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.