tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11602980612985705252024-03-13T01:32:36.099+01:00Expat Life & Style (an expats life shared!)Expat Life and Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18436918212878646309noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160298061298570525.post-58683758963531725082011-02-10T19:22:00.000+01:002011-02-10T19:22:15.501+01:00Improvements after the demolitions! (Casa Mirador)<div style="text-align: justify;">Finally, after a long stint of <a href="http://expatlifeshared.blogspot.com/2011/01/apologies-to-you-all.html">illness</a> I feel capable to return to blogging! Once again, apologies for my long absence!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Due to Barry having to drive backwards and forwards to the hospital, there has been little progress at Casa Mirador for sometime. However, prior to my hospitalization, I did manage to take a few photos of developments and thought it was about time I logged them.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">My last post was about <a href="http://expatlifeshared.blogspot.com/2010/11/demolishing-parts-of-casa.html">demolishing parts of the casa</a>. Well, with demolitions done, we can now proceed to make changes and improvements!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Remember the room which was originally the Lounge? With a door/window into the conservatory and a large opening into the kitchen area one side, plus an archway to bedrooms/bathroom the other? An area now designated for the kitchen/diner. A window has been installed and we are currently knocking out for where the exterior door to a rear courtyard will be positioned. (see pics below)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIP_djbv0L4a9sDwV1942wXrNKZil1vooF9NJIQR26INT60lVnVQkAIwboz-R36RbMZMSI6I-lVS6VcF0bAdRL024CAxmVgnJg2g22kZNWCNihyNS-QOTUq3JdBjEPknm9t958cP-rfE/s1600/original+lounge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIP_djbv0L4a9sDwV1942wXrNKZil1vooF9NJIQR26INT60lVnVQkAIwboz-R36RbMZMSI6I-lVS6VcF0bAdRL024CAxmVgnJg2g22kZNWCNihyNS-QOTUq3JdBjEPknm9t958cP-rfE/s320/original+lounge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The original lounge with fireplace. The fireplace has been removed and a window installed in the wall to the right hand side......</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipjgNH2AdB3P4wbq3XgatMrkKDbDMY_XGvnNym7nKJhZA1gpcKZPHrjz5N91yvfmP6CvBLZCtSSURDqHcgoiVz1zDF2caWFXB0buPmbe3mOsa1VphMJgiKvaNcVXyfwPexeCLAYdBrPYU/s1600/back+door+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipjgNH2AdB3P4wbq3XgatMrkKDbDMY_XGvnNym7nKJhZA1gpcKZPHrjz5N91yvfmP6CvBLZCtSSURDqHcgoiVz1zDF2caWFXB0buPmbe3mOsa1VphMJgiKvaNcVXyfwPexeCLAYdBrPYU/s320/back+door+1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">You can clearly see where the lounge fireplace was fitted and here's a picture of our friend Aiden knocking out for the fitting of the exterior door to be positioned.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiemr0duMDnXQRwePYrswuCsOb5svTHCdmW7NdDaYpnsAHk9t62NHqxxAA46-zklLhWeOGAcZ4o1BK3J9Zp1zR8Pgc36cjNXTZUWLaDtx7OrjIJ7TXKPjHLoyRJzjeQYwfr2Y_mGKjWME/s1600/kitchen+area+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiemr0duMDnXQRwePYrswuCsOb5svTHCdmW7NdDaYpnsAHk9t62NHqxxAA46-zklLhWeOGAcZ4o1BK3J9Zp1zR8Pgc36cjNXTZUWLaDtx7OrjIJ7TXKPjHLoyRJzjeQYwfr2Y_mGKjWME/s320/kitchen+area+1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The window has been fitted into the now kitchen/diner and the arch (though to the original kitchen) is to be bricked up very shortly.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Already, you can see how much extra light is coming into this area, just with the addition of an average size window. Of course some light will be lost once the large arch has been bricked up, but once the wall between the new kitchen/diner and the old conservatory has been removed, the light will be regained.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Additionally, new windows have been fitted to bathrooms and bedrooms too. Next step is to remove the huge arch metal windows and double doors in the conservatory; to be replaced with new windows and patio doors to the terrace. Plus, bricking up of the large arch from original kitchen to new kitchen and fitting of a front door where there was previously no door at all.</div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85851/deb5/ac18609ef109885b41b777a57dffb4e2.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Expat Life and Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18436918212878646309noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160298061298570525.post-19101300048767722182011-01-22T13:16:00.000+01:002011-01-22T13:16:55.549+01:00Apologies to you all!Hi all,<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Just a quickie post to let you all know I have not posted recently due to being hospitalized again!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I was taken ill on 29th November and have undergone 2 operations and a stay in hospital ever since, with the exception of a brief visit home for christmas and new year!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It seems the radiotherapy caused a lot of damage to the intestine which had ceased to function properly and caused leakage into the stomach resulting in peritonitis!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Anyway, feeling a lot better now and with the aid of laptop in hospital hope to be back to usual blogging soon.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thanking you for your patience in the meantime.</div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85851/deb5/ac18609ef109885b41b777a57dffb4e2.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Expat Life and Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18436918212878646309noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160298061298570525.post-4780759718284399222010-11-17T10:05:00.000+01:002010-11-17T10:05:25.071+01:00Restaurant El Jardin, Malaga<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiw31B0UMbkmwrlU88n9ECLjHdh4O13t1KYs1IVxTmQZ8ChgcDARZ6jWvpsTLR5xMXjzyjTmu_roHW8AxFJ4TMNE8B9S_btRVx2iD-Mr7BJASCfAd7rzmtkBmH3JX9PiMyLI1Wxk4iPxc/s1600/El+jardin+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiw31B0UMbkmwrlU88n9ECLjHdh4O13t1KYs1IVxTmQZ8ChgcDARZ6jWvpsTLR5xMXjzyjTmu_roHW8AxFJ4TMNE8B9S_btRVx2iD-Mr7BJASCfAd7rzmtkBmH3JX9PiMyLI1Wxk4iPxc/s320/El+jardin+1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.eljardinmalaga.com/">El Jardin</a> is said to be, Malaga’s secret. The best, most authentic Tango and Flamenco show in the Costa Del Sol, every Friday and Saturday starting from 11pm. Also good food and a very friendly service.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.tvspain.tv/video_details.php?id=21">see video of tango/flamenco night here</a> courtesy of TV Spain.com</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">El Jardin was recommended by some friends. As it is just a stones throw away from the hospital where I was unlucky enough to have my operation in January this year, we decided to pop in and check it out.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Unfortunately, on this occasion, we did not have time to stay and sample the food due to an appointment at the hospital, but we will make better plans for a future visit. We did however, have time to pop in for a quick coffee (cafe con leche) and take in the atmosphere of the restaurant.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Coffee is served with a bite size sweet snack and the service was very prompt. Brought to us by a waiter in smart dress with a fabulous smile, despite the fact we only ordered coffees!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It was surprisingly busy too considering it was almost 4pm. The majority of the other patrons had clearly been enjoying a leisurely lunch (lucky them).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">As I am unable to provide a complete review at this time (watch this space) <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/place?hl=en&biw=1003&bih=567&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=reviews+for+El+Jardin+Restaurante,+Malaga&fb=1&gl=uk&hq=reviews+for+El+Jardin+Restaurante,&hnear=Malaga,+Spain&cid=7118230793025974686">see here what others says</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I will most definitely be returning shortly as I hear the food is fabulous!</div>Expat Life and Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18436918212878646309noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160298061298570525.post-41540184315568092742010-11-05T16:27:00.003+01:002011-02-10T16:49:34.537+01:00Demolishing parts of the Casa! (Casa Mirador)<div style="text-align: justify;">Following on from my last post <a href="http://expatlifeshared.blogspot.com/2010/10/we-bought-another-casa.html">we bought another casa</a> I thought I would update with the mess we've made so far LOL. Well, it has to get worse before it gets better.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Oh and I forgot to mention last time that we have a new member of the family too. Her name is Leyla, she's the most beautiful and affectionate cat ever. She came with house too! How she became part of the house is another story for another time. But for now, let me introduce you to Leyla...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_tdlAfqFAXwawuysydr5eqbZdoqJoZYJCFYZJ5KDPkW9-iQ5mSFva0wgw1o2aASbUUOb7D5MvsPn6LO5sLS3ar83sqPl9paeF795g1kxINQUqI81WWGahkyT2mN5gKkqZdhffiF5E7Xo/s1600/demolishing+house+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_tdlAfqFAXwawuysydr5eqbZdoqJoZYJCFYZJ5KDPkW9-iQ5mSFva0wgw1o2aASbUUOb7D5MvsPn6LO5sLS3ar83sqPl9paeF795g1kxINQUqI81WWGahkyT2mN5gKkqZdhffiF5E7Xo/s320/demolishing+house+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhupiSRCG7OjZ84s22iJ86kpEfzD7yzXEZ5Qe4Q5ap5BzhC9WzM9Kzv3taM5tsYPeHgnbQAunOggKRTORl5GzbAVZwZDF2OWi-ZFGooB7Fj8TxTmj__Qp20KGqgAp2lPEdAgJoiyoVeti4/s1600/demolishing+house+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhupiSRCG7OjZ84s22iJ86kpEfzD7yzXEZ5Qe4Q5ap5BzhC9WzM9Kzv3taM5tsYPeHgnbQAunOggKRTORl5GzbAVZwZDF2OWi-ZFGooB7Fj8TxTmj__Qp20KGqgAp2lPEdAgJoiyoVeti4/s320/demolishing+house+007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Barry has been busy removing the kitchen and bathroom, plus the tiles too. A messy job, but someone's got to do it.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZ3oNn6MN05CdllV1PN6-Ris-2WeCoqDa5Tk6DNBBEXwp7-ghuKgAFQBDPMVHomlAgDxkf6weLCo6iVQguY2AdT-bWDMvNbCS_XM2xGJas_xdNGLDOvwepx3Pxs2cjN92oU6evrKKHXU/s1600/demolishing+house+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZ3oNn6MN05CdllV1PN6-Ris-2WeCoqDa5Tk6DNBBEXwp7-ghuKgAFQBDPMVHomlAgDxkf6weLCo6iVQguY2AdT-bWDMvNbCS_XM2xGJas_xdNGLDOvwepx3Pxs2cjN92oU6evrKKHXU/s320/demolishing+house+005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlP7cGU4844lNdpOGED4vGcGObDNQk3tY7bTxLPH0xrjdPBGFgB-aSxHqfSSjDNcGKMcYc5ayfgEKqlLsJHKDphptylJjKObhd51urb5YysiKqGrO7URQBQvzn0OQZCGtw8-vRqBsR3kU/s1600/demolishing+house+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlP7cGU4844lNdpOGED4vGcGObDNQk3tY7bTxLPH0xrjdPBGFgB-aSxHqfSSjDNcGKMcYc5ayfgEKqlLsJHKDphptylJjKObhd51urb5YysiKqGrO7URQBQvzn0OQZCGtw8-vRqBsR3kU/s320/demolishing+house+004.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">We've also removed the broken terrace table and umbrellas, the terrace looks more spacious now and that's before we extend it!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYE8w1V5SOZSBCd9ViW5cdUy6xfv31zPNBhx31JRzrp_UxEgdp6DHWz-98jgvHjo83hf8PrSjCV4bQNKuI4fNx_c9zdjoNiJbtelt2f67m7bWtCfM1ZqwP9C0oNzDSEoxTyAINcj6vdy0/s1600/demolishing+house+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYE8w1V5SOZSBCd9ViW5cdUy6xfv31zPNBhx31JRzrp_UxEgdp6DHWz-98jgvHjo83hf8PrSjCV4bQNKuI4fNx_c9zdjoNiJbtelt2f67m7bWtCfM1ZqwP9C0oNzDSEoxTyAINcj6vdy0/s320/demolishing+house+006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I also forgot to show you last time, the sea view we have. Not that I'm over bothered about a sea view, but it is a good selling point for the future. The only problem is the telephone cables running right across it. We'll have to think what to do about these.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQugruxpqD_O6j1Qt9znnRqIIyYgQvKYrU8UFW65zCH6DyygPekLuZNvHhowxHuqYFMS6ucJ-tV2EBf8Fd25P7NhIUih6vfbEvj5i4AShDSk7zs4tDQm_LTIJdzdXbjY1GbSw8kup5450/s1600/demolishing+house+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQugruxpqD_O6j1Qt9znnRqIIyYgQvKYrU8UFW65zCH6DyygPekLuZNvHhowxHuqYFMS6ucJ-tV2EBf8Fd25P7NhIUih6vfbEvj5i4AShDSk7zs4tDQm_LTIJdzdXbjY1GbSw8kup5450/s320/demolishing+house+008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Actually, it's not such a great pic, you can't see the sea LOL. But trust me it's there, it's the white looking part just through and above the telephone cables!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">What's next?...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We've ordered new windows and doors, bought new fittings for the existing internal doors and a couple of lamps for the lounge too.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The electrician has been to provide his quote for the electrical works that Barry can't do himself. Hope he's not too dear!!!!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We have also found the double sided fireplace (woodburner) to go into the new fireplace wall which will sit between the lounge and kitchen/diner, providing heat throughout. Yes, it get damn cold here in the winter <grrrr>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Also, we found the sofa style and fabric for the lounge. Now that I thought would take forever, but we both agreed immediately on the design. Barry was happy to leave the fabric choice to me being the interior designer!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Kitchen next I think. I know exactly what I want, but it's finding the right combination of door/drawer fronts. This may take a little while. Watch this space.....</div>Expat Life and Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18436918212878646309noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160298061298570525.post-57178736542256910172010-10-31T09:15:00.003+01:002011-02-10T16:50:12.029+01:00We bought another casa (Casa Mirador)<div style="text-align: justify;">After selling our old finca in September, we have now purchased another property. This time we have gone for a 30+ year old villa. After previously renovating two finca's, (farmhouses) we decided to opt for something more modern this time.</div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNiAY2AP94MLpnlJdor7ch11Mu4k6Kh6bnoU41jQPrgCBkgCIwxnrNjYgFAJw1RNJeBVUX-kuaCUdJ3dWeZMKXtmqoHLSbCQL_xzTtEO4T0xVO9DpRom6TO29yey1WCG5DHc0U0MuI1c/s1600/chilli.banana+crackle.haloumi&strawberry+salad.house+before+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNiAY2AP94MLpnlJdor7ch11Mu4k6Kh6bnoU41jQPrgCBkgCIwxnrNjYgFAJw1RNJeBVUX-kuaCUdJ3dWeZMKXtmqoHLSbCQL_xzTtEO4T0xVO9DpRom6TO29yey1WCG5DHc0U0MuI1c/s320/chilli.banana+crackle.haloumi&strawberry+salad.house+before+010.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Casa Mirador" as it is now</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">The previous owners. Who just happen to be my in-laws, pretty much left the house as it was. They owned it for some 16 years and will no longer be owning a property here. They are both in their 70's now and with our village being high in the mountains and therefore very hilly my MIL struggles to get around as well as she used to.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">However, they are not ready to completely give up on Spain just yet and have a rented a little house, just down the road for 1 year to gradually ease themselves away and return their possessions to England, where they actually reside approx 6 months of the year anyway.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The property is currently 2 bed, 1 bath and be re-arranging the internal layout, we will be converting it into a 3 bed, 2 bath property. All this without even extending! Just as well as no planning permission whatsoever is currently being given for extensions in Spain! Not good news for property developers.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">There is a lot of work ahead and luckily my cousins own a villa here too, which we are currently staying in whilst we prepare our new home.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">First up, the swimming pool. Well, not exactly a swimming pool. More a dip pool. We are planning on altering this to look more like a jacuzzi. Personally, this suits me better. We've now had two properties were we have installed large swimming pools and they can be real hard work to maintain. Plus, I don't even get in very often! An expensive ornament eh?</div><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdM1pQGu66Dax3vpHpDK4ZwPh7Yya-cT55IZ5XMPaXIC8FV8YBf8duUeZmV7n5hOwc71DHXy67oErMjYBU6aO1kORey6isAQ-58Nx-8AaZuztbPcHbQZctAY8Fp6JV3lZpJ0LYdXCI70/s1600/chilli.banana+crackle.haloumi&strawberry+salad.house+before+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdM1pQGu66Dax3vpHpDK4ZwPh7Yya-cT55IZ5XMPaXIC8FV8YBf8duUeZmV7n5hOwc71DHXy67oErMjYBU6aO1kORey6isAQ-58Nx-8AaZuztbPcHbQZctAY8Fp6JV3lZpJ0LYdXCI70/s320/chilli.banana+crackle.haloumi&strawberry+salad.house+before+015.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Current dip pool</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">Not entirely sure what to do with this yet, except that we will be making it level with the terrace and removing the large white edging stones to be replace with tiles to match the finished terrace.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Inside the house there will be major changes. Here's a few pictures of the current layout.</div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWo-jXF0R1SSQzmx1IQRiALbP-DqKmihSkkNAUWkJNLigAb97gEBik4lPjuPp2fIIPqIyFuY-q4WiWoUXz2-6ZJORj-82btvpz_ezHWgsvZcrsstr4SZptva6FT0qVF7TYyZaV8WFYfg/s1600/chilli.banana+crackle.haloumi&strawberry+salad.house+before+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWo-jXF0R1SSQzmx1IQRiALbP-DqKmihSkkNAUWkJNLigAb97gEBik4lPjuPp2fIIPqIyFuY-q4WiWoUXz2-6ZJORj-82btvpz_ezHWgsvZcrsstr4SZptva6FT0qVF7TYyZaV8WFYfg/s320/chilli.banana+crackle.haloumi&strawberry+salad.house+before+016.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Current kitchen - to be 3rd bedroom</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKiWMW4LGQEwTTc0Cnu7lZ-NkRbFO9YL7sZ2fhghMliLmnUpN6OKjv_QFHcLst2Ts44ZozWOS8TzwpNkWnFCcawVAmV4-WtFkclXu2466OSjkFx5EpYdjydRlN2J75qTqYcHtkJNPX7c/s1600/chilli.banana+crackle.haloumi&strawberry+salad.house+before+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKiWMW4LGQEwTTc0Cnu7lZ-NkRbFO9YL7sZ2fhghMliLmnUpN6OKjv_QFHcLst2Ts44ZozWOS8TzwpNkWnFCcawVAmV4-WtFkclXu2466OSjkFx5EpYdjydRlN2J75qTqYcHtkJNPX7c/s320/chilli.banana+crackle.haloumi&strawberry+salad.house+before+017.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Current lounge with fireplace, this side will be dining area and the other side the kitchen</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBouAgckzKYEsKA0LglP241EmwC4hvW4nUPN1SsPN-mR5FNdyo2ZsEMptjzA3P9MUh6pcSix6mr9XOgttC7cwwr5C8A1_VsLg81XafcIgNKWj3g94DsxbTvHh5f9xDpG5WWR8NQiUf0I/s1600/chilli.banana+crackle.haloumi&strawberry+salad.house+before+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBouAgckzKYEsKA0LglP241EmwC4hvW4nUPN1SsPN-mR5FNdyo2ZsEMptjzA3P9MUh6pcSix6mr9XOgttC7cwwr5C8A1_VsLg81XafcIgNKWj3g94DsxbTvHh5f9xDpG5WWR8NQiUf0I/s320/chilli.banana+crackle.haloumi&strawberry+salad.house+before+018.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of current lounge looking out to conservatory, this wall will go</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6xV7hB_xx0qu0xvOc3b7u4jvtZlHf706rerE6nvMCA0An_L1RMNNgUxM7e5p42YCewUhw6iPmFpcmj1emgnR1fsOZ0VLVMBLjoYaf-iqyqMS17TfI2tyj60SuewUCAB_b6zR0bdI_78/s1600/chilli.banana+crackle.haloumi&strawberry+salad.house+before+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6xV7hB_xx0qu0xvOc3b7u4jvtZlHf706rerE6nvMCA0An_L1RMNNgUxM7e5p42YCewUhw6iPmFpcmj1emgnR1fsOZ0VLVMBLjoYaf-iqyqMS17TfI2tyj60SuewUCAB_b6zR0bdI_78/s320/chilli.banana+crackle.haloumi&strawberry+salad.house+before+019.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Current bathroom to be totally renovated</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_R_MGUZQL9juG4BFcZWIKmWhL0gbsvXIwX9bG1jN65Gma0d_sH2KKzkmf33G_08ufx5LXm0Z8x3fq3IHv0P_MNMnYT1n0bvkv4F6t-3gwNNOcUBzKU0nlpWgVT2WJ_E8QKBeUjT9yHI/s1600/chilli.banana+crackle.haloumi&strawberry+salad.house+before+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_R_MGUZQL9juG4BFcZWIKmWhL0gbsvXIwX9bG1jN65Gma0d_sH2KKzkmf33G_08ufx5LXm0Z8x3fq3IHv0P_MNMnYT1n0bvkv4F6t-3gwNNOcUBzKU0nlpWgVT2WJ_E8QKBeUjT9yHI/s320/chilli.banana+crackle.haloumi&strawberry+salad.house+before+020.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mail bed (same as bed 2), new storage areas and floors here</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPeHD1_AYD_UpIjrW27JkFiqhG1BTc4yZAPVOyTRwqAB06hq8kET1Uz8BnKrDS04Tj9fHGwdeEKZ1IVXFTKZZqy6mTooJIAV64gKOolAavtJ6PtGjgW1XeyvRZmTA3WlvimuuBMVDiTZQ/s1600/chilli.banana+crackle.haloumi&strawberry+salad.house+before+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPeHD1_AYD_UpIjrW27JkFiqhG1BTc4yZAPVOyTRwqAB06hq8kET1Uz8BnKrDS04Tj9fHGwdeEKZ1IVXFTKZZqy6mTooJIAV64gKOolAavtJ6PtGjgW1XeyvRZmTA3WlvimuuBMVDiTZQ/s320/chilli.banana+crackle.haloumi&strawberry+salad.house+before+022.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Currently known as the 'the battery room' will be a fully fitted shower room</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTI1s4atTssEAF1iaJbyiloMVbvbrKZIp86f8o7B3f585kBORlO8NU3LUaRCT8VaZnxKNveqIJG7VKykme-CNDmklyyU65tAHbM9nYOsE73sNxt5j6optrTP1xhDQxU9LlSRw9qZfSzWk/s1600/chilli.banana+crackle.haloumi&strawberry+salad.house+before+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTI1s4atTssEAF1iaJbyiloMVbvbrKZIp86f8o7B3f585kBORlO8NU3LUaRCT8VaZnxKNveqIJG7VKykme-CNDmklyyU65tAHbM9nYOsE73sNxt5j6optrTP1xhDQxU9LlSRw9qZfSzWk/s320/chilli.banana+crackle.haloumi&strawberry+salad.house+before+023.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Battery room with access to water deposit, to be shower room</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-l9ywdszrVqYGE5PpBzfMBjMfXs_qXwaqTgb71yLMFxw8ESfAACW7GiI43CvcPqPHFOENWXCtrYBl8SS6wLK1Fh_NENx-FYdnG6NBofGy_LRLjxnThYgvUkG9P3fTZ39NEbtswVybOw/s1600/chilli.banana+crackle.haloumi&strawberry+salad.house+before+024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-l9ywdszrVqYGE5PpBzfMBjMfXs_qXwaqTgb71yLMFxw8ESfAACW7GiI43CvcPqPHFOENWXCtrYBl8SS6wLK1Fh_NENx-FYdnG6NBofGy_LRLjxnThYgvUkG9P3fTZ39NEbtswVybOw/s320/chilli.banana+crackle.haloumi&strawberry+salad.house+before+024.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Currently the conservatory, this will become the lounge</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZNC01Tmcx-zW6k8WxjAGj8HezC-4MpbL3oVSZCL1RXIQdsdh7kxDA1Q83sxMDDzJT4JmRQ208rSdtmbfLVq4gMMP3yK77reGSfNTeOR-MwB9y9hjL0pDc_s5V0LFeQixvURg2sd1pwak/s1600/chilli.banana+crackle.haloumi&strawberry+salad.house+before+026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZNC01Tmcx-zW6k8WxjAGj8HezC-4MpbL3oVSZCL1RXIQdsdh7kxDA1Q83sxMDDzJT4JmRQ208rSdtmbfLVq4gMMP3yK77reGSfNTeOR-MwB9y9hjL0pDc_s5V0LFeQixvURg2sd1pwak/s320/chilli.banana+crackle.haloumi&strawberry+salad.house+before+026.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Currently entrance from conservatory into main house. This wall will be replaced by a central double sided fireplace</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">As you can see, we have major works to do here. But the result will be a bright and modern home, hopefully very soon.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">As we progress with the project I'll post more details and pictures along the way. If of course you are at all interested in seeing the developments LOL, please stop by regularly for updates.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I promised you won't be disappointed with the end result.</div>Expat Life and Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18436918212878646309noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160298061298570525.post-29518102203610953382010-10-23T07:24:00.000+02:002010-10-23T07:24:51.390+02:00The 88 Most Expensive Properties in Spain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiguHZ3iz_3fkVt6RkZFv2f2J3pjm6OPJhGKwg3B-BJQvQsy2RIy32dGFDHL36OWOZGERxGtR0oWI_bDMW7HNoxlaX5Pm253zcgO3dJTarDeKGaFc9HrenSkUilsRcnCokFuVoqKM92fWo/s1600/spanish+flat+contact+lenses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiguHZ3iz_3fkVt6RkZFv2f2J3pjm6OPJhGKwg3B-BJQvQsy2RIy32dGFDHL36OWOZGERxGtR0oWI_bDMW7HNoxlaX5Pm253zcgO3dJTarDeKGaFc9HrenSkUilsRcnCokFuVoqKM92fWo/s1600/spanish+flat+contact+lenses.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">In a recent article written by <a href="http://www.luxurious.es/">Luxurious.es</a> Spain's 88 most expensive properties have been featured.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.luxurious.es/">Luxurious</a> says.....</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Can you imagine a mansion decorated with gold and Swarovski crystals? Or a designer villa by the sea with the boat moored just behind the garden? All that and much more can be found in the latest special report from <a href="http://www.idealista.com/news/archivo/2010/10/19/0264947-casas-caras-exclusivas-espana?xtor=EPR-13-[20101020_casas_caras_oct2010]-20101020-[link]-[]-[]">Idealista.com</a> titled </i>“Spain’s most expensive homes“.</div>Expat Life and Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18436918212878646309noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160298061298570525.post-25837872075084016492010-10-20T15:34:00.001+02:002010-10-20T15:44:33.646+02:00Buying/Selling Property in Spain! - Part 4 (A quick guide to selling)<div style="text-align: justify;">So, you have decided to sell your spanish property. It's not just a simple case of inviting agents in to acquire the necessary details in order to market your property.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">There have been many changes to the law in Spain when it comes to the property market and this not only affects buyers, but sellers too.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the first instance, contact agents of your choice and they will explain in detail all the necessary documents required. They are bound by law to hold certain documents on file for every property they are marketing. This includes yours too.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">See the following details provided by <a href="http://www.sunsetproperties-spain.com/info/selling-guide/rule_218,90.html">Sunset Properties, here</a> which informs you of all paperwork required for sale purposes.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here's a brief outline of <a href="http://www.graysworld.co.uk/spanish-property/selling-property-in-spain.htm">selling your property in spain</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you chose to sell your proprty via property agents. Negotiate the sales fee/commission and ideally have them all agree to the same figure!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Beware of some agents asking you to sign a document that refers to paying a commission for marketing your property whether it sells or not!</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Not yet read Part 1 <a href="http://expatlifeshared.blogspot.com/2010/09/buyingselling-property-in-spain-part-1.html">read it here</a><span style="font-size: large;"> Part 2 </span><a href="http://expatlifeshared.blogspot.com/2010/09/buyingselling-property-in-spain-part-2.html"><span style="font-size: large;">here</span></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">and Part 3 </span><a href="http://expatlifeshared.blogspot.com/2010/09/buyingselling-property-in-spain-part-3.html"><span style="font-size: large;">here</span></a>Expat Life and Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18436918212878646309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160298061298570525.post-41272108055032626752010-10-05T12:56:00.000+02:002010-10-05T12:56:12.456+02:00R.I.P Sir Norman Wisdom<div style="text-align: justify;">Comedian and actor Sir Norman Wisdom has died at the age of 95.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">His family said he died "peacefully" at the Abbotswood Nursing Home on the Isle of Man. He had suffered a series of strokes over the past six months.</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdK2ULq5aRqiOQ5m3olHM2-4bLy0YMij5PQ5OE7DP2j5VRfDsESlPACKQLt-0sW9zJOS8dQ1Do5nxmQ2DLgtv2I753Gp3R0Zs-Iy8JWTsUD__Sr9OQDQxzeyAcfrnkpYRI2PwYI9ntkG0/s1600/Norman+Wisdom+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdK2ULq5aRqiOQ5m3olHM2-4bLy0YMij5PQ5OE7DP2j5VRfDsESlPACKQLt-0sW9zJOS8dQ1Do5nxmQ2DLgtv2I753Gp3R0Zs-Iy8JWTsUD__Sr9OQDQxzeyAcfrnkpYRI2PwYI9ntkG0/s320/Norman+Wisdom+1.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">This wonderful man was my hero from childhood days. I vividly remember as a very young child being glued to the TV every time a Norman Wisdom film was shown. Throughout the whole film I would be crying with laughter.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">My family regarded this as hugely entertaining! Not just the film either, probably more my crying & laughing I think.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">To this day, the feeling that showers me has never left. I only have to look at him and a big grin appears, followed by laughter then tears. Why does this happen? I've never been able to explain, he just makes me cry with laughter, always has and always will!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">He will be sadly missed, not just by his beloved family, but his many fans too.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The only good news of course is that there will now be many showings of his films on TV for weeks to come. <strong>Now that's something to laugh about.</strong></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjn8NMGh2ieZ66WeD4Da_Z9rx6QjdPg_Y-MMH0Oo27xZglxlSF6VnDjn34V_FDk73qHcsMtw8WuX38vVqOztHCNvIuWtM3Xdvwn0N0YogodHsezInVNfUVWz_h_64ddoDQdD2oD3-yOE/s1600/Normal+Wisdom+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjn8NMGh2ieZ66WeD4Da_Z9rx6QjdPg_Y-MMH0Oo27xZglxlSF6VnDjn34V_FDk73qHcsMtw8WuX38vVqOztHCNvIuWtM3Xdvwn0N0YogodHsezInVNfUVWz_h_64ddoDQdD2oD3-yOE/s1600/Normal+Wisdom+2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<strong>And his death is something to cry about.</strong><br />
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R.I.P Sir Norman, my memories will never leave me.Expat Life and Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18436918212878646309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160298061298570525.post-56319485827229299012010-10-03T07:32:00.000+02:002010-10-03T07:32:40.707+02:00Johanna - an expat guest from Austria<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmJbawVdAVR4sWS7wQOMSQUB3HijtX0EivARtnvNlmkdEdV2F-A1MIAqlxS388o-gPaLGrnGB4hM3oChHu7YQdK3JZqS34FdlQAB-xGq2BalLVJ6gBoysKSRVqE-nwLDDuctnq1NJ68o/s1600/tweety.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmJbawVdAVR4sWS7wQOMSQUB3HijtX0EivARtnvNlmkdEdV2F-A1MIAqlxS388o-gPaLGrnGB4hM3oChHu7YQdK3JZqS34FdlQAB-xGq2BalLVJ6gBoysKSRVqE-nwLDDuctnq1NJ68o/s320/tweety.jpg" width="204" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Despite our guest moving to another country and being incredibly busy, we managed to get together in order to publish this interview for you wonderful people to share.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I am pleased to introduce you all to <a href="http://thepassionatecook.typepad.com/">Johanna Wagner</a> from <a href="http://thepassionatecook.typepad.com/">The Passionate Cook</a>. Johanna is most definitely a passionate cook too and her fabulous <a href="http://thepassionatecook.typepad.com/">blog</a> will tantalise your tastebuds with some truly wonderful recipes.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Johanna is originally from Austria and has moved around the world to become a repeated expat.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So, let's get to know her a little better. Please join me in saying 'welcome' and read on to learn more about Johanna and her blog <a href="http://thepassionatecook.typepad.com/">The Passionate Cook</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>Q - Why have you recently moved from UK to Singapore?</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>A - My husband got headhunted out here by a large Asian bank headquartered in the city state. When he started interviewing, we didn't actually think it would happen, but when talks got more serious, we thought long and hard (it's a big thing to move halfway across the world with three children) and decided to jump in the cold water - everybody says the city is perfect for raising children (very safe and child-friendly) and we were looking forward to a warmer climate, amazing food experiences and lots of travelling through Asia, which we had never really visited before!</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>Q - What do you hope to achieve in Singapore?</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>A - I haven't actually made my mind up... leaving London meant giving up my studies (BSc in Herbal Medicine), my practice (ear acupuncture and naturopathy) which was just starting to flourish, my beloved catering engagements (fancy fingerfood for private functions like birthdays, christenings, weddings). While I can still continue my food writing from here, I have yet to find out whether I can legally practise in this country and if I can find some local courses or, even better, an apprenticeship, to deepen my knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine.</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>On the other hand, I know that there is soooo much for me to learn culinarily - the various cuisines on offer here will inspire me no end and lots of people around have asked if I'd continue giving cookery lessons, which I might actually do together with my friend Pam of The Cooking Ninja.</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>Q - After the move, you mention you'll be starting again with kitchen supplies. What will be first on your shopping list & why?</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>A - My first purchase was a big wok so I can get started experimenting with local cooking. Tomorrow, I am off to my first big shopping trip to the spice market - spices are absolutely essential in my kitchen, over the years, I had amassed a great variety of wonderful (and sometimes weird) ingredients brought back from travelling or given to me by friends... those that are essential to my cooking and hard to come by, I actually brought with me - I was allowed one box with food stuff.</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>The first thing I always stock up on when out shopping is fresh fruit and vegetables - and I love, love, love the variety and all the new fruits I have discovered so far: snake fruit, jack fruit, long kong, japanese pear... all wonderful discoveries. </em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>The hunt for some food items I feared I might not get here started pretty much the day we arrived... butter with fleur de sel is essential in my household, so is good bread: my Mum shipped my fresh sourdough culture via courier last week and it survived... so now I am back baking my own sourdough bread, which I missed a lot these past two months!</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>Q - Tell us about your food journey to this point in your life.</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>A - I have always loved food for as long as I can remember... my Mum is a great cook and so was my grandma. My first eye-opening food adventures were my travels - we would go to Italy four times a year, I spent pretty much all my vacations from the age of 15 in France where I had my first oysters and cooked live lobster and got to know the joys of never-ending lunches with family and friends. I then lived in Mexico where I pretty much sat in the kitchen whenever I was at home, watching the host family's helper Lupita cook amazing food and soaking up everything like a sponge... then came the student years when I met my now husband, together we would save up to eat in "fancy" restaurants which broadened our taste horizons and for a while, I was trying hard to re-create those dishes back in my own kitchen. It was when we moved to London eleven years ago that I really got into cooking - for the first time I had a big kitchen and eating out was often hit-and-miss and very expensive... so I buried myself in cookery books and got my hands dirty - I haven't looked back. Cooking has become essential in my life as a great passion - I love its therapeutic effects on me and I love how I can make other people happy with it as well.</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>Q - Why did you start your blog and how old is it?</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>A - When I went on maternity leave with my second child, I struggled not having my high-powered job in advertising anymore... I missed the variety, the sense of achievement at the end of the (admittedly very long) day - after all, I was reduced to being a milk bar to my son and changing nappies all day long!</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>So I set myself the target of documenting my kitchen experiments, involving own creations, old family recipes and dishes I fancied in cook books and magazines - and in my first year, I published a recipe almost every day.</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>That was more than six years ago now, the frequency of publishing on my own blog has slowed down somewhat (especially at the moment, but I will come back with a vengeance ;-)) - life has got in the way... three children, a practice and my studies demand time... plus I started writing for other publications as well.</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>Q - Tell us more about 'Digital Dish' and how you are involved?</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>A - Digital Dish was an initiative by a US food blogger five years ago - gathering recipes from food blogs around the world (there weren't many of us). Back then, self-publishing was as unknown as the phenomenon of blogging - the book was an amazing effort by pretty much just one person and it didn't have any funding or a big publisher behind it, so it is not really a cookbook to drool over, but documents the very beginnings of food blogging, the variety of people, styles and cuisines. So although it is probably not the kind of thing I show around proudly at a dinner party, it was cool to be a part of this piece of food blogging history.</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>Since then, however, I have been asked to contribute to many other publications, including regular columns for the online arm of GU, the biggest cookbook publisher in the German-speaking market, and also some books that DO look well on your coffee table, like National Geographic's "Food Journeys of a Life-Time" and about to appear on the shelves this October "Drives of a Life-Time - 500 of the World's most spectacular trips" - a few others are awaiting publication.</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>Q - What is your favourite cuisine?</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>A - How sad if I had to limit myself to just one, I find the greatest pleasure in the variety that this world has to offer. Unlike many other people, I don't despise "fusion", if it's well done, taking inspiration from other cuisines can work very well.</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>I would say my favourite food depends on the moment and the situation - heart-warming Austrian food, comforting bowls of soup, a proper Mexican chile con carne, or a slice of home-made sourdough with salted butter - they all have their place.</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>At the moment, I don't tire of eating out in singapore - even the simplest of hawker stalls or markets have the most amazing array of Asian food available and people here are passionate about eating, it's one of the greatest pass-times here... I couldn't have found a better place to live!</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>Q - What cuisine/food do you dislike & why?</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>A - I don't really eat offal - it's the idea that puts me off. I have tried all kinds of stuff, but wasn't bowled over. I also hate beetroot (the only vegetable that I don't like), but I am working on it. </em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>Q - Tell us about the other countries in which you have lived (inc your home country) and which is your favourite to date?</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>A- I was born and bred in Austria, a beautiful piece of this earth - I still like going back and in certain places, my heart just skips a beat at the sight of the breathtaking scenery. The food is also wonderful - comfort food at its best, from the very simple mountain fare to the elaborate drama of eating Tafelspitz in Vienna or the elaborate cakes on offer in your typical Kaffeehaus.</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>Mexico was the experience of a life-time - I was young, very far away from home for the first time in my life, and things different - very different. I fell in love with the people, the country, the traditions, the music, the food, when I returned back home, my Mexican teachers at uni would say I am more Mexican than the Mexicans... I haven't been back since, for fear of not experiencing it the way I did back then, but I keep in touch with my friends and family there and all things Mexican really.</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>London was a great decade, I love it for how cosmopolitan it is, yet, how relaxed our life was where we lived in and around Richmond - after I gave up my job, that is. The food shopping is spectacular, unrivalled in terms of speciality shops... and the culture, the concerts, plays, exhibitions, galleries - I have travelled wide and far, but I don't think any city can match that (although NYC might come close). And I learnt so very much in my time there!</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>And Singapore, what can I say. I don't think I have ever felt at home somewhere as quickly as here - even moving to Vienna as a student was lonelier and took longer. The city is absolutely beautiful - very green, very organised, very exotic... both the locals and the expat community have been very welcoming and after two months, I am struggling to keep on top of my calendar! And the food - I've alluded to it earlier, there so much great-tasting fare at incredibly reasonable prices... every day there are new discoveries and I can't wait to take advantage of all the great travelling to be done from here.</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Please now join me in saying 'many thanks' to Joahanna for her time in creating this post. I know it was difficult for her with moving etc, but I am truly grateful for her efforts in producing this month's interview. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">"Mucho gracias Johanna & welcome" </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div>Expat Life and Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18436918212878646309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160298061298570525.post-54039886754510932172010-09-30T09:43:00.000+02:002010-09-30T09:43:34.910+02:00One for the girls! <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDrnUimO-CR2JwMXRUt24Ss0CU_7r5bTHM3Xe2ODp19gNVeHe6ObBYMG_c3s_ObUQDkQfB3Qk7hh1tv9DMc2DXPOl2-G13QIZrs9Yj7E0IFeJAl2LmnWLqxWtnhD6HHfwrlWaHYu2OSCk/s1600/Nerja.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="289" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDrnUimO-CR2JwMXRUt24Ss0CU_7r5bTHM3Xe2ODp19gNVeHe6ObBYMG_c3s_ObUQDkQfB3Qk7hh1tv9DMc2DXPOl2-G13QIZrs9Yj7E0IFeJAl2LmnWLqxWtnhD6HHfwrlWaHYu2OSCk/s320/Nerja.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nerja (photo courtesy of fotothing.com)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">My fabulous friend, Jayne and I had a wonderful girlie day out this week. What's so special about that I hear you ask? Well for many reasons, this was a much needed & definitely well deserved day for both of us.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Those of you that know me well are aware that for a couple of years, whilst trying to sell our house, Barry (my husband) and I have not had much spare cash for luxuries. To make life even more difficult, I was diagnosed with cancer in January and this year has been very hard. Not just for me, but equally so for Barry, our families and friends too. Glad to say, the house is now sold, yay.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Then in February, my friend Jayne & her husband Michael came over for a holiday. They used to live here, but unfortunately returned to the UK full time almost 3 years ago. They still own their lovely town house here though and fortunately for us, they regularly visit for holidays.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So when they visited in February, shortly after my release from hospital, we were delighted to see them. Plus, it was Jayne's birthday too, so a fun filled night out was planned.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We went to dinner in a local restaurant with some other friends, Tony & Sue, plus Debbie & Karen. We all had a great evening, but unfortunately it ended in disaster!!!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Anyway, I won't rant on too much about it but basically on her way home, Jayne slipped and broke or ankle. It was a bad brake which resulted in surgery. It has also taken her a long time to recover properly and consequently they were unable to return to Spain, until now.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">During my illness, Jayne kept in contact with Barry on a daily basis via skype. Plus when they were here in February I was showered with not only support and love, but some fabulous gifts too.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This current visit happened to coincide with Jayne & Michael's 20th wedding anniversary too. So, what better excuse is there for a right royal girlie day out?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Tuesday morning, Jayne & I headed off to <a href="http://www.nerjatoday.com/">Nerja</a> for the day. A truly wonderful place, full of shops, bars, restaurants, etc and of course amazing beaches too.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our plan was to do a little shopping, a little pampering and have lunch too. The day was perfect. Upon arriving, we visited a local nail bar to make an appointment. I booked for a french manicure and Jayne decided to opt for a foot massage. Great choice considering her earlier accident!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So with our appointments booked. First stop was a coffee after the short journey.</div> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJ8QZoyqx1UcTw9dmBW-GjrvNrqYqfTIWLyCHHCALGBx_MJtHy9b5TTFZAlG0LX6zijerCCdMy_U2sC-Vyyg9_psZMAdfm6CTtXCbh4ndRutiLgNnRqOrwb4tR05DKF7gvpuo-NvDU3M/s1600/Day+out+with+Jayne+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJ8QZoyqx1UcTw9dmBW-GjrvNrqYqfTIWLyCHHCALGBx_MJtHy9b5TTFZAlG0LX6zijerCCdMy_U2sC-Vyyg9_psZMAdfm6CTtXCbh4ndRutiLgNnRqOrwb4tR05DKF7gvpuo-NvDU3M/s320/Day+out+with+Jayne+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jayne during coffee</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7iwSKmoHw3xQbtstydYS6vLGTuhyphenhyphenl0BQHFjao5QLPNvMlXhJnNcAd1OuCIOSGzdwsOl4UjQsStadrXCzu5W0Mg94dUXk__g969nwoJq7jOhCpLiiKsOMac08K7-6PO24vq8x0Tw8oq3s/s1600/Day+out+with+Jayne+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7iwSKmoHw3xQbtstydYS6vLGTuhyphenhyphenl0BQHFjao5QLPNvMlXhJnNcAd1OuCIOSGzdwsOl4UjQsStadrXCzu5W0Mg94dUXk__g969nwoJq7jOhCpLiiKsOMac08K7-6PO24vq8x0Tw8oq3s/s320/Day+out+with+Jayne+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View towards the sea from the plaza</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">After coffee, we hit the shops and yes, we did treat ourselves to a few prizes too! Then, it was time to head back to the nail bar for our pampering.</div> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFpNaJYEy_-g9Bm3WmXxzC5v8BXSf1nw8gjos2AFxSUaOoyPI11lfB62KBX6o7DPjo2GCWsPrmGOGlP5797wng5vCBw-Ok24XVRyn0RBrIHhcv0ghpq8sO1zXhvNkkIZbHwGRZ7KBvt0/s1600/Day+out+with+Jayne+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFpNaJYEy_-g9Bm3WmXxzC5v8BXSf1nw8gjos2AFxSUaOoyPI11lfB62KBX6o7DPjo2GCWsPrmGOGlP5797wng5vCBw-Ok24XVRyn0RBrIHhcv0ghpq8sO1zXhvNkkIZbHwGRZ7KBvt0/s320/Day+out+with+Jayne+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, having my french manicure</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSPZjNR4jjXtE_NZyAPF4u8MKfvQhtjCvT2Ow2L8E32BnqvCJEKtg4OhyphenhyphenCXJgu1QAKeqEzY4zyUYg50jKRSZvkjFL0FHULmYPGm-3Vdzl6YIRmTkQYvTSkaLA-8r096oWxDoskkfWBdI/s1600/Day+out+with+Jayne+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSPZjNR4jjXtE_NZyAPF4u8MKfvQhtjCvT2Ow2L8E32BnqvCJEKtg4OhyphenhyphenCXJgu1QAKeqEzY4zyUYg50jKRSZvkjFL0FHULmYPGm-3Vdzl6YIRmTkQYvTSkaLA-8r096oWxDoskkfWBdI/s320/Day+out+with+Jayne+005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jayne, relaxing and thoroughly enjoying her foot massage</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">After my nails has dried and Jayne had woken up from her foot massage, which she enjoyed so much it sent her to sleep. We headed off for lunch.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The choice of restaurants is mind boggling, but as it was market day. Most patrons were on the other side of town, leaving Nerja fairly quiet and therefore no problem getting a table for us.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We decided on an italian restaurant and we both ordered a pasta dish. Unfortunately, we were chatting so much I forgot to get the camera out again. Sorry for that. It also means I can't do a restaurant review, sorry for that too. But I'm sure I'll return there one day and will provide a review then, I promise. However, I can say the food was delicious and I had my favourite dish. One I often create at home too, called <a href="http://debskitchencreations.blogspot.com/2009/07/linguine-aglio-e-olio-serves-1.html">Aglio-e-olio, shown here on my other blog</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">After lunch we ventured back up the mountain to Competa. I dropped Jayne off at home and then I went home too for a quick nap before Barry & I returned to Jayne & Michaels, with our friend Sue, for an evening of drinking, chatting and of course wonderful food as always supplied by Michael.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thanks guys, you are all truly special friends.</div>Expat Life and Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18436918212878646309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160298061298570525.post-78593755276324924132010-09-27T16:55:00.001+02:002010-09-27T16:58:19.151+02:00Hurry, Versace tray/plate giveaway coming to an end!<div style="text-align: justify;">For those who are not familiar with my other blog <a href="http://debskitchencreations.blogspot.com/">Deb Cooks...., (click here)</a> Back in August I announced a fantastic giveaway for a Versace plate/tray (as shown in the terrible photo below LOL).</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVq23i2ZpQeEUscIYrCNvdrouFpk3tRsM6wGyCmD9VhYyN8NHeKQO3V1kSu81KUzq91WSGwlTl5mghTUUr4jQurYlffRu6i7nUc0IHsMx5Xfc9Jo1S9mt-i39vwZOWLAqvTzD6FjIuLc/s1600/versace+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVq23i2ZpQeEUscIYrCNvdrouFpk3tRsM6wGyCmD9VhYyN8NHeKQO3V1kSu81KUzq91WSGwlTl5mghTUUr4jQurYlffRu6i7nUc0IHsMx5Xfc9Jo1S9mt-i39vwZOWLAqvTzD6FjIuLc/s200/versace+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">The giveaway ends this week on Thursday 30th September at midnight, the winner will be picked and announced on 1st October, so time for entries is running out.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But, there's still time. So, if you would like to be in with a chance of winning this stunning piece, hop over to see the full post <a href="http://debskitchencreations.blogspot.com/2010/08/giveaway-beautiful-versace-piece-to-add.html">here</a> to read the terms & conditions for entry.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Don't miss out on this chance, do it now, before it's too late.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">GOOD LUCK to everyone, old & new entries</span></strong>.</div>Expat Life and Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18436918212878646309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160298061298570525.post-75396126792794202162010-09-18T11:52:00.002+02:002010-10-20T15:40:58.736+02:00Buying/Selling Property in Spain! - Part 3 (to sea or not to sea?)<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Not yet read Part 1 <a href="http://expatlifeshared.blogspot.com/2010/09/buyingselling-property-in-spain-part-1.html">read it here</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> and Part 2 </span><a href="http://expatlifeshared.blogspot.com/2010/09/buyingselling-property-in-spain-part-2.html"><span style="font-size: large;">here</span></a><br />
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So, you've decided on your location, type of property etc. But, what about your preferred views?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Maybe you've chosen a location on the coast. In which case the chances are you will have a sea view (at least before someone builds & blocks the view LOL). </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Maybe you've chosen a mountain location. In which case you may/may not obtain a sea view!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Maybe you've chosen an inland location. In which case you are unlikely to obtain a sea view.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">However, from experience, most first time buyers in Spain specify a sea view! Why? Well, because that's what everybody 'thinks' they want!!!!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmsOxiV-cFGdDsmH5HWCXfLF_mVi7xvyZElj57YhwKQJy_0fFlcygy8clnsr5P75mlNDHO_1c2xiR4nB8QikDgD2d2cWtc4LLoYpB0IdPKIcabEjsa8hLBpEfP-z65TSZ02LAfG7sHlw/s1600/Sea+view+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmsOxiV-cFGdDsmH5HWCXfLF_mVi7xvyZElj57YhwKQJy_0fFlcygy8clnsr5P75mlNDHO_1c2xiR4nB8QikDgD2d2cWtc4LLoYpB0IdPKIcabEjsa8hLBpEfP-z65TSZ02LAfG7sHlw/s200/Sea+view+1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinI9VaemBT4w8wVH8f7dYiwdWZdmpicn3ubc-inEBxQan9IBvrvl4EQc_cGIRG9PZxA9O2QQOpy_YvsJxJvWoQ2uX9CBki6Vf3HG-RUm_hwrmX4beViBxt-UvlYGI_cRKkk9RO8mzGNpY/s1600/Sea+view+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinI9VaemBT4w8wVH8f7dYiwdWZdmpicn3ubc-inEBxQan9IBvrvl4EQc_cGIRG9PZxA9O2QQOpy_YvsJxJvWoQ2uX9CBki6Vf3HG-RUm_hwrmX4beViBxt-UvlYGI_cRKkk9RO8mzGNpY/s200/Sea+view+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-3Zdbscsr08e4AH5NDxz3JNaVot_NL6kYykbbF4ba1RHEF6dtqQQNWzhIVIXWZK0HFPyEgNk55FQjfq8keCS1EUJNQeXvFnWcSaw_QwKqUSsUjiOnl1JQ8_498x2Y3_hB5DdoxOEaao/s1600/Sea+view+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-3Zdbscsr08e4AH5NDxz3JNaVot_NL6kYykbbF4ba1RHEF6dtqQQNWzhIVIXWZK0HFPyEgNk55FQjfq8keCS1EUJNQeXvFnWcSaw_QwKqUSsUjiOnl1JQ8_498x2Y3_hB5DdoxOEaao/s200/Sea+view+3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8KZzh12092CIjURSK5pah0eQhs0qyKTgguIjphgyd2ncSnRA8O_UnaGNBQQahhqXExJUR6Xezrhk6QW9ZIykfbmGlL6a7dnURCyKjafSpCZNNQsiB28UBaQBctORSKRKB5uR2X4yzcw/s1600/Sea+view+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8KZzh12092CIjURSK5pah0eQhs0qyKTgguIjphgyd2ncSnRA8O_UnaGNBQQahhqXExJUR6Xezrhk6QW9ZIykfbmGlL6a7dnURCyKjafSpCZNNQsiB28UBaQBctORSKRKB5uR2X4yzcw/s200/Sea+view+4.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">A sea view is beautiful without a doubt, especially with a coastal view too which at night is stunning with the twinkling lights etc.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">However, many people don't actually consider the option of a mountain view!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">When my husand & I moved to Spain we did not consider which type of view we preferred. The choice of property was far more important to us. Of course the view is important too. Living in a village we would not want to find our ideal property only to discover our main view would be one of the local building yards!!!!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We have moved several times now and I/we both agree that a mountain view is our preferred choice. Why? Well simply because this view changes throughout the day, there is always something newly discovered to look at, plus during the winter months the mountains can often be covered in snow which is stunning!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcejzaiZ-fmOLKTlVL_rzX8B0jWgU5e4GKx10eztTKKqI79pslRAj-UUJ9cso18E4scfaeS6fTpMJb40GJjGUx4aPBPP30RkC4gyxvpG0ydXfkjJN7EMeEaKzgMNsnIFl_ooeoDEPBTxg/s1600/mountain+view+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcejzaiZ-fmOLKTlVL_rzX8B0jWgU5e4GKx10eztTKKqI79pslRAj-UUJ9cso18E4scfaeS6fTpMJb40GJjGUx4aPBPP30RkC4gyxvpG0ydXfkjJN7EMeEaKzgMNsnIFl_ooeoDEPBTxg/s200/mountain+view+1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD90BAY1zstP8LldrQZ3oF1irgiyDosqxSPN32faJkTQzXRQ1ADbflnaj9O5Ryx8HffSZXUMqrUbAhDN14OqX1Q5lyC19ekTRUhNpBaSHNi5cwm7WDQg6w6zlgG13-TpssGGGqd85MavA/s1600/mountain+view+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD90BAY1zstP8LldrQZ3oF1irgiyDosqxSPN32faJkTQzXRQ1ADbflnaj9O5Ryx8HffSZXUMqrUbAhDN14OqX1Q5lyC19ekTRUhNpBaSHNi5cwm7WDQg6w6zlgG13-TpssGGGqd85MavA/s200/mountain+view+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjK8TFcpA2ku9byCtPp_NODmt0UQnEz6_v7S-t92xLpNVabyM_9RZveEWvqmCYLE09J0Uf8UWN6vqv2jwES-VN4qMRNW6-fomjPrBbAHHHxNmxuOQadEYYLJ5goG95lwsx2Uu8YGquCDg/s1600/mountain+view+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjK8TFcpA2ku9byCtPp_NODmt0UQnEz6_v7S-t92xLpNVabyM_9RZveEWvqmCYLE09J0Uf8UWN6vqv2jwES-VN4qMRNW6-fomjPrBbAHHHxNmxuOQadEYYLJ5goG95lwsx2Uu8YGquCDg/s200/mountain+view+3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdM55BdMQvu1mWgoq361aP6ymjaG03dTJ9HbHnYm_kbFVOZP7n_a4cVy7cdu4h3Zwk8Da4z8QbFTgR9sGOZfVDdJbR4JbvdfYBp9jvjaDQbGMvV3dcJKaXzkRQyn82IHTdJiOxKfb67sE/s1600/mountain+view+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdM55BdMQvu1mWgoq361aP6ymjaG03dTJ9HbHnYm_kbFVOZP7n_a4cVy7cdu4h3Zwk8Da4z8QbFTgR9sGOZfVDdJbR4JbvdfYBp9jvjaDQbGMvV3dcJKaXzkRQyn82IHTdJiOxKfb67sE/s200/mountain+view+4.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oU9Rs_JLDJXh972MdP5GbECRDMTErKNbPSew3mBAtNLSnfCdKebMasAQSLH_al3XAZeo59Rrs3Sf8-i6I-YPRMONuc48lnyx0QA8oLm3R9Fn6YQ_Pt67pi9zCtK-wsmpqrBMszEaPxI/s1600/mountain+view+5" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oU9Rs_JLDJXh972MdP5GbECRDMTErKNbPSew3mBAtNLSnfCdKebMasAQSLH_al3XAZeo59Rrs3Sf8-i6I-YPRMONuc48lnyx0QA8oLm3R9Fn6YQ_Pt67pi9zCtK-wsmpqrBMszEaPxI/s200/mountain+view+5" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">We have some friends who insisted on a sea view when they arrived in Spain. Initially, they rented a property and were delighted to obtain a sea view. A year or so later, they moved into another rental property and had a slight sea view, but were happier in the new property.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Eventually, they purchased their own property, <u>without</u> a sea view & are just as happy with their now mountain view!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The moral of the story! Don't assume you have to have a sea view. In fact, if you find the right property, a view of both allows you to have your cake and eat it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Aproveche LOL.<br />
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<em>Photos were selected from Google Images, thanks to those for sharing.</em></div>Expat Life and Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18436918212878646309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160298061298570525.post-66834965435137788272010-09-06T17:25:00.003+02:002010-09-18T11:59:45.576+02:00Buying/Selling Property in Spain! - Part 2 (before you buy!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRv_Gm_01ZwzL9RmNxLTuMPAjeEIZHDVlpDDJQxYR0-R5er402lr3463FhI53XF14DvSlj16h86YHCI0iMUZelCJoJP41xHbJgu9-uTzFl8raEjY_cBagnDbLkHCYKkdXGwYL_MZQ20CU/s1600/artistic-heart-shape-thumb6590475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRv_Gm_01ZwzL9RmNxLTuMPAjeEIZHDVlpDDJQxYR0-R5er402lr3463FhI53XF14DvSlj16h86YHCI0iMUZelCJoJP41xHbJgu9-uTzFl8raEjY_cBagnDbLkHCYKkdXGwYL_MZQ20CU/s320/artistic-heart-shape-thumb6590475.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Beware of falling in LOVE!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Not read Part 1 yet? </strong></span><a href="http://expatlifeshared.blogspot.com/2010/09/buyingselling-property-in-spain-part-1.html#comments"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Read it here</strong></span></a> & <a href="http://expatlifeshared.blogspot.com/2010/09/buyingselling-property-in-spain-part-3.html"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Part 3 here</strong></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
OK, you've decided you want to buy a home in Spain. A second home for holidays, rental etc or maybe permanent. Either way, the same rules apply.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Before you begin viewing properties there are a few points to bear in mind:-</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Which area do you want to be located?</div><div style="text-align: justify;">What type of property are you looking for, i.e a new build, purchase from existing vendor, or even a ruin?</div><div style="text-align: justify;">What is your budget?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">With regards to area, take a good look around. Visit the areas you are interested in and stay a while to discover if it's truly the place for you.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">What type of property is right for you? It's not un-common for perspective purchasers to state they want a certain type of property, but actually end up purchasing the opposite to their initial requiremets. Do some research & be specific about your requirements. It's a waste of time & effort, not only yours, but agents and vendors too if you are viewing the wrong type of propety.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Budget. Have you taken into consideration additional costs i.e taxes, notary & solicitors fees, exchange rates etc? Don't view properties being marketed for 300,000E if you can only afford 200,000E. This may sound obvious, but it's surprising how many people do exactly that. Then fall in love with a property they cannot afford and despite efforts of putting forward lower offers, which are subsequently declined, it often results in broken hearts (for all parties).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Talk to property agents, solicitors etc and people who live in your area of choice before viewing properties. You'll be surprised how much easier this will make the purchasing process before you start viewing.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Think of purchasing a property like setting up a business. Would you start a business without planning & research first? No, you probably would not, so don't spend thousands on a property either without the initial preparations.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is an area on which there is so much to say, so we'll come back to this later. In the meantime, don't forget the above points.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Enjoy your research, don't make it a chore or you'll soon give up the dream!<br />
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<strong>Your comments, suggestions & contributions are most welcome.</strong></div>Expat Life and Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18436918212878646309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160298061298570525.post-85779375317775228222010-09-03T08:22:00.004+02:002010-09-18T11:57:57.216+02:00Buying/Selling Property in Spain! - Part 1 (Introduction)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3aovNZ1WUj6i8AwH-GwtBaGOL28jdND_-mx8RhdSR8uo8I_iV4e_tZmB4XWBBySusIN5FH8jZ7LivVpbjN3qjlnZKd3aWTMwEOEmSAjPG8XUk-m1wYhXxn3iuPU2yUYBnW2AHYo8S9bE/s1600/property.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3aovNZ1WUj6i8AwH-GwtBaGOL28jdND_-mx8RhdSR8uo8I_iV4e_tZmB4XWBBySusIN5FH8jZ7LivVpbjN3qjlnZKd3aWTMwEOEmSAjPG8XUk-m1wYhXxn3iuPU2yUYBnW2AHYo8S9bE/s320/property.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">I've been thinking about this post for sometime now & delayed it for many reasons. One, being that my frustration may occasionally hinder my writing! Two, being that I'm not the best writer out there (but I'm learning). Three, I'm no expert on buying/selling, but I am experienced and do have an opinion, but that doesn't mean I'm right and I don't want to get it wrong. Four, I could so easily rant on for far too long, thereby making this post become boring, but there is just so much to say!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">There, I've said it! I'm not perfect, but who is?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So, I decided 'I will publish a post on this subject' but in order to avoid the above pitfalls. I will publish in sections over a period of time. This way, it will also give you lovely people the chance to comment, send emails also, contribute with questions too etc etc.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So please stop by on a regular basis (better still, add yourself as a follower & never miss a new post) to keep up to date with this section on my blog and remember you are very welcome to contribute too.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'll kick off with a very short comment.......................</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It's common knowledge that the press/media report far more bad news, than they do good. Yes, there are sometimes problems with home ownership in Spain. But, remember this. <strong>It's the same the world over!, we are not alone.</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It's good to read these reports and watch the TV programmes, sometimes there is truth in it too. I personally do exactly that and often find myself shouting at the TV too because this image portrayed is occasionally far from reality. Equally, I frequently have a good laugh at them also when I hear ridiculous statements from writers, presenters who clearly only comment on what others say without personal experience themselves!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">OK, I think you're getting the picture now, so we'll leave it there for the time being.<br />
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<a href="http://expatlifeshared.blogspot.com/2010/09/buyingselling-property-in-spain-part-2.html"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Read Part 2, here</strong></span></a><br />
<a href="http://expatlifeshared.blogspot.com/2010/09/buyingselling-property-in-spain-part-3.html"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Read Part 3, here</strong></span></a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Remember, your comments, suggestions & contributions are most welcome</strong>.</div>Expat Life and Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18436918212878646309noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160298061298570525.post-74359905090400598672010-08-31T09:19:00.001+02:002010-08-31T09:24:42.529+02:00Blogday2010<a href="http://www.blogday.org/" target="_blank"><img alt="Blog Day 2010" height="130" src="http://www.blogday.org/images/badge_blue.gif" width="455" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">August 31st is Blog Day. The idea is to write a short introduction about 5 other blogs you like and link back to the Blogday site, <a href="http://www.blogday.org/">click here to see Blogday2010 site & read all about it</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So, without further ado, who are my 5 nominated bogs?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1. <a href="http://www.kaveyeats.com/">Kavey Eats Blog.</a> Kavey is a hardworking blogger who likes to participate in a variety of blogging events. Her blog is predominantly about restaurant reviews, drinks & other produce reviews too, also some recipes. Hop on over and check out Kavey's fabulous blog <a href="http://www.kaveyeats.com/">here</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. <a href="http://thecurrysecret.blogspot.com/">The Curry Secret Blog.</a>. Blog owner, Kris Dhillon, author of 3 cookery books to date. The Curry Secret, The New Curry Secret & Thai Cookery Secrets. Kris lives in Australia where she works hard on producing new cookery books, has a cookery school and a beautiful allotment/garden where she grows her own herbs, fruits & vegetables. If you're a curry lover you must visit here <a href="http://thecurrysecret.blogspot.com/">blog (here)</a> and check it out. From there, you can also purchase here amazing books too. I have all 3 and they're fabulous.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3. <a href="http://www.thesitsgirls.com/">The sits girls</a> An inspirational blog for women. A hard working group of women whose aim is to help each other. To date they have over 6,000 followers and growing all the time. With too many wonderful aids to assist others & for me to mention, get on over to <a href="http://www.thesitsgirls.com/">their blog (here)</a> and check it out. You won't be dissapointed! In fact, come join in too!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">4. <a href="http://www.carlgalloway.com/">Carl Galloway of Internet Marketing & Make Money Online Blog</a>. Carl earns his income from, yes you've guessed it, making money online. He works fulltime to show others how to do this to. If you're interest in earning money from your blog; pop on over to Carl's site <a href="http://www.carlgalloway.com/">here</a> and check him out.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And, last, but not least.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">5. <a href="http://www.behindthecameraanddreaming.com/">Stephanie Slater Clark of Behind the Camera & Dreaming.</a> Stephanie is a talented photographer and blogger. Her blog consists of her adventures with photography, writing, fashion & food. Quite an inspiration. Pop on over to her <a href="http://www.behindthecameraanddreaming.com/">blog (here)</a> and see what she's been up to.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So, there you have my 5 nominated blogs. Get yourselves interacting with others and make new friends with fellow bloggers. Afterall, none of us put so much time & effort into our blogs if it were not our attention to meet new people, gain new followers & friendships too.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">NOTE: All 5 blogs listed were picked randomly in order to be fair, so please don't be disappointed if you are not listed. Maybe, you'll be there next year! In the meantime, please pop over & visited those that are listed.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Not familiar with Blog Day? Well this happens every year on the 31st August. Pop on over to the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/Blogday2010">Site (here)</a> and check it out. If you've missed it this year, bookmark it for 2011.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Finally, a big 'Thanks' to the sites listed above and</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> <a href="http://www.blogday.org/"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy blog day to everyone, enjoy</span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Expat Life and Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18436918212878646309noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160298061298570525.post-61839914118502488402010-08-26T08:02:00.001+02:002010-08-26T08:05:55.571+02:00Sunflower - an expat guest from China & an authentic recipe too.<div style="text-align: justify;">For the last week, I've been so busy packing boxes in readiness for moving house. I'ts been a long & difficult journey getting to this point (more about this to come soon). So, this afternoon, I've taken a break in order to post about our expat guest.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sunflower is a chinese lady, now residing in the UK. Her blog is all about Chinese & other asian recipes. Mainly home cooked food, not what you may be used to from your local restaurant or takeaway. This is authentic food at its best!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">If, like me, you love chinese food I suggest you pop on over to her <a href="http://sunflower-recipes.blogspot.com/">blog, Sunflower's Food Galore, here</a> and check out the amazing recipes. There are so many as Sunflower is a constant blogger. She works hard to provide us with mouthwatering recipes, almost on a daily basis.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Read on to discover more about Sunflower & get a taster of one of her latest recipes to...................</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Q - You are Chinese, but grew up in Brunei, tell us about it and what life is like there?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A - Brunei is a Muslim country, it's hot all year round. It's small country but quite wealthy. Lifestyle is generally comfortable though not as cosmopolitan like any big city. Muslim belief and lifestyle is optional.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Q - When did you go to England and what prompted this move?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A - I come to England to study and have stuck here since. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Q - Where does your love of cooking stem from?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A - I think from my mum who was a good cook.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Q - Have you ever, or do you, work with food in a professional capacity?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A - No.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Q - Tell us a little about some of the recipes published on your site, i.e are they what chinese eat at home, or are they more geared towards recipes you think the western world want to see?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A - I think most of my oriental recipes are as authentic as I can manage to find the right ingredients. I don't like fusion Chinese/western (or takeaway menu) too much unless the recipes are originated from the the far east. I have expressed my dislike of Chinese/English curry on BBC messageboard. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Q - How often do you eat out at restaurants & what type of food would you mostly choose?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A - I don't eat out much in England, especially Oriental food. If I am abroad I like to eat out nearly everyday. My favourite eating out food if not oriental, probably Mexican. Love Mexican food to bits.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Q - Are there any recipes you'd like to try, but have thus far been a bit intimidated to do so & why?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A - Can't think of any yet. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Q - If you had to pick one dish as your favourite, what would this be & why?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A - Authentic Peking duck with skin so crunchy it melts in the mouth.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Q - Tell us about your blog, why you started it, what have you gained from it, etc, etc?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A -The blog has been going on for few years now. I only post my everyday cooking, and concentrate on oriental recipes. I am not very good with taking pictures and they can be boring. I only hope readers will try the recipes and like them. I don't think I can be a flashy professional blogger that will earn money from blogging. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Q - We would love to see another recipe from you. Do you have a new one for instance, that is not yet on your blog, that you would like to share here with us first?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A - Of course, here is a simple but finger licking good recipe..........</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sweet and sour dry fried super king prawns.</span></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6Svp76AGtphHaGDWDsukJ-bsrewo8VX2P8yTixUWIYZoU6bO1iFh3nJ0qfNojlu898uHbwNgHBNYxMxZzKDiL_1AIz0pJsDKPOeHQjRmlcQRZMnt4UEzing5OkInrPXZkZ42uIpyoJk/s1600/Sunflowers+prawn+dish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6Svp76AGtphHaGDWDsukJ-bsrewo8VX2P8yTixUWIYZoU6bO1iFh3nJ0qfNojlu898uHbwNgHBNYxMxZzKDiL_1AIz0pJsDKPOeHQjRmlcQRZMnt4UEzing5OkInrPXZkZ42uIpyoJk/s320/Sunflowers+prawn+dish.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunflower's sweet & sour dry fried super king prawns</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Recipe written & kindly provided by <a href="http://sunflower-recipes.blogspot.com/">Sunflower</a> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">You need to get raw king prawns in shell as big as you can afford. Chinese supermarkets have them at reasonable price. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">For this recipe, I used super large king prawns about 6" long. You can use smaller. Great as a simple and impressive starter with a few salad leaves.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">8 - 10 raw king prawns in shell (fresh or frozen)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">about 8 -1 0 cloves garlic, about 1/2 a large bulb</div><div style="text-align: justify;">about 1 tbsp chilli sauce</div><div style="text-align: justify;">about 2.5 tbsp tomato ketchup</div><div style="text-align: justify;">about 2 - 3 tsp oyster sauce</div><div style="text-align: justify;">about 4 - 5 tbsp oil</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Method:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Crush the garlic cloves in the skin. Do not beak them up too much. Peel but do not chop or cut, leave whole.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Trim the prawns with scissors, cut off sharp edges from the tip of the head and tail. Keep the heads they have plenty of flavour. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Heat oil not too hot, add garlic pieces. Fry gently till garlic has turned light golden brown. Push garlic to one side.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Heat high and add prawns. Fry till colour changes to red and brown a little on the shell, turn over and fry the other side. You should get a very strong fragrant. This will only take 2 - 3 minutes. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Add the tomato ketchup, chilli sauce and oyster sauce. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Stir fry sauce, prawns and garlic together till sauce has reduced and thicken. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The garlic pieces should taste sweet and tender. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thanks Sunflower, this looks & sounds delicious. I'm sure it'll be a real winner with all our readers too.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Enjoy everybody.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Please join me in thanking Sunflower for her time & effort in creating this post.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Oh, and be sure to visit us again here with your comments. Additionally, if you try Sunflower's recipe above don't forget to leave a comment on her blog too.</div>Expat Life and Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18436918212878646309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160298061298570525.post-15937060642364492792010-08-17T10:42:00.000+02:002010-08-17T10:42:04.723+02:00Restaurant review - El Celler De Can Roca in Girona, Spain.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Tyw5d7lw-ucQtdVDHEf2KcrgYal-63Ynbl272Yk6oPPz9mQXrxCHGEiblgyo_DibpGCmUS4rYuXhJ3eocK44zRcxAxgRZ029cM2f03Xe2i6k80h9E9LSx0ooHolu6yaEkKxdbTmcPrc/s1600/el-celler-de-can-roca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Tyw5d7lw-ucQtdVDHEf2KcrgYal-63Ynbl272Yk6oPPz9mQXrxCHGEiblgyo_DibpGCmUS4rYuXhJ3eocK44zRcxAxgRZ029cM2f03Xe2i6k80h9E9LSx0ooHolu6yaEkKxdbTmcPrc/s320/el-celler-de-can-roca.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqi03bRpnLjzXiWuWxduR2c-d_2gBrltTW-WPCNQ4HOUq3FQ0C27mGzk3tiz7ujCKtl4vtpXt5qdOmpw4yz2K892WyR-lK7kRlL_Ww9HSSiSOf1JnjzVE8AW7TckwduiIiacHtpZxJGMc/s1600/untitled.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqi03bRpnLjzXiWuWxduR2c-d_2gBrltTW-WPCNQ4HOUq3FQ0C27mGzk3tiz7ujCKtl4vtpXt5qdOmpw4yz2K892WyR-lK7kRlL_Ww9HSSiSOf1JnjzVE8AW7TckwduiIiacHtpZxJGMc/s320/untitled.bmp" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">El Celler De Can Roca, Girona - Voted No.4</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Sadly, I've not been to this amazing sounding restaurant myself. This review has kindy come to us via Cathy from her blog <a href="http://gastronomyblog.com/">Gastronomy</a>. During her visit to Spain, Cathy & her husband have been on a foodie heaven trip and she has recorded all her experiences on her blog (pop over there to view all her adventures).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Cathy says about El Celler De Can Roca - "Founded in 1986, El Celler de Can Roca gives new meaning to the term “family restaurant.” The place is run by three brothers [Joan Roca heads up the kitchen, Josep Roca is the maitre d’ and head sommelier, and Jordi Roca is the pastry chef], but the food is far from homey, and the space is decidedly modern."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">To read the full restaurant review and see Cathy's amazing photos too <a href="http://gastronomyblog.com/2010/08/14/el-celler-de-can-roca-girona/">click the link here</a>. Aproveche.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Please join me in thanking Cathy for kindly letting us provide this review for you all to enjoy.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Fancy visiting the restaurant yourself?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">You can find details <a href="http://www.cellercanroca.com/PORTADA/intro.htm">here</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Please come back & leave your comments when you been. Or, if you too have experienced this restaurant, please leave your comments too.</div><br />
Many thanks for visiting & remember. We love your comments!Expat Life and Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18436918212878646309noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160298061298570525.post-56112626246112510872010-08-16T12:33:00.002+02:002010-08-17T15:32:58.337+02:00Berenjenas con miel de cana (battered aubergine with molasses syrup)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00zQa4kd6SK2Ot_tzxI6DDYcB_AYshK65vfzUQB8yH5BIHCHro-qd8bO2TJ93TzB5OdidZUL1oXRmKSX2u9wK_qhvS7BC47xcJMLtUi4fO2l0hA2ML9QOW8xD8eiILE2CjmE3a4Z8yMs/s1600/Berenjenas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00zQa4kd6SK2Ot_tzxI6DDYcB_AYshK65vfzUQB8yH5BIHCHro-qd8bO2TJ93TzB5OdidZUL1oXRmKSX2u9wK_qhvS7BC47xcJMLtUi4fO2l0hA2ML9QOW8xD8eiILE2CjmE3a4Z8yMs/s320/Berenjenas.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is a delightful way to eat aubergines. It is a dish served in all the local restaurants and the thick syrupy molasses (miel de cana) is sweet and delicious. I have had this many times when eating out and decided it was time to try it at home. The slices of aubergine are deep fried in a light batter. I decided to try it with tempura style batter and it worked brilliantly</div><br />
<div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6P2IFMxhE5RldzqIxlA9hNd-7l59Yvdzt8zM0DofUsQGig0PGR27si7UtL0mb0QTmXnFi7YWcjdrBOUrSjMwvYOB0tDUho0hrgpHgyGkbD6Ums27Mpjm14xppn9CDltswwLwdWAxxJA/s1600/berenjenas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6P2IFMxhE5RldzqIxlA9hNd-7l59Yvdzt8zM0DofUsQGig0PGR27si7UtL0mb0QTmXnFi7YWcjdrBOUrSjMwvYOB0tDUho0hrgpHgyGkbD6Ums27Mpjm14xppn9CDltswwLwdWAxxJA/s320/berenjenas.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">These little fellows are just so cute, yeah?</span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">1 Jar of miel de cana</div>1 Aubergine<br />
<br />
For the tempura batter:-<br />
25g cornflour<br />
100g self raising flour<br />
1/2 tsp baking powder<br />
1/4 tsp salt<br />
<br />
1 x small bottle of sparkling water<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Thinly slice the aubergine and place in a colander. Sprinkle with sea salt and leave for up to an hour to draw out the juices. Wash under running tap and dry thoroughly with kitchen towels.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Make up the batter only when ready to use. Put the dry ingredients into a bowl and mix well. Add sparking water a little at a time and whisk. Keep adding water until a slightly runny and a little lumpy batter is achieved. You won't need all of the water</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Put the pieces of aubergine into the bowl and cover with batter. Drop a few into the hot oil, they will float. Deep fry in batches, for approx 2 mins each side. Put onto a baking try and keep warm in a low oven whilst you cook the remainder.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Place onto a serving plate and drizzle over the syrup.</div><br />
<em><strong>Aproveche.</strong></em><br />
<br />
<strong>Oh, and don't forget, WE LOVE YOUR COMENTS!</strong><br />
<br />
This recipe also featured on <a href="http://debskitchencreations.blogspot.com/2009/06/aubergine-berenjenas-con-miel-de-cana.html">Deb Cooks...</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/tapaslunchco/status/14611802965">Twitter via The Tapas Lunch Co.</a>Expat Life and Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18436918212878646309noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160298061298570525.post-19262342740725116002010-08-13T19:33:00.001+02:002010-08-14T12:43:09.911+02:00Health cover in Spain. National Health System -v- Private Health Insurance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIICuRnQI7WWdGu8fpbrxi_SUn7BH_bc6RQqRvWiVDVOWyaDxoPfmqtE362-a1a6j0BWUMpUuWWYu6OoTl7tzxfbl0ntC1k5lyOPiRpUPi5eg2T-645CA0eCeWURVc_Gt2njNbn-_H1rg/s1600/Lemon+sculpture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIICuRnQI7WWdGu8fpbrxi_SUn7BH_bc6RQqRvWiVDVOWyaDxoPfmqtE362-a1a6j0BWUMpUuWWYu6OoTl7tzxfbl0ntC1k5lyOPiRpUPi5eg2T-645CA0eCeWURVc_Gt2njNbn-_H1rg/s320/Lemon+sculpture.jpg" /></a></div><br />
OK, this is just a general post to voice my opinions/experiences of the health service/s here in Spain.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Firstly, I shall mention The Spanish Health System, free to those who pay into the system.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The spanish health system works pretty much the same as UK. I'm unable to comment as to whether this applies to other countries too.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Providing you pay into the system, i.e via your employment or voluntarily, you are eligible for free national health cover. The payment via employment is not cheap (currently approx 250E per month) but, this does include paying towards your pension and unemployment benefits for those who have contributed previously.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">There are several hospitals in all areas of Spain. I have experience only of <a href="http://wikimapia.org/1236144/es/Hospital-Comarcal-de-la-Axarqu%C3%ADa">Hospital Comarcal in Torre del Mar, Velez Malaga</a>, plus little knowledge of the <a href="http://www.carloshaya.net/">Carlos Haya Hospital in Malaga City</a> .</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Hospital Comarcal is a general hospital. I'll share with you my few experiences of this hospital. Crickey, this sounds like I'm a regular visitor (yikes) but I can happily say that's not the case.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Back in 2004, my mother in law became ill and was told by the village doctor that she had food poisining. He prescribed a plethora of pills and advice, but nothing was helping. In fact she was becoming increasingly worse by the day. Anyway, to cut a long story short, we all decided it was time to take her to the hospital as she had become so week & extremely ill. Upon arrival and after a very long wait, she was diagnosed with kidney failure due to the food poisining & taken into intensive care. From memory, I think she was in IT for about 3-4 days before being transferred to a normal ward where she spent at least another 10 days to recover.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The service received. In our opinion, my MIL was so ill that the speady care & diagnosis at Comarcal is the only reason she is still with us today. We truly believe that if she was in the UK at the time, she may not have survived. Just about says it all doesn't it? Not that I'm knocking the health care system in the UK, far from it. They do a fabulous job (another system I've experienced) but the health care in Spain is far better. I've always had a saying since my MIL was there 'if I'm going to be ill, I'd prefer to be in Spain rather than the UK, despite the language barrier', little did I know that was going to be the case this year!.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I became very ill in December of last year (2009). I'd known for while I had problems, but chose to ignore them (how stupid is that?). Anyway after feeling like death, my husband finally said, enough of this I'm taking you to the hospital. We arrived at approx 5.30pm and left there at 6am the following morning! During this time I saw doctors, had scans, X-rays etc and was finally told 'there's nothing wrong with you, go home'. So, go home we did. There I stayed, sat on the sofa 24/7 feeling worse by the minute. New Year's eve came & went. Then on the 1st January our amazing friends Sue & Tony came around (they had been chatting with my husband on Skype so where very aware of the symptoms etc) and said we're taking you to another hospital for a second opinion. Sadly, Sue's husband had colon cancer 5 years previous, but did not survive. She new I had colon cancer, as my symptoms were too similar to that which her husband had & that's why she insisted on taking me for a second opinion. Thanks Sue. I felt so ill, there was no way I was going anywhere, but agreed I would go tomorrow. So, next day I managed to get myself showered & dressed and Sue & Tony took us to a private clinic in Nerja called <a href="http://www.clinicarincon.com/secc_home/index.php?local=eng">Clinica Rincon</a>. We decided to go there because we do actually have private health insurance which is covered through this particular clinic. We should have gone there to start.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">After seeing the doctor and him viewing the X-rays etc provided by the Hospital Comarcal. He simply said, this needs looking into further. He could clearly see a problem the national hospital could not! They sent me directly to the Sanitas Private Hospital in Malaga City.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Upon arrival, we waited only 10 minutes to see a doctor. After several questions, viewing the previous X-rays etc, and a bit of prodding & poking, I was immediately put on a drip and taken to my private room & told they would be doing tests tomorrow. I told my husband & friends they should go home as there's no more they can do.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Not to go on too much, after more scans & X-rays and a couple of days later, now with tubes up my nose & down my throat to stop the vomiting I was told I need an endoscopy to view my bowels. An hour or so later I was told I had a massive tumour blocking the bowels & intestine and I would be operated on immediately.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The outcome. I was diagnosed with colon cancer after a 15cm tumour was removed which had completely blocked the bowels & intestine. The blockage being the main reason for feeling so ill, but it had spread into some lymph nodes too so they also removed 6 of those.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Anyway, the service, care and after treatment has been second to none. It's now August and I've just finished all my treatment for chemo & radiotherapy. It's been a long, tough year and I've not been given the all clear yet, but we're heading in the right direction.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now see if you can figure this one out. After leaving hospital mid january after my surgery, my friend Jayne broke her foot and was rushed into Hospital Comarcal. The next morning we went to visit her and on our way into the building bumped into a friend we've know for many years. We new his partner had been unwell with an upset stomach and as he was alone figured he had brought her in. He informed us that his partner's condition was not improving despite the many prescriptions given by the village doctor, so he decided to take her to the hospital. After tests and within 5 hours, she had had her spleen & colon removed, they did not know at that stage exactly what the problem was, only that the organs were damaged beyond repair & she also had peritonitis. Unfortunately, she was also put on life support. What a shock for someone who walked into hospital with, apparently, just an upset stomach!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">To cut a long story short. It seems this all resulted from possible food poisining or colitis!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thankfully, she is now well, despite missing a few organs.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I've often ask myself why I got such bad treatment when I was so clearly extremely ill and my friend walks in with an upset stomach and within hours they are actually doing something?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So now you have it. The bear facts of the National Health System (good & bad) and the excellent service of private health insurance.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Therefore, I feel my insurance company deserve a good bit of promotion from me..........</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Before I do so, I must also mention the cost. Remember earlier I mentioned that you have to pay approx 250e per month for national health service (but this does include pension contributions etc too). Well, how much do you think private insurance costs? More? ABSOLUTELY NOT.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Of course, monthly contributions to private insurance vary with age & previous medical history. But, it's cheaper in most cases.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">For full cover, my husband and I currently pay approx 97e per month (for both of us) as opposed to 250e per month, and per individual for national cover!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I rest my case. But you must make up your own mind.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Note: If you are of pensionable age, you are automatically covered in Spain with the national health cover for free, it's only the youngsters that pay.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So, who is the company that provided me with such great service & made sure I'm alive today to tell the story? Click on the link her at <a href="http://www.sanitashealthplan.com/">Sanitas Health Insurance</a> who are part of BUPA.</div>Expat Life and Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18436918212878646309noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160298061298570525.post-71383041570559451312010-08-08T07:57:00.000+02:002010-08-08T07:57:26.201+02:00Noche del Vino (August 15th 2010) Competa, Malaga.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7L8GNrJEaW2FWPoPi1_QCQUJ-yvS7ZX0J4vjNOObtkMuC5ZgoSFIia43UhZ3HFKdmX-IzGGdc73nXR8wOSrPGBmBA6xR3W6ckPJQmmIyYrycQcd4OVh0IZMIuhDWOYmtE7EQ4VSyqETk/s1600/noche+del+vino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7L8GNrJEaW2FWPoPi1_QCQUJ-yvS7ZX0J4vjNOObtkMuC5ZgoSFIia43UhZ3HFKdmX-IzGGdc73nXR8wOSrPGBmBA6xR3W6ckPJQmmIyYrycQcd4OVh0IZMIuhDWOYmtE7EQ4VSyqETk/s320/noche+del+vino.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXf2Zdj1rbCCjLRvb0cU0xWtlxDY1mk0cGJIi2F6N_HBB11w5Aqxa3EFon0Er1s-w8_gHVMQvK3dCrqHqjx0kyWN-hQFk2d24eYBTg-ZpPeuzLWAb5bW1NxKDEslLElmPW4-3TPRjPLRM/s1600/noche+del+vino+grape+treading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXf2Zdj1rbCCjLRvb0cU0xWtlxDY1mk0cGJIi2F6N_HBB11w5Aqxa3EFon0Er1s-w8_gHVMQvK3dCrqHqjx0kyWN-hQFk2d24eYBTg-ZpPeuzLWAb5bW1NxKDEslLElmPW4-3TPRjPLRM/s320/noche+del+vino+grape+treading.jpg" /></a></div><div></div><br />
The village of Competa in the mountains of Malaga is best known to many for it's locally produced wine, available both dry and sweet, as well as being plentiful and cheap. One of the most popular annual fiesta's in Competa is the Noche del Vino (night of the wine). On the 15th of August (each year) it features a program of flamenco and sevillana music and dance plus plenty of free flowing wine!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The event pays homage to the town's patron saint Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion, and is traditionally a day to make merry before the harvest begins. But since 1974 and thanks to a local man, Aurelio Fernandes Navas, who started the practice of dispensing free samples of the Axarquia's most important yearly events. In the fiesta, which is declared to be of National Tourist Interest in Andalucia, traditional activities such as the foot treading of the locally collected grapes is carried out in the wine press in the Plaza de la Vendimia. It is an ideal day out and to discover how wine is made and to enjoy the local food.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Over 300 litres of oil will be on hand to prepare migas, the traditional dish made of fried breadcrumbs with which to soak up the alcohol. Competa sees more than 1,500 litres of wine shared out to the 3,500 or so visitors who enjoy the day each year and relive one of the most deeply rooted traditions of Competa.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRE5I0TESC9k7DLBshhgycyqsCtJD6VCTgbo7QSdL5lcnN1jb4TUE4-MVNt-Q3-c_5PnEx1of1cjhiRVav-Gf1KriNwzXXTGebzEwa30F096upetYe7RjYAEoRZaZSsq-S2PnaP6bdgyU/s1600/noche+del+vino+market.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRE5I0TESC9k7DLBshhgycyqsCtJD6VCTgbo7QSdL5lcnN1jb4TUE4-MVNt-Q3-c_5PnEx1of1cjhiRVav-Gf1KriNwzXXTGebzEwa30F096upetYe7RjYAEoRZaZSsq-S2PnaP6bdgyU/s320/noche+del+vino+market.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlpLw4bSdIj5kFJXEDIhw9NxCAHxB6gfn6kBROKIhf-XK63KG_FuotfiKGNwF9lgp48EjgEQXoDIK6hvxdynR0ghblQb-4hBzXDxs7ODkR3gyk1uq1HMvyo8Xk1Kyta0cF2m_UxerXr0/s1600/noche+del+vino+grapes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlpLw4bSdIj5kFJXEDIhw9NxCAHxB6gfn6kBROKIhf-XK63KG_FuotfiKGNwF9lgp48EjgEQXoDIK6hvxdynR0ghblQb-4hBzXDxs7ODkR3gyk1uq1HMvyo8Xk1Kyta0cF2m_UxerXr0/s320/noche+del+vino+grapes.jpg" /></a><br />
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<div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Throughout the day there is a traditional medieval market with stalls running from the Plaza Almijara to Plaza de la Vendimia.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Come join us in this traditional celebration.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkwmkXpN8lA3XpQSJiriL2rBx14uzrhhcmfvblE4JR0tLdiS1qZgHdIWtR_eP4PXxzeqWpJpwVRql-4A1POTz2AgGRqwXZnlVs9jPePInUq4W1JYsTdM3Pdn8Z4ePRGEEIjU4SJquilY/s1600/noche+del+vino+2009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkwmkXpN8lA3XpQSJiriL2rBx14uzrhhcmfvblE4JR0tLdiS1qZgHdIWtR_eP4PXxzeqWpJpwVRql-4A1POTz2AgGRqwXZnlVs9jPePInUq4W1JYsTdM3Pdn8Z4ePRGEEIjU4SJquilY/s320/noche+del+vino+2009.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Poster for 2009</div><br />
Article adapted & copied from the <a href="http://www.thegrapevine.es/">Grapevine Magazine</a>Expat Life and Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18436918212878646309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160298061298570525.post-29030581855911792942010-08-01T08:18:00.002+02:002010-08-01T08:25:37.437+02:00Pinchitos de pollo (spanish chicken kebabs)<div style="text-align: justify;">Pinchitos basically means 'kebab'. This is a popular dish served all over Andalucia, either as a tapa, or a main meal which is usually served with patata fritas (chips)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Not just made with chicken, pork is a popular choice too.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So simple to make at home. All you need is Pinchitos spice mix. Available in markets all over Spain, but for those of you not lucky enough to live here, it is available online at <a href="http://www.thetapaslunchcompany.co.uk/spanish-food/paella-mix-spices-sauces;jsessionid=0a0105531f43822abade6590466d8465aafcd642f8c3.e3eSc3uRax8Te34Pa38Ta38Sahb0">The Tapas Lunch Co</a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJhPMFYr3B_fMcc5BmciLaJK_3hNtHREEYybYO1bwxdWGi6ynpOFzHW_qlCMmCFmTxUWkg6o7nt7BIbImjGIyE-ZfjssvWYCs5dW25p_DTNVRt_T0ns8RWJ_f59kRMFJPEg4C30Mers8/s1600/Pinchitos+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJhPMFYr3B_fMcc5BmciLaJK_3hNtHREEYybYO1bwxdWGi6ynpOFzHW_qlCMmCFmTxUWkg6o7nt7BIbImjGIyE-ZfjssvWYCs5dW25p_DTNVRt_T0ns8RWJ_f59kRMFJPEg4C30Mers8/s320/Pinchitos+2.JPG" /></a></div><br />
(for 2 people)<br />
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1 large chicken breast, cleaned & cut into chunks<br />
2 tbsp pinchitos spice mix<br />
olive oil<br />
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Mix the spice mixture with a little olive oil to achieve a paste. Add the chicken chunks, mix well to coat & set aside to marinade (preferably overnight).<br />
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Thread chicken onto skewers & grill over BBQ or griddle pan.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLR9kRqb8a7zWQP8rNdbFpg6kHWrpPU-ICJk-7DCKHXIJBdU7KpQdxI0cwPqutkQt-N0J1GcljFa4JFotrSwb-QZHIFyAuwyGH720i4nKq8NbXEXIe-mFgL5eUHNA1uvaYXQ4L95GPq4E/s1600/Pinchitos+%26+saffron+rice+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLR9kRqb8a7zWQP8rNdbFpg6kHWrpPU-ICJk-7DCKHXIJBdU7KpQdxI0cwPqutkQt-N0J1GcljFa4JFotrSwb-QZHIFyAuwyGH720i4nKq8NbXEXIe-mFgL5eUHNA1uvaYXQ4L95GPq4E/s320/Pinchitos+%26+saffron+rice+2.JPG" /></a></div><br />
AprovecheExpat Life and Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18436918212878646309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1160298061298570525.post-7017266946716335932010-07-31T09:41:00.000+02:002010-07-31T09:41:43.231+02:00The weather in Spain<div style="text-align: justify;">What's happening to our world & the weather? The weather in Spain this year has been most odd. Let's start at the beginning of the year. It was the wettest winter in Spain for over 50 odd years! It must have rained every from January (actually it started November 2009) until well into April. And, I don't mean just 'rain' it was heavy, heavy, heavy and relentless. Actually, there is only one word to describe that period of time DEPRESSING.<br />
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Gradually, the rain began to decrease and warmer, sunnier days appeared occasionally. You'd be sat on the terrace one day & back indoors because of rain or mist the next! What do I wear today? Hummmm, layers I think. Oh, & perhaps keep some welly boots on hand too.<br />
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To cut a long story short & not to moan too much either, I'll skip on to the current weather. It's now the 31st July 2010. Summer, or is it?<br />
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Well yes, it is summer; but again it's just not normal. The mornings can look decidely dodgy. We have a beautiful sea view (normally) but some mornings there is a bank of cloud covering the sea. That said cloud cover can sometimes creep up into the mountains. Sometimes is surrounds a mountain, leaving the peak sticking out of the top which is quiety scary to see.<br />
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The days are generally hot, as you would expect. But we've had many cloudy days rather than the clear blue skys we are used to and expect.<br />
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The evenings too can be a bit hit & miss. Living in Spain we expect to need to sit outside of an evening because it just too hot inside the house. Not this year. Quite a few evenings have just not been hot enough to date & it's more comfortable either indoors or wear a jumper/cardigan outdoors.<br />
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No, it's not just that we are used to the weather now, it's definitely not the same anymore.<br />
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I have a friend who lives in Australia, where it's now winter & she says they have frosts, which is most unusual.<br />
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What is happening to our world I wonder.<br />
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Anyway...........<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfdi3DPU62eb2vRPF7Uudm6e4AxmxjlBtBYu5UIiJROdwMat9BMsJAWz5VqW58pa9Vx1PnVSBj9e-vSmQyu4YFsognELQlolRQW0Pb7O3eOo6O5hmFxuR2petTAX4OunWgxe0ZwgNHYY/s1600/pool.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfdi3DPU62eb2vRPF7Uudm6e4AxmxjlBtBYu5UIiJROdwMat9BMsJAWz5VqW58pa9Vx1PnVSBj9e-vSmQyu4YFsognELQlolRQW0Pb7O3eOo6O5hmFxuR2petTAX4OunWgxe0ZwgNHYY/s320/pool.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fancy a dip in the pool?</td></tr>
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</div>Expat Life and Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18436918212878646309noreply@blogger.com2