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JULY 2007
Hi All,
Welcome to the July newsletter. With temperatures reaching 35 degrees over this weekend, most of my time was spent in the garden, enjoying the sunshine and the peace and quiet. Friends called around and we decided try out barbecued swordfish – it went down a treat!
Last week the local schools finished for their long, hot summer break of 12 weeks, which means that the village municipal pools open their doors once again. Children are seen first thing in the morning, snaking their way down, with a towel draped over one shoulder and not normally seen again until 7pm when it closes.
I am, on occasions, partial to the odd Bacardi Breezer and was devastated to hear that the manufacturers announced the closure of their bottling plant in Málaga. I am happy to say that it is not moving too far, as the company intends to centralise its Spanish bottling operations in Cataluña. Panic over!!
Having spent a little time in Antequera hospital last week, I was overwhelmed at the level of care and attention the Health Service provides here. The hospital itself is more like an extremely modern private clinic, with dark grey marble floors and big picture windows. I couldn´t stop saying how different it is to the hospitals back in the UK – it was immaculate.
With the amount of rain you have been experiencing, why not book yourselves a 4 day viewing trip with us. Staying at the beautiful accommodation we have in Mollina, we will show around the areas we cover and take you to see your selection of properties. Call me on the freephone number should you require any assistance.
See you soon
Maria
Magazines Now Out!!!
Issue number 3 of our popular property magazine, Inland Andalucia Property News, is now out. Its available free to you in the Spanish Home magazine which is on sale in the UK. Hurry and get your copy now.
Its hot, hot, hot!!!
According to the weathermen at the National Meteorogical Institute, the Mediterranean coast is going to have a long hot summer with temperatures well above the European average and lasting for a total of 93 days……..and we’re loving it!!!
In and around the Spanish towns and villages……….
Humilladero
Humilladero, pronounced “umiyadero” is a small town in north Malaga province, just 10 minutes north west of Antequera off the A92 Malaga/Seville motorway. The coast can be reached in 40 minutes. This small town, with a population of just over 3000 people, has all the essential amenities, ie Pharmacy, Health Centre, Post Office, Bars/Restaurants and shops. Although the surrounding land is flat, the main activity being farming, the surrounding mountains provide a stunning background to this typically Spanish town.
For nature lovers a visit to the town is not complete without a short drive to Lake La Ratosa which is on the road to Alameda. It is a shallow lake which has been declared a nature reserve and, like the lake at Fuente de Piedra, is a popular nesting ground for flamingos. There is also a fabulous picnic area on the edge of town which also provides some super walks through the pine woods where there are numerous species of aromatic and medicinal plants. Also keep a lookout overhead for a glimpse of hawks, vultures and eagles.
On the approach to the town there is an iron crucifix on top of a pedestal and it is this which dates the town back to 1410 when Prince Fernando prayed to it before successfully conquering Antequera. A convent was built there and subsequently the town of Humilladero.
We have a super townhouse on offer this month in this beautiful town. It’s in excellent condition, ready to move into with a large family kitchen, 2 of the 3 bedrooms have en-suite shower rooms, there is a downstairs bathroom and a lovely lounge. A 120.000 euro mortgage is available (subject to status). Click for details on TH1487
Festival of San Juan (or Saint John’s day)
This festival takes place during the weekend nearest to the shortest night of the year. It’s the welcome to summer.
Firework displays, jumping over fires to burn away your problems and bathing in the sea to cleanse you and bring you luck are the usual features of the celebrations which go on until dawn. The festivities are enjoyed by men and women, young people and children. It’s a fascinating celebration to watch!!
John (as it was John's day) from this office went along to watch and join in the festivities. At midnight he duly got in the sea, trousers rolled up to his knees and splashed his face with the salty water. We assume he thought he'd get eternal youth and good looks - we still await the transformation!!
Bon Voyage….and Welcome………
Firstly we have to say Bon Voyage to Rocio, who a few of you will probably have spoken to. She is leaving us to travel to Iowa where she will be taking up a Spanish teaching position, which is what she was trained to do!! I’m sure you’ll all join us in wishing her a great time during her year’s sabbatical in the USA.
Now, taking over from Rocio is Maria Carmen (or Maca as she is affectionately known) who recently joined the company and is our personality of the month! A big welcome to her.
Maca was born in Antequera 27 years ago, a true Spanish beauty with dark hair. Although she still lives with her parents and younger sister (by 4 years) she has bought an apartment with her boyfriend David for when they marry – probably in a couple of year’s time. Maca studied the History of Art in Malaga before qualifying and taking up a position as a teacher. However, it wasn’t for her and she is now full-time with Grupo Inland.
Maca loves going to the beach and spends her weekends there, either enjoying the sun or walking her two Samoy dogs, Neo and Nora. In the evenings its off to the disco or maybe enjoying a meal with friends.
“I love Italian food, especially Gnoki and Tarta de Chocolate which is very good at Casa Nostra, an Italian Restaurant in Marbella.”
“I don’t drink as I usually drive.” She likens her boyfriend to SpongeBob SquarePants, a popular cartoon character, due to his love of cerveza (beer) and so she is quite happy to take control of getting about.
She also loves travelling and spent last Christmas in Norway visiting friends and hopes to visit other friends in Croatia this summer.
Good luck to both Rocio and Macca in their new roles.
Vote Alhambra!
Will we make it into the top 7 or not?? Spain’s only candidate for the seven new wonders of the world is the Alhambra in Granada. For those of you who haven’t been fortunate enough to visit this great Moorish Palace, it is situated on the outskirts of this great city and is famous for its architectural wonders.
The results will be announced at a glittering ceremony in Lisbon on 7th July. To vote visit www.new7wonders.com.
And last but not least!!
Last item in the newsletter this month, in fact the last 3 bed townhouse on our new development with communal pool, but by no means the least desirable. Fantastic end of row house (122m² build) with luxury fitted kitchen, patio and terrace. Amazing price of £106.060 (1.45 exchange rate) or 153.787 euros. Click for further details on PJ020/D
For full property listings go to:
www.inlandandalucia.com
UK FREEPHONE NO: 0800 198 0006
HEAD OFFICE: +34 952 741 540
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