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Vol 3 Edition 5 October 2002
Costa Blanca Netguide Newsletter
http://www.costablanca-netguide.com
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Hi ,Welcome to the October edition of the newsletter.This month
we have a behind the scenes look at the preparation
for a Spanish Fiesta as well as details of the forthcoming
Living in Spain exhibition being held in Orihuela.Regular
readers will know that last month I travelled to
Barcelona for a short break with my wife and stayed in an
apartment in the Barri Gotic. What an excellent week.
For those of you who have been you will know what I mean
and those of you yet to visit, make it a priority. This year
is a celebration of the life of Gaudi and therefore
some examples of his breathtaking work are open to the public
for this year only, most notably the Casa Battlo (Bone House).
The entire first floor and rear patio was open, but only between
0930 and 1330 Mon-Fri. As the building is actually occupied
this does make some sense. Arrive early!!Due to the huge variety
and relative inexpense of eating out
it made sense to take every opportunity to do so and I have
a couple of restaurant recommendations for you that Valerie
and I really enjoyed.
======================================
Cafe L'Academia
Carre L1edo 1
Placa Sant Just
Tel: 93 319 82 53
Price for 2 people, 3 courses, wine, coffee etc
55-65 EUROSGood range of Catalan dishes in a nice location.
Book in advance. If you want more authenticity reserve a
table inside. There are tables in the square outside but
the Spaniards tend to eat inside and it seems that "tourists"
are sat in the square.
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El Salon
Bar-Bistrot
L'Hostal d'en Sol 6-8
Tel: 93 315 21 59
Price for 2 people, 3 courses, wine, coffee etc
40-50 EUROSCosy restaurant with a 'colourful' owner and an excellent menu.
Again book if you can, we turned up at 9.30ish and 7-8 people
were turned away within 20 minutes of our arrival. Very popular
and rightly so. The food and atmosphere was excellent.
======================================
Restaurant Caliu
Assaonadors, 31
Tel 93 310 37 98
Price for 2 people, 3 courses, wine, coffee etc
60-70 EUROSWe liked this one so much we went twice and not only because
it was directly opposite where we were staying. The menu
choice is extensive to say the least. They actually specialise
in Fondu of all things but even after going twice we still
hadn't eaten any fondu.
(might have something to do with my extreme dislike of cheese!!)
The wine was excellent as was the service and the very young
but very talented piano player in middle of the restaurant.
Highly recommended.
======================================
cometacinc
Carre Cometa 5
Barrio Gotico
bcn
Tel: 93 31015 58
Price for 2 people, 3 courses, wine, coffee etc
45-55 EUROSOur personal favourite, found on our last night after
wandering for an hour or so, up a small street behind the main
parliament square. The presentation of the food was just as
good as the food itself. Very creative but also extremely
tasty and reasonably priced. Service again was excellent.
Very highly recommended.
======================================As always keep your emails coming. I enjoy reading your
letters and try to answer all your queries where I can.
Please email me directly editor@costablanca-netguide.com
Do not reply to this newsletter as it is sent from our network
server and replies to this address can take weeks to filter back
to me.Until Next MonthRobin
Editor - Costa Blanca Netguide.
editor@costablanca-netguide.com==============================================================
Direct Car Rentals in ALICANTE - VALENCIA - MURCIA airports
http://www.carhirealicante.com/reservas/reservation1.asp?=cbng
Our Non-agent status allows us the freedom to offer the very
best prices on the Costa Blanca
Currently featuring Free Additional Drivers,
Baby Seats and Roofracks
TEL +34 96 649 1472
http://www.carhirealicante.com/reservas/reservation1.asp?=cbng
reservas@carhirealicante.com
==============================================================MAIN CONTENTS:1) New Businesses on the Guide
2) The October Fiestas preparation
3) Winter preparation for the Costa Blanca
4) Living in Spain Exhibition
5) Costa Blanca Resources
6) Sticker/Screensaver Info
7) 2002 Publishing dates
8) Subscribe/Unsubscribe Information
==============================================================1) New Businesses on the Guidei) Clinic of Alternative Medicines
The first virtual clinic of alternative medicines
with consultations and follow up in real life on the
Costa Blanca.
http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/listings/240.htmlii) Denia Self Contained Flat
Nice little one bedroom flat, self-contained, sleeps
three/four, in Denia, for very short let,
longer lets.tailored to your needs.
http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/listings/241.htmliii) Chunky Funky Design - Jewellery Workshop
Offering a wide selection of Armbands ,Bangles, Bracelets,
Chains and Charms, Earrings, Rings,Toe-Rings, Ankle Chains,
all in Sterling Silver 925. A large proportion of which is
made by us in our workshop in Jalón at fair prices.
http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/listings/242.html
(Print their Directory Page and get a 10% DISCOUNT)iv) Mad Hatters English Tea Rooms
Mad Hatters English Tea Rooms are situated in the picturesque
Spanish village of Jalon surrounded by vine yards and almond
blossoms. The Tea Rooms are part of an old wine store that
has been transformed into a wonderland. Here you can step back
in time to take afternoon tea served at any time of the day
in Bone china cups and beautiful Teapots.
http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/listings/243.htmlv) Procoal Villas
Leaders in the Construction of New Villas in and around
Albox Almeria. They have a large range of
exclusive plots and land available for the building of New
Luxury Villas. Located in the traditional Spanish town of
Albox set in the Almanzora Valley and some of the most
beautiful countryside in Andalucía.
http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/listings/244.htmlvi) Car Hire Alicante
Bringing you the best value car hire for Alicante anywhere
on the Costa Blanca. Coupling unbeatable customer service
with great value car rental rates here at
http://www.carhirealicante.com we are dedicated to ensuring
your car-hire in Spain is completely trouble-free.
http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/listings/245.htmlvii) Costa Blanca Commercial Agency
If you are one of the growing number of people who are fed up
with the rat-race and the terrible weather,and are searching
for a more relaxed and sociable lifestyle, we may be able to
offer you a way of using your skills and talents to generate
an income that will allow you to have your own place in the
sun.....
http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/listings/247.htmlviii) Villas Ensuenos
A leading agent with many properties to suit your needs,
be it a villa, townhouse or countryhouse, new or resale also
available should you wish to build your own home are plots of
all sizes, with planning permission and recommended builders.
http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/listings/287.html
==============================================================
2) Hi ,As promised I'll tell you how the meetings are going regarding
the street decoration for the October fiestas. These fiestas
are the "Festes en Honor de la Mare de Déu Pobra" literally
translated "The Fiestas in Honour of the Poor Mother of God"
and she is the patron saint of our village. This year it is
the 50th anniversary of her Coronation so all stops have been
pulled out to make it special. The actual statue was
discovered by accident 50 years ago buried on the outskirts of
the village. During the Civil War religious artifacts were
being burnt therefore locals hid such items by burying them in
the ground and in walls of private homes to protect them. Over
the years some were obviously lost hence the discovery of this
one. The fiesta program which is normally an A4 size glossy
brochure is this year a large hard back book. There are some
wonderful old black and white photographs of the past village
fiestas and its interesting trying to work out where they are
taken in the village as over the years things have been
altered. There are also photos of the festeros, a full program
of events plus pages of local businesses advertising which all
brings in funds not only for the production of the book but
also for the fiestas themselves. The processions will of
course all start from the church and the festeros for this
fiesta are of all different ages. The ladies wear the typical
long black dresses with mantillas (the large upright comb) in
their hair and they usually carry a small fan and a rosary. So
what of the street decoration? In past years this has actually
been a competition between streets hence the secrecy of the
designs. Way back in June I was asked to the first meeting for
our street. When I queried why they started so early in the
year I was then given a run down of all the important "other"
jobs that needed doing during July, August and September
including harvesting the grapes for the wine production. When
these jobs need doing the whole family mucks in so we needed
to be organized. So I arrive at the first meeting in the front
room of one of the older ladies. The meeting has been called
for 10.30p.m on a Monday night which I am informed is quite
normal. Remember some of the shops and businesses don't close
until 8.30p.m. The hostess seems to be in charge of everything
and has passed around a photo album of past decorations for
our street which they are very proud of having won a few
years. There are also pictures of other streets. The theme
always seems to be "flowery". So the idea I was told was to
come up with something totally different this year. Being the
new girl (and bringing the average age down a few decades!) I
was asked my opinion straight away. Well I'd like to think I'm
quite artistic and could think of a couple of simple but
effective themes we could use. The idea had to encompass the
road painting a hanging "something" whether it be bunting or
flags or whatever and an object to stand outside each house.
Bear in mind the streets are very narrow the pavements about a
foot wide and the balconies also overhang. With delivery
lorries using the streets plus the Statue of the Poor Mother
of God which is carried through the streets for the procession
is very high we have to be careful of the height of the
bunting and the standing object not too lightweight but not
too large as to block the street too much. OK end of the first
meeting and we leave with plenty of ideas to think about and
the next meeting to be in a weeks time at the same hour. I
arrive promptly the following week and we all seat ourselves
and a few different faces appear all of the younger generation
but still all from our street. One of the ladies produces our
chosen theme...I haven't a clue when it was decided but
believe it or not it is a floral design. I now realize they
must have the same meeting every year and all being older
ladies at the initial meeting they only know how to produce
flowers so that is what is always decided! Only once have
they had a different theme a few years back with heraldic
flags hanging and painted on the road and lighting rigged up.
For whatever reason it only occurred once and we are back to
flowers. I am told how much each household is to contribute
towards the costs and how to make various parts. I'm sworn to
secrecy but if you promise not to tell we are into sunflowers
this year and we are making a "material trellis" to hang
across the street from the balconies. Outside each house will
be a pot either side of the door with huge sunflowers. It'll
look great I'm sure but next year I will be wiser. Don't
bother with the first meeting as much as they say they want a
totally different idea traditions never change. We still have
a couple of weeks to go and the final touches have to be done.
The night before the fiesta starts we'll all be out there
hanging the trellis, putting the sunflowers out and painting
the road...let's just hope it doesn't rain.
Researched and Written by Suzanna
info.es@costablanca-netguide.com
if you know someone who may benefit from any of
the articles in this newsletter please feel free to pass it on.
PLEASE NOTE: These articles are for personal use only and may not
be posted on any website, newsgroup or bulletin board. If you
wish to use any of our articles for commercial purposes please
contact us articles@costablanca-netguide.com==============================================================
3) Winter preparations on the Costa Blanca
http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/listings/170.htmlDoes your fireplace spoil the appearance of your whole villa?
Does your chimney smoke when you light a fire in the grate?
Are you fed up with cutting, moving and storing logs? Does
your lounge lack a focal point? Are you finding the winters
colder than you imagined they would be? If you can answer yes
to any one or all of these questions, then its time to contact
Meridian Stoves of Jalon. In their showroom adjacent to the
petrol station in Jalon they have a large selection of both
woodburning and gas fires, both on display or easily available
from brochures. They stock fires by Aarrow, Stovax, Yeoman,
Villager, Town and Country and Gazco, all quality British made
fires,some with a lifetime guarantee.Once you have found the showroom you need to decide whether
you want wood or gas to provide heat for your room. There are
pros and cons for both types of fuel and only you can make the
choice as to which suits your lifestyle. Once that choice has
been made Meridian Stoves can show you a large range of fires
that will meet your criteria in terms of heat output required
and style to complement the design of your room. Fires now
come in a range of colours and finishes, not only black. They
are also constantly improving the technology to provide fires
that not only give a beautiful view of the flames but are also
very efficient and environmentally friendly.In the showroom you will also find ideas for changing the
appearance of your fireplace or indeed building a fireplace
from scratch, from the vast array of bricks, tiles, stone and
marble that Spain has to offer. Meridian Stoves can undertake
projects both small and large, from minor alterations to the
fireplace to designing and building a fireplace that will show
off your chosen fire to its best advantage and be in keeping
with the style of your home.So what are you waiting for. Don't let this winter catch you
out, pop along to Meridian Stoves now. They are open 9.30 to
1.30 Monday to Friday and they also offer a free site visit to
evaluate what is best for your particular situation. You can
also see some of the products that they have on display on
their web site www.meridianstoves.com or get more information
by telephoning 96 648 0905. They look forward to meeting you.
http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/listings/170.html==============================================================
4) Living in Spain Exhibition
sponsored by telforce communications
Hotel la Zenia,
La Zenia,
Orihuela CostaFriday 18th October 2002 - 12.00-21.00
Saturday 19th October 2002 - 10.00 - 18.00
Sunday 20th October 2002 - 10.00 - 18.00There will be a fantastic range of companies and organisations
offering products and services of interest to all ex-pats.Free half-day coach trip for all visitors
Free web site for all visitorsComplimentary copy of the “Living in Spain” book
at the Blevins Franks standFashion show and entertainment
line dancing and scuba diving demonstrationsand much, much more
for further details contact the organisers qn
965708476 / 659 173 108
entrance free with this invitation==============================================================5) Costa Blanca ResourcesProperty Guidesi) Buying a property in Spain
http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/bapis.html
This guide to buying a property in Spain offers first-hand
Advice on where to stay,dealing with estate agents and builders
and the types of properties available.
It covers building your own home, renovating a ruin and
renting a cosy cottage.ii) Buying a home in Spain
http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/bahis.html
A handbook on buying and developing property in Spain,
which provides advice on choosing the best location,
dealing with estate agents, renovation and restoration,
security, moving house, utilities, and legal matters.======================================Maps and Travel Guidesi) Michelin Map: Southern Spain
http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/mmss.html
An annually updated road map of Southern Spain, covering the
main and secondary road networks across the region.
Scale: 1/400,000 - 1cm=4km Legend/Key in four
languages (Spanish, French, English, German)ii) Holiday Map: Costa Blanca
http://www.costablanca-netuide.com/bac/hmcb.html
This map covers the holiday destination of the Costa Blanca
in Spain. Tourist attractions are highlighted with a red flag.
The map is supplemented with photographs and text.ii) Euro Map: Costa Blanca
http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/emcb.htmliii) Costa Blanca Mountain Walks
http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/cbmw.html
Covering the area north and west of Benidorm, this guide
includes walks in: Sierra Aitana, Monte Ponoch, Puig Campana;
the Val de Arc; the Benidorm Area - Sierra Helada,
Sierra Cortina; Sierra Serrella/Aixorta; Val de Algar
Val de Galinera/Forada; and the North-west Sierras.iv) Landscapes of the Costa Blanca
http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/lotcb.html
The Costa Blanca is ideal for countryside exploration all
year round. Travel only a short distance inland, and the
bustle of the resorts is left far behind. You find yourself
surrounded by market gardens, orchards and orange groves,
while the dark rugged silhouettes of the sierras
beckon you close....v) Autoroute 2002
http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/ar2002.html
Route planning software is always very popular and looking
at the capabilities of Autoroute 2002 it is not surprising.
This CD-ROM is full of tweaks and twists beyond its central
function of producing journey plans, including a database
of potential stopping off points for any trip,vi) Video Visits: Spain
http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/vvss.html
Experience the contrasts of a country filled with castles
and whitewashed houses; where bull-fighting coexists with
the clicking castanets of Flamenco dancing and where the food
reflects the flavour of Spain.======================================Dictionaries and Phrase Booksi) Collins Large Spanish Dictionary
http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/csld.html
A sixth edition of the dictionary which also details aspects
of Spanish life and cultureii) Berlitz Spanish Phrase Book
http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/bspb.html
This Berlitz Spanish phrase book features over 1200 useful
phrases and expressions and over 2300 words that aim to cover
just about any travel sutuations encountered. The book includes
"point to" panels which troubleshoot difficult situations such
as visiting the doctor as well as mini-dialogues.iii) Spanish: with Michael Thomas
http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/smt.html
Michel Thomas's approach to language learning aims to provide
in a few hours a functional working knowledge of a language
without books, note-taking or conscious memorizing.
This CD provides an eight-hour course in Spanish.======================================Related Booksi) Driving over Lemons
http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/dol.html
All Provenced out? Then head further south this year, to the
breathtaking mountainous climes of Andalucia. Just don't be
squeamish about driving over lemons.ii) Parrot in the Pepper Tree
http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/pitpt.html
Chris Stewart turns another leaf on his life in southern
Spain in this "Sort Of" sequel to his biography,
"Driving Over Lemons". It is in fact part sequel - further
(mis)adventures of Chris and his family on their remote
Andalusian farm==============================================================6) Sticker InformationWe have available our Costa Blanca Netguide car or shop
windowstickers that we will send out to you free of charge.
Just email stickers@costablanca-netguide.com with your name
and postal address and how many you require (3 Max) and we'll
post them out to you anywhere in Europe FREE. Screensaver Information
Version 1 of the Costa Blanca Screensaver can be downloaded
at http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/screensaver.html.
The Free version has a few limitations but gives you a good
idea of what you can expect from the Full version which is
priced at 7 EUROS==============================================================7) 2002 Approximate Publishing Dates4th November - 2nd December.==============================================================8) SUBSCRIBE INFORMATION
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