TUESDAY 31ST AUGUST 2010.
As we were on the roof terrace for our cocktail hour the front door bell went;to our great surprise it was Anna with Jordan !It turns out that the whole Guerrero clan are together,Sally Ann has flown in from Tenerife,Jordan has come down from Fuengirola,via Madrid and is here till Sunday when they are flying back to Tenerife with Domenico and Dlyan,sadly Sally Ann has to go back tomorrow for buiness reasons.We have not seen Jordan for a couple of years and she is growing very quickly and has turned into a beautiful young lady,with her mothers confidence!
.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
MANILVA BAR ROJAS AND TAPAS.
MONDAY 30TH.AUGUST 2010.
Over the weekend as we have been sat in Bar Rojas we have watched as all the different Tapas that have been served so here is a little update on the Tapas or Pincho; In the bar they serve with them Pan Morena which is a special bread which is cut from a small loaf and is very hard, it is ideal for eating you’re Tapas with as it does not break up and takes up all the sauce. A large Tapas portion is called a Racion; Each Bar has its own version of Croquetas, made with meat/fish bound with Béchamel and rolled in flour, eggwash and fine breadcrumbs, then deep fried, one of the most popular Tapas are Bocadillo/Montadito,small crisp warm cob, sliced and containing Lomo,marinated Pork slices that are grilled on the plancha ( a flat grill tray ) All sorts of different fillings are used like Chorizo for instance. The display Tapas are made up from; Ensaladilla Rusa – Potato salad with vegetables,Tuna,hardboild egg and bound in Mayonnaise,Abuela Antonia,Fabios Spanish grandmother is famous in the village for hers! She and her husband Abuelo Manolo used to own and run Bar Rojas for many years, that is were the name Rojas comes from, it’s their family name! Gambas al Ajillo – Prawns with oil, garlic and dry white wine, Rabo de Toro en salsa, oxtail stew or made with Cabrito,goat/kid. Pulpo a la Vina Greja – Octopus marinated in garlic.onions,peppers olive oil and lemon juice. Albondigas – meatballs, cooked in a rich Tomato sauce, the best ones are made by the butcher in the village Jose Antonio,he makes all sorts of dishes in his shop from Hamburgers to meat brochettes,stews,marinated sliced meats etc. His Chueleta – Pork Chops are famous ! Almejas – Clams and Caracoles – small Snails, Jamon- cured Ham,Manchego – cured hard Sheep’s Cheese from La Mancha.
This just a few of the many Tapas that they have on display, some more that are on the menu and that are served in half portions or full are ; Tortilla –now this is a very special dish and everybody has their own version; Mano’s as far as we are concerned is the ultimate one – classically made from just eggs and potato – it is an art in its self to make it correctly, he has shown me the tricks but I can’t match his – yet ! Paella – the other great –once again all sorts of versions,Lumy’s contains Rice, Chicken or Rabbit.shellfish,vegetables,garlic and Saffron,the most exspenive herb by weight there is made from the Stigmas of the Crocus flower, she calls it Paella Manilva ! Mano’s friend Juan is reputed to make the best one locally. Calamares a la Romana – Baby Squid rings cooked in batter, Gambas Pil-Pil,with Chillies.All sorts of Estofada – braised stews, Higado – small pieces of Liver cooked in a rich savory sauce, Habas a la Catalana – Broad Beans cooked with Pork fat cubes and Chorizo,Mano has his own special version with a secret ingredient and it’s his favourite dish, he would live on them if he could ! Just a mention of Fabes – large white Haricot beans which are very rare.
All sorts of fresh fish are available; Atun – Tuna, Dorada – Sea Bream, Merluxa – Hake, most of which comes from the UK, Cabella – Mackerel, Concha Finas – large Scallops, Bacalao – Salt Cod, Mejillones – Mussels, Anguila – eel, one of the most expensive and sought after dishes in Spain are Angulas – very small baby eels cooked with garlic or hot pepper, Caracoles de Mar – Winkles, Sardinas – Sardines, at this time of the year they hold competitions on the beach to see who’s are the best, cooked in skewers over open wood fires, and our favourite dish at bar Rojas , Frituria de Pescado - a local fish Galo fried in a very light Tempura batter, as well as some famous stews; Cocida de Pelotas – a spicy rich stew, with Mincemeat wrapped in Cabbage leaves, Pork cubes and Chick Peas, Calderata – stews/casseroles made with Lamb, fish or even Lobster. Various Polo – Chicken dishes,Lumy is known for casserole of Chicken pieces in Orange Sauce; Just a quick mention of Parejil – Fresh Parsley which is available in all the vegetable stores, free, it is also very important to us as it goes on our statue of our patron saint San Pancracio as a good luck charm! Not forgetting another Spanish classic,Gazpacho,the traditional cold creamy tomato soup of southern Spain; there are many different recipes, basic ingredients are very cold water,garlic,tomatoes,fresh breadcrumbs, salt and vinegar, an extreme one is made with finely chopped green peppers and onions !
And finally Patatas Fritas; everbody agrees that Lumy's are the finest there is,the potatoes come from their Campo,she cuts them thin and cooks them in a special Olive Oil just once,no blanching and salts them as she brings them to the table ! You can't stop eating them ! I can taste them now !!
All finished off with café solo, black coffee, café con leche,white coffee, café cortado,coffee with only a little milk and the one Brenda drinks the most,carajillo,black coffee with" Terry" brandy – Malaga is famous for it’s many types of coffee drinks, to many to mention.
Well for now that’s it from your food and drink correspondent down here on the very sunny Costa del Sol !
A special Thought for the day;
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad !
.
Over the weekend as we have been sat in Bar Rojas we have watched as all the different Tapas that have been served so here is a little update on the Tapas or Pincho; In the bar they serve with them Pan Morena which is a special bread which is cut from a small loaf and is very hard, it is ideal for eating you’re Tapas with as it does not break up and takes up all the sauce. A large Tapas portion is called a Racion; Each Bar has its own version of Croquetas, made with meat/fish bound with Béchamel and rolled in flour, eggwash and fine breadcrumbs, then deep fried, one of the most popular Tapas are Bocadillo/Montadito,small crisp warm cob, sliced and containing Lomo,marinated Pork slices that are grilled on the plancha ( a flat grill tray ) All sorts of different fillings are used like Chorizo for instance. The display Tapas are made up from; Ensaladilla Rusa – Potato salad with vegetables,Tuna,hardboild egg and bound in Mayonnaise,Abuela Antonia,Fabios Spanish grandmother is famous in the village for hers! She and her husband Abuelo Manolo used to own and run Bar Rojas for many years, that is were the name Rojas comes from, it’s their family name! Gambas al Ajillo – Prawns with oil, garlic and dry white wine, Rabo de Toro en salsa, oxtail stew or made with Cabrito,goat/kid. Pulpo a la Vina Greja – Octopus marinated in garlic.onions,peppers olive oil and lemon juice. Albondigas – meatballs, cooked in a rich Tomato sauce, the best ones are made by the butcher in the village Jose Antonio,he makes all sorts of dishes in his shop from Hamburgers to meat brochettes,stews,marinated sliced meats etc. His Chueleta – Pork Chops are famous ! Almejas – Clams and Caracoles – small Snails, Jamon- cured Ham,Manchego – cured hard Sheep’s Cheese from La Mancha.
This just a few of the many Tapas that they have on display, some more that are on the menu and that are served in half portions or full are ; Tortilla –now this is a very special dish and everybody has their own version; Mano’s as far as we are concerned is the ultimate one – classically made from just eggs and potato – it is an art in its self to make it correctly, he has shown me the tricks but I can’t match his – yet ! Paella – the other great –once again all sorts of versions,Lumy’s contains Rice, Chicken or Rabbit.shellfish,vegetables,garlic and Saffron,the most exspenive herb by weight there is made from the Stigmas of the Crocus flower, she calls it Paella Manilva ! Mano’s friend Juan is reputed to make the best one locally. Calamares a la Romana – Baby Squid rings cooked in batter, Gambas Pil-Pil,with Chillies.All sorts of Estofada – braised stews, Higado – small pieces of Liver cooked in a rich savory sauce, Habas a la Catalana – Broad Beans cooked with Pork fat cubes and Chorizo,Mano has his own special version with a secret ingredient and it’s his favourite dish, he would live on them if he could ! Just a mention of Fabes – large white Haricot beans which are very rare.
All sorts of fresh fish are available; Atun – Tuna, Dorada – Sea Bream, Merluxa – Hake, most of which comes from the UK, Cabella – Mackerel, Concha Finas – large Scallops, Bacalao – Salt Cod, Mejillones – Mussels, Anguila – eel, one of the most expensive and sought after dishes in Spain are Angulas – very small baby eels cooked with garlic or hot pepper, Caracoles de Mar – Winkles, Sardinas – Sardines, at this time of the year they hold competitions on the beach to see who’s are the best, cooked in skewers over open wood fires, and our favourite dish at bar Rojas , Frituria de Pescado - a local fish Galo fried in a very light Tempura batter, as well as some famous stews; Cocida de Pelotas – a spicy rich stew, with Mincemeat wrapped in Cabbage leaves, Pork cubes and Chick Peas, Calderata – stews/casseroles made with Lamb, fish or even Lobster. Various Polo – Chicken dishes,Lumy is known for casserole of Chicken pieces in Orange Sauce; Just a quick mention of Parejil – Fresh Parsley which is available in all the vegetable stores, free, it is also very important to us as it goes on our statue of our patron saint San Pancracio as a good luck charm! Not forgetting another Spanish classic,Gazpacho,the traditional cold creamy tomato soup of southern Spain; there are many different recipes, basic ingredients are very cold water,garlic,tomatoes,fresh breadcrumbs, salt and vinegar, an extreme one is made with finely chopped green peppers and onions !
And finally Patatas Fritas; everbody agrees that Lumy's are the finest there is,the potatoes come from their Campo,she cuts them thin and cooks them in a special Olive Oil just once,no blanching and salts them as she brings them to the table ! You can't stop eating them ! I can taste them now !!
All finished off with café solo, black coffee, café con leche,white coffee, café cortado,coffee with only a little milk and the one Brenda drinks the most,carajillo,black coffee with" Terry" brandy – Malaga is famous for it’s many types of coffee drinks, to many to mention.
Well for now that’s it from your food and drink correspondent down here on the very sunny Costa del Sol !
A special Thought for the day;
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad !
.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
MANILVA TODAY AND THE VUELTA A ESPANA.
FRIDAY/SATURDAY/SUNDAY 27TH./28TH./29TH.AUGUST 2010.
As you can see below the Winery and the canopy in Calle Mar are finished ready for next weekend; the vat just needs a coat of white paint when the plaster is dry. In the morning we did the weekend shopping down in Sabinillas, the weather forecast is very hot and last night was one of the warmest and stickiest yet; as we came back I noticed that Zoë, in Manchester was online on Skype so we had a little chat and caught up with all the news, Graham has had a busy summer on the boat but is thinking of taking things a little easier next year and might even retire and join us pensioners! Later on Friday evening after supper we went up to Bar Rojas for nightcap and ended up there until 2-00am ! The football was on,Atletico Madrid beat Inter Milan in the Super Cup so that generated some excitement especially when I told the locals that many years ago they stayed at the Seventy Degrees in Colwyn Bay when they played Bangor City in the European Cup ! Sat next to us outside was a family and we ended up talking to them, it turned out that they are our neighbours in Calle San Vicente and live at the bottom of the street, it gave us a good chance to speak Spanish and also make friends.Marta,their eldest daughter, plays the Clarinet in the town band and shot off home to check out the blog page !
On Saturday we had some very unhappy news confirmed to us; last Saturday we talked to Joan, from Tarifa as it was her 92nd. Birthday, we had sent her a card and so we had a lovely chat and caught up with all the news as she is now living in England and see’s all her extended family; during the conversation she told us that Boo is going blind, we were very shocked and upset as we think the world of Boo and both love him to bits. I tried to speak to Chris and sent him text messages,e-mails;yesterday he called us and we had a long chat, he confirmed that sadly Boo has gone blind, we are heartbroken and very upset as he is so young and is such a lovely dog. On refection after we talked about it we realized that there were signs but we did not know at the time; he always took very great care coming down the marble stairs, he did not like the dark, one evening we had a power cut and he was out in the grounds and got lost, he took his time getting in the car but on the other side of things he chased the cats like mad around the garden and led Millie in all the chases along the fence and up to the gate! We don’t know if there is anything that can be done for him so we will have to wait and see.
Today we are taking it easy as the hot nights don’t give you much of a chance to sleep; I have just roasted a Chicken to have cold for supper and I’m going to watch the grand prix from Spa, the Motor cycle GP from the USA and Tour of Spain cycle race, Brenda is going on the terrace to get some peace!
VUELTA A ESPANA. 2010.
The race this year started in Seville and ends in Madrid on the 19th,September ! The opening stage was a team time trial around the streets of Seville at night; this is an innovation and generated large crowds as it started at 10-00pm under the street lights with extra flood lights along the route which criss- crossed the city and even went through the narrow streets of the “ Triana ” The winning team was HTC-COLUMBIA.and the winning rider was Mark Cavendish from the nine man team; he took the Red Jersey ( Like the Yellow Jersey in the Tour de France ) and today’s stage is from Saville to Marbella over 174km with a sprint finsh,ideal for Mark Cavendish who is the first British rider to lead the Vuelta a Espana in over 25 years !
PS;Mark Cavendish was surprisingly pipped on the line by a rider from Belarusia but retained the Red Jersey,Monday's stage over 157km is from Marbella to Malaga so watch out again!
Thought for the Day;
Why are pirates called pirates ? Because they ARRRRRRRRR !
How does a pirate keep fit ? GYM LAD !
What’s a pirates favourite cricket shot ? A SQUARE CUTLESS !
What was Captain Hook called before he lost his hand ? CAPTAIN HAND TENILE !
.
As you can see below the Winery and the canopy in Calle Mar are finished ready for next weekend; the vat just needs a coat of white paint when the plaster is dry. In the morning we did the weekend shopping down in Sabinillas, the weather forecast is very hot and last night was one of the warmest and stickiest yet; as we came back I noticed that Zoë, in Manchester was online on Skype so we had a little chat and caught up with all the news, Graham has had a busy summer on the boat but is thinking of taking things a little easier next year and might even retire and join us pensioners! Later on Friday evening after supper we went up to Bar Rojas for nightcap and ended up there until 2-00am ! The football was on,Atletico Madrid beat Inter Milan in the Super Cup so that generated some excitement especially when I told the locals that many years ago they stayed at the Seventy Degrees in Colwyn Bay when they played Bangor City in the European Cup ! Sat next to us outside was a family and we ended up talking to them, it turned out that they are our neighbours in Calle San Vicente and live at the bottom of the street, it gave us a good chance to speak Spanish and also make friends.Marta,their eldest daughter, plays the Clarinet in the town band and shot off home to check out the blog page !
On Saturday we had some very unhappy news confirmed to us; last Saturday we talked to Joan, from Tarifa as it was her 92nd. Birthday, we had sent her a card and so we had a lovely chat and caught up with all the news as she is now living in England and see’s all her extended family; during the conversation she told us that Boo is going blind, we were very shocked and upset as we think the world of Boo and both love him to bits. I tried to speak to Chris and sent him text messages,e-mails;yesterday he called us and we had a long chat, he confirmed that sadly Boo has gone blind, we are heartbroken and very upset as he is so young and is such a lovely dog. On refection after we talked about it we realized that there were signs but we did not know at the time; he always took very great care coming down the marble stairs, he did not like the dark, one evening we had a power cut and he was out in the grounds and got lost, he took his time getting in the car but on the other side of things he chased the cats like mad around the garden and led Millie in all the chases along the fence and up to the gate! We don’t know if there is anything that can be done for him so we will have to wait and see.
Today we are taking it easy as the hot nights don’t give you much of a chance to sleep; I have just roasted a Chicken to have cold for supper and I’m going to watch the grand prix from Spa, the Motor cycle GP from the USA and Tour of Spain cycle race, Brenda is going on the terrace to get some peace!
VUELTA A ESPANA. 2010.
The race this year started in Seville and ends in Madrid on the 19th,September ! The opening stage was a team time trial around the streets of Seville at night; this is an innovation and generated large crowds as it started at 10-00pm under the street lights with extra flood lights along the route which criss- crossed the city and even went through the narrow streets of the “ Triana ” The winning team was HTC-COLUMBIA.and the winning rider was Mark Cavendish from the nine man team; he took the Red Jersey ( Like the Yellow Jersey in the Tour de France ) and today’s stage is from Saville to Marbella over 174km with a sprint finsh,ideal for Mark Cavendish who is the first British rider to lead the Vuelta a Espana in over 25 years !
PS;Mark Cavendish was surprisingly pipped on the line by a rider from Belarusia but retained the Red Jersey,Monday's stage over 157km is from Marbella to Malaga so watch out again!
Thought for the Day;
Why are pirates called pirates ? Because they ARRRRRRRRR !
How does a pirate keep fit ? GYM LAD !
What’s a pirates favourite cricket shot ? A SQUARE CUTLESS !
What was Captain Hook called before he lost his hand ? CAPTAIN HAND TENILE !
.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
SUNNY MANILVA.
MONDAY/THURSDAY 23RD./26TH.AUGUST 2010.
First thing on Monday morning after our usual light breakfast of toast and fresh fruit we arranged another transfer from our bank in Colwyn Bay, this time it only took an hour for it to come through; we then did the chores around the house before it got to hot, this week is getting hotter again all over Spain and down here on the Costa Del Sol it is going to be the hottest so far this year, in fact it has just been on the news that in Seville yesterday it was 46degs.!! For supper we had cold pork with stuffed peppers and cabbage for a change from salad with some new potatoes.
On Tuesday morning we rang our dear friend Tim in Old Colwyn to find out how Ben had gone on with his GSCE results; he got 4b’s and 9c’s and has signed on for the sixth form – well done Ben! At the same time we whished Tim and Thea a nice holiday for this bank holiday weekend over in England; they are away for a week with two friends and are going over to France to see their friends over in Nantes, they caught the overnight ferry to St. Malo on Tuesday evening. When Tim gets back he starts his final four months term at the school before he joins me as pensioner in January!
Wednesday morning I caught up with the blog, as you can see, the village is getting ready for the Vendimia festival and they are finishing putting up the canopy as I am typing this; the Winery is taking shape and the bars have started to stock up. We went down to Sabinillas to pick up a few things for the third bedroom that Brenda has got ready for Norah, we picked up a fan that we had spotted last week and also a nice rug and bed side light as well as a rather special mirror. All I have to do now is put up the pictures and the new mirror when I can borrow a drill from Mano! Last night after a supper of Pan Fried flattened Chicken breast in Balsamic vinegar with baked potatoes and salad the phone went, it was Mano so say come and join them up at Bar Rojas; Mano and Anna’s grandson,Dlyan,had just arrived from Tenerife with his dad Dominico,who is Italian, Sally Ann is working as the Guerrero clan are all going over in September for ten days to Manchester for a large family wedding. Anna Mari was there with Fabio, Carlos was working on nights as Mano is off for two days, Sanjeev was also with the gang as he has stayed for an extra three days and Andy joined in as well; the two cousins are great together and were laughing and playing as we caught up with all the news.
This morning we have just come off the Skype phone after speaking to Joyce over in Mostyn,North Wales,she is due over at the start of September and is staying with a friend in Mijas for a couple of weeks as she checks out the work on her house after the rains! This is happening all over the village as people get their houses back into shape, one of our neighbours Mario, a town councillor is having major work done this week inside and outside on his house just around the corner and Mano and Anna have finished the work on theirs yesterday. Jane our friend from Chester is trying again to get over at the end of September, fingers crossed that she gets the flights this time ! So It’s all happening here down here on the Sunny Costa Del Sol.
Thought for the Day ;
It’s never too late to be who you might have been.
.
First thing on Monday morning after our usual light breakfast of toast and fresh fruit we arranged another transfer from our bank in Colwyn Bay, this time it only took an hour for it to come through; we then did the chores around the house before it got to hot, this week is getting hotter again all over Spain and down here on the Costa Del Sol it is going to be the hottest so far this year, in fact it has just been on the news that in Seville yesterday it was 46degs.!! For supper we had cold pork with stuffed peppers and cabbage for a change from salad with some new potatoes.
On Tuesday morning we rang our dear friend Tim in Old Colwyn to find out how Ben had gone on with his GSCE results; he got 4b’s and 9c’s and has signed on for the sixth form – well done Ben! At the same time we whished Tim and Thea a nice holiday for this bank holiday weekend over in England; they are away for a week with two friends and are going over to France to see their friends over in Nantes, they caught the overnight ferry to St. Malo on Tuesday evening. When Tim gets back he starts his final four months term at the school before he joins me as pensioner in January!
Wednesday morning I caught up with the blog, as you can see, the village is getting ready for the Vendimia festival and they are finishing putting up the canopy as I am typing this; the Winery is taking shape and the bars have started to stock up. We went down to Sabinillas to pick up a few things for the third bedroom that Brenda has got ready for Norah, we picked up a fan that we had spotted last week and also a nice rug and bed side light as well as a rather special mirror. All I have to do now is put up the pictures and the new mirror when I can borrow a drill from Mano! Last night after a supper of Pan Fried flattened Chicken breast in Balsamic vinegar with baked potatoes and salad the phone went, it was Mano so say come and join them up at Bar Rojas; Mano and Anna’s grandson,Dlyan,had just arrived from Tenerife with his dad Dominico,who is Italian, Sally Ann is working as the Guerrero clan are all going over in September for ten days to Manchester for a large family wedding. Anna Mari was there with Fabio, Carlos was working on nights as Mano is off for two days, Sanjeev was also with the gang as he has stayed for an extra three days and Andy joined in as well; the two cousins are great together and were laughing and playing as we caught up with all the news.
This morning we have just come off the Skype phone after speaking to Joyce over in Mostyn,North Wales,she is due over at the start of September and is staying with a friend in Mijas for a couple of weeks as she checks out the work on her house after the rains! This is happening all over the village as people get their houses back into shape, one of our neighbours Mario, a town councillor is having major work done this week inside and outside on his house just around the corner and Mano and Anna have finished the work on theirs yesterday. Jane our friend from Chester is trying again to get over at the end of September, fingers crossed that she gets the flights this time ! So It’s all happening here down here on the Sunny Costa Del Sol.
Thought for the Day ;
It’s never too late to be who you might have been.
.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
MANILVA VENDIMIA 2010.
WEDNESDAY 25TH.AUGUST 2010.
The weather forecast at the moment is getting hotter everyday and at night; yesterday our good friend from Chester Jane tried to get out for a quick surprise visit this weekend but could but get a flight back on Sunday so we will have to wait a little longer to see her, sorry Jane but we are keeping the “Cloudy Bay” on ice!
This week the village is getting ready for next weekend 4/5th.September as it is the 2010 Vendimia Festival; this is the big one and also the most enjoyable, the whole village celebrates the end of the grape picking over the two days. On the Saturday they hold a church service and then in the late afternoon parade the Santa Ana statue through the streets with the village brass band leading the procession; they build two stages in Calle Mar and the one in front of the town hall, at the top of our street is where they hold the competition for the largest and best bunch of grapes, in the evening the two bands perform on the stages until 3-00am and the Bars do a roaring trade all along Calle Mar which is covered by a canopy that is being erected as I type this; they also have a fine spray mist during the day which comes down from under the canopy and keeps you cool during the day as it gets very busy, noisy and village goes mad !
On the Sunday, the main day, the village starts to fill up from early morning when there are literally thousands of people come to party; all the stalls are open and the whole street and the houses and bars along it are decorated with palms and vines; the bands are playing all day and into the night and in the late afternoon there is a parade of traditional Andalusia horses and their riders from “ Pena Manilva ” In the early evening the highlight of the day is the pressing of the grapes in the winery that has been built in Calle Mar, opposite Bar Rojas,at the top of our street; in 2008 I was the first English man to do this and I am hoping that I will be the second in 2010 !
The pictures below show Francisco building the winery and I will update it every day as it goes up, also they are putting up the canopy over the next few day and I will show this as it happens – Watch this space !
Thought for the Day;
Life is short ! Forgive quickly, Kiss slowly, Love truly, Laugh often, Be grateful daily and never regret anything that made you smile !
PS; Today I have started the countdown to September the 24th,one month to go to being a pensioner !!
.
.
The weather forecast at the moment is getting hotter everyday and at night; yesterday our good friend from Chester Jane tried to get out for a quick surprise visit this weekend but could but get a flight back on Sunday so we will have to wait a little longer to see her, sorry Jane but we are keeping the “Cloudy Bay” on ice!
This week the village is getting ready for next weekend 4/5th.September as it is the 2010 Vendimia Festival; this is the big one and also the most enjoyable, the whole village celebrates the end of the grape picking over the two days. On the Saturday they hold a church service and then in the late afternoon parade the Santa Ana statue through the streets with the village brass band leading the procession; they build two stages in Calle Mar and the one in front of the town hall, at the top of our street is where they hold the competition for the largest and best bunch of grapes, in the evening the two bands perform on the stages until 3-00am and the Bars do a roaring trade all along Calle Mar which is covered by a canopy that is being erected as I type this; they also have a fine spray mist during the day which comes down from under the canopy and keeps you cool during the day as it gets very busy, noisy and village goes mad !
On the Sunday, the main day, the village starts to fill up from early morning when there are literally thousands of people come to party; all the stalls are open and the whole street and the houses and bars along it are decorated with palms and vines; the bands are playing all day and into the night and in the late afternoon there is a parade of traditional Andalusia horses and their riders from “ Pena Manilva ” In the early evening the highlight of the day is the pressing of the grapes in the winery that has been built in Calle Mar, opposite Bar Rojas,at the top of our street; in 2008 I was the first English man to do this and I am hoping that I will be the second in 2010 !
The pictures below show Francisco building the winery and I will update it every day as it goes up, also they are putting up the canopy over the next few day and I will show this as it happens – Watch this space !
Thought for the Day;
Life is short ! Forgive quickly, Kiss slowly, Love truly, Laugh often, Be grateful daily and never regret anything that made you smile !
PS; Today I have started the countdown to September the 24th,one month to go to being a pensioner !!
.
.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
MANILVA TODAY.
MONDAY 23RD.AUGUST 2010.
Just as I was typing the blog this morning I heard the sound of an electric bell and somebody calling; it was the village knife grinder on his Moped looking for business! This happens all the time with different people coming around the narrow streets calling out, the fresh fish van is on a Thursday, the dried fish man comes nearly everyday and is the loudest, the Lottery seller is every morning and the Gas Bottle man is on Monday’s and Thursday.Village life – why we love it !!
.
Just as I was typing the blog this morning I heard the sound of an electric bell and somebody calling; it was the village knife grinder on his Moped looking for business! This happens all the time with different people coming around the narrow streets calling out, the fresh fish van is on a Thursday, the dried fish man comes nearly everyday and is the loudest, the Lottery seller is every morning and the Gas Bottle man is on Monday’s and Thursday.Village life – why we love it !!
.
MANILVA WEEKEND CONCERTS.
FRIDAY/SATURDAY/SUNDAY 20TH./22ND.August 2010.
Over the weekend the Culture department of the town council arranged a series of concerts under the direction of Diego Jose Jimenez; On Thursday the stage was erected in front of the Town Hall on Calle Mar and all the lighting and sound equipment was brought in. During Friday the street was closed and all the chairs were placed out in front of the stage for the evening production; the whole village attends and the two bars either side of the stage, Bar Rojas and Cafeteria Nacho also put out extra tables and chairs in the street and do a roaring business in food and drink! Friday’s show was performed by members of the Theatre of Manilva which contains adults and children along with some handicapped children; they gave a series of short sketches’s in costumes and the audience sat spell bound,Manilva TV host’s and introduces each evening’s show which is broadcast later.
Saturdays concert was given by the Compania de Dany Santos and was a musical production with a story line; the main singer who has a “ Helluva ” voice leads the cast and the crowd joins in with all the songs and clap as each number is performed; the concerts start at around 10-30 in the evening and the atmosphere is terrific.
On Sunday the performance was by all the performers and was introduced by the presenter from Manilva TV Caramello to the largest audience of the weekend,more chairs had to be brought in and the village was packed full; the show started with two numbers from the Theatre company and the Compania de Danny Santos then did their version of Cinderella with singing and dancing, the crowd all joined in and there was real buzz about the stage. At the end of the concert the audience went mad and gave all the performers a standing ovation !
We took all this in from under the Sonbrajo of Bar Rojas so the pictures are a little out of focus but still give you an idea of the shows; On Friday we had supper of Scampi Provencale with rice before we joined Mano and Anna up at the bar; they were having dinner there with a friend, before Mano had to go into work, who is staying with them for a week,Sanj,who is like a second son to them. He is from Pakistan and works in the club and music scene in London. On Saturday after we had our dinner of minute steak with salad and baked potatoes we once again made our way up to Bar Rojas which was very busy. Last night we had cold Pork Loin, which I had roasted in the morning, with new potatoes and stuffed peppers and were joined later up at Bar Rojas by Lilli with her stepdaughter Meya,she lives in Sweden with her mum and has flown down on her own, she is only just twelve, for a holiday with them. Meanwhile Brian was out with the lads,Carlos,Andy and Sanj on the town !
As the final curtain came down on the concerts the two companies came into Bar Rojas for a late supper which was pre arranged and the last two picture shows them enjoying their meal at one o’clock in the morning at the end of just another great weekend in Sunny Manilva.On Sunday morning Brenda spoke to her sisters over in England, they are starting to get excited about their holiday in September, today Brenda is getting their two bedrooms ready for them and we are going to finish them off in the next few days.
Thought for the Day;
Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.
.
Over the weekend the Culture department of the town council arranged a series of concerts under the direction of Diego Jose Jimenez; On Thursday the stage was erected in front of the Town Hall on Calle Mar and all the lighting and sound equipment was brought in. During Friday the street was closed and all the chairs were placed out in front of the stage for the evening production; the whole village attends and the two bars either side of the stage, Bar Rojas and Cafeteria Nacho also put out extra tables and chairs in the street and do a roaring business in food and drink! Friday’s show was performed by members of the Theatre of Manilva which contains adults and children along with some handicapped children; they gave a series of short sketches’s in costumes and the audience sat spell bound,Manilva TV host’s and introduces each evening’s show which is broadcast later.
Saturdays concert was given by the Compania de Dany Santos and was a musical production with a story line; the main singer who has a “ Helluva ” voice leads the cast and the crowd joins in with all the songs and clap as each number is performed; the concerts start at around 10-30 in the evening and the atmosphere is terrific.
On Sunday the performance was by all the performers and was introduced by the presenter from Manilva TV Caramello to the largest audience of the weekend,more chairs had to be brought in and the village was packed full; the show started with two numbers from the Theatre company and the Compania de Danny Santos then did their version of Cinderella with singing and dancing, the crowd all joined in and there was real buzz about the stage. At the end of the concert the audience went mad and gave all the performers a standing ovation !
We took all this in from under the Sonbrajo of Bar Rojas so the pictures are a little out of focus but still give you an idea of the shows; On Friday we had supper of Scampi Provencale with rice before we joined Mano and Anna up at the bar; they were having dinner there with a friend, before Mano had to go into work, who is staying with them for a week,Sanj,who is like a second son to them. He is from Pakistan and works in the club and music scene in London. On Saturday after we had our dinner of minute steak with salad and baked potatoes we once again made our way up to Bar Rojas which was very busy. Last night we had cold Pork Loin, which I had roasted in the morning, with new potatoes and stuffed peppers and were joined later up at Bar Rojas by Lilli with her stepdaughter Meya,she lives in Sweden with her mum and has flown down on her own, she is only just twelve, for a holiday with them. Meanwhile Brian was out with the lads,Carlos,Andy and Sanj on the town !
As the final curtain came down on the concerts the two companies came into Bar Rojas for a late supper which was pre arranged and the last two picture shows them enjoying their meal at one o’clock in the morning at the end of just another great weekend in Sunny Manilva.On Sunday morning Brenda spoke to her sisters over in England, they are starting to get excited about their holiday in September, today Brenda is getting their two bedrooms ready for them and we are going to finish them off in the next few days.
Thought for the Day;
Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.
.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
MANILVA MODERN TECHNOLOGY.
THURSDAY 19TH.AUGUST 2010.
Over the last couple of days I have been working on a new music play system called “ Spotify ”which I already had on the small PC; the only way up to then was to be sent a membership by another member, which a friend Tony,thanks,did a few months ago, at the same time a registered my details over a year ago but did not hear from them ! So it was a great surprise when I received an e-mail with an invite to join their new system,free,and I’ am now using the Spotify music play on the main PC; you must check it out as it is very good, quick and easy to use now that there is no waiting list ! I play all our music through the speakers, loud and we really enjoy listening to different artists every day and storing our favourites.There are lots more features on the system that you can use. Check it out!!
When we were over with Vidal he recommended to me a site on which you can create your own radio station for anybody to listen too; “ Jango ” is also very easy to start up and it is free, once again. I have registered and have started to put the music together to play on my programme;it is easy to navigate around and has lots of different features including video, I will give you all the details of my radio station as soon as I have put it all together. Meanwhile I’ am listening to other peoples shows to get some hints !! Check it out at the same time !
Today we called our International Banking service which looks after our bank account over at HSBC in Colwyn Bay; it is only used for some transactions that are still ongoing, which we have left over in North Wales for simplicity, all our accounts were closed and transferred to our Spanish Bank; we arranged for a transfer over to our account which normally, in the past takes one day and to our great surprise two hours later it had arrived ! Now that is efficiency with a capital “ E ”
.
Over the last couple of days I have been working on a new music play system called “ Spotify ”which I already had on the small PC; the only way up to then was to be sent a membership by another member, which a friend Tony,thanks,did a few months ago, at the same time a registered my details over a year ago but did not hear from them ! So it was a great surprise when I received an e-mail with an invite to join their new system,free,and I’ am now using the Spotify music play on the main PC; you must check it out as it is very good, quick and easy to use now that there is no waiting list ! I play all our music through the speakers, loud and we really enjoy listening to different artists every day and storing our favourites.There are lots more features on the system that you can use. Check it out!!
When we were over with Vidal he recommended to me a site on which you can create your own radio station for anybody to listen too; “ Jango ” is also very easy to start up and it is free, once again. I have registered and have started to put the music together to play on my programme;it is easy to navigate around and has lots of different features including video, I will give you all the details of my radio station as soon as I have put it all together. Meanwhile I’ am listening to other peoples shows to get some hints !! Check it out at the same time !
Today we called our International Banking service which looks after our bank account over at HSBC in Colwyn Bay; it is only used for some transactions that are still ongoing, which we have left over in North Wales for simplicity, all our accounts were closed and transferred to our Spanish Bank; we arranged for a transfer over to our account which normally, in the past takes one day and to our great surprise two hours later it had arrived ! Now that is efficiency with a capital “ E ”
.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
MANILVA LIFE.
SUNDAY/TUESDAY 15TH./17TH.AUGUST 2010.
Sunday was a bank holiday in Spain so it is a long weekend with all the shops shut on Monday; it is the height of the holiday season, for the Spanish, with the rush to get home and to the coast is at it’s busiest so this weekend also see’s the most deaths on the roads, this year being no exception. The holiday is called “Welcomes Tourists”and everywhere is very busy with loads of things going on all the time, the weather is hot and clammy down here on the Costa del Sol but in the rest of Spain there are thunder storms and severe weather warnings for the next couple of days, like the rest of Europe.
In the morning I roasted a Chicken to have cold for supper with salad and warm new potatoes as Mano and Anna were joining us as it was Anna’s birthday,Mano is very busy at the hotel, it’s full, and has nearly finished the project of fixing the drains and damp course at his house; he is shattered and so he took his supper to have during the night at work, needless to say we ended up at Bar Rojas for Carajillo’s.
On Monday morning we walked down to Mano and Anna’s as Mano had offered to cut and trim the beard that I have grown over the last few weeks; my Braun shaver needs a new foil and cutter box and the only place to get them is from a specialist shop in Gibraltar which at the moment is struggling to find one. The general consensus was that I would suit a goatee so he offered to show me how to wet shave as I have never done it in my life ! The result is in the picture below; I am now for the time being going to carry on with the wet shaving and have acquired all Brenda’s unused shavers !
We went across to Estepona on Tuesday morning to see Vidal and Gissy as she had offered to do our hair at the same time; their apartment is on the beach and their balcony is ideal as an alfresco hair salon ! We had not seen Vidal for over a year as he was away in Mexico working and over Xmas was home in Trinidad; we had a lot of catching up to do and really enjoyed being with them, they are very good friends and are very supportive as always. The picture above shows Brenda’s new cut,Gissy also trimmed my hair and gave me a face massage to complement my new regime.
PS; Over Monday night the storms hit the rest of Spain but just about passed us by; In Cordoba there was severe flooding and three people were killed and loads of cars were washed away in the floods and mud slides.
.
Sunday was a bank holiday in Spain so it is a long weekend with all the shops shut on Monday; it is the height of the holiday season, for the Spanish, with the rush to get home and to the coast is at it’s busiest so this weekend also see’s the most deaths on the roads, this year being no exception. The holiday is called “Welcomes Tourists”and everywhere is very busy with loads of things going on all the time, the weather is hot and clammy down here on the Costa del Sol but in the rest of Spain there are thunder storms and severe weather warnings for the next couple of days, like the rest of Europe.
In the morning I roasted a Chicken to have cold for supper with salad and warm new potatoes as Mano and Anna were joining us as it was Anna’s birthday,Mano is very busy at the hotel, it’s full, and has nearly finished the project of fixing the drains and damp course at his house; he is shattered and so he took his supper to have during the night at work, needless to say we ended up at Bar Rojas for Carajillo’s.
On Monday morning we walked down to Mano and Anna’s as Mano had offered to cut and trim the beard that I have grown over the last few weeks; my Braun shaver needs a new foil and cutter box and the only place to get them is from a specialist shop in Gibraltar which at the moment is struggling to find one. The general consensus was that I would suit a goatee so he offered to show me how to wet shave as I have never done it in my life ! The result is in the picture below; I am now for the time being going to carry on with the wet shaving and have acquired all Brenda’s unused shavers !
We went across to Estepona on Tuesday morning to see Vidal and Gissy as she had offered to do our hair at the same time; their apartment is on the beach and their balcony is ideal as an alfresco hair salon ! We had not seen Vidal for over a year as he was away in Mexico working and over Xmas was home in Trinidad; we had a lot of catching up to do and really enjoyed being with them, they are very good friends and are very supportive as always. The picture above shows Brenda’s new cut,Gissy also trimmed my hair and gave me a face massage to complement my new regime.
PS; Over Monday night the storms hit the rest of Spain but just about passed us by; In Cordoba there was severe flooding and three people were killed and loads of cars were washed away in the floods and mud slides.
.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Saturday, August 14, 2010
MANILVA CASA LOS BONIS.
THURSDAY/SATURDAY 12TH./14TH.AUGUST 2010.
On Thursday we took things very easy as this week has been the hottest so far, even the locals are starting to wilt; it is especially hot during the night so you do not get much sleep, the village goes’s dead in the afternoon and early evening and even the children have not been able to play out in evening as usual. They are now saying that it is like the old times when the summer weather was like this all the time, over the last few years it has not been so bad.
After shopping early on Friday morning to beat the sun Brenda also did a little shopping in the village, she met our next door neighbour,Ana Mari, who was in the village shopping as well; she has been away at their Campo now for nearly two months with her husband and brother in law, all the family also goes there so it has been very quiet here! A lot of the village locals have these Campo’s out in the country and disappear all the time to them. We have been dying to go to see one of them so it was great surprise when Ana Mari’s bother in law called on his scooter and asked us to follow him to their Campo!
“Casa Los Bonis” was a very pleasant surprise; it is in the valley below the village and is in the middles of the vine groves, it is a large house with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, large lounge and kitchen with roof balcony and an open garden terrace overlooking their vine fields below. The views are spectacular across the valley and down to the Mediterranean below, behind it are the mountains which at this time of the year look magnificent.
Ana Mari offered us her own coffee with sweet cakes as we sat on the terrace and took in the evening air, we then found out all about their family and past history as we conversed in Spanish ! They are all old school and speak no English except for our names so we have to listen very closely and tell them when we don’t understand and then we answer them in the best way that we can, we were rather proud that we managed so well – we thought ! As well as the grapes that they grow, they have a small press and vats to make their own wine, they grow a lot of vegetables and fruit in the garden which is where we have been getting all our fresh fruit and vegetables from as Ana Mari passed them to us through our kitchen windows ! Whilst we were sat there the family called in and they made us very welcome. The pictures are a little hazy as it was very hot and humid but you can see what a real Campo is like!
PS; We came back with a large tray of sweet green grapes !!
.
.
On Thursday we took things very easy as this week has been the hottest so far, even the locals are starting to wilt; it is especially hot during the night so you do not get much sleep, the village goes’s dead in the afternoon and early evening and even the children have not been able to play out in evening as usual. They are now saying that it is like the old times when the summer weather was like this all the time, over the last few years it has not been so bad.
After shopping early on Friday morning to beat the sun Brenda also did a little shopping in the village, she met our next door neighbour,Ana Mari, who was in the village shopping as well; she has been away at their Campo now for nearly two months with her husband and brother in law, all the family also goes there so it has been very quiet here! A lot of the village locals have these Campo’s out in the country and disappear all the time to them. We have been dying to go to see one of them so it was great surprise when Ana Mari’s bother in law called on his scooter and asked us to follow him to their Campo!
“Casa Los Bonis” was a very pleasant surprise; it is in the valley below the village and is in the middles of the vine groves, it is a large house with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, large lounge and kitchen with roof balcony and an open garden terrace overlooking their vine fields below. The views are spectacular across the valley and down to the Mediterranean below, behind it are the mountains which at this time of the year look magnificent.
Ana Mari offered us her own coffee with sweet cakes as we sat on the terrace and took in the evening air, we then found out all about their family and past history as we conversed in Spanish ! They are all old school and speak no English except for our names so we have to listen very closely and tell them when we don’t understand and then we answer them in the best way that we can, we were rather proud that we managed so well – we thought ! As well as the grapes that they grow, they have a small press and vats to make their own wine, they grow a lot of vegetables and fruit in the garden which is where we have been getting all our fresh fruit and vegetables from as Ana Mari passed them to us through our kitchen windows ! Whilst we were sat there the family called in and they made us very welcome. The pictures are a little hazy as it was very hot and humid but you can see what a real Campo is like!
PS; We came back with a large tray of sweet green grapes !!
.
.
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