twitter: 19th 8.30am still no phone or Internet. Will be in marina later so will spend couple hours catching up. Orla still not 100%

Guest Book

Let us know what you think, want or suggest - as simple as that really!!!If you like the site let us know, if you think it could be improved then let us know. If you have a question you would like us to find the answer to then …….. you get the picture!

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  1. Making It Work In Almerimar | AlmerimarLife Says:
    May 25th, 2008 at 8:26 am

    [...] Comments Good, Good, Bad …. | AlmerimarLife on FINALLY Ran!Adam Ramshaw on Guest BookAlan Andrews on Guest BookPam Roberts on Guest BookMac Sokulski on Guest [...]

54 Responses to “Guest Book”

  1. Mac Sokulski Says:
    May 20th, 2008 at 11:30 pm Quote

    Thanks for the very informative site. Learned a lot, and actually decided to visit based on the information posted. Looking forward to seeing Almerimar soon.
    Thanks again.

  2. Pam Roberts Says:
    May 21st, 2008 at 11:42 am Quote

    We sailed into Almerimar on our yacht in l996 and many changes have occurred since that date - and not all for the good. Yes - there are many more shops, bars, restaurants etc. - some extremely good - but on the negative side I have witnessed a few cases of moronic vandalism in this little oasis.

    Whilst walking the dog very early on Sunday morning on the West beach - I noticed that every single concrete waste-bin had been overturned and the contents strewn all over the promenade - wonderful for the stray dogs and not so wonderful for the workmen who had to pick everything up.

    Then there was the vandalism to Leo’s bar - his glass door was smashed and his till stolen, and for good measure they also smashed the glass windows in his Launderette, then there is the element who continually get drunk and fight and this only applies to a couple of bars. In all my years in Spain I have never seen a drunken Spaniard - have you??

    Perhaps it is time to request a Police Station in the Port so that this doesn’t escalate and get out of hand. I still feel perfectly safe walking around Almerimar early morning or late at night - and hope this continues.

  3. Alan Andrews Says:
    May 21st, 2008 at 12:46 pm Quote

    I wish to praise Chris Marshall and the site for the speed and flexibility provided when I wanted to track down the new owner of my old car to get some documentation sorted out.I needed help to determine the name and address of the new owner as my original information had been lost.The new owner was a resident of Almerimar and that was all I knew! The site printed all the details of the car and an accompanying photo requesting readers to help.
    A great service from the site. Many thanks!!!

  4. Adam Ramshaw Says:
    May 23rd, 2008 at 8:39 pm Quote

    The site is looking great Chris. It makes me hope that I can one day visit Almerimar and experience the great way of life that you often blog about.

    Keep up the great work Chris.

  5. Francis Says:
    May 26th, 2008 at 10:12 am Quote

    We have visited Almerimar about four times a year since we were lucky enough to be able to buy a small apartment in 2004. While we are there as a family (2 boys and 2 girls), we get to feel completely at home and find very little that is not to our liking. There is plenty of choice with regard to restaurants and bars. The beaches are fantastic, and just perfect for families to be able to relax without having to worry about the children. We have found Almerimar to be the perfect place for us to relax and unwind for a week or two, with the minimum of hassle.

    The port is a popular place for us to spend a day. We have visited Almería at all times of the year and find the climate just about right. There is plenty to do both locally, and further afield, with attractions and interesting places to visit, all within driving distance. One of the most important factors which drew us back to Almerimar was the friendly welcome that we found when we were quite new to the place.

    Almerimar (being still a relatively new port) does not seem to go through any big changes (apart from the ongoing constuction), but it can be argued that it is enhanced by the subtle changes that it does go through. Each time we return, it feels as though we haven’t been away, which gives me a reassuring feeling. Apart from the relaxed social scene that Almerimar provides, it has much more to offer, including an improving golf course, and opportunities to get the kids doing something (apart from arguing) to keep them occupied.

    I was beginning to feel a little bit out of touch with the place each time I returned home to Liverpool. This was something that I found frustrating, as I knew that there were things happening there, but was unable to keep in touch easily. I came across the AlmerimarLife site about a year ago. I was greatly impressed, not just with the content of the site, but with the welcoming feel that comes with it. I have, at last, found a place that I can access that enables me to ’see and hear’ what is happening in Almerimar on a day to day basis. It provides me with all I need to know in between visits, but does so with an energy and committment that I find admirable. Many thanks to Chris and Sandra for the efforts that are plain to see.

    I suspect that any friends of Almerimar, whether full time residents, or occasional visitors (who hope to eventually settle there full time) have an invaluable resource in this site, one which, I have no doubt, will grow on to be more and more successful as time goes on. I feel that without the site, I would be unable to feel part of the community of Almerimar, and I am very grateful to the site ‘managers’ for the tireless effort that is obviously put into its development.

    Muchas gracias a todos.

    Francis.

  6. Tina Gleed Says:
    May 27th, 2008 at 10:42 am Quote

    We have just found your site, and think you are doing a great job. We have just purchased a property in Almerimar for holidays, Hope to move out eventually. It is wonderful to be able to keep up with all the news on Almerimar. Must say when we were out in April we were really made welcome by Debbie and Jules at La Bahia, along with their staff and customers alike. We feel right at home already and can’t wait to return in July. Will definitely be trying the bars and restaurants recommended on your site. Will be checking in on a regular basis.

    Once again GREAT site.

  7. Jon Says:
    May 27th, 2008 at 10:55 am Quote

    Love reading the site, full of information but also a nice personal touch.

    Makes me want to leave rainy old England and escape to Almerimar…

    J

  8. Danny Says:
    May 27th, 2008 at 11:00 am Quote

    Fantastic and informative site. Filled in a lot of gaps in my knowledge both about Almerimar and Spain in general.
    There is a great use of technology on this site, Qik and twitter all help. Great ideas!
    I hope to visit this spectacular place soon!

  9. Tina Gleed Says:
    June 3rd, 2008 at 1:51 pm Quote

    Hi Chris

    Just read This week in Almerimar. You say your parents have booked their flights to come over at Christmas. Could you tell us which airline and from which airport, we are struggling to find any that come out to Almeria after mid November.

    Many thanks

    Tina

  10. Chris Marshall Says:
    June 3rd, 2008 at 2:42 pm Quote

    They have booked with Monarch out of Manchester

  11. Tina Gleed Says:
    June 4th, 2008 at 11:05 am Quote

    Hope you are well, and are recovering from the football!

    Do you know of anywhere in Almerimar that rents Cycles?

    Many thanks

    Tina

  12. Chris Marshall Says:
    June 4th, 2008 at 11:06 am Quote

    Recovery is slow!!!

    When you want the cycles for? During the summer there are a couple of place on the beach that rent them out, but they aren’t open yet. If you want them before the summer let me know and I will ask around :-)

  13. Francis Says:
    June 4th, 2008 at 9:53 pm Quote

    I would also be careful of the quality (and safety) of those you can hire on the beach, especially if they are for children. We have tried it and, though we may have caught them on a bad day, the kids woould need to be a bit careful. Check them before riding off…………..and wear a helmet!

  14. Michael Weinstein Says:
    June 5th, 2008 at 2:45 pm Quote

    Hi Chris
    Just wanted to thank you for all the help you gave me finding some holiday accommodation. We’ve tied up all the loose ends and are heading out in early August, at which time I would very much like to buy you a beer.
    Sorry it’s taken me so long to get back to you but we couldn’t have done it without all your kind help and advice. As you know, I simply stumbled across your website while trying to find accommodation where our friends had already booked and when I first emailed you, I never dreamed you would be able or willing to help the way you did. Having read all the earlier submissions, it looks like we’ve picked the perfect place to spend a couple of weeks RnR and I am enjoying keeping up to date with your busy schedule through the amazing website.
    Indebted to you
    Mike

  15. Chris Marshall Says:
    June 5th, 2008 at 3:27 pm Quote

    You are more than welcome and a beer is always appreciated!!! Look forward to meeting you, and of course keep in touch through the site.

  16. Louise Bromley Says:
    June 12th, 2008 at 12:31 pm Quote

    Terrific website, Chris. Can’t wait for our week’s holiday!
    Many thanks for all the information.
    Louise

  17. Bruce Copping Says:
    June 12th, 2008 at 3:44 pm Quote

    Hi Chris & Sandy,

    Had a great time in Almerimar last week – did not want to come home !

    Back to work this week, and it feels like I have not been away.

    Wish I was still there under the sun and blue skies, enjoying a beer a Mc Gowan’s !

    Sounds like the roof tiling is under way, I bet Morri is intrigued by all these new people to go a see.

    Tiff was really impressed with how clean and well kept Almerimar is, especially all the flowers and trees along the roads.

    Looking forward to coming back, hopefully later this year. That is if Dad will let me !

    Cheers,

    Bruce Jnr.

  18. UnknownPriestKiller Says:
    June 13th, 2008 at 7:35 pm Quote

    I’ve often heard tattoo artists rant about people getting visible tattoos (hands, neck) the moment they hit 18 before they have other work.
    Recently I discovered a rant on quite a respected figure in the tattoo community’s Myspace. I say rant, it was more like pure venomous hatred.
    It would seem that some find young people with visible ink, impatient and disrespectful, and they must all just think it’s cool to have visible work.
    I’m 23, My first tattoo was on my shoulder, then my wrists, then I got a full sleeve. Then I moved to my hands, then neck and I also have a large part of my leg tattooed.
    It took me about two years to get the opportunity to get my hand tattooed by my idol, and then my neck by an artist I greatly admire, a lot of time, effort and thought was put into both of these.
    Even though I’m somewhat older and do have a fair bit of coverage, I might still be classed as young and “under-tattooed” to have such visible work, and I can’t help but think that’s kinda crazy!
    Sure I’ve seen some 18 year olds with kanji on their necks or poorly executed skulls on their hands, and you can almost tell they rushed into it, wanting everyone to see their new work as clearly as possible, and fine that to me is impatient and maybe even attention seeking.
    Basically what I’m trying to say is that not everyone who has visible work is disrespectful to the art, some people invest a great deal of time, money and effort into getting that particular location inked with the highest standard work possible.
    It’s kinda funny to find prejudice within a community that tries so hard to divert it away from itself.

    Thoughts?

  19. Chris Marshall Says:
    June 15th, 2008 at 1:14 pm Quote

    @UnknownPriestKiller - that reminds me of a guy that I met on a ferry. He was a biker as well so we got chatting. He was covered in a similar manner to you. It made my few tats look very modest, but he was really complimentary about the thought that had gone into mine and the fact that they all ‘told part of my life story’.

    Prejudices will always exist, but I understand your point - maybe jealousy would be a better word?

  20. Durai Says:
    June 16th, 2008 at 10:38 am Quote

    Your blog is attractive and posts are informative.. I dont hesitate to spend ample time with your blog.. nice work..

  21. Maureen Kelly Says:
    June 17th, 2008 at 8:54 am Quote

    Hi just recently found your website great stuff,I have been visiting Almerimar for over 15years stay at Beach Apts we love it will be coming again 3rd July but will have my 2 grandchildren with us just wondering what the food situation is at Mercado as baby is only 1yr old should we bring jars of baby food or is it any better?.Also do you know if the pool at Beach Apts is open Thanks for any info you can give me. Regards Maureen Kelly

  22. Chris Marshall Says:
    June 19th, 2008 at 9:56 am Quote

    @Maureen - you are welcome. I have emailed you the details that you requested.

  23. Maureen Kelly Says:
    June 20th, 2008 at 6:09 pm Quote

    Thank you so much for all the info it was very good of you, I don’t know you but I would like to buy you a beer if we ever did meet and you have really made my grandsons day. Thanks again

  24. richard bown Says:
    June 26th, 2008 at 9:51 am Quote

    Where do you go during the summer vacation?
    I go to Barcelona. Who goes to Barcelona yet?

  25. Chris Marshall Says:
    June 26th, 2008 at 11:08 am Quote

    We don’t!!! We used to go to Florida a lot, but now we have the cats and live in such a great place we don’t go anywhere.

    I have worked in Barcelona though - great city!!!

  26. Olivia Smith Says:
    June 29th, 2008 at 2:58 pm Quote

    Hi,

    I recently bought a 2 bed apartment in Almerimar.

    I would like information on where I can hire a bike in Almerimar? Go Sailing for the day? Go horse riding? Get golf lessons and gear?
    Wine tasting? Roller Bladding ?

    Where can I hire surf Gear/ Kites? Surf lessons.

    Take day trips etc. Get bus time tables, Taxi numbers etc.

    Thank you,
    Olivia

  27. Chris Marshall Says:
    June 29th, 2008 at 3:00 pm Quote

    Renting bikes seems to be a bit of an issue at the moment as someone else is asking me the same question. They normally have them for rent on the beach front by the Espignon (East beach), but they don’t seem to be out yet. Probably will be from the 1st July.

    You can go horse riding here

    Sailing you need to try the sailing school here

    There is a lot of information on the site on the FAQ page and the Local Directory where you will find information on days out, bus timetables, the golf course (where you can get lessons) etc etc.

    If there is anything specific that you need let me know and I will see what I can do, but hopefully the information on the sight will give you a good insigh

  28. Trevor Says:
    June 30th, 2008 at 4:19 pm Quote

    Hi Chris

    I’m the guy you got the t shirt for as you were going home after the Italy game sorry did not see you on thursday I forgot we were in Nerja. Follow everything on the site, back in Sept may see you in Alrruz.

    Regards Trevor

  29. Don Says:
    July 9th, 2008 at 10:50 am Quote

    Hi there, love your site and blog. We were in Almerimar last month and had a fantastic fillet steak in a small bar/restaurant in the square in Darsena 3. Friends are coming out in 10 days and we want to tell them about it but I cant remember if it was La Bahia or La Plaza. It’s got a small bar with two barstools and is run by an English guy who took it over about this time last year. Is it La Bahia? They have Chilli con carne as main course and as tapas and sirloin and fillet steaks on the menu. It’s close to or beside the Fosil bar. Hope you can help. Many thanks, Don

  30. Chris Marshall Says:
    July 9th, 2008 at 10:52 am Quote

    That would be La Plaza. It is run by Lee & Heather and they offer readers of the blog special offers so check out the Offers page.

  31. Tina Gleed Says:
    July 14th, 2008 at 5:03 pm Quote

    Hi Chris

    Received your comment reference my email on the charges at Coco Beach. Have just returned from Almerimar where we visited at least eight different restaurants and bars, some of which were suggested by yourself. They were all very good and all gave tapas with the drinks we ordered, but we were never charged more than 2 euros per drink. Even at the event where the Beatles tribute band failed to show - this was still a very nice evening with music, drinks and tapas, we met quite a few really nice people at this event. We also had good conversations at several of the bars and are looking forward to returning and seeing everyone again in August. I would still send out a cautious message to anyone visiting Coca Beach.

    Tina

  32. Chris Marshall Says:
    July 14th, 2008 at 5:09 pm Quote

    At 2€ I am assuming that you stuck to wine or beer then? A 1/2 litre of beer is usually around 1,80€ or 2€ a bottle and a glass of wine is in the 1,60€ to 2,40€ range - all will come with tapas.

    If you managed to buy a spirit and mixer for 2€ then I want to know where!!! I have never paid less than 4,50€ and typically pay 5€, more in the music bars late at night?

    Or did you mean that you bought wine and beer in the Coco Beach bar? In that case it does seem expensive and if you did I will ask them about it next time I am there.

    Let me know please as I want to get to the bottom of this.

    Glad you had a good time and hopefully see you in August.

  33. Pam Roberts Says:
    July 17th, 2008 at 9:21 am Quote

    Cost of food and drinks
    We are just back from visiting family in the UK -and met up with friends in a Spanish restaurant in Twickenham - we all ordered from an excellent assortment of Tapas, had 2 bottles of Rosada and 1 bottle of Red and the bill for John and I - was £85.- We are still recovering from the shock!!! Give me eating out in Spain anytime.

  34. Chris Marshall Says:
    August 1st, 2008 at 11:59 am Quote

    Hi Chris

    Received your comment reference my email on the charges at Coco Beach. Have just returned from Almerimar where we visited at least eight different restaurants and bars, some of which were suggested by yourself. They were all very good and all gave tapas with the drinks we ordered, but we were never charged more than 2 euros per drink. Even at the event where the Beatles tribute band failed to show - this was still a very nice evening with music, drinks and tapas, we met quite a few really nice people at this event. We also had good conversations at several of the bars and are looking forward to returning and seeing everyone again in August. I would still send out a cautious message to anyone visiting Coca Beach.

    Tina

    Was in Coco Beach yesterday and I asked Horacio the prices for beer and it is 2€, so if you were charged 5€ for beer than that was wrong!!! If as I suspect you paid 5€ for a spirit and a mixer then that is a fair price for a beach bar.

  35. John Furse Says:
    August 2nd, 2008 at 12:57 am Quote

    Visited Al- Arruz for the two Taste of Spain evenings this week. The food was excellent, the hospitality superb and the warmth and ambience created by the hosts made for two very special nights. This restaurant rightly has a reputation second to none.

  36. kevin williams Says:
    August 5th, 2008 at 10:05 pm Quote

    hi chris, thanks for your daily e-mails that you send us and keep us informed about the goings on in almerimar, i and my family of 5 are counting the minutes till we come over for our august break on friday the 8 . Buying our apartment in the conde de barcelona , last year ,was i feel one of the best decisions we have made and every time we come over we seem still as exited as the first time ,but because of your blog we dont feel as we have been away too long because you thankfully keep us informed about whats happening .Im looking forward to taking your tips and going to different tapas bars in the coming 16 days and if we do meet then hopefully you can meet myself and the family.

  37. Chris Marshall Says:
    August 5th, 2008 at 10:22 pm Quote

    You are more than welcome. Give us a shout when you are here and I am sure we can arrange to meet up.

  38. Griff Says:
    August 26th, 2008 at 9:09 am Quote

    Hi there! Just stopped by to see your site. I think it is fantastic. I purchased a property there two years ago and I plan on subscribing to your blog

  39. Ian Sheldon Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 4:02 pm Quote

    Hi Chris

    I have been using your site quite a while now, very informative.
    We have an apartment in Almerimar and come out there as often as we can. When we visit later this month, our son and his girlfriend, who is vegitarian, will be with us. Can you or your readers recommend good vegitarian-friendly restaurants? From memory, most only seem to offer the odd meat-free dish.
    Best Regards
    Ian Sheldon

  40. Chris Marshall Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 4:52 pm Quote

    Sands recently wrote an article called Tough On Veggies which gives you a clue!!!!

    A lot depends on how strict a veggie you are really. My colleague was a Vegan and he really struggled and my niece wouldn’t eat fish so she struggled.

    La Plaza do a Veggie Burger, and Al-rruz do a Vegetable Paella, and if you eat Prawns Mac Gowans do a Prawn Curry.

    The Chines buffet is a good bet as you fill your plate with what you want them to cook so can have a lot of vegetables, but not many of the starters are vegetable only.

    If you eat fish then a lot of restaurants do great fish of course.

    Let me know if you want any more info …….

  41. Ian Sheldon Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 6:23 pm Quote

    Thanks for that Chris, I had missed that article. It rather confirms what I feared! Unfortunately, she doesn’t eat fish/shellfish, so that limits things a lot. Hadn’t thought about the Chinese Buffet, that’s a good idea.
    If we come across any other good places, I will let you know.

    Ian

  42. Chris Marshall Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 7:19 pm Quote

    That narrows it down somewhat!!!

    If Feta cheese is on the menu than La Plaza do a very good Adonis wrap or salad (greek basically). Milenio do a good range of salads, and Noray Pizzas are always good.

    Al-rruz veggie paella will be worth a try. We have had it before and it is very good indeed.

    With over 950 articles on the site now it is always worth a search. Click on the magnifying glass in the header and type in the word or phrase that you want to check up on.

    Enjoy your trip. Maybe see you around!

  43. Paul Edwards Says:
    September 9th, 2008 at 10:47 pm Quote

    Just wanted to say thanks for pointing me in the direction of Alcor way back when.

    Just bought a property in Almerimar through them, and very happy indeed :-)

    See you soon!!!!

  44. Naz Says:
    September 26th, 2008 at 1:52 am Quote

    Hi Chris,
    I just came across you website for the first time and i think its absolutely brilliant. I bought an apartment in Laguna Beach- Almerimar about 3 years ago and i’ve only been there for a couple of hours to recieve the keys, my first impression was that its very quiete and never really thought there was so much to do in there. After reading some of your blogs im now looking forward to come down and have a feel of the area.. I think i may like it to be honest :) I will definately visit your site more often as there’sloads of information there. Keep up the hard work

  45. Chris Marshall Says:
    September 26th, 2008 at 10:41 am Quote

    @Naz thanks for that, maybe meet up when you get over here and show you around a bit :)

  46. Tina Gleed Says:
    September 26th, 2008 at 11:04 am Quote

    Hi Naz

    We are owners at LB, and received our keys at the end of last year. We have been out a few times this year and on our first visit made friends with two couples at the complex. In turn they introduced us to others and we all ended up meeting one evening for drinks by the pool bar.

    Have you received the minutes from the AGM? If not send me your email address and I will forward them.

    The complex itself is quite quiet from October - April, but comes alive during the summer months.

    Chris’s site is really informative and although we have never met Chris he is really helpful, I log on most days to keep up with what’s going on in Almerimar, and in Chris’s day to day living.

    We love Almerimar, and have visited many of the bars and restaurants, the people are lovely and we have already made several friends. There is much more in the pipeline for the area and when this is finished we think Almerimar will be absolutely stunning.

    If you would like to ask any other questions regarding LB please feel free.

    May see you out there next year.

    All the best and congratulations

    Tina

  47. Naz Says:
    September 27th, 2008 at 1:29 am Quote

    Thanks Chris, i will certainly take you up on the offer when i come over with my family in the future.

    Thanks again for making me feel welcome already.

    Naz.

  48. Naz Says:
    September 27th, 2008 at 1:44 am Quote

    Hi Tina,
    Its nice to know we are neighbours in Laguna Beach, it will be great to meet you when we come over hopefully next year since you mentioned its a bit quiet between October - April.
    As i mentioned in my earlier post im now looking forward to coming over since i came across this site and read all about Almerimar in here, hopefully we can fall in love with the area and visit our apartment more often.
    I did recieve the minutes from the AGM few weeks ago and thanks for offering.

    Naz.

  49. Alex Says:
    October 12th, 2008 at 3:01 pm Quote

    IMPORTANT

    Hello English-speaking community. My name is Alex and Im a student at the school SEK-Alborán here in Almerimar. Recently we have been doing many activities involving public service and voluntary jobs, such as the Red Cross in El Ejido. We have been contacted by Radio Ejido to make a weekly program in which we have decided to play alternative music and I thought it would be a good idea to make part of our radio program an english section, and so I would like to meet any person interested in cooperating with us. This way we will create a partnership with sites like “Almerimar Life”. My cell phone is 649 48 86 21. please contact on a weekend or after 5:30 on weekdays, due to the fact that I wont be able to reply if Im at school. Thank you for your attention.

    yours sincerely,

    El equipo “Ejido Alternativo”

  50. urireequaxjax Says:
    October 26th, 2008 at 4:59 pm Quote

    hmm interesting site. I want make the best use of my profound development I have a joke for you =) What is a Mummy’s favorite kind of music? RAGtime music! or wRAP!!!

  51. ImmotBiptem Says:
    November 10th, 2008 at 5:42 am Quote

    Hello! Good site, good content

  52. Bill Egan Says:
    November 18th, 2008 at 3:07 pm Quote

    I am in Almerimar for the next week. I need access to the internet from my laptop and have found a brilliant solution for occasional internet users like myself.

    The problem with a rented broadband servide is that it becomes svery expensive if you only need broadband access for 1-2 months each year.

    I bought a Vodafone mobile USB broadband router - it costs €59 in Copa and you can pay as you go with a charge costing from €19

    The problem I found was that it came with no installation cd and I cannot install the software drivers to activate it.

    Is there anyone locally who could help me install it?

    Thanks in advance for any help you can give with this problem

  53. Chris Marshall Says:
    November 19th, 2008 at 1:13 pm Quote

    That is a god solution, as is Almerimar WiFi.

    I can help you fix it up, will give you a call/email.

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