Christmas and New Year Questions

I have family coming over from the UK for New Years Eve in Valencia(grandparents and grandchildren included). I am trying to find a restaurant that is open on New Years Eve in the Av. Francia/Arts &Sciences area of the City that we can all go to. So far I have had no luck at all, and have even asked at several of the hotels, however all are closed on this particular night as the custom here is to have dinner at home with your family and then go out around 1am (the centre of the City has some restaurants open, however getting taxis for everyone will prove to be impossible according to a local friend as most taxi drivers don't start working until the early hours of the morning). If anyone knows of a place that is open for dinner in that part of the City, please let me know!!! My email is suecameselle@fastmail.fm.

Whilst we are on the subject, if anyone knows of any good "events" (markets, fireworks etc.) going on over Christmas and New Year, it would definitely be interesting for me and I'm sure for others out there.

Many thanks,
Sue Cameselle

Car for Sale

Volkswagen Touran (from Feb. 2006)
FOR SALE

· 2,0 TDI DSG automatic
· 140 CV
· Highline
· Titanium gray
· 7 seats
· DVD and 3 cordless headsets
· 45.000 km

20.500 Euro

More information contact:
stenp@hotmail.com or Sten Mohr: +45 617 113 59

Car Robbery

I have had a comment come in following the article of Anne's parents car getting shot at outside of Barcelona. I wanted to point this comment out as it brings up how carefull you have to be out the there.

"This happened to a friend with out-of-country license plates who had been followed out of Valencia. They motioned him to stop, pointing at his tire. He stopped and the tire was flat. One character had friend's wife come up the road a bit to point out directions to a repair shop and while the other inspected the tire with my friend. Everybody said their thank-yous and the "good samaritans" sped off. Meanwhile a third member of the team had cleaned wallets, purse, passports and anything else of value out of the front seat of the car."

Unfortunately, I have heard of this before and it really is an awful situation. When I first moved to Valencia, this happened to a person I had only just met and it looked as though her tyres had been delibrately slashed. As one person showed her where the garage was, the other grabbed her bag. I put the story in the cronica but this is a timely reminder.

The only thing I can think of is if you do stop and someone tries to help you; stay in the car, hide your bag, lock the doors, call comeone on your mobile and stay in the car until the person goes.

Another Electronic and Home Appliance Store

There is a new Saturn store (between Valencia and Puzol off the V-21) which is a terrific new, clean electonics and home appliances mart which we can highly recommend for good service and prices, and if you ask they will normally be able to find an english-speaker.

They also ask for either NIE or Passport for ID when purchasing something with a credit card, like Bridget said they do at Media Markt.

Tom E

Habla Espanol con Charo

Everyone should remember Charo for her quiz's in the previous Cronica's. How many people did them? me! me! me! me!...

Charo would like to help out all the Valencia Cronica readers once again but would like your feedback first on who wants what!

Charo would like to hear your problems that you have had dealing with life speaking in Spanish. At the supermarket, doctor, on the phone making an appointment, pronunciation, ordering Pizza on the phone etc.

Every few weeks, Charo will provide the readers with advice on how to deal with the situation in Spanish or how to make yourself understood better.

Please click on the comments link below (a separate box will come up) and type in your request and Charo will then publish advice.

Helpful Information

Bono Bus Tickets
Just a reminder that bus tickets are only valid for the year that you buy them make sure you try and use them up or don't go stocking up on them now. They won't work in the machine next year. I think you can get them refunded early next year some how but I am sure it is a hassle to do so.
For the new people - you buys these tickets at any Tabaco Shop, some newstands, and the Valencia Gift Counter on the bottom floor at El Corte Ingles (Francia). The are around 5.50 euros for ten rides.
Media Markt
I went out there today with a friend and when she went to purchase something using her credit card and she was asked for ID which could only be NIE or Passport. She had neither on her so she couldn't buy it! They didn't accept her driver's licence which was weird.
Houmous at the Mercadona
Now I had no idea that they had been selling it for some time, but I only come across it about a month ago! It is in the cooler on the top shelf near the chorizo and salmon packets. It is blue packaging and it is very yummy.
And for the new kids in town, you can also get it El Cort Ingles in a free standing refrigerator near the meat counter. Quite a few different flavors when the full range is there.
Bridget - will try and keep putting helpful info in. If you have anymore, let me know and will post them!

Update from Valencia

Winter is less than 2 weeks away and we are still getting some fabulous weather. Today it was around 25 degrees and in the weekend we had an awesome day with a warm breeze. The mornings and evenings are rather chilly but is still a nice novelty after such a long summer.
* * * * * * * *
We have some public holiday's coming up. Thursday 6th of December - Dia de la Constitucion Espanola. Saturday 8th is Inmaculada Concepcion. So shops will be closed on Thursday (not sure about Friday) and I think they are closed on Saturday. The Mercadona is only open until 2.15 on the Saturday.
Bridget

Furniture Wanted

Hi everybody!
The 1st of December, we are moving in to our new unfurnished house in Campolivar.
We need all kind of furniture such as:
Beds (2x double or 1 double and two single)
Sofas - Sofa bed - Coffee table - TV table - TV - Mirror - Rugs - Garden furniture Outside toys for boy 1 year - Washing Machine

Please send me photos and information on what you got, to jennieallenheim@hotmail.com or give me a call on +34 660 063 597.
Jennie

Dog Kennels or Dog Sitter

I don't know if anyone can help me but we have recently have found a dog. Jack Russell size. We want to keep him but are going away for 5-6 weeks, but are unable to take him with us.
If anyone has a number from a boarding kennel around Valencia can you email me at tuzzag@hotmail.co.uk or 692 115 926
The next question is do the dogs need all there jabs to go into a kennel?

If there is a dog lover out there, who would be able to have Alfee for this period that would be even better. He's a gorgeous dog. We will not be using our apartment so we don't mind if someone wants to dog sit at the apartment.

Anyone who can give me any information it would be very much appreciated.
Thanks Nicky

BIG FEET

If like me you are having trouble finding shoes that fit you here in Spain (I am a size 42) then this shop is brilliant. It's near the maintrain station, on C/Pintor Benedicto, 10 and is called Tall Galls.

See their website at http://www.tallgalls.com/

Susan Cameselle

Wine Tasting Near Valencia

A really great excursion if you have friends visiting or just want to get out of the city for the day is a trip to Requena (up the A3) and in particular the Pago de Tharsys Bodega (about a 40 minute drive from Valencia).

We went along in February, just 3 of us, and they put on a special trip (in Spanish so take a translator) and then gave us a lovely wine/cava tasting (all for free). The wine is great and we ended up buying quite a bit - I will definitely be going back. They say you need to call them to arrange a visit, although we just turned up on the off chance. Find out more at www.pagodetharsys.com, phone 962 303 354. Requena too is a great town with some lovely little restaurants.
Susan Cameselle

BE CAREFUL ON THE ROAD

My parents visited me for a few days this week end. They were coming from France and drove here as they normally do. At the motorway that goes around Barcelona (Contournation de Barcelona), dad heard a loud 'bang'. He then saw a car (a black BMW in that case with 2 men onboard) flashing my parent's car and signing the tire as if it had blown. Dad first instinct was to slow down. He was about to stop on the side of the motorway to assess the damage, and to thank the people who warned him......Mum for some reason (call it instinct) told my dad not to stop and to carry on. The black BMW insisted and signed again. My parents did not stop. The black BMW seeing that my parents would not stop quickly disappeared off the motorway. When my parents finally stopped, no tire had blown out and an air riffle impact was on the side of the car. After phoning the French embassy to report this, we were informed that this was not the first time this has been happening, and caution must be taken as some people had been less lucky than my parents..... The men onboard the black BMW shot with an air riffle my parents car. They were aiming for the tire, but missed. They then tried to get them to stop. Then would have taken all their possession, possibly the car, and beaten them up. So please please be careful.
Anne S

Very useful Website...

Just wanted to let you all know about the website that you can go to see what is on in Spain.
It has music concerts, festivals, sports events, and most of it is in English.
You can buy the tickets from the travel agent next to Carrefour. www.ticktackticket.com <http://www.ticktackticket.com/>
Kelly Lees

Barcelona...

We just visited Barcelona for an interview for our baby’s Japanese passport. While we were there we visited the Boat Show and I noticed
posters for the Jazz Festival. Concha Buika is performing and would
be fantastic to see live. Such a shame we won’t be here…anyway thought I’d share info on both, for others to make the most of.

Concha Buika

Born in 1972 into a family from Equatorial Guinea, Concha Buika grew up alongside a gypsy community on the Spanish island of Mallorca. She is considered a new star in flamenco music, with a remarkable voice that has been described as a mix of Tina Turner, Lola Flores and Sarah Vaughan. Buika mixes soul, jazz and funk with raw flamenco to telling effect. After featurings on several deep house productions she brought out her first solo CD in 2006, “Mi Niña Lola”. Buika shares her time between Mallorca and Madrid.

Barcelona International Boat Show
Nov 8-16, 2008
Opening hours: 10.00-20.00 daily

Visitor information:
Tel: +34 93 233 2363
Fax: +34 93 233 2340
Email: nautic@firabcn.es
Web: http://www.salonnautico.com/

Show open to: Public and trade
Entrance fees - public: €13
Entrance fees - trade: €25 (€18 via website)
Price of catalogue: €25
Conferences/meetings held during exhibition: Products and projects presentations, official meetings and assemblies. Courses, seminars and technical meetings.

Venue:
Barcelona, Spain (2 sites)
Fira de Barcelona exhibition centre Gran Via and Port Vell (Moll d'Espanya y Moll de la Fusta)
Tel: +34 93 233 26 31
Fax: +34 93 233 23 40

BARCELONA JAZZ FESTIVAL

20 Oct to 1 Dec 2007 (Annual)
Palau de la Musica (Barcelona) and other venues
Most concerts begin at 9pm

The music comes in a wide variety of styles, from big bands and bebop to gospel and Latin jazz, consistently attracting a great line-up of international performers.
Highlights of the line-up for 2007 include Sonny Rollins, Ornette Coleman, Dianne Reeves, Charlie Haden's Quartet West, Chick Corea and Bela Fleck, Harry Connick Jr and Sangam featuring Charles Lloyd, Zakir Hussian and Eric Harland. In addition to the numerous concerts, there are a handful of workshops and masterclasses.

CHICK COREA & BÉLA FLECK
The enchantment
Thursday, 15 november - 21.00 h.
Palau de la Música
24 to 48 €

SONNY ROLLINS
Friday, 16 november - 21.00 h.
Palau de la Música
30 to 75 €

CONCHA BUIKA
Friday, 24 november - 22.00 h.
Teatre-Auditori Sant Cugat
24 €

CONCHA BUIKA
Sunday, 25 november - 19.00 h.
Teatre Joventut de l´Hospitalet
24 €

For full details of the programme, please visit the festival website.
Related Information
Website:
Barcelona Jazz Festival Website
Website:
Jazz Festival Ticket Website

Danelle Sofuku
Thank you Danelle for all of this wonderful information!!! Bridget

La Almonia Museum

The other opening I’ve been eagerly awaiting is the new archaelogical museum.

La Almonia

The archaelogical ruins in the Almonia site show Valencia’s development from the 4th to the 15th century. The excavations have been roofed over with glass. I’m fascinated by what lies beneath every time I walk through the square behind the Cathedral. So for a free look at roman ruins and other artifacts, see this newest addition to Valencia’s many Museums.

Address: Pl. Almonia
Tel: 96-352-5478
Admission: free
Open: Fri 4-8pm, Sat and Sun 10am to 8pm

Danelle Sofuku

New Bioparc Zoo in Valencia

If you have been to the end of the Turia lately you may have noticed the new 200,000m2 Zoo being built and some of the animals arriving. Some lucky people have already been through to have a sneak preview. The new zoo will recreate as closely as possible the natural habitats of the animals in terms of vegetation and ecosystems rather than the previous caged environment at the 42yr old Viveros Zoo, which closed in July.

The Bioparc will open in phases. With the first phase scheduled to open around Christmas time. The first phase to open will be the African Savannah Forrest then South East Asia followed by the Neotropics. In the African Savannah you’ll find giraffes, rhinos, herds of antelope and on the high plains, packs of lions. Smaller desert animals such as hyenas and wart hogs can also be seen. Then as you go into the equatorial forest you will see buffaloes, gorillas and leopards. My friend and her son really liked Cirilo the Rhino and the leopards.

There should be an announcement soon about the first public visits,
anticipated for the end of 2007.

How to get there
By bike or on foot: Ride/walk to the end of the Turia towards town to Cabecera Park near the lake with the paddle boats & you’ll see it
By car: Drive over the Nou d’Octubre bridge and park in the new car park or on Avenida Pio Baraja
By Bus: No’s 7,17,6,81,29 and 95

Address: Avenida Pio Barajo, 3, 46015 Valencia
Web: www.bioparcvalencia.es

Danelle Sofuku

Spanish Cooking

For people who are interested in Spanish cooking;
There is a Spanish cooking course in Spanish!
The website is www.cocinaeneldo.com
There are different types of classes with different hours.
Asli Oztekin

Cirque du Soleil

I'm sure you know about this already, but just in case, the Cirque du Soleil are going to be in Valencia in mid-December, details are here: http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/CirqueDuSoleil/en/showstickets/delirium/tours/tours_intro.htm and tickets can be bought from the Corte Ingles.

Emma Bryant

Who knows of a...

1. Framing/art shop. A place that will mount/mat and frame a good piece of art work. First hand experience more helpful and advice on level of Spanish needed useful too.

2. Upholsterer - I need a skilled repair done on our fabric couch. I will supply the fabric. Much used sofa/couch and needs to be repaired properly. Two large seating cushions need repair.

If you know, please click in the comments section below, THANKS

Tennis Aerobics - (fast pace tennis clinic)

Hit lots of balls - improve your tennis, your fitness, and footwork! and catch up with other players.

6 players per coach

Time: 10am (duration 1 and 1/2 hours)

Venue: Club Hendaya, L'Eliana (exit 15 - L'Eliana exit - off CV 35)

Cost: 10E per session or 50E for 6 sessions

Everyone welcome - caters for all level of players - just come

Afterwards tea and coffee and biscuits

Contact coach - Carlos 699 846 974

More detailed directions - Get off at salida 15 CV 35, cross the motorway, shift into left lane on the roundabout, (don't take the direction L'Eliana, turn right at the next corner with the 2 yellow pipes - the next exit off the round about is back to Valencia - don't go there) Then turn first right - the road is very rough there - its Spain! -- then at the 2 stop signs turn left, at the next stop sign turn left - you will be on Ave Bonavista - follow this road till you have to turn right and the polideportivo is on your left.

Jan Shearer

Wanted

Hi - we are looking for a small car, 4 seats and registered in Spain.
Please contact: krisha-@web.de

Rumours

A question just sent in...

"There was a rumour after the 32nd Cup that there may be a womens crew for the 33rd America's Cup." Anyone heard of this? Feel free to send in your comment below by clicking on the comment link.

Wanted

WANTED: If anyone has a cot they want to sell, I need a second hand one in good condition please! Call Lucy 617 874 426

English Speaking Nanny Wanted

Two cute boys ages 10 and 7 are looking for an English speaking nanny to play with them from 5 to 7 pm every weekday.
If interested call Gabriela at 96 340 82 55

Girls Night - Boys Night - Partners Night Out

To end the year off with a social occasion with the Christmas spirit, I am organising a dinner for any America's Cup people on Wednesday 28th of November. If I go over the limit for the restaurant, then I will organise another for the following Wednesday evening.

It will be the usual format to a Girls Night Out and previous partner's dinners. Amount will be around 30 euros per person including 3 course meal, wine, beer, water and coffee. When you email me I will advise on the restaurant (on Conde Altea) and other info you will need. First names in gets the 28th.

It will be a great night and a chance to mingle and catch up with everyone who have stayed on in Valencia.

Email Bridget - valenciacronica@gmail.com

Holy Toledo!

If you haven't got to the amazing city of Toledo yet, then I suggest you make this your next Spanish city that you visit. It took my breath away. The history, the buildings, the layout of the city, the landscape surrounding the city was beautiful. Make sure that after you have walked around the city, take a drive around the outer part of the old town also as we found little spots that we didn't see on foot. Toledo was built on a hill with a river flowing around most of it.

Toledo is known as the 'Imperial City' and when you look at the travel guides, you can see that this place is a very religious one. Now, I am not normally into the history of places as I prefer just to stand there with my mouth open looking at the amazing architecture, but this city has so much to read up on and I for one was glued!

One of the highlights for the 'boys' in my family was the amount of shops that sold Swords, guns, knifes and anything else shiny. To warn you, they were EVERYWHERE! OK, I did buy a couple of things too as most of them had lovely pottery in them and most of them made in Toledo. BUT if you have limited time, then you had to make sure that you didn't spend too much time in these shops.

A couple of hints for this wonderful place.

• Wear comfortable shoes. Because of it being so old, most of the paths were made of round stones so it was very bumpy on the feet. Sports shoes were the go.
• Don't be afraid to get lost in the old town. You will come across some really cool buildings, streets, shops, different scenery shots. It isn't that big so you will get back on track really quickly!
• Also, It might pay to try and get a hotel just out of the old town. The roads are very narrow and you might find yourself listening to the numerous tourist buses going past your window. We stayed about 5 minutes walk from the old town gates at Hisperia Hotel and it was very nice. Definitely recommend it.
• When it comes to shopping, if you have time, work out want you want but don't buy it straight away. You can almost guarantee that the shop a few blocks away has it for a good 30 euros cheaper. Sometimes the nicer the shop, the dearer it is.
• It is about 360 kms from Valencia so it does pay to spend a couple of days there to make it worth while. We had two nights and almost 2 full days which was a good amount.
• About 170 kms from Valencia heading to Toledo (or Madrid and Cuenca), there was a great shop to stop at for food (lots of it), coffee or just a run around if you have a packed picnic (a few picnic tables). It is on the rise of a hill on the right hand side and it was called Area 170. It has an adjoining petrol station and off the same turn off, a hotel. I think it was one of the only smoke free eating areas and it also had a microwave for heating food, highchair and nappy changing area in the loos.

Bridget Baker

What is to come...

Ladies Tennis

Girls Soccer - Young Teenagers

Boys Soccer

Possible Italian Cooking Classes

Cars for sale

Hotel and Restaurants

Just to let everybody know that a new Hilton hotel opened a few months ago, just in front of the Congress Palace , Avda de las Cortes Valencianas 52.

A new Italian restaurant opened last week, right in the hotel building.

The BICE restaurant is a famous Italian chain of restaurants around the world.

The menu, food and services are very good. The atmosphere is very elegant, and could fit both friendly and business lunches or dinners.

The price isn’t higher than others restaurants in town.

For reservation you can call 96 303 00 94 or check the web site of the Hilton Valencia.

Hope somebody will be happy to have a different style for a night out in Valencia .

Roberta Caldart

Sorolla exhibition

It has taken ninety years for Joaquín Sorolla’s series of paintings Visione de España (Visions of Spain) to reach Valencia. The 14 legendary paintings commissioned from the artist by the Hispanic Society of New York will be on display in the Bancaja Foundation from November 7th until March 31st 2008. The 14 canvases depict popular life and customs in Spain at the beginning of the 20th century where scenes from Santa Marinera Holy Week in Valencia, tuna fishing at Ayamonte and the Elche palm grove can be seen. The works will be in Spain for two years. Then, the most ambitious undertaking of the realist painter Joaquín Sorolla, commissioned by Archer Milton Huntington in 1904, will return to New York. Further information: http://www.obrasocial.bancaja.es
Asli Oztekin

Valencia Markets

The street market in Cabanal is very nice. Every Thursday behind Mercado Cabanal (Fresh Food Market). They have lots of variety and cheap stuff.
Cheers Asli Oztekin

Also the Central Markets in the old town is a great place to go also for Fresh Food. They close at 2pm and are closed on Sundays
Bridget

Babysitters Available

Just a quick note to let you know that my nanny - Kirsty , is available for half days and nights here in Valencia. I have her for 5 hours per day, but the Christmas rush is on and she needs more work.
Her number is 697 704 548
Thank you , Meagan Hutchinson

Valencia Public Holiday's for 2008

The Consell of the Valencian Government has approved the calendar of holidays for next year, one in which Holy Week will start one day after the Fallas have been torched. The following dates have been declared as holidays next year:

Tuesday January 1 (New Years’ Day)
Sunday January 6 (Epiphany)
Wednesday March 19 (San Jose)
Thursday March 20 (Maundy Thursday)
Friday March 21 (Good Friday)
Monday March 24 (Easter Monday)
Thursday May 1 (Labour Day)
Friday August 15 (Assumption Day)
Thursday October 9 (Day of the Valencian Community)
Sunday October 12 (Hispanic Day)
Sunday November 1 (All Saints day)
Saturday December 6 (Constitution Day)
Monday December 8 (Immaculate Conception)
Thursday December 25 (Christmas Day)

In addition, towns in the Community may also declare certain days as holidays in line with local fiestas
Information via www.valencialife.com