SPANISH NATIONAL TELEVISION AVAILABLE ON SKY DIGITAL TV
TVE International, a mix of the Spanish National TV Channels TVE 1 and TVE 2 (the equivalent in Spain of BBC 1 and BBC 2) is now available on Sky Digital TV in the UK and elsewhere in Europe where the Astra 2 satellites can be received.
The channel is encrypted, unlike the BBC, so you will need a Sky viewing card for your digital receiver.
Brush-up on your Spanish and look out for “Noticias” (News) and “El Tiempo” (weather) to keep you up-to-date.
SIZE & POPULATION
The population of Spain is 39.9 million. Land mass 194.896 sq miles. 205 people per sq mile.
The population of the UK is 59.5 million. Land mass 94,525 sq miles. 629 people per sq mile.
LOCAL MARKETS
Monday: Antas, Huércal Overa.
Tuesday: Los Gallados, Almeria City.
Wednesday: Mojacar, Bedar, Lubrin.
Thursday: Cuevas del Almanzora, Carboneras, Sorbas.
Friday: Garrucha, Turre.
Saturday: Vera, Aguilas.
USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS
National Emergency Number: - 112 for Police, Fire, Ambulance.
(operators speak Spanish, English, French & German)
24 hr. Emergency Clinic / Doctor: - 950 390075 in Vera near Mercadona Supermarket.
Local Doctor, Garrucha: - 950 133202 National Health.
Local Doctor, Garrucha: - 950 132803 Private, not emergency, speaks English.
Chemist, Garrucha: - 950 460085.
Chemist, Vera: - 950 390712 - 950 390136.
Dentist, Mojacar: - 950 478534 in Parque Comercial.
Dentist, Vera: - 950 390655.
Coast Guard 900 202202
Local Police - Guardia Civil, Garrucha 950 617079, Vera 950 390027.
British Consulate (stolen Passports) 952 352300.
British Embassy 913 190200 Madrid. Passport Call Centre 807 429026
Town Hall - Vera 950393016 - Garrucha 950 460058
NATIONAL FIESTAS
January 1st - New Years Day
January 6th - Epiphany
February 28th - Andalucia Day
April 5th - Maunday Thursday
April 6th - Good Friday
May 1st - May Day
August 15th - Assumption Day
October 12th - Hispanic Day
November 1st - All Saints Day
December 6th - Constitution Day
December 8th - Day of the Imaculate Conception
December 25th - Christmas Day
STRICTER DRINK DRIVING LAWS - SUMMER PURGE ON DRINK DRIVING - BEWARE
The legal limit in Spain is now only 0.25% alcohol, somewhat less than the UK’s 0.4%. The equivalent of five pints of English type beer will definitely land you in jail for three months at least. You can expect random checks, especially late at night. It is also obligatory to wear seat belts front and rear anywhere in Spain and it is forbidden to use a mobile phone whilst driving. Expect On-the-Spot fines for this and even for not coming to a complete halt for a few seconds at a “Stop” sign.
Driving in Spain: Some things you should know. You need to carry two red triangles. You need a reflective jacket for each person who may get out of the vehicle in case of breakdown or accident so carry two at least. You need to carry a first aid kit and a set of spare bulbs. You must come to a complete stop at a stop sign even if the road is obviously clear or face an on-the-spot fine. In a designated road works area on a motorway you must turn on dipped head lights. You must carry an insurance document (green card) and a “Certificat de Immatriculation” (log book) together with a receipt of payment or bank slip to prove you have paid and the documents are therefore valid. You cannot use any form of headset or bluetooth device attached to your ear from your mobile phone only a full “hands free” not attached to your person.
REMEMBER TO PAY YOUR TAX!
Non-resident property owners have an obligation to present a tax declaration for wealth (patrimonio) and income (renta) before the end of the year.
A non-resident pays wealth tax only on assets in Spain like property and money in Spanish bank accounts. The tax rate is only 0,2% for wealth up to €167.470. You should declare the real value of the property and the annual interest received from your bank account as calculated by the bank.
If you do not rent out your property you still pay tax on the letting value of it. This value
(valor en renta) is shown on the receipt form you should have had for your local property taxes (IBI), and represents 2% of the fiscal value (valor catastral). You pay 25% tax on the “valor en renta”. If you have let out and received a rent, you must declare this as income and pay 25% tax.
HIGH SPEED TRAIN
The Mediterranean high speed train (the AVE) which presently terminates in Alicante has now been cleared by the environmental department of the Junta de Andalucia for its proposed crossing of the province. The train line will pass between Garrucha and Vera town near to the Vera Hotel and it is now reported that Vera will have a new station where the train will stop!. Completion is due before 2008?
FACILITIES IN VERA PLAYA NATURIST ZONE
Vera Playa Club Hotel - 4X Hotel
Benitos - Bar / Rest
Buena Mesa - Bar / Rest
Gift Shop
Pizzarie Jardin - Bar / Rest
La Terraca - Bar / Rest
Bar Broadway - Late Bar
Miami’s - Late music bar
Happy Castor - Snooker hall & Bars
Coviran Supermarket - General provisions
Tablao de la Chus - Flemenco - Show bar
La Buena Vida bar restaurant
El Balconito - Spanish Tapas Bar
Franky’s Bar - Bar
Paso Doble
Nat-Sun Chiringuito - Beach Bar / Rest
Louis Beach hut
The Cabin - on roadside near Sol Y Luna
Punto-Nat - beach facilities - near Sol y Luna
Sol y Luna Chiringuito - Beach Bar / Rest
Chez Tri’al - Swingers club
Atoda Vela Bar - Late Bar
Rest. Mayo 2004 - Bar Rest
Leńos & Carbon - Grill Bar
Kikiri-pollo - Take away / eat-in (chicken)
Fado Bar Rest
ConSum Supermarket & Shopping Mall
Wok Buffet - Chinees buffet
Heladeria - Ice cream - bar
Agentinien Steak Bar
Hotel Street
Hotel Street
Hotel Street
Hotel Street
Hotel Street
Hotel Street
Hotel Street
Hotel Street
Hotel Street
Hotel Street
Hotel Street
Upper Hotel Street
Upper Hotel Street
Upper Hotel Street
NatSun complex
Central Beach
Central Beach
Central Beach
Central Beach
South Beach
Calle Naturaleza
Avenida Tortuga Boba
Avenida Tortuga Boba
Avenida Tortuga Boba
Avenida Tortuga Boba
Avenida Tortuga Boba
Front of Water Park
Above ConSum
Above ConSum
Above ConSum
Open Naturist
Open Naturist Friendly
Open Naturist Friendly
Open Naturist Friendly
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open Naturist Friendly
Open Naturist Friendly
Open Naturist
Open Naturist
Open Naturist
Open Naturist
Open Naturist
Closed
Open
Open Naturist Friendly
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
POPULATION GROWTH
Spains population has risen to just over 45 million of which 10% are foreigners according to the Spanish Government Statistics institute.
Moroccans make up the largest foreign community followed by Romanians and Ecuadorians.
British come fourth place with 315,000, most on the Mediterranean coast.
NEW BAR OPENS IN NATSUN
Bar “Paso Doble” has opened in the pedestrian walkway to the beach through the new El Cano III apartment block in the NatSun Urbanisation. It is primarily a daytime bar opening from 8am through to 9pm. Spanish owned and run they serve continental breakfasts and Tapas through the day and the charming garden terrace overlooks the NatSun pool. It is a perfect place for local naturists to enjoy.
SOL Y LUNA TO RE-OPEN
The beach bar Sol y Luna wich closed suddenly on Wednesday 9th April is about to re-open with new management! Workers are busy inside and the small wooden hut bar in front of the main bar is already open as is the Chill-out bar rooff terrace late at night.
NATURIST CAMP SITE CLOSES
Camping Almanzora, the naturist camping and caravan park on Hotel Street in Vera Playa has suddenly announced it is to close and has given campers just two weeks to remove themselves!
ANOTHER NEW BAR FOR HOTEL STREET
Yet another new bar has opened on Hotel Street. “The Corner” is located at the top of the road next but one to Frankies Bar. It’s under the same ownership as the “Happy Castor Bar” located near to the Hotel.
The “Happy Castor” bar has changed management and is now English run!
