EbroVoice

EbroRose June 1st, 2008

I was surprised to discover how many airports in Scotland do actually offer cheap flights into Reus Airport. Reus airport is in Catalonia and between Reus and Tarragona towns.

Do not be misled where some airlines depict destination as “Reus Airport (Barcelona)”. It is no where near Barcelona and if that is your destination and you have booked to Reus you will need to catch a taxi at nothing under the whopping sum of 160 euros in one direction. An expensive error to make at the beginning of a much looked forward to mini break or holiday.

However, the site :>

http://www.cheapflights.co.uk/flights/Reus/Scotland/ 

enlightens us by offering choices of departures to Reus, Catalonia, Spain. Namely: Glasgow (GLA), Edinburgh (EDI), Aberdeen ( ABZ)  .

Dundee (DND), Inverness (INV) and Prestwick (PIK) are all available from June 3rd, 2008  to December 10th, 2008 (So you could be home for Christmas.)

The flights may not run everyday but you usually have a few flights per week.

Maybe August holidays are out of your reach, so why not look ahead to the second part of the year when Catalonia is still a lovely place to visit for hundreds of different reasons, activities. Where else can you have mountains and rivers and valleys, and be only 20 minutes from sandy golden beaches and natural parks at the Delta and Els Ports Ranges? Where an area is steeped in history and good wine is grown, play or laze.

We can still offer choices of B&B´s, Self-catering, Wells CatFishing or golf opprtunities.

www.BrighterSpain.com

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EbroRose May 31st, 2008

Gosh! I was longing to do something different today and forgot all about this wonderful fiesta in Pauls, near Xerta just off the C12.

The good news is: it is on for two days 31May to 1st June. So pop along tomorrow if you missed out on it today. Everyone who goes to this fiesta will go again and again. So it must be fun!

http://www.pauls.altanet.org/

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EbroRose May 28th, 2008

Port Aventura will this summer have 3 very differently, designed golf courses to excite all golfers and challenge their skills. At the same time they have been sensitive to the natural environment of wetlands and white pine woods. Instead of bulldozing away they have incorporated it into the designs. Something that Greg Norman, the famous Australian golfer and course designer, is very passionate about.

North and South the courses will be 18 holes and Centre one will be 9 holes.

All golfers can look forward to a “sensational “golfing experience on the North Course; whereas the Centre course provides “entertainment” and the South Course offers you adrenalin filled “challenges”. (www.PortAventura.co.uk)

The first course is due to open on the 7th June with the 2nd and 3rd one in July (if manaña syndrome doesn´t kick in early!)

Greg Norman is responsible for the North and the Centre courses. “The great White Shark” excels himself again! (http://www.shark.com/gwse/)

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EbroRose April 19th, 2008

Summer holidays are looming and we are thinking now of finding different things to do especially with bored teenagers. But parents and grandparents get bored to and are never too old to try something new and exciting.

“Driving a Go Kart is a Cinch!” Just two pedals, accelerator and brake – how easy can that be!

So why not be adventurous and have a day out Go Karting. It is not just for the sun burnt tourists having a break from the hot beaches.

Proof of age with a passport is required for youths between 14 and 18 years old. The adult circuit guarantees a “genuine world of emotion” ( or should that be motion? ), over 800 metres. Imagine it, zig zagging at enormously high speed levels! Whereas children over four and under 13, are assured a novelty over 300 metres of asphalt track. Cars are adapted to their age and are half the speed. (Maximum safety installations have been applied for all age groups.)

Plenty of car parking spaces for 200 cars and the gates open at 10:00am. There is a bar service and a childrens’ play ground area. Amusement arcades for the youngsters along with billards and simulators. Flood lighting allows for the fun to go on until late. If you are staying in the Salou resort area there is a free bus service.

When you think your days´fun is over, have a go on the Bungee Rocket or the Bungee Trampoline.

Check out www.kartingsalou.com. ( in English, Catalan and Spanish) – wonderful photos to exclaim it!

“Karting Salou” is so easy to find as it is alongside the Autovia Salou-Reus at the kilometre mark 2.1, Salou and not far form the beaches.

A great day out, one that will be talked about for many weeks afterwards.

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EbroRose April 19th, 2008

Today is overcast and does not encourage sitting outdoors with a book. So what can we do that is different?

Why not take a short drive up or down towards Camarles (Tarragona) onto the N340 and turn off at the kilometre mark of 1093 into the wonderful world of “Mistral Bonsai”?

You may not be the most avid of gardeners. Yet, you will have an enjoyable and delightful experience in viewing this mysterious world of gardening with a difference. Bonsai is more than just a small plant in a pot. It is an art. It is a sculpture. It is a trained skill in plant care and designed pruning or sculpturing the leaves and branches.

It can be very therapeutic and calming to the nerves. An activity that busy people can cope with. The beauty of these plants are they have internal and external one’s to suit your needs.

It also opens up for you a new kind of hobby and interest. One that even those of us that suffer with creeking knees, aching backs and tired arthritic hands can cope with. It is ideal to embrace your time with, for those just approaching their senior years . It need not be expensive.

There is so much information out there online, that you need not succumb to expensive glossy books purchases when you are starting out. I suggest you read Brent Walston´s article on “What are Bonsai?” at http://www.evergreengardenworks.com
Entrance is free at Mistral Bonsai S.L.

Opening hours between October and May are:Monday to Saturday : 09:00 – 19:00 and Sunday and Fiestas: 10:00 – 14:00

Opening hours during the hotter months of June to September are: Monday to Saturday: 09:00-14:00 after siesta 16:30 -20:30 and Sunday and Fiestas: 10:00 – 14:00

View their website in Spanish or French at www.mistralbonsai.com. Bonsai´s do make wonderful gifts for friends, neighbours and family.

Enjoy your day out!

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EbroRose April 6th, 2008

Hi folks,

The wind has subsided and it promises to be a brilliant day. The carboot sale alias Parky’s social club is on the cards this morning. It is in the usual venue at Terrapica.

However, there is a twist to this one today. It is free for all stall holders. So that gives you an extra 5 *cinco* euros in your pocket to spend on someone else’s stall.

I hear, via the social grapevine network of the Terres del Ebre, that “Girl Friday” Jayne  will be selling her wares. Roll up early as I am sure there will be some avid bargaining going on there! Besides, chat to her, as she does offer a whole range of services to assist with tasks and transport, secretarial duties and more.

I know Stuart and Hazel from Finca Avellana will be there and he has an amazingly , well priced big Stihl stone cutter to flog. For anyone doing up a finca or new build or even in the trade, one of these is a definitely “must have ” item.

Furthermore, if your home is too small to accommodate the family when they come out why not speak to him about his very well modernised and “fitted out” Touring caravan that he has for sale. It is in mint condition and very comfortable with Spanish gas fittings!

He will deliver it to your home for a reasonable fee.

Nothing to sell in goods, but you are self/employed and would like some free advertising ?

Why not just turn up, park your car and hand out some business cards or just plonk  a homemade sign in front of your  “el coche” ( transport) and just introduce yourself.

Leave your English reserve at home – no one bites here, not even the puppies!

Last month I took home a wonderful puppy from John´s Spanish dog litter. What a wonderful dog this is ! So easy to train and has been accepted with our German Shepherds. He is turning into a wonderful “house” dog as well. ( Though he won´t fit on the bottom of our bed for much longer!)

To all intents and purpose he looks identical to an English Pointer. There are a few more to go free to a good home.

Parky´s Carboot sales are becoming a social, chatty legend in  its own right. Most folk are just turning up for the friendly banter over his loud speaker and the laughter that is shared over refreshments and tasty treats at the “Delia” hands of Nicole.

So whether you are finding it difficult to connect and meet new friends, or wanting to catch up on “What´s happening in the Valley or Mountains?” or are serious contenders on the “market stalls” or habitual bargain hunters, this is the place to be, today and every first Sunday in the month.

Unfortunately, I will not be able to be there as I have double car- trouble and some wonderful freelance work has landed on my computer this weekend. But I will be there next time!

I have some very good fly and mosquito products for sale for a mere 10 euros and it lasts three months. Perfectly safe with livestock and house pets. This is just the equivalent of two cans of fly spray that lasts a few hours if you are lucky. So drop me a line at:

info@BrighterSpain.com

Have a lovely Sunday out at Casa Madera! I always meet new contacts and make new friends.

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EbroRose March 22nd, 2008

Happy Easter.

¡ Feliz pascau!

Sabeco Supermarket is open 9.30am -9.30pm today and again resumes 6 days opening from Tuesday.

Murrays´English cafe in Sabeco is open today and until late. New to the area, or feeling at a loss what to do or who to talk to? Pop in there for a brew, a snack or a hearty meal and you will meet some lovely people and make new friends. The staff always have good ideas of what to do and local information.

Don´t forget if you don´t feel like cooking pop along to the Sultan Indian restaurant in Remolins or ring up for a Takeaway – http://www.brighterspain.com/guide.html

Wandering around the River Ebro in Tortosa on the Ferreries side, pop in and see Amparo at Delta Ebre Cafeteria and see some amazing historic photos of the Ebro River and Delta. She will kindly tell you in Spanish, Catalan or very good English the story behind each photo. Address is Carrer Ulldecona6, Tortosa or telephone 977 503 971.

If you are over the other side of town near the Tourist Information Office pop into Amparo´s and Usher´s (hubby) English Tea Gardens for a wide choice of teas, tasty snacks and kids can play a game of pool .

Both the last two have overhead television viewing and dvd´s shown onto a large screen. Ideal to watch the match! Who? Barce` Barce´ of Ronaldino fame- I mean who else would you support if you lived in Catalonia!

Enjoy your weekend and stretch those legs and get out walking or cycling or jogging along the Greenway – Via Verde. Go exploring  and then tell us info@brighterspain.com.

Also this morning the Carboot sale is on in L´Ampolla outside the “Bar Estacion “. See you there, but I am browsing this time not displaying, but that doesn´t mean I won´t next time.

After that, there is the car boot sale, alias social club, meet the locals and expats at Parky´s Casa Madera in Terrapico on the 6th April. More info. on this in a few days time.

Enjoy your weekend.

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EbroRose March 14th, 2008

Oh yes! Rosie can no longer be referred to as a Wooolly sheep. My unruly locks have definitely gone. Whooppee! No more tangled knots to comb out first thing in the morning. No longer do I have a thick blanket of hair making me even hotter as I sleep. No longer do I have to scrape it all up onto the top of my head through the day because it was always in the way.

I now only have to look forward to blissful, no more “bad hair days ” after swimming or days on the beach. Speed and efficiency is just what I like when dealing with my own hair. In and out the shower, fingers run through my hair and I am ready for anything!

But no one escaped at our finca. Even Alan is all neatly mown for the summer ahead. His only disapproval was having his mugshot taken.

Then there was Mom. She just loved the attention and care and detail to style at the expert hands of Amanda from Aldover. “She definitely has angel hands when cutting hair.”

We now catch my Mom keep looking in window reflections at herself, like a “recycled” teenager! She then does the “Brummie shuffle” away and goes back to her weeding. She just loves to weed. Fine by me, there is enough of them.

Yesterday we had to go to Jesus Hospital (Geriatrics one) and they were trying to ask her questions about how she was, what problems, what she recalled. All she wanted to talk about was her new friend Mandy. “Mandy with the horses – but boy, can she cut hair nicely!”

Amanda is really wonderful and loads of patience with everyone and especially difficult thick, wavy hair like mine to cut. I have a double crown at the back and two Tsunami type calf-licks on the front. Amanda was not phased at all.

But we may never have found Amanda if it was not for our friends, Jackie and Terry at “Murray´s” English Cafe in Sabeco who recommended her, after Amanda had been out and cut a group of them. Networking is so important to survive out here.
The beauty of Amanda being mobile is she is flexible and because she doesn’t have the time clock ticking in a salon can give you personal attention as she cuts your hair to suit the shape of your head and how your hair falls.

I always say you can tell a good cut not by how it looks five minutes later, but how it looks after first wash. Amanda’s is a 150% fabulous cut and thank you.

Special group rates in your homes or reduced rates if you fancy a peaceful trip out to her farm in Aldover, to get away from it all.

Please give her a call on 675 515 925. Amanda – Tortosa´s English Hairdresser

http://www.brighterspain.com/guide.html

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EbroRose March 7th, 2008

We have all been there! Moved out to Catalonia in Spain and started a whole new life. We have found the property, which will involve the next 5 years in “doing up” and are trying to settle down to a daily routine in living in a strange, wonderful but some daunting new town, village or countryside.

The boxes are unpacked, we ache all over and then we look in the mirror. Our hair is a mess. Something we have totally disregarded over the last few weeks, months or even years. Where back in the Motherland we went regularly to our favourite hair salon. I personally have let my hair grow long as it was so much easier, I thought, than struggling with the Catalan (perruquer)or even Spanish hairdresser,(peluquera)

I have found “Amanda”. A lovely person with such a friendly disposition and an eye for which style suits a face. She is very qualified  with over 25 years experience . Already has a regular clientel of over 30 English folk. All who have remarked; ” I wish I had found you sooner. It is a nightmare getting your haircut in Tortosa because of the language barrier.”

Amanda does not only Ladies, Gents, children but offers a service in a discount for groups.

WoW! Do we organise a coffee morning or wine and nibbles in the evening, have a few friends over for new hair styles and lots of chatter and networking? What a wonderful idea. Perhaps you could invite a Spanish neighbour to join in too.

Amanda is a mobile hairdresser and covers all areas of the Tortosa region, offering very competitive rates. Maybe you are having your family and friends over from UK for holidays and would like there hair done while here, or just treat your Mum.

I am so glad I found a reliable hairdresser for you my readers. Please give Amanda a call on 675 515 925. You will not be disappointed!

Aside. Watch this space! One woolly looking dishevelled “sheep to be sheared ” next week. Oh, I can´t wait!!

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EbroRose March 3rd, 2008

Yesterday, was a glorious sunny day down here in the Lower Ebro Valley and the old Vauxhall had been loaded up the night before, for another entrepid morning at Parky’s car boot sale at  Casa Madera Club, near Tortosa. Mom was up early and full of the joys of spring, Alan was following on later with our friend Peter from ” The Orange Grove” .

We were given a welcoming second to none by Parky and John. As usual we had more stuff to lay out than the two tressel tables we took with us. No problem, in a jiffy John had another bench strategicaly positioned for us. Mom meticulously displayed a wonderful array of books, (though I had to stop her reading them once or twice!) while I unpacked all the odds and sods, leaving the silver jewellery to last.

We were first there and folk were starting to arrive and I thought “Oh heck, only me here”. Not to worry Stuart and Hazel arrived in their big blue van from Aldover. Out came a beautiful patio table and chairs, not for sale I regret to add, but to display his wares. Well, if you had just moved out here and are doing up your finca this is the man to contact. His project is nearly finished so he has a wonderful assortment of high-power tools and other “finca things”. People were snapping up as he unloaded.

So folks remember, this car boot sale is back on, on the first Sunday of every month. You will be surprised what comes out of the back of 4 x4., cars and vans. We loved to see you there. Aren´t there any plant lovers and veg growers our there with surplus stock to sell. I know I was one of many asking for such a stall. Any takers?

This time I missed the lady Gill from Xerta and I was looking forward to finding a Mother´s day card and taking home some of her lovely fruit crumble. If anyone sees her please tell her she was missed.

Kathy and family had a good selection of kiddies toys and games. These were proving popular with the Spanish. It is so nice to see them arriving and marvelling at this quaint English custom of a “car boot sale”.

My silver jewellery was proving a display of interest and learning in the way the giraffe hair is collected and then threaded through this South African silver. The silver elephant hair bracelets (actual elephant hair is banned from use now) were drooled over. These bracelets look good on all skins and wrist sizes. They are also ideal for a gift with a difference. We will be at the next car boot sale.

Folk were arriving in streams by elevenish and the sun was warm on our faces. Mom had been sent off in the search of some coffees with a promise of one of those tasty homemade burgers at the end of the day. But what I love about this little carboot sale is someone always brings someone else along and introduces them around. So the Expat and local network widens her net. We were so pleased to meet Huw and Amanda from Lower Ebro Riding School at Aldover, originally from Staffordshire. She is a lady of multi-talents and a hairdresser to boot as well, as well a Senior Care Assistant. I have got myself booked to have a complete hair overhaul – long hair is just not ideal for the hot summers. So I am looking forward to that!

Also good to see old friends, Christine and Anthony of Finca Ninfas. Now if you know anyone who loves hiking or bird spotting, they have a wonderful upstairs apartment for rent in the Natural Park near Alfara de Carlas. It is only 1o minutes by car from Tortosa. Please contact us if interested.

My thoughts were interrupted by Alan and Peter laughing, “Look at that chocolate brown one!” It was fate that I looked up. Four adorable puppies rolling around. Oh no…. My feet were jet propelled towards them. Two chocolate brown ones and two mottled ones – aah they were gorgeous. One choclate brown.scratched nose, where he had come off second best with the others, came hurtling towards me.

Brian Parky, who never misses an opportuinity was quick on his loudspeaker, “One free puppy to every stall holder!”

Alan´s face was beaming all over when I put Big Paws” onto his shoulders. I knew he was coming home with us. Strange that I had spare dog leads in the car…honestly I didn´t know he had any puppies. They are gorgeous all male, all weaned and free to a good home.

One down, three to go!

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