Blogs from Spain, Europe - page 1080

Ola Bo & Dud, Thank you so much for forwarding our Tax Disc - it has arrived safely. What a time we’ve had without it. In France and Portugal not having a tax disc in date does not seem to be too much of a problem; we thought that the same applied to Spain - how many times have I said to you “never make assumptions”? We never gave it a second thought knowing that the new Tax Disc was bought paid for and in your safe keeping awaiting your visit in January. That was until Pete got pulled over at a roundabout in Nerja by the local constabulary and they checked his Tax Disc. Robert then told us that recently the Police have been checking English cars and if the Tax is out of date, ... read more

Although I really, really miss snow (there’s no chance of it here because it’s too warm) I do think that Santiago looks very festive. Maybe it’s because I’m not watching much TV here, but I think that there more of a focus on the religious aspects of Christmas than the commercialism. On Christmas Eve the Spanish eat a big dinner which usually includes seafood. And “Papa Noel” is gaining popularity, but it’s more traditional to give gives on “El Día de los Reyes Magos” (The Day of the Wise men), which falls on January 5th this year. It marks the day when the wise men completed their journey and gave their gifts to the baby Jesus. Much like our shopping mall Santas, there are people who dress up like the three wise men and ride through ... read more

First of all. Feliz navidades a todos! The christmas spirit is setting in here in Spain. The Christmas lights are up around the town, galaxies of stars cascade from all the shop windows and Santa's sleigh rides across ever street. All the government buildings have lost their austerity and are wishing us "feliz fiestas". Nativity scenes adorn ever church doorway, all the figurines face the empty manger, ready to gaze lovingly at the expected arrival. The Christmas lights make up a little for the cold that is setting in strongly here. Everyone is nursing their health a little with colds, flu or sore throats. The centre of Spain may have an enviable summer, but a Manchego winter sure does chill your bones. The cold encroaches around your wrists, in between your gloves and your coat sleeves. ... read more

El Chorro 50km north of Costa del Sol, El Chorro is a small village which landscape is dominated by mountains and cliffs, a gorge with 300m high walls and an electricity factory on the lake where there used to be a waterfall, hence the place's name. El Chorro is wellknown for adventure sports activities, especially climbing. It is one of the major climbing venues in Spain, offering climbing routes of all grades and styles, some of them very bold and challenging, which attract climbers from all over the world. On my way to El Chorro from Altea (540km) I passed by Granada, saw the Sierra Nevada covered in snow and had to stop and get out my hood, warm socks, overal trousers and jacket. It felt freezing cold on the bike despite the bright sunny day. ... read more

And now readers a little poem: To one I've loved/lost: I neither know nor understand what has happened. years long ago you used to be my hero you had all the answers you had courage you weren't afraid to take risks Now it seems your someone I no longer know You've deteriorated bit by bit You're so shy and retreated So fragile and delicate No one can say anything without you falling to pieces. One day you want to lean on me the next you throw me away I never know who Im dealing with or when or where why..... I love you and maybe I haven't lost you I just need to say goodbye to you the you I expect to be there and is gone except in fleeting moments that I wait and long ... read more