Wednesday - Hospital Visit

This morning we went to Mercadona to do our weekly shopping and when we got back I attempted to do some gardening but it was too hot. So I read a bit before lunch.

Afterwards we rested and headed for Levante Hospital, Benidorm, at 3pm.

On 2nd July last year my wife had a major operation on her back - the fusion of 4 lumbar vertebrae using 2 rods and 8 screws.

So today she had a X-Ray before seeing her consultant surgeon. She received a boost - everything was in place as it should be and there was no damage to the vertebra or disc above the fused site. So he wished her well, told her to take it easy and that he would leave it to her whether she needed to see him again in the future.

Good news indeed.

Tuesday

After the pain of yesterday my wife had a good night's sleep, was up early and in the pool for a gentle swim by 9am.

We then went down to the beach for the rest of the morning for another swim, a short walk and a read while lying in the sun.

I've found an author I particularly like - Simon Kernick - detective stories with uncomplicated plots

which are page turners. I can read a novel in two days - just can't put them down.

By 12.30 it was too hot, so back home for lunch, rest and and watch the World Cup.

More success for Spain!

Monday

On Mondays we clean the house so this morning we did precisely that. Then a friend called to say they had had the gardeners in and there were some logs for me. So I collected those and put them

undercover before lunch.

In the afternoon my wife was suffering with back pain after cleaning so she rested while I made some paper briquettes in the sun. Then the football came on...............when will it end!?

Price Check

It's nearly the end of June and the weather still hasn't settled down. Thunder and lightening today which kept us indoors so we were able to watch the football and do my price check of 20 basic products. Again, no change, which is good news:

Milk, 6 litres of skimmed euros 3,06

Drinking Water, 8 litres 90 cents

Bread (small brown sliced) 60 cents

Cheese 330 grms 2,50

Butter 125 grms 1,25

Broccoli per kilogram 1,95

Cabbage per kilogram 1,30

Carrots per kilogram 75

Apples per kilogram 99

Oranges per kilogram 1.25

Avocados (4) 2,35

Tomatoes half kilo 80

Bananas per kilogram 1,30

TUC crackers pack of 2 1,60

Yoghurt 4 small pots 90

Frozen chips 1 kilo 87

Lasagne (for 2) 2,50

Pizza (for 2) 2,35

Meatballs tin 90

Petrol has increased slightly to 1,20 per unleaded litre and cigarettes are 33 euros for a pack of 200.

News Review from Local Press

Yesterday, Friday, I bought the papers in the morning then after lunch we spent the afternoon on the beach. In the evening there was only one place to be - in front of the Tv watching Spain against Chile - a win that sees them play Portugal next in the Round of 16.

The headline in this week's Costa Blanca News focuses on what I've referred to in recent weeks - the increase in VAT from 18 to 20% on 1st July (Thursday). On food stuff and certain supplies the rate will inscrease from 7 to 8% while the VAT on essential products - bread and milk remains at 4%.

Another article draws attention to summer safety and that 4,000 extra police officers will be reinforcing security on the Costas from 1st July.

Returning to football for a moment there are a couple of articles covering promotion to La Liga of Hercules Club of Alicante and the prospect of seeing Ronaldo, Messi and Aguero on the Costa Blanca.

The Round Town News comments that the ash cloud didn't stop tourists as visitors to Spain increased bt 1.1% in May.

More next week ....if I'm not watching football!.

Thursday Lunch

We did a quick clean on Thursday morning before popping into Alfaz del Pi to buy some birthday cards.

Then on to Albir to meet with friends and have lunch at Sarita's Indian Restaurant. As it was a beautiful day we ate outside - a hot curry in the hot sun, what could be better?

We returned home in time to see Slovakia send Italy home from the World Cup.

Wednesday

On Wednesday morning we did our weekly shop at Mercadona then quickly back home for an early lunch.

We made it to the beach by 1pm for a walk, swim and read. We were at the same spot as yesterday and the temperature was a fabulous 27 degrees.

Then it was back home by 4pm to see England win for the first time in the Group stage of the World Cup.

Hogueras de San Juan

Today, Tuesday was a beautiful day with cloud free skies and temperatures reaching 27 degrees.

So my wife's half hour of exercise was taken walking along the shoreline at Benidorm's Poniente Beach followed by a short swim and then relaxing with a book.

As Benidorm has a fiesta at this time of year "The Hogueras of San Juan" I went over to take pictures of the figurines (made from paper mache) that are burnt at midnight on 25th June.




The forecast for tomorrow is good again so I think we'll be back swimming in the sea.

Monday

Not much to write about today - cleaned the house this morning which took us until lunchtime -

then stayed in to watch Portugal score 7 goals - the best performance in the World Cup so far.

The weather cooled, cloud came over and the pool looked cold so no swim today.

The temperature tomorrow is forecast to be 27 degrees so maybe we'll go to the beach.

Price Check

As my wife is recovering from a major back operation she needs a flat surface to exercise - mainly walking - so today, Sunday, we chose Levante Promenade in Benidorm:

After 30 minutes walking, which is more than enough for the invalid (!) we stopped for coffee:
Then on the way home we went to a Chinese Restaurant for Sunday lunch!

In between this afternoon's football matches I checked this week's shop receipts and there was only one change - surprisingly oranges were up by 5c a kilo.

Milk, 6 litres of skimmed euros 3,06

Drinking Water, 8 litres 90 cents

Bread (small brown sliced) 60 cents

Cheese 330 grms 2,50

Butter 125 grms 1,25

Broccoli per kilogram 1,95

Cabbage per kilogram 1,30

Carrots per kilogram 75

Apples per kilogram 99

Oranges per kilogram 1.30 (+5c)

Avocados (4) 2,35

Tomatoes half kilo 80

Bananas per kilogram 1,30

TUC crackers pack of 2 1,60

Yoghurt 4 small pots 90

Frozen chips 1 kilo 87

Lasagne (for 2) 2,50

Pizza (for 2) 2,35

Meatballs tin 90

Incidentally coffee and a small piece of cake in the cafe was 3 euros.

Petrol remains static at 1,19 per unleaded litre and cigarettes 33 euros for a carton of 200.

Lantana in Full Bloom

Mid June on the Costa Blanca and the Lantana is in full bloom. This shrub, originally from

Brazil, grows one to two metres tall and has all year round green leaves then a profusion o

red and yellow flowers at this time of year. Lantana is also known as "la bandera", the flag,

on account of it's likeness to the colour of the Spanish national flag (coincidentally many of

which are on display on buildings everywhere as Spain made their first appearance in the

World Cup last Wednesday, and lost unfortunately).

There are also many other colours available.

Lantana can be grown either as an individual bush or as a hedge:

Cut back hard in the spring for a long flowering season.

News Review from Local Press

This week's Round Town News brings our attention to the VAT increase from 16 to 18% on 1st July.

According to the Confederation of Housewives, Consumers and Users, the paper reports, the increase in VAT will cost the average family an additional 354 euros a year. Electricity, transport and other "welfare services" will be the main culprits giving higher bills. In the case of food, many commonly bought products such as milk, bread, cheese and fruit will not be affected, whilst meat and fish will be subject to a rise of 1% from 7 to 8%.

The Costa Blanca News reports the effects of the freak storm on Tuesday: The rain storm left most of Denia, Javea and Pego underwater on Tuesday morning and numerous houses without electricity. Cars became trapped and garages and underbuilds were flooded as the rain fell between 6.30 and 7.30am.

The paper also reports that property sales continue to increase - for the fourth consecutive month. In addition April sales show an increase of 17.6% on the same month last year.

And, finally, a photo of a paella in London - Benidorm and the Costa Blanca were present at what

has become a very popular event in London - "A Taste of Spain". Three giant paellas were prepared along Regent Street for serving at 14.00, 15,30 and 17.00 last Sunday.

More snippets next week..................

Don't rely on Form S1

My wife recently reached the grand age of 60.

We received all the paperwork from Pensions Dept. Newcastle two weeks ago which would enable us to take advantage of the Spanish healthcare system. We already had our residencia certificates

and just needed to go to the town hall for our padron certificates which I did first thing this morning.

So we followed Pensions advice and took all these certificates for the both of us together with our passports and forms S1 (provided by Newcastle) to the Social Security Office in Benidorm.............

and what happened?

More shopping!

Thursday arrived and no rain forecast. So we decided to go down to Albir and look for some clothes for my wife. We were in and out of boutiques but couldn't find anything so we met with friends and had coffee.

Then more boutiques and I came away with some fashionable shorts - and my wife? - you've guessed it - nothing.

Back home for lunch and 4 goals from Argentina!

Well if Spain are not going to win the World Cup perhaps Argentina are the best alternative!

Shopping

I don't know what is happening to the weather.

For the third day on the run we completed our morning chores then it rained.

Today we went to the Lottery shop to do Friday's Euromillions, then to the Farmacia for some medicines and then to the Supermarket for our weekly shop.

We just got half an hours walk in before lunch and before the rain. So we were forced to stay in and watch World Cup football again!

The streets of Spain were deserted at 4pm for the game against Switzerland - but no fiestas tonight - the result no one wanted happened - a defeat by one goal.

We need a swim - let's hope the weather is better tomorrow!

Car Service

Our car was booked in for a service today so at 9am my wife took it to the garage in La Nucia. I followed in a neighbour's car and then brought her back

I then did an hour in the garden before the rain's came. The temperature dropped to 16 degrees (yes this is the Spanish Costa Blanca in June!), the skies darkened and down it came. It didn't stop

so we HAD to watch New Zealand draw with Slovakia, then a siesta, something to eat and back to the garage............................

...............to a bill in excess of 600 euros !!

I'm still in shock and surprised I can write this !!

Monday

Today is cleaning day which took us all morning.

We had lunch on the terrace temperature 25 degrees.

Then we watched Netherlands v. Denmark and by 4 o'clock the temperature had dropped to 19 degrees followed by a fresh wind and then the heavy rains came!

So I didn't have to water the gardens today!

Price Check

Another fresh day on the Costa Blanca with a temperature of 24 degrees and a fresh wind so my wife and I walked for about 30 minutes in the Terra Mitica region.

I kept the receipt from this week's shopping and there are no changed in price in the 20 basic items I am following:

Milk, 6 litres of skimmed euros 3,06

Drinking Water, 8 litres 90 cents

Bread (small brown sliced) 60 cents

Cheese 330 grms 2,50

Butter 125 grms 1,25

Broccoli per kilogram 1,95

Cabbage per kilogram 1,30

Carrots per kilogram 75

Apples per kilogram 99

Oranges per kilogram 1.25

Avocados (4) 2,35

Tomatoes half kilo 80

Bananas per kilogram 1,30

TUC crackers pack of 2 1,60

Yogurt 4 small pots 90

Frozen chips 1 kilo 87

Lasagne (for 2) 2,50

Pizza (for 2) 2,35

Meatballs tin 90

Unleaded petrol increased slightly at 1,18.5 per litre and cigarettes are 33 euros for a pack of 200.

More next week...

News Review from Local Press

It was a beautiful day on the Costa Blanca today a fresh 26 degrees with deep blue skies. BUT not too much time to enjoy it....................the World Cup is well under way with 3 games a day in the Group stages.

The headline in the Costa Blanca News makes reference to the Euro Health Agreement - European health ministers reached an agreement on Tuesday over cross-border healthcare after more than 2 years of wrangling. The plan guarantees that there will be no discrimination in Europe between native patients and those from other countries.

Price rises are also a cause for concern in the paper. A 2% fise in VAT is due to come into force on 1st July and, in addition, electricity is to go up by 4%. This will mean that cash strapped households will be forced to find an extra 6% to cover the cost of this basic utility.

The paper also reports that the 24 hour strike by civil servants called by unions on Tuesday had very little repercussion on the Costa Blanca - and Spain in general. While unions claim 72% of the civil servants in the Alicante province went on strike (around 46,800 people), figures released by

the government subdelegates' office in Alicante say only 10% of government employees in the province went on strike.

And finally, and not surprisingly, with Spain's first game coming up on Wednesday all papers gave space to the World Cup including the Wall Chart to be completed after every game........

Spain 3 Switzerland 0 ?? We'll see!

Friday

We had another busy morning today - out to buy the Costa Blanca News and collect the free paper from the Round Town News Office. Then on to the industrial estate in La Nucia to buy a new table for our terrace and some black acrylic paint. Before returning home we popped to the garage to book the car in for service on Tuesday.

After lunch I put the table together (everything seems to come in self assembly packs these days) and then painted the blocks of wood which are a feature in our rockery.

My timing was good because I finished in time to see the World Cup opening ceremony and then the match between South Africa and Mexico which ended 1-1.

Now I have this week's papers I will review the local news for tomorrow's blog.

Another Varied Day!

Woke up to rain this morning - but it was expected as forecast.

Thursday is cleaning day so it was a quick run around the living area with the hoover and mop because I had an appointment with the doctor at 10.30 am in Benidorm. We had some cards to post first at the post office then arrived at Clinica Europa on time for my appointment with the urologist to complete my annual checks. The scans were clear so with the good urine and blood analyses from last week that's it for another year!

These tests are done as a matter of course in Spain from the age of 45 because of the belief in preventative procedures which save money in the long run and prolongs life, of course.

To the watch shop next. My wife needed some links taken out of her watch strap and that was done in a couple of minutes. Then to the bank to complete some transactions for a friend.

On to Carrefour and Lidl at Marina Finestrat for some ideas about terrace furniture and car seat covers.

An ordinary day, for some people you might think but after my wife's major back operation it was like a marathon for her - the most she has been able accomplish for over a year. AND on top of that she managed a swim this afternoon. Progress at last! That's wonderful!

Tax Doesn't Have to be Taxing! (part two)

On the 18th May I met with my tax advisor to complete my tax return.

Today was the day to pay the tax. I visited the Bank early and presented my tax return having opted to pay 60% now (before the 30th June deadline) and the remaining 40% in the first week of November. The Bank took the return off me for forwarding to the Tax Authorities and confirmed that payment of the remaining 40% would be automatic on the due date.

So that little task is completed for another year.

The remainder of the morning was taken up with shopping with my wife and as it was much cooler today I took the opportunity of doing some gardening this afternoon. The pressure has dropped, the temperature is down to 25 degrees and we are expecting rain tonight.

A Visit to Bonalba

Today, Tuesday, I went to Bonalba, a Golf Complex about 30 minutes from La Nucia (drive towards Alicante on the AP7 then first right after the tolls towards Mutxamiel, Bonalba is on the right).

I needed to go to the Golf Club to pick up some leaflets and remembered that when I made the same trip last year my wife videoed going in to the complex as I was driving:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEBmlcWJdc8

When I got back this afternoon I was going to go for a swim in the pool to cool down but thin cloud and a fresh wind developed which did the job for me. The barometer indicated falling pressure and we can expect rain tomorrow. I hope not!

Administrative Problem

Monday is cleaning day so I helped my wife this morning before having to sort out an admin problem.

A bit of background first:

Eight years ago we moved into a new community and took the name & plot number as our address. Then, later, a road was established in front of our house. The road was was named so we then had a new address. But there's more. In 2004 the road was renamed so we had yet another address.

Last month I received a letter from the Tax Authority saying that the house that I had declared on my tax return didn't tie in with their records. That was no real surprise given what had occurred before!

So today I visited the Town Hall with a copy of my escritura (house deeds), a copy of my residencia certificate and a copy of the letter. All this documentation then had to be sent to the Tax Authority in Alicante with an application form from the Town Hall.

We'll see what happens....watch this space.

Then, this afternoon, after watering the gardens it was a relief to cool off in the pool with a swim.

A nice, fresh breeze and 25 degrees made it a lovely day.

Price Check

We awoke to another beautiful morning, today, Sunday so took the opportunity for a swim before lunch. The temperature was a fresh 25 degrees. This afternoon La Nucia clouded over so we were able to cool down and check my price list of 20 items! Only one change this week with broccoli increasing by 50 cents per kilo:

Milk, 6 litres of skimmed euros 3,06

Drinking Water, 8 litres 90 cents

Bread (small brown sliced) 60 cents

Cheese 330 grms 2,50

Butter 125 grms 1,25

Broccoli per kilogram 1,95 (+50)

Cabbage per kilogram 1,30

Carrots per kilogram 75

Apples (6) 90

Oranges (8) 1,50

Avocados (4) 2,35

Tomatoes half kilo 80

Bananas per kilogram 1,30

TUC crackers pack of 2 1,60

Yoghurt 4 small pots 90

Frozen chips 1 kilo 87

Lasagne (for 2) 2,50

Pizza (for 2) 2,35

Meatballs tin 90

At the Petrol Station unleaded remained constant at 1,17 per litre but there was a big change at the Tabac

A carton of 200 cigarettes costing 30,50 increased to 33 euros wef 1st June

News Review from Local Press

Today, Saturday, there was no time for a swim or walk as it was wash day - bedding and clothes - and as they dry quickly here - followed by the ironing.

However I have had time to undertake a brief review of the local press.

The Costa Blanca News highlights that benefits for expats are being threatened particularly those receiving the winter heating allowance.

The paper quotes the Independant Newspaper: Tens of thousands of British Pensioners who have left to live in hotter climes are set to have one of their benefits cut as part of the coalition government's campaign to drive down spending".

The winter fuel payments were introduced to help pensioners pay their heating bills, but the government believes it can save around 14 million pounds a year by stopping payments to those who live in other EU countries.

From personal experience I know that not all expats receive the fuel allowance as the first claim must be made whilst you are living in the UK and reach the age of 60. If you have emigrated and then reach the age of 60 in your new EU country- no allowance.

Should not benefits, therefore, be available to those who have paid into the system no matter where they live AND it does get cold in Spain - I should know I make my own logs (see 15th May).

On a brighter note the Costa Blanca News also reports that Benidorm's beach, Playa Levante, has recouped the prestigious blue flag award exactly one year after the environment education foundation stripped it of the award to the poor quality of the seawater. The town now has a blue flag for all three of it's beaches which can only be good for Benidorm and it's tourists.

Finally, there is an article about mayors in the Valencia region - they must take a pay cut. Would you believe that those earning more than the Prime Minister (96,000 euros) must take a pay cut of up to 15%. More than the Prime Minister? I just don't know what to say.

More next week..........if I finish the ironing!

A Visit to Terra Natura

Last week my son and his family had a week's holiday with us in La Nucia, near Benidorm.

One afternoon he visited Terra Natura, the animal theme park and zoo, with his wife and two year old daughter.

Although the admission price was 23 euros per adult, he found, by booking the tickets through a local travel / ticket agent he was able to obtain a 4 euro discount per ticket. Children under four are allowed free entry.

The agent advised that as the walk around the park took 4 hours and to take hats for sun protection, plenty of water and a pushchair for the child. Also that there were plenty of places to stop for a drink or snack.

By the way, tourists from outside Benidorm can find the park off the AP7 motorway, Junction 65A. It is well signposted from there.

Car parking cost 4 euros.

The attractions include as many as 1,500 animals from all over the world, particularly, Europe, Asia and America. In addition there is a reptile house and birds of prey can be seen in flight. There are a range of shows, entertainment and adventure activities as you walk around.

My 2 year old granddaughter had a great time and never stopped talking about for hours afterwards. Oh, yes, it does take about 4 hours to get around and see everything.

They cannot wait to go around again the next time they are here - high recommendation indeed!

Friday

What a varied day!

First thing this morning I popped into Benidorm to collect my blood and urine test results (see previous blog). The report was 6 pages long and covered all aspects of haemotology and biochemistry of the blood, the PSA levels and the urine results. Fortunately all was well and no indicators were above or below recommended levels. Phew! that's over for another year.

On the way back home I bought the Costa Blanca News (1,80 euros) and collected the free newspaper, The Round Town News ( I will do a news review over the weekend).

Back home to check the garden and I found the bourgainvillaea in glorious bloom (see Care of B. 19th May):

Then my wife, who had a major back operation last year needed her exercise so I joined her in the community pool for a swim (half an hour) with the sun beating down at 30 degrees. That certainly gave us an appetite for lunch.

Then, this afternoon I turned into a plumber (well, sort of!). We have a toilet cistern that has been flowing continuously (albeit slowly) so I had to replace the internal part that cuts off the water flow when the cistern is full. But I couldn't release the holding screw under the cistern - it was too tight and wouldn't budge. Needing assistance I called on my neighbour, a Frenchman, to help. Well, with the language barrier excluding an explanation of what needed to be done, with two spanners between us we laughed our way through the job! In the end it was perfect and unbelievably we had a quiet cistern again that only flowed when it was supposed to.

Then, before our evening meal, I relaxed in the shade and made four more logs for next winter (see blog May 15th).

Variety or what!

First Week of June

During the first week of June each year I make sure I complete my tax assessment ready for payment prior to the end of June and I also have a blood and urine test to monitor my health.

This year, however, I sorted out my tax early (see Blog 18th May) and went to Clinica Europa in Benidorm on Tuesday of this week for the blood test. It is a private clinic for which I am eligible through my Health Insurance company, Perpetuo Socorro.

The system works as follows:

1. Report to reception and request to see doctor. Present Health Card for payment.

2. See doctor - in my case the wait was only 5 minutes. Discuss requirements and a prescription is given for the nurse.

3. See "blood nurse" who takes blood sample together with previously prepared urine sample.

The whole process only took 15 minutes - I went into the clinic at 9am and was out by a quarter past.

I have everything tested including PSA for prostate cancer and expect a 6 page report at the wend of the week.