Lloret de Mar - Samba Hotel

Yesterday (1st May) was a holiday for most workers here in Spain, all shops were closed. Many people are making this holiday into a long week-end, and will not return to work until Monday. The only places open here in Lloret were the bars & restaurants. The weather forecast is also very good for the coming week-end.

After a very slow start to the season, over the last few days Lloret has really come to life with thousands of tourists coming into town...somehow I just don't think they are here for the advertised Scrabble competition at the Hotel Samba shown on the above poster !

Formula 1 - Lloret de Mar

The Spanish Grand Prix is taking place today in Barcelona. The weather is very good, current temp is 23c.

Down on the beach in Lloret the flags are flying at the beach bars and with thousands of people in town its certainly a party atmosphere here today!

Barcelona Romance !

April 23rd St George's Day...


As we all know St George is the patron saint of England, but also what many people don't know he is also the patron saint of Catalunya. While in England the day passes with hardly a mention, here in Catalunya you are made aware of this special day from morning till night. Mainly because it is tradition here that woman are given a rose by their husband or partner.
In turn the men should receive a book given to them by the woman in their life!

The book sellers and flower stalls on the Ramblas in Barcelona do a roaring trade every year, and almost everyone is either carrying books or roses.

Many men seem to be carrying several roses...so you can make up your own mind about what is going on in his life !!

Spanish News - Water Shortage.

The water shortage in Spain is now at its worst for 50 yrs, so much so that the beaches in Barcelona have had their showers shut off, and of all the public gardens and parks only approximately 18% are regularly watered.
Drastic measures are been put in place if there is no change in the near future. This will be the the delivery of water to the port by large tankers from other regions of Spain and France. These deliveries are due to start early May. Also if necessary water will be brought by rail.
A hose pipe ban is all ready in place, so all car washing and watering of gardens by hose pipe is not allowed.
The latest news is saying that people found breaking the ban will be found up to 3,000€.

Lloret de Mar - Parrots

Green parrots are quite often seen in Lloret. Usually in the woods at the back of the resort.
You don't realise they are about until you hear them squawking, as they are so well camouflaged against the palm trees.
In the photo above if you look carefully there are four, all collecting material with which to build their nests.

In Barcelona they are very common in the parks, and even on the Ramblas where there's hundreds of people walking about.