News from across Spain includes: Telefonica unveils data-based communication app Tu Me Telefonica is launching an app that allows smartphone users to make calls and send messages without using up their quota of call minutes or texts. Actions taken by “Tu Me” will instead be deducted from data allowances. It poses a challenge to existing [...]

Leading scheduled leisure airline, Monarch, last week announced it is to introduce additional frequencies and a new route from Birmingham airport this summer, plus launch a new base and flights from East Midlands airport. These flights will be on sale from Friday 18 May 2012. The routes, which have been announced in reaction to the [...]

Although the two main stories regarding the troubled Spanish banks and the ongoing row between Repsol and Argentina are the most heavily featured stories, it would be remiss not to lead with a mention to the one yer anniversary of the earthquake just up the road in Lorca. Bloomberg has a good article hinting at [...]

The Citizens’ Initiative against roaming charges in Europe, “Europeans for Fair Roaming” (FairRoaming.org) has welcomed the new EU roaming regulation, which it fought for for the last two years. The new regulation will lower the prices for using mobile phones within the EU until 2014. According to the new EU law, prices for roaming will [...]

Have been asked by producers from Ricochet the UK based television company that made ‘No Going Back’ and ?Blood Sweat & T-Shirts’ to help find young couples, friends or siblings who are emigrating to start a new and exciting working life overseas. They are looking for people who are contemplating emigration or have even started [...]

Boring as it may be the main news today is that the yield on Spain’s 10 year bonds topped 6% yesterday, a rate that most experts accept as being unsustainable for Spain, and the benchmark associated with recent bailouts for Ireland and Greece. At the other end of the scale Germany’s yield was at all [...]

Beautiful clear morning here with the birds singing. I’m up on the roof having breakfast with my cats, and this really is for me the best time of summer day in Spain!

Very misty when my cats woke me up at 6am but my view is slowly returning. Sunbeds are wet on the roof but I am sure everything will be dry again by mid morning!

Lovely day forecast here in Almerimar today, not that I will see much of it! Transport day with Mick and I picking dogs up in Almería, Murcia and Madrid. They are then being dropped off in Folkestone, Loughton, Oxford, Stoke, Doncaster and Hull. Going to stay Tuesday night in Hull (where I lived until I [...]

All set for another hot one in Almerimar today, and wouldn’t you know it some people I have bumped into last couple days have been moaning about the heat! It isn’t that hot. Certainly no hotter than usual for this time of year. The ‘problem’ is that it hasn’t got gradually hotter as normal but [...]

Driving past the square this morning I noticed that the old El Arruz has re-opened as a Tebarna with a red sign (see photo in sidebar) although I can’t recall the name, and the picture was grabbed from the van as I drove past. La Ma…… something or other!

The great weather continues in Almerimar today with blue skies, a bright sun and a very gentle breeze. Perfect day for sitting outside. Time to start working on a tan I think! Dog cages arrived for the van and although a tight fit they are all in which is great. We now have five collapsable [...]

Despite all the problems facing Spain and its economy, now is the time to start looking into buying a property in the country. Thanks to the strong performance of the pound you now get far more euros for your pounds. Currently the pound to euro exchange rate is at a three year high standing at [...]

As you jet off into the sun and arrive at your new home in Spain the thought of the dreaded taxman is probably far from your mind. You want to go out and enjoy the sunshine, relax by the pool or have a nice siesta. However, it won’t be long before the Spanish authorities come [...]

Spain is undoubtedly a beautiful country and a good place to live for those wanting a slower paced lifestyle in the sun, however buying a property in the country can be costly, both financially and emotionally. If you are a citizen of the European Union then it is far simpler to buy a property in [...]

Spain has always been an extremely popular destination for British expats, but with the Eurozone debt crisis dominating the business headlines recently, some potential emigrants may have been put off. The unemployment rate is a frightening 23.3%, and the dire figure increases twofold to over 50% for people under 25, but surprisingly many Brits are [...]

Eating out and drinking with friends and family is very important in Spain, in fact there are more bars per capita in Spain than in any other country in the world. The Spanish people, tourists and expats alike all spend large amounts of time relaxing and socialising in bars so it’s no surprise that many [...]

The expat population in Spain is rising and rising. There are more than four times as many 30-34 year old expats living in Spain as there are 60-64 year olds. Whilst many individuals see Spain as the perfect place to settle down and retire, this statistic shows that the country has a lot more to [...]

In a series of short surveys conducted by Almerimar Life, the expat blog and online community, holiday property owners were asked their opinion on a number of current issues relating to Spain, and how they thought they were effecting their property income in 2012. The surveys covered the smoking ban, the number of flights to [...]

Have just written an article for Campaya the Worldwide Holiday Rental Company comparing the prices of pretty much equivalent villas in Spain, close to golf courses, for this Easter. Prices ranged from 3,339€ to 550€ for the week, and included Gran Canaria, Costa del Sol, and Costa Almeria. To find out which was the most [...]

In 2009 Spain ranked 6th (out of 133) in the overall rankings, but in 2011 slipped to 8th, and like Australia (9th and 13th) are heading in the wrong direction. Neither country has invested in developing it’s own labour, relying on imported short term resources, and it appears that they are now paying the price [...]

The majority of the 2.5 million will head for the province of Alicante it appears, with bookings already up 13% this year. Have to say was a little surprised to read at the same time that the increased interest from holidaymakers is being matched by those looking to buy property, with many overseas property hunters [...]

According to a recent article in The Telegraph pensioners holidaying abroad this summer face being hit by annual increases of up to 90 per cent in the cost of their travel insurance, in what age charities have called a “shocking” example of age discrimination. It seems that steep rises in the cost of medical care [...]

Good headline, but the devil is in the detail as ever for many an expat business owners hoping to benefit from the tourist trade to Spain this year. 2.8 million foreign tourists came to Spain last month, a 4.6% increase on January 2011, representing an increase of 122,000. Note the 122,000 – this is how [...]

My wife Barbara has asked me to pass on a message to you about Animo, a centre for riding for the disabled which she runs. Thanks for your time, Lenox Napier On Sunday, May 6th, people are coming out to walk to help raise money and awareness for people that can’t. The event is managed [...]

Care2 have a online petition sponsored by ESDAW to force Spain to modernise the country’s animal protection laws. You can sign the petition on this link: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/551/991/651/–if-gte-mso-9xml-wworddocument-wviewnormalwview-wzoom0wzoom-wtrackmoveswtrackmoves/ Spain is a country made with 17 autonomous communities and 2 autonomous cities. The legislation about companion animals is quite similar in all of them. The main problem [...]

You can download the claim form for your Dog Food purchased from the Mercadona here.

Had a number of message through from dog owners in and around the Mojacar area as it would appear that a lot of dogs have suffered kidney failure. There is a suggestion that the ‘common factor’ in a lot of the cases is the Compy f¡dog food from the Mercadona, and while this can’t be [...]

Dear Sirs I am writing to you on behalf of many people who are members of our group, who want to appeal to you to improve the welfare of animals in Spain. This appeal comes from people not only in Spain but all over Europe and the world. Our members have heard of the atrocity [...]

The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) allows the entry of pets from certain countries into the UK, without passing through quarantine, using an EU Pet Passport. This list of countries is available on www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/pets/countries To obtain an EU Passport your pet must be (in this order): a) Microchipped with an ISO standard microchip, prior to rabies [...]

Sat the other evening outside a bar with a friend I was reminded why we chose to spend this period of our life in Spain. Note I said ‘this period of our life’, as although we have no plans to not live in Spain for the rest of our naturals, neither have we a committed [...]

Lot of debate online regards the recent announcements by Monarch and BMI, and the ongoing strike threats by Iberia. Well I say debate, but that is exaggerating the point really. What I have seen is more a one way torrent of abuse directed at the airlines for having the audacity to cut loss making routes [...]

Many expats in Spain are claiming the country’s financial troubles are forcing them back to the UK. But their problems run deeper than that, says Chris Marshall. You can read my latest column for Telegraph Expat here

Something wonderfully ironic in the reports of the recent demonstrations against the proposed cuts in pubic spending on education. The organisers claimed that 30,000 turned out to protest, the police put the figure at 2,000. Somebody can’t add up, although I suspect that the truth is that neither side can do their sums. The Spanish [...]

Travel dominated last week (we did our first ALStrays UK Dog Transport) with Spain celebrating the 20th anniversary of the AVE high speed train, which first ran on April 14th 1992 between Madrid and Sevilla. Driving through Spain it still seems pretty rare to see these trains, although there are now 2,600km of high speed [...]

Interesting and busy time for me last week as I have started by daily Paper Review on iTalkFM, and my latest Telegraph Expat column has generated a huge amount of feedback, as I challenged Spain to resist the expats attempts to turn it into a series on mini Britain’s, and to hold onto their cultures [...]

Where are you insider.I'm bored ! !

1. Introduction I have seen lots of new members lately on this forum. At the exact time several identical inquiries have been raised around and in excess of once again. ...

Still got a few places left for this fabulous singer and entertainer, husbands beware though, the wife wont be looking at you much on the night! http://beachcombermojacar.com/10th-may-12-swing-rat-pack-rock-roll-loads-more/

Become a part of something NEW!! We are looking for anyone interested in being part of the SpainLINKED team - something new and exciting. We are offering shares in this ...

Anybody going to Malaga airport this Wednesday? Have been asked to enquire if anybody could bring someone back (2pm flight) to Almerimar. They will contribute 40€ towards the petrol. Yes, ...

TUI UK (think Thomas Cook) has signed an agreement with the tourism ministry to bring some 600 Brits a month to Roquetas del Mar. All inclusive, of course, which means ...

That’s it! That’s ya lot! That, my dear, is all there is. I gave it my all. Everything I had. I couldn’t have done better, I couldn’t have done any ...

Monarch Airlines to expand operations across the Midlands. The Airline to launch a new base at East Midlands Airport and expand services from Birmingham Airport - Scheduled leisure airline Monarch ...

The Anglican Chaplaincy of Costa Almeria is holding its Spring Fair this Friday 4th May at the Hotel Puntazo Mojacar from 10.00am. Lots of bargains to be had, books, DVD's, ...

La noche del POP español Sat 28th April 10pm

17/05/12: Lovely new photos have now come from Germany of Tila is her foster home. She looks very relaxed. Things are quiet in Germany at the moment. I think everybody ...

16/05/12: Tigger’s story is a great example of a lovely and very patient adoptant in Germany. At first Tigger was completely lovely, but then he started to bite a little ...

14/05/12: Latest photos show that all is just fine. Jazzy has been sleeping on his Mum’s legs, and exploring the balcony, and is now good cat friends with Amy. He ...

Have been watching, and enjoying, the ESPN build up to the FA Cup for the last 3 hours. Think they have done a great job, but as we approach 3pm ...

Am struggling to remember ever having so much apathy towards the FA Cup Final. In previous years it has been easy to support my own team (Man Utd), the underdog ...

If you’re planning on taking your car with you overseas, there are a few things you need to know. Maybe you’re planning on moving abroad and want to take your ...

If you are traveling to a foreign country you have probably already realized that good, reliable internet access will be an asset to you as you travel. Thanks to the general trend of globalization with respect to the internet and many other technologies, goods, and services, finding a good internet connection in a foreign country [...]

Whether it’s business or pleasure, there’s an app for it! Living abroad can be a struggle – there are so many things that are unknown or unfamiliar. But, if you have an international plan, your iPhone, Android, can be your best friend overseas. Apps can get you where you need to go as well as [...]

While traveling by car may be one of the easiest transportation modes in the latter part of your pregnancy, car travel still comes with unique challenges. Here are some things to think about before heading out on the highway. Motion Sickness Thankfully this is not an issue for everyone, but if it’s an issue for [...]

Everyone knows that some places are safer to drive in than others. Los Angeles, for instance, is notorious for its traffic problems and nightmare drivers. The safest places to drive aren’t always out in the boondocks, however, as the insurance industry has found several medium and large cities to be among the safest places to [...]

Travelling Spain by car is the best way to make the most of your time here, utilising the freedom provided by car hire in Spain means you can head off the beaten tourist track and indulge yourself in the real Spanish lifestyle. While the major holiday resorts provide everything the modern tourist may require, by [...]

Local Almerimar poet Iain D Kemp reads his poem The Albatross That Never Lands

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‘Brian Cuba’ was out in the week and saw big fish and big shoals on the fish finder although none seemed to be on the feed. Brian’s crew landed an octopus, weavers, pandoras, combers, red snappers and mackerel.  ‘Pugwash Pete’ was also out but I’ve not received a report, maybe next week. Not much to [...]

Local Almerimar poet Iain D Kemp reads his poem When The Seas Rise

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Despite the fact that elephants are beautiful, endangered animals, the King of Spain still thought it was appropriate to participate in an elephant hunt a few weeks ago. Tell Spain’s King that this is not how reigning monarchs should behave. Don Juan Carlos I has apologized to his country for taking part in an African [...]

Local Almerimar poet Iain D Kemp reads his poem Maybe, Maybe not …..

Maybe, Maybe not ..... Play Now | Play in Popup | Download