MANILVA.

Tuesday 17th. June.

We had a lazy day at home and caught up with all the chores around the house and in the afternoon we went for a walk for some fresh air as it is now becoming very hot all the time as the clear blue skies offer no cover to the sun so you walk in the shade where you can.We had a light supper and watched the football on Spanish TV which every match seems to be getting more exciting by the day.

Wednesday 18th. June.

In the morning we shot across to Marbella to the shopping mall which was closed last week and got most of the things that we wanted except for the Aramis products that I use which are harder and harder to get,in fact when Jane came over last month she brought some things for me as she had asked if there was anything that we needed ! We then checked out the Winnebago and also called in to see Vidal and Gissy.In the evening after dinner of Steak and Frits we again watched the football.

Thursday 19th. June.

We went to the local shops in the village and called into the butchers at the bottom of Calle Inglasia and whilst in the shop I heard my name being called and went outside to see at the top of the street Fabio out with his Spanish grandmother who was calling my name,she let Fabio go and he run down the street at great speed and jumped into my arms ! In the late afternoon Brenda was on the roof terrace and I was just taking up the cocktails when the front door bell went and it was Anna,Fabio’s English grandmother! She joined us for cocktails and then stayed for dinner,we were having Stir-Fried Beef with Ginger and Spring Onions and we also then hit the Kir Royal’s Mano called in after work and we made some arrangements to start the paper work to become resident here in Spain.

Friday 20th. June.

Friday is shopping day so we went in the morning to the Hypermarket after we had called at the ITV. Depot ( The Spanish equilevent of our MOT) to check the details to get the Smart Car checked and then the number plates changed as we have to do this after we sign the papers. We also found the National Police office and got the NIE. Forms to fill in to register into the Spanish Tax and Health systems before we then sign the papers to become Spanish citizens !We are also getting some quotes for Spanish insurance for the car but we don’t need to change the driving license as the international one has a few years to run.In the evening Vidal dropped Gissy off at the house on the way to a gig and she gave Brenda a haircut and face massage as a birthday present ! Later that evening as I checked the PC,s I found that I had a problem with both of them and have only on Monday come back on line with the help of a friend in Manilva and I am catching up with all the e-mails, messages and singing cards as I am typing this!

Saturday 21st. June.

We had another lazy day at home and in the afternoon we walked up to see Mano at the Aparthotel and he helped us fill in the forms so as we can go down to Estepona next week to start the process off.We had a light supper and went to bed fairly early to prepare for the big day!!

SUNDAY 22 nd. June, 2008 Brenda’s Birthday.

We got up to another fabulous day and started off with Scrambled Eggs with Smoked Trout accompanied with Rose Champagne to start the day of celebrations! We then got ready slowly as we had booked a table at the Beach House Restaurant on the far side of Marbella which has now become our favorite for 3-30 pm for Sunday lunch. We arrived to find the place was totally full and the beach was also very busy with the sun seekers as we sat down on the veranda over looking the view! We started with an aperitif of Kir Royal’s as we selected the menu, Brenda had Scallops and I had large Prawns in Tempura batter to start then we both had the Roast Rib of Beef,rare with all the vegetables and crisp roast potatoes. We had a bottle of the house recommended crisp white Davila and Brenda also had a large glass of a excellent Murua to accompany her Beef.As usual everything was excellent and we sat and enjoyed the views on a balmy afternoon on the first time that we have been out to lunch on Brenda’s birthday! We then made our way back along the coast and on the other side of Marbella we called into see Vidal and Gissy as he had a gig at a bar and restaurant and as we entered he serenaded Brenda with a calypso version of Happy Birthday as we had a drink with them.The pictures below need no explaining ! We then came back to the Aparthotel in Manilva where Mano and Anna had arranged a surprise Birthday party as their daughter Sally was over on holiday with her two children and staying at the hotel,Carlos and Ana Mari were working but Anna was looking after Fabio so the whole family and some regulars in the bar including the Chief of Police sang the Spanish version of Happy birthday and then the English one as she cut the cake and the Cava flowed !All the children gave Brenda presents and a great time was had by all. We then watched The Spanish Team on TV. beat the Italians and I was given a yellow card by the owner for leading the noise and banging on the tables!! We then partied into the night and as we drove home into the village we joined in with all the cars as they hooted their horns as they passed through the main street! At 3-00 am we sat and had some Beans on Toast after one “ HELLUVA” birthday!! Tomorrow is a very special saints day on the Costa del Sol “San Juan” and is celebrated in the evening with Fireworks and Bonfires on the beach at Midnight, we are going to two parties so watch out for the photos and blog!