'It is a fact that many ex-patriot residents living in Spain have decided to escape from the grey skies of Britain, and also from the cost of living that seems to rise daily.
Many restaurants and bars in London for instance, charge what for some is a day's wages for a meal, whereas in inland Spain, in the Cantoria area for instance, the cost of eating out is still relatively cheaper, and one can still enjoy a wide variety of foods for a fraction of the cost of similar in the UK. The all year-round sunshine, and for some, the relaxed way of life makes Spain a paradise for the million or so people from northern Europe who have made Spain their home.
For many of the million or so Britons who have made the transition, there have been problems related to the property market, and although care was taken in choosing a property, and legal advice was sought and used, many have still had bad experiences and lost their home due to fraudulent practices.
In the Andalucia region and specifically in the Almanzora valley, and the Albox areas, approximately 8,000 homes were built and the new owners, who had paid on average €200,000 for a new build, and taken all of the legal advice that was available to them during the period 2002 to 2003, have only afterwards found some of their properties to be illegal one way or another. Many new owners have suffered as a result of demolition threats and the legal expenses that they have incurred because of this.
It is therefore important when choosing a property, that a buyer should not only seek legal assistance, but also to speak to local residents and council officials who can provide them with more details of who originally owned the property, and even give contact information to the families who originally owned the property, so that the buyer can satisfy themselves that a claim on the property will not be made at a future date. Local Internet forums are easily accessible, and a lot of information is available, as well as contact with other expats who will readily agree to explain the situation within their areas.
Even though such advice has been sought and the legal matters and licences put into place, some families have had their homes demolished.
If the property is a new build, then the same thing applies. The ownership of a piece of land should be verified, and full consent should be assured before the build commences. Once again, it would be prudent to find as much information as possible about the situation in the area of choice, and to also visit the local forums for that area, and this can be done by searching on the internet and using the correct search terms such as 'Spain property fraud victims' and selecting the result that are produced in that search. Also to seek out other British expats in the chosen area and to ask about any possible problems that might exist.
It is so important that all of the legalities are take care of, so that one can then relax and enjoy the great Spanish weather, and to then enjoy the local activities without the fear of waking up one morning to find a letter in the post box ordering them to move out as the property is illegal and is about to be demolished.
Many people move to Spain to escape problems in their own country - only to find that they are confronted with a new set of problems which are even worse than the ones they left behind.
The Spanish have a different way of doing things than most Europeans; the language can be a problem in certain areas although there are many ways to learn the differences in dialects, and there are lots of local tutors eager to help for €10 to €15 for each lesson.
All is not doom and gloom though, as for the majority of British expats; there have been no problems, but always the thought in the back of the mind that perhaps they too would be contacted by the local junta at some time in the future.
For the most part, it has been sunshine and Sangria, and the fun of the local festivities and markets that the Spanish people have built a reputation for providing.
Some people just can't cope with the summer heat of the southern coastal resorts even though sunshine was probably the biggest factor in their decision to move to Spain. This does take time to adjust to, but after a while, one realizes that as long as you live as the Spanish people do and take the mid day siesta, and drink lots of fresh water, they can become more acclimatized as time goes by.
One of the most endearing things about the Spanish is their wonderfully relaxed attitude. If you don't have enough cash to pay a bar bill in rural areas of Spain such as the Cantoria area, the owner will normally just shrug his shoulders and tell you to come back tomorrow. That's great - unless you're a businessman who wants something done in a hurry at a specified time of day. That's when Spaniards can drive you nuts!
There is always the issue of leaving close friends and family in the UK, but the air fares and boat crossings are so very affordable these days, reaching home base within the UK is not a problem, and family and friends can always visit.
Making Spanish friends is not hard at all, and it all depends on having the right attitude towards the local peoples. The old saying of 'when in Rome do as the Romans do' works very well, and as long as we realize that the Spanish people are cautious about making new friends due to bad press in the past, we should always make a special effort to make allowances for that, and foster good relations by setting better examples of ourselves.
If you're planning to work in Spain you need to be aware that job opportunities are fairly limited, especially if you don't speak fluent Spanish and wages are much lower than in north European countries. If you are a younger person looking for work, then it is important that you seek advice from a person who is locally called a jester. This person will help you to put all of the legal issues into place, so that you can work without the fear of being asked to leave because you do not have the correct documentation to support your rights to live and work in Spain. Changing to the Spanish system can be quite expensive, and it is important that good health insurance is taken in order that you are fully covered if you require medical assistance.
The key to success is to visit different areas a few times, and to try it out before you make a long-term commitment to moving to Spain which could cost you dearly in terms of both money and emotional trauma.
For those who make a success of life in Spain, the country is a wonderful cocktail of cheap food and wine, non-stop fiestas, freedom from the poor weather in the UK, and a year-round outdoor lifestyle with like-minded souls who believe life's simply too short to spend in a grey London office block.
There is nothing better than an adventure, and moving to a new country is certainly that. Life is for living, and it can be so rewarding to try something completely new before one reaches a time when it is too late to give it a try.
With the right attitude, and by seeking the proper assistance from the legal angle, the transition can be smooth and very rewarding.
The Spanish people are usually very friendly, and after a short time, you will be greeted warmly by everyone that you meet. Where there might be some resistance, this makes it a challenge to prove to the Spanish people, that you are there to join in and contribute to the overall living experience, and in time, even those who might resist, come around to the conclusion that you are there to be a part of their lives, and to add benefits rather than to take away what is considered by them to be theirs.
Living in Spain is a wonderful way to enhance your life, and you will never know how good it is unless you give it a try.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gordy_Mitchell
Tuesday 17 May 2011
Friday 13 May 2011
Sociable Eating - The Spanish Way
Breakfast
Breakfast the Spanish way is usually a light and late affair. It isn't unusual to have breakfast as late as 10am although most Spaniards eat about around 8.30am. Breakfast usually consists of small sandwiches, tapas dishes or Churros (sweet pancakes). This will be followed by coffee and fresh juices to kick-start your day. Breakfast is usually attended by the entire family.
Coffee Breaks
The Spanish make a mean coffee and tend to take regular coffee breaks throughout the day. This is usually a sociable event, allowing time for friends to natter and gossip.
Lunch
Lunch time is Spain is a big deal. Shops have even been known to close during lunch time so that families and friends can get together at the same time. A Spanish lunch is a lengthy affair and can last anywhere between 1 and 5 hours. Food will be shared amongst friends and family and will be accompanied with lots of drinks and good conversation. After lunch a siesta may follow, this is a short nap, allowing diners to relax and refresh.
Afternoon Snack
Dinner is served very late in Spain, so an afternoon snack is sometimes necessary. Much like the coffee break, afternoon snacks allow friends to get together and chatter. Afternoon snacks usually consist of sandwiches and pastries or maybe just a drink.
Dinner
Dinner the Spanish way usually starts much later than that of the average dinner. Dinner can start anywhere between 9pm and midnight! Dinner time is a chance for friends and family to get together once more, to enjoy and appreciate one another's company and to bond. Tapas is often served at dinner time. Tapas consists of lots of small dishes of food, shared out amongst the group. These small, bite size plates of food allow people to chat between courses and to really enjoy eating together. Dinner is a celebratory time in Spanish culture, full of love and laughter.
Looking for a Spanish tapas restaurant? La Mancha is a Tapas restaurant in Putney serving up great Spanish food and fantastic prices.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Dawe
Breakfast the Spanish way is usually a light and late affair. It isn't unusual to have breakfast as late as 10am although most Spaniards eat about around 8.30am. Breakfast usually consists of small sandwiches, tapas dishes or Churros (sweet pancakes). This will be followed by coffee and fresh juices to kick-start your day. Breakfast is usually attended by the entire family.
Coffee Breaks
The Spanish make a mean coffee and tend to take regular coffee breaks throughout the day. This is usually a sociable event, allowing time for friends to natter and gossip.
Lunch
Lunch time is Spain is a big deal. Shops have even been known to close during lunch time so that families and friends can get together at the same time. A Spanish lunch is a lengthy affair and can last anywhere between 1 and 5 hours. Food will be shared amongst friends and family and will be accompanied with lots of drinks and good conversation. After lunch a siesta may follow, this is a short nap, allowing diners to relax and refresh.
Afternoon Snack
Dinner is served very late in Spain, so an afternoon snack is sometimes necessary. Much like the coffee break, afternoon snacks allow friends to get together and chatter. Afternoon snacks usually consist of sandwiches and pastries or maybe just a drink.
Dinner
Dinner the Spanish way usually starts much later than that of the average dinner. Dinner can start anywhere between 9pm and midnight! Dinner time is a chance for friends and family to get together once more, to enjoy and appreciate one another's company and to bond. Tapas is often served at dinner time. Tapas consists of lots of small dishes of food, shared out amongst the group. These small, bite size plates of food allow people to chat between courses and to really enjoy eating together. Dinner is a celebratory time in Spanish culture, full of love and laughter.
Looking for a Spanish tapas restaurant? La Mancha is a Tapas restaurant in Putney serving up great Spanish food and fantastic prices.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Dawe
Tuesday 10 May 2011
Spain 2011, To Buy or Not to Buy? That Is the Question!
I am going to leave Statistics to the Statisticians and concentrate on what the statistics don´t tell you about the Spanish Property Market for 2011.
To be reading this you must have at least a passing interest in Spain and Spanish property. Why wouldn't you, it is a beautiful country steeped in history, art and culture. The food is great and the people are warm and hospitable. You can find it all. The country has everything from large cosmopolitan cities to sandy beaches and high mountain ski resorts. Yes, I am a Fan! I am going to look at whether to buy a property in Spain from the perspective of a British property buyer, basically because I am one myself.
Buying with a Mortgage
Well I think that this covers a large number of us when we look to buy a property.
In Spain right now you can obtain up to a 100% mortgage for the purchase of new build Spanish Property direct from major Spanish Banks and lending institutions. You won´t find that in the U.K., if you can let me know where! This might at first glance seem like Lunacy, on behalf of the Spanish Banks and on the part of you the potential buyer!! Surely careless lending and high loan to value mortgages were part of the cause and effect that led to the worldwide property and financial crisis!?
Yes all that is true but, and it is a big but, What needs to be observed is that:
* The Spanish Property Market has undergone a significant downward adjustment in prices and is in my opinion Property Prices are bottoming out, certainly for the better properties.
* Availability of Mortgage Finance up to 100% as the Spanish Banks look to sell their New Build Property Stocks. So what appears to be Lunacy and a lack of short term memory is in fact a pragmatic approach to the Spanish Banks problem of having to take possession from Spanish Property Developers of large numbers of developments and in turn sell them. So with UK mortgages requiring ever bigger deposits someone looking for a property investment you can enjoy for years to come Spain is a compelling proposition.
* The maxim of Location, Location, Location is to be paired with Timing, Timing, Timing! The best properties will sell first so waiting to the last minute will leave you with what is NOT WANTED
You need to consider that even if in the short term prices fell a few percentage points the opportunity that exists for you to secure that Spanish Home is at hand because as any British property buyer will tell you 100% mortgages do not exist and certainly not on new build properties. Combine this with record low interest rates and low prices a smart new Spanish home has become a realistic affordable option for you!
Buying with Cash
Cash as ever is King so no need to drum on about that, what is good to know is that if you are buying with cash you have a window of opportunity to extract a further price reduction, perhaps not the headline grabbing kind of 2010 but Banks are willing to enter sensible negotiations for serious cash buyers.
If "That" is the question What is the Answer
Spain is a definite buy for me with all it offers combined with up to 100% mortgage finance available and properties from city apartments, beach, mountain and country homes. I have been looking at coastal properties with pools and near beaches for as little as €65,000 I don´t think opportunities like these will be around forever and judging by the rate Spanish buyers are purchasing I sense the best buys will continue to sell well in 2011.
British buyers who like property as a medium to long term investment and are fed up with the British Banks and Mortgage Companies inflexibility regarding lending should take a serious look at Spain where there are many second home opportunities and rental investments. I also feel that savvy first time buyers who are saving for deposits could look to make an investment in Span taking advantage of the ability to borrow and use a Spanish property to form part of their plan to build a deposit over a 3 to 5 year period and have all the enjoyment of owning a home in Spain with easy access via low cost airlines. Renting the property out during the periods it is not in use should in my opinion contribute to the cost of the mortgage.
In conclusion 2011 is a year of opportunity for Spanish Property Buyers, I certainly will be looking to take advantage of these favourable conditions for buyers.
Written by Robert Evans, Manager Basico Homes UK a Division of Basico Homes Gestion SL Spain
http://www.basicohomes.co.uk/
robert.evans@basicohomes.com
http://blog.basicohomes.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_S_Evans
To be reading this you must have at least a passing interest in Spain and Spanish property. Why wouldn't you, it is a beautiful country steeped in history, art and culture. The food is great and the people are warm and hospitable. You can find it all. The country has everything from large cosmopolitan cities to sandy beaches and high mountain ski resorts. Yes, I am a Fan! I am going to look at whether to buy a property in Spain from the perspective of a British property buyer, basically because I am one myself.
Buying with a Mortgage
Well I think that this covers a large number of us when we look to buy a property.
In Spain right now you can obtain up to a 100% mortgage for the purchase of new build Spanish Property direct from major Spanish Banks and lending institutions. You won´t find that in the U.K., if you can let me know where! This might at first glance seem like Lunacy, on behalf of the Spanish Banks and on the part of you the potential buyer!! Surely careless lending and high loan to value mortgages were part of the cause and effect that led to the worldwide property and financial crisis!?
Yes all that is true but, and it is a big but, What needs to be observed is that:
* The Spanish Property Market has undergone a significant downward adjustment in prices and is in my opinion Property Prices are bottoming out, certainly for the better properties.
* Availability of Mortgage Finance up to 100% as the Spanish Banks look to sell their New Build Property Stocks. So what appears to be Lunacy and a lack of short term memory is in fact a pragmatic approach to the Spanish Banks problem of having to take possession from Spanish Property Developers of large numbers of developments and in turn sell them. So with UK mortgages requiring ever bigger deposits someone looking for a property investment you can enjoy for years to come Spain is a compelling proposition.
* The maxim of Location, Location, Location is to be paired with Timing, Timing, Timing! The best properties will sell first so waiting to the last minute will leave you with what is NOT WANTED
You need to consider that even if in the short term prices fell a few percentage points the opportunity that exists for you to secure that Spanish Home is at hand because as any British property buyer will tell you 100% mortgages do not exist and certainly not on new build properties. Combine this with record low interest rates and low prices a smart new Spanish home has become a realistic affordable option for you!
Buying with Cash
Cash as ever is King so no need to drum on about that, what is good to know is that if you are buying with cash you have a window of opportunity to extract a further price reduction, perhaps not the headline grabbing kind of 2010 but Banks are willing to enter sensible negotiations for serious cash buyers.
If "That" is the question What is the Answer
Spain is a definite buy for me with all it offers combined with up to 100% mortgage finance available and properties from city apartments, beach, mountain and country homes. I have been looking at coastal properties with pools and near beaches for as little as €65,000 I don´t think opportunities like these will be around forever and judging by the rate Spanish buyers are purchasing I sense the best buys will continue to sell well in 2011.
British buyers who like property as a medium to long term investment and are fed up with the British Banks and Mortgage Companies inflexibility regarding lending should take a serious look at Spain where there are many second home opportunities and rental investments. I also feel that savvy first time buyers who are saving for deposits could look to make an investment in Span taking advantage of the ability to borrow and use a Spanish property to form part of their plan to build a deposit over a 3 to 5 year period and have all the enjoyment of owning a home in Spain with easy access via low cost airlines. Renting the property out during the periods it is not in use should in my opinion contribute to the cost of the mortgage.
In conclusion 2011 is a year of opportunity for Spanish Property Buyers, I certainly will be looking to take advantage of these favourable conditions for buyers.
Written by Robert Evans, Manager Basico Homes UK a Division of Basico Homes Gestion SL Spain
http://www.basicohomes.co.uk/
robert.evans@basicohomes.com
http://blog.basicohomes.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_S_Evans
Monday 9 May 2011
Expats in Spain and the Cost of Banking
If you decide to go and live Spain you will need to open a Bank Account over there.
As in the UK there are different types of bank accounts. If you have got a Halifax account in the UK then retain it and open one with the Halifax in Spain. All transfers each way are free.
In Spain cash tends to be king. So, you can expect to pay for the privilege of holding credit or debit cards, maybe 1 euro per card per month. Pay in a Spanish cheque and you will pay perhaps 1 euro for that transaction. Transferring money usually costs you, and you might pay 1 - 3 euros per transaction, depending on whether you do it over the Internet or at the bank. And as if it wasn`t bad enough having to pay out for individual items a lot of banks will charge a flat rate fee just for handling your account. This could work out at around 20 euros a year. Negotiating might get some fees reduced.
Basically, for virtually every transaction you will have to pay. Some charges can often be minimize by keeping a certain amount in your account.
Like most things in life it`s worth shopping around and getting the account that is right for you. You could even end up with several bank accounts held at different banks.
Apart from the Spanish banks there are also a number of foreign ones to choose from, including Deutsche Bank, Barclays, Citibank and others those of us in the UK are familiar with. But don`t think that the banks out in Spain are just foreign extensions of their UK counterparts, they are most definitely not.
If you can make any sense of their likely charges that will help when deciding to set your account(s) up, but unlike in the UK clarity isn`t one of their strong points.
You can get a cheque book in Spain but the Spanish prefer to do transactions in cash or credit card. If you visit a bank in Spain then be prepared to have to queue for an hour to get served, as the staff tend to chat on the phone (both mobile and landline) drink tea/coffee, talk to their workmates and until recently, smoke whilst serving you. Internet banking is starting to become more popular, which takes the tedium out of having to go to the branch.
The interest on your savings is low, usually about 1.5% and remember they charge for having an account with them. You can withdraw cash from the cash machines outside of the bank, but take care as robbery and copying of PIN numbers is unfortunately quite common.
Our Current account and Savings account are the opposite over there, so if you open an account make sure it`s what you want. Your passport is essential for opening an account and the paperwork can take about 45 minutes to complete.
The banks open around 8.30 a.m and close at 2 p.m. although in the summer they may open an hour or two at night. When transferring money (usually over £5000) there are several money companies that will do this for you at a better rate than a holidaymaker gets and with no commission. To make comparisons, get a quote from your own bank first (who will always charge a commission from £25-£70 and give a lower exchange rate) but it is a guide.
Finally, avoid going into the red if at all possible. In Spain they are notorious for their high charges for normal day to day transactions. Go overdrawn and you will pay dearly for it. the penalties can be very heavy. Whilst it might not affect too many British out there I do feel sorry for the Spanish who may be unemployed at this time. The banks can and will penalize those unfortunate enough to miss payments, which just makes their already difficult lives even worse, and puts them further in to debt.
Apart from discussing Life in Spain Geoff also runs the Strathwood Patio Furniture website.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Geoff_Cummings
As in the UK there are different types of bank accounts. If you have got a Halifax account in the UK then retain it and open one with the Halifax in Spain. All transfers each way are free.
In Spain cash tends to be king. So, you can expect to pay for the privilege of holding credit or debit cards, maybe 1 euro per card per month. Pay in a Spanish cheque and you will pay perhaps 1 euro for that transaction. Transferring money usually costs you, and you might pay 1 - 3 euros per transaction, depending on whether you do it over the Internet or at the bank. And as if it wasn`t bad enough having to pay out for individual items a lot of banks will charge a flat rate fee just for handling your account. This could work out at around 20 euros a year. Negotiating might get some fees reduced.
Basically, for virtually every transaction you will have to pay. Some charges can often be minimize by keeping a certain amount in your account.
Like most things in life it`s worth shopping around and getting the account that is right for you. You could even end up with several bank accounts held at different banks.
Apart from the Spanish banks there are also a number of foreign ones to choose from, including Deutsche Bank, Barclays, Citibank and others those of us in the UK are familiar with. But don`t think that the banks out in Spain are just foreign extensions of their UK counterparts, they are most definitely not.
If you can make any sense of their likely charges that will help when deciding to set your account(s) up, but unlike in the UK clarity isn`t one of their strong points.
You can get a cheque book in Spain but the Spanish prefer to do transactions in cash or credit card. If you visit a bank in Spain then be prepared to have to queue for an hour to get served, as the staff tend to chat on the phone (both mobile and landline) drink tea/coffee, talk to their workmates and until recently, smoke whilst serving you. Internet banking is starting to become more popular, which takes the tedium out of having to go to the branch.
The interest on your savings is low, usually about 1.5% and remember they charge for having an account with them. You can withdraw cash from the cash machines outside of the bank, but take care as robbery and copying of PIN numbers is unfortunately quite common.
Our Current account and Savings account are the opposite over there, so if you open an account make sure it`s what you want. Your passport is essential for opening an account and the paperwork can take about 45 minutes to complete.
The banks open around 8.30 a.m and close at 2 p.m. although in the summer they may open an hour or two at night. When transferring money (usually over £5000) there are several money companies that will do this for you at a better rate than a holidaymaker gets and with no commission. To make comparisons, get a quote from your own bank first (who will always charge a commission from £25-£70 and give a lower exchange rate) but it is a guide.
Finally, avoid going into the red if at all possible. In Spain they are notorious for their high charges for normal day to day transactions. Go overdrawn and you will pay dearly for it. the penalties can be very heavy. Whilst it might not affect too many British out there I do feel sorry for the Spanish who may be unemployed at this time. The banks can and will penalize those unfortunate enough to miss payments, which just makes their already difficult lives even worse, and puts them further in to debt.
Apart from discussing Life in Spain Geoff also runs the Strathwood Patio Furniture website.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Geoff_Cummings
Saturday 7 May 2011
Eating Habits in Spain - What You Need to Know
It's of general consensus that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and a Peruvian saying goes "you should eat breakfast like a King, lunch as a Prince and dinner as a pauper". Well, generally speaking in Spain, that's nonsense. A typical Spanish breakfast is a very quick affair, and often usually consists of just a quick drink of orange juice, chocolate milk or a cup of coffee occasionally accompanied by a pastry such as a croissant. Many people actually have this out in a café or bar, and don't have anything in their own home at all.
As anyone who is accustomed to eating a bigger breakfast will know, this kind of Spanish start to the day won't last you very long, so at around about 11am, there's a "merienda" or elevenses which is almost always a "bocadillo" or sandwich made from a baguette and filled with anything from tuna fish, cured ham, cheese, or meat. This means that lunchtime is still a good couple of hours away, despite it nearing midday already.
Lunch is a big deal in Spain compared to northern European countries, and often lasts over an hour. Depending on the region of Spain and especially the time of year, this is also time for "siesta" and many shops and establishments will close for a couple of hours. Lunchtime is a great time to venture out to a restaurant, as all Spanish restaurants are required by law to provide a "menu del dia" which is a 3 course menu at a fixed price and is very economical compared to the actual menu itself and often contains seasonal ingredients. For those people not used to such a heavy meal at lunchtime this can certainly bring on the feeling of wanting a siesta, too! A "menu del dia" usually consists of two or three starters, two or three main courses to choose from and some options for dessert which may be something simple like a yoghurt or a piece of fruit, but can be a normal desert from the menu. Bread, and drinks are also included in the price and sometimes a coffee at the end as well.
Younger children then often have something when they finish school at around 5pm although most adults don't usually eat at this time - indeed some will have had a late lunch, and may just have finished their coffee at that time!
The working day usually finishes around 8pm, but can be later. Many people go for a quick drink after work to socialise, and although I have no proof of this, I believe that this is where the Spanish tradition of "Tapas" came from - bar owners would give a free "snack" to keep people in the bar, and not return home with a rumbling stomach. In Southern Spain, Tapas is still given with the purchase of a drink whereas cities such as Barcelona and Madrid have capitalised on the niche and have Tapas restaurants in prime locations which are always full of paying customers.
An evening meal, then, can start as late as 9 or 10pm at home and certainly on a weekend if you go to a restaurant before 9pm, the only people there will be the waiting staff and the odd couple of tourists. Kitchens in restaurants usually don't open until 8pm, and often close as late as 1am. It's no surprise to learn that nightlife in Spain also starts a lot later than many other countries - and goes on later, too. Although that's another article altogether!
David Brydon has been living in Barcelona for 9 years and writes about Apartment for rent Barcelona and regularly contributes to this great Barcelona Guide.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Brydon
As anyone who is accustomed to eating a bigger breakfast will know, this kind of Spanish start to the day won't last you very long, so at around about 11am, there's a "merienda" or elevenses which is almost always a "bocadillo" or sandwich made from a baguette and filled with anything from tuna fish, cured ham, cheese, or meat. This means that lunchtime is still a good couple of hours away, despite it nearing midday already.
Lunch is a big deal in Spain compared to northern European countries, and often lasts over an hour. Depending on the region of Spain and especially the time of year, this is also time for "siesta" and many shops and establishments will close for a couple of hours. Lunchtime is a great time to venture out to a restaurant, as all Spanish restaurants are required by law to provide a "menu del dia" which is a 3 course menu at a fixed price and is very economical compared to the actual menu itself and often contains seasonal ingredients. For those people not used to such a heavy meal at lunchtime this can certainly bring on the feeling of wanting a siesta, too! A "menu del dia" usually consists of two or three starters, two or three main courses to choose from and some options for dessert which may be something simple like a yoghurt or a piece of fruit, but can be a normal desert from the menu. Bread, and drinks are also included in the price and sometimes a coffee at the end as well.
Younger children then often have something when they finish school at around 5pm although most adults don't usually eat at this time - indeed some will have had a late lunch, and may just have finished their coffee at that time!
The working day usually finishes around 8pm, but can be later. Many people go for a quick drink after work to socialise, and although I have no proof of this, I believe that this is where the Spanish tradition of "Tapas" came from - bar owners would give a free "snack" to keep people in the bar, and not return home with a rumbling stomach. In Southern Spain, Tapas is still given with the purchase of a drink whereas cities such as Barcelona and Madrid have capitalised on the niche and have Tapas restaurants in prime locations which are always full of paying customers.
An evening meal, then, can start as late as 9 or 10pm at home and certainly on a weekend if you go to a restaurant before 9pm, the only people there will be the waiting staff and the odd couple of tourists. Kitchens in restaurants usually don't open until 8pm, and often close as late as 1am. It's no surprise to learn that nightlife in Spain also starts a lot later than many other countries - and goes on later, too. Although that's another article altogether!
David Brydon has been living in Barcelona for 9 years and writes about Apartment for rent Barcelona and regularly contributes to this great Barcelona Guide.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Brydon
Friday 6 May 2011
Ten Things You Should Know Before Moving to Spain
Moving to Spain is not like moving to paradise. Yes, it's sunny throughout, has beautiful beaches that run for miles and looks really pretty, but it's also a place which can drive you wild if you don't know it right.
In the Garlic authors Valerie Collins and Theresa O'Shea share their top 10 tips about life is really lived here in Spain.
Tip 1
When dealing with any facet of Spanish bureaucracy, remember The Law of Falta Uno: that however many documents and photocopies you take along there will always be ONE missing. Always double check that you have every piece of paper that you think you might need (and possibly even a few more that you don't).
Be patient. Be assertive. Take plenty of reading material. Rope in a friendly mentor who speaks the lingo, and check any papers you are given with a fine tooth comb for names, dates, accounts numbers and more BEFORE you leave the desk or ventanilla (window). Any undiscovered glitch may set you back years. Oh, and don't forget the rabbit's foot.
Tip 2
Do not forget to tip the butanero - the man (and it will be a man) who throws those two-ton orange gas-bottles on his shoulder and climbs four flights of stairs when the lift is broken to deliver what may well be your main source of heating and fuel.
Tip 3
If it is your birthday, don't stand around grinning, waiting for someone to buy you a drink, or bounce jauntily into work expecting to be showered with goodies. Not only do the Spanish drive on the wrong side of the road, they've also got the whole birthday thing completely wrong.
It's your birthday, it's your shout. As if it's not bad enough chalking up another year, you have to treat your colleagues and friends to boot. If it's your child's birthday, make sure he /she takes a big bag of sweets to school to share with his / her classmates.
Tip 4
Do not go to the beach in August. Three quarters of the population of Spain and their families will be there, too. Along with several kitchen sinks. You will wait nine hours to get served at a restaurant, another nine hours for the food to arrive, plus two or three more before you get fed up waiting for the bill and do a 'sinpa' (ie a runner, from sin pagar - without paying).
Tip 5
Do not pop into the bank / gestor's office / estate agent / post office / mechanic's between 9.30 and 11 in the morning. There will be a queue and one over-worked, stressed-out, don't-you-dare-complain employee will be holding the fort.
Should you wish to see a specific somebody, you can be sure said somebody will be in the nearest bar, tucking into his/ her segundo desayuno (second breakfast). If you can't beat them, join them, and order a nice large café con leche with a torpedo-sized toasted roll drizzled in oil, rubbed with tomato and stuffed with ham / cheese / tuna/ tortilla / or any combination thereof.
Tip 6
Remember, children are not only to be heard and seen. They are also to be picked up and cooed over at every possible instant, allowed to stay up as late as their parents during the summer holidays, and thought of as nothing but cute as they scream around your table while you try enjoy a quiet drink.
Tip 7
If you need to attract the barperson's attention, a polite raised finger and a timid 'Perdone' or 'Disculpe' (Excuse me) won't get you very far.
Clear your throat, along with however many decades of ingrained politeness, and yell: '¡Oiga!' (Listen, person-that-I-don't-know), or if you're really, really brave, '¡Oye' (Listen, person-that-I-don't-know-but-will-speak-to-as-if-I-did).
That should do it, you'll fit right in, and no-one will mutter anything about 'manners' and 'upbringing'. Forthright and direct is ok. Just remember you can make your intonation sound polite - and smile.
Tip 8
Remember, time is relative. In Spain la mañana lasts until about 2pm, la tarde (the afternoon) stretches to nightfall, there is no word for evening, and the early hours have their own special name: la madrugada.
Tip 9
Do not attempt to buy a house, get a new kitchen put in, renew your driving licence, make an insurance claim, see a doctor, give birth etc in August. Spain is not in (It's gone to the beach. See 4).
Tip 10
Do not refer to catalan, valenciano or gallego as dialects of 'Spanish' or Castilian - unless you want to get right up the nose of a Catalan, Valenciano, Gallego big time. They are all languages in their own right, and are co-official with castellano in the autonomous communities in which they are spoken (ie Catalunya, Valencia and the Balearics, and Galicia).
Natasha Gunn is the Editor-in-Chief at Expatica.com, where she develops and directs editorial strategy across Expatica's country sites. Natasha's advice-filled articles help ease the transition for expats who are moving to Spain and other European countries.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Natasha_Gunn
In the Garlic authors Valerie Collins and Theresa O'Shea share their top 10 tips about life is really lived here in Spain.
Tip 1
When dealing with any facet of Spanish bureaucracy, remember The Law of Falta Uno: that however many documents and photocopies you take along there will always be ONE missing. Always double check that you have every piece of paper that you think you might need (and possibly even a few more that you don't).
Be patient. Be assertive. Take plenty of reading material. Rope in a friendly mentor who speaks the lingo, and check any papers you are given with a fine tooth comb for names, dates, accounts numbers and more BEFORE you leave the desk or ventanilla (window). Any undiscovered glitch may set you back years. Oh, and don't forget the rabbit's foot.
Tip 2
Do not forget to tip the butanero - the man (and it will be a man) who throws those two-ton orange gas-bottles on his shoulder and climbs four flights of stairs when the lift is broken to deliver what may well be your main source of heating and fuel.
Tip 3
If it is your birthday, don't stand around grinning, waiting for someone to buy you a drink, or bounce jauntily into work expecting to be showered with goodies. Not only do the Spanish drive on the wrong side of the road, they've also got the whole birthday thing completely wrong.
It's your birthday, it's your shout. As if it's not bad enough chalking up another year, you have to treat your colleagues and friends to boot. If it's your child's birthday, make sure he /she takes a big bag of sweets to school to share with his / her classmates.
Tip 4
Do not go to the beach in August. Three quarters of the population of Spain and their families will be there, too. Along with several kitchen sinks. You will wait nine hours to get served at a restaurant, another nine hours for the food to arrive, plus two or three more before you get fed up waiting for the bill and do a 'sinpa' (ie a runner, from sin pagar - without paying).
Tip 5
Do not pop into the bank / gestor's office / estate agent / post office / mechanic's between 9.30 and 11 in the morning. There will be a queue and one over-worked, stressed-out, don't-you-dare-complain employee will be holding the fort.
Should you wish to see a specific somebody, you can be sure said somebody will be in the nearest bar, tucking into his/ her segundo desayuno (second breakfast). If you can't beat them, join them, and order a nice large café con leche with a torpedo-sized toasted roll drizzled in oil, rubbed with tomato and stuffed with ham / cheese / tuna/ tortilla / or any combination thereof.
Tip 6
Remember, children are not only to be heard and seen. They are also to be picked up and cooed over at every possible instant, allowed to stay up as late as their parents during the summer holidays, and thought of as nothing but cute as they scream around your table while you try enjoy a quiet drink.
Tip 7
If you need to attract the barperson's attention, a polite raised finger and a timid 'Perdone' or 'Disculpe' (Excuse me) won't get you very far.
Clear your throat, along with however many decades of ingrained politeness, and yell: '¡Oiga!' (Listen, person-that-I-don't-know), or if you're really, really brave, '¡Oye' (Listen, person-that-I-don't-know-but-will-speak-to-as-if-I-did).
That should do it, you'll fit right in, and no-one will mutter anything about 'manners' and 'upbringing'. Forthright and direct is ok. Just remember you can make your intonation sound polite - and smile.
Tip 8
Remember, time is relative. In Spain la mañana lasts until about 2pm, la tarde (the afternoon) stretches to nightfall, there is no word for evening, and the early hours have their own special name: la madrugada.
Tip 9
Do not attempt to buy a house, get a new kitchen put in, renew your driving licence, make an insurance claim, see a doctor, give birth etc in August. Spain is not in (It's gone to the beach. See 4).
Tip 10
Do not refer to catalan, valenciano or gallego as dialects of 'Spanish' or Castilian - unless you want to get right up the nose of a Catalan, Valenciano, Gallego big time. They are all languages in their own right, and are co-official with castellano in the autonomous communities in which they are spoken (ie Catalunya, Valencia and the Balearics, and Galicia).
Natasha Gunn is the Editor-in-Chief at Expatica.com, where she develops and directs editorial strategy across Expatica's country sites. Natasha's advice-filled articles help ease the transition for expats who are moving to Spain and other European countries.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Natasha_Gunn
Tuesday 3 May 2011
The Alicante Weather Is Perfect All Year Round
You can expect lovely weather all year round in Alicante, Spain. The Alicante weather is a mild Mediterranean one, which means the summers are hot and dry and the winters are mild and pleasant. The weather makes this spot a popular vacation spot for Spaniards and foreigners alike. The geography of the region helps with this weather phenomenon. Since there are large mountains and some hills in the north this provides protection from the northerly winds. This helps keep the winters mild. If you are looking for a great vacation spot then both summer and winter are excellent options.
If you are visiting Alicante in the Summer or Spring you can expect an average high of 22-26 degrees Celsius, but don't be surprised if you catch a few days that can reach up to 40 degrees. At nighttime the low is around 17 degrees. Since you get almost 12 hours of sunshine during the summer this makes Alicante a great place to get a tan! There is hardly any rain at all during the summer.
This sunny weather makes summer the most popular time for a trip to Costa Blanca. You can enjoy the beaches with this lovely weather, as well as partake in a wide variety of water sports. Take a side trip to Torrevieja too. On the flip side you do need to be aware of the influx of tourists during this season.
The spring is a great option for you if you want to enjoy Alicante without as many tourists. You can still hit the beach without extreme heat. You will also avoid the crowds that can ruin a peaceful vacation.
The spring is rainier than the winter, but still sunny most of the time. Usually the temperature ranges between 14 and 19 degrees Celsius. You can expect a nighttime range of 8 to 13 degrees. There are usually about 7 hours of daylight in early spring, but it gets up to 10 hours of light per day during the later part of spring.
If you don't mind the rain then go to Alicante during fall. In the earliest part of autumn there is not much rain and the weather is still quiet warm. You could still hit up the beach and avoid the crowds if you go there during autumn. You should make sure that your vacation destination has a year round economy so that things are open wherever you choose to vacation if you go during the fall.
These areas are also popular during the wintertime, especially for people come from Northern Europe and other colder climates. Since snow is very rare in this region, it is a welcome escape for people from anywhere from London to Stockholm.
During the winter you can expect an average temperature of 12 to 16 degrees Celsius. At night you can expect the temperature to go down around 5 to 8 degrees. There are seven hours of daylight in the wintertime, but the temperature is the particular appeal.
Clinton Maxwell's web pages can be encountered on large numbers of web publications associated with Torrevieja and Benidorm. His writings on the weather in Alicante are published on http://www.alicante-spain.com/alicante-weather.html.
If you are visiting Alicante in the Summer or Spring you can expect an average high of 22-26 degrees Celsius, but don't be surprised if you catch a few days that can reach up to 40 degrees. At nighttime the low is around 17 degrees. Since you get almost 12 hours of sunshine during the summer this makes Alicante a great place to get a tan! There is hardly any rain at all during the summer.
This sunny weather makes summer the most popular time for a trip to Costa Blanca. You can enjoy the beaches with this lovely weather, as well as partake in a wide variety of water sports. Take a side trip to Torrevieja too. On the flip side you do need to be aware of the influx of tourists during this season.
The spring is a great option for you if you want to enjoy Alicante without as many tourists. You can still hit the beach without extreme heat. You will also avoid the crowds that can ruin a peaceful vacation.
The spring is rainier than the winter, but still sunny most of the time. Usually the temperature ranges between 14 and 19 degrees Celsius. You can expect a nighttime range of 8 to 13 degrees. There are usually about 7 hours of daylight in early spring, but it gets up to 10 hours of light per day during the later part of spring.
If you don't mind the rain then go to Alicante during fall. In the earliest part of autumn there is not much rain and the weather is still quiet warm. You could still hit up the beach and avoid the crowds if you go there during autumn. You should make sure that your vacation destination has a year round economy so that things are open wherever you choose to vacation if you go during the fall.
These areas are also popular during the wintertime, especially for people come from Northern Europe and other colder climates. Since snow is very rare in this region, it is a welcome escape for people from anywhere from London to Stockholm.
During the winter you can expect an average temperature of 12 to 16 degrees Celsius. At night you can expect the temperature to go down around 5 to 8 degrees. There are seven hours of daylight in the wintertime, but the temperature is the particular appeal.
Clinton Maxwell's web pages can be encountered on large numbers of web publications associated with Torrevieja and Benidorm. His writings on the weather in Alicante are published on http://www.alicante-spain.com/alicante-weather.html.
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