Butterfly Park Benalmadena - Mariposa Benalmadena

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

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

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

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

FOR SALE

Ford Focus, 1.8 TDCi Manual


Colour - Silver
Mileage -  150k

Year - March 2002


Brilliant car.  Been looked after for 9 years.  Never had any problems.
All paperwork available.


The Car has just been serviced and ITV is valid until March 2013




Price:  2850€ ono


If you are interested in seeing the car, please email jomarbella@gmail.com 

Photos coming soon

They Say Spain is Healthier than the UK

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

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

 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.