Posts Tagged ‘spain’

The Return of the Sun Dried Expat

Monday, May 14th, 2012

The first time I visited Tenerife way in the early 1970’s, the island of Tenerife was unquestionably Spain. People talked Spanish, meal times were quite different from the actual stuff dished up back in England, most people living there were- acutally they were Spanish. Roll on a handful of decades and exactly what do we have?

Great images from the Eze Group

Particular small villages enjoy a absolutely mixed ambience to them, without any real prominence achieved ; a Danish man existing adjacent to a German, who may have an Irishman on the other side ; is a common variety of circumstance. Many, slightly older, more longer settled areas are still Speaking spanish, however some neighborhoods are incredibly British and I suggest rather British. British businesses, English speaking cafes (sometimes including full British public house along with horse brasses and carpet), English language dining establishments usually displaying signs with complete English breakfast dished up all day’ chalked up with regard to their non -Spanish customers.

The English began showing up in modest numbers in the 70’s increasing on a yearly basis until finally the influx of British migration began to abate along with the global financial mayhem from the recent years. Countless factors merged to produce this specific invasion (generally with blood); affordable vino, higher retirement benefits, all year round sunshine, higher house prices at home and a perception within a lot of Brits that things back home were not as they used to be. This sense of a land transforming for the worse is really a European wide phenomenon although no place felt as profoundly as in Great britain.

Village after village packed with the English and living like only we English can do ; devoid of regard to the life style or environment around us. Just how much everything has switched presently, the formerly absent sounds of Spanish is certainly coming back, the fried breakfast as well as pint of lager are now infrequently found, a bizarre thing is happening. The Brits are vanishing; not totally but some seaside communities, formally full with Brits, are either empty or rather more Spanish speaking compared to what they were even a year or so ago.

Just as a mixture of reasons caused their arrival an odd mixture is responsible for their disappearance. The cost of living has rocketed, the Euro can make stuff far more expensive and the drop in house prices back home has made the very idea of possessing a Spanish house, once inside the reach of the masses, now a distant aspiration.

Even so there’s a cause for the return of those, not too homesick Britons; a cause other than that of just money. Simply put a lot of people as a result of numerous years of residing abroad have started to realise that matters are generally not perfect over here, and they’ve simply arrived back home to be around the things they recognize best.

If you want to find out more about Tenerife tourism, then visit our site, we at Eze Group know all there is to know about this beautiful island.

Things To Do And See When You Are Lodging At A Barcelona Hotel

Sunday, March 25th, 2012

The Antoni Tpies foundation is named after the famous Catalan painter. He created the organistation in 1984 with the purpose of encouraging people to study modern art and culture. In this way, he hopes that they would come to realise these areas far better. Here, a wide collection of works that reflect his expansion as an artist are on show. There is also a extraordinarily fascinating library with a complex variety of books, manuscripts, pamphlets etc relating to the past century’s designs and the masters who created them. Visitors are free to access the roof patio, which is deserving of some exploration. The building was completely rebuilt in a move which took 2 years to complete and re-opened in March of 2010.

The Hotel Omm is highly regarded with foreign as well as home grown clientele. This is due to the vibrant atmosphere, respected on site restaurant, Le Moo, its constantly frequented night club, Ommsession, and the 50s themed cocktail bar. It location on the corner of Passeig the Gracia also helps ; it is near La Pedrera de Gaudi, which can often be seen from its roof terrace. It is on this patio that one will find the swimming pool. A sumptuous spa and revamped hairdressers are available too.

Caixa Forum is a common hive of cultural activity in Barcelona. It hosts exhibitions focussed on experts such as Turner, Rodin, Freud and Dal alongside providing a location for recitals, workshops, readings, meetings and interactive exhibitions, to name just one or two of its varied activities. Over time much of Barcelona’s culture and social calendar has come to revolve around this centre of La Caixa’s Community Projects.

The Hotel Casa Fuster is unique in Barcelona, in that this was established around the walls of a historic building, designed by the well regarded architect Lluis Domnech I Montaner at the beginning of the 20th century. In 2004 it was completely refurbished. Gold and mahogany were used to complete the decoration of the guestrooms. The rich wall hangings will remind you that you’re staying somewhere special. The spa and roomy patio swimming pool in addition to the delicacies offered on the restaurant menu and the jazz bar are just what the weary holidaymaker wants to chill and unwind, and ensured that this hotel was named Best Urban Hotel in 2008.

Can Valls is located on Arag street, opposite to Rocafort, and may look deceptively like yet another of many bars in Barcelona. Nevertheless it’s so far more than that. Its unassuming cover gives no indication of the exceptional dishes contained within, presented with much attention to detail and love. Only the best of quality ingredients are employed in making sublime offerings like chickpeas with lobster, pork feet cannelloni, fresh seafood, protein served on a hot stone, fresh salads and a range of tasty tapas. Here is evidence that great food is a vocation. Just 2 of the counseled puddings would be the chocolate cake with cinnamon ice cream, or their cheesecake. They also serve a brilliant range of wine. This enterprise might be small, however it is remarkably well-liked, so advance booking is important.

Visitors can choose a cheap Hotel in Barcelona from our range of cheap Spain hotels.

The Year Round Sunny Island

Monday, March 12th, 2012

The island of Tenerife delights in a superbly sunny climate the heat lessened because of the prevailing wind and heated as a result of its southerly position. The island boasts a typical winter time temp of 22 C increasing toward a warm but not objectionable 28 C during the summer. Small surprise this tropical isle is regarded as the Island of Endless Spring.

The area has taken well over 50 million years of constant geological action to make. Forming it’s present-day form roughly 3 million years ago. Tenerife is basically a small grouping of small volcanoes collected around the wonder inspiring and beautiful Mnt Teide (the most significant mountain peak in Spanish territory) Nonetheless don’t worry, Teide erupted for the last time in 1798.

Even though nearby El Hierro is without a doubt still dangerous even as we speak having precipitated evacuations even as recently as the later part of 2011. Volcano expertes inform us that we should be safe for the moment, but the understanding regarding volcanoes happens to be an uncertain discipline on the best of times. We surely have the volcanic activity that these particular isles derive from to thank for much of our gorgeous vistas along with breathtaking scenery.

This unique volcanically formed geology has produced several unquestionably amazing natural structures; the amazing Anaga mountain found in the amazing north eastern corner of the isle is really a host to exceptionally extreme gorges coupled with valleys, the exceptionally exquisite Valle of Orotava (a federal park) along with the valley of Guimar are Two deep valleys formed as a result of significant geological motions, the undeniably massive coves found at Los Gigantes, all help to make Tenerife an awesome natural spectacle.

Its location combined with the years of geological activity have equally conspired to make a really great assortment of vistas in such a small area. This unique selection offers subsequently to the island growing an entire combination of mini- climates, every one possessing a varied natural structure. As an illustration Tenerife hosts more than 1,500 different types of plants.

Some Spanish scenes fromEze Group Tenerife

The sea if full with well over 600 varieties of fish combined with different species of turtle, whale as well as dolphin. The warm temperate sea meets the warmer mild island, Tenerife truly does warrant it’s designation of old, “The Blessed Island”.

All this wonder should be safeguarded therefore it’s comforting to discover that over half the island’s land is protected by law and additionally protected strongly through the Canary Network for the Safety of Natural Places. The isle is furthermore the site of more than 40 particularly guarded sites of outstanding scientific attraction.

The island is a definitely lovely spot to pay a visit to, or if perhaps a somewhat more long lasting move could be an option; Tenerife is a superb place to relocate to. Warm, delicate and almost with out rainfall or even strong wind. Do come sample the winter sun’s rays for your self?

Tenerife is certainly a undeniably amazing, year round, vacation holiday destination. The Eze Group are Tenerife’s number one vacation company.

Spanish Battle To Keep The Modern Vacationer

Tuesday, March 6th, 2012

Spain has kept it’s spot one of the top rank of holiday destinations during the last Three decades. It plays host to millions of travellers each year, topping 59 million annual vistitors for most of the decade. Despite the fact that France continually pipped it for the title of most traveled to, the french had their visitors way more evenly spread all through the entire year. Spain has been since the early 70’s Europes leading spot to take a summer holiday, nonetheless against growing competition it struggles to hold it’s summer season dominance.

Consistent improvements are being carried out by The Spaniards to bring ever bigger amounts of holidaymakers. This is a neccessity to the sensitive Spanish economy, because the tourism niche draws in many 100’s of millions of dollars into the nation’s economic system, as most other sectors slide ever deeper towards recession.

Previously holidaymakers frequented Spain simply because of its dry hot summers, which in turn resulted in a quiet period with regard to vacation in addition to linked enterprises during the winter months. These days however Spain has made great progress toward becoming a year round holiday destination by way of huge expenditure paying rewards around cultural tourism and even winter sports (there are many mountains in addition to winter season holiday resorts all over the mainland).

Some scenes of Spain fromthe Eze Group

Today each season receives significant visitor traffic, apart from seashore holidays and also other natural points of interest, Spain can offer incredible and widespread nature parks, amusement parks, mall establishments, plus a rising traditional and cultural vacation industry.

Night life in Spanish towns and cities is often viewed as amongst the best on the planet. The siesta lifestyle lending itself to evening life, meaning that while many other European towns are in bed asleep Spanish cities are just coming to life. A good mix of European and Arab culture additionally gives great variety to the legendary fiestas, a tremendous way to submerge your self in Spanish society and tradition.

Along with the modern day traveler having a broad variety of vacation spots along with ever more affordable air fare Spain knows that it will need to at this point up it’s game if it’s to stay at the top of Western european visitor choices.

The contemporary traveler is much more well informed and much more choosy around where they spend their limited and hard earned vacation budget. Options have expanded and so have the spread of things a traveler wants from his break in the sun. The present day Spanish tourism bureaucracy governing bodyis well aware of these facts as a consequence continuously looks for fresh and better strategies to entice the tourist.

The incontrovertible fact that given the opening of places in several other continents and also the expectations of the modern traveler the reality that Spain nevertheless holds it’s position in the first rank of destinations says much regarding the advantages of The country of Spain and also the the energy of the Spanish authorities to keep Spain in the for front of the tourist’s mind.

Tenerife Hub for just about all the updates, news and data a holidaymaker may possibly require while on Tenerife, brought to you by The Eze Group – Tenerife’s major leisure company.

Tenerife – the beautiful Island

Friday, March 2nd, 2012

The island where spring never ends.

Getting on for 6 million tourists come to Tenerife annually. Over a million people live here. Some of our guests are what you might call regulars, some visit us only once. But if you were to question visitors and residents about the beauties and wonders of the island, only a small number actually get to see and enjoy all this amazing place has to give.

This huge and many would say beautiful island has been pushing up out of the earth since the place we call Europe came into being. It still pushes and forces, sometimes causing volcanic bursts of activity, sometimes earthquakes, sometimes massive movements of land. Living memory has no fatalities, but the science of volcanoes and earthquakes is in it’s infancy, the residents of Tenerife watch and wait, under the shadow of the Atlantic’s tallest mountain. Who know’s if it has more growth in it, or whether like some other volcanic peaks it’s set to fall into the see or sunder into pieces.

This tectonic and volcanic activity has led to the islands being a geologists and naturalists dream. A rucksack carrying naturalist can study flora and fauna that could normally encountered across thousands of miles, on view here in a mornings brisk hike. Desert, tropical vegetation,alpine like scenery and not forgetting the moonscape of Teide, can all be found here in close proximity to one another. The huge movements of earth and the incredible temperatures have forged rock formations and geographic features that please both the tourist and the professional geoglogist – all in an area the size of Greater London.

Level with Arizona, the sea saves us from the heat of summer and at night keeps us warm. A low rain at sea level but ample rainfall in the mountains, means Tenerife is lush in places and never given to drought. It is in the way of neither storms or monsoons (unlinke other less fortunate places at this latitude). It has mild almost non-existent winters and the sea gives itself to water sports during all months of the year.

This cooling sea of home to many types of fish as well as large sea mammal. Whales, dolphins and sea turtles are common just of the coast. Hundreds of species of plant live here in the many varied microclimates that the islands topography has provided. Tenerife is home to numerous unique plant regions and sub-regions, making it a very special place for tourist and scientist alike.

About 50 percent of the island is placed under protection from the Canary Island Network for the purpose of Defended Organic Regions. We have Forty three places under exceptional safeguard. We have the national park of Teide but in addition 2 rural safeguarded parks at Anaga and Teno, 4 natural reserves and special natural parks, 9 specifically safeguarded areas no fewer than 14 natural preserved monuments, together with Half a dozen locations of specific scientific safeguards.

Nature has given us so much, and thankfully we on Tenerife seem to be willing to protect our gifts. We now ask you why don’t you come and spend some time with us on our beautiful island home?

Looking to find the best information about Tenerife tourism, then visit us at Eze Group Tenerife, your experts for everything the island has to offer.

Spain Travel Guide – Tips For A Better Stay

Wednesday, January 11th, 2012

Spain remains as popular as ever to visit. Many people are fascinated by it diverse cultural heritage and many places to see. If you are planning on visiting the real Spain then listen to a few of these tips first.

I guess it’s an obvious first tip, but if you plan to get off the tourist beat then you should learn Spanish. Indeed, even if you want to spend most of your time in the big cities, speaking Spanish will improve your stay.

Many people in Madrid and Barcelona will speak English but many more won’t speak English. Speaking simple phrases will make you day to day life easier. If you have a good command of the language then you can even make friends and acquaintances on your travels. You may even get insiders or local knowledge on good things to see or do. You may get better deals too as they know you are not a naive tourist.

Next, try to get a plan of your travels together. Whilst it is more romantic to be spontaneous and travel here and there on a whim, it will also be more expensive. If you are back packing, your money may be tight so you want to limit the expensive. If you have a plan of where you will be on such a date you can pre-book trains, planes and buses. You can save upwards of 50% on advance bookings if you do this. Saving money means more time can be spent in Spain which is even better.

It does rain and is subject to the seasons in parts of Spain. This is especially so in northern Spain. If you want to get the best of the country then travel to Spain at the beginning of Summer or Spring. Start in the North and travel south and you will probably get the best of the weather. The Costas are pretty good for sunshine and are bright all year round, so you will be pretty safe from the weather down there.

If you are going to visit Spain then you want to stop off in Madrid and Barcelona. These are must see cities with plenty to offer the sightseer. You could spend weeks in each city without touching the surface of things to see or do, so get organized and plan the things you must do there because you will not have the time to see everything.

There are plenty of other things to see in other parts of Spain. A great way to get round Spain is to take the fast train. You can be in Sevilla in a few hours after leaving Madrid. It is a fast way to get around the country and you can also take in the scenery at the same time. This is often missed if you fly everywhere and there is some beautiful and changing landscapes as you go form central to southern Spain. Or to the North for that matter.

Spain is a super place to travel to and you will have a great time if you just plan for your trip properly.

Learn about Rocket Spanish, a popular Learn Spanish course with the Learn Spanish Review and see how it compares to other courses in Rocket Spanish compare Tell Me More Spanish.

The Current State Of El Camino Del Rey In Spain

Saturday, December 31st, 2011

In 1901, people who were busy working on a dam, came up with a way to increase their own productivity. It took several years to build, but El Caminito Del Rey was the path that would eventually help workers perform their jobs faster. However, faster didn’t necessarily mean safer.

It took four years to complete and runs along the entire length of the gorge. When it was first built, it helped workers who were in charge of managing the channel be more productive. Instead of climbing up and down the mountain and crossing the river, they could now save quite a bit of time by using the path.

Once the dam was up and running, King Alfonso XIII bravely trekked the winding path in celebration of its completion. After the inauguration of the dam, the ledge was given the name it has continued to have to this day: The King’s little path.

Built with a handrail along the side of the mountain face, there was little protection, even then, against falling. Today, much of the walkway still remains, but because it was not maintained over the years, many parts of it no longer exist. The brave souls who walk it, now, are faced with open areas where they must walk along the beams to get across.

Despite the dangers, locals, and many tourists- continued to use the walkway. Several years ago, a tourist fell and was killed there. This led to the official closing of the path. However, many people disregard the warnings and continue to take their chances, even now.

Because the path still does the job of helping people get to and from the falls faster (and because people still use it despite official access being denied) regional and local governments have agreed to join together to restore the crumbling walkway. Restoration is estimated to be finished in three years, complete with a museum and plenty of parking for adventure seekers.

Learn more about El Caminito. Stop by Jon Hathaway’s travel site where you can find out all about cheap travel destinations and other off the beaten path travel ideas.

How Much Money Can You Earn If You Are A Police Office in Spain?

Friday, December 9th, 2011

The initial question one person has when he thinks about learning to be a Policeman or a police Woman is just how much money he can make as a worker of the national police. In Spain the question is even stronger, considering the actual financial troubles that make people being seriously hopeless about locating a job as a way to have secure earnings. There are numerous state jobs that provide secure earnings, like teacher, fireman and others, but, nowadays, taking part of the national police force in Spain is definitely one of the favorite state works.

The thing may be that if you are a basic policeman you will be able to earn about 1500-1700 euros monthly. The lowest salary accepted in Spain from the law is approximately 635, that is why become a policeman is such a popular job these days. To become policeman you will have to pass some physical exams, and, later, a theory exam, harder in comparison to the first one, in line with the actual policemen opinion. Depends on what kind of cop be, you will need to study different books and reach different objectives. You can be, at first, a basic policeman, an inspector, or even a police officer.

In case you want to be an inspector in Spain you have to be aware that your theory exam will consist on 35 themes, instead of the 25 themes of the basic police exam. But, obviously, your salary will be quite higher. We’re speaking about 2000-2300 euros per month. The inspector is, also, a more relaxed job in comparison to the basic policeman. You’ll surely have a much better timetable and you wont have to be one day each day located in order to be ready if some urgency happens.

But if you really want to generate secure money in Spain using a public job, what you need to do is preparing your Police Officer exams.

They are always harder when compared to the ones I mentioned before, but I can assure you that it, definitely, worth it. You are able to earn between 3500 and 4000 euros monthly, that constitute an extremely respectable incomes, that will locate you and your family in the first class of the Spanish salaries. Best of luck, you got it.

If you would like to get to know more about the national police force in Spain, please visit requisitos policia . In addition, you can know everything about the national police force in Spain in requisitos policia nacional.

Attractions in Valencia, Spain

Friday, October 28th, 2011

As the third largest city of Spain, Valencia has so much to offer. This city has great food, beautiful hotels, summer entertainment, museums, art, architecture and concerts that will entertain you every minute of your stay. No wonder so many visitors find it hard to leave Valencia.

The Valencia Cathedral was built many years ago in the 13th century. This place has very beautiful architecture, which attracts lots of people to come and visit again and again. The Valencia Cathedral has lots of treasures including Holy Grail, which is another attracting thing about this place.

Another tourist spot, which is considered as a must-see, is the El Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia. The place is a huge opera theater and is entering its fifth season where Giuseppe Verdi of the Italian opera acts as the place’s master of ceremonies. The architecture is beautifully made and followed the Egyptian design.

The ATP Tour Open 500 Tennis Tournament is held in the Agora Square, which is also used for the Spanish Congress’ political meetings. The building also houses the science museum, as the building is one of the most beautiful in the world.

Torre de la Música, another beautifully architecture building, will be introduced in Valencia on 2012. It will be considered as Europe’s largest institution of music. Tourists are encouraged to come and visit the place and enjoy the music.

During 1914 the Colon Market was built and was then restored in 2002. Tourists come to the market and enjoy the artwork of the building while wining and dining in this beautiful building.

A host of activities and events are held in L’Hemisferic that has been built inside a river in Valencia, to note this is actually a building that is attractive.

Shopping in Valencia is cultural and an experience at the Cathedral Of Commerce. There are over three hundred booths just separated by glass where you get fresh fruits, vegetables and mouth-watering meats. They work hard to make visiting this market an enjoyable experience.

Vincci Palace is said to be one of the most contemporary hotel establishments. The most beautiful tourist attraction among all the hotels in Valencia is this Vincci Palace where the floors were refurbished with many beautiful art. This was done very recently which made it to look more beautiful than before.

In the summer, you can go to the weekly runway fashion shows in Valencia. The top models, model there wearing the top designers clothes as part of the nightlife.

With tons of places to visit, tourists usually cannot visit all places at one time and opt to return for another round of scenic tours. One of the most exciting and meaningful experiences when going on an out-of-the-country/city tour is the wide variety of culture present for everyone to experience and take part in. The experience, feeling and knowledge is fulfilling that people tend to return to that place and wish to experience it again.

As a freelance writer for BestFlights.co.za, Cecelia Owens writes travel related articles for this top South African travel comparison website as well as the “Valencia – The Birthplace o Paella” article.

Holidays In Tenerife

Sunday, October 23rd, 2011

The Canary Islands are known worldwide for their pristine beaches, luxurious accommodation and bustling nightlife. Tenerife, the largest of all the Islands, has all that and more; seeped in centuries of history and culture, vacationers are simply overwhelmed with where to start exploring first. Whether it may be the volcanoes, or just a party and a suntan, there is something for everyone.

There may be no bigger party in this part of the hemisphere, than the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, held annually in the capital, Santa Cruz. Vivacious and lively displays of music, dancing and partying, fill the streets every waking hour of the festival, when it takes place in February. The enormous popularity of the festival has prompted officials to place a formal request in making this a World Heritage Site.

The subtropical coastlines of Tenerife encourage beach lounging, water sports, and whale watching. The golden sand of Las Teresitas was imported directly from the Sahara desert and visitors are often shocked by the stunning black shores of Los Cristianos. Frequently referred to as a new Las Vegas, the busiest beach is Playa de las Amricas on the southern coast.

Tenerife boasts exquisite landscapes. The Masca Valley is a timeless village surrounded by rugged mountains and offers stunning sea views. The pine forests of Teide National Park rest in the shadow of Mount Teide, a dormant volcano and the highest peak in Spain. Best observed by boat, the picturesque cliffs of Los Gigantes plunge steeply into the Atlantic.

Who would have thought that Spain would have the biggest Penguinarium in the world? Well they do, and not only that, but at the Loro Parque in Puerto de la Cruz, visitors can climb aboard a submarine and take a ”water safari” through Tenerife’s waters, to get a taste of underwater life up close and personal. Over 300 species of parrots are found in this park as well, and at the Tenerife Zoo Monkey Park, visitors will be able to see all kinds of endangered species that are bred and protected there.

Distinctive attractions mark the island. Siam Water Park vaunts the largest artificial wave pool in the world. It also contains a floating market that imitates a typical Thai village. Six pyramids and flowing terraces constructed of lava stone comprise the Gimar Pyramids. On the summer solstice, visitors can witness a double sunset on the platform of the largest pyramid as the sun sets behind two different mountain peaks. The Cave of Winds is the largest volcanic cavity in the world and is inhabited by the Dragon Tree, estimated to be 800 years old.

There is no need to get bored when visiting Tenerife as there will be plenty of adventures to be had. A day time of fun can end with a varied nightlife in places such as Playa de las Americas and it is for reasons such as these that the island will always be a popular place to visit.

Continue – Holidays To Tenerife