EbroVoice

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.

• Sport , Uncategorized
• Comments (0)

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

• Hints for settlers , Living in rustic Catalonia , Vacation Rentals
• Comments (1)

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!

• Hints for settlers , Uncategorized , Vacation Rentals , Where to go
• Comments (0)

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!

• Hints for settlers , Living in rustic Catalonia , Uncategorized , Vacation Rentals
• Comments (1)

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
• Comments (0)

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
• Comments (2)

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
• Comments (2)

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

• Bookshelf , Hints for settlers , Vacation Rentals
• Comments (1)

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.

• Business Enterprises , Hints for settlers , Where to go
• Comments (0)

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
• Comments (0)