Spanish Markets - Tordera

Spain is well known for its colourful markets and here in Lloret we are not very far away from Tordera which holds one of the biggest and best around! Tordera is a small town only about 30 minutes drive from Lloret where each Sunday the whole town becomes one huge market place with stalls lining almost every street. If you are in Lloret or any other nearby resort then its quite easy to book a half day excursion to the market through Laietana Tours.

Watch iPlayer in Spain

Have you ever tried to access the BBC iPlayer only to be told that as you are not resident in the UK then you are not eligible to watch?
I'm sure many expats will already know about the Expat Shield programme which enables you to access iPlayer on your PC if you live abroad, but for those who don't then it's just a simple matter of going to their website and downloading their programme which will then allow you to watch BBC iPlayer etc just as though you were in the UK! It really does work and is completely free of charge! Have a look at their website here EXPAT SHIELD 

Les Alegries English Service

A special reminder for everyone on the Costa Brava, this Sunday 4th March is the second of Father Shea's Christian church service's to be held at Les Alegries church in Lloret de Mar. The service will begin at 12 noon, there is ample parking, and refreshments are on sale after the service when Father Shea will be happy to meet and have a chat to all those who attend. Please come and support the church and Father Shea's work, he would also like to hear from anyone who could volunteer some of their time to help with arranging events and functions throughout the year. An organist is still also needed for the monthly church service.

Zooming in on Lloret de Mar

Sunny views of Lloret de Mar all taken from the cliff tops between Lloret and Fenals with a zoom lens which gives the impression of been much closer to the subject than we really were.

Lloret de Mar Sales

This Saturday 3rd March is officially the last day of the winter sales here in Lloret. This is when many of the fashion and accessories stores will be setting up stalls outside their shops and in front of the town hall to sell the last of their sale goods to make room for the arrival of new summer stock.

Lloret de Mar Scenes

Yesterdays views of Lloret as seen looking down from the road behind the Guitart Resort & Spa Hotel. The weather has been very good just lately, it seems ages since we had any rain, with none forecast anytime in the near future.

It will probably throw it down all March now I've said that!

Costa Brava - PC Problems?

For one of the best computer support services around you cant go wrong with Costa Brava PC Support. Whether its for business or home they are able to provide you with a friendly, professional & reliable service. Take a look at their website for details of just how they can help you get your home or work PC working just the way you need. All contact details can be found at CBPCsupport.com

Lloret de Mar Carnival 2012

 This years carnival was a great success, thousands of people gathered in the town to see the week end parades, and a huge bonus was that the sun shone for both days! We saw the Sunday parade which started at 12noon and it took almost 3hrs to pass. Here's just a sample of the 300+ photos and film clips we took more can be seen on Lloret de Mar Carnival
It was a fantastic day enjoyed by young and old!

Lloret de Mar - Fenals

Two shots from the very picturesque Fenals beach taken yesterday, early morning and early evening.

Lloret de Mar Weather

Today in Lloret we've had a beautiful sunny day and its certainly felt much warmer. Even the local school had a trip to the beach at lunchtime......maybe summer is on the way back!

Lloret is falling apart!

I'm not exactly sure whats happened here in Fenals but we have noticed for a while now that the walkway between the beach bar and the beach wall has been gradually dropping. Its now given way altogether and left a big gaping hole which has been fenced off to prevent any accidents. Just how they will repair this I've no idea, as the part which has given way is right above where the underground waterflow from the mountains runs down to the sea. Its going to be a major job which will have to be repaired before the new summer season starts, lets see how they cope!

Train crash in Mataro near Barcelona

Ten people have been injured when the train they were traveling on collided with a buffer at Mataro station on Thursday morning. The driver who was trapped in the cab for 40 minutes was the most seriously injured, he had to be cut free from the wreckage by firemen. Read the full story here - EL PAIS

Lloret de Mar Weather - February

Today in Lloret we have slightly warmer temperatures with a bright blue sunny sky, much better than cold windy days we have recently had.


Even the seagulls on the roof opposite our apartment block are making the most of the sun!

Carnival Time in Lloret

Its everyones favorite time of year again in Lloret de Mar and that is carnival time, the first parade will take place at 4pm on Saturday 18th Feb. The second parade takes place at 12 noon the following day Sun 19th. Everyone is welcome to join in with events at Evenia Olympic Resort hotel during carnival time, on Saturday after the first parade there is a night of dancing. There will be a show for all the family at 5pm after Sunday's parade, later that evening dancing again during which the award ceremony for the carnival will take place. All events at the hotel are free to all who would like to attend.

Les Alegries Chuch Service

The first of Father Shea's monthly Christian (English language) church service's took place at Les Alegries church yesterday. A few of Llorets residents attended and were warmly welcomed by Father Shea and his partner Helen. It was  a very cold day which may have deterred a lot of people from moving from their nice cosy homes, but maybe as word gets around then its hoped that more people will attend. 

Father Shea started the service by telling us a little bit about the history of Les Alegries church, how it was the oldest in Lloret and the sea actually used to almost reach to where the church is situated. A lot of hard work has gone into the restoration of this church which for many years stood derelict, and so the community of Les Alegries and Father Shea are needing as much support from residents of the surrounding area to keep this little gem of a church a solid part of the community!

Snow in Blanes

After yesterdays photos of the snow in Lloret here is a piece of TV footage from the same day showing the snow in Blanes just 20 minutes down the coast. This morning in Lloret its been snowing again last night but on the coast we just have a very light covering.

Lloret Church Service

Just a reminder about the new English speaking church service's at Les Alegries in Lloret. Father Shea's first service will be this Sunday 5th Feb at 12 noon, everyone is welcome so please come along and give him your support.
If you missed the previous piece about Father Shea's work and plans then you can read more details HERE.

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Snowy Lloret

 Well it was forecast! and here we have the first photos of the snow taken from our balcony this morning (2-2-12) It doesn't look as though the beach is covered, but if it continues to snow I'll have a walk out and get more photos later.

Lloret de Mar Weather - February

A weather warning is in place for all of Catalonia.

March 2010

It looks as though we are facing a sharp drop in temperatures from today, with snow being forecast in the region even at sea level! The cold snap is forecast for it to carry on until at least Sunday, and warnings are been given out for everyone to be well prepared by stocking up with essential items at home and to ensure heating appliances are in good working order.
The worst weather seen in Lloret was 2 years ago when heavy snow brought electricity pylons and phone lines down, leaving thousands of people without power, phones and in some cases water for almost a week!
Lets hope there's no repeat of the chaos which occurred then...
Check out the photos from 8th March 2010 here > SNOW IN LLORET DE MAR

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Spanair Grounds all Flights

Thousands of air travelers have been left stranded after the Spanish airline Spanair suddenly grounded all their flights as from Saturday 28th Jan, the last flight landed at 10pm that night.
The companies hub was Barcelona El Prat airport where they employed about 2,000 people.
More news along with details of how to claim a refund if you have tickets booked can be found on their website www.spanair.com

Car auction in Lloret

Classic car exhibition Nov 2010

An auction of classic cars is to be held in the El Rieral district of Lloret tomorrow 29th Jan 9-6pm, this is where the weekly Tuesday market is held. Also on sale will be spare parts for classic cars and motorbikes, along with new car accessories. 

Classic car exhibition Nov 2010

Rent your own bar in Lloret de Mar

I've just been asked by Jackie Milroy if I could put a piece on the Lloret Stuff Blog about Bravehearts, as you may have heard the bar has recently become vacant, so if anyone out there is interested in running your own bar in Lloret, or maybe relocating from another here are the details -

BRAVEHEARTS PUB FOR RENT

€12,000 per year plus IVA (vat)
€3,000 DEPOSIT (refundable)
Contact - Jackie Milroy via Facebook

Fenals Today!

Our  view @ 8am this morning, looks like its going to be another beautiful day in Lloret de Mar!

A Beautiful day in Lloret de Mar

A short video of the keep fit action taking place in the Surf Mar hotel car park this morning, those living in the area around the hotel wouldn't have been able to have their weekend sleep in today! 

Then we have 2 photos showing what a beautiful day we're having...temp is 17º, cant grumble for January!

Audi promotes the new A1 Sportback in Lloret

The German car manufacturer has chosen Lloret de Mar as the place at which to show off their brand new A1 Sportback car. The cars can be seen until 28th January at the high class Alva Park hotel and also at Girona airport where the journalist covering the event can pick up one of the cars to test drive as they make their way into town.

Audi A1 Sportback outside the Alva Park Hotel