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Wednesday, 01 February 2012 |
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Stable doors & Horses bolting
As prices appear to be steadying in the second hand property market then interested purchasers and investors are returning to levels not seen since 2007. With most economies within Europe seemingly 'recovering' – although none spectacularly, and yet this modest improvement appears to be enough to prompt buyers to think about investment in Spain again. Especially now that the world economic crisis has indicated that apart from property there are very few 'traditional' investments today which are perceived as 'safe'; and (again) Spanish property is regarded, particularly by those from other Eurozone countries, to be the safest investment they could make right now. Spain is a democracy, it's a safe place to live, it's warm too; and for many it is still less than half a day to travel – door to door.
Despite the new Spanish government increasing property transmission tax, introducing a banded system, and the threat of rising 2012 municipal tax assessments we still have clients keen to view and make offers on property for sale on Spain's Costa Tropical. Whether they be (ex-pat) French or Belgians returning to Europe from the instability of their North African residences, or Scandinavians, Russians or British looking for a bargain in this great climate – January 2012 has been a healthy month.
Spain's government has already started the process of (re)covering monies to reduce the national debt. Just last month the first minister – Mariano Rajoy – told Spanish banks that public funds would not be made available to bail out troubled Spanish bankers. He basically hinted at a public meeting held in Malaga that the banks would have to sell their stock at a realistic price – if the market price was currently rated at 100 Euros m2 then they could not insist on selling at more than this price in order to refund the original loan when the markets were much stronger and loaning more easy. At the moment the banks have not yet reacted – but expect the glut of "distressed" Spanish property to hit the market in the Spring – especially in regions like Valencia and the Costa Brava.
Hidden from the new governments agenda at the start of 2012 – was the introduction of increased transmission taxes for property sales in Spain. These taxes are due within 30 days of property exchange for all properties signed after January 1 2012 – the newly banded purchase tax regime was introduced for Andalucia (BOJA de 31 de DICIEMBRE DE 2011, Ley18/11,255) and brings costs up between 1& and 3%. Up to 400,000 Euros 8%, 400,001 to 700,00 Euros 9% and over 700,001 the tax due is 10%. Garages and storerooms also are subject to a similar banding as follows – to 30,000 Euros 8%, 30,001 to 50,000 Euros 9% and over 50,000 then 10% is due. NOTE: There are also variations in the purchase tax between different regions in Spain – ie Canaries 7%, so please check beforehand.
Spain's new Government appears to be surprising its citizens on a daily basis – with measures being introduced without any prior notification. The latest to affect being the introduction of monetary controls – in order to stem the blatant cash only payment that has been rife in many Mediterranean countries this last decade or more. As a consequence, the Spanish banks will now request the id documents of all payee's for deposits on account over 1,000 Euros. In addition there is talk of a control on withdrawals over 3,000 Euros being introduced too; and in-line with many other European nations the 500 Euro and 200 Euro note will no longer be accepted in shops and stores and those deposited in the banks by private individuals will be assigned to the identity of the payee.
A second, and more local, policy directly affects those sellers who are trying to legalise improvements or extensions to their properties prior to selling. Previously the obra nueva (new work licence) granted by the town hall and the local registered architect was enough to allow for planning – but just this last month we have learnt that the town hall must also sign a document that states that the work is allowable and more important still, that the same documents and application require to be approved by the regional planning authorities too. This in essence takes the average time for the application and approval from a few months to over a year before the notary will accept to change any registration and amendments to the property description. So, if you are a seller, who has been putting off this process on the understanding that all could be done quickly and easily as soon as you have a buyer then think again! It could mean the difference between your sale proceeding well or collapsing at the first hurdle.
January started with a dark month for Spain, unemployment rose to just over 23% in the last quarter of 2011, and then just last weekend Spanair, Spain's fifth largest airline ceased trading when it could no longer pay for fuel to run its fleet of 29 planes over 40 routes through Europe. 2,000 employees are to lose their jobs with a further 2,000 indirectly affected at the terminals of Barcelona, Mallorca and Madrid. It is estimated that the company had debts in excess of 250million Euros, of which the city of Barcelona had invested more than 150 million Euros back in 2010.
Some good news is that here on Spain's Costa Tropical signs of Spring are taking hold, with almond trees already showing their white and pink blossom, the land too is greener and the trees are developing new leaves too. Signs for a wet Easter and a hot summer are clearly a topic of much discussion with the local farmers…
This month is San Valentin – and for those of you who are die-hard romantics looking to treat yourselves to something different then why not take a look at the wide range of boutique hotels, and restaurants that are located around this part of Spain. There are plenty to choose from, and many offer great packages for a truly special romantic break. If your looking to explore wider parts of Andalucia then why not visit the area in and around Cadiz. Especially since this month see's the famous Carnaval shows in the town between the 16th and 26th of February.
Prior to the fasting and the forty days of Lent, customarily this month we have the popular celebration of Carnaval, with locals partying with street parades and masquerades, and here in Almunecar, the weekend of February 17th to 19th is Carnaval. The children's parade takes place during Friday evening, and the adults perform on Saturday. Disguises, masks, dressing up, and even cross-dressing are popular ways for concealing your identity at this festival – even at the end, when the parades disperse, you will still find revelers in bars and cafes concealing themselves behind their new found persona. So go on, take part, and forget your woes… who knows what might happen – it could change your life!
Looking for something different to do with family and friends this month then why not invest 10 Euros, and pick up a copy of the useful pocket guide – Granada Tapas Tours: 100 Tapas Bars in Granada; researched and written by Vernon Grant & Gayle Mackie. With 18 routes of 4 bars each to choose from, and 72 bars in various parts of the city where you will be treated the same as the locals. The book guides you away from popular tourist bars, and as you stroll from one to the other (using the simple to follow directions given), then you are made aware of some of the lesser know attractions of Granada city. The book also offers 28 bars that you can drive to in the vast and varied province of Granada, including the Costa Tropical, the Lecrin Valley, La Alpujarra and some that are hidden in spectacular countryside locations. The book also offers tapas tips to ensure you get the most pleasure from your tapas experience, a glossary of the dishes you are most likely to be served and, crucially, how to pronounce them.
And then for a more individual experience you can contact Vernon to arrange guided tapas tours and, or, tours of Andalusian gardens around the area.
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Friday, 30 December 2011 |
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Feliz Ano Nuevo…
Just a couple of days before Christmas the incoming Prime Minister-elect Mariano Rajoy announced a series of measures that included a freeze on public-sector jobs, moving all public holidays to Mondays, and a stop on early retirements for public and private sector employees, all aimed to cut the Spanish economy deficit by 16.5 billion euros by the end of 2012.
As the main element of the "grand plan" to move Spain out of its deep economic crisis, the measures seem to represent the largest and deepest pledges the Popular Party (PP) leadership aim to provide for the next four years – with the only increase in spending, being in state pensions, and which will be brought up to date with the consumer price index from January 1 2012.
Since winning the general election on November 20, Rajoy has deliberately kept the plans of his incoming government a guarded secret but has predicted that Spain's exit from the crisis would be guaranteed by these cuts, as well as satisfying Spain's commitment to Europe. This new series of measures will recover an additional 6.5 billion euros mare than the austerity drive introduced by the outgoing government of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero.
"I am willing to hear proposals from everybody but I think that the priorities should be to concentrate on economic growth and job creation," Rajoy said. But the new Socialist leader, Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba, warned that the new PP government would be making drastic cuts in the public welfare system and social policies. "So when are we going to get the bad news?" Rubalcaba said during the debate. The Socialist leader accused Rajoy of "knowing where the cuts" will be made but declining for now to say where.
Rajoy has made cutting the country's public deficit one of the main points in his mandate. He said the country may miss its target of cutting the shortfall to 6 percent of GDP this year from 9.3 percent last year, but insisted the goal of reducing it to 4.4 percent of GDP next year would be met. Adding that he would carry out state reforms to avoid duplications, reduce costs and improve efficiency. This will include a freeze on all public-sector jobs except for those in "state security forces and basic public services." He has also pledged not to raise taxes at the current time, but would consider reforming the manner in which small businesses and the self-employed pay value-added tax (VAT).
Rajoy added that one of the aims of his government would be to define the role of Spain for the next 20 years: "To concentrate efforts on creating employment" and to govern from the point of view "of dialogue and transparency," he said, and that he would carry out an "integral reform of the job market," which would include moving all public holidays to Mondays "except for those with the deepest social roots," and a youth-employment plan. Already ear-marked to be moved to Monday's in 2012 are the 3 national holidays of August 15 (Wednesday), November 1 (Thursday) and December 8 (Saturday).
A freeze on the minimum wage payment has also been suggested which will be the first time the payment has not risen (with inflation) since the scheme was introduced in 1980. Some union leaders have already indicated that they will not support such a measure which will see many lower paid workers struggling against rising costs in rental costs and more expensive utilities in 2012.
During the investiture speech however, the Socialists were not alone in criticizing Rajoy for being vague with his plans for Spain's future… only the next months will tell if these measures are actually introduced and they affect Spain’s standing in the wider world.
Don't forget that the Christmas festivities are still not over here on Spain's Costa Tropical. From around 6pm on Thursday January 5, in most towns and villages, the arrival of the Los Tres Reyes Magos (The 3 Wise Men – Three Kings) cavalcade occurs. The streets are lined with children and adults alike as Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar, pass by with sweets and gifts for the children before passing later at night to leave the presents for the children who have been good… the next day, Epiphany, everyone opens their presents and enjoys the rest of this holy holiday.
Locally there continues a series of cultural events throughout the month ( more details available here ), despite the fact that many local bars and restaurants take their annual break – and close for all or part of the months of January and February; taking to time to recover and prepare for the coming seasons holiday makers.
Looking for something different to do with family and friends this month then why not invest 10 Euros, and pick up a copy of the useful pocket guide – Granada Tapas Tours: 100 Tapas Bars in Granada; researched and written by Vernon Grant & Gayle Mackie. With 18 routes of 4 bars each to choose from, and 72 bars in various parts of the city where you will be treated the same as the locals. The book guides you away from popular tourist bars, and as you stroll from one to the other (using the simple to follow directions given), then you are made aware of some of the lesser know attractions of Granada city. The book also offers 28 bars that you can drive to in the vast and varied province of Granada, including the Costa Tropical, the Lecrin Valley, La Alpujarra and some that are hidden in spectacular countryside locations. The book also offers tapas tips to ensure you get the most pleasure from your tapas experience, a glossary of the dishes you are most likely to be served and, crucially, how to pronounce them.
And then for a more individual experience you can contact Vernon to arrange guided tapas tours and, or, tours of Andalusian gardens around the area.
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Thursday, 01 December 2011 |
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SCROOGED - Austerity procedures…
Following the landslide victory of the PP party led by Mariano Rajoy at last months Spanish General election, the new leadership have remained exceptionally quiet about their policies and the ways in which they intend to implement a more robust programme of austerity measures to reduce Spain's heavy debt exposure. Historically, after a general election the new party has a 20 day transition period; during which time they can assess the situation and decide policy moves. However many observers and political journalists have criticized the "silence" as detrimental to the country with its ability to pay the rising interest rates on the government bonds. While it is understood that Rajoy and his ministers have had several meetings with Spain's main banks, employment unions, health officials, regional governments and public sector workers; nothing yet has been announced regarding the approach and extent of the cuts that will be required. "While there is time, there is hope…" seems the current popular belief. But when the new government eventually speaks, as the new president will not be sworn in until the 21st of this month, then it will be just a few days before Christmas – and I for one fear that many of us, like the Spanish, will be finding much less in our pockets than this time last year.
The countdown to the Christmas holidays begins in earnest next week when the National holidays of December 6 & 8 (Constitution day & Inmaculada respectively) offer a long holiday weekend option for many which means they can start either on Friday 2 to 7 or take Thursday 8 to 12 – and with most businesses, schools, administration offices and shops closed then this could be the last that Spain will see of such holidays for some years to come. The PP leadership had already indicated during the elections that they want to curb the use of the "Puente" or bridging weekends when significant dates fall in the week then the holiday will be moved to the nearest Monday – thus shortening the holiday by one or two days at a time.
At the time of writing this end of the year section, the IMF are suggesting a bail out fund for the most affected countries in the Euro zone (Spain included) as they fear that the Franco-German alliance attempt to control the Euros independence may not come to fruit. That said, I was amused to read that according to the Fortune Global 500 list, 9 Spanish companies rank among the world's top 500 companies for 2011. In order of global ranking these are –
Banco Santander (Global Rank – 51) and based in Madrid, Banco Santander is the largest bank in the Eurozone and one of the largest in the world. It made $100.3 billion in revenue in 2010 and has over 170,000 employees, 90 million customers, 13,390 branches and 2.2 million shareholders. To its credit the banks S&P rating remains unchanged.
Telefonica (Global Rank – 78) is a Madrid-based telecommunications and broadband provider and is the third largest in the world, providing services for Europe, Latin America, and the USA. Until 1997, it had the public monopoly of telecommunications in Spain. In 2010, they recorded a revenue in excess of over $80 billion.
Repsol YPF (Global Rank – 94) - aka - Refineria de Petróleos de Escombreras Oil – Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales - is an integrated oil and gas company with assets mainly in Spain and Argentina. The Fortune Global 500 lists, Repsol YPF as the 15th largest petroleum refining company in the world with over 400,000 employees worldwide and it made $70.4 billion in revenue last year.
Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (Global Rank – 196) is a multinational Spanish banking group operating in over 40 countries, mainly in Latin America and Europe. It is the second largest bank in Spain and the seventh largest in the West. BBVA recorded a revenue of $43.5 billion in 2010. As of last week its S&P rating was downgraded by one point due to heavily exposed debt in issued real estate loans.
Iberdrola (Global Rank – 213) is Spain’s largest energy group and is the global leader in wind energy as an alternative power source. The core business is focused around the Atlantic following significant mergers with Energy East in the USA, Scottish Power, and other energy companies based in Mexico and Brazil. $40.3 billion was the recorded revenue for 2010.
CEPSA (Global Rank – 369) – aka Compañía Española de Petróleos, S.A., is also a Spanish energy company with operations in several European countries and also Algeria, Morocco, Canada, Brazil, and Panama. The Madrid-based company reports that that it produces about 260,000 barrels of petroleum each day and made $26.2 billion in revenue last year. They were part owned by the French petrol company – Toral-ELF – until mid 2011, when they sold out to a Saudi consortium.
Gas Natural Fenosa (Global Rank – 373) primarily distributes natural gas in Spain, Italy, and Latin America and also generates electricity in Spain and Puerto Rico. The company has about 6,700 employees and 10 million clients and it made $26 billion in revenue last year.
Mapfre Group (Global Rank – 395) is the largest Spanish insurance company and is based in Madrid; and it a leading provider of insurance in Latin America. Last year the company made $24.4 billion in revenue.
ACS (Global Rank – 451) – the Grupo ACS (Actividades de Construcción y Servicios) is one of the leading construction companies in the world, with over $21.5 billion recorded revenue in 2010. It provides civil and engineering construction and telecommunications; with major projects including the Alqueva Dam in 2002, the El Palau de les Arts Reina Sofa in 2005, and the LGV Perpignan-Figueres High Speed railway in 2009.
In one of his very few interviews since taking power, Snr Rajoy told a journalist that "With the present climate, then now (for Spain) was not the time to party." Signaling why so many PP held towns and villages throughout the country seem to have cut back on their illuminations or reduced their volume and duration. Here on the Costa Tropical – Almunecar, has again down scaled the street lighting of earlier years. At the moment there is just a large Christmas tree sited in the plaza in front of the town hall, with decorations donated by Malaga City. Cables stretch over main thoroughfares in readiness for a limited lighting installation – a switch on of these modest illuminations is expected for December 10 and then to last until after Los Reyes and January 6. Still the town hall has planned a busy cultural programme for December, starting this weekend with the 4th Tropical Fruit Fair – a celebration of the Tropical fruits grown and exported from Almunecar and its Tropical valley.
It seems that the Spanish tax office, eager raise funds for the country, is determined to recover from foreigner homeowners as much unpaid tax as possible. Recently they have presented a campaign whereby they have written to known non-resident foreign owners presenting a declaration of unpaid non-resident income tax on their property assumed basic income. The authorities con only legally go back to the last 4 years of unpaid tax. Fortunately we are not speaking huge sums but the average 3 bed apartment owner can expect an assessed bill of around 300 Euros in total. Village owners less than a 100, and villa owners less than 250 Euros year. While, these letters are only an advice of notice and are not a compulsory payment letter, it may be prudent to settle the sum especially if you are selling your property as these will usually be required to be paid prior to exchange.
Ski and snow boarding enthusiasts will be happy to now that the Granada based, Sierra Nevada resort slopes opened on November 26 as predicted. To get a weather report, check hotel occupancy, take advantage of the available discounts, or to see which pistes are ready simply click here.
Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) in Spain is a far more important social family event than Christmas day, so expect to see businesses close early that day as we all rush home to prepare for the night time family feast. Christmas day is a much quieter time too, with few restaurants open and just a few bars re-opening late in the afternoon. On the 26th businesses re-open as normal and on Wednesday the 28th we celebrate Spain’s April Fools' day, Día de los Santos Inocentes, a time for tricks and games before the year end festivities of Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve). But whatever your doing this month enjoy, but take care too… with governments tight for cash then law enforcement officers (Guardia Civil & Policia Local, alike) will be out in force. Hoping to catch and fine those who drink and drive, have a tail light out, use their mobile while driving, leave their vehicle parked badly, ride their scooter without a helmet, un-belted passengers, and so on…
So finally for 2011, Seasons Greetings to you all and let's hope that 2012 offers a healthier and more optimistic one than 2011 as the recession and its resultant austerity measures continue to take hold…
Looking for something different to do with family and friends this month then why not invest 10 Euros, and pick up a copy of the useful pocket guide – Granada Tapas Tours: 100 Tapas Bars in Granada; researched and written by Vernon Grant & Gayle Mackie. With 18 routes of 4 bars each to choose from, and 72 bars in various parts of the city where you will be treated the same as the locals. The book guides you away from popular tourist bars, and as you stroll from one to the other (using the simple to follow directions given), then you are made aware of some of the lesser know attractions of Granada city. The book also offers 28 bars that you can drive to in the vast and varied province of Granada, including the Costa Tropical, the Lecrin Valley, La Alpujarra and some that are hidden in spectacular countryside locations. The book also offers tapas tips to ensure you get the most pleasure from your tapas experience, a glossary of the dishes you are most likely to be served and, crucially, how to pronounce them.
And then for a more individual experience you can contact Vernon to arrange guided tapas tours and, or, tours of Andalusian gardens around the area.
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Monday, 31 October 2011 |
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I am posting this edition early because today (October 31st) is, All Hallows' eve. Here in Spain, it is the day that the Spanish people carry flowers to the graves of the dead. Cemeteries are filled with people not only cleaning and decorating the graves but many also stay through the night and into the following day as a mark of respect. The glow of candles illuminating the tombs makes quite a dramatic backdrop, while at the same time the youngsters dress up and pass through the streets trick or treating – a real mix of past traditions and modern life.
Tuesday November 1st is All Saints day – and is our second bank holiday weekend this autumn and consequently many businesses will be closed.
As ever at this time of the year thoughts turn to the weather and the prospect of snow. But not here on the Costa Tropical, no! Eyes are further inland and the Sierra Nevada ski season. The first snows fell during the last week of October, and although the recent warm weather has melted this light sprinkling, the forecast for the coming weeks suggests that the season and slopes could be available from November 26. As ever there seems to be the expectation of a long and successful season in 2011-12, the Sierra Nevada ski station has invested heavily International promotion of the resort and its facilities – with the dedicated snow park for boarding and free styling enthusiasts, inaugurated last season proving a popular attraction.
Traditionally this month is the time when many mountain villagers and surrounding rural communities begin slaughtering their "home-grown" pigs. Getting ready for the winter, preparing dried hams and sausages, at a fiesta that is popularly known as la matanza – (literally, the killing). Usually the events take place around the second weekend in November, an just after the feast day of San Martín de Tours. It is customary that once the animal has been killed in the early morning, then the men do the butchery while the women prepare stews and arrange various cuts for the barbecue, at the same time stuffing spiced sausages and making rich black puddings to last through the winter. If you are invited to take part then expect to be received with a large amount of food and copious amounts of the local wine to drink.
At the time of writing the November events calendar had not been published, but as soon as it is you will find more details here .
Perhaps the BIG event – or rather the smoke & mirrors of said event – is Spain's (no pasa nada) General Election which takes place on November 20. Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, the socialist Prime Minister since 2004, (often mimicked for his likeness to Mr. Bean) decided to step down back in April this year – almost 12 months prior to his elected term ends. Given the current situation in Europe in general, and Spain in particular then it is almost a forgone conclusion that there will be swing to the right. Mariano Rajoy, as leader of the People’s Party is tipped to be the next leader. But what is very strange is that no party has come forward with any manifesto, or offer any real solutions or radical advice to help a country which has now tipped to 21.5% unemployment – over half of them under 25. At a recent PP party conference, down in Malaga, Snr Rajoy closed the meeting that weekend without outlining any policies. In his statement he listed a series of ambiguous 'undertakings' to his supporters but how he intends to put them into practice remains a mystery. These included -
"I undertake to tell the truth, although at times it is uncomfortable to say"
"I undertake to explain what I'm going to do and to do it, to explain the decisions we take"
"I undertake to govern from responsibility. Spain needs solutions, not improvisations"
"I undertake to govern with bravery"
"I undertake to govern from a point of dialogue. I will be open to any idea that we can make use of. I don't claim to always be right. But it has to be reasonable"
"I undertake to work for concord among the Spanish. I want to govern with truth, responsibility, bravery, dialogue and always looking for concord"
Mariano Rajoy is expected to blame the Socialists (and Zapatero) for the mess the country is in, and has indeed already done so by publicly claiming that he will face "the worst ever inheritance from a previous government." However, we can not ignore that Zapatero has made a significant impact on Spain's social reformation this last decade; legalizing same sex marriage, reform of abortion laws, women rights, Church funding reforms, tobacco restrictions, regional government reform, and most controversially – dialogue with the Basque group ETA. All said though, the problems facing Spain and the Eurozone remain based in the banking sector, and all previous governments have done little if anything to control their excesses. Or perhaps Spain could be in a collation by the end of the year. Sound familiar?
Locally, news is that the Almunecar town hall are appealing to the regional government of Andalucia to help to finance and support the Pena Escrita Natural park some 45 minutes drive inland to the mountains at the back of La Herradura. The park, opened in 1997, cost a recorded 30 million Euros, and today houses over 150 animals across 32 different species including apes, bears, hippos, wolves and tigers. 11 people used to be employed at the park but this has now been reduced to just 2, with a vet and biologist making regular visits. The park is not licensed as a zoo, and organizers have often been attacked by animal rights groups and biologists since they claim that the caging conditions and the climate (very hot in the summer, and snow in winter) is simply not suitable for many of the species kept at the park. If there is no significant funding available then many of the species will be either moved to other appropriate locations in Spain, or the park could be used as an animal rescue centre.
International property owners and purchasers now have the opportunity to get better access to property information in English, thanks to new measures announced by the Spanish authorities. Expatriate home owners and buyers are now able to request a Land Registry certificate (nota simple) in English from the Colegio de Registradores (College of Registrars). This certificate, including the translation fee, costs €29 (plus VAT) and can be requested from the Colegio de Registradores website at- https://buyingahouse.registradores.org.
Looking for something different to do with family and friends this month then why not invest 10 Euros, and pick up a copy of the useful pocket guide – Granada Tapas Tours: 100 Tapas Bars in Granada; researched and written by Vernon Grant & Gayle Mackie. With 18 routes of 4 bars each to choose from, and 72 bars in various parts of the city where you will be treated the same as the locals. The book guides you away from popular tourist bars, and as you stroll from one to the other (using the simple to follow directions given), then you are made aware of some of the lesser know attractions of Granada city. The book also offers 28 bars that you can drive to in the vast and varied province of Granada, including the Costa Tropical, the Lecrin Valley, La Alpujarra and some that are hidden in spectacular countryside locations. The book also offers tapas tips to ensure you get the most pleasure from your tapas experience, a glossary of the dishes you are most likely to be served and, crucially, how to pronounce them.
And then for a more individual experience you can contact Vernon to arrange guided tapas tours and, or, tours of Andalusian gardens around the area.
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Friday, 30 September 2011 |
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Sad to report – but true – is that the change in local politics has bought about the removal of the many rose and geranium filled planters that lined Almunecar's streets during the summer. The official line from the town hall is that it helps to give work to the gardeners employed by the authority; however local traders and environmental action groups see the removal of these displays as detrimental to the towns appearance as a tropical environment. Clearly it seems that the new administration has a problem with plants and has over the last days begun not only to remove the hanging baskets around the town but also has started to remove established palm trees – "declared dangerous" – and which had been in situ since the 1930s. A campaign to curb such green annihilation is now being considered.
To add insult to injury, the residents of cortijo's in the campo are again demanding that the track roads around the Rio Seco and Gelibra areas be re-tarmaced. This was last done almost 3 years ago now, but many of the owners claim that the roads have deteriorated with the heavy traffic. Ironically while residents in urban parts of Taramay have to pay for a private contractor to tarmac the roads in front of their urban homes those in the campo get the work done by the town hall – and while property owners in town contribute more than 350 Euros per household to municipal taxes those in the campo pay a fifth of that!!!
Since last month the gradual removal of these concrete planters has been At the end of September, Spain's first minister and president, Jose Luis Rodriquez Zapatero, applied to the King to dissolve parliament. This means now that until the general elections of November 20 there will be no sitting parliament. It also indicates that as of this month, in the run up to the elections there will be a wealth of canvassing, meetings and fairs – as each party tries to grab the votes of Spanish nationals. Already, opinion polls point toward the right's Mariano Rajoy of the Partido Popular will be the new Prime Minister, however it is not clear whether he will gain an overall majority or be forced to make a coalition with a third party (sound similar?). 35.7 million Spaniards have the right to vote – which is over 630,000 more than in the last General Election of March 2008 – and a further 1.4 million Spaniards can vote from overseas. Foreign residents in Spain are not allowed to vote in the General Election, but can vote in local elections.
One of the highlights in October is the traditional religious fair in Salobreña which is in honor of the Virgen del Rosario that starts on Friday 7 and continues all weekend with a series of church liturgies. Apart from the usual party celebrations there is the traditional procession and pilgrimage, with horse drawn carts and floats travelling through the town streets down to the beach near El Peñon lunchtime on Sunday October 9. A mass on the beach is programmed for 12.30, and after this there are various competitions for the floats and the horses, the singers and dancers, musicians and riders. Expect the traffic to be very busy at this end of the beach from early Sunday til late at night.
I am sure that regular readers will be aware that Almuñecar’s Tropical valley is the worlds largest producer of the chirimoya - aka the custard apple? This fruit, which was awarded DO status, (a quality control measure), back in 2009 is widely promoted as an exceptional Tropical fruit exclusively produced here in Andalusia. Its production is so vital to the local economy that the Guardia Civil have been instructed to control the illegal sale of the fruits by street and roadside vendors in order to protect the incomes of farmers and suppliers. The fruit is celebrated in a local fiesta this month too in Torrecuevas from October 14 to 16, with the neighbours offering tastings of the various applications that this fruit offers, including jams, chutneys, ice creams, sauces and pastries.
As our winter foreign residents return to Spain's Costa Tropical, then there is – as ever - plenty for them to keep occupied. The most popular being the series of Classical music concerts at the Cultural centre in Almuñecar. Tickets are reasonably priced from 10 to 20 Euros – and are available from either the Casa de Cultura or the Palacete de la Najarra tourist office here in Almuñecar.
The fiesta of the Chirimoya (or custard apple) is celebrated in the district of Torrecuevas, just outside Almuñecar on the Rio Verde road to Jete and Otivar. From the 14th to the 16th, the locals enjoy a long party that gives thanks to a successful harvest of the Costa Tropical’s most famous fruit crop which is produced in the Tropical valley along with the mango and the avocado; and is today exported the world over. Chirimoya jams, chutneys, sauces and even ice cream desserts will, along with the locally produced muscatel wines, be made available to everyone to taste… and with Spain's National day (El Puente del Pilar), October 12, falling on a Wednesday this year; and consequently many provinces may take the weekends before or after to take a long, pre-Christmas weekend break. If the weather’s good then don’t be surprised to the see the beaches full to overflowing again…
And finally, on the property front again there seems to be a renewal of interest in bank repossessions. However, there also appears to be a lot of (mis)information and misconceptions about the worth of these particular properties. Not all bank repossessions are real bargains especially when you begin to compare with the market price of similar objects either in the same area or the same building. This last month we have seen two operations loosely claiming to be bank repossessions – one which was a bargain 3 bedroom house on a newly built urbanization at 75,000 Euros less than the present market value, the other a 2 bedroom apartment with debts in excess of 300,000 Euros sold for 175,000 Euros. In the former case the buyer purchased from the bank without viewing; only to discover later that the property had been stripped bare of bathroom and kitchen fittings! And in the second instance the vendor had not removed all the debts from the property prior to exchange. It appears that in both of these instances the sales were private and no legal or real estate agent was involved… ho hum!
As for the actual banks selling their reclaimed (repossessed) properties – then in most cases they appear to be new build apartments where as much as 80% of the properties in the building were never sold by the builder-promoter and so the bank is forced to sell at the (often) non-negotiable mortgage amount plus fees; or on occasions private second hand properties which were mortgaged over market value in order to consolidate private loans – and then left to decay over the last 2 or 3 years while the loan companies not only attempt to possess but also to reclaim the greater part of the loan too. The effect of the later is that such properties are often over-priced and none negotiable.
Looking for something different to do with family and friends this month then why not invest 10 Euros, and pick up a copy of the useful pocket guide – Granada Tapas Tours: 100 Tapas Bars in Granada; researched and written by Vernon Grant & Gayle Mackie. With 18 routes of 4 bars each to choose from, and 72 bars in various parts of the city where you will be treated the same as the locals. The book guides you away from popular tourist bars, and as you stroll from one to the other (using the simple to follow directions given), then you are made aware of some of the lesser know attractions of Granada city. The book also offers 28 bars that you can drive to in the vast and varied province of Granada, including the Costa Tropical, the Lecrin Valley, La Alpujarra and some that are hidden in spectacular countryside locations. The book also offers tapas tips to ensure you get the most pleasure from your tapas experience, a glossary of the dishes you are most likely to be served and, crucially, how to pronounce them.
And then for a more individual experience you can contact Vernon to arrange guided tapas tours and, or, tours of Andalusian gardens around the area.
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