not take a few days off and a have a short break in Southern Catalonia?

There are so many local British airports now flying into our nearest airport at Reus, near Tarragona. Bristol is another one that has come on board recently. Also you can fly in from Scotland now.  We are only  a pleasant drive from Reus airport down the AP7 and exit at junction 40 for Tortosa.

We have a lovely new bed & breakfast “grand chalet” in Terrapico (soon to be displayed on our sister site at www.BrighterSpain.com). This is set in the most wonderful tranquil countryside with a panoramic view of the Ebro Valley stretching down towards the delta and being embraced by mountains in the distance on each side. It is so refreshing to watch the sun rise as you await your breakfast being served in delightful surroundings by your most charming hostess, Juliet Weller. Your days can be spent on the River Ebro with your experienced fishing guide and host Steve Weller or spend lazy evenings as you gaze in awe at the most colourful sunsets as it dips over Mont Caro. Days can be spent relaxing by a very good size pool.

Tranquil panoramic views

Tranquil panoramic views

Half-board is available. Please order an evening meal in the morning if required. Alternatively you can have a private BBQ by the poolside.

Packages are available for fishing guide and accommodation.

However, this area if very popular with cyclists, “twitchers”, hikers and ramblers. Perhaps, you are are having family  over and just don’t have enough bedrooms. No problem! Juliet will be able to help you with your overspill. One nighters are accepted as well as longer stays.

Terrapico’s brighter bed & breakfast is ideally situated.  Within 30minutes or less , you can be driving aimlessly through the natural park of the Ebro Delta and heading for some beautiful sandy beaches that are not crowded like the ones of Salou and Costa Bravo. This region is in the Costa Daurado with so many different beaches to choose from. Local golf courses are not far from here either. There is so many different activities and exploring to do in this area, with a wealth of cuisine and fiestas to experience!

Choices! Choices! Choices!

Steve & Juliet Wellier

Steve & Juliet Weller

Please contact www.BrighterSpain.com. These prices of 25 euros per night are exceptional value for Bed & Breakfast in such an exceptional home.

Miss Sunday shopping? English goodies available this Sunday.

EbroRose August 8th, 2009

Dreading the queues and crowds of Saturday supermarket dash in the Lower Ebro Valley or Montsia? Well lets lighten your load today.

This Sunday is the 2nd Sunday of month, when the amicable Brian Parkins holds his gathering of the Expats and locals at Casa Madera, off Camino Terrapico for his International social club, on the outskirts of Roquetes and Raval de Christ. Just follow the luminated arrows when you turn off by the Cemetery.

Tim and Elisa (696 -894 – 134) will be displaying their wares up there of ‘your’ one-stop convenience British shop supplies. They also have a wide range of Curry paste now in stock. Come along and have a root. You will be surprised at their variety of English goodies. They are the best in town on prices on British stock. Obviously, they can’t carry all 2000 categories with them at one time, so if you don’t see what you want just ask them and they will deliver. On the other hand give them a call today and place your order and pick it up on Sunday morning from Casa Madera.

I don’t know if you are aware but you can place subscription orders with them for all your British magazines.

Perhaps, you yourself would like to try your hand at a carboot store. You are more than welcome just to turn up with what you have to sell. On the other hand, you made have a service or business that other people are interested in. Bring your flyers, bring your business cards, but above all else bring yourself and your friends or local neighbours. This is open to everyone and often you will here a range of languages burbling about.

A time to meet new and old friends. May be you chose just to sit in his fly free zone and listen to the banter. Feeling shy, lonely or need in of some company, you will receive a warm welcome and be surrounded by much laughter. Drinks and sandwiches are available.

Barça, Barça football dreams plays on in California dreamland -Becks move aside!

EbroRose August 2nd, 2009

Barcelona 2 – La Galaxy 1

Oh I love opening my emails first thing in the morning especially when one like this from Mountain View, CA, puts such a smile on my face. I shout,” Yeh . Copa lega champions!”  (UEFA championn 2009) as I thump the desk and send splashes of good black coffee across my writings (Oh noO!) Calm down girl, we know Barça are the best, coming form her who detested all things related to football in the UK, is very rich I know. But I mean – it is Barça!

I eagerly read on as there is more…

“But over dinner I discover Barcelona are playing LA Galaxy in
LA.. with Beckham back!!  He put one of his magic free kicks
from set piece in corner of net… but Barca did win 2-1.
More interestingly…  92,000 people were there… for a friendly!!
And Chelsea were recently in town.. and before returning Barca
play Chivas of Mexico… up street here in Candlestick park.
Guess soccer is finally working when such big teams tour in
off season.”

I am not as impressed with Beckham returning.  Chelsea does nothing for a family who loyally support Leeds -win or lose. But, Barça does it for me everytime!

Catalonian, Cataluña or whatever language you call our region- Catalunyan has  with all its beauty, history, artists and architects, diversified sporting activities, rivers, mountains and beaches, wine lands, olive oil and culture envelops all who touches it. But  Barça (Barcelona Football Club) touches everybody’s heart. Life stops. The bars overflow and in villages it is interesting and amusing as everyone, young and old, on zimmer frames, tractors, posh 4 x4,or scooters head for the  local “Casal” (the bar and village hall owned by the village) to watch the ONLY team worth watching – Barça! They are a legend!

So I eagerly look forward to August 8th as it is double bubble for me. Our Gareth and four of his friends fly into southern Catalonia for a family finca holiday with us. Then Barça will play Mexico’s Chivas Guadalajara in San Francisco at Candelstick  Park. Never got to that stadium but it is promised to be an awesome night.

Cats enjoy there luxurious holidays at Claudia’s cat-retreat

EbroRose July 23rd, 2009

It is always a big worry when we are travelling away from our homes in Spain as to where we can house our beloved cats. Maybe the neighbour is not that keen to look after them anymore. Dogs are easier to find kennels. But house sitters for cats are becoming impossible to find.

We have found a solution.

Claudia’s Cat hotel is “estupendo” in Baix Emporda, Costa Bravo. Many of us fly out of either Girona or El Prat airport at Barcelona, so reaching Claudia is not that big an ordeal. Besides if you are driving back up through Spain to France on the E15 /AP7 Autopisto del MEditerranèo you will bypass Claudia anyway ,as she is just off the C31.

So what does Claudia offer?

First and foremost : peace of mind.

Secondly: a wonderful accommodation

Thirdly: everything you could wish for for your darling Leo or Leonè

Accommodation:blessed with individual garden rooms with interior bedroom . Each cat run has a double safety door to prevent escape attempts. This is all year round accommodation as the cat bedrooms are heated. How luxurious is that! Your cat will receive the best quality food, care and personal attention.

For more information please contact Claudia at : <!– @page { size: 8.27in 11.69in; margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } –>

(34) 654 984 777

Claudia's Cat hotel

I am tired of going to the same old, same old beaches. I want variety.

EbroRose July 22nd, 2009

I am not saying that these beaches that I regularly visit are not glorious. Rather I am bored with them. I want to try somewhere different but not where I have to spend hours couped up travelling long distances in this summer heat.

So where do I go? Do I go north from Terres del Ebre or do I go south?

South won! We trundled off down towards Vinaros ( less than 20 minutes from Amposta where the C12 joins the N340 south) with no set destination in mind. Just looking out for different beaches to try.

We cross over from Catalonia into Valencia province. We leave the River Ebro behind us and soon drive over Rio Senia. We spot our favourite garden centre on the right and as a force of habit turn off  the N340 south, into the slip road.

Now I am in a quandry. One signpost says beach “platje /playa” and the other is the big beckoning sign “Jardineria Dalmau”. All my green fingers are screaming to choose the latter, tempting, but I won’t develop a sun tan in there nor dip my toes in the “Mediterràneo”.

Okay, I head for the beach, which is only a short hop from that garden centre. What is more it is the start of an exhilerating ride and the unfolding of so many different beaches and changing coastline.

There  were so  many. Here is a few to try:-

Les Deveses

Les Timbes

Les Llantes

Roca Plana

La Foradada

Les Cales

El Pstor

El Traidor

El PInar

Barbiguers

For Forat

Fort

Fondo de Boal

Cala Puntal

Maybe you don’t want the hassel of finding parking or worrying about parking metres . Not a problem. Take the train and  only a short walk to some wonderful beaches.

Which is my favourite beach here in Vinaròs?

All of them – each one enveloped me.

I will be back to try some more out!

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