Why We Purchased Our Holiday Home In Caseras Del Sol

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Once a upon a time, (all good stories start like that), my partner and I were on holiday sitting on a sun drenched beach. As usual our minds wandered to conversations like ‘Why can’t we do this all the time?’ ‘Why do we cram in pleasure into a 2 or 3 week each holiday a year?’ ‘How could we make money to make our dreams a reality?’ After kicking it around the answer was simple. Why not buy a holiday home abroad? It appeared to have lots of advantages. We could use it when we wanted too for weekends or holidays. We could offer it to family and friends and or even go with them and spend some quality time together. We could winter in Spain. We could rent it out to help pay the mortgage. The list advantages seemed endless.

Where to buy? After much reasoning we finally agreed on Spain since it has lots of sunshine, with temperatures ranging from a minimum/maximum of 7C/21c in the spring to 16C/34C in the summer, 10C/23C in the autumn and 2C/17C in the winter. It sees an average of 320 days of sunshine a year. It has miles of beaches, lovely food, lots of green golf courses, friendly people and the flights from the UK are reasonably inexpensive. Another huge benefit was perceived to be the fact that a great many of the local people speak English. A major factor was the long list of activities and facilities the area offered.

We decided finally on the Costa del Sol to purchase our property. We simply felt it was ideal for us. Spain is a vast country and if you invest ina property you have to ensure the area is right for you, after all we are all different. This Costa is Spain’s best known coastline and is 99 miles long stretching form Nerja in the east to Gibraltar in the south west. It has a population of 1.2 million and very important for rentals some 8 million plus tourists visit each year. The scenery is dramatic, the coastline being backed by high mountain ranges. The coast is green and lush and the selected a property at Casares Del Sol and once set up with the required holiday furniture we have had several pleasurable trips there this year.

The process from concept to reality took around 2 years and we chose to share the experience with others considering embarking ona similar life changing path. If we learned one lesson to share with others, it is that villa furniture packs really do take the stress out of the buying process.

Discover cactus, wildlife and birds at the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

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Visiting the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in Ajo, Arizona will give you the opportunity to see a wide display of cactus, wildlife, plants and birds. Here you can take your time on a hike and witness the wonders of nature showcasing their beauty in every fashion.

The park is protected so it remains a place where the desert is as it has always been, more or less unhampered by human “development”. The care and dedication of the park officials have assured that it is maintained in its natural, ecological fashion.

The wildlife has undergone some changes since 2002 when there was little rain and things dried up so there was little if any water for the wildlife to drink. The Sonoran Pronghorns were almost extinct following the drought. There were only 25 left on the United States side of the border, a few more in Mexico. Scientists began a program to breed the Pronghorns back into a decent size herd by working with those they captured both in the US and Mexico. The breeding program has worked well and the herd has begun to replenish itself. Those that are bred are turned back into the wild where they have adapted very well.

Your Perfect Island Vacation

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Going for a vacation alone in a tropical country can be a great and unforgettable experience, provided that you know the best activities and places to visit. I now go and visit the islands at least once every year. It can be a special way of giving time for myself after scuffling through the busy city streets and mammoth concrete buildings all day long. Let me give you some reminders on how to truly experience paradise when going solo.

Although I am very much free to do as I want when on an island vacation, I still find it quite useful to plan and prepare ahead. I’d be able to save more time and really get to have fun in all the activities and events by creating a sound schedule. Before, there were times wherein I’d just be inactive then realize that I missed on a number of once-in-a-lifetime programs and opportunities. Some tropical places such as the Caribbean, Fiji and Hawaii have a lot to offer so these would be the only times when I’d get to learn more about culture and tradition.

If you want to experience culture firsthand, one of the best ways would be by meeting people in clubs, beaches and cafes. My favorite spot to meet locals would be in fairs, flea markets and celebrations. I become aware ofthat they are extra friendly and festive during these moments. I would also go on scuba diving trips and nature tours alone, giving me a chance to go with other visitors and make new friends.

Do not hesitate to ask questions and crack jokes once in a while. The good thing about traveling alone is that you are responsible only for yourself. If you want to seek new company, you can always move out and look for new places to enjoy such as golf courses, museums and antique shops.

Take the time to shop, and visit art galleries where possible. The best pieces are usually found away from the beach area. I’ve always admired the old and rustic appearance of old Caribbean towns. A tropical vacation can last anywhere between 3 to 30 days or more, depending on your activities and budget.

If you’re looking for more adventure, take a hike through the woods or seek archaeological and natural wonders such as ancient temples, waterfalls, caves and other spectacular views. You will be surprised about the affluent history of most tropical places and landmarks.

Visiting Costa Teguise

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Do you want to enjoy the luxury of great beach vacations but find it hard to pick a destination? You’re not alone, that’s for sure. There are a lot of great beach vacations by the East Coast that you can go on from Bermuda to Georgia.

Plus there are thousands of beach vacation rentals out there. If you have been searching for one, you know that this is true. But with so many choices, making a selection can be daunting. When trying to decide, many people take the risk of only concentrating on the fact that the vacation rental is near a beach. With so many choices, who could blame you?

But, just as when you’re looking to purchase a house plant you not only consider its suitability for the house but also its basic requirements to grow and thrive, so too you should consider what other aspects makes a vacation rental the best choice for you on your vacation.

For instance, Costa Teguise was not originally a traditional village, but a well designed purpose built tourist resort. It is well laid out with shopping areas mingled around the various hotels and beaches. Visit the main beach to find the wind surfing schools and a vast area of sandy beach with the usual amenities and a shopping centre behind it.

Plenty of the hotels in the central area benefit from direct beach access. There is the only currently completed golf course on the island near to Costa Teguise.

Christmas in Barcelona

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The “fira di Santa Llucia” and the catalan traditions

One of the most important events of Christmas in Barcelona is the “Fira di Santa Llucia”, that, as every year, anticipates Christmas (in recent times with the turning on of the first Christmas lights in the Gothic quarter or the first Christmas sales at El Cortes Ingles.

This Year the Fira begun on 1st December and ends on the 23rd, just 2 days before Christmas. In the square in front of the Cathedral, not far from Jaume I metro stop, you can see the stands, decorations and lights. The fira is a must for Christmas, it’s a tradition that has been around since 1978 and its survived through the birth and death of many other firas, taking place in the city during the last few years.
The Fira is divided in 3 categories, that are; green, where you can find all the stands selling Christmas trees and nativity figures, where you can buy objects that adorn both the tree and the nativity scene, and then handicrafts where you can find wooden products and other things from local producers. Last year there were 256 stands!
Among all the stands you can also find 2 particular Catalan-typical figures, that every year appear in this fira and in many houses of the Catalan people. They are the “Tió” and the “Caganer”. The first is a kind of Yule log, that has a human face, a red hat and a red carpet that covers it. You have to feed him with orange skins and biscuits, in order to keep him sweet and in order that he gives you some presents when the time is right. On Christmas Day, people beat it with sticks, singing along the lines of; “Tió, caga tió, i si no et donaré un cop de bastó” to make him leave sweets and chocolates for the children.

The second figure, with a strong humoristic and witty character, was created in thr XVIII Century, when people began to put it in the nativity scene, because it was a symbol of prosperity for the year to come. Often the local artisans make different figures of the Caganer that take the shape of different famous people from the politics or sports world.

Places To See While In Lanzarote

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If you are looking for attractions to visit when you have booked a Lanzarote villa to help you escape from the beach, then going to Timanfaya Volcano Park is a must and could be top of your list if it is your first visit to the island.

You are taken up to the top of the mountain, or drive in a hire car, to the car park at the visitor centre. The journey through the park is the start of the experience. It is described as being a lunar scene and that is honestly the im pression that you do get as you gaze across fields of solidified volcanic lava that have been untouched since they were laid down. The area is now a protected park to help preserve this landscape.

Once you arrive at the car park at the top of the visitor center there are plenty of uniformed guides to entertain you. They will demonstrate how a bucket of water emptied down into a bore hole erupts seconds later as steam, heated ashtonishingly quickly just by the temperature of the rocks below the ground. Another favorite demonstration is to place some brushwood into the rocks and then it is pulled out burning not long later. Again, this is just the heat of the rocks.

Also within the visitor centre is a fairly unique restaurant. There are no standard ovens. Instead the food is cooked from the heat given off by a hole in the rocks. The demonstrations of the heat given off from the subterranean rocks are certainly varied!

There is also a guided coach tour from the visitor center that shows tourists a little more of the area and the rock formations. All of this makes Timanfaya, Fire Mountain, worthy of a visit!

A favorite spot to visit, especially for my little girl, is the Cactus Garden, designed by local artist Cesar Manrique. There are a wide selection of cactus plants on show, well over a thousand species in fact, in this sunken display that can be sheltered from the hottest of the elements. There is also a restored white windmill to visit within the gardens, which includes the site’s café for a welcome refreshment or snack.

Also worth a quiet visit is El Golfo, a semi-circular volcanic crater. The crater has been half erroded by the sea, hence not being complete, and filled with sea water that has filtered through the black sand that separates the sea from the crater. The water in the crater has created a green lagoon, which is the result of the algae thriving in the water and it contrasts spectacularly with the surrounding black sand.

Another favorite, and the destination of many coach tours, is the Cave of Los Verdes. These are a complex of underground caves that were left in the lava some 3,000 years ago and were used as shelter to the early inhabitants when the pirates of old came sacking. They are well worth a visit, even if only to discover what the secret is of Lanzarote. You only get to see it by visiting the cave and I’m not about to tell you now!

Why Overseas Investors are Attracted to Thailand Property

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Thailand has a unique blend of fascinating history, distinctive lifestyle, and rich culture.

The country benefits from a strong and expanding economy, very low unemployment, strong export performance and a thriving tourist industry.

Nowadays we believe that Thailand offers unrivalled investment opportunities and significant capital appreciation potential in the fast growing Thailand property market.

Thailand is an exotic country which has drawn more visitors than any other country in Southeast Asia, with its marvellous scenery, fascinating and historical culture, culture rich culture, stunning scenery, inspiring temples, friendly population and unique lifestyle.

The country is a sophisticated tourist destination with a great universal appeal offering tourists and everyone who lives there an exceptional and varied experience.

An all year round destination
The perfect warm and tropical climate makes Thailand popular all year round The November to April season is popular because it is warm with little rain and lots of sunshine people in Europe can escape the cold winter. On the other hand, May to October is the wet season, popular among Australians who want to take a break from their winter weather and Europeans holiday makers taking their summer vacation.

Here are some of the many benefits of living in Thailand that attract people from abroad to purchase Thailand properties

Thai people are very hospitable and friendly

Many interesting museums, historic and archaeological sites and intriguing temples and palaces and ruins of fabulous ancient kingdoms

A vibrant cosmopolitan capital

Many, many beautiful islands for you to discover

The cost of living is very low and Thailand is one of the least expensive countries in the region

Thailand has a strategic location at the heart of Southeast Asia with excellent and low-cost flight connections to most major destinations around the globe

Thailand offers superb leisure and entertainment attractions

All over Thailand you will find people speak the English language

A tropical sea paradise with over 500 islands and beautiful white powder beaches

In summary it’s the strong expanding economy, warm all year round tropical climate, stunning landscape, beautiful beaches and numerous recreational and entertainment facilities that make Thailand an attractive country.

Essaouira Riad Forever

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There is no better way to see the sights of Marrakesh than to stay in a local riad. Posh, elegant, different and simply out of the norm, you will find this accommodation to be perfect for your stay.

Riads or ryads were once ancient palaces or private homes. The belonged to noble families, aristocrats and Sultans. You want to bet the first thing you’re going to do when you get there is to check out all the rooms for hidden compartments and maybe even a hidden passageway or two? How much fun would that be?

Marrakech Riads are tucked away into the winding streets of the city. Hard to find at first, but once you get the hang of where you are, it’s easy. What a super adventure, a Marrakesh riad to call you own for the duration of your stay.

What’s inside your riad will tell you all kinds of stories about the owners. Imagine the brightly colored doors that announce one’s station in life, the intricate wall hangings in bright colors that liven up the atmosphere and the gaily-splashing fountain in the center courtyard that acts as a small paddling pool.

How luxurious, how enchanting, how just so “chic chic” that you want everyone to visit your Marrakesh riad. The sense of time gone by, the culture, the history of this place would enthrall you for hours, days, perhaps even weeks. For it takes many, many visits to this striking country to absorb the culture and the exotic way of life.

There are so many things to see and do in Morocco and in Marrakesh as well. The sights, the sounds, the nightlife, the market places, the churches/mosques, the art galleries, museums and oh the list is absolutely endless. You will be so delighted with your vacation here; you will come back time and time again.

Hot Spot For Property In The Philippines

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Learn why the latest country appearing on the international property investors radar is the Philippines otherwise known as ‘The Pearl of the Oriental Seas’. The country is located 750 miles off mainland Asia on a beautiful archipelago which consists of 7,107 mostly unoccupied islands.

The Philippines is a country made up of many beautiful tropical islands rich in culture and has an abundance of magical places to discover. Natural attractions include many beautiful white powder sandy beaches and secluded coves with crystal clear waters, coral reefs and tropical underwater marine life.

You can enjoy many exciting water sports like scuba diving as well as many exciting outdoor leisure activities like hiking up the mountains or just relax by the pool and enjoy the marvellous weather.

The infrastructure including both communication and transportation is very well developed, and it’s accessed easily from most of the major capital cities in the world, making it ideally situated for international business with regard to air lines & international shipping. Also the democratic government is committed to free enterprise.

Tourism in the Philippines is booming with strong demand from the wealthy Korean market as well as other Asian countries, and you’ll find that the English language is very widely spoken there.

The Cebu region and the island of Mactan boast a combination of natural beauty, luxurious resorts and modern facilities. Mactan island also benefits from green woodlands like the mangrove forests and other local flora and is also home to a selection of superb golf courses. It’s should be no surprise these places are some of the hot spot locations for investors looking to buy Philippines property.

Making The Most Of Barcelona

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If you think that it is a bit early to start thinking about your bank holiday in May, think again! You have to think in advance if you want to find the best bargains on apartments in barcelona and everyone knows that know a days everyone is looking after their money. We would therefore like to suggest some sights to see in Barcelona that would be perfect for your bank holiday in May to make sure you will have a fun and cheaper holiday!

From my point of view, Barcelona is the ideal destination to spend a bank holiday. There is a list that would stretch higher than the Sagrada Familia full of things to do…Las Ramblas, Montjuïc, The Magic Fountains, Casa Battló, Parc Güell and the Sagrada Familia of course, but the list keeps on going. With a big presence of young travellers, there are many apartments barcelona as well as many hostels and hotels where you don’t have to spend a huge amount of your savings to stay somewhere nice. As well as this, if you fly from Girona, you will be able to find cheap flights with Ryanair.

However, it is also important to remember that during the bank holiday, shops and supermarkets remain closed. Unlike the UK, bank holidays in Barcelona mean a day off for everyone, not just the teachers and school children! Concerning this, it would be wise to get all your shopping done over the weekend, that’s including food.

To make your bank holiday in May a truly special one, why not enjoy a meal out with your family. Perhaps some of the lovliest tapas bars can be found in El Born, a beautiful barrio of Barcelona which is one of the most popular places to live and work. There are also many boutiques to window shop at and the metro stop Jaume I takes you straight there.

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