Sunday 30 December 2012

New Year's Eve (' Nochevieja ')

New Year's Eve (' Nochevieja ')
New Year's Eve (Nochevieja) in Spain is a party night like everywhere else in the world, though the structure is a little different to in other countries - remember you have to think in SPANISH TIME!

Rather... than starting early and building to a crescendo at midnight, the Spanish see in the New Year sober (well, nearly sober), either with friends or with family, and then go out to the bars at about 12.30. The partying then continues until about 6am (if you fancy an early night) or much, much later, if you don't!

There is an 'ancient' tradition, started by some shrewd farmers about 100 years ago when they were left with too many grapes after the harvest, of eating twelve grapes at the twelve bongs of midnight. This is a fun ritual, only spoiled by the fact that it is almost impossible to buy seedless grapes in Spain - in the rush to chomp down the dozen grapes; everyone ends up biting into a seed and pulling a silly face.

A word of advice: there are four higher-pitched chimes just before the main ones at midnight (known as 'los cuartos') that announce the start of the real ones - make sure you don't start eating your grapes too soon. It catches people out each year - one year a television presenter made the fatal error! For every grape you get right, you will get a month's good luck.
 

Sunday 23 December 2012

Three Kings Day (Epiphany) (' El Dia de los Reyes ')


Three Kings Day (Epiphany) (' El Dia de los Reyes ')
January 6 is virtually as important as Christmas itself, especially for kids, as this is the day when they get their presents. The fun starts the evening before, when the three kings lead their procession through the streets, throwing sweets to the children. The next morning, the children wake up to find their presents have been left overnight.
Everyone also eats Roscón, a sweet, donut-shaped bread (though much bigger than a donut) covered in glacier cherries and sugar. A plastic toy and a bean are buried inside the mixture, so don't dive in too quickly. He or she who finds the toy gets good luck for the next year (double the luck if they also ate the grapes on New Year's Eve!), and who finds a bean has to pay for next year´s Roscón.


Beverley Townsend
Spanish Dream Property
01603 415296 / 07889 362950
www.spanishdreamproperty.com

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Wednesday 19 December 2012

140.000 euros less


A client has purchased a beachside 3 bed detached Villa in Playa Flamenca. Negotiated 140.000 euros off the asking asking price.

Property of the week in EL CARMOLI



3 Bed 2 Bath
Villa / Detached in EL CARMOLI

Ref: SDP1650
Type: Villa / Detached
Area: Costa Calida / Murcia
Town: El Carmoli
Beds: 3
Baths: 2
Pool: Yes
Price: €179,995
Description: 3 BEDROOM / 2 BATHROOM SEMI DETACHED VILLA OUTSTANDING SEA VIEWS This charming south east facing villa commands an amazing position situated at the top of the mountain and just 5 minutes to the beautiful shores of the Mar Menor. • Communal swimming pool • Off road parking with private driveway • Private roof solarium with stunning views plus front and rear terraces • Easy maintained tropical/cactus gardens • Air conditioning fitted plus log fire & electric radiators
http://spanishdreamproperty.co.uk/index.php?action=listingview&listingID=47808


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Monday 10 December 2012

Memories of the 1960's Ibiza

Ibiza old town

Ibiza

My first visit to Ibiza was probably before 1970.  In those days the island was a lot less ‘touristy’ and less well known than Mallorca, which by the end of the sixties was already established as a holiday hotspot.  This was evident the moment we arrived as I remember the old airport terminal was little more than a long white single-storey building with palm trees planted along the front.  Wandering down the car-less lane towards the beach we passed the white mountains of sea salt waiting to be transported and were able to collect handfuls of the rough crystals – no fences keeping children out!  The whole island seemed very laid back and relaxed, a far cry from the 18-30’s party island image for which it became known a couple of decades later.
 
 
 

Thursday 6 December 2012

Up by 50%

 Spanish Dream Property sales so far in 2012 are up by 50% on 2011. Let us find your dream home in the Alicante or Murcia regions

Spanish Dream Property & Association of International Property Professionals


Spanish Dream Property has full membership Of the AIPP Association of International Property Professionals if you are looking to buy property overseas this is a great place to start for information. We are looking forward working with the AIPP