Archive for the 'Hints for settlers' Category

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!

Little Britain 24-7.com

EbroRose July 21st, 2009

One no longer need groan at the exorbitant prices charged by so called “English” shops up and down Catalonia, there are some new guys on the blocks!

Well, we welcome Tim and Elisa.

We all become sun lounger lizards through these hot months and dread having to change just to go into town to shop. Why not cut back on those trips by giving them a ring on 696 894 134. Alternatively, you may shop on line literally 24 -7, quickly, stress free and not standing in long queues. Tim and Elisa deliver free to the Tortosa area and some other popular spots too.

This is like your old English corner shop – a one stop convenience store. They enable you to buy British food and household items at such competitive prices. I am a frugal shopper and have not seen such good prices displayed anywhere else.

www.littlebritain24-7.com

There is always something for everyone from a needs must to, “Ooh, I do miss my Bisto or what I wouldn’t give for a slice of Soreen malt loaf”. You are spoiled for choice with over 2000 different products available.

But  maybe, just maybe there is something you can’t find online, just ask. They will do their cordial best to obtain the products you need.

Don’t forget if you are not on the internet, just call them on : 696 894 134 .

You will not regret it. You will not be disappointed!

EbroAds.com is proud to present Ebro.TV.

EbroRose June 8th, 2009

An initiative to promote the diversity of the Ebro region and also to build stronger community links has arrived.The new website, Ebro.TV, has been launched as a place to share videos, audio, photo’s, news and stories about the Ebro River Valley and Delta.

This is not just for the English community. This is for everyone! You can write in Catalan or Spanish. Dutch, German and French is okay too. There are certain groups setup already so please join in. Start your own group and display your interests or wares.

Photo Album and unlimited media uploads! Here’s your chance to show off all those snaps you have been taking. Let the world know what a wonderful place we live in! Please invite as many of your friends as possible.

With features too numerous to mention, from RSS feeds to photo ratings and a personal messaging system.
You can even signup using your current AOL, Facebook, Google, Yahoo or OpenID details.

So, if you want to boast about that Catfish you caught OR upload your latest karaoke efforts OR even just put up a photo / video of a property you have for sale, see you at www.ebro.TV!!

And it is all free!

Words, beautiful words…Creative Writing Workshops

EbroRose June 2nd, 2009

Valerie Collins of  “In the Garlic” fame is  working alongside another British writer, Nicola Thornton and have vacancies for their “Creative Writing Workshop” on June 6th, 2009 in Barcelona. The venue is only a few minutes walk from Passeig de Gràcia railway station.

Please contact them for more details on: bestwriterbcn@gmail.com

This is there last one in the current season. These have proved to be popular and well-attended across the span of the very diverse and different Expat orbit we rattle around in. However, this is only the beginning. Maybe it is too short notice to attend or you have other plans you are sewn up into . Not to worry. Why not ask around and see if you have other friends or neighbours who may be interested in attending one closer to your location. Do not forget to ask other  non British Expats and locals who have a command of the English language, whether they would like to attend.

Valerie and Nicola are keen to explore the possibility of running these workshops closer to you if the numbers are right. Please drop them a line with any ideas or questions you may have.

There is more.

These are very experienced writers . We can learn an awful lot from them, even if we have been writing for years. They always have something new to offer. They have a wealth of writing experiences.

They are also running a very successful writing course (one evening a week) with people from the previous workshops they did. So you are not left out in teh cold after doing the first session.

Newsflash: 3rd Alquimia 101 one-day workshop (Introduction to Creative Writing)

bestwriterbcn@gmail.com

To write or not to write , that is the question?

Go on! Have a go. You will then sit back and think, why didn’t I start writing all those years ago. I know I did. My grandfather didn’t start writing until he was 70. I didn’t seriously take up writing as a career until I was 50- but I had scribbled for years. Now I am making up time!

Labou is out on DVD today!

EbroRose May 19th, 2009

Wow! It is ages since a cute little, lovable character has come onto our screens to capture the hearts of every child and their family like ET did. Now he has competition . There is a new kid on the block – or should I say swamp?  Labou is here. It is out on DVD today 19th May 2009.

This is an ideal DVD for all Expats expecting family with young children or grandchildren coming out for the summer holidays. I guarantee they will watch it not just once, but over and over again. I bet Grandpa will sit through it a couple of times as well.

Likewise, anyone who is renting out holiday properties this year I strongly recommend you have a copy of this DVD on your shelf for your tourists. No matter which country they originate from they will enjoy a break from the summer heat in the afternoon to watch this DVD. Labou will touch the hearts of everyone.

The children have been so wonderfully casted as the three most unlikely kids to become such staunch friends. They set out in search of the legendry Ghost of Captain LeRouge whose ship laden with treasure was lost in a storm in the Louisiana bayou.

In them becoming lost in these swamps, they are enveloped in an unexpected adventure where they discover the joys of true friendship and an unforgettable experience of a lifetime and above all Labou!

Order online now and enjoy!

www.LabouTheMovie.com

Expoebre:Fira de Tortosa – a “platform of opportunities”

EbroRose May 1st, 2009

The president  Ricard Forés has announced that the 65th Lands of the Ebro fair (as it is better known across Tarragona)  has a two pronged focus.

The first is to provide the maximum attractiveness to make the journey for the multi-cultural communities to this fair worthwhile and pleasant in these difficult economic times. Secondly, the committee aims to display, more than ever, a “platform of opportunities” where it is absolutely vital that companies can  “go out to the streets” exhibit their to the diverse products and search for new customers.

This wonderful and enlightening, multi-faceted fair opened its doors along the River Ebro in the precinct of the Remolins’ Pavilion, Tortosa on Thursday 30th April. It will stretch right through the weekend to the 3rd May.

Apart from strolling around the stands an important part of the proceedings are the cultural talks, reports, lectures and specific exhibitions dedicated to the region of Montsia and the economic and environmental issues, both problems and solutions, facing the Lands of the Ebro.

We must commend the Tortosa Council for  being pro-active and forward thinking in retaining the maximum amount of exhibitors in this age of dire global economic distress. They have taken on board, the cost of insurance and electric usage of the exhibitors. This is magnificent!. This has allowed 300 exhibitors to be able to attend, with only an overall drop of 10% on previous years.

Tortosa Council we salute you!

But above all this is a fun day out. A time to mingle with all the cultures. Meet old friends and make new friends, while viewing all the displays across a wide spectrum of products and services.

I wish you all a very good “buenas fin de setmana” – a very good weekend, at Expoebre.

May 1st. Día de trabajo. Labour Day

EbroRose May 1st, 2009

Don’t try to go shopping anywhere in Spain today.  Everywhere is shut. Banks included. This is  a national day for the Fiesta del Trabajo. Often referred to as “día de trabajadors” – the day of or for  the workers.

The Spanish are also notorious for taking the day in front or behind and tagging it onto the fiesta as a “dia del puente” – a bridging day. Depending on your part of Spain, some may say to you “haciendo puente” implying you are  ‘doing a bridge’. The one in front is to prepare for the fiesta. The one behind is to recover from the fiesta. Some may take both. I like the latter option!

Buenas fiesta.

Aside-: The petrol station on the Corona Roundabout of the C12 in Tortosa has a 24 garage and the shop is open until 11pm. Most emergency grocery supplies can be purchased there, including fresh “pans” (bread)

Easter Week in Catalonia = Setmana Santa a Tortosa

EbroRose April 2nd, 2009

So many British children merely associate Easter as a chance to indulge in a mound of Easter Eggs. Where they think their “street cred.” improves with the higher number of eggs received.

When we first moved out to Catalonia we were hard pressed to find any decent eggs and were scouring around “English shops” along the coastline, looking for something different.  Now the supermarkets around Tortosa are inundated with all shapes, sizes and prices of the “must have” chocolate Easter eggs. Oh Yes dear parents, they are not cheap!

Now we see local children clambering around parents legs pleading for a Chocolate Bunny and blocking shopping aisles as the stressed out father tries to reach the top one. The top one’s are always freshest,   right? Passerbys look back in amusement, willing the chocolate tower to topple over. Awful aren’t we!

However, it was with interest this morning I browsed in a Patisserie in Xerta, (opposite their Proxim shop and one street behind the town square) at wonderful objects of animation made out of dairy milk and white chocolate. There was a television screen with people in it. There was an enormous cow, but with such a comical expression. I sniggered. I had never thought of cows in relation to Easter, but I suppose they do provide the milk for the chocolate. They even had a billboard with English writing on made out of chocolate and so much more. Two huge windows were just stacked with characters and objects all made out of chocolate. Well worth  a visit just to “window shop”.

But Easter week takes on  a very sombre tone in this country with processions and classical concerts. I see many enquiries on Tortosa Forum with people asking “What is going on over Easter”, though I posted a few details I will cover what I know on here too.

But don’t forget on the Religious days shops will not be opened in Tortosa!

Processions:-

1. Processò de la Passiò / Diumenge de Rams 5 d’abril de 2009 a les 20.00h Sortida: Plaça de la Cinta

2. Processò del Silenci / Dijous Sant 9 d’abril de 2009 a les 00’00h  (but congregate at 23.30 in the square!) Sortida: Plaça Immaculada (Remolins fins el convent de la Purìssima – circular route)

3. Processò del Sant Enterrament / Divendres Sant 10 d’abril de 2009 :Tortosa : ales 21’00 Sortida:Plaça de la Cinta

4. Processò del Sant Enterrament / Divendres Sant 10 d’abril de 2009 : Jesùs: a les 21’30 Immaculada

Concerts:-

  • Concert de Mùsica Sacra 3 d’abril :Lloc: Esglèsia Sant Jaume de Remolins  (Free – gratuït) A càrrec de:- Capella Ducal
  • Concert de Setmana Santa Lloc: Catedral Tortosa -a càrrec de: Cor de Cambra Felix Mendelssohn
  • Concert de Setmana Santa: Lloc:Catedral de Tortosa / Cant Gregorìa. Cor Resurrexit.
  • Concert de Setmana Santa: Lloc:Catedral de Tortosa / A càrrec de: Cor ciutat de Tarragona i Camerata instrumental de Tarragona

This may seem rather high brow to some, but don’t knock it until you have tried it. Besides it gives a feeling of integration and a willingness to try and understand the Tortosian culture.

Sunny days are forecast for Saturday through to Monday, then rain again will set in for a few days. So let your Easter begin this weekend! Have fun and do something different!

Who turned the sun off?

EbroRose March 30th, 2009

Well last week saw us eagerly packing away all our winter tracksuits and woollies and singing “Happy Days” as we donned our shorts and sunny tops. One glorious week of blissful hot days up in the 24 degrees. Oh, we are trully blessed to be living in this corner of Eden.

What a shock when we had to light the wood fire again on Friday night as temperatures dropped, low cloud set in and rain was the order of the weekend.

However, last week was productive and we are enjoying the changing seasons of Catalonia.

Vigorously we set about re-potting our cuttings or planting out thriving young plants into the self-made garden beds – a feat in itself on rocky land, ideal for olives and almonds, but a challenge for other garden plants!

I was wheel-barrowing up one load of home cultivated compost after another from the bottom terrace. While pausing half way up to wipe the sweat from brow and cursing, “Whose bright idea it was to make this pile on the bottom terrace?” I notice young plants growing in the muck.

Oh yes!  We have potato plants now transplanted into big compost fulled plants on the patio.

“They will never grow in pots,”says him indoors the non-believer.

“Oh yes they will,” I argue back. ” If Jamie Oliver can grow spuds in a pot, so too can this Spud grow them!” I tenderly care for them daily to prove a point.

There is more.

We have now planted out 28 baby almond trees in bigger pots. All growing in my compost. All flung on there in temper last year when I had left them, by mistake in  a carrier bag and then found one of my delightful eight felines had “wee-ed” on them. Well their by-products did surely prompt rapid growth!

“What on earth are you going to do with another 28 almond trees,” says a surprised hubby.

“Plant them. Pick them. Eat them. Cook with them. All sorts of delightful things,” I say, full of the joys of spring and new life being breathed into this dry land.

Just flipped over to check Tortosa weather forecast for the week and I will not need to water the garden until the weekend, when temperatures will be baked in wonderful sunshine of 21 to 24 degrees.

To tourists coming out to this area bring change of clothing and a light waterproof jacket ideal for strolling or hiking in. Don’t let the rain spoil your vacation. Just come prepared and there is so much to do for all types of weather out here.

Just ask the locals. Read up on Tortosa Forum or ask me via my Contact page on www.BrighterSpain.com or leave your query on the Comments block.

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