Sat/Sun.28th/29th April.
The bank holiday weekend here in Spain is forcast to be hot and sunny so
after our morning swim we shot out on the scooter for some shopping but
not before we had called Dudleys about the fridge.The news was not good,
it is very near impossible to repair Amonia Fridges,so we will have to have
a new one fitted (under warranty) when we are back in Oxford for the MOT,
Repairs and service at the end of July.Our first stop on the scooter was at
a large Household shop where we bought a Thermoelectric Mini Fridge,
and Vidal came and picked it up and brought it back to the site! This also
means that we are doing a little something for the protection of the ozono-
sphere !! We have gone "Green" !!! We then had a quiet Saturday in and
watched the football on Spanish TV.On Sunday we went off on the scooter
in our shirt sleaves, which is very exhilarating,down to the market on the
marina and had a Tinto de Verano in one of our regular bars,then we went
for lunch in the square in Estepona were we had Fried Monkfish and Chicken
with fresh Batas Fritas ! We then went a little way down the coast ,past the
site to a beach bar called "Heaven" where Vidal was playing -what a spot,
it was full of the" Marbella Crowd " and also the beach was full of Kite-Surfers
as the wind conditions were perfect for them.You can leave comments on the
Blog page as Nigelnews did from Llandudno-and yes we will try the Italian
next to the Marbella Club Nigel! and we met Sheena Hedges in the hyper-
market the other day and passed on your regards !!
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Friday, April 27, 2007
CAMPING PARQUE TROPICAL
Wed/Thurs/Fri 25th/26th/27th April.
The hire car was picked up in the morning so we are back to the scooter for
the next couple of weeks,but the weather forcast is good for this week.On
Wednesday Brenda caught up with the washing after our busy social week
whilst i went all technical;We took a couple of pictures with the new camera
and so i had to read up on the instruction's and was able to Blog the pictures,
i also managed to save an E-Mail photograph and then Blog it also! At the
same time i got the Garmin Sat-Nav out and connected it to the small Laptop
and installed the programme to up-grade and put more up to date information
on it so as to be able to use the GPS in the future.Then i downloaded the pictures
from the camcorder onto both Laptops and also the Video's to the large one.I
managed to get the pictures to slide show and i was also able to enlarge them!
The Video's are proving to be a bit harder to play-watch this space. On Thursday
we started with our normal routine,i am now up to twelve lenghs off the pool and
Brenda is keeping up with the breastroke and crawl ! We also serviced the
Winnebago ready for the bank holiday weekend and i made a chicken curry for
dinner. We have one problem with the fridge - its not working! After doing all the
checks and reading up on the manual we asked our resident handyman-Vidal!
to have a look and he confirmed that we have a gas problem,so we contacted
the refrigeration people and they are coming "Manana" Vidal is also looking at
our LPG adapator and seeing if he can help us,as it as has never worked and
is the cause off our gas problems.Friday was warm and sunny as we waited
for the refrigeration man to arrive -he did at five o'clock! but was unable to fix
it as it is amonia gas which is very hard to find !! We are working on the fridge
problem as i Blog.The good news is that as we were waiting i have managed
to play the Video's for the first time,so we been looking at them and all the good
memories that they bring back.
The hire car was picked up in the morning so we are back to the scooter for
the next couple of weeks,but the weather forcast is good for this week.On
Wednesday Brenda caught up with the washing after our busy social week
whilst i went all technical;We took a couple of pictures with the new camera
and so i had to read up on the instruction's and was able to Blog the pictures,
i also managed to save an E-Mail photograph and then Blog it also! At the
same time i got the Garmin Sat-Nav out and connected it to the small Laptop
and installed the programme to up-grade and put more up to date information
on it so as to be able to use the GPS in the future.Then i downloaded the pictures
from the camcorder onto both Laptops and also the Video's to the large one.I
managed to get the pictures to slide show and i was also able to enlarge them!
The Video's are proving to be a bit harder to play-watch this space. On Thursday
we started with our normal routine,i am now up to twelve lenghs off the pool and
Brenda is keeping up with the breastroke and crawl ! We also serviced the
Winnebago ready for the bank holiday weekend and i made a chicken curry for
dinner. We have one problem with the fridge - its not working! After doing all the
checks and reading up on the manual we asked our resident handyman-Vidal!
to have a look and he confirmed that we have a gas problem,so we contacted
the refrigeration people and they are coming "Manana" Vidal is also looking at
our LPG adapator and seeing if he can help us,as it as has never worked and
is the cause off our gas problems.Friday was warm and sunny as we waited
for the refrigeration man to arrive -he did at five o'clock! but was unable to fix
it as it is amonia gas which is very hard to find !! We are working on the fridge
problem as i Blog.The good news is that as we were waiting i have managed
to play the Video's for the first time,so we been looking at them and all the good
memories that they bring back.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
BENALMADENA COSTA
Tues24th April.
We had a lie in after our afternoon and evening in Manilva on Monday,then went
for a swim and went down the coast to Benalmadena Coasta for lunch with Penny
and her friends.We met them on the front in the busy marina for a coffee and brandy
and then found a very nice Tapas bar just around the corner to introduce the ladies
to a traditional Tapas lunch of cold,then hot Tapas washed down with the local beer
and Vino Blanco.We had fifeteen different Tapas from the large display and a great
time was had by all! We then walked around the marina in the hot sun and again
introduced the ladies to" Tinto de Verano"-local red wine with ice and topped up with
lemonade to choice! We then went back into Marbella to arrange the time share
swop to a new management agency.The picture above shows from left to right,
Margaret,Dorota,Penny and Veronica in the Tapas bar;
We had a lie in after our afternoon and evening in Manilva on Monday,then went
for a swim and went down the coast to Benalmadena Coasta for lunch with Penny
and her friends.We met them on the front in the busy marina for a coffee and brandy
and then found a very nice Tapas bar just around the corner to introduce the ladies
to a traditional Tapas lunch of cold,then hot Tapas washed down with the local beer
and Vino Blanco.We had fifeteen different Tapas from the large display and a great
time was had by all! We then walked around the marina in the hot sun and again
introduced the ladies to" Tinto de Verano"-local red wine with ice and topped up with
lemonade to choice! We then went back into Marbella to arrange the time share
swop to a new management agency.The picture above shows from left to right,
Margaret,Dorota,Penny and Veronica in the Tapas bar;
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
GIBRALTAR
Mon 23rd April.
We set off early to Gibraltar to beat the queues but with out Vidal and Gisela as
they had to go into Marbella for an important meeting at short notice; The weather
was hot and sunny and we had no problems getting in to the car park.The reason
we had gone to Gibraltar was for shopping-for me! so we headed for M/S to look
for a new black shirt and ended up with two shirts,two sweat shirts,a light sweater
and a pair of summer slacks,Brenda got a pair of trousers!! We then topped up
with the allowance of spirts and cigarettes and after a drink in the square headed
back down Main Street ,but then spotted in one of the camera shops some offers
on Digital Camera's and ended up with a Sony Cyber-Shot! The owner of the shop
set up the camera and then advised us to put it in Brenda's bag,along with the various connections and papers etc; not in the sales box for when we went through
the customs! We then set off to cross the border and as we reached the Spanish
side we were pulled over!!The Spanish Police were on one of their "Funny" days
and searched the car and boot thoroughly but not Brenda's bag!!On our way back
we stopped for a light lunch in a Venta overlooking the Mediterranean-see picture,
As we headed back past Manilva we called Mano and he was in one of the bars
with Anna and Carlos for a late lunch so we joined them for a drink and nine hours
later after going back to Carlos's appartment we set off back for home,slowly !!
We set off early to Gibraltar to beat the queues but with out Vidal and Gisela as
they had to go into Marbella for an important meeting at short notice; The weather
was hot and sunny and we had no problems getting in to the car park.The reason
we had gone to Gibraltar was for shopping-for me! so we headed for M/S to look
for a new black shirt and ended up with two shirts,two sweat shirts,a light sweater
and a pair of summer slacks,Brenda got a pair of trousers!! We then topped up
with the allowance of spirts and cigarettes and after a drink in the square headed
back down Main Street ,but then spotted in one of the camera shops some offers
on Digital Camera's and ended up with a Sony Cyber-Shot! The owner of the shop
set up the camera and then advised us to put it in Brenda's bag,along with the various connections and papers etc; not in the sales box for when we went through
the customs! We then set off to cross the border and as we reached the Spanish
side we were pulled over!!The Spanish Police were on one of their "Funny" days
and searched the car and boot thoroughly but not Brenda's bag!!On our way back
we stopped for a light lunch in a Venta overlooking the Mediterranean-see picture,
As we headed back past Manilva we called Mano and he was in one of the bars
with Anna and Carlos for a late lunch so we joined them for a drink and nine hours
later after going back to Carlos's appartment we set off back for home,slowly !!
Sunday, April 22, 2007
ESTEPONA
Sun 22nd April
We started on Sunday with the three " S;s"- Service the Winnebago,Swim and
Shower!.We had spotted that there was an "International Fiesta" at the conference
centre in Estepona so we went to have a look and find out what was going on. We
got quite a surprise,it was in the large main hall and had over a hundred stalls from
different countries,serving food and drink relevent to them and on the stage they
had Music,Singing and Dancing to match! This went on for eight hours and as the
day went on it got more and more lively-we also met Vidal and Gisela and had
a unexpected day as the various acts from Russia to the South American countries
performed,including Cossack Dancers, Samba Girls and Belly Dancers !! We have
also arranged to take Vidal and Gisela to Gibraltar on Monday and show them around.
We started on Sunday with the three " S;s"- Service the Winnebago,Swim and
Shower!.We had spotted that there was an "International Fiesta" at the conference
centre in Estepona so we went to have a look and find out what was going on. We
got quite a surprise,it was in the large main hall and had over a hundred stalls from
different countries,serving food and drink relevent to them and on the stage they
had Music,Singing and Dancing to match! This went on for eight hours and as the
day went on it got more and more lively-we also met Vidal and Gisela and had
a unexpected day as the various acts from Russia to the South American countries
performed,including Cossack Dancers, Samba Girls and Belly Dancers !! We have
also arranged to take Vidal and Gisela to Gibraltar on Monday and show them around.
ESTEPONA/MARBELLA
Sat 21st April.
After our day out on Friday we had a lie in on Saturday morning,then popped out
to the shops to stock up for weekend in between the showers ! As we had the hire
car we decided to have a night out and it turned into a "Helluva"night.We started
at the Mai Tai Bar just before the happy hour finished; then we had booked a table
at "Toni Dalli's" restaurant in Marbella as we passed it on Friday,but as we still had
time to spare we treated ourselves to Kir Royal at the finest five star hotel in Spain
Las Dunas Beach Hotel and Spar,which just happens to be over the road on the
way to Marbella! We were directed into the Brassiere Bar and started to nose -around untill a Manager took us on the guest show round,he showed us the Spar
and hairdressing salon and then outside onto the terrace over looking the tropical
gardens and pool,then down to the main restaurant"The Lido" and introduced us
to the restaurant manager who then gave us the Royal treatment.We spoke to the
Sommalier and went through the wine list with him.As we were shown the wine
cellar by the kitchens,he asked us if we would like to meet the chef,so we found
ourselves talking to a Michelin Starred Chef de Cuisine,who then gave us a taste
of a new Scallop Consomme that he had just made!! We left totally impressed!!
We arrived a bit late at"Toni Dalli's and were shown to the table we had reserved,
over looking the pool and the sea,the restaurant is Italian so we had Veal Milanaise
and Calves Liver with Bacon and Sage with a bottle of local seco to wash it down!!
The reason that people have been going to"Toni's" for the past 26years is for the
atmosphere-with the live music and Toni's singing along with other Spanish
musicians playing up to the customers as the evening goes on.We were sat next
to three Irish golfers-say no more!! We then shot back to the marina in Estepona
for a Brandy and Coffee were Brenda ended up dancing with the locals !!
After our day out on Friday we had a lie in on Saturday morning,then popped out
to the shops to stock up for weekend in between the showers ! As we had the hire
car we decided to have a night out and it turned into a "Helluva"night.We started
at the Mai Tai Bar just before the happy hour finished; then we had booked a table
at "Toni Dalli's" restaurant in Marbella as we passed it on Friday,but as we still had
time to spare we treated ourselves to Kir Royal at the finest five star hotel in Spain
Las Dunas Beach Hotel and Spar,which just happens to be over the road on the
way to Marbella! We were directed into the Brassiere Bar and started to nose -around untill a Manager took us on the guest show round,he showed us the Spar
and hairdressing salon and then outside onto the terrace over looking the tropical
gardens and pool,then down to the main restaurant"The Lido" and introduced us
to the restaurant manager who then gave us the Royal treatment.We spoke to the
Sommalier and went through the wine list with him.As we were shown the wine
cellar by the kitchens,he asked us if we would like to meet the chef,so we found
ourselves talking to a Michelin Starred Chef de Cuisine,who then gave us a taste
of a new Scallop Consomme that he had just made!! We left totally impressed!!
We arrived a bit late at"Toni Dalli's and were shown to the table we had reserved,
over looking the pool and the sea,the restaurant is Italian so we had Veal Milanaise
and Calves Liver with Bacon and Sage with a bottle of local seco to wash it down!!
The reason that people have been going to"Toni's" for the past 26years is for the
atmosphere-with the live music and Toni's singing along with other Spanish
musicians playing up to the customers as the evening goes on.We were sat next
to three Irish golfers-say no more!! We then shot back to the marina in Estepona
for a Brandy and Coffee were Brenda ended up dancing with the locals !!
Saturday, April 21, 2007
"BABY FLASH"
Fri 20th April.
Early on Saturday morning we recieved some great news from Switzerland; Dave
sent us an E-Mail to announce the Birth of a healthy baby girl-"Jasmine Isabella"
mother Yolande and baby both very well !! It also had a picture attached of baby
Jasmine at one hour old !! We would like to send our Congratulations and Love
to Dave and Yola and also to all the families and especially Carol,our very dear
friend who is a first time Grandmother!
Early on Saturday morning we recieved some great news from Switzerland; Dave
sent us an E-Mail to announce the Birth of a healthy baby girl-"Jasmine Isabella"
mother Yolande and baby both very well !! It also had a picture attached of baby
Jasmine at one hour old !! We would like to send our Congratulations and Love
to Dave and Yola and also to all the families and especially Carol,our very dear
friend who is a first time Grandmother!
CASARES/GAUCIN/SABINILLAS
Fri 20th April.
We set off to Benalmadena Costa early as it takes nearly an hour on the A340 as
it goes through Fuengirola all along the coast.We picked up Penny and Margret
and set off back to our neck of the woods as Brenda had spotted that there was a
market in Sabrinillas. The weather was warm and sunny with some clouds over
the mountains after the girls had done some buying-Brenda a black top and Penny
and Margret shoes! we set off up to Casares for lunch at our favourite" Venta"
overlooking the village.The" Day- Delia" menu has 4/5 choices-we all had Paella
to start,with fried Grouper and Chicken to follow,all washed down with the local
Vino Blanco.We then set off to the mountain village of Gaucin over the mountains
and down through the wooded valley's and up again! We had coffee and" buckets"
of Brandy in the local bar along with all the old men of the village after which we set
off back down to the coast,on our way passing through Manilva where Mano and
Anna live. As it was now the" Happy Hour " at the Mai Tai bar in Laguna Village
we called in for cocktails and then stopped at the Winnebago to show them around
and have some nibbles and Brenda's famous G/T's!! before dropping them off in
Benalmadena to end a perfect day.
We set off to Benalmadena Costa early as it takes nearly an hour on the A340 as
it goes through Fuengirola all along the coast.We picked up Penny and Margret
and set off back to our neck of the woods as Brenda had spotted that there was a
market in Sabrinillas. The weather was warm and sunny with some clouds over
the mountains after the girls had done some buying-Brenda a black top and Penny
and Margret shoes! we set off up to Casares for lunch at our favourite" Venta"
overlooking the village.The" Day- Delia" menu has 4/5 choices-we all had Paella
to start,with fried Grouper and Chicken to follow,all washed down with the local
Vino Blanco.We then set off to the mountain village of Gaucin over the mountains
and down through the wooded valley's and up again! We had coffee and" buckets"
of Brandy in the local bar along with all the old men of the village after which we set
off back down to the coast,on our way passing through Manilva where Mano and
Anna live. As it was now the" Happy Hour " at the Mai Tai bar in Laguna Village
we called in for cocktails and then stopped at the Winnebago to show them around
and have some nibbles and Brenda's famous G/T's!! before dropping them off in
Benalmadena to end a perfect day.
CAMPING PARQUE TROPICAL
Thurs19th April.
On Thursday we had one of our catch up days,including shopping at the
hypermarket and in Estepona,then a visit to the english butcher befor we
cleaned the Winnebago inside and out ! We had arrranged to take Penny
and Margret out on Friday so we made some plans as to where to go. As
usual we had started the morning with our swim-Malcolm is now up to ten
lengths of the pool and Brenda just keeps going around in large circles!
On Thursday we had one of our catch up days,including shopping at the
hypermarket and in Estepona,then a visit to the english butcher befor we
cleaned the Winnebago inside and out ! We had arrranged to take Penny
and Margret out on Friday so we made some plans as to where to go. As
usual we had started the morning with our swim-Malcolm is now up to ten
lengths of the pool and Brenda just keeps going around in large circles!
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
BENALMADENA COSTA
Tues/Wed.17th/18th. April.
Tuesday was a housekeeping day, so we caught up with all the chores and made
a beef curry for dinner.We made contact with Penny our friend from Bridgnorth
and arranged to meet her on Wednesday in Benalmadena Costa after the hire
car is dropped off.Wedesday started with a surprise! On Tuesday evening two
motorcaravans pulled into the spots next to us with Spanish plates and we did
not see anybody untill Wednesday morning when much to our surprise we
discovered that they were English but lived in Spain near Almeria!John and
Mary Nicholls got chatting to us and introduced us to their friendsJim and
Annabel Gray who had lived in North Wales and Parkgate in the Wirral ! so
we caught up with all the old haunts and people from the past, whilst Mary gave
us all the details about the sites around Almeria and exchanged E-mail address's
and phone numbers for when we make our way up the coast later in the year,which was very nice of them.We then shot off to Benalmadena Marina were we had
arranged to meet Penny and her friend Margret for lunch.After a slight detour we
found them in a bar on the front and walked around to a fish restaurant and had a
lovely lunch and caught up with all the news;The weather was grey and damp but
there was some spectacular" breakers "on the beach infront of us and the local
surfers were out !!
Tuesday was a housekeeping day, so we caught up with all the chores and made
a beef curry for dinner.We made contact with Penny our friend from Bridgnorth
and arranged to meet her on Wednesday in Benalmadena Costa after the hire
car is dropped off.Wedesday started with a surprise! On Tuesday evening two
motorcaravans pulled into the spots next to us with Spanish plates and we did
not see anybody untill Wednesday morning when much to our surprise we
discovered that they were English but lived in Spain near Almeria!John and
Mary Nicholls got chatting to us and introduced us to their friendsJim and
Annabel Gray who had lived in North Wales and Parkgate in the Wirral ! so
we caught up with all the old haunts and people from the past, whilst Mary gave
us all the details about the sites around Almeria and exchanged E-mail address's
and phone numbers for when we make our way up the coast later in the year,which was very nice of them.We then shot off to Benalmadena Marina were we had
arranged to meet Penny and her friend Margret for lunch.After a slight detour we
found them in a bar on the front and walked around to a fish restaurant and had a
lovely lunch and caught up with all the news;The weather was grey and damp but
there was some spectacular" breakers "on the beach infront of us and the local
surfers were out !!
Monday, April 16, 2007
CAMPING PARQUE TROPICAL
Mon.16th April.
The day started off sunny then went cloudy and then sunny again in the late afternoon
so we went for our morning dip and Brenda did some washing and i caught up with
the blog-as Brenda wrote in her diary which she keeps; We are waiting for a phone
call from an old friend Penny who is coming on holiday with some girlfriends over the next two weeks and is staying in Benalmadena, so we will hire a car and go and
catch up with her and look round the coast down there. Over the weekend we have
had people calling in at reception and asking about the Winnebago,a German
couple and then a English couple-it happens all the time,so we give them the show-
round and chat,then give them the E-mail details for Dudleys of Oxford! Commission claim to follow!!
The day started off sunny then went cloudy and then sunny again in the late afternoon
so we went for our morning dip and Brenda did some washing and i caught up with
the blog-as Brenda wrote in her diary which she keeps; We are waiting for a phone
call from an old friend Penny who is coming on holiday with some girlfriends over the next two weeks and is staying in Benalmadena, so we will hire a car and go and
catch up with her and look round the coast down there. Over the weekend we have
had people calling in at reception and asking about the Winnebago,a German
couple and then a English couple-it happens all the time,so we give them the show-
round and chat,then give them the E-mail details for Dudleys of Oxford! Commission claim to follow!!
ESTEPONA/MARBELLA
Fri/Sat/Sun.13th/14th/15th April.
As the weather has picked up-warm and sunny,we have after our morning dip
been out on the scooter to the marina and beach on Friday and Saturday along
with some supermarket shopping; The weather on Saturday was hot enough for
us to go out on the scooter in our shirt sleeves,we had lunch in the Flower Square
in Estepona at our favourite restaurant were we had Fried Monkfish and Fried
Chicken Breast with Fresh Frits! On Sunday Vidal and Gisela called in and asked
us to be their guests at the Beach Bar in Marbella in the late afternoon,so we jumped on the bus and went to the Tapas Bar by the beach and then joined them
in Ray's Tropical Bar-see the picture below of Vidal performing in his exotic out-
fit! After his spot his brother Felix and his German girlfriend Martina, who perform
all over the coast and also travel all over Europe as "Adam and Eve"!-they play all
types of music with backing tapes and Felix on Guitar and along with Martina sing-
ing as well as Felix, they are also very professional and get the audience joining
in with them;that is untill the local Police called in and stopped the show even though
the bar owner had the right license !! We had the bars Rum Punch all night and the
owner Ray who is also the cook gave us for supper his special "Jerk "Chicken Legs
and Pork Ribs along with savoury Fried Rice!! We came home in Vidal's car as per
normal,feeling no pain!
As the weather has picked up-warm and sunny,we have after our morning dip
been out on the scooter to the marina and beach on Friday and Saturday along
with some supermarket shopping; The weather on Saturday was hot enough for
us to go out on the scooter in our shirt sleeves,we had lunch in the Flower Square
in Estepona at our favourite restaurant were we had Fried Monkfish and Fried
Chicken Breast with Fresh Frits! On Sunday Vidal and Gisela called in and asked
us to be their guests at the Beach Bar in Marbella in the late afternoon,so we jumped on the bus and went to the Tapas Bar by the beach and then joined them
in Ray's Tropical Bar-see the picture below of Vidal performing in his exotic out-
fit! After his spot his brother Felix and his German girlfriend Martina, who perform
all over the coast and also travel all over Europe as "Adam and Eve"!-they play all
types of music with backing tapes and Felix on Guitar and along with Martina sing-
ing as well as Felix, they are also very professional and get the audience joining
in with them;that is untill the local Police called in and stopped the show even though
the bar owner had the right license !! We had the bars Rum Punch all night and the
owner Ray who is also the cook gave us for supper his special "Jerk "Chicken Legs
and Pork Ribs along with savoury Fried Rice!! We came home in Vidal's car as per
normal,feeling no pain!
Thursday, April 12, 2007
CAMPING PARQUE TROPICAL
Sun/Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs-8th./9th/10th/11th/12th April.
After a Easter treat-cooked breakfast off Smoked Bacon and Pork and Leek
sausages we went for a drive around our haunts in Estepona and Sabinillas,then
when we arrived back we discovered our problems with the blog page when we
went on line to blog!On Monday which is not a bankholiday here we had planned
to go out but as the weather was not good we decided to cook our Leg of Lamb
for dinner .As we started we saw Vidal and Gisela ordering a take out,so we
asked them to join us for an Easter dinner with all the trimmings-Roast potatoes,
Leeks in Cheese sauce,Carrots,Braised Onions,Cauliflower and Broccoli all served
with Mint sauce and Gravy !When they arrived we opened a bottle of Champagne
and the party started-Vidal had brought his Drums and Bongo's and he showed me
how to play the Bongo's,Gisela also brought a starter of Smoked Salmon and
Pasta which we had with the local Rose wine,then we progressed onto Brenda's
Bacardi and Coke's!! Later on in the early hours of the morning Gisela who is a
Hairdresser ended up cutting and styling Malcolm's hair,including shaving the top
of his head and Brenda's hair is as short as it has ever been and is feathered
around her face-it's like being with a new woman!! The party broke up around
4-00am in the morning,but we don't have far to go.On Tuesday after a late start
we went into Marbella to pay for the car and then went to see our timeshare on
the other side of Marbella and did a deal with the local agent to join the local
timeshare club with no fee's and use of it for the next 15 years! Wednesday and
Thursday was spent on the site catching up with the chores but with one problem,
the microwave door broke.After an initial panic we asked Vidal for help as he is
very hands on!! He came and took the door apart and found that the door catch
and spring had broken off,so he then proceeded to repair the parts and glued and
with his soldering iron re-built the catch-"Hey-Presto" it worked !! He has now been
appointed our official "Handyman" !!!
After a Easter treat-cooked breakfast off Smoked Bacon and Pork and Leek
sausages we went for a drive around our haunts in Estepona and Sabinillas,then
when we arrived back we discovered our problems with the blog page when we
went on line to blog!On Monday which is not a bankholiday here we had planned
to go out but as the weather was not good we decided to cook our Leg of Lamb
for dinner .As we started we saw Vidal and Gisela ordering a take out,so we
asked them to join us for an Easter dinner with all the trimmings-Roast potatoes,
Leeks in Cheese sauce,Carrots,Braised Onions,Cauliflower and Broccoli all served
with Mint sauce and Gravy !When they arrived we opened a bottle of Champagne
and the party started-Vidal had brought his Drums and Bongo's and he showed me
how to play the Bongo's,Gisela also brought a starter of Smoked Salmon and
Pasta which we had with the local Rose wine,then we progressed onto Brenda's
Bacardi and Coke's!! Later on in the early hours of the morning Gisela who is a
Hairdresser ended up cutting and styling Malcolm's hair,including shaving the top
of his head and Brenda's hair is as short as it has ever been and is feathered
around her face-it's like being with a new woman!! The party broke up around
4-00am in the morning,but we don't have far to go.On Tuesday after a late start
we went into Marbella to pay for the car and then went to see our timeshare on
the other side of Marbella and did a deal with the local agent to join the local
timeshare club with no fee's and use of it for the next 15 years! Wednesday and
Thursday was spent on the site catching up with the chores but with one problem,
the microwave door broke.After an initial panic we asked Vidal for help as he is
very hands on!! He came and took the door apart and found that the door catch
and spring had broken off,so he then proceeded to repair the parts and glued and
with his soldering iron re-built the catch-"Hey-Presto" it worked !! He has now been
appointed our official "Handyman" !!!
Sunday, April 08, 2007
" NEWS FLASH"
Sun.8th April.
ATTENTION ALL OUR BLOG READERS !!
We have an apology to make; over this weekend our blog page site was updated
by Google much to our surprise and with the help of our" IT" expert in Colwyn Bay,
Scott we went into the new system and much to our surprise we found that you had
been posting comments on our blog page system !! We did not have on the old
system any settings to show us this and did not realize that you could do this- we
are" new" to all this technology!!! So we have been back thru all our blogs and have picked up as follows;
Sept 3rd 2006-Yola from Switzerland, with a" Helluva" message!
Jan 4th 22007-Al and Jan from Rhos on Sea -thanks for your comments and your
blog page details,can we have your E-mail address?
Jan 31st 2007-Annette from Melbourne in Australia with all the family news for
Brenda -some E-mail address for Jeff etc.would be very good!!
Feb 9th 2007 Nigel "News" from Llandudno-thanks for your good wishes and yes
we did bump into Sheena Hedges in Estepona marina and asked after George!!
Sorry if we have missed anybody and we will catch up as and when!!!
ATTENTION ALL OUR BLOG READERS !!
We have an apology to make; over this weekend our blog page site was updated
by Google much to our surprise and with the help of our" IT" expert in Colwyn Bay,
Scott we went into the new system and much to our surprise we found that you had
been posting comments on our blog page system !! We did not have on the old
system any settings to show us this and did not realize that you could do this- we
are" new" to all this technology!!! So we have been back thru all our blogs and have picked up as follows;
Sept 3rd 2006-Yola from Switzerland, with a" Helluva" message!
Jan 4th 22007-Al and Jan from Rhos on Sea -thanks for your comments and your
blog page details,can we have your E-mail address?
Jan 31st 2007-Annette from Melbourne in Australia with all the family news for
Brenda -some E-mail address for Jeff etc.would be very good!!
Feb 9th 2007 Nigel "News" from Llandudno-thanks for your good wishes and yes
we did bump into Sheena Hedges in Estepona marina and asked after George!!
Sorry if we have missed anybody and we will catch up as and when!!!
Saturday, April 07, 2007
MIJAS
Sat 7th April.
After our morning cup of tea as the weather forcast was cloudy with some sunny
intervals we set off in the car towards Marbella along the coast road which after leaving Marbella hugs the sea and is quiet spectacular untill you reach Fuengirola,
we then headed up in to the hills to Mijas.We were last in Mijas over 20yrs.ago with
some old friends,so it has grown quite a bit! We walked into the old part of the town
and spotted the Restaurant that we went too when we were last there.It has a open
patio overlooking the town and down the valley towards the sea and has an open
chargrill on which they cook the steaks that you have chosen- i had a 30oz.T-Bone,
med/rare and it was beautifull !!The owner on the way out gave us the local house
firewater to set us on our way.Back on the coast road we passed on the sea-side
our timeshare at Calahaunda,which over looks the sea and has views to the hills
as well.When we arrived back at the site we bumped into a couple who have been
on the site for quiet a while and are heading back to England on Sunday so we
asked them in for a drink-Bon-Voyage to Keith and Brenda! The picture above
shows part of the village of Mijas.
After our morning cup of tea as the weather forcast was cloudy with some sunny
intervals we set off in the car towards Marbella along the coast road which after leaving Marbella hugs the sea and is quiet spectacular untill you reach Fuengirola,
we then headed up in to the hills to Mijas.We were last in Mijas over 20yrs.ago with
some old friends,so it has grown quite a bit! We walked into the old part of the town
and spotted the Restaurant that we went too when we were last there.It has a open
patio overlooking the town and down the valley towards the sea and has an open
chargrill on which they cook the steaks that you have chosen- i had a 30oz.T-Bone,
med/rare and it was beautifull !!The owner on the way out gave us the local house
firewater to set us on our way.Back on the coast road we passed on the sea-side
our timeshare at Calahaunda,which over looks the sea and has views to the hills
as well.When we arrived back at the site we bumped into a couple who have been
on the site for quiet a while and are heading back to England on Sunday so we
asked them in for a drink-Bon-Voyage to Keith and Brenda! The picture above
shows part of the village of Mijas.
CAMPING PARQUE TROPICAL
Fri 6th April.
After the late night we got up late and as the forcast was not to good we stayed
on the site and caught up with the chores.In the afternoon we had "hot cross buns"
and tea which we passed around to our friends In the evening we had a late supper
and watched the local TV which we follow all the time for the news,sport and
weather forcasts as well as picking up on our Spanish!
After the late night we got up late and as the forcast was not to good we stayed
on the site and caught up with the chores.In the afternoon we had "hot cross buns"
and tea which we passed around to our friends In the evening we had a late supper
and watched the local TV which we follow all the time for the news,sport and
weather forcasts as well as picking up on our Spanish!
Friday, April 06, 2007
ESTEPONA
Thurs 5th April.
After our swim first thing in the morning we had spotted in a local paper an advert
for a English butcher so we went in the car and found the shop and an English
Supermarket and we bought a Leg of Lamb and some other goodies for Easter.
We then went for a coffee in the marina port and on the way back called into the
Mai-Tai bar for the "Happy Hour" where we discovered that there was later in the
evening a large celeb-party around the Laguna Beach ! So after an early dinner
of some beautifull Lamb Chops from the butchers we set off on the scooter for
the first time at night to check out the Semana Santa celebrations in town but on
the way we called into the Laguna Beach Bar,but did not manage to get into the
party as we did not have a invite!! We then parked in Estepona and found out
that the main" procesion" de Semana Santa did not reach the main square till
after one o'clock so we went to our local bar to warm up with coffee and brandy.
We managed to get seats at the front by the local VIP'S and waited for things
to start.The atmosphere is very intense and is also filled with" incense" !! As the
main part of the procession arrives it is followed by a brass band and is led by
the local brotherhood in their robes and hoods-please see the pictures below.
The Throne is carried by the men ,who are under neath and who are controlled by
calls and bells as they slow walk to the music, The parade is also accompanied
by the women in black shawls and mantillas,some of whom are bear-foot and
the whole parade is silient and is directed by the beating of the drums and the
main master of the brotherhood stamping his ceremonial rod.The Throne has
to stop every 30/40 yards so as the carriers can rest as they support it on their
necks and shoulders-they are also tightly bound around the waist by long
coloured bands to support their backs.See the pictures below ;
After our swim first thing in the morning we had spotted in a local paper an advert
for a English butcher so we went in the car and found the shop and an English
Supermarket and we bought a Leg of Lamb and some other goodies for Easter.
We then went for a coffee in the marina port and on the way back called into the
Mai-Tai bar for the "Happy Hour" where we discovered that there was later in the
evening a large celeb-party around the Laguna Beach ! So after an early dinner
of some beautifull Lamb Chops from the butchers we set off on the scooter for
the first time at night to check out the Semana Santa celebrations in town but on
the way we called into the Laguna Beach Bar,but did not manage to get into the
party as we did not have a invite!! We then parked in Estepona and found out
that the main" procesion" de Semana Santa did not reach the main square till
after one o'clock so we went to our local bar to warm up with coffee and brandy.
We managed to get seats at the front by the local VIP'S and waited for things
to start.The atmosphere is very intense and is also filled with" incense" !! As the
main part of the procession arrives it is followed by a brass band and is led by
the local brotherhood in their robes and hoods-please see the pictures below.
The Throne is carried by the men ,who are under neath and who are controlled by
calls and bells as they slow walk to the music, The parade is also accompanied
by the women in black shawls and mantillas,some of whom are bear-foot and
the whole parade is silient and is directed by the beating of the drums and the
main master of the brotherhood stamping his ceremonial rod.The Throne has
to stop every 30/40 yards so as the carriers can rest as they support it on their
necks and shoulders-they are also tightly bound around the waist by long
coloured bands to support their backs.See the pictures below ;
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
GIBRALTAR
Mon/Tues/Wed.2nd/3rd/4th April.
Well on Monday at long last the scooter was picked up and taken to Estepona
by our friendly garage repair man who does't speak a word of English but we
get on like a house on fire!Fingers crossed!! We went for our regular swim and
the water was very warm-then we popped out for some shopping.On Tuesday
we went to Gibralta and got caught in the bank holiday traffic,so when we got
into the town center the car park was full-we drove around the one-way system and
when we arrived back at the car park we drove straight in! We stocked up with
the duty-free and went and had some lunch on the waterfront,Pan fried Calves
Liver with onions and mash!! When we returned we found out that the garage
repair man had called in with the scooter on a test run!,so on Wednesday we
went and picked it up,the problem was that the wrong spark-plug had been
fitted when we first broke down in Manilva.Its now going like a bomb again!!
This week is called Semana Santa in Spain and is the time when all the local
brotherhood parade thru the streets carrying on their shoulders the elaborate
sculptured thrones and dressed in Tunics,Hoods,and Capes in different
colours,with bands playing the very slow music as they work their way around
the narrow streets during the day and in the late evening - watch out for the
pictures after we go down on Good Friday !! The site is filling up with holiday
business inc.lots of children,mainly Spanish for the bank holiday festivities,
and we have kept the hire car for another week and we will get out and about
as the weather is forcast sunny over the weekend
Well on Monday at long last the scooter was picked up and taken to Estepona
by our friendly garage repair man who does't speak a word of English but we
get on like a house on fire!Fingers crossed!! We went for our regular swim and
the water was very warm-then we popped out for some shopping.On Tuesday
we went to Gibralta and got caught in the bank holiday traffic,so when we got
into the town center the car park was full-we drove around the one-way system and
when we arrived back at the car park we drove straight in! We stocked up with
the duty-free and went and had some lunch on the waterfront,Pan fried Calves
Liver with onions and mash!! When we returned we found out that the garage
repair man had called in with the scooter on a test run!,so on Wednesday we
went and picked it up,the problem was that the wrong spark-plug had been
fitted when we first broke down in Manilva.Its now going like a bomb again!!
This week is called Semana Santa in Spain and is the time when all the local
brotherhood parade thru the streets carrying on their shoulders the elaborate
sculptured thrones and dressed in Tunics,Hoods,and Capes in different
colours,with bands playing the very slow music as they work their way around
the narrow streets during the day and in the late evening - watch out for the
pictures after we go down on Good Friday !! The site is filling up with holiday
business inc.lots of children,mainly Spanish for the bank holiday festivities,
and we have kept the hire car for another week and we will get out and about
as the weather is forcast sunny over the weekend
Monday, April 02, 2007
GAUCIN
Sun 1st April.
After our swim in the morning in the warm and covered pool,despite the
rain we went to the market at the marina in Estepona as Brenda wanted
to change her new costume,which the stall holder did with no problem.We
then went for a drive up into the mountains as the weather looked better
up over the hills,We went thru old Manilva and headed past the wind farms
and Casares and over a spectacular road to the mountain village of Gaucin.
It sits on the edge of a mountain and is reached by just the one road and
when you enter the town you can only drive thru it one way as the streets
are very narrow,we discovered later that during the Fiesta they have a
bull run when the locals can prove their manhood by running with the bull,
but with no where to escape except up the barred windows!!
After our swim in the morning in the warm and covered pool,despite the
rain we went to the market at the marina in Estepona as Brenda wanted
to change her new costume,which the stall holder did with no problem.We
then went for a drive up into the mountains as the weather looked better
up over the hills,We went thru old Manilva and headed past the wind farms
and Casares and over a spectacular road to the mountain village of Gaucin.
It sits on the edge of a mountain and is reached by just the one road and
when you enter the town you can only drive thru it one way as the streets
are very narrow,we discovered later that during the Fiesta they have a
bull run when the locals can prove their manhood by running with the bull,
but with no where to escape except up the barred windows!!
ESTEPONA
Sat.31st March.
The forcast for the next few days is not so good so today we decided not
to across to Africa but to stay around Estepona.Brenda caught up with the
washing and ironing and some local shopping at the Hypermarket.In the
morning we servised the Winnebago and turned over the engine as normal
but with a little problem,it would not start! After a phone call to Oxford and
a talk with them we checked all the procedures and found that the engine
immobilizer had cut in! So i had to re-set the system and every thing was
fine.
The forcast for the next few days is not so good so today we decided not
to across to Africa but to stay around Estepona.Brenda caught up with the
washing and ironing and some local shopping at the Hypermarket.In the
morning we servised the Winnebago and turned over the engine as normal
but with a little problem,it would not start! After a phone call to Oxford and
a talk with them we checked all the procedures and found that the engine
immobilizer had cut in! So i had to re-set the system and every thing was
fine.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)