The Online Magazine for Nueva Andalucia

Putin House Marbella - Vladimir Putin Marbella

2012-01-24T09:50:00.000+01:00

Its all over the news that Russian Prime Minister is in the process of buying a house in La Zagaleta. If you don't know La Zagaleta, well its a huge private estate where you have to be rather wealthy to live. As you drive up the Ronda Road, its on the left hand side. The best way to see it is on google maps. The houses are mind-blowingly huge. La Zagaleta has 2 golf courses, an equestrian centre and a club house with everything you can think of inside. Plus the most incredible views.

Apparently Yuri Luzhkov, the ex Mayor of Moscow, already lives in La Zagaleta.Residents of La Zagaleta vote to whom can buy and not buy a property there. So will they accept Vladamir Putin? Would you?

For more information about Vladamir Putin Marbella

Typically Spanish

For More information La Zagaleta

Review of Apple Marbella - Apple Store Marbella

2012-01-21T11:38:00.000+01:00

I will post more about this soon, but so far all I can say is...fantastic.

I was a very lucky girl when on my birthday I received an Apple Mac Pro. I didn't want one at the time, didn't think I needed it, didn't think Id like it. Im so used to a pc with mouse etc. I don't really like change.

The first week I really struggled but then started with my One to One lessons and its just brilliant. Im still learning, but the service is brilliant, the welcoming, the staff, the training. Its all just wonderful.

It is so much better than I thought it would be. Im impressed and I don't get impressed easily!

Restaurants for Weddings Marbella - Estepona

2012-01-17T19:32:00.000+01:00

Hi Jo,

We are looking for a nice restaurant to hold a small wedding, somewhere between Marbella and Estepona. Somewhere with a nice atmosphere, good food and must be reasonably priced. Would love somewhere where there is some music and space to dance in the evening. Can you recommend anywhere?

Hope you can help

Tracey x

Marbella to Sierra Nevada

2012-01-15T18:59:00.001+01:00

Pictures of Sierra Nevada

Yesterday, for the first time, we went to Sierra Nevada. Well, actually its the second...kind off. When we first moved here, we went out exploring loads and started to drive up to Sierra Nevada. My OH was driving up, but suffers pretty badly from vertigo...I was pregnant, hungry, dying for a pee and basically, not a nice drive up. We got to a point where all we saw was sky and both felt pretty ill and had to turn around and go back down.

Pictures of Sierra Nevada Town

However, yesterday, after being more used to the windy roads, we got to the top...whoopee. What we realized was, the first time, when we tried, we really were just about 5 minutes from the top, when we turned back around. I was amazed. It all felt really surreal, like I was in a dream. I´m, we, are not skiers, never done it in our lives before. It was full of people of all nationalities and ages, some in really cool ski and snowboarding wear and others like us, just dressed normal, seeing what its all about.

We just wanted to see it, and maybe in a few weeks we will go back and get some ski lessons. We just wandered around and ended up queuing for about half an hour for tickets for the toboggan, and then had to queue again to go on it. It was a ridiculous amount of time to queue for a ride no longer than 4 minutes. But we had to try something whilst there. There seemed to be lots of different areas for kids which was great. The lots of different slopes etc.

Lots of choice of restaurants. We sat at one called Tia Maria (I think), just had a sandwich but the food looked really good and next time will definitely go back. It was the side overlooking all the mountains and ski slopes.

Advice

If you are a regular Sierra Nevada goer, I would welcome your comments. Best places to stay, eat. Best ski schools to go to etc. Please leave comments below.

Getting to Sierra Nevada from Marbella

We always take the Toll Road. We went on the new big of road to Granada (as you get closer to Malaga). It really took quite a bit of time off the normal journey. We just kept following the signs for Granada and the suddenly there was a small sign saying "Sierra Nevada". We did miss it the first time, so wasted 15 minutes driving back. Going there took us 2.5 hours. On the way home, it really was 2 hours door to door.

Elvis Marbella - Palacio de Congresso

2012-01-13T12:41:00.000+01:00

Outside the Palacio de Congresso in Marbella is a huge sign advertising Elvis´Original Band 77th Birthday. Its not very clear. There is all this other stuff mentioned about Hard Rock and lots of different types of tickets available, including food, excluding food etc.

Im also not too sure January is the best time...noones even been paid after Christmas yet.

Date: January 18th
Time: 9.30pm
Tickets: from 31.70 (reduced visibility) to 156.20 for VIP.

Buy Elvis Marbella Tickets Here

Car Insurance Excesses - My Lesson Learned

2012-01-12T19:41:00.000+01:00

Today I learnt a lesson. I spend a lot of time getting prices down, negotiating on insurances and things like that. I got my car insurance down to the lowest a couple of years ago, but that was with putting the excess higher.

I learnt that actually, depending on the difference in price, it may well be worth paying more with less excess.

Whilst reversing out of a space in El Corte Ingles, I smashed my wing mirror to pieces on the post. So I went to Ford this afternoon, who were brilliant. I was only there yesterday for a service. The guy gave me a price and ordered the piece for me. He then asked me if I have insurance. I could claim.

He was great and called them for me. I thought fantastic, as its going to be another 250 euros. Then, Linea Directa told me yes they will fix it...I have an excess of 300Euros!!!!

So, next month when I renew my policy, yes, I will be lowering the excess and pay the higher premium.

On Top La Cañada, Marbella - Hair Accessories Marbella

2012-01-12T19:21:00.000+01:00

If you are looking for something special to wear on your head, a hairband, tiara, scarf, clips or something similar, there is a new shop in La Cañada.

Its called On Top, and is upstairs opposite Sephora.

Visit On Top Website Here

Butterfly Park Benalmadena - Mariposa Benalmadena

2011-12-27T22:57:00.000+01:00

Butterfly Park Benalmadena

Being the Christmas Holidays, we all need to keep occupied. We cannot eat anymore mince pies! We drove to Benalmadena to the Butterfly Park, Mariposario de Benalmádena. We didn´t really know what to expect, but actually when we got there was pleasantly surprised. Its a small place but nicely done.

Butterfly Park Benalmadena

Butterflies and Moths are literally flying around everywhere. They are even on the floor so you need to be careful where you are walking. They were all so beautiful, we were all amazed how much we enjoyed seeing them. On the hour, every hour, there is someone that talks about the Butterflies and Moths in Spanish and then in English. All very interested about the way they develop etc

Morpho Peleides, Butterfly Park, Benalmadena

It was very hot inside, so if you don't want to carry your coats around, leave them in the car. There is a little shop selling lots of really beautiful products with butterflies on.

Idea Leuconoe, Butterfly Park, Benalmadena

It only took about 30 minutes to get there. Exit 217 on the N340 and then follow the signs.

Price was 19€ for 2 adults and a child, that was with 1€ discount per person. They do have annual passes which seemed very good value. 8.50€ per adult and 5€ per child. Search for discount vouchers, there are lots around.

Would we go again? Yes, actually we would.

Butterfly Park, Benalmaena

Nueva Andalucia to Ronda

2011-12-27T22:41:00.001+01:00

When we first moved here Ronda seemed like a real long journey and the road wasn´t that great. But now, its actually not that bad and you can get to Ronda within the hour.

We went there yesterday after our trip to Júzcar, Smurf Village. It was freezing. Yes, freezing. If you go to Ronda, make sure you wrap up warm. I wish I had hat, gloves and scarf yesterday.

We parked in the main car park under the main square, which is pretty old, small and not that nice. There is a newer car park near the railway station as you now drive into Ronda from the new roads...try this car park.

Ronda Main Street

We took our dog with us yesterday so we had to find somewhere to eat outdoors. As it was so cold, we needed some sun, so ate in the main square. We had a couple of bocadillos which weren´t that great, simply because the bread was rock hard. But did also have a mushroom dish and a prawn dish, but both had fantastic flavours.

I love going to Ronda as it feels like its a million miles away from Marbella. The scenery is just breathtaking, but I also love the busyness of the high street and the feeling of being in a city.

Ronda

View from Ronda Bridge

Ronda

If you have any questions just leave a comment

Smurf Village, Spain - Juzcar Andalucia

2011-12-27T22:24:00.003+01:00

Júzcar, Andalucia

After reading all about the "Smurf Village", formerly known as Júzcar, we went to see it for ourselves yesterday. It´s a little White Pueblo that was featured in the Smurf Film, this summer. The whole Village was painted blue. Now, the village wants to keep it blue because its bringing in tourists, which brings in money.

Júzcar, Andalucia

Once we took a left turn off the Ronda Road, Juzcar is just 13km, but this drive did seem to take forever on quite a windey and sometimes narrow road. Finally we saw this bright blue village, The Smurf Village, and all got a bit excited. We were greated by lots of loose dogs, which was nice. It literally is a little white pueblo like Istan that is painted blue. There were a few stall holders selling bread, cheese, honey etc and then a little square with people selling ´smurf products´. We love honey, so always buy the local honey wherever we go.

Juzcar Smurf Village

It literally took about 10 minutes to walk around Juzcar. Im pleased I saw it, but I wouldn´t bother going back again, unless I was on the way to Ronda and with people that desperately wanted to see it.

Juzcar Smurf Village Andalucia

Júzcar Andalucia

How to get to Juzcar from Marbella. Follow to the Road all the way to Ronda. The Ronda Road is quite a high windey road but not too scary. Then, after about 45 minutes, there is a sign for Júzcar to turn left. It says Juzcar is 13km. It´s a drive on a windy road alongside the mountain. My husband was driving and there were a few hairy moments with cars coming towards us. From the Ronda Road to Juzcar took about 15 minutes. I personally wouldn´t drive it (a womans point of view).

If you need to know anything else, just leave a comment

Terminating Contracts in Spain - Expats Leaving Money in Spain

2011-12-20T13:59:00.000+01:00

Yesterday, whilst trying to sort out our Private Health Care and also our contract with Helicopteros. It got me thinking about how much money may well be being spent by ex expats who quickly left. Terminating your contract with Helicopteros isn´t just a case of phoning up and saying cancel please. Oh no!

Some companies including the above have some really tough contracts. You have to fill out a form, sign, fax back and it must be either 1 month or 2 months before your contract expires. Otherwise, the money will be taken from your bank for another year.

When we moved a few years ago, just cancelling our Telefonica Landline took me 6 months. Why? I have no idea, but they would not cancel it. Did they refund me the landline costs...no!

So how many ex expats are still spending money or left money on deposit here in Spain? I think quite a lot. When we joined a video shop years ago, our deposit was 60€ to join. It wasn´t easy to get my money back...in the end I did, but I had to ask 3 times. How many 60€ deposits are still left there? How many mobile contracts are still running? How many landlines are still connected? How many people forgot about their Helicopteros Sanitarious Contract? Most of the people that left, left because of money reasons...I wonder how much they are still wasting.

Second Hand Ford Focus for Sale Automatic Marbella

2011-12-20T11:31:00.000+01:00

FORD FOCUS

AUTOMATIC 1.6, petrol, 55,000km.

PRICE 4,500€

CONTACT RACHAEL 0044 7813444036

please mention Nueva Andalucia Blog

Thanks honey bun.

Have a fantastic Crimbo

Think am going to ship furniture home now, so prob not going to sell in Spain.

They Say Spain is Healthier than the UK

2011-12-19T15:25:00.003+01:00

People always say that the Spain is a healthier place to be. The warmth, the sun, rather than the cold, damp weather of the UK.

In nearly 9 years of living here I have:-

been rushed to hospital, not once but twice.

had Bells Palsy - Facial Paralysis

had a throat infection so bad couldn´t eat for a week including my Christmas Dinner

had Gastroenteritis / Food Poisoning so many times Ive lost count

and loads more stuff.

I wasn´t the healthiest whist living in the UK but Id never been sick until Id moved here. Never been in an ambulance until I moved here and certainly never had any paralysis.

What about you? Are you heathier or worse since living here?

I guess the reason why I'm thinking about this is because its Health Insurance Renewal Time and also Helicopteros Santitarious. I know, its alot of cover, and I really don't particularly like Helicopteros, but they do come in use when you need an ambulance like I have needed...twice! I have heard horrific stories of ambulances taking hours to arrive. Just to use it once in an emergency and thats paid for...surely!

Surely your health comes first at any expense?

New Shops at Malaga Port - Malaga Port Area

2011-12-19T12:05:00.000+01:00

Yesterday afternoon we were so tired after our 3 hour walk in Juanar. But we knew if we didn't go to Malaga last night, we may not make it again. We got there about 5ish and it was really busy. Many of the car parks were full. We managed to get a space in the big car park under Gibralfaro. We walked through Larios Street which was absolutely buzzing. The streets were filled with people of all ages. There was such a great atmosphere.

We walked up to Avenida Andalucia and then over to the new Malaga Port Area where a new shopping area has been built called Muelle Uno. Well I was gobsmacked! Just walking towards there was lovely. Lots of little gardens and park areas and places to sit. Then when we got the the shopping area, I just loved it. First of all there is a huge kids area, a great big ball park, play area, arts & crafts and even mini cars driving around. It was fabulous. Then all along were shops, a few of the usual high street, but mostly little gift shops and boutiques. Then towards the end of the port were the restaurants, cafes and bars which were all really trendy and modern.

The Malaga Christmas lights were spectacular, everywhere, especially Avenida Andalucia with all the lights up on the trees. Walking back towards the car, in the main square at the top of Larios Street was a big stage. A live band came on about 9pm who were really good. Everyone was having such a great time. We also all had such a great time in Malaga Saturday Night.

We have always said Malaga is a very underestimated City.

Nueva Andalucia to Juanar - Nice Walks in Marbella

2011-12-17T15:20:00.001+01:00

If you fancy a bit of fresh air, exercise and maybe taking the dogs for a big walk, then head to Juanar. Its literally a 10 minute drive from La Cañada, and you feel a million miles away.

Juanar

We all dressed very warm with hats, scarves, jeans, thick coats and walking boots and headed to Juanar. We parked just outside the Parador El Refugio de Juanar, but if you drive on a little bit further, there is proper parking for walkers.

We walked to the Mirador, which was a wonderful view of across the mountains, Ojen and the sea. It was such a beautiful day today. Then we carried on walking into the Pine Forest where we finally sat and had some merienda. All along there are different routes to, La Concha, Istan, Marbella. Its a wonderful place to go and get away from it all.

Juanar

Its quite alot colder up there so do wrap up warm. Also do stick to the main paths!

How to get to Juanar? Drive to La Cañada, drive straight up towards Ojen. Go past Triple A and soon on the right hand side you will see a sign for El Refugio de Juanar. Follow the road along and you will come to it.

Lovely photos coming soon

Dogs on Lead Law Spain

2011-12-15T17:29:00.000+01:00

Now, please do correct me if I am wrong. But I think the law used to be dogs 20kg or more had to be on a lead in Spain. Then I heard that the law changed and all dogs have to be on leads. You can be fined pretty heavily.

Maybe its just because I am more aware of it, but it seems to me there are more and more dogs loose, and they seem to be getting bigger and bigger.

We often walk, run, or bike ride along the paseo, and sometimes with our own dog. I guess being on all sides of the fence, even though our little dog seriously cant hurt anyone, he could cause a serious accident running out in front of bikes. This really is annoying when you are bike riding, as I experienced myself the other day.

Then if you are running, dogs have a thing about people running, so often they start running towards you. Personally, having been bitten pretty badly in my life, not once but twice, one time by my own dog, I am nervous. I know how strong dogs are. I know how quickly dogs can turn.

When we are just strolling with our own little dog, often my little girl holds the lead. Its pretty scary when these dogs come running up and the owners aren´t even in sight. Often they start to play fight which then can become quite scary for my little girl who just wants to protect her dog. We teach her to always stay away and she has to allow the dogs to get on with it...but actually, why should I? Why are these dogs loose?

This morning, I'm walking minding my own business and 2 huge Alsatians are running towards me, no lead. The other day there were 2 Rottweilers. Now, I'm not saying these dogs are bad dogs just because they are big as I know little dogs are just as bad. But I think its completely unfair of the owners to do this. Constantly bikes have to slam their breaks on. Constantly kids are screaming as dogs are running up to them.

Please have some consideration. The police are around alot more and you will get a heavy fine.

La Fishita Review Nueva Andalucia - Fish & Chips Nueva Andalucia

2011-12-13T13:30:00.003+01:00

I found the takeaway menu for La Fishita in the house tonight and suddenly really fancied fish & chips with mushy peas and tartar sauce. I thought we´d get a takeaway. Seemed really cheap but when we got there, my dear OH wanted to sit in.

Initially the set up is a bit weird as the entrance is at the side and there was noone in there. After finally being able to open the door, a lady was there to take care of us straight away. Its really set up for open air eating in the summer months I think. When you get there you will see what Im talking about, but it is very nice inside.

Menu, fish & chips, burgers, fish cakes, pies...the lot. Kids meals to for about 5€ and they gave colouring pencils which always get a bonus mark!

We had 2 Cod & Chips, mushy peas, water & beer. I shared my cod & chips with my daughter and it was absolutely adequate. It was all really good. Fish was delicious, tasty, white flaky fish coated in a delicious batter which didn´t feel like your normal greasy batter.

Kids Meals are 5.75€ for Cod, Steak Burger, Scampi or Sausage served with Chips and drink which is very good value.

Bill was about 29€. Obviously, quite a bit more than if we were to have a takeaway, but 2 adults and 8 year old girl all nicely full.

Will we go back? Most definitely and will certainly be getting takeaways!

Cudeca Volunteers - Voluntary Work in Marbella

2011-12-07T17:28:00.001+01:00

Having just started helping out in the Cudeca Shop, I wanted to say how wonderful all these women who voluteer are.

There are some women that have been there years. Day in day out, sorting through bags and bags of stuff, sometimes washing them, pressing them, pricing them up. Then others standing in the shops selling, tidying, cleaning, dealing with some really lovely people and some really difficult people.

Im shocked to find that many items get stolen by shoplifters. How terrible is that, to shoplift from a Charity Shop. But all the positives weigh out the negatives.

3 Main Points I would like to get out there.

Firstly, please don´t leave donations outside the shop. They just get stolen.

Secondly, if you have a few hours to spare one day a week, or even just over a period of a couple of months, see if there is a shop near you. These shops need you. Its great for practising your Spanish too!

Thirdly, if you are giving garments / items in. Think...would you buy it in that condition? Please try and help and make sure things are washed and preferably iron.

I have absolutely loved the past couple of weeks and have come across some of the most loveliest people I have ever met here on the Coast.

If you are a business / restaurant that maybe would like to offer your services or a special discount to these wonderful ladies, get in touch.

Love to Eat - Closed

2011-12-07T17:16:00.002+01:00

The other day we noticed that Love to Eat had its window covered. I thought, thinking positively that they were redoing their window.

Well, it doesnt take a week to do a window display. Plus a few rumours. it seems that Love to Eat has gone.

Terrasana & Love to Eat Golden Mile both gone.

Christmas Office Parties Marbella

2011-12-07T17:09:00.000+01:00

The past 2 weeks I have been trying to sort out an office party for about 9 people. I emailed a few places, some were helpful, some weren´t and some didnt reply.

We are in a "crisis". Many restaurants are doing menu del dias, or doing half price meals on Cooldeals and other discount websites etc. So if they are able to do that, then if they wanted to, they could do a deal for an office party.

Last year we went to Smallworld which was lovely. We all would have been happy returning this year, but we did feel we should try somewhere different. But, personally, if you are looking for somewhere which serves everything and does it good, I wouldnt hesitate in calling Smallworld.

My choices were

Marbella Club

Polo House

Nueva Kascada

La Casita.

I wrote nice emails to most of of them, explaining we what I would like. 9 people, that live here, some whom have never been to their restaurants etc. Could they do a set menu at the specified price.

Ok, the results

Marbella Club - a pretty bad reply email sent from a Blackberry, no Dear or Estimada, saying, we all wish we could have menu at that price.

Polo House - Still waiting for a response.

Nueva Kascada - after finally getting the email through, they did respond with a choice of menus. The restaurant is lovely and the service was fantastic, but the menus just didn´t do it for me. It was 2 of the main things I or some people dont eat. Carpaccio & Shellfish. But very helpful.

La Casita - phoned, explained what I wanted. They said they need to speak to the chef and I will call me back. They called back, menu sounded amazing. La Casita it is!

Will tell you if it was a success next week! But having been there once before, I think it will be!.

Smallworld Marbella

2011-12-07T16:58:00.001+01:00

Last weekend we popped to Smallworld Cafe in Marbella. We had the chicken wings and quesadillas to start, followed by a pizza and laksa, chocolate brownie, water and the expensive beer (if you havent tried, you must!).

Everything was delicious. We all love the food here.

Bill was about 50€ for the 3 of us and we were all full and enjoyed it all.

Last year we had a Christmas Party there and the food and service was excellent. This year, we were very tempted to go back again, but felt we must try somewhere else.

Terrasana Golden Mile - Closed

2011-12-07T16:52:00.000+01:00

Looking through the window of Terrasana on the Golden Mile, looks as if everyone has literally got up and left mid service.

I do keep getting emails pushing the Terrasana in Nueva Andalucia, so I gather this has closed. With all the problems they had with the person that took the restaurant/s over, they didnt really recover from this.

Shame to see such a great restaurant go.

Weather in Marbella in November 2011

2011-11-25T18:37:00.000+01:00

The weather this November has been quite good. There have been a few days of really heavy rain, but the majority of the time we have had a lot of sunshine. Some days have been so hot that there have been people in the sea and on the beach sunbathing.

For us locals, its definately chillier at nightime, heatings on and the duvets are out.

If you are coming on holiday, bring slippers as the floors are cold and layers. Its hot in the sun but chilly in the shade and chilly at night.

Christmas in Marbella, Spain or the UK

2011-11-25T18:34:00.000+01:00

Which do you prefer?

Me...UK, but I cant be bothered to travel over the Christmas Period.

Kids Drama Classes in Marbella

2011-11-25T18:15:00.000+01:00

This is no longer running. If you know of any other Drama Classes in Marbella, please leave a comment

DRAMA TOTS MARBELLA

Taught by a Francine Winter