British dies in Ibiza

A British female was taken ill and fell to the floor unconscious in the early hours as she partied with friends.

Bouncers called emergency services to Playa d'en Bossa's Space nightclub at 4.30am. Paramedics tried to revive Ms Nieman, a prize-winning nail technician in her twenties, as she was taken by ambulance to the island's Can Misses hospital.

But her heart had stopped by the time she arrived at A&E and doctors battled in vain to save her life. Her family were too distressed to comment.

A survey three years ago found that 44 per cent of British holidaymakers aged 16 to 35 visiting Ibiza admitted taking ecstasy while on the island, with 40 per cent of users taking it on five or more days.

'Balconing', drugs, alcohol what a nice holidays...

Severiano Ballesteros the most charismatic and most popular

British Open organizers are honoring the memory of former champion Seve Ballesteros this week at Royal St. George’s.
Ballesteros, Europe’s most successful golfer, died in May at the age of 54 after a 2 1/2-year battle with a brain tumor. He was the Open champion in 1979, 1984 and 1988.
Players have signed a book of remembrance, which will be given to Ballesteros’s family. Among the other tributes around the Sandwich, England, course are his image on the daily program, an article in the official program, and his silhouette on the grandstands at the 18th green.

A day to remember - 11-07-2010

One year since Spain won World Cup

One year away from that memorable moment when Andrés Iniesta slotted home the winner in the final, the future of Spain looks as bright as it has ever been.

Spain have won the World Cup for the first time in their history after Andres Iniesta's extra-time goal claimed a dramatic 1-0 victory over Holland in Johannesburg.

Spain biggest ever sporting achievement

Spain Speed Limit Back up To 120 km/h

The Spanish Government has announced that from 1 July the speed limit on motorways will revert to 120 kph, the level from which it was reduced to 110 as a cost-saving measure.

Old speed limit 110 km/h

Trimming the limit by just 10 kph has saved over 450 million euros says the government, but with the weakening of the price of oil, the measure is no longer needed

As from 1st July the speed limit will revert to 120km/h, which will cost the Government 600.000€ to replace the signs ….. again

The evening of June 23, San Juan night, in Spain

The San Juan night coincides with the Summer solstice and it's the welcome to Summer. This celebration takes place during the shortest night of the year in almost all cities and towns of Spain.

San Juan's night is full of bonfires, fireworks, music, dancing, sardines and bread. It's the welcome to summer, and its celebration takes place during the shortest night of the year. Men and women, young people and children, all dedicate their days and afternoons to the preparation of bonfires. According to tradition, if people jump three times over a bonfire on San Juan's night, they will be cleansed and purified, and their problems burned away.

Thousands of Costa residents and tourists took to the beaches last night (Thursday) to enjoy the traditional magic of the Night of San Juan, the custom includes a dip in the Med and a daring jump over the fire embers - not to mention supper and a little (or a lot) of something to wash it down with.

...Another day to get drunk....

Spanish-style siestas to cut down on electricity consumption

Faced with an energy crisis as the summer arrives in Japan, one prefecture is adopting a habit that was previously anathema to hard-working Japanese - the midday siesta.

The town council of Gifu, in central Japan, has decided to adopt Spanish working hours in July, August and September, Staff are being told to turn off their computers, the lights and the air conditioning and go home for a nap or leave the building to go shopping or for a walk.

Why people still think of spaniards enjoy a nap everyday??  the usual work hours are from 9am to 7pm.. with 1 hour to have lunch.. have been years since my last nap..

Valencia - Grand Prix of Europe of F1 - ticket prices reduced

Thinking about spending some days in Costa Blanca.. for the fourth consecutive year, the  Grand Prix of Europe of Formula 1, to be held in this opportunity on this weekend from 24 to 26 June.

The head of the company organising the Formula 1 race in Valencia on June 26, Jorge Martínez Aspar, said this week that the price of the cheapest tickets for the event have been reduced from 195 euros to 130 euros.
Sr Aspar said that he is expecting in excess of 80,000 spectators for the event and this would more than compensate for the reduction in prices.

Prices are not too bad if you compare with the next race in Silverstone where to get tickets for three days you have to spend a fortune.

Fancy to write??

It's been a while since the last time I wrote something here.. Barcelona won the Champions League.. Oh shit!! why did i Have to remember that?? The conservative People’s Party (PP) won the elections almost all spanish cities (another bad new I am afraid) and the famous Spanish Revolution is still there but spanish politicans seem to be blind..

even English and others international newspapers are crying out about

• how the next prime minister will get the victory because the election will be lost for Socialist, not won for conservative
• how the media are so manipulative
• why Scottish Power chairman has pay package doubled
• why someone like Emilio Botin (Executive Chairman of Spain's Grupo Santander) is more powerfull than those who say they represent the spanish people
• why police has been continuosly beating protesters because they are asking for stopping the unemployment, corruption and welfare cuts

do you think after all this stuff I still fancy to write something?? as The Economist said "SPAIN will soon be a country for old men"

Anyway.. Summer is coming and my perspective is changing.. I love this time of the year where you always find time for meeting some friends and absorving intercultural exchanges.. I am sure I will be writing again so soon. Now I will let you with some articles I had ready to post.

Weather Alert For Eastern Canaries

 

 

if you are one of those privileged who is enjoying a break time in the islands take care of yourself in the sun, take care not to burn. Sun increases your risk of skin cancer.

The yellow alert, issued by the Met Office this morning for the eastern islands has been raised to orange.

Weathermen say Fuerteventura and Lanzarote can expect temperatures up to 37C today and that all three eastern islands, including Gran Canaria, will see temperatures top 40C by tomorrow.

Thanks Germany for blaming Spain

You has done very well protecting you financial interests.. but what now??
you think your apologies are going to fix the irreparable damage you have caused with no proof

ATTENTION BAR AND RESTAURANT OWNERS!

At least one staff member must speak Spanish.

Yes, maybe you think is unbelieveble but most of resorts bars or even restaurants in spanish coast don't have anyone who speak spanish.. how many english are living in there or how big are the english colonies in the coast??

It has been brought to our attention that in the Cabildo’s Tourism & Planning Department law regulating bars and restaurants, published as decree 90/2010 on July 22 2010, certain minimum conditions are stipulated, and failure to comply could lead to inspectors charging you an on-the-spot fine of up to €3,000.

The decree states quite clearly that you must have staff who speak Spanish. We presume that employing one Spanish speaking member of staff would fulfil this requirement.

MINISTER URGES BRITS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF LIVING IN SPAIN

Register on the Padrón to gain access to social services and cash savings
Take time to learn some Spanish, volunteer to help others
Tell visiting friends and family to take out travel insurance and avoid a potential headache

British residents can get even more out of living in Spain by taking a number of simple steps,  said Consular Minister Jeremy Browne MP.

Speaking at a roadshow for British citizens in Malaga, he underlined the importance of British Nationals registering on the Padrón system when they become resident in Spain, saying:

‘Registering on the Padrón gives you access to some benefits and social care, and can mean significant savings on certain community charges and inheritance tax. Unfortunately, if you don’t register, you can’t expect the Spanish authorities to provide social services or other help when you may need it in the future’, said Mr Browne.

Up to a million British citizens live in Spain for part or all of the year, and the experience is easier and more enjoyable if they can speak at least some of the language. ‘We don’t expect doctors or the police to speak Spanish in Britain, so we shouldn’t necessarily expect them to speak English here in Spain’, said Mr Browne. ‘Learning some Spanish can go a long way in making it easier to communicate.’

Many who move to Spain find they have some spare time on their hands, and volunteering is a good way of integrating further into Spanish society and helping others..  Mr Browne said: ‘Volunteers working with Age Concern, the Royal British Legion and many other organisations are making a big difference to some of the most vulnerable in the British community.  I am delighted that British Consulates are working in partnership with a range of charities to help those with health, financial and other problems.’

Malaga Consul Steve Jones led the roadshow at Alhaurin el Grande, where more than 100 British residents sought advice from consular staff and partners including the Royal British Legion, Age Concern Acción Social and the Pensions Benefits & Healthcare team. 

Residents were also urged to encourage visiting friends and family to take out travel insurance. Many fail to do so, making themselves a burden on their hosts when things go wrong. ‘Travel insurance costs about the same as a meal in a restaurant, but the bill can be far bigger when things go wrong.

Ask your visitors to take out a policy, and make sure a welcome guest doesn’t become an unwelcome one ’, said Mr Browne.

theleader.info Original source

Spanish Revolution - No words

How is the Prison in Spain??

Long time ago when I was enjoying some days of holidays along Spanish coast I read an article about the life in prison aimed to foreign people, at the begining I didn't understand but after a while reading several newspapers always found many news about foreign people arrested because fake money, drugs, robbery or assault.

Here you have some advise for those who has a friend or relative locked up in a Spanish jail.

• Each prison has its own regulations which you can find out by calling the prison directly.
• Prisoners are allowed one visit per week and you communicate as movies though glass and by phone.
• Vis a Vis, you already know what that's mean.
• For all prison visits you are obliged to walk through a scanner. (you wouldn't be the first one who goes for a visit and you stay there for a while)
• Prisoners are allowed to make five telephone calls per week, previous buying a phone card.
• Letters may be sent home, all letters are opened and checked.
• Prisoners are allowed 60€ per week, this must be deposited in to the prison bank account.
• Prisoner have to order televisions and trainers direct from the prison
• Parcels are allowed, 2 per month.

Today a weird post, isn't it??? but who knows if somebody will need in the future

New season, First case of 'English balconing'

Last Sunday a British youth (19 year old) jumped from a fourth balcony trying to reach the swimming pool. He was very drunk so he had to be taken to his apartment by the Guardia Civil after causing a disturbance in the street.

He has become the first victim of ‘balconing’ of the season on the Baleares.

Last year there were some 20 youngsters (most of them British and some German tourists), "how many youth will be in 2011?"

Please, don't do it!! Just chill out, enjoy your holidays!!! you are not an heroe you are a kamikaze

Yeeess!!!! Real Madrid won their 18th Spanish cup

A single goal by Cristiano Ronaldo (103rd min) was enough to give Real Madrid victory in a Final that went into extra-time. They have proven to everyone they can beat any team they want.

Real Madrid dominated the first half and then relied on goalkeeper Iker Casillas' second-half stops as Barcelona took control after the restart in an intense atmosphere at the Mestalla Stadium (Valencia FC).

Next up it’s the Semi-final Champions League Wed 27 April (Santiago Bernabeu), Tuesday, 3 May 2011 (Camp Nou)

Ohhh Nooo, British students are back in Salou - Spain

THOUSANDS of British students have caused chaos after descending on a Spanish seaside town.
British have descended on a Spanish seaside resort to take part in a drunken annual festival that has outraged the locals.

The drunken revellers, from universities across the UK, were in Spain for Saloufest – billed as the ‘biggest student festival in the world’.

The youngsters stirred controversy in Salou, on the Costa Dorada, after partying semi-naked in the streets until the small hours.

The festival, which has been running since 2002, attracts 8,000 students over two, four day legs, staying at seven hotels in Salou reserved for the event.

Hundreds of both sexes went on the rampage in fancy dress or in their underwear, exposing themselves in restaurants and on the streets of the town 70 miles south of Barcelona

This follows last year’s festival in which a British undergraduate told police she had been raped on a beach.
A British student was subsequently arrested and released on bail before being allowed to return home, although the case is ongoing.

Property prices in Spain still falling

Britons could take advantage of the country's struggling economy by securing a good deal on a residential investment or a commercial property. According to the Bank of Spain, house prices have fallen by 17% since 2007, while it has also been reported that there are more than one million homes currently unsold on the market.

Property values in some parts of Spain are falling, Bank of Spain has just brought it up in its latest report on the economy. If the past is anything to go by, average Spanish property prices will continue falling for another 2 years

The latest property prices figures for real estate in Spain show that prices fell by between 3.5 and 4.5% year on year in February.

During the first part of 2011 house sales will continue to be slow and the fall in prices will continue until most of the surplus housing stock has been absorbed. According to the Association of Property Valuers the fall in prices will affect both first homes and second homes.


So.. if you are an usual tourist What are you waiting for being an owner of property in Spain??

Britain's Prince Charles and his wife arrive in Spain promoting British business and renewable energy

Oh, what a coincidence!!

I was talking about the royal family Prince William and Kate Middleton in the previous post and today I have read that Prince Charles and Camilla have arrived in Spain. Althought, in theory they are on the second leg of a tour promoting British business and renewable energy, I know they are behind the nice weather, some good lunch and spend time at a private estate near Granada before travelling to Rabat.

Out of curisity,
In August 1987, Charles and his then wife Princess Diana spent a holiday in a palace on the island of Majorca, where tensions between the couple were evident.
The Prince of Wales had already made several visits to Spain but this is his first together with the Duchess of Cornwall.

Benidorm, royal honeymoon destination

As the Daily Mail quoted an 80 to 1 chance that Prince William and Kate Middleton would choose Benidorm for their honeymoon destination, now The Mayor of Benidorm, Agustín Navarro, has decided to make an official invitation to spend his honeymoon on the Costa Blanca because he believes the Prince and Kate Middleton would spend an unforgettable few days close to their fellow Britons and he also pointed out that one million British tourists visit the town’s beaches every year.

EFE reports that the Mayor sent a letter to Buckingham Palace on Monday, saying it would be an honour if the couple were to choose Benidorm for a ‘stopover’ he promised security guarantees as well as a good climate and quality.

Benidorm is also home to more than 5,500 British residents, and Alicante province to more than 130,000 Britons.

Government, immigration & English opinion

As read in the newspaper and in bold the opinion from a native

British Government announced changes in its immigration system that will mean that companies will not be able to bring immigrants from outside the European Union to work in fast food outlets (or those with a delivery service), beauty salons, hairdressers and estate agents. In total, the Government has eliminated seven professions with the aim of reducing access to the country by low skilled workers.

The Interior Ministry advised that with these new rulings, which take effect in April, immigrants wishing to come to work as cooks in the UK, will have to demonstrate academic qualifications, at least five years experience and a minimum wage of 28,000 pounds (approx 32,300€) after deductions for accommodation.

What is bigger? English working or getting benefits?
How many English has proper qualifications?
How many English earn a minimum of 28000 pounds?

With the elimination of the named professions, jobs available for unskilled immigrants from outside the EU will be reduced from the current half a million to around 230,000 - only 1% of the labour market and positions, that in many cases, can be occupied by British nationalists

Why the government thinks British want those jobs?
Why the government thinks British want a job?
Is the government sure about the problem is because immigrants?

Spanish airport strikes for holidays Easter until Summer

For all of those who are thinking to travel to Spain around Easter or summer holidays, you've been warned.

In a statement, Ryanair called on the EU Commission to take urgent action to ensure that strikes will not cause cancellations and delays to passengers this Easter

Spanish unions called a strike on Tuesday to protest the privatization of airport operator AENA that will last 22 days, including key dates of Easter and summer vacation.

Transport Minister Jose Blanco has said the government will meet union officials on Thursday for talks to avert the walkout.

The plan, which was registered with the Labor Ministry, slated the strike for five days of April during Easter week, five in May, three in June and August, and six in July.

Are you planning to head to Spain for Easter?

Spanish wine (Where are they?)

Oh my god!!! how difficult can be to get a good wine (cheap and known for my pocket) in England, here you have a little bit of culture-tips and my own selection. Prices are in Euro because I have just found two of them in Tesco, (Albariño «Rias Baixas, the best choice to me) I really don't understand why it's so difficult to find them when they are cheaper and the taste is much more better than the other wines.

In recent times the Spanish wine industry has really come onto the world scene with a whole new range of wine styles which have adapted to market demands and an enormous improvement in quality.

Spanish wine - labels

-Bottles labelled Joven (Young) are the juniors.
-Crianza is aged for one year in a barrel and one year in a bottle before release.
-Reserva spends one year in a barrel and a further two in the bottle.
-Gran Reserva is aged for a minimum of two years in wood and held in the bottle for three.
You may also notice the initials DO on a bottle.
It stands for Denominación de Origen - literally meaning "Denomination of Origin", portraying where the wine comes from.
This now has an "upper level" for the very best wines - Denominación de Origen Calificada - or DOCa

Top selection

• Ribera del Duero Crianza 2005 - Bodegas Resalte Peñafiel - 26€.
• Ribera del Duero Viña Mayor Reserva 2004 - Hijos de Antonio Barceló - 19€.
• Rioja Crianza 2006 - Bodegas LAN - 9€.
• Rioja Reserva 2005 - Bodegas Beronia - 14€.
• Rioja Reserva 2004 - Bodegas Ondarre 13€.
• Albariño «Rias Baixas Lagar 2009» - Bodegas Bouza do Rei - 10€.
• Ribera del Duero 2006 - Bodegas Dominio de Atauta - 24€.
• Albariño «Rias Baixas 2008» - Viña Nora - 13€.
• Syrah-Petit Verdot Dominio de Valdepusa Caliza 2006 - Marqués de Griñón - 12€.

Another good reason to learn a foreign language

Expats who speak Spanish 'ward off dementia for longer'

USING Spanish in everyday situations and sticking to regular classes can help prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease, say doctors.

Learning a foreign language could put back the first signs of dementia by at least five years, recent research has shown.

Expatriates in Spain are at a particular advantage, since those who regularly use the language they have learnt are even more likely to fight off Alzheimer's than those who have merely studied one and let it lay dormant.

Spain lowers motorway speed limit

For all of those who are thinking about travelling to Spain around Easter or the next months

The Council of Ministers has approved today a decision to reduce the speed limit on Spanish highways and motorways from the current 120 km / h to 110 km / h "on a transitional basis." The First Deputy Prime Minister, Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba, said that this is an emergency measure implemented in Spain to save fuel, although he refused to say how long the measures will last for.

The maximum speed limit on Spanish motorways is 120kph (75mph) and this will be reduced to 110kph (68mph). The government will rush to print new signs to alert people of the change, this move will save around 15% of fuel.

The measures will come into effect on March 7.

British tourists are changing their holiday plans

Continued unrest in Egypt over the weekend has seen British tour operators cancel flights scheduled for this week after the Foreign Office advised against 'all but essential travel' to Cairo, Luxor, Alexandria and Suez., and they are now seeing a surge in bookings for both the Canaries and the Levante coast.

Costa Blanca and Canary Islands are chosen by British tourist as the amazing late deals and cheap holiday offers where you can experience some amazing views, the favourable weather condition and the assortment of activities the place offers and its amazing beaches,

Tour operators have started to guarantee their bed requirements for the summer given the problems in both Tunisia and Egypt.

Copa del Rey - another 'Clasico'

Real Madrid won 2-0 to the last title holder Sevilla.

Another 'Clásico' for the final of the Copa del Rey after Ozil scoring in the 82' and Emmanuel Adebayor, transferred from Manchester City, marking his debut in the 90 minute against Sevilla.

Real Madid and Barcelona will play for the Copa del Rey on April 20th for the first time since 1990, so Real Madrid will try to do better than the last time in the league when Barcelona won 5-0 to Real Madrid at Camp Nou.

Fernando Torres becomes the most expensive Spanish player in history

Fernando Torres has signed for Chelsea and becomes the most expensive Spanish player in history. It’s also a new record British transfer fee, and makes him the third most expensive player in the world.

Oh my god!!! What the hell is doing Chelsea FC?? There is a lot of players better than Torres and at least, they won't bring bad luck. Torres left Atletico de Madrid to achieve some titles and he has got nothing, but Atletico won UEFA Super Cup and UEFA Europa League. Since Torres arrived at The KOP, Liverpool has not won any tittle (years before won the Cup and others).

As he said "I don't know if I will retire in Atletico, but I would like to go back and finish some things that are left to do" I am not sure if Atletico would be interested in Torres, Atletico supporters forgot him long time ago.

We will see if the curse of Torres leave Chelsea out the quarters..

Amy Winehouse - Bilbao BBK Live Spain, hopefully

Yes, you read well I said hopefully, I don't know what it's going on or who God is against me, but I am afraid I won't watch a concert of Amy in my life.. few days ago I read

Amy Winehouse has been confirmed for her first European appearance of 2011. It has been ages since the last time I read something good about Amy in the tabloids. With her recording work almost finished this summer it would be The return of the woman who reborn Back To Black to the world.

so I thought Oh my god what it's doing the English singer playing in Spain and what it's doing a Spanish living in England, but after a while I guessed, soon she will confirm more concerts UK included, but today after read this

Singer Amy Winehouse has checked into a private medical facility in London after falling ill with influenza, according to her publicist.

so now I guess, soon she will confirm more concerts UK included if she survives

A taste of Britain in Spain (FITUR 2010)

Fitur is a meeting point for tourism professionals in which they can establish lines of action, strategies and business alliances to energize and consolidate the tourism business, innovating to answer the changing demands of the market. Tourism promotion agencies, operators, hotels, travel agencies, consultancies and experts in international tourism management and development are met in Madrid (Spain) for Fitur.

Having a look in internet I have found this "interesting" video with a possible explication about why English food is so bad, the interviewee say English people just lost interest in cooking and lost the point about food is something to be enjoyed not just fuel for the body. I also find curious how English stand is the only one where the interviewer could get beer, why English people are still asking themselves why they have fame of heavy drinkers??

From my point of view the interviewer was very rude and disgusting (normal, if you consider he's half american, lol) if he would haven't been so bad mannered person we could have got a better idea about english cousine.

Anyway here you have the video to get your own conclusions

By the way, the english representant was right when he said Spain would win the World Cup 2010

Tattoos in other language.

He figured he’d make it something that means a lot to her but it is improperly conjugated. It literally translates to Love Her Madly but the verb love isn’t in its proper form.

“Ámala locamente”, "La amo locamente" would be better, but I'm not sure about “locamente” has the right connotations or if he meant "con locura", anyway Please, if someday you decide to get a tattoo in Spanish get someone who does speak it.

via fuckyeahtattoos

Bye 2010 Welcome 2011

Yes, I know, today 10th January is a little bit late to write about the new year, but a bloody flu and the X-mas hangover, maybe just the hangover, have had me in a little post vacation depression, now I can say I have survived and I am ready to this new year, I am not going to do any balance as well as I'm not going to make any New Year's Resolutions. In some aspects sometimes my live was out of my hands and when I could manage I didn't, this blog included.

I have been writing about difference in cultures, looking for the right way to please (not offending) others and sometimes leaving my own point of view out.

At least, from Today I will feel free writing about everything happens in my head, in my mind, in my soul, in my heart and definitely in my life leaving away stupid things between countries that obviously are different but at last they are only places with different people.

From now I will clean this poker face blog and at least I will try to do it interesting. Something is changing and I'm still not sure what but this it will be the first step.