Ebro Voice

If this week has not been hard enough on folk who live on the outskirts of town with petrol shortage! Now, someone has gone and “helped themselves” to someone’s old, little valued but treasured vehicle.
Vehicle - 1991 Suzuki SJ413 LWB White J510OND

Mike and Denise would like their old reliable, faithful friend back please. If anyone has seen it or knows where it is dumped please send me an email to:-roseann@BrighterSpain.com

Please Expats and locals push aside the attitude of NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard). Be aware of who your neighbours and visitors in your community are. If you are suspicious of any vehicle or persons please give Guardia Civil a call. They do know which vehicles are “local” and will willingly check it out.

Working together for a Brighter Spain and Brighter Catalonia.

The above details can also be viewed on www.TortosaForum.com

It is some time now since any sitings or even hints of where Madeline may be or has been. This is a message from the heart of her uncle.  ”Please copy and paste this into your email and forward it everyone in your address book,” is his plea.

 Someone, somewhere, must surely know where she is or who is hiding her. They may have cut her hair or even dyed it. But one factor they cannot change is her right eye has a pupil with a downward line off it. If an Optician has fitted her with coloured contacts lenses to hide this factor please contact your local police. It your moral duty to do so.

“As you are aware my niece, Madeleine, is still missing and I am asking everyone I know to send this as a chain letter i.e. you send it to everyone you know and ask them to do the same, as the story is only being covered in Britain, Eire and Portugal. We don’t believe that she is in Portugal anymore and need to get her picture and the story across Europe as quickly as possible. Suggestions are welcome. Phil McCann

Yesterday meat, fish and fresh vegetables shelves were bare in most Supermarkets. Milk was unavailable. Diesel was unavailable and long queues for Sin Plumo 95 petrol

But the local indoor market in Jesus at the top of the town, still had shelves laden with fresh vegetables. Two ladies, each run their own stalls in there and they will make you feel very welcome. All locally grown goods and they are fresh and last longer in your fridge than off the supermarket shops. They also have some fish “goodies” in their freezers.

But shop sensibly as other people need to eat. Remember, the Catalans as a rule do not do big weekly or monthly shops like the expats.

Late afternoon today I went down to the Gas Man-with-a-truck, by the Ebro River in El Templa and he had no “Propano” left. In fact, he only had six “Butano” left. Sorry guys I needed two. One to attach for our water system and one to cook on.

But I did notice this afternoon that the Corona Hotel Petrol station had re-opened one diesel pump. So I am not sure how long that will last.

There are various local produce outlets here about and co-operatives, where you can get seasonal vegetables and fruit. Tomorrow is market day in Roquetes and they have an indoor market as well selling fresh wares.

Our Prime Minister is meeting again next week with business sectors and truck unions. What has so far been put on the table has been rejected by the strikers . Lets hope this is peacefully resolved with no further injuries and deaths.

Otherwise, the fiesta of San Jordi will be the quietest one ever held if this continues onto the 24th June. But, surely, the Catalans will not let their patron saint´s feast day go by unnoticed?

“The Olive Press”  has already extended to 40 pages and this is only their second edition.

This magazine is geared not only for the Lower Ebro Valley, but seems to cover the North-East corner of Spain. So it is with interest I can read about the Zarragoza Expo 2008; the El Bulli Restaurant near Girona and the new ZiDali´s Restaurant and Cocktail Bar in LÁmetlla deMar. The last two I would not have known about if I had not read the magazine.

The “Olive Press” have presented a lovely article on the forthcoming fireworks fiesta in Tarragona. The 19th International Fireworks Competition will be held from the 7th -12th July in the town of Tarragona itself. 

Pick up your copy at one of the Distributors listed below and have a pleasant and informed read.

TORTOSA

• VALDEPEREZ ELECTRICAL Mossèn Bell-Puig, 12(Plaça Bimil Lenari) Tortosa 977 442 962
• MURRAY’S Centro Comercial SABECO, Tortosa 977 503 484
• RIERES ESTATE AGENTS Pl. Paiolet 2 Tortosa, 977 445 497
• CLIBEGAS Carretera Gandesa, 35, 43590 Jesús -Tortosa 977 504 747
• NEXO OFTEVET, Ctra. Tortosa-L’Aldea,977 510 405

L’AMPOLLA

• BAR ESTACIÓN Plaza Francesc Macià (near the train Station) L’Ampolla 977 460 387
• BAR DAKOTA Carrer Sant Jordi, L’Ampolla 676214736
• HOTEL FLAMINGO C/Ronda del Mar,58 - 977 593 816
• BAHIA MAR ESTATE AGENTS - Pza. González 12 - 658 934 146

EL PERELLÓ

• PERELLÓ PROPERTIES C/ Francesc Macia 5, El Perelló 977490 804
• HOMOGÊNIK C/ Sant Antoni 19 El Perelló
• ALAS Petrol Station
• SUMO SUPERMARKET

L’AMETLLA DE MAR

• A TASTE OF HOME the English Supermarket Calle Benidorm 15(past the railway station, turn right past the Spar shop, turn left and opposit Mobles Puell 977 456 158
• STELLA MARIS BAR - Pl. Catalunya
• DEPASO CEPSA Petrol Station
• NEW ZIDALI’S- Cocktail Bar & Restaurante, LLibertat 19 Tel:977 493 744

TRES CALAS URBANISATION

• LA CALA PROPERTY SERVICES - Centro Comercial 13. 977 456 878
• SUPERMERCARDO HAIPY - Centro Comercial. 977 456 908

CALAFAT

• Supermarket on the urbanisation

Ctra. HOSPITALET DE L’INFANT a MORA

• LA FIGUEROLA RESORT- GOLF Club House

L’HOSPITALET DE L’INFANT

• TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE
• JAMES SCHOOL OF ENGLISH - Carretera de Móra, 7 Bajos

MIAMI PLAYA

• HOTEL CARPE DIEM restaurant - hotel C/Montblanc, 16 977 810 392
• SOL-LUZ-IONS Av. Barcelona, 49 - 977 170 301
• CLÌNICA VETERINÀRIA - Av. Barcelona 14 Local 11. 977 811 192
• SUPERMARKET/BAKERS/CAFE MaGloria-opposite El Rancho &Chinese
• KERN GERMAN DENTAL SURGERY - Av. Barcelona 64. 977 170 397

CAMBRILS

• MAMA’S CAFE
• CASA SHANGHAI-CHINESE RESTAURANT Avda Juan XXlll, 1 Cambrils-Bahia 977 363 906

SALOU

• RUGBY TAVERN - Avda de la Diputación 138
• THE MUCKY DUCK - Avda de la Diputación

RASQUERA

• REPSOL PETROL STATION

FLIX

• RIBA-ROJA PROPERTIES - Pol.Ind. La Devesa INTERMARCHE SITE 977 411 558
• BAR V50
• RESTAURANT BON PROFIT - Carrer St Roc,7 tel 977 412 165
• BAR LA FREIXA- Gissona garage
• BAR DUO

RIBA ROJA D’EBRE

• EBRO VALLEY PROPERTIES SCP - Carrer Esglesia 5 - 977 416 117

MORA LA NOVA

• BRITISH SUPERMARKET- 977 383 911
• BAR RESTAURANT, 55 near Ajuntament Offices

MORA D’EBRE

• LA CAIXA - Placa De Dalt
• BAR AVINGUDA - Av. de Los Comarques Catalanes
• BAR COSMOS - Av. de Comarques Catanes, 9 Tel: 977 400029

GINESTAR

• BAR RESTAURANT
• CATALAN-CONNEXION - 28 Carrer Ample, 977 404 796

GANDESA

• CAFE DE CATALUNYA - Av. de Catalunya
• BAR BARNEREA - Av. de Catalunya
• SANT SALVADOR - Boarding Kennels & Cattery-977 055 027

BENIFALLET

• BAR CASAL - Lluis Companys, 15 - 977 462 136

TIVENYS

• BAR ROSI - Av. Generalitat, 3 977 496 030

BITEM

• NEW CHAPLIN - c/Hereus d’en Gasol (near football ground)

VINAROZ

• NOR AUTO - By Carrefour commercial centre

ULLDECONA AREA

• MOLI’S OASE CAFE- on the road TV3319 KM8 Ulldecona to Senia-Urbanisation Moli D’Lom El Castel

ULLDECONA

• CATALUNYA FINCAS - Calle Adell 18- Carole Palmer 627 740 044

You may also view it online at: http://www.theolivepress.eu/ 

          Please post your personal reviews of this new magazine  in the Comments box below. We will pass them along.

One of the first phrases we learn as migrating English swallows to settle in the Ebrolands healthy micro-climates. After that we gather a few collective phrases together that follow on with small “bar stool” chat and then stop. Why?

So it was with interest to open my “Inbox” and read a very thought provoking article this morning by Mark Stucklin, “Brits fail the integration test” http://www.spanishpropertyinsight.com/buff/?p=40

I started this blog sometime ago and then left it for other priorities. Though my Spanish has progressed somewhat further, I too am guilty of no longer self-motivating to stretch my Spanish to higher levels.

It is a common joke amongst Catalans that the Northern Europeans think these are the most needed “survival terms” to learn. Nothing else matters! Why don´t we learn how to ask for meat or fish?

We have left behind us a country that is fast developing a drink culture with some ugly side affects of under age drinking. In Catalonia they always like a glass of wine with their dinner or cava on fiesta days. In all the four years I have lived in southern Catalonia I have never seen a local drunk. I may have followed a “weaving car” down a country road after “they” have enjoyed a family weekend meal at a finca. But never seen someone falling out of a bar (pub) - not in these country parts of medieval towns and friendly villages.

But why don´t we integrate more? We live amongst a vibrant multi-cultural community and friendship and hospitality should know no language barriers. Afterall, a smile and a hug does not need a translator!

I asked a friend of mine, Valerie Collins, to contribute towards  increasing my article up to 501 on “Things they told us before coming to Spain or Catalonia”  http://www.brighterspain.com/101things.html

 ”103.That Catalans tend not to invite you into their homes. You can be very good
friends with someone and only ever meet them in bars and restaurants.”

But that doesn´t stop you from inviting them into your home for a meal, a coffee -to join into a family barbecue with family from overseas. Come on meet them half-way and you will soon integrate. I have found my Spanish neighbours are shy, polite and “fear” to intrude but friendly and helpful at a drop of hat, if you ask them -quite reserved people really, but warm hearted and love to exchange their home-grown produce with you.

We are guilty of hiding behind our arrogance of “Being British is best. Let them learn our language!”

 Pardon me, whose country are we living in? This part of the woods Catalan is widely spoken , but they all speak Spanish and will switch languages for us Expats. So that is no excuse. They say knowledge is power, but mastering another language is a creating a life-long friend. 

But there are aids out there to help us conquer our fear of language learning and “In The Garlic” by Valerie Collins and Theresa O’Shea. (www.inthegarlic.com.) willgo a long way to help us to integrate with humour and information.

Of all the nights of horrendous, torrential rain and thunderstorms one of my cats came in bedraggled and bleeding over the weekend. Oh, no! Not another emergency trip to the vet.

Under her chin were two huge bite marks and the fur had been torn away. Definitely not a snake in that case, but she had been pinned down. This is Charlie (Charlotto). The only one that has not been fixed, because she is very ’skitty and doesn´t like people touching her, except me. I know I have my emergency animal “vet” kit of cleansing fluid and anti-septic liquid in the house. I also know it stings and then she will be more frightened or I will be scarred in the process.

Come on think! Think!

Then I remembered. She needs a natural based poultice to close the wound and one that will stop the bleeding and also discourage itching by soothing the pain.

A Bread (”pan” = Spanish for bread) poultice may just work.

I removed the crusts and chopped the bread into small pieces. Placed in a saucepan with a little water/milk and simmered for a few minutes. Applied this warm (not over hot) bread poultice to the open cuts. They were already becoming infected and smelley. I knew she wouldn´t take much messing about with. She would give me only one shot at it.

I applied the warm bread poultice as quickly and as thick as I could. She licked the poultice off my fingers. She did not try and remove it from the wound. The bleeding stopped quickly. She settled down purring after a little drink and a corner of ham. Within 48 hours the wound had closed. The infectious and nasty smell had gone.

Charlotto was once more contented, well, until the next time!

I stumbled upon a nifty little site :

http://resimajans.com/tortosa.html

that portrays various sites relating to Tortosa. It depicts this blog one and www.Brighterspain.com.

I was a little wary on entering this site as I wasn´t sure if it was one of those “naughty girlie” sites. When you google the meaning of “Resimajas” it comes up as ‘girls’.  (Sorry guys, I was so wrong.)

The language looks Turkish but I am not sure. However, outcame my Turkish dicitionary and I found similar words. “Resim” means ‘design, drawing, picture, ceremony’. ( The ‘tax and toll ‘ meanings we don´t need reminding about!) Then “ResimÇekmek” implies ‘ to take a photograph’. “Resimli” translates as ‘illustrated’.

These all seem to fit into what their site is portraying. A dectective lens snooping, needless to say, to our advantage, on our website photos. I love free advertising!

They have  a search box at the top called “Resim Ara”. To see all our wonderful photos first type in “EbroVoice” and press Enter. This is fun as it shows all our delightful photos relating to our cheerful blogs about Catalonia, Spain. Ten pages to view and then you can click on and read our articles too.

Then enter “BrighterSpain” and it shows 10 pages of photos off our website. This is fabulous. It gives you the reader an informed “snappy” overview of the Lower Ebro region, activities, businesses and people and their culture. It is like looking at the old fashioned projector slide shows. Except you are not sat in a stuffy, boring old school hall for hours.

You will soon realize why this is such a wonderful area to holiday in.

Drop us an email : info@BrighterSpain.com

If anyone else has a take on the meaning of these foreign words or which language it is, please write to me on the above email. The thumbnails down the side of their site leads to  a host of non-related sites snapshots. Some little cyber-robot has been busy!

I was surprised to discover how many airports in Scotland do actually offer cheap flights into Reus Airport. Reus airport is in Catalonia and between Reus and Tarragona towns.

Do not be misled where some airlines depict destination as “Reus Airport (Barcelona)”. It is no where near Barcelona and if that is your destination and you have booked to Reus you will need to catch a taxi at nothing under the whopping sum of 160 euros in one direction. An expensive error to make at the beginning of a much looked forward to mini break or holiday.

However, the site :>

http://www.cheapflights.co.uk/flights/Reus/Scotland/ 

enlightens us by offering choices of departures to Reus, Catalonia, Spain. Namely: Glasgow (GLA), Edinburgh (EDI), Aberdeen ( ABZ)  .

Dundee (DND), Inverness (INV) and Prestwick (PIK) are all available from June 3rd, 2008  to December 10th, 2008 (So you could be home for Christmas.)

The flights may not run everyday but you usually have a few flights per week.

Maybe August holidays are out of your reach, so why not look ahead to the second part of the year when Catalonia is still a lovely place to visit for hundreds of different reasons, activities. Where else can you have mountains and rivers and valleys, and be only 20 minutes from sandy golden beaches and natural parks at the Delta and Els Ports Ranges? Where an area is steeped in history and good wine is grown, play or laze.

We can still offer choices of B&B´s, Self-catering, Wells CatFishing or golf opprtunities.

www.BrighterSpain.com

Gosh! I was longing to do something different today and forgot all about this wonderful fiesta in Pauls, near Xerta just off the C12.

The good news is: it is on for two days 31May to 1st June. So pop along tomorrow if you missed out on it today. Everyone who goes to this fiesta will go again and again. So it must be fun!

http://www.pauls.altanet.org/

“In The Garlic” a delightful read by Valerie Collins and Theresa O’Shea, must definitely be Number One book on “Must Have - Must Take ” list of everyone thinking of relocating or retiring out to Spain.

The lovable, little Señor Garlic man on the cover will become your best friend and save you many headaches. It will regenerate smile upon miles you explore. It is also a jolly good “holiday read” if you just like visiting the Mediterranean.

My sons will claim I have no sense of humour. But I chuckled my way through page after page. Things I wish I knew before I left “olde Blighty”. Situations I struggled with through mis-pronunciation and malapropism. If only someone had even lent me a copy before I became an Expat, things would have been so much easier!

A book I treasure weekly. Even though I am well-versed in daily living in Catalonia since 2004, I still find it valuable reading. It is totally different and exciting reading to what I expected from the title as it is not a cookery book (though it does deal with some cuisine mysteries). You will retain a good command of Spanish, essential terminology for information for legalities, festivities, quirks and quintessential survival and siestas fulled with belly laughter.

This is one of the few books where you can read any chapter or any page in which ever order takes your fancy. Every Expat, ( irrespective of your home language) should keep this book on your coffee table. Even explanations of boring bureaucracy are written accurately but with a hilarious slant.

Profound colloquialism can too come in handy if the need arises . A fabulous way to grasp the language and to know the score by the time you close the book. www.inthegarlic.com

Also read what Valerie Collins wrote about us in her and Theresa O’Shea’s blog and more snippets from their book:

“Archive for the ‘Catalunya’ Category

Chickens (and their heads)… again

April 4, 2008

Talking of Spanish chickens (as did we in connection with El Prat airport), did you know that when you buy a chicken at the supermarket, the head is still on it? I had forgotten this detail of Spanish life, one of the 101 Things They Never Told Us Before We Came To Spain featured at Brighter Spain. Go and read them here. And send in your own for the next 101. Brighter Spain (and Brighter Catalunya) is based near Tortosa in the Baix Ebre and they have some gorgeous holiday accommodation for rent and lots of info about the area.

or www.inthegarlic.com/wordpress”