Vol 4 Edition 1 November 2003
Costa Blanca Netguide Newsletter
http://www.costablanca-netguide.com
This newsletter is only sent to subscribers
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CONTENTS:
1) Editorial
2) Suzanna's Article
3) B. R. I. T. S. 2
4) Job Vacancy
5) New Businesses
6) Spanish Resources
7) Sticker/Screensaver Information
8) 2003 Publishing dates
9) Subscribe/Unsubscribe Information
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1) Editorial
Hola,
Hope this finds you all well. This months newsletter has
some interesting pieces in. We have our 2nd installation of
Brits and how Pam and Barry have faired so far with
Telefonica. Sore subject in many parts here.You can also
find out how a typical Spanish wedding is celebrated when I
describe the wedding we attended at the end of October. With
the announcement by the Spanish Royal household last weekend
of the engagement of Prince Felipe and Letizia Ortiz
Rocasolano it seems a very topical subject at the moment.
Next month we will begin a new section called "Your
Questions" so if any newsletter readers have any questions
which may be of general interest to our subscribers send
them to us and we will see if we can get the relevant
answers for you.
The Northern European influences are definately invading us
here as I was astounded to see a Christmas tree bedecked in
all its glory in a home furnishing shop at the end of
September. Now all the local stationary shops, supermarkets
and shopping centres have boxes of Christmas cards and
tinsel, crackers and decorations. From the age of 13 when my
parents first bought their holiday home on the Costa Blanca
we would spend our Christmas holidays here and half of our
luggage would be filled with such things plus the Christmas
pud and all the pressies (my brother and I insisted we drove
down to get as much luggage in as possible!).
Well I have no idea how many shopping days until Christmas
and ignorance at this point is bliss.
See you all next month..Hasta Pronto......Suzanna.
Suzanna Editor - Costa Blanca Netguide.
editor@costablanca-netguide.com
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2) Suzanna's Article
Hello,
In all countries and cultures weddings are celebrated
slightly differently and Spain is no exception. We were
invited to the marriage of Maite and Dave in October and our
son and their daughter were to be pageboy and bridesmaid.
From their names you can probably tell that the bride is
Spanish and the groom English but the whole day was
celebrated in Spanish style.
Originally they were expecting to get married earlier in the
year but bureaucracy and the entailing stream of paperwork
pushed it back to late October. With Dave being English they
needed various bits of paper before they could go ahead.
With Maite being Spanish and the "laid back" mentality it
should have been of no surprise to me to be handed Eliot's
outfit only 3 days before the wedding - it was bought off
the peg back in January and hadn't yet been tried on. She
had also said that on the morning of the wedding the
photographer was coming to the house to take photos of her
and the 2 children. The night before the wedding - 10pm to
be exact I finally tracked her down to find out what time
our son would be required for the said photo session.
Unfortunately the weather that particular weekend turned out
to be quite wet. The wedding was taking place on Sunday at
12.30 in the local church and on the Saturday it poured with
rain all day. I even went out and bought a long sleeved
thermal vest for our son whose outfit consisted of long
trousers, long sleeved cotton shirt, waistcoat and tie, and
I was worried that he would be freezing. The wedding attire
for female Spanish guests is also more of the strappy
evening dress type than suits and hats which is more
traditional in the UK.
The day of the wedding dawned to clouds but not quite so
dark as the day before but it was raining quite hard. Our
son was bouncing off the walls excited at the prospect of
another chance to dress up. He was required for the photo
shoot at 11am so I got myself and him ready and took him
over the road to Maite's house by which time it had stopped
raining. The house was full of various members of her
family, the ladies still getting ready upstairs and the guys
downstairs jackets off watching the tele. Maite and Estella
were still at the hairdressers I was informed but no matter
our son would be fine. He knows most of them anyway and duly
plonked himself down next to Maite's father to watch the
tele. I was obviously redundant so said my good-byes and
went back home until it was time to go to the church. At
12.30 the church bells starting peeling to announce the
wedding and we were waiting outside the house to watch Maite
and her father, with family and friends following, walk the
150 metres from the house through the square, past the
fountain, to the church. The doorway to the house was
decorated with large arrangements of white lilies and cream
rose petals were scattered on the ground. The 2 children
came out first holding hands and taking their duties very
seriously, cameras flashed and finally Maite emerged looking
radiant on the arm of her father. Miraculously the sun came
out and they were cheered and clapped by neighbours hanging
over balconies as they began the walk to the church.
Dave was waiting on the steps of the church, suited and
booted plus his shades...very cool. Photos were then taken
of the bride and groom, his father and her mother plus the
children before they entered the church. We all took our
places in the church, although there is no seating plan as
such you take a seat wherever you wish, and the Wedding
March began. The 2 children entered first, followed by Maite
on the arm of her father-in-law to be and finally Dave with
his mother-in-law to be. Many of the local villagers were
also in attendance and the church was full. Above the main
doors is a musicians gallery where the local guitar
orchestra and choir supplied the music and singing for the
ceremony.
After all the business was over and they were finally
pronounced man and wife it was time for more photos. The
congregation left them at the alter and took their places
outside ready for them to emerge together. In Spain you
don't throw confetti at the newly weds but rice! All that
paella must rub off somewhere. However with a mixed bunch
invited from all four corners of the globe it was actually a
mixture of rice, confetti and rose petals they were showered
with when they did finally come out into the sun. Usually
there are also very loud firecrackers let off to mark them
leaving the church but blissfully we were saved from that.
The stretch limousine was waiting in the square and the
chauffeur stood with a silver tray and 2 glasses of
champagne. These the newlyweds drank and smashed the empty
glasses at the wall of the church which apparently is for
luck (I thought it just saved on the washing up!). Finally
the bride, groom, bridesmaid and pageboy got into the limo
and made their way to the reception. When I later asked our
son what it was like in the limo all he said was that it had
a tele in it!
We all arrived at the reception and photos were being taken
in the gardens. Drinks and canapés were being served inside.
Finally we were asked to take our seats. Once we were all in
place the bride and groom entered ushered in by the master
of ceremonies. They were greeted by cheers and flash bulbs
and the liveried staff were waiting in line with the head
waiter holding yet another silver tray with 2 glasses of
champagne. These they downed to more applause and then took
their seats at the head table. We enjoyed a fabulous six
course meal Spanish style. I won't go into detail as that
would just take too long but with the accompanying wines and
champagnes it certainly made it a wonderful day. Throughout
the meal various male friends of the bride and groom take it
in turns to start banging the table and chanting "Besar
Besar" (kiss kiss) and then the rest of the guests join in
very loudly until the bride and groom take up the challenge
and kiss. As the meal progresses and more alcohol is
consumed the chanting gets louder and the kissing more
passionate which in turn produces louder cheers!
The children (all 40 odd of them) had their own table right
next to the entrance and were served by their own waitresses
dressed in fancy dress. Their meal was different from ours
and served immediately. As soon a they were finished they
were ushered outside and kept amused throughout the
afternoon with games and activities and the reception hall
boasts a large playground to keep all the little cherubs
busy.
Finally it was the cake cutting ceremony and again the staff
waited in line for the couple to approach the table. The
cake was to cater for 200 people and was 12 cakes on a
specially designed stand which I cannot do justice by trying
to describe it. However I will just say it is made of clear
perspex tubes filled will water which bubbles upwards and is
lit from inside. The cakes stand around these tubes at
varying heights and the overall effect is quite stunning.
Dave and Maite were handed a huge glass knife to cut the
cake and I believe they were given the knife to keep.
After the cake and champagne had been consumed, the tables
cleared then it is liqueur and cigar time. Everyone was
offered liqueurs and spirits from the trolley although it is
very often that bottles of spirits are placed on every table
to help yourself. The groom then passes about the guests
with cigars for the gentlemen which are individually wrapped
with a label showing the bride and groom's names and the
date of the wedding. We are not smokers but we are always
given the cigars as they also are momentos of the day. The
ladies are also given a small gift again with the wedding
label on. On this occasion the children also received a
small token present. Whilst the bride and groom are moving
around the room distributing the gifts and cigars, chatting
with their guests they are also collecting envelopes. In
Spain, certainly at the numerous weddings we have attended,
wedding gifts are not the norm but a cash gift is. At the
time of going to press the going rate in these parts is 150
Euros per couple. Obviously it is not obligatory.
People finally started to depart about 7pm having eaten a
great deal, imbibed a goodly amount and danced to the live
band until they could no more. The real stalwarts were
apparently heading off for a night out in Benidorm,
transport provided.
It was a lovely day and I am pleased to say our son played
his part magnificently...maybe I could start hiring him out?
I had a quick chance to ask Dave's parents' what their
impressions were of a Spanish wedding. Their answer very
succinctly was "Much more laid back and much noisier than an
English wedding"... I couldn't agree more!
Dave and Maite have just returned from their honeymoon which
they took in Santa Dominica but I haven't seen them yet to
find out how they enjoyed it. Maite had never really been
abroad before, only to visit Dave's family in the UK so I'm
interested to see what she thought. So all that is left to
say is "Enhorabuena a Maite y Dave" (Congratulations to
Maite and Dave).
Researched and Written by Suzanna
info.es@costablanca-netguide.com
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3) B. R. I. T. S. 2 (Being Retired in the Sun - episode 2)
Last month I wrote about our experiences during our first
few months here which were relatively problem free, but now
I think its time to mention Telefonica.
At this point it is necessary to pause for a few moments
while anyone who has already experienced Telefonica stops
laughing and picks themselves up off the floor.
When one moves to a new home, whether is in a different
town, county or country, one of the most important things is
keeping in contact with family and friends and the easiest
way to do that is by telephone. So we contacted
Telefonica and asked for a phone. Little did we know what
was to come...
First Telefonica said it couldn't be done as we didn't have
any phone lines to the urbanization. We questioned this as
our neighbours had telephones but they insisted this was how
it was. So we waited a few more days and tried again, this
carried on a few more times until eventually they said a man
would come and sort it out . All they needed was a
telephone number to contact us on to let us know when he
would be coming.well we tried to explain that we didn't
have one which was why we wanted them to come and install
one but that wasn't the answer they would accept. Oh dear!!
So we gave them our neighbours number and hoped for the
best. And fortunately we were in when they unexpectedly
turned up one day a few weeks later.
A couple of hours later with the 'best beloved' acting as
both apprentice and linesman to the 'I'm a Technico only'
man from Teleco we were on the phone calling family and
friends in the U.K. and Spain with our news and new phone
number.
Next We had to return to the U.K. for a few weeks to
complete some business commitments and were a little
surprised when we met friends in the U.K. who claimed to
have spoken to 'some stranger' when they tried phoning us.
On our return to Spain surprise, surprise.the phone didn't
work but when you called our number, yes some one else
answered it and claimed the had just had their phone
installed with our number!!
We complained to Telefonica but their answer was a simple
'No! it wasn't possible for something like that to happen
and therefore that meant it hadn't happened and we must be
mistaken and had never had this number!!' A quick check
with International Directory Enquiries still listed us with
the number but even that wasn't accepted as proof by
Telefonica. I now understand how Mulder and Scully felt and
that 'the truth is out there' albeit on the 'Mother Ship'.
So we continued to make 2 or 3 calls a week to Telefonica
for what seemed like a life time trying to get a phone!!
The usual response to our calls was that we couldn't have a
phone because we didn't have a line and they never accepted
that we had ever had one!! And then one rainy afternoon a
man turned up unannounced to fit a phone. He seemed just a
little surprised to find that we already had the phone but
that we didn't have a line and number.how could this be?
We have now been on-line for 2 months so hopefully won't
have a repeat of that experience!! Meanwhile we often
wander how many phone calls the new owners of our original
phone number received before all our friends stopped
calling. Maybe I should print it now and suggest you give
them a call - no that would be too cruel.
Since we have been here we have heard some great stories of
other peoples experiences with Telefonica , it always helps
to know that they don't discriminate in the treatment of
their clients.
Next time - if we still have a phone and are still 'on line'
- I'll write about our visitors. One thing every one says
is that you don't know how many friends you have until you
move to Spain.how true!! But now I must go as the phones
ringing
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4) Job Vacancy
The Costa Blanca Net Guide is actively looking for Sales
Staff to join the team on the Costa Blanca. The position
needs personnel who can work on their own initiative and
enjoy meeting people. The job entails soliciting new
businesses to join the Costa Blanca Net Guide Business
Directory giving them detailed description of what we offer
and ensuring the smooth join up to the guide.
Candidates should offer:
-A clean driving license and have their own car.
-Live on the Costa Blanca.
-Have some experience in Sales.
-Use of a PC and email.
-Be of smart appearance.
-Spanish speaking would be preferable.
We offer:
-Full training.
-Working Hours to suit.
-Commission salary.
To apply please send by email your C.V. to
info.es@costablanca-netguide.com
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5) New Businesses on the Guide
J.K. Construction
A rapidly expanding company established
in 1996. We have the experience, confidence and knowledge to
undertake any building project. Based in Jalón in the heart
of the Vall de Pop 10 minutes from Benissa midway between
Alicante and Valencia airports. We cover a large area
including Denia, Javea, Teulada, Moraira & Calpe. We pride
ourselves on our diversity in covering all styles from
Contemporary to Spanish Traditional.
http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/listings/304.html
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6) Spanish Resources
Books
i) Spanish Property Buying Guide 2004 : The Ultimate Guide to
Buying a Property in Spain
A unique and practical must-have guide for the serious
Spanish homebuyer with more than 380 pages. Spanish Property
Buying Guide 2004 is packed with expertly researched
information on how to buy in Spain, property prices, the
different regions, maps, and case studies of those who have
already managed the transition to Spanish life.
http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/books/spbg.html
ii) You and the Law in Spain
David Searl takes you step by step through all aspects of
Spanish law affecting foreigner. Incorporates the Spanish
Property Guide and Horizontal Law in English. Now in its
twelfth edition, it is packed with expert information and
advice on taxes, work permits, cars, banking, property and
lots more.
http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/books/yatlis.html
CD's
i) The Spanish Guitar
A 2-cd compilation of beautiful classic compositions of
guitar, orchestra and piano Spanish music that will set you
free of your worries and let your imagination take you
anywhere you wish.
http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/CDs/tsg.html
DVD's
i) The Spanish Prisoner
A man who has invented a new manufacturing process for his
company, lives in fear that his discovery will be stolen by
the men he works for. When his suspicions are further
aroused he joins forces with a wealthy man whom he has just
met.
http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/DVDs/tsp.html
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7) Sticker Information
We have available our Costa Blanca Netguide car or shop
window stickers 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 at no cost.
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
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8) 2003 Approximate Publishing Dates
December 8th
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