Vol 4 Edition 11 December 2004
Costa Blanca Netguide Newsletter
http://www.costablanca-netguide.com

This newsletter is only sent to subscribers
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CONTENTS:
01) Editorial
02) Suzanna's Article
03) Christmas Carols in Javea
04) New businesses
05) Spanish Resources
06) Sticker/Screensaver Information
07) Subscribe/Unsubscribe Information


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1) Editorial

Feliz Navidad

Hope this finds everyone merry and ready for Christmas, New
Year and Three Kings. Even if you´re still finishing off
your preparations try to relax and not get too stressed.
Easier said than done I know.

I collected a visitor from Alicante airport yesterday and it
was incredibly busy with flights arriving every few minutes.
Our friend immediately stripped off layers of coats and
woolies to soak up our fantastic sunshine. Having suffered
over two weeks of torrential rain the sun appeared at the
end of last week and is doing us proud. With temperatures
soaring back up to the mid twenties over the weekend it
looks like we are in for a sunny festive period.

In this month´s newsletter we bring you a quick insight into
shopping at Christmas here on the Costa Blanca. We popped
into Calpe this morning to get a few last minute bits and
pieces and our friend commented on the lack of Christmas
Carols being played in the shops. Can´t say I miss the
canned carols but the real thing was played out heartily on
Javea beach last Saturday evening which you can read about
too. Also find out what the Spanish love at the end of their
meal, which incidently is usually eaten along with a glass
of Cava (Spanish champagne).

So for the last of 2004 - Happy Christmas and look forward
to e-seeing you all again in 2005.

Cheers, Suzanna.




Suzanna - Editor, Costa Blanca Netguide.
editor@costablanca-netguide.com

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2) Suzanna's Article

Hello ,


Shopping - that one little word can be fun or downright
frightening. Add the word Christmas and many are left
shaking in their shoes. Now for anyone who knows me, retail
therapy is actually one of my all time favourite pastimes.
However like anything it´s location, location, location, -
for me anyway. Christmas shopping here can be as stressful
as anywhere but choose your times and places well and you
won´t have to elbow your way through the crowds and parking
places are abundant. If you choose to shop in shopping
centres the advantage is that they stay open through the
usual ´siesta´ period. From 1.30 ´til 4.00 is usually their
quiet period as it is the Spaniard´s lunchtime so it´s a
good time if you don´t relish the crowds but weekends are
busy all day and the Sunday´s before Xmas are very busy.
Sunday opening is a relatively new phenomenom here but peak
periods like Xmas and Three Kings have pushed retailers into
this.

As the December fiestas are boosted early on in the month
with Constitution Day (6th December) and Immaculate
Conception (8th December) the locals begin their stocking of
traditional fayre back then. We actually live next to a very
famous bakery. When I say famous it is because they have
customers who come from as far away as Madrid and Barcelona
to buy their "pastisets". These are little pastries made
with an almond paste usually eaten at the end of a meal.
The customers arrive in droves and descend on this little
bakery weeks beforehand buying boxes and boxes of different
types of these pastisets. Also popular are their turron
logs. These look similar to our yule logs but are again made
with almonds and decorated in silver lettering with "Bon
Nadal" (Merry Christmas in Valenciano) or "Feliz Navidad".
With the high sugar content of these pastries I am reliably
told that they can last, if stored correctly, until Easter!

Now you understand that in the interests of science and
research I have visited many shopping areas on the Costa
Blanca to bring you this invaluable information. Apart from
the centre of each town, village and city which all promote
the produce of their area at this time of year, there are
now many shopping centres. As these are all relatively new,
they are clean and spacious and to be quite honest all very
similar. Filled mainly with franchise shops and large chains
they do offer competitive prices. Usually they are located
within an area of huge retails outlets from furniture shops
to toys so you can cover everything quite easily. At
Christmas small stands are usually erected within these
centres selling whole jamons, sausages, cakes, sweets,
turrons, moscatels and other local produce which make great
presents for visiting family and friends. Well they are
certainly different!

One feature I love about shopping in Spain is regardless of
the time of year shops will gift wrap your purchases for
you. From perfumeries to toy shops you are saved the
aggravation of buying wrapping paper, ribbons and bows
whilst their staff expertly wrap your pressies. Even in the
large hypermarkets huge tables are available with the paper,
sellotape and scissors ready for you to gift wrap before you
leave the store. With all that hard work finished you then
can retire to the bar for a well earned vaso de vino and a
tapa! Happy Christmas.




Researched and Written by Suzanna
info.es@costablanca-netguide.com

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, 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
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3) Christmas Carols in Javea

Nothing but clear night skies welcomed over 50 friendly
folks full of song, to a night of Christmas carol singing on
the beachfront in Javea.

A mixed grouping of WIBC and BNI members, an assortment of
family, plus a whole range of friends from Javea, Moraira,
Denia, Gata, Benitachell, Jalon and Pego sported candles and
song sheets.

Thanks to the hard work and diligence of Elaine Barclay, the
night was full of song, laughter and stories - shared by
all. It was also a super networking night as people opened
up to the sea-filled air and the starry heavens.

Elaine was the perfect hostess who really showed her
leadership skills. She kept the crowd moving up and down the
beach, in and out of bars and restaurants.

Thanks to everyone who helped to make this a special
evening.

An indisputable 700 Euros was raised for the Javea Women's Shelter.




Researched and Written by Suzanna
info.es@costablanca-netguide.com

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7) New Businesses on the Guide

Monte Pego Villa for Sale

A beautiful 3 bedroom villa, with pool, courtyard and
barbecue area for sale. The villa is spacious and contains
all modern features.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/listings/311.html

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5) Spanish Resources

BOOKS

i) Culinaria Spain: A Literary, Culinary and Photographic
Journey for Gourmets

This Culinaria title whets your appetite to explore Spain
with all your senses. It describes an incomparable panorama
of cultural and culinary traditions, as well as an overview
of the most important winegrowing regions of the land. Its
488 pages and more than 1,200 photographs clearly illustrate
how landscape, climate, and various cultures have left their
mark on the diverse cuisine of the country - from Alboraya
in the Levant to Zaragoza in the north, from the omnipresent
garlic mayonnaise alioli to zamburina mussels. More than 200
recipes drawn from every region ensure that the fascinating
reading also becomes a feast for the palate.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/books/cs.html


ii) The Rough Guide to Spain

Mark Ellingham and John Fisher bring you a guide to one of
Europe's most intense and dramatic countries, Spain. The
book features in-depth coverage of all the great historic
cities and monuments and provides information on the best
hotels, restaurants, beaches and nightlife.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/books/trgts.html


iii) Mediterranean Plants and Gardens

The Mediterranean region allows truly exotic plants and
fruits to be grown outdoors. This guide is an illustration
of their beauty and extent. It includes a description of the
gardens of the Cote d'Azur, with illustrations to show the
splendour of their year-round colour. Roy Lancaster gives
practical advice to those involved in planting and caring
for gardens, and the A-Z section provides a guide to the
varied varieties, many of which may be unfamiliar to the
British gardener. A series of symbols provide a cross-check
to hardiness in what can be a wide range of climatic
conditions, and the index provides a guide to common names.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/books/mpag.html


iv) Going to Live in Spain: A Practical Guide to
Enjoying a New Lifestyle in the Sun

An up-to-date guide from Harry King with valuable
information for anyone relocating to Spain or thinking about
it. The book covers work, education, finances, retirement
and lifestyle.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/books/gtlis.html


v) Buying a Home in Spain: How to Find and Buy Your Dream
Home
David Hampshire designed this handbook to guide readers
through the property jungle, and make buying a home a
pleasant and enjoyable experience. The book is packed with
vital information to help readers avoid the sort of
disasters that can turn their dream home into a nightmare.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/books/bahis.html


vi) Dali: The Paintings
This publication presents the entire painted ouvre of
Salvador Dal (1904-1989). After many years of research,
Robert Descharnes and Gilles Neret finally located all the
paintings of this highly prolific artist. This book
therefore presents many works that have rarely been seen.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/books/dtp.html


vii) AA Road Atlas Spain & Portugal

The second edition of this large-scale atlas, produced by
leading European cartographers, Geo Planeta, includes:
additional information on traffic services, garages, road
side assistance, car hire, airports, railways, tourist
information centres and weather information, a useful
companion for travelling through Spain and Portugal.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/books/aarasp.html


viii) Lonely Planet Canary Islands

This guide book by Sarah Andrews, Chris Andrews and Sally
O'Brien covers all seven Canary Islands and provides
information on how to hop from one to the other. It covers
activities from surfing to cycling, provides details of the
fiesta and ferias held in the region, and offers information
on traditional crafts and indigenous architecture.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/books/lpci.html


ix) La Navidad

Brady Moats brings you the traditional songs, poems, short
plays, and other selections in Spanish and English providing
opportunities to learn about and participate in the holiday
customs of Hispanic lands.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/books/ln.html


x) Christmas in Spain

A comprehensive guide to the traditions and celebrations at
Christmas in Spain.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/books/cis.html


xi) The New Spain: A Complete Guide to Contemporary
Spanish Wine

The second edition of The New Spain is the only
up-to-date, illustrated, reference book to Spanish wines
available. Revealing the recent progress and huge
developments in Spain's wine laws, John Radford takes the
reader on a comprehensive region-by-region tour of
Spain's rapidly changing vineyards and wineries.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/books/tns.html


xii) The Spanish Civil War

Best-selling author of Stalingrad, Antony Beevor presents a
comprehensive history of one of the most fiercely fought
ideological wars of modern times. Now in new, updated and
corrected edition.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/books/tscw.html


xiii) Andalus: Unlocking the Secrets of Moorish Spain

A rich, subtle allegory that is full of fascinating insights
into the diverse history of Spain presented in an engaging
and stimulating manner by Jason Webster.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/books/autsoms.html


xiv) Barcelona: "Time Out" Eating and Drinking Guide

A pocket-sized, book encapsulating the best of Barcelona's
eating and drinking scene, written by experts in the city.
The 300-plus restaurants, cafes and bars are fully reviewed
with Time Out's trademark critical acumen; there are colour
photos throughout, plus colour maps (with the venues marked
on), glossaries and menus, introductions to the city's
cuisine, and box features dotted through the Guide.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/books/btoeadg.html


xv) Lonely Planet Valencia and the Costa Blanca

This guide focuses on Spain's most popular holiday
destinations and includes information from locals who know
the area best. Miles Roddis also includes a special section
on the region's numerous, vibrant fiestas held throughout
the year.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/books/lpvatcb.html


xvi) Lonely Planet Spanish Phrasebook

Covering all essential parts of the Spanish language, this
phrasebook features: a comprehensive two-way dictionary;
user-friendly sentence builder; pronunciation for every
word; the basics of contemporary Spanish culture; plus local
slang for fun and friendly exchanges.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/books/lpsp.html


xvii) Book of Tapas and Spanish Cooking

This straightforward and informative book brings you an
enticing selection of these delicious appetizers, plus main
courses, vegetables and desserts, in a varied collection of
more than 100 recipes, encompassing many regional cooking
styles. The Spanish cuisine encompasses dishes that contain
a kaleidescope of ingredients, prepared in myriad styles to
suit perfectly every occasion, taste and diet.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/books/botasc.html


xviii) Iberia

James Michener presents photographs and his own personal
thoughts and recollections to enhance this informal portrait
of Spanish life and culture.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/books/i.html


xix) Song of the Outcasts: An Introduction to Flamenco

Author Robin Totton writes - and offers the music on the
accompanying compact disk sampler - from his life among
the Gypsies of Andalusia.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/books/soto.html


xx) Landscapes of Southern Tenerife and La Gomera

A car-touring and walking guide to southern Tenerife and La
Gomera. There are topographical walking maps and a fold-out
touring map. Many short walks for motorists are suggested,
along with recommendations of areas for picnics. This
edition has been revised by a tour operator and walking
guide.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/books/lostalg.html


xxi) Spanish Food and Cooking

This collection takes you through the culinary history of
Spain with a photographic catalogue of all the classic
Spanish ingredients, from fantastic cheeses and hams to
olive oils and shellfish. There are over 150 step-by-step
recipes to try, with chapters devoted to tapas, soup and
eggs, rice and pasta, vegetables and salads, fish and
shellfish, poultry and game birds, meat and game, and
desserts and baking.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/books/sfac.html


xxii) My Kitchen in Spain: 225 Authentic Regional
Recipes

Janet Mendel presents a beautifully illustrated book of
authentic recipes from the diverse regions of Spain.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/books/mkis.html


xxiii) Adventure Guide to Spain

In this guide author Kelly Lipscombe, a resident of Spain
delves into every province and town. She tells of the
history and culture, and provides innumerable useful
travelling tips. Everything is explored - the cities, the
parks, the islands, the mountains, the foods. The book
covers the entire country, from Ibiza to Granada, Andalucia,
Barcelona, Madrid and Toledo.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/books/agts.html


xxiv) The Alhambra

Robert Irwin writes beautifully enabling the reader to
understand the full history of one of Southern Spain's most
stunning monuments.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/books/ta.html


xxv) Alphabet Fiesta: An English/Spanish Alphabet Story

A colourful and informative book by Anne Miranda for
children between 4 and 8 years of age.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/books/af.html


xxvi) Andalucia

This guide by Andy Symington provides readers with complete
and up-to-date information on how to get to Andalucia, when
to go, what to see, and how to make your trip a success.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/books/a.html


xxvii) Tapas Made Easy

The tapas in this book cover a range of flavours and Spanish
food lovers will find all the classics here, as well as some
more unusual dishes. The recipes are divided into the
following chapters: Cocktail Sticks, Skewers, Tostas and
Tarteletas, showing that there are many different ways of
serving tapas dishes. Beautifully photographed and designed
throughout, this is the perfect book for anyone interested
in authentic Spanish tapas.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/books/tme.html


CD's

i) Boleros & Love Songs of Spain

Jose Carreras sings the popular traditional love songs of
Spain.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/CDs/balsos.html


ii) Destination Spain

Full orchestral recordings by The Royal Festival Pops
Orchestra.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/CDs/ds.html


iii) Family Fiesto: May Songs from Northern Spain

Orchard records present Family Fiesto singing the
traditional songs from the vibrant regions of northern
Spain.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/CDs/ff.html


iv) Spain - Flamenco Vivo Collection

A fabulous collection of traditional Flamenco rhythms
from various popular Spanish artists.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/CDs/sfvc.html


v) Great Figures of Flamenco

Nino De Ricardo performs the a collection of the most
popular traditional folk music of Spain on the guitar.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/CDs/gfof.html


vi) Songs of the Spanish Civil War

This CD brings together authentic renditions of Spanish
anti-fascist songs from the era of the Spanish civil war. As
such it is an important historical resource. I give it the
highest rating because of its historical importance and
because of the relatively clean sound. These songs are
political in nature, and the lyrics (which accompany the CD)
recall the passion of that era.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/CDs/sotscw.html


vii) Spain - Espanas

A superb 3 CD box set featuring a collection of the
authentic music of Spain by various artists.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/CDs/se.html


viii) Spain

Puerto Rican pianist Camilo in the company of flamenco
guitarist Tomatito perform a set of traditional Spanish
material, which is a wonderful combination of classical and
flamenco themes.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/CDs/s.html


ix) Spain in My Heart

This CD captures the emotion, joy, and beauty of many of the
traditional and contemporary Spanish folk songs that
reflect the spirit of the Spanish civil war. The collection is
performed by various popular folk and roots artists.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/CDs/simh.html


x) Folk Songs of Spain

Germaine Montero sings the beautiful folk songs of Spain
with Salvador Bacarisse and his orchestra.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/CDs/fsos.html


xi) Greatest Songs Ever: Spain

A fantastic collection featuring various popular artists
performing the beloved music of Spain.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/CDs/gses.html


xii) Voice of Spain

A collection featuring various popular artists performing the
authentic songs from the diverse regions of Spain.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/CDs/vos.html


DVD's

i) Guitarra!: A Musical Journey Through Spain

A journey through the music of Spain with Julian Bream and
the Chamber Orchestra of Europe and conducted by Sir Charles
Grove.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/DVDs/gamjts.html


ii) Antonio Gaudi

Hiroshi Teshigahara's camera takes us over, under, around,
and into buildings and a park designed by Antonio Gaudí
between 1852 amd 1926. With little narration, the film takes
us through Casa Vicens, projects for the industrialist Güell
(including the Crypt of the Colònia Güell and Park Güell),
Casa Batlló, Casa Milà, and Barcelona's landmark, the
unfinished Templo de La Sagrada Familia.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/DVDs/ag.html


iii) Flamenco

A film by Carlos Saura in the tradition of Riverdance.
Flamenco is one of the purest and most stunning performance
films ever made.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/DVDs/f.html


iv) Discovering Spain

The film takes the viewer on a journey through Spain and
visits many places of particular interest, including Avila,
Segovia and Granada with special feature information on the
Festival At Alcoy, the Iberian Peninsula, Madrid and
Barcelona.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/DVDs/ds2.html


v) Destination Spain

Pilot Guides present a visual journey through the diverse
regions of Spain with comprehensive travel advice on this
popular destination.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/DVDs/ds3.html


vi) Get to Know Spain

This DVD will take you on a long journey throughout Spain,
showing you its art, history and Geography, the most
ingrained traditions or the adventure of the least known
places. Includes sections on Customs and Festivities, Arts
and Culture and Sun and Beaches.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/DVDs/gtks.html


vii) Spanish Made Easy for Children: Hola Amigos, Vol. 1

This highly recommended dvd is a gentle introduction to the
Spanish language for ages 4-9 years.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/DVDs/smefc.html


viii) Hola Amigos, Vol. 2

The second edition of this highly recommended dvd series is
a continuation of the gentle introduction to the Spanish
language for childreb aged 4-9 years.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/DVDs/ha2.html


ix) Hola Amigos, Vol. 3

The third edition of this highly recommended dvd series is
a continuation of the gentle introduction to the Spanish
language for childreb aged 4-9 years.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/DVDs/ha3.html


x) Ibiza Spain Awaits

Costal Scenes Video proudly presents a visual guide to the
popular Balearic Island, Ibiza including the resorts,
beaches, restaurants, culture and night life of this
vibrant island.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/DVDs/isa.html


Videos

i) Video Visits - Spain: Everything Under The Sun

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.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/DVDs/vvs.html


SOFTWARE

i) Voyage in Spain

The colours of Spain are captured in all their vibrancy on
this CD-ROM that introduces the heritage of one of the
world's most influential cultures. Hundreds of images,
numerous full motion video clips and a soundtrack of
Spanish music are included, as well as engaging background
text by the Spanish cultural historian, Cesar Alonso de
los Rios.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/Software/vis.html


ii) Discover Spain

The authentic music, detailed descriptions and audio
commentary on this CD-ROM guide you on a journey through
Spain. Visit this beautiful Mediterranean country and take a
virtual tour around the major cities, taking in the sights
and scenery.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/Software/ds4.html



iii) Scenery in Spain 2

The second in the series of CD-ROMs containing Spanish
scenery from the recognised developer SimWings features
five well-known Spanish mainland airports of Alicante,
Barcelona, Pamplona, Santander and Valencia. Both the
airports and the surrounding areas are highly detailed
with many landmark architectural features such as the
ciudadela and the plaza castillio in Pamplona. The
detailed manual contains information and statistics
about all of the airports.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/Software/sis2.html



Miscellaneous Products

i) 365 Days in Spain

A gorgeous calender for 2005 presenting 365 photographs
taken by Michelle Chaplow in Spain.

http://www.costablanca-netguide.com/bac/misc/365dis.html


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6) 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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