Chiringuitos Endangered Species?
Owners of "chiringuito" beach bars and restaurants along the coasts of Andalucia are worried that a new set of coastal regulations could spell the beginning of the end for many. In reality, they should have little to fear because the regional government has taken a…
Spain's Summer Schedule
Get ready for “Horario de Verano”. That’s one Spanish phrase you should know. It literally translates as “Schedule of Summer” and means the opening hours for many businesses will change to accommodate the heat. When I first learned about “Horario de Verano” so many years…
Join the World Match for Peace in Andalucía
Now this is exciting news: The World March for Peace and Non-Violence, organised by the NGO World without War, is coming through Spain starting on the November 13, 2009 in Barcelona. Participants will march south to Madrid then on south to Andalucia. The…
Spanish Family Holiday
So many people come to Spain to spend their holidays at the beach, but have you every wondered how Spaniards spend their time off? Of course they head for the beach like everyone else, that’s why it’s so crowded in the summer. The difference, perhaps is how they go to the…
No More Skipping School in Andalucía?
The Andalucian Ombudsman, Jose Chamizo, is always looking out for new problems to solve. And this one might not be so new, but it definitely needs solving. After all, who among us can claim to never have skipped school? Yes, those were the good old days. But…
Do as the Andalusians...
The most appropriate thing to do in the face of the summer heat is to live like the Andalusians. One of my favourite changes that summer brings is dining "al fresco" (yes, I know this is not "do as the Romans" - but the phrase does fit). While some love to breakfast in the…
The Andalucian Pine Nut
Andalucia is known for sun, sand and sea. This region is also known for its bullfighting and flamenco. And some know that the south of Spain is an important producer of olives and olive oil. But how many people know about these other traditional, highly appraised crops:…
Time in excess
Life is speeding up, people say. There's not enough time, is the big excuse. And it's a fact, in some cultures, people suffer from a time deficit while in other cultures people seem to enjoy a time surplus. I wouldn't say Spain actually enjoys a tremendous surplus, but there is a…
All new: The Chestnut Museum!
This is something we will all have to go see. The tiny village of Pujerra in the Ronda mountains (Serranía de Ronda) is working hard to produce a museum that features nothing but chestnuts. You might be amazed, but there really does appear to be enough information…
New car anyone?
As we all know, the automobile industry has been particularly hard hit by the current economic situation. Enter: Plan 2000E - the answer to everyone's problems. Well, an answer, at least, to car industry's problems. Plan 2000E gives you 2,000 euros off a new or semi-new (read "used…