Rent or Borrow

Cot wanted to rent or borrow for five months

We are moving to Valencia for the summer and would like a cot (not a portacot) for our 13 month old boy to use while we are there.

If you are interested in renting or lending us your cot please contact Sam Dunn email: sarahannedunn@gmail.com
Thanks!

Cheers,
Sam

Car for sale

FOR SALE.
PEUGEOT 307 Station Wagon
HDI (Diesel) 110Hp
YEAR 2002. 119000km
EXCELLENT CONDITION
8500 euros
Contact: Valerie - 687 526024 or v.devillers@gmail.com

Open Casa Valencia Language Event

The next Open Casa Valencia language event takes place in The Guinness House, Plaza del Patriarca 6, on Thursday 23rd April from 9.45pm to 11.45pm. Throughout the evening a variety of speaking activities and games will be introduced providing the opportunity to practise Spanish and English in an informal setting.

Each event costs 2 euros per person. On arrival at The Guinness House please register with Martha (I will be wearing a name badge) to collect your badge and details of the first activity.

For more information and further details of Open Casa Valencia events visit www.language.meetup.com/167/ or email martharobb@hotmail.co.uk

Regards

Martha

Flamenco Fusion

For those of you interested in Flamenco Show's. this one you will want to get too.
None of the cheap tourist stuff, this is really artistic.

It is on from the 23rd of April to the 3rd of May at Centro Cultural Carolina. (Near Casa de Salud).

You can have a look in the internet www.fusion.com.es

Tickets are 12 Euros, I called to reserve two tickets and it was no problem, you simply leave your name and pick them up the same night

Sylvia Azcueta

CHILDMINDER WANTED

I am looking for a childminder to care for my 8-month-old boy in their
home for 2 or 3 mornings a week, and organise activities to help with
his development.

The ideal person would be Spanish, but speak some English (I speak a
little Spanish), and live within 20 minutes walk of my house, which is
near the Mercado Colon, and be available to start immediately.

If you, or anyone you know, are interested, please email me at
cm-helen@hangmyhat.com.

Thanks

KOKUA - Like a bike

A few of you have seen my little Jack race around on his bike. I thought I would share with you the website that I bought it off.
www.queregalo.biz
They have a number of cool things available to buy on this website.

We bought the aluminum - Like a bike - Jumper at 174.80 euros plus delivery which was on 8.50 euros. Lots of different colours available. These bikes, including wooden ones, are made in Germany.

Jack started riding this at 2 1/2 years and has the seat at the lowest it can go. He can definitely use this for another year or so, but will probably be ready for his brother's bike before we know it.

A friend of ours let us borrow theirs and Jack had it sorted on day 2. For us, it was worth the investment, as the confidence he has with it is amazing. Not having any peddles, they have to have their feet down so they can correct themselves very quickly if he gets wobbly.

And, it so light (3400g), so if he gets tired when we are out biking, he can get in the kiddies seat on my bike, and I put his bike on my handle bars and we keep biking!

Bridget

Babysitter available!

Hello,

My name is Beatriz Aguilar Hebles, I am a 22 years old Spanish girl and I live in Valencia. At the moment I am working as a babysitter since September with an English family that lives in Valencia. The mother, Claire Bogan gave me your email address and told me I could contact you due to I am interested in working more hours as a babysitter.

About me I could tell you that I studied English and Pedagogic in the University in Germany and I finished this year in February. I like children a lot and I think I am a good babysitter because children also like me very much and my English is good enough to work with English speaking families.

Here I send you my mobile number, my email addresses in case you are interested or you know somebody you can give them my contacts.

beatiri@hotmail.com

dormoinuncampodigrano@hotmail.com

My mobile - 695 90 46 93

Thanks for your time.

Regards,

Beatriz

Valencia Cronica turns 4 years old!

Well, the 7th of April 2005 was the date I sent out the first Valencia Cronica newsletter to about 30 mums. A few years later I was still at it, sending it out to over 700 email addresses, then in November 2007, I turned to the internet and www.valenciacronica@blogspot.com was born!

AND, Who would have thought we would still be in Valencia!

It has been such an amazing journey for me to be doing this. Everyone who has contributed to make the Valencia Cronica as successful as it is, deserves a big a big bottle of bubbles! If only I had a nice big bank balance, I would have thrown a big 'Cronica' party to say thanks! I wouldn't be able to have Duran Duran there (man that party rocked!), but would have found someone to provide the entertainment.

It has been a while since I have had my say on what is going on in this crazy world we live in, so here I go...

The past year has been one of the hardest that I/we may have all been through, whether we (our partners) have had full time, part time or contract work here and there, or nothing. 2008 is a year to forget.

Those of us that have stayed in Valencia with a team or without, or those that have moved on by choice or forced - it hasn't been ideal for most, but then again, some were more than happy to go!

Families have been split for long periods. Plans changing every month, never knowing what is the right thing to, etc etc. The uncertainty has been stressful for EVERYONE.

BUT because the 32nd America's Cup was one of the most amazing rides I /We have been on, we all have been so very very lucky to have had that experience, I think sometimes, we may forget what it is like to live in the REAL WORLD, cos lets face it, the America's Cup is not normal.
The AC is a huge rollercoster and is so much fun to be on, but the fun does stop sooner or later. The AC does not guarantee continuous work, so you should have some sort of 'plan B' in place.

People I know outside of the America's Cup are loosing jobs, their homes, just by trying to live a normal life, but are being hit by the problems faced with the recession.

For us, so many are quick to point the finger and blame someone else on their recent misfortune (I am talking America's Cup here). Sure, the AC problems stuffed us up personally for a while, but through being (very) patient and some hard work, everything has worked out OK. We are responsible for ourselves. The rich men who pay us the good money are not responsible for how we spend it or how we save for the down time!

I am not sure if I would have survived here for so long, if it wasn't for the amazing friends I have here. To have such an important support group, who is going through the same experience, is so valuable. You rock!

This year, when I returned to Valencia from New Zealand, I got the warm fuzzy feeling when all my Spanish friends welcomed me back with big smiles on their faces. As much as I miss all my family and friends in New Zealand, and can't wait to start a life there with my family, I knew that we had made the right decision to stay here for while longer.

However you have been affected by the delays or maybe you have happily found a new way of life outside of the America's Cup; what ever you choose to do; stay positive, think positive and sooner or later, things will work out. Just live life to the fullest. Life is too short!!! You never know what is around the corner!

¡Felices Pascuas!
Happy Easter!

Cheers
Bridget
x

Feel free to send me your comments... Click on comments

Who needs a regular Child/Home care helper?

I have a very good friend who is currently in London, but would prefer to be back in Valencia.

Shirley lived and worked in Valencia in 2005 and 2006 as a nanny. She looked after Jack when he was a baby and helped me around the house.

I would totally recommend her if you are needing regular help with the children and around the house. Being a mother of grown children herself, she is very mature and definitely handy to have around (when we are away from our own family).

She will gladly come over to Valencia if she has some commitment of work. She has family here and would love to be with them again.

Please contact me for further information.

Thanks
Bridget

Must have Phone Numbers

I have been meaning to put in useful numbers for quite some time now! Valerie has reminded me by sending in two contacts for Air Conditioning and Heating. I will also add some. You can now see a list of useful numbers down the left hand side for easy reference.
Bridget

For Air conditioning problems, Fernando,629 236 600.

For heating, Jose Luis, 615 840 037, very reliable.
Both do not speak English but did a great job
Valerie Devillers

Dentist - if you haven't been yourself, or are at the stage you need to take your children somewhere, Clinica Puchades, C.B. is definitely someone you should try first.
C/. Cirilo Amoros, 41-1. 963 521 872 (on the corner of a block of a Jewelry shop with the rolex watch sticking out of the wall.
Most of the ladies speak English but so many America's Cup people have gone to them, they are used to communicating in English. They also are with Santitas

Washing Machine Repairs - For models Indesit - Ariston - Scholtes
963 749 111 - Came on time and got the problem solved fast!
I had to have a friend call for me and explain problem, but I managed to communicate in Spanish to the repair man.

Locksmith - Alvaro - 687 564 268

Handyman for Just about everything! Brett - 622 128 632

Photographer - Bridget - 647 950 526 (oh, that is me!)

La Ola Fresca
comida deliciosa • yoga • aromaterapia y reflexologia
delicious food • yoga • aromatherapy & reflexology
www.laolafresca.com
email: helen@laolafresca.com
mobile: +34 610 026 305

Please send me more helpful phone numbers. I do have more but have missed placed my handy phone book!
Bridget

www.valenciasailing.blogspot.com

Golden Gate Yacht Club Statement

The Golden Gate Yacht Club and its team, BMW ORACLE Racing, remain committed to negotiate with the Defender, Société Nautique de Genève/Alinghi, a conventional mutual consent protocol for the next America's Cup that would involve all teams.

This follows the April 2 decision of the New York State Court of Appeals confirming the Golden Gate Yacht Club as the Challenger of Record for the 33rd America's Cup.

BMW ORACLE Racing's owner, Larry Ellison, and the President of Alinghi, Ernesto Bertarelli, have communicated with each other since the court ruling.

At this stage the club believes it is best to keep communications between the parties private in the interests of reaching a successful conclusion as quickly as possible.

From the Desktop of Vicky...

From the website:
http://www.valenciavalencia.com/culture-guide/semana-santa/semana-santa-valencia.htm
(note: the dates listed on the website are from last year... but the following should still be the same...)

What you will see:

Holy Thursday -
It is a great spectacle of colours - for you to see every Brotherhood's unform and hear lots of traditional Spanish march music. However, this is all, and it will resemble more of a military parade than a religious procession. It is the least impressive procession of all 3. The atmosphere is great - energetic, joyful, last chance for the crowds and the members of the procession to laugh before Christ dies.
Holy Thursday, 20.00 pm start, arrive a bit early to enjoy the social buzz on the square.

Good Friday -
All 28 of the Brotherhoods will take to the streets in the richest procession of Semana Santa Marinera in Valencia. The uniformed members of Brotherhood will surround various biblical characters and their imagen, followed by a music band. This is your chance to see all of the Brotherhoods in their full glory, and all of the imagenes, many of which are true works of art.
Good Friday, 18.30 pm start

On Easter Sunday -
the mood sharply swings to the carnival. All of the Brotherhoods will uncover their faces and energetically walk through the district similing and waving. The music will change from tragic to jubilant, there will be more colours than ever, shower of flower petals and flowers thrown into the crowd. If you can, you can join the Spanish in shouting "guapa!" ("hey, pretty!") to catch a flower.
Easter Sunday, 1 pm start

Mercadona in Aqua

I Just noticed today that Mercadona in Aqua is going to be closed Friday 10^th, Monday 13^th & Monday 20^th April.

Kelly Lees

Thanks Kelly! this is a reminder that all shops around Valencia will be closed on these dates over Easter. This would also include Sunday. I'm not sure what the 20th is for? Anyone know? I found the following on a website

http://gospain.about.com/od/beforeyougo/qt/publicholidays.htm

*** Week Before Easter Semana Santa - the later in the week you get, the more likely things will be closed - with Thursday, Friday and Sunday the most affected. Easter Monday is not a public holiday, except in Catalonia and Valencia.

America's Cup saga continues...

This section of this article is from Sail World. I find Richard always has a very good write up from his point of view. This one will get your head around it a bit better. For the full write up, put this link in your browser. Bridget

http://www.sail-world.com/europe/Gladwells-Line:-Americas-Cup-Decision---Your-call,-Ernesto./55393

Where to from here?

The decision does NOT as some commentators have claimed, mean that a Deed of Gift Challenge sailed in 90ft multihulls will be the outcome of this decision and that the 19 challengers entered under the CNEV Protocol will be excluded from the 33rd America's Cup.

All that is required is for Societe Nautique de Geneve to meet with Golden Gate Yacht Club, as Challenger of Record, and agree under the Mutual Consent provisions of the Deed of Gift to run a multi challenger event in either existing AC V5 yachts or some new class.

Golden Gate have been long on the record as saying that is their preference, Alinghi have been actively working towards that end, and have held six Competitor Meetings to decide the Protocol for the event, the Rule to be used for the event and some announcement of officials.

While there may be some changes and tweaking the substance of what has been already agreed (without the involvement of Golden Gate) should be able to be left in place.

Many will point to the fact that GGYC challenged in a 90ft multihull and that is the yacht that must be used.

Not so. CNEV actually described an AC V5 yacht in its Challenge for the 33rd match and that was definitely not going to be used.

The fate of the America's Cup lies in the hands of Ernesto Bertarelli and his clubs and team.

Take the hard line and insist on meeting Golden Gate YC in a multihull and there will be another round of Court argument and Appeal, which will not be resolved for another two years, plus the 10 months taken from todays date for the match to be held - effectively three years.

Or, he can take the magnanimous line, agree to operate under Mutual Consent and run a multi challenger event, which could be underway in 12 months time (April 2010) with the first preliminary regatta being sailed off Valencia in the months time.

Your call, Ernesto.


by Richard Gladwell, Sail-World.Com 5:49 PM Thu 2 Apr 2009 GMT

GGYC Wins Court Case 6-0

Now What... I am sure www.valenciasailing.blogspot.com will keep us informed!

Bridget

Mother and Baby

Are there any new mums out there who are keen to meet up every-so-often to talk about the colour of their babies poo? Alana is now 6 weeks old and I would love to meet some other mothers with young babies. If you are interested in getting together, please drop me an email at suerichards@worldcruising.com.

Sue Cameselle

International Tourism Fair

This week-end there will be an international tourism fair.
Each year they have less and less exhibitors, so you won't find many foreign representatives. BUT it's a great chance to see what this part of Spain can offer.
I had lots of fun there the previous year. At some stands you can try traditional sweets and drinks.
Enjoy it!
http://tcv.feriavalencia.com/index2.jsp?MTQ2&X2VuZw%3D%3D#

Alena Guerasimovich

More helpful info...

Hi Bridget,

A couple of things about the Cronica while I remember...

H&M are also moving into Calle Colon, to the old Habitat store.

TodoJugetes has moved from El Saler CC to Calle Salvatiera, next to
Mercado Colon.

I guess the International products in Corte Ingles are in the store
next to Aqua? They have the international food in CI at Pintor
Sorrolla, but not sure about any other stuff (what sort of things are
there at the other one?) ***I am sure they would have all the same things*** Bridget

Also, a reminder that the Conciertos en el Mercado Colon are at 12noon
on the following Sundays:

April 5, 26
May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
June 7, 14, 21, 28

Each week there is a different band. They begin by marching around
the outside of the Mercado (weather permitting!), and then perform a
concert inside for about an hour. A great way to dust out the Sunday
morning cobwebs with a napolitana and a cafe con leche!

Helen Bernasconi

International Product in El Corte Ingles

Good ol Carolyn has emailed and reminded me to put in the VC, that there is a great range of products on the 8th Floor of English, Italian, German, French, and others.

There is a small range in the supermarket also by the meat shelves.

You can get all sorts of yummy things so be sure to have a look! Wines from the different countries, pastas, chocolates, chips, juices, pasta sauces...

I don't know how long it has been there already or how much longer it is there for though.

Bridget and Carolyn

From the Desktop of Danelle

PHOTO EXHIBIT “L´AFRIQUE FANTÒME”

Photographic exposition from the french artist Françoise Huguier. A series of pictures of a journey across Africa from West to East, from the coast of Dakar to the shores of the Red Sea in Djibouti in the 1930’s. Fantastic photos of people and places. The artist used the novel "L'Afrique Fantome" by Michel Leiris as a guide.

Open from Thursdays to Sundays. Basement Gallery

27 Feb to 10 May Free MuVIM Calle Guillermo de Castro 8, bis 46001. www.muvim.es muvim@dival.es 96 388 37 30

High School Musical on stage 13 Mar to 29 Mar

Teatro Olympia

San Vicente Martir 44

http://www.teatro-olympia.com/indice.htm

olympia@teatro-olympia.com

96 351 73 15

Musical Theatre in Cabanyal –

Shows for adults and classes for children aged 5-10 yrs

Plaza de Rosario No. 3, 46011

El Cabanyal

Tel: 96 324 25 52

www.teatre-elmusical.com

La Raiz y El Tiempo

Ballet Folklorico Nacional de Cuba

19 April

Mini Olympics for kids

5 April

Other interesting events and activities see website for details

Danelle Sofuku