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Foreign Tourists Spent Almost 8% More Last Year
by diane
3 Feb 2012 at 8:00am
February 3rd, 2012

International tourists who visited Spain in 2011 spent 52,796 million euros, representing a 7.9% increase, according to figures from the Tourism Expenditure Survey (Egatur) prepared by the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism published on Monday.

The average expenditure per tourist stood at 934 euros in 2011, 0.2% higher than the same period in 2010, while average daily spending rose by 4.6% to 102 euros.

UK and Germany lead the total tourist spending with 10,377 million euros (up 2.1%), and 8,669 million euros (also up 2.1%), respectively. Tourists from Scandinavia and France were those who most increased their spending, with increases of 10.1% and 12.8% respectively.

By region, Catalonia, with 21.4% of the total tourist expenditure and a growth of 7.4%, stood in the first position among the target destinations for 2011.

In December, foreign tourist expenditure increased by 5.2% to 2,811 million euros. Last month the average daily expenditure increased by 17.8% to 104 euros, while the average expenditure per tourist fell 0.4% to 1,033 euros.

El Mundo reported that the markets which contributed most to the growth of spending in December were Japan, United Kingdom, the Nordic countries and Switzerland.

The Canary Islands gathered a major part of the total revenues received with 32.7% of the total, or 918 million euros, and 14.5% more than in December 2010, followed by Catalonia, with 17.6% of the total expenditure, at 494 million euros, representing 1.7% less than the same month last year.


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Families Spent More on Housing in 2011
by diane
2 Feb 2012 at 8:00am
February 2nd, 2012

In 2011, families dedicated 29.1% of their gross income, counting deductions, on housing, which is almost two percentage points more than a year earlier, when this figure stood at 27.3%, according to data from the Bank of Spain.

This increase is striking since, according to the Ministry of Development, during the past year the average price of private housing fell by 6.8%, which, in principle, should have reduced the amount for this expenditure in household budgets.

The Bank of Spain statistics indicate that, for its part, the deduction for home purchases, which last year was limited to incomes of up to 24,000 euros per year, served to reduce the wage effort of families to below the 33% recommended by the State Plan for Housing and Rehabilitation 2009-2012.

So, without the benefit of this tax relief, households spent up to 36.1% of their gross income to the end of 2011, up to seven percentage points more. In this case, the increase over the fourth quarter of 2010 was 2.3 percentage points despite the price cuts.

Europa Press reported that the Government has approved in general the reinstatement of the deduction for the purchase of a main residence, although the G-14 group of major real estate agents, as well as the Association of Spanish Promoters and Constructors (APCE), have claimed that this also extends to second homes.


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Brussels to Send Employment Experts to Spain in February
by diane
1 Feb 2012 at 8:00am
February 1st, 2012

The European Commission President, Jose Manuel Durao Barroso, sent the Spanish Government a letter yesterday announcing his intention to send EU employment experts to Spain in February in order to help fight youth unemployment.

The initiative will also take in the other seven Member States whose youth unemployment rates exceed 30%: Greece, Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Slovakia, Latvia and Lithuania.

The youth unemployment rate in Spain reached 48.7% in December, the highest in the EU, according to data released by Eurostat on Tuesday. The EU executive?s spokeswoman, Pia Ahrenkilde, said of these figures ?We must act now, and in the short term, to do more to combat the urgency of youth unemployment. It is unacceptable to have these very alarming rates of youth unemployment in some Member States?.

The EU experts are ?to visit each of the countries concerned in February, for one or two days, to identify where the EU contribution could be useful to help develop a youth employment plan?, said the spokeswoman. These missions were endorsed by EU leaders at their summit on Monday.

Europa Press reported that the EU officials will form ?action teams? along with the Spanish authorities, employers and unions. These teams must then consider how best to use the 10,700 million euros in European aid which has been assigned to Spain up to 2013, and which has not yet been spent.

?One of the objectives of these ?action teams? should be to agree on how to accelerate and, where necessary, redirect these uncommitted funds?, said Ahrenkilde. They must also ?review the priorities of existing programs in order to have more impact on measures for young people and job creation in SMEs?, she added, stressing that ?there are no new funds? for fighting youth unemployment.

Another of these teams? tasks will be to determine how to promote the use of the EU exchange programs for Erasmus and Leonardo students and trainees.

The ?action teams? will have a period of eleven weeks, until mid-April, to develop an action plan to combat this problem. On Monday the Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, made it clear he was prepared to send his own experts to Brussels in order to accelerate the implementation of these measures.


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Currency Exchange - In August 2007 there was Jayne from Southampton, she was buying a property in Almeria, Spain. Her transfer was for a villa at 325, 000; a superb 5 bedroom villa with sea views. Her bank had frightened her with the exchange rate, so she decided to look elsewhere; fortunately she came to a brokers website. She was offered an exchange rate of 1.39 / 1; we were able to offer 1.41 / 1. This meant had she continued with the bank she would have realised 451, 750 - however fortunately the broker service could manage 458, 250; saving Jayne 6, 500 (4, 600)

 

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Properties for Sale in Majorca - Margaret and her husband Roy were buying in the Majorca in December 2007; they were buying a 3 Bedroom apartment on a top class complex, swimming pool, bar, shops etc. The property in Majorca is expensive so a three bedroom apartment was priced at 265, 000. Newly retired they wanted the best deal on their currency exchange. Their bank had quoted 1.31 / 1 but the broker was able to secure at deal at 1.33 / 1. This meant the currency broker was able to save Margaret and Roy 5, 300 (3, 900).

 

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Properties in Costa Tropical - Pilgrim father... and son
Jim Craig took the Camino less travelled from Portugal to Santiago de Compostela, but still found hospitality from locals and fellow pilgrims alike

Travel Home

By Jim Craig

Saturday July 12 2008

Stand in the spacious square of Plaza del Obradoiro in Santiago de Compostela and you will see foot-weary travellers from all parts of the world arrive at their destination, the great Romanesque cathedral of St James the Apostle.

They stand awestruck, smile, hug, dance or just burst into tears. They have arrived. They have achieved their dream. Through many trials and trails they have reached their destination. They have completed their Camino.

But why do they put themselves through the tough treks that may have tested them physically, spiritually or mentally to reach this place?

There are as many answers to that as there are pilgrims on the road. In the Middle Ages, the three major places of pilgrimage were Rome, Jerusalem and Santiago de Compostela.

Rome still draws the crowds. Jerusalem is problematic. But even in this secular age, Santiago's popularity is increasing -- possibly because it retains more of the spirit of pilgrimage as a long physical journey, a time for reflection, the shared experiences and a deserved sense of achievement.

Legend has it that St James the Apostle, son of Zebedee, was executed by Herod and his body was brought to Galicia in a stone boat. His remains were discovered just in time to have him made the spiritual champion of the Catholic Spanish in their battle against the Moorish occupiers. Now, patron of Spain, he is said to be buried in Santiago's cathedral.

Today's travellers are following in the footsteps, literally, of millions who preceded them over the centuries to visit this shrine. Some undertake the Camino trail for religious or spiritual reasons and some just for the pleasure of the walk. They will see countryside and a way of life far from the tourist circuit. Each morning, they will set out with the hope that they will arrive safely somewhere that night.

They will learn that their needs are basic; water, food, shelter, a bed, a place to wash and health to continue.

The most popular route by far is the Camino Francs starting in St Jean Pied de Port, continuing over the Pyrenees and across the north of Spain for around 800km. In the summer, this route can become very congested. The demand for beds in the hostels can be as great as for sunbeds in the Costas. The full Camino Francs will take up to five or six weeks and dem-ands a good level of fitness.

A few summers ago, I went solo from Burgos to Santiago and covered 500km in three weeks. Tough but rewarding.

But why be a martyr when being a pilgrim will do? For a shorter, less demanding but most enjoyable Camino, try the Camino Portugus. At a steady pace, this route from Portugal's second city of Oporto to Santiago is manageable in less than two weeks. Follow the painted yellow arrows, which mark the Camino route, and you will get there.

My son Johnny and I walked from the cathedral in Oporto to Santiago over eight days without over exertion, so the full 240km length could easily be done in 10 or 11 days. Basic fitness, proper gear and common sense should suffice.

So, what is the difference between the French and the Portuguese route? Well, about 560km for a start. The length of the Camino Portugus makes it feasible to complete within the fortnight most people have for an annual holiday. The terrain is less difficult than the Camino Francs and the distances between stopping places generally shorter. Then there is the novelty of walking in two countries and comparing and contrasting the differences experienced en route.

We flew out from Dublin and decided to stay the night in Oporto. We planned to set off next morning from the city's Se Catedral and go all the way to Santiago's Cathedral on foot.

With the pilgrim's emblem, the scallop shell, on our rucksacks and hope in our hearts, we strode off for the long trek. Unfortunately, we were soon lost in the city and ended up taking a bus to the outskirts, picking up the yellow arrows to get on our way.

Late that evening we arrived at our hostel in the charming village of Rates. It is housed in a recently renovated building with a library, most mod cons and a museum, as well as three dormitories with more than 20 beds. There were three of us that first night; Johnny, myself and Stefan from Germany, plus a few mosquitoes. Not just a bed but a whole dormitory each. This was definitely going to be the road less travelled.

We were off early the next morning for an easy 16km to Barcelos, following the yellow arrows along busy roads and country lanes and passing harvest fields where whole families worked at the maize. From grandparents to children, all were toiling under the hot sun.

Over the Rio Cvado at Barcelinhos, then past a notice informing us that there had been a 14th-century lavatory there for the convenience of pilgrims going to Santiago. We knew we were out of the woods.

Barcelos was gearing up for Fiesta Nova and the villages and parishes from all around had each erected a decorative arch. Barcelos is the place of origin of Portugal's tourist mascot, the rooster, and he is seen everywhere here. The town has no hostel but the tourist office is most helpful in recommending places to suit all pockets.

After a good night's sleep in Barcelos we began a long, demanding, 34km journey to Ponte de Lima to find the fiesta in full swing. Great music, parades, stalls and thousands of revellers, but we had no place to stay.

However, luck was on our side. We got the last double room in the Hotel Imperio de Minho. That is one of the appeals of the Camino: heading off each morning not knowing what the day will bring or where you will end up each night. Just travel in hope.

The next day, after 17km through overgrown paths, thick pinewoods and steep climbs, we arrived at Silvia Castro's B&B. A double room with shower was 15 each and Silvia even did our clothes washing. She organised a lift for us to a bar for food and we were ferried back by one of the drinkers. In St James we trusted.

Our last day in Portugal brought us to Valenca, a popular tourist city with magnificent moats and walls built to protect locals against their neighbours, the Spanish. Across the bridge, over the Rio Minho, and we were in Spain in the province of Galicia. At the end of the bridge is Tui, with its unusual fortress -- like a cathedral with sheltered cloisters and well-kept gardens. Well worth a visit.

Galicia is Spain's Celtic province, where the rain in Spain falls mainly. The albergue (hostel) in the heart of Redondela is a wonderfully restored townhouse which we shared with a growing number of pilgrims. A party of 18 from Slovakia complete with their own chaplain had joined, but there was still no pressure for beds -- unlike the places on the Camino Francs approaching Santiago from the east.

Next stop Pontevedra, with its purpose-built albergue and delightful medieval city centre with tapas bars, cafes and buzzing squares in the evening. An easy walk by woodlands and paths north to Caldas de Reis, over the Roman bridge, and into this little spa town to ease our weary feet. Blisters, causes and cures are a constant topic among the walkers, a change from talking about the weather. The consensus was that Compeed plasters and ointment were best.

Our last stop before Santiago was Padrn. Its main claim to fame is that it is the place where the stone boat carrying St James' remains is said to have been tied up. There is replica of the Roman mooring stone by the river. The original is in St James' church nearby.

If the leaving of Oporto was tricky, the entry to Santiago was less than triumphant. We spied the twin spires of the cathedral but lost the yellow arrows and went totally adrift in a massive new road development site amid diggers and bulldozers. Eventually, and several extra kilometres later, we entered the great Plaza in front of our destination. Tired, relieved and mildly elated, we had arrived.

Mission accomplished.

At the cathedral we observed all the pilgrim rituals. We embraced St James' statue and viewed the casket of his relics. We stayed for the beautifully-sung pilgrims' Mass at noon and gasped as the huge incense burner, the Botafumeiro -- used over the years to kill the smell of the travellers -- swung across the transept. We presented our fully stamped-up Pilgrim's Credential and were awarded our Latin Compostela, certification of our successful journey. We ate at the pilgrims' favourite cafe, Casa Manolo, at 10 for three courses.

The Camino Portugus is shorter, more relaxed and really user-friendly. The local people en route are kind and supportive. We were given statuettes of the Barcelos rooster. We got free pastries with our coffee in a wayside cafe. Harvesters called us over and gave us bunches of grapes and apples.

We were stopped and asked about our specially-printed Irish T-shirts and encouraged on our way by waves and cars tooting horns.

Though fewer than on the Camino Francs, the other pilgrims were like Chaucer's friends; an interesting mix. Ours ranged from devout believers to non-believers to New Agers, who seemed to believe just about anything.

There was not such a diversity of nationalities on this Camino. It was mainly Germans, a few Portuguese and the big group from Slovakia enjoying their new-found freedom to travel and the joys of budget airlines. We became particularly friendly with them and gave them a small plaque of the Derry City coat of arms and they gave us a little bust of an angel. Of such little gestures are lasting memories formed.

The Camino took us into pine woods, eucalyptus forests, along dusty tracks, up steep inclines, over medieval bridges and onto Roman roads. We strolled over modern highways, along riversides, in and out of farmyards, villages and towns. Sometimes Johnny and I walked and talked; sometimes we just walked. But we saw a way of rural life largely unknown in Ireland today.

We shared time together and enjoyed music, culture, food, architecture and had experiences other holidays don't reach. Just follow the yellow arrows and take to the Camino less travelled.

Buen viaje.

- Jim Craig
 

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Property News - Thinking of buying a house in Spain? The Spanish property market is a thriving, but complex, sector and more and more non-residents are taking advantage of low interest rates in Spain and reasonable house prices.

However, it is very very important to consider all the possible pitfalls involved in purchasing property in Spain. This section is designed to help you to do so.

There are many reasons to live in Spain, and lots of benefits to be got out of making a wise property purchase here. But, as is the case in any big, profitable sector, there are also alot of sharks swimming around in the real-estate sea, dying to get their jaws around that sales commission. So be very very careful, make sure you read as much as you can about how to protect your rights and your investment before taking the plunge.

Spanish promoter took buyers' money before obtaining building permits - Martinsa took money from buyers without obtaining building permission

Following the announcement last week that one of Spains largest construction companies, Martinsa-Fadesa, cannot repay its debts, certain irregularities have come to light regarding the contracts property buyers were asked to sign with the company.

More than 12, 500 families that have signed contracts with Martinsa-Fadesa are now waiting to see if their properties will be completed or not and many are in the do not know whether they will be able to claim back money paid in advance as it has emerged that a lot of money was paid before any official deeds were drawn up.

The lawyers dealing with claims from buyers have already detected a number of irregularities which may place buyers in a vulnerable situation regarding the legality of contracts. The company of lawyers, Ofilegal, has been the first to set up an association for those affected by Martinsa-Fadesa. Ofilegal says that the contracts it has seen so far are poisonous.

According to Ofilegal, Martinsa-Fadesa took money from buyers without first obtaining the necessary building permission. In one case it received money from buyers for a promotion of properties, Colmenar Viejo (Madrid), from 2004 onwards despite the fact that building permission was not granted until 2006 when some buyers had already paid up to 40, 000 euros each.

Ofilegal says that many people are not aware that money paid in advance is insured which guarantees that money is repaid if contracts are broken. However, in some cases the guarantee is about to run out which would make it virtually impossible to recover any money already paid to the company.

Other problems for buyers is that Martinsa-Fadesa has signed contracts with landowners offering them a certain number of properties when building work is completed. However the land is only fully signed over once building work has been completed within the timescale agreed. If work is not completed on time the landowner can reject the contract and Martinsa-Fadesa would in this case lose the land (and buyers their potential new home).

Another serious irregularity has been discovered in a subsidised housing project in Mstoles, Madrid. In this case Martinsa-Fadesa forced buyers to create an owners association (communidad de propietarios) and pay money into it. Up to a million euros was deposited in the association and it has now been discovered that the administrators of this association who are linked to Martinsa-Fadesa have already spent 500, 000 euros.

Martinsa Fadesa is also currently negotiating with unions over the redundancy conditions of 234 of its employees, a quarter of its workforce. Unions have asked the company for further information on the locations of those affected by redundancy. CCOO will demand that Martinsa-Fadesa presents a viable plan for the continuation of the company and maintenance of its workforce and UGT will ask for access to documentation. UGT has also informed the Ministry for Work of its concerns regarding the situation of workers in companies that have been subcontracted by Martinsa-Fadesa and has asked for them to be inspected.

Courtesy: euroresidentes.com

 

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Properties in Costa Tropical - Pilgrim father... and son
Jim Craig took the Camino less travelled from Portugal to Santiago de Compostela, but still found hospitality from locals and fellow pilgrims alike

Travel Home

By Jim Craig

Saturday July 12 2008

Stand in the spacious square of Plaza del Obradoiro in Santiago de Compostela and you will see foot-weary travellers from all parts of the world arrive at their destination, the great Romanesque cathedral of St James the Apostle.

They stand awestruck, smile, hug, dance or just burst into tears. They have arrived. They have achieved their dream. Through many trials and trails they have reached their destination. They have completed their Camino.

But why do they put themselves through the tough treks that may have tested them physically, spiritually or mentally to reach this place?

There are as many answers to that as there are pilgrims on the road. In the Middle Ages, the three major places of pilgrimage were Rome, Jerusalem and Santiago de Compostela.

Rome still draws the crowds. Jerusalem is problematic. But even in this secular age, Santiago's popularity is increasing -- possibly because it retains more of the spirit of pilgrimage as a long physical journey, a time for reflection, the shared experiences and a deserved sense of achievement.

Legend has it that St James the Apostle, son of Zebedee, was executed by Herod and his body was brought to Galicia in a stone boat. His remains were discovered just in time to have him made the spiritual champion of the Catholic Spanish in their battle against the Moorish occupiers. Now, patron of Spain, he is said to be buried in Santiago's cathedral.

Today's travellers are following in the footsteps, literally, of millions who preceded them over the centuries to visit this shrine. Some undertake the Camino trail for religious or spiritual reasons and some just for the pleasure of the walk. They will see countryside and a way of life far from the tourist circuit. Each morning, they will set out with the hope that they will arrive safely somewhere that night.

They will learn that their needs are basic; water, food, shelter, a bed, a place to wash and health to continue.

The most popular route by far is the Camino Francs starting in St Jean Pied de Port, continuing over the Pyrenees and across the north of Spain for around 800km. In the summer, this route can become very congested. The demand for beds in the hostels can be as great as for sunbeds in the Costas. The full Camino Francs will take up to five or six weeks and dem-ands a good level of fitness.

A few summers ago, I went solo from Burgos to Santiago and covered 500km in three weeks. Tough but rewarding.

But why be a martyr when being a pilgrim will do? For a shorter, less demanding but most enjoyable Camino, try the Camino Portugus. At a steady pace, this route from Portugal's second city of Oporto to Santiago is manageable in less than two weeks. Follow the painted yellow arrows, which mark the Camino route, and you will get there.

My son Johnny and I walked from the cathedral in Oporto to Santiago over eight days without over exertion, so the full 240km length could easily be done in 10 or 11 days. Basic fitness, proper gear and common sense should suffice.

So, what is the difference between the French and the Portuguese route? Well, about 560km for a start. The length of the Camino Portugus makes it feasible to complete within the fortnight most people have for an annual holiday. The terrain is less difficult than the Camino Francs and the distances between stopping places generally shorter. Then there is the novelty of walking in two countries and comparing and contrasting the differences experienced en route.

We flew out from Dublin and decided to stay the night in Oporto. We planned to set off next morning from the city's Se Catedral and go all the way to Santiago's Cathedral on foot.

With the pilgrim's emblem, the scallop shell, on our rucksacks and hope in our hearts, we strode off for the long trek. Unfortunately, we were soon lost in the city and ended up taking a bus to the outskirts, picking up the yellow arrows to get on our way.

Late that evening we arrived at our hostel in the charming village of Rates. It is housed in a recently renovated building with a library, most mod cons and a museum, as well as three dormitories with more than 20 beds. There were three of us that first night; Johnny, myself and Stefan from Germany, plus a few mosquitoes. Not just a bed but a whole dormitory each. This was definitely going to be the road less travelled.

We were off early the next morning for an easy 16km to Barcelos, following the yellow arrows along busy roads and country lanes and passing harvest fields where whole families worked at the maize. From grandparents to children, all were toiling under the hot sun.

Over the Rio Cvado at Barcelinhos, then past a notice informing us that there had been a 14th-century lavatory there for the convenience of pilgrims going to Santiago. We knew we were out of the woods.

Barcelos was gearing up for Fiesta Nova and the villages and parishes from all around had each erected a decorative arch. Barcelos is the place of origin of Portugal's tourist mascot, the rooster, and he is seen everywhere here. The town has no hostel but the tourist office is most helpful in recommending places to suit all pockets.

After a good night's sleep in Barcelos we began a long, demanding, 34km journey to Ponte de Lima to find the fiesta in full swing. Great music, parades, stalls and thousands of revellers, but we had no place to stay.

However, luck was on our side. We got the last double room in the Hotel Imperio de Minho. That is one of the appeals of the Camino: heading off each morning not knowing what the day will bring or where you will end up each night. Just travel in hope.

The next day, after 17km through overgrown paths, thick pinewoods and steep climbs, we arrived at Silvia Castro's B&B. A double room with shower was 15 each and Silvia even did our clothes washing. She organised a lift for us to a bar for food and we were ferried back by one of the drinkers. In St James we trusted.

Our last day in Portugal brought us to Valenca, a popular tourist city with magnificent moats and walls built to protect locals against their neighbours, the Spanish. Across the bridge, over the Rio Minho, and we were in Spain in the province of Galicia. At the end of the bridge is Tui, with its unusual fortress -- like a cathedral with sheltered cloisters and well-kept gardens. Well worth a visit.

Galicia is Spain's Celtic province, where the rain in Spain falls mainly. The albergue (hostel) in the heart of Redondela is a wonderfully restored townhouse which we shared with a growing number of pilgrims. A party of 18 from Slovakia complete with their own chaplain had joined, but there was still no pressure for beds -- unlike the places on the Camino Francs approaching Santiago from the east.

Next stop Pontevedra, with its purpose-built albergue and delightful medieval city centre with tapas bars, cafes and buzzing squares in the evening. An easy walk by woodlands and paths north to Caldas de Reis, over the Roman bridge, and into this little spa town to ease our weary feet. Blisters, causes and cures are a constant topic among the walkers, a change from talking about the weather. The consensus was that Compeed plasters and ointment were best.

Our last stop before Santiago was Padrn. Its main claim to fame is that it is the place where the stone boat carrying St James' remains is said to have been tied up. There is replica of the Roman mooring stone by the river. The original is in St James' church nearby.

If the leaving of Oporto was tricky, the entry to Santiago was less than triumphant. We spied the twin spires of the cathedral but lost the yellow arrows and went totally adrift in a massive new road development site amid diggers and bulldozers. Eventually, and several extra kilometres later, we entered the great Plaza in front of our destination. Tired, relieved and mildly elated, we had arrived.

Mission accomplished.

At the cathedral we observed all the pilgrim rituals. We embraced St James' statue and viewed the casket of his relics. We stayed for the beautifully-sung pilgrims' Mass at noon and gasped as the huge incense burner, the Botafumeiro -- used over the years to kill the smell of the travellers -- swung across the transept. We presented our fully stamped-up Pilgrim's Credential and were awarded our Latin Compostela, certification of our successful journey. We ate at the pilgrims' favourite cafe, Casa Manolo, at 10 for three courses.

The Camino Portugus is shorter, more relaxed and really user-friendly. The local people en route are kind and supportive. We were given statuettes of the Barcelos rooster. We got free pastries with our coffee in a wayside cafe. Harvesters called us over and gave us bunches of grapes and apples.

We were stopped and asked about our specially-printed Irish T-shirts and encouraged on our way by waves and cars tooting horns.

Though fewer than on the Camino Francs, the other pilgrims were like Chaucer's friends; an interesting mix. Ours ranged from devout believers to non-believers to New Agers, who seemed to believe just about anything.

There was not such a diversity of nationalities on this Camino. It was mainly Germans, a few Portuguese and the big group from Slovakia enjoying their new-found freedom to travel and the joys of budget airlines. We became particularly friendly with them and gave them a small plaque of the Derry City coat of arms and they gave us a little bust of an angel. Of such little gestures are lasting memories formed.

The Camino took us into pine woods, eucalyptus forests, along dusty tracks, up steep inclines, over medieval bridges and onto Roman roads. We strolled over modern highways, along riversides, in and out of farmyards, villages and towns. Sometimes Johnny and I walked and talked; sometimes we just walked. But we saw a way of rural life largely unknown in Ireland today.

We shared time together and enjoyed music, culture, food, architecture and had experiences other holidays don't reach. Just follow the yellow arrows and take to the Camino less travelled.

Buen viaje.

- Jim Craig
 

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Properties for Sale in Spain - Ines and Kevin from Glasgow were buying a Duplex in Spain, January 2008; it was a strange scenario, they were renting before they bought. They had lived in Spain for approaching 11 months and had left their house sale money in their bank in Scotland. Because of their purchase they had been advised to use a broker. Rather than use the broker that the building company recommended, they had chosen to look on the internet. Fortunately they had found a Currency Broker. Most brokers can always beat a bank's quote, it isn't so easy to beat another broker. The Currency Broker saved Ines and Kevin 1, 300 Euros over another broker, but nearly 6, 200 Euros against the banks.

 

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Properties for Sale in Tenerife - Natalie and Kevin from Blackburn were transferring two amounts over 3 months. They were buying a property off plan in Tenerife. Their first payment was a deposit of 16, 500 and then a final payment of 149, 500. Their first payment was in a period during 2007 when (February) the exchange was good, but by May the rate had changed down a little. However their first bank quote for the first transfer was 1.43 / 1; the broker was able to beat that quote and consequently because of their disappointment with their bank they didn't even get a quote for the second transfer. But the currency broker estimated we saved them 4, 100 which is approximately 2, 800

 

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PROPERTIES FOR SALE SPAIN

 

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Properties in Northern Spain - News - 13 NHS students take trip to Spain
Posted: July 9, 2008

NOBLESVILLE -- Spanish teachers Kevin Cole and Marc Slain took 13 Noblesville High School students to Spain June 18-27.

The group's visit included Toledo, Segovia, San Sebastian, Burgos and Bilbao.

The teachers plan to continue travelling every two years.

Students who went were Stephanie Watson, Kyla Garrett, Katie Roesch, 2008 graduate Peter Sackers, Shelbie Deppert, Celeste Bremmer, Stephanie Simpson, Maddie Vulanich, Paul Price, Cara Leuck, Lisa Fink, Erin Boland and Katie LeSesne. Parents Bambi Wills-Garrett and Laura Watson also attended.

Highlights included eating tapas and churros and chocolate in Madrid, seeing the works of art at the El Prado museum, walking the streets of Pamplona where the running of the bulls takes place, seeing the many sights of Barcelona and of course, practicing Spanish.

--- Sharon Trisler, Noblesville Schools

 

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