Almería news, blog, webpages, books, gossip, opinions, history & much more since 2001
It is worth commenting on a few points that have been raised about the POTALA. There are a number of rumours -correct and wrong- floating around in the English language press about it, and for lack of anything else to do I may as well try to set them right, as based on my understanding from local Spanish press, government bullitins and press releases. 1.- The POTALA is set in stone. The POTALA is an Continue reading An overview of the POTALA – Annex 1
´Twas Maters birthday. I promised to make no jokes about this year, so that is all I shall say on the annual event. However, seeing as I had a small win on the Premium Bonds, I thought I´d send her away for a couple of days to relax and recover for her recent hectic period of hard work. (The win was very small, and happened after I had booked the place, but it´s a good Continue reading Casa Joya (Velez Rubio)
AENA, the state owned operating company of Almeria Airport, has implemented a new handicapped assistance scheme at the airport for its passengers. As opposed to the old system, where if you were lucky a stewardess would give you a hand down the stairs to the tarmac. As long as you book 48 hours before travel, you can now receive 100% assistance from the drop off point to your plane seat, or vice versa. They’ll even Continue reading Almeria Airport starts new handicapped assistance scheme
Summer has arrived along with another bunch of the boys in light green from the Benemérita. Almería gets the lion portion of new Guardia Civil recruits from the current promotion, 81 in all, which brings the total Guardia numbers up to 1100 across the province. Heavens only knows what they’re all doing, surveying up in the Almanzora valley no doubt. And, no doubt making use of the boot of the lorry they shipped them in, Continue reading More cops, more speed traps
I always enjoy flipping through the local periodicals, and one of my highlights is always the “letters” section. I always enjoy spotting the obvious letter extolling the periodical in question which has been written by the editor, or the editors best friend. And a paper that has no letters page is usually returned to the pile in favour of one that does. However, recently they all appear to have been taken over by a group Continue reading Letters to the editor
This review is depreciated. John and Ann have moved to Restaurante La Fantasia on Mojácar Playa. La Parata is, of course, still open but now owned by someone else. Many, many, many years ago, La Parata was the benchmark for expat food in the area. John in the kitchen serving up exquisite delights, Anne out front with the family making you feel at home. It’s a strange location, as it’s right up in the hills Continue reading Restaurant La Parata, Mojacar Playa
Hmm… How to put this? Well, it’s dreadful. Soggy, over cooked food 100% of the time. Service is atrocious. Last time I was in there two of the staff had a slanging match between themselves in the middle of the restaurant. Food takes ages, which as it tastes as if it’s been heated up in a microwave I can’t understand why. Only reason it’s still going (IMHO) is because they must have rich investors. And Continue reading Chinese Restaurant Turre
The infamous Nigerian Scammer (those responsable for sending you those “please help me smuggle 202 million euros out of my country” or “you have won the improbable jackpot for which you never entered” emails) have taken a hit as National Police swooped down on a ring in Roquetas del Mar. 28 arrests were made, almost all of them Nigerian or central African. 22 are in jail awaiting justice, the other 6 have already been deported. Continue reading 28 arrested in Roquestas over Nigerian 419 scam
The Potala A quick overview and analysis UPDATE: Here’s the link to the very latest plans as published on the Junta de Andalucia website: http://www.juntadeandalucia.es/medioambiente/site/web/menuitem.a5664a214f73c3df81d8899661525ea0/?vgnextoid=15bf5f4eecac9110VgnVCM1000000624e50aRCRD What is the POTALA? The POTALA (Plan de ordenacion terretorial del levante almeriense, or plan for the territorial planning of the Almeria levante) is a macro plan developed by the Junta de Andalucia that intends to bring order to the overall development of this region over the next 10 years. Continue reading An overview of the POTALA
Throughout history, societies have attempted to install awe and fear into their common citizens by creating imposing edifices within which to dispense justice. This theory appears to have fallen by the wayside with the new courts in Vera. vera courts vera almeria justice centre center Even the government seems unable to muster much enthusiasm about the building, the official press release is quiet on the subject of the facade, simply muttering about Continue reading Courts of Vera are somewhat…. unique