EbroVoice

EbroRose April 30th, 2010

Oh I wish I was a child today!

Today is called Children’s Day around the world. In parts of the Spanish or Catalan speaking globe some may even call it “Festival of books” (for children). I just love an excuse to buy books. How much more wonderful that you give your children and other children a book as a celebration of the fiesta / festa!

Teach children to actually read and digest, to query what they are actually reading. Take for example the heading:-

<<El dia del nen. El dia del llibre.>>

No, I haven’t  written in incorrect Spanish. This is Catalan – the dialect spoken in the North-East of Spain, Majorca and a province just inside the French border. This translates as:-

<<Children’s Day / The day of the book>>.

This week I stumbled across a brilliant online shopping site for children’s books in Catalan that covers various themes with exciting illustrations to boost. http://www.editorialmediterrania.cat/. I am considering buying one of the theme sets myself to improve my Catalan. Well, why not? You have to start reading somewhere and it can often be more fun than trawling though boring newspaper about politics – all about nothing!

However, there is no rhyme nor reason why you, the parent or grandparent, can´t choose the books you want to read in order to relive your childhood  through their eyes and ears. How I miss those hours of reading stories after bath time to my sons and later on to grandsons Jordan (Jordí) and Shane (Shimbob)!

Perhaps that is why I feather my nest (and empty nest – as the case maybe,  now the children have flown to spread their wings) and write childrens’ books myself. www.Chimona.com

There are some wonderful famous authors out there doing a sterling job in encouraging children to read through their literary charities. One of my favourite’s James Patterson, himself and his better half, have “Read, kiddo, read” with wonderful suggestions of books for different age groups. www.readkiddoread.com. They have now also created a smart forum. If  the children read themselves they receive bonus points-otherwise the parents must read to them if they are too young.readkiddoread.ning.com

<<Parents, teachers and librarians, you’ve found your way here because you’ve … you the only way to get kids to read was to give them great books, cool books..>>

Let us celebrate today and everyday. Lets teach our children and all children we come into contact with to become ardent bibliophiles. Yes! Along the way they will increase their vocabulary without realising it.

There is so much available on the internet! So when Junior won’t get off the internet trying and direct his / her little cotton socks away from the computer games, to search for book to read online or just to read ! 5 Minutes for Mom Blog Directory.

What is the biggest cultural shock I had when I arrived in 2004 in Catalonia?

There were no English book shops in the Lower Ebro Valley. I always used to watch the W.H.Smith’s new listings and rush for first day release to purchase another treasure. Now we are lucky to pick up a 2nd hand book, that I haven’t read. I still am a voracious reader. So how do I manage? I moan to a brother, another bookworm in California.  Every 3 months I pop down to the local post office in Jesús and pick up a huge parcel of books that he has just read ! Now that is what I call a Result!

So parents, friends and grandparents and siblings please remember one of the greatest gifts you can give to us (young and old and doddery) is a book, another book and still more books. As a child my friends used to write copiously long lists to Father Christmas of  “Please may I have…?” Mine were short and sweet, year in and year out – “Just books would do nicely thank you.”  My request remains the same for any day or any fiesta …I need to read!

• Bookshelf , Expats , Languages & Literatures , Uncategorized
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EbroRose April 23rd, 2010

La Diada de Sant Jordi! Saint George or Sant Jordi in Catalan is a lovable and chivalrous gent who is the patron saint of Catalonia and Saint George in England. Although I am sure today Saint George’s day is celebrated in a far less romantic style in the UK to that of Barcelona’s medieval hero. Barcelona ( and right across Catalonia) celebrates it with roses for the ladies and in turn they exchange them with a book for their sweethearts. This is the Catalan equivalent of St. Valentine’s day

Somehow I would prefer a yellow climbing rose bush and a new book – some chance of that!

Pulling into the car  park at Hospital de la Santa Creu, Jesús, I was amused to see how many ladies were leaving with a single red rose in their hands. Mmmmh…I wonder who gave them their roses? Needless to say mother’s appointment went without any dramas, so we headed off to Eroski.

I enviously looked at all the bookshops who had brought out tables onto the pavements and were displaying a wonderful array of books across them. Some folk just stopped by and browsed, others bought one or two or more. How many admirers do they have? A lady explained. These days you buy a book for every male in your household. My husband has to buy more red roses as there are more women in our home! We shared the joke in laughter and I proceeded on, but still I mused sulkily to myself, I wanted a b-o-o-k!

Pushing the trolley around Eroski, it self-propelled  to the books displayed and aah, right there in the middle of the pile was one of my favourite children’s stories.  I grabbed it and paged avidly through it. The illustrations are just positively delightful.

“Sant Jordi i el drac” – the author is Anna Canyelles and the drawings are by Roser Calafell

Who knows? My next book review may be one of  a Catalan childrens book. Now that would be a novel experience and somewhat of a challenge to me, who is just setting  out on the route of learning Catalan.

• Bookshelf , Expats , Languages & Literatures
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EbroRose April 18th, 2010

Recent overseas tourists were having great fun with pronouncing and mispronouncing Catalan names. We must give them some slack. After all, they hear Latino Spanish  day in, day out along the San Francisco Bay area. Mind you it was interesting to read the log on their slant of the renaming of Sabeco. http://nameawards.com/2010/04/10/i-am-going-simply-hyper-in-cat-country/

Now Mums and Dads with hyper kids this summer may stroll on leisurely down the refurbished and wider aisles of the old Sabeco, with its new name for supermerkat or abbreviated as súper in Catalan. ( Note: when the word is used in full it drops the accent over the “u”).

The marketeers have seen fit to simply call it HiperSimply.

Now “h” in the Catalan alphabet is called hac. Exemples (Examples)= hola, hivern. However, the h is silent. So how would they pronounce it – I -per-sim-pli? Whereas, the Expats Anglo-Saxons would merely say -Hi -pe-sim-plee and not even utter the r in the middle.

It is pleasing to drive pass the car park now and see the vibrant green and yellow and dash of red on their logo. The logo is bright and cheerful. We love it! The green of the agricultural orchards  kissing the banks of the Ebro River, the yellow of the wild flowers and sun-kissed valleys and the red for the setting sun adorning our mountains in teh cool of the evenings  – or is it simply “ketchup red”?

Perfect just perfect!

The cynics utter it is just a tax fiddle! Why? Sabeco and those Sabeco Sambo’s, the old name is tired and what does it mean anyway? Bringing all its branches under the family umbrella of HiperSimpli will be strength and sustainability to its brand. Besides, to the competitors like Carrefour, who seek expansion into a super duper hyper store off the C42, it shouts -”We are still out there in front with you guys!” Eroski have bought into Caprabo and their brand has nowtoo been enhanced with new investment and more experienced European partnership.

Competition is good for everyone.

p.s. Remember to change your old Sabeco bonus point card at the Information desk for a new HiperSimply card.

• Business Enterprises , Expats , Hints for settlers , Languages & Literatures
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EbroRose February 4th, 2010

• Bookshelf , Hints for settlers , Languages & Literatures
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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!

• Bookshelf , Business Enterprises , Fishing and more fishing , Hints for settlers , Hobbies , Languages & Literatures , Living in rustic Catalonia , Property for sale , Uncategorized
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EbroRose June 7th, 2009

For Immediate Release

Book 1 of The Chimona Chronicles: How Kelvyn Got His Name by Rosie Reay

Includes FREE Supplement Poem: The Squirrel from Wirral

Jun 3rd, 2009. Silicon Valley, CA: Foden Press today announced the release of Rosie Reay’s first book in The Chimona Chronicles series that tells a tale of critters around a lake. Titled How Kelvyn Got His Name, it is an educational and fun read for bright young readers. It will introduce them to the animal and bird characters as they come alive through both words and the lovely illustrations done by Candice McMullan. Often it will stretch them to learn new meanings, word roots and names, as well as real places and locations. But that is what the story is about, creating a new name for their favorite gopher.

Set on the banks of Lake Okanagan, there are a variety of critters that play different roles. Mrs Porcupine runs a shop, Hodgekiss Drake is the professor, Okando Owl dispenses advice, and the chipmunk twins drive their brother nuts. Boys and girls, and probably their parents too, will all find something to enjoy in this imaginative tale once they start to settle into it. There is even a complete long bonus poem included called The Squirrel from Wirral.

“This story was inspired by a real road trip to Canada some years ago,” said Rosie Reay. “In fact, we actually stayed at the Okanagan Resort on the banks of the lake! I just knew there had to be a story in all those gophers that so confidently roamed the little golf course. Little did I know it would bring so many critters to life, let alone trigger a whole series of books to follow.”

Rosie Reay currently lives in the olive and mandarin countryside between  Barcelona and Valencia, Spain above the lovely Ebro River valley. Surrounded by her own crowd of pets, she actually does work as a professional U.S. naming consultant! (See www.BrighterNaming.com). In addition, Rosie helps Spanish students perfect their English and writes blogs (www.EbroVoice.com), articles and marketing materials for the English community in that part of the country.

Candice McMullan is an up and coming young illustrator based in Canada. Young children will surely identify with her drawings when their parents read this story to them and show them her pictures. Kyra Dawson, editor of the series, (www.BrighterScribe.com) who is actually based in B.C. Canada, helps keep the Canadian details straight.

How Kelvyn Got His Name is available for immediate download, as it is being released as an eBook first. So a perfect surprise for Dad to have on his laptop when junior gets restless during the summer travels.

Based in Silicon Valley, California, Foden Press is an independent publisher of both children and marketing books. Marketing titles include Brighter Naming: Naming for the Average Propeller Head, Brighter Branding: Branding for the Average Propeller Head and Spreadsheet Marketing: Planning for Success. They may be reached at www.FodenPress.com or 650-704-8181.

© Copyright 2009 Foden Press. All rights reserved worldwide.
Foden Press™ and all images are trademarks of Foden Press. Brighter Naming® is a registered tradema

• Bookshelf , Languages & Literatures , Living in rustic Catalonia
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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!

• Hints for settlers , Languages & Literatures , Uncategorized
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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)

• Hints for settlers , Languages & Literatures , Uncategorized
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EbroRose September 9th, 2008

The local newspaper, Ebro Valley News is still alive and well!

It has survived all the teething problems that one expects when a new, news print hits the racks.

The next issue will be out and on the streets on the 20th September. It will have a wider distribution area from Barcelona, stretching down towards Valencia. Of course, it will cover southern Catalonia and be very prominent across the Ebro Valley.

If you are not sure where your local “pick-up point” is, just drop Gerry or Kelly an email on :-editor@ebrovalleynews.com. Alternatively, you can call Gerry in English (Irish…) on 670 449 480 or speak to the “grace”-ful Kelly in Castellano on 697 565 778.

In Ferreries, Tortosa, one of the drop off points is at “Tony´s Tabacs” .

The headlines for September print will deal in depth on the “Leaks in the Nuclear Power plants” in our areas. This does make informed reading. This does affect our environment.

We offer Gerry and Kelly our support in their revamped issues and look forward, in anticipation, to a good read.

• Hints for settlers , Languages & Literatures
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EbroRose June 11th, 2008

“The Olive Press”  has already extended to 40 pages and this is only their second edition.

This magazine is geared not only for the Lower Ebro Valley, but seems to cover the North-East corner of Spain. So it is with interest I can read about the Zarragoza Expo 2008; the El Bulli Restaurant near Girona and the new ZiDali´s Restaurant and Cocktail Bar in LÁmetlla deMar. The last two I would not have known about if I had not read the magazine.

The “Olive Press” have presented a lovely article on the forthcoming fireworks fiesta in Tarragona. The 19th International Fireworks Competition will be held from the 7th -12th July in the town of Tarragona itself. 

Pick up your copy at one of the Distributors listed below and have a pleasant and informed read.

TORTOSA

• VALDEPEREZ ELECTRICAL Mossèn Bell-Puig, 12(Plaça Bimil Lenari) Tortosa 977 442 962
• MURRAY’S Centro Comercial SABECO, Tortosa 977 503 484
• RIERES ESTATE AGENTS Pl. Paiolet 2 Tortosa, 977 445 497
• CLIBEGAS Carretera Gandesa, 35, 43590 Jesús -Tortosa 977 504 747
• NEXO OFTEVET, Ctra. Tortosa-L’Aldea,977 510 405

L’AMPOLLA

• BAR ESTACIÓN Plaza Francesc Macià (near the train Station) L’Ampolla 977 460 387
• BAR DAKOTA Carrer Sant Jordi, L’Ampolla 676214736
• HOTEL FLAMINGO C/Ronda del Mar,58 – 977 593 816
• BAHIA MAR ESTATE AGENTS – Pza. González 12 – 658 934 146

EL PERELLÓ

• PERELLÓ PROPERTIES C/ Francesc Macia 5, El Perelló 977490 804
• HOMOGÊNIK C/ Sant Antoni 19 El Perelló
• ALAS Petrol Station
• SUMO SUPERMARKET

L’AMETLLA DE MAR

• A TASTE OF HOME the English Supermarket Calle Benidorm 15(past the railway station, turn right past the Spar shop, turn left and opposit Mobles Puell 977 456 158
• STELLA MARIS BAR – Pl. Catalunya
• DEPASO CEPSA Petrol Station
• NEW ZIDALI’S- Cocktail Bar & Restaurante, LLibertat 19 Tel:977 493 744

TRES CALAS URBANISATION

• LA CALA PROPERTY SERVICES – Centro Comercial 13. 977 456 878
• SUPERMERCARDO HAIPY – Centro Comercial. 977 456 908

CALAFAT

• Supermarket on the urbanisation

Ctra. HOSPITALET DE L’INFANT a MORA

• LA FIGUEROLA RESORT- GOLF Club House

L’HOSPITALET DE L’INFANT

• TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE
• JAMES SCHOOL OF ENGLISH – Carretera de Móra, 7 Bajos

MIAMI PLAYA

• HOTEL CARPE DIEM restaurant – hotel C/Montblanc, 16 977 810 392
• SOL-LUZ-IONS Av. Barcelona, 49 – 977 170 301
• CLÌNICA VETERINÀRIA – Av. Barcelona 14 Local 11. 977 811 192
• SUPERMARKET/BAKERS/CAFE MaGloria-opposite El Rancho &Chinese
• KERN GERMAN DENTAL SURGERY – Av. Barcelona 64. 977 170 397

CAMBRILS

• MAMA’S CAFE
• CASA SHANGHAI-CHINESE RESTAURANT Avda Juan XXlll, 1 Cambrils-Bahia 977 363 906

SALOU

• RUGBY TAVERN – Avda de la Diputación 138
• THE MUCKY DUCK – Avda de la Diputación

RASQUERA

• REPSOL PETROL STATION

FLIX

• RIBA-ROJA PROPERTIES – Pol.Ind. La Devesa INTERMARCHE SITE 977 411 558
• BAR V50
• RESTAURANT BON PROFIT – Carrer St Roc,7 tel 977 412 165
• BAR LA FREIXA- Gissona garage
• BAR DUO

RIBA ROJA D’EBRE

• EBRO VALLEY PROPERTIES SCP – Carrer Esglesia 5 – 977 416 117

MORA LA NOVA

• BRITISH SUPERMARKET- 977 383 911
• BAR RESTAURANT, 55 near Ajuntament Offices

MORA D’EBRE

• LA CAIXA – Placa De Dalt
• BAR AVINGUDA – Av. de Los Comarques Catalanes
• BAR COSMOS – Av. de Comarques Catanes, 9 Tel: 977 400029

GINESTAR

• BAR RESTAURANT
• CATALAN-CONNEXION – 28 Carrer Ample, 977 404 796

GANDESA

• CAFE DE CATALUNYA – Av. de Catalunya
• BAR BARNEREA – Av. de Catalunya
• SANT SALVADOR – Boarding Kennels & Cattery-977 055 027

BENIFALLET

• BAR CASAL – Lluis Companys, 15 – 977 462 136

TIVENYS

• BAR ROSI – Av. Generalitat, 3 977 496 030

BITEM

• NEW CHAPLIN – c/Hereus d’en Gasol (near football ground)

VINAROZ

• NOR AUTO – By Carrefour commercial centre

ULLDECONA AREA

• MOLI’S OASE CAFE- on the road TV3319 KM8 Ulldecona to Senia-Urbanisation Moli D’Lom El Castel

ULLDECONA

• CATALUNYA FINCAS – Calle Adell 18- Carole Palmer 627 740 044

You may also view it online at: http://www.theolivepress.eu/ 

          Please post your personal reviews of this new magazine  in the Comments box below. We will pass them along.

• Languages & Literatures , Where to go
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