Costa Women Blogs

Hi Everyone!   “Patsy in Priego” here, as I now like to call myself – having lived and worked ( teaching) in the beautiful  Andalusian, provincial town of Priego de Córdoba for over 14 months now.   Do you KNOW Priego de Córdoba? Have you been here?  Vistied? Passed through? Stayed? Even heard of it? Yes? No? Well, if you haven’t, let me tell you a little bit about it in the hope that it might tempt you to come and discover this magical town and  the surrounding area. For a day, a weekend or maybe even longer, if you wanted to use it as a base to discover places further afield in the area.   Priego, as you will see when you look at a map,  https://www.viamichelin.com/web/Maps/Map-Priego_de_Cordoba-_-Cordoba-Spain is situated in an area of outstanding beauty called the Subbetica.     A region of olive  and oak grove covered mountains  in the middle of the triangle formed by Córdoba, Granada and Malaga, just one hour’s drive up from the coast and Malaga airport.   Amonst other things it is most famous for being the place where the Baroque art style was first developed as well as for being the  birth place of Niceto Alcala-Zamora. (the first president of the Second Spanish Republic, just before the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in 1936.)   The town currently has a population of around 22,000 and has it’s old part, dating back to the 13th century,  as well as it’s more modern  residential and shopping areas.   The old town, bordered on one side by an impressive cliff face, known as the “Adarve”,  isn’t  very big but is just bursting with hidden jewels to explore and discover,  Either on  foot and / or  by the fantastic yellow Priego  “tuk tuk” , An open-sided bus that holds up to 12 people , driven by a very  personable and knowledgeable local driver/tour guide.     These “jewels ” range from  the beautiful baroque churches, pretty squares , “señorial” mansions,  the medieval castle and it’s park  and the ancient “Royal Slaughterhouse” to the “Balcon del Adarve” itself  (a semi-circular walkway  that has the most stunning views out over the mountains of the Subbetica,   where you will discover 3  fountains, gushing fresh spring water from the surrounding mountains, viewing platforms to sit and admire the scenery, and a cute, bronze statue of “Joselito” ( a famous child actor from the 50s, fondly remembered as “El Rosiñol” -“The Nightingale”) to have your photo taken with!     Nobody who takes a stroll along this balcony walkway  can fail to be impressed by it, can ever  forget it   The Arab quarters here,  very similar to the “Judería” in Córdoba, but on a slightly smaller scale, is  known as  “La Villa” Here you can find those  peaceful, winding, narrow, cobbled streets so typical of Andalusian mountain villages and towns. With their  attractive white houses,  walls  dotted with bright, ceramic geranium pots,  windows covered with stunning , individual, black wrought -iron “rejas” ( window covers),  ornate, solid oak doors, and lovely, inviting  interior patios glimpsed briefly through doors left open etc.  There are also a few houses   where craftsmen ( carpenters, artists, potters) still ply their trade as well as cosy shops selling local goods and souvenirs such as olive oil and products made using olive oil, sweets, cheeses, crisps, figs, honey, jams, handicraftes etcetera.   The town is just such a pleasant, totally safe place to stroll around at leisure,during the day and at night.   There are  so many different itineriesthat you could take in order to take in all the sites  including (in Spanish)  1) El”Calvario”   2) La  Fuente del Rey  3) El Compas de San Francisco  4) El Paseillo.  5) El Museo Niceto Alcala-Zamara 6) El Museo Arqueológico 7) El Museo de Arte de Lozano Sidra. And in English: 1) The  “Calvary Hill”,  with it’s  church and square,  overlooking Priego, Where the Good Friday procession  takes the statue of the ” Nazareno” ( Jesus the Nazarenian),  2)  the “King’s Fountain- an ornamental square where you can see an impressive baroque fountain that has over 130 spouts! Sit and have a coffee in the summer.      Watch the world go by, the children playing. Have a nice meal in the shade of the huge plane trees etc. 3)  the Square of Saint Francisco  with the Church of Saint Francisco and the Hospedaria ( hotel) San Francisco. 4) Town Hall Square. With it’s stylish town hall, pleasant square where you can have a coffee, watch the children playing football, the fountain dancing     ( very prettily lit up at night and lively in the warm summer months) 5) The Niceto Alcala-Zamora Museum. A really fascinating tribute to this president. The  chance to see the house where he was born, a typical Andalusian      “señorial” mansion with it’s patio, cellar, kitchen, reception and bedrooms. Full of realia. personal artefacts, photosm documents etc for history fans. http://turismodepriego.com/es/index.php/que-visitar/49-museos/91-casa-de-don-niceto-alcala-zamora-y-torres 6) The Archaelogy Museum, full of artefacts discovered in the surrounding area, dating back thousands of years in some cases. 7) The museum dedicated to local  “costumbrista” artist Lozano Sidro  http://turismodepriego.com/es/index.php/que-visitar/49-museos/90-casa-de-d-adolfo-lozano-y-sidro   There is a wide selection of places to stay here,  From humble ” Casas Rurales” , bed and breakfasts, to more luxurious, boutique hotels, A very popular hotel is ” Los Baños de La Villa” a “spa hoteñ” where the price of a double room includes a session in the Turkish Spa! And if you wanted to stay outside town, in the peaceful countryside there are several options. For example Casa Olea www.casaolea.com or La Huerta de Las Palomas  Home If you like to eat, and discover new restaurants, you won’t be disappointed in Priego. Local restaurants, hotels and bars offer a wide range of local, Andalusian and traditional Spanish  dishes such as “gazpacho”, ” salmorejo”, “flamenquín”, ” berenjenas con miel” “revuelto de collejas” ( gazpacho, gazpacho with bread crumbs and garlic, Serrano ham wrapped in pork loin and deep fried in bread crumbs,) deep friend aubergines with dark honey) as well as local meats, especially pork. There is a very nice pizza restaurant, tucked away up a side street and several fabulous tapas bars  Some restaurants are able to offer a “set menu” on demand, in advance, for individuals and groups.   For those wishing to use Priego as a base to go exploring, the town is within one hour’s drive from places such as Granada, Jaen, Cordoba, Lucena, Cabra, Luque, Zuheros, Montilla, Puente Genil and more.   I will close now, as it is very  late and I wanted to get this done within the 14 day limit set at the last Costa Women meeting!   The reason that I have written this ” blog” is that I want to stay in Spain, go on living my dream to live and work in the sun. Being where I feel good in my skin. I want to promote this town and area where I am living. I think it is an undiscovered jewel, unknown to many people living down on the Costas. I need to earn a living, to support myself  and I want to do that doing something enjoyable, that I love! I am fortunate in that I am able to teach, that I love teaching, but……  I would  also like to have to the chance  to offer my services as a personal guide to individuals or groups who would like to come and explore this  area. To do the groundwork and create a package,  ( hotels, itinerary of  visits, meals etc) and then, if needed, be a Spanish.speaking  guide. For a morning , a day ………..or more. I feel that, knowing the place and the people,  I could not only create really interesting, fun visits ( with or without me in tow, leading!) but could also negotiate discountsand best rates etcetera. So……… Here I am at your disposition. Patsy in Priego If you are interested to find out more,  want to come up  to the area, or know anyone who does, PLEASE don’t hesitate to contact me   Via Costa Women,  Patsy Sweeney on facebook,  WhatsApp 603328481 or email priegopatsy@gmail.com or pass on my contact details to anyone you know who might be interested.   Thank you so much for reading my first blog All the best from me Patsy in Priego                              

TRAVEL LIKE AN EXPERT! So, you’ve asked your family and friends for suggestions for one of the most expensive purchases you will make in any year! YOUR HOLIDAY. Yes, it’s true we discuss even the finer points of this mammoth spend with people whose lifestyle is nothing like our own! WHY DO WE DO THAT? HOW CAN GETTING SUGGESTIONS FROM PEOPLE WHO HAVE DIFFERENT ASPIRATIONS, EXPECTATIONS AND BUDGET? Generally, perhaps we are being a tad lazy or just want to do one better in the holiday game! So let’s get savvy. 1. When booking an escorted  tour check carefully as to what is included and optional. The less expensive price may have less included meals or included excursions. Check it out. You would go to Beijing without going to the Great Wall of China? So check if it is included or optional. You are going anyway, but better to know in advance! 2. Do you prefer a lovely view because the lower priced option may not crack it – check the small print! The more expensive option may not either – just because the photo has a sea view, it is just that – a photo of a hotel. Check your flight times! . eg: Most US sites may use 5A or 5P and not am or pm. Unsocial hours are always less expensive and the 13th of the month! You can save quite a bit at times but it could make you very tired if there are long layovers. Do the balance and then do the maths! I have just booked a Norwegian Airlines from Malaga to Fort Lauderdale via Gatwick for 66 sterling just because it was13th December. The day before and after were 400+. You get the idea…….Research, check and check again! 3. You have to do this on a regular basis – a few times a week to get the really best deals. Subscribe to several well known websites to keep up to date with current prices and deals. Likewise with airlines. Recently, I was researching Miami to Boston and I saw a good deal, nearly booked it, but thankfully, saw that only a small handbag was included. Hand luggage was 55 USD and even more for main luggage and similar or a booked seat. I did not take it. See what I mean? Do the maths! SO NOW WHERE TO GO? Today, we are talking about the fascinating BERMUDA! Why should you go there, What’s to see? What’s to do? Read on, my friend…….. Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory and that means that Britain is responsible for Bermuda’s defence and general welfare. The islands, yes, I did say islands, sit on a long extinct volcano and this the entire caldera was once all above seas level forming just one island!. Nowadays, Bermuda consists of 181 islands within just 20.6 miles! Eight of the larger islands are connected by bridges, and are populated – so go explore! Famously, Mark Twain referred to Bermuda as ‘Heaven’ and John Lennon was immediately taken by Bermuda’s beauty and culture and creatively spent much of his time writing music here. For cruisers, you will berth at ‘Dockyard’ built by the British when they lost a battle in the American War of Independence and needed a new base. The whole area has been totally transformed keeping the original buildings and filling them with boutiques, art centres, pottery and glass works and a really stylish craft Market. Even the old officer’s quarters have been made in to homes. I want one! Where warships used to come to be repaired, small boats tie up at the marina just in front of the Tower Mall – a huge former warehouse ensures that your wallet becomes lighter. Lots of small shops, cute local items and eateries too. For history enthusiasts, alongside the Dockyard area, remember to visit the Bermuda National Museum set within the 30 ft. high ancient walls of the fortress. Everything you have ever wanted to know about Bermuda is there! It was opened by our Queen Elizabeth back in 1975 during an official visit with Price Phillip. The modern capital of Hamilton is just a 20 minute 5 dollar ferry boat ride away and the original historic capital of St. George with its delightful cobbled and colourful streets is around 40 minutes by local ferry. Bus transport is also good, but of course slower, and would take around two hours to arrive at St. George for example. Currency is the US dollar on a par with the Bermudian Dollar, that is to say one to one! They will accept happily your credit cards, so it all made very easy for you! And now a few words about the amazing water activities available – where do you start? Because Bermuda is surrounded by coral reefs, there are an exceptional amount of wrecks for divers and snorkellers to explore and this is easily organised. Likewise, the glass bottom boats will excite in every way. It is definitely worth checking out the Tourist office not far from the ship berth as they offer ‘tourist transfers’ to the beach and elsewhere at a decent price so pick up all the local info. Free wifi too! The beaches are on the south coast around 40 mins or so by taxi and a hour or so by local bus. PINK SAND BEACHES! Another, not to be missed experience. Glorious crystal clear water, so relax an enjoy. A minor point – there are no WC’s or areas to get changed on most beaches. Who cares – you are in Bermuda! Whatever! I am in the process of getting a travel block set up, so watch this space for fun and practical info!    

And, just like us, the Over 50’s Expo has moved to a bigger, better location in Fuengirola! I have to admit that this is one of my favourite weekends of the year. I get let out of my “box” and get to talkto so many people! Find out what everyone is thinking, say hello to people without them being in pain . . . wonderful fun! And this year we seem to have more fun stuff than ever on our stands: Try the Mobiliser Spinal Activation System! It’s so light and easy we think we might even bring 2! Relax and enjoy a 20 minute session on the Mobiliser at the show, a great break while you’re walking around exploring or waiting for a wife/husband/friend while they do something else. Have your Golf Swing Analysed by our Golf Pro Mark MacRae. Only on Saturday afternoon Mark will bring his infamous K-vest and go through your swing step by step. Having seen him in action before I’d put good money on your shot being better by Sunday. Combine it with a session on the Mobiliser and you won’t know yourself next time you’re on the course! Innovative Hearing Technology with our audiologist Peter Ormrod. His new hearing aids so small no one will ever know they’re there! And by the time you’ve got the Bluetooth integration with your mobile phone and your TV all those complaints from your family about not listening or missing the joke or the TV too loud will be a thing of the past! Don’t worry, you can still turn them off when you need to! Try the Vionic Shoes Winter Collection. And even some summer sandals too! Kitten heels, slippers and boots with the superb Vionic footbed in them. So stylish that only you’ll know they’re orthopaedic. Check out our stylish Men’s range of Vionic shoes as well, loafers, desert boots and dress shoes, keep your feet comfy whatever the occasion. We will also bring our range of clinical and sports Formthotics so we can fit supports into the shoes you already have – walk out with a new bounce in your step. And of course me and my team will be there to answer any questions you may have about joint, muscle or nerve pain and explain your options. We can’t wait to see you there! Over 50’s Expo Saturday and Sunday 2nd and 3rd December 11.00 – 17.00 IPV Palacio Hotel Fuengirola

This is by way of an introduction. I’ve been associated with Estepona for 50 years. My Sister, who is 20 years my senior, bought a flat in El Cid on 1966, and I visited with my parents at the age of 10 and felt completely at home straight away. Later my parents bought a place on the seafront which was sold when my Mother was killed in a car accident in San Pedro. There was a stage when I was married to my first husband when we went to Puerto Banus, to his Father’s villa. But it was too flashy for me and when we divorced, that option went with him. Some years later I booked a holiday for my family to go to Nerja and made my Husband drive to Estepona because I really missed it. He says that he knew when he took me there that I would want my own place, and he was right!  It took a bit longer than I wanted, but we bought a 1st line large 1 bed flat which was great for hols, but it’s was no good for living in, and anyway we had to ‘book’ it ourselves as it was always let out. Last year at the age of 60, we sold the flat and bought ourselves a 2 bed bungalow in Valle Romano with a pool, and apart from the fact that the roof needs doing, the pool house is slipping, it’s flooded twice and it’s cold in winter is fabulous! We are now considering moving the cat over – which is akin to marking our territory permanently!  So it’s taken 50 years. Estepona has changed from the mud roads full of mulos and burros. From the time when we had power cuts all the time and had to shout down to Antonio ‘aqua por favor Antonio’ to get a bath full of brown water. It’s sprawling and modern, and the last of the shops I remember from that time closed recently, but it still makes me smile when I’m there, which I shall be next week.

Meditation is like a gentle bath that dissolves a glue of attachment. I can get so close to some thoughts and ideas that I believe them to be true-the absolute true. It means that I can’t imagine any other alternative, any other perspective. My attachment to them turned into identification. I am one with them. But am I? How to verify it? How to find out? I realize that I can’t see anything when I am dominated and overpowered by these concepts. They suck out energy and happiness out of me. And I need some help to loosen this connection. I need to create a space between me and those concepts. I need to take a step back, relax and have a look. I have found this help in meditation-a super glue dissolvent.

IAM sure you have asked yourself this question to yourself so many times… as you notice life being unfair, not going your way, disappointing AND you end up wondering what you have to resort to, to get somewhere in life, be noticed and successful.   Well IAM here to remind YOU that the game YOU play, the game we all play… we created it all, and it was never meant for YOU to get anywhere… it was meant for YOU to experience All of Life and be able to realise Who You Are… just the way you are.   Take away the pressure of achieving a goal… perfection… success, you can experience life as simple, flowing, adventurous, magnificent and all powerful… AND realise YOU are a unique part in it.   Your Magnificent Self… is the part of YOU that is not separate from All of Life… consciousness… the Divine loving presence who is always with you and witnesses everything… AND who YOU truly are.   We are living in different times now… the NEW energies, we have all attracted, continue to pour onto Mother Earth allowing her and everyone that chooses… to take on our natural innate high vibrations of love, joy, unity and abundance.   It is for each person to choose and feel into these NEW energies and realise the truth.       Life flows in quite wondrous ways when you allow… Amazon.com recently ordered 17 of my paperbacks so they have stocked up in USA for Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Cyber Monday & the Holiday season. All that is left now… is for YOU to purchase it and allow the creative new energy to resonate with YOUR TRUTH and take you out of playing the Game.   Especially for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, from 24th November until 30th November, IAM offering my online five week MasterCreator Class for a really great price of € 13. It is my gift to everyone… to help you commit to and celebrate your NEW role as Master and Creator and live a life of celebration.   Barbara Franken… Creative Visionary & MasterCreatorInspiring New Energy Consciousness     A paperback and Digital Book is available from all Major online stores… Amazon and Apple   I share my own magical journey, exploring Who I AM with the help of nine Elemental Beings and expand from a world of fear, struggle and limitation into a New Energy Consciousness of love, grace and freedom. It is in this loving space that I discover my Divine and ALL LOVING self and allow myself to integrate together as one Body Consciousness… a DivineHumanBeing… and Magnificent Master Creator who expresses and creates heart and soul passion on the physical plane and beyond.     A 35 day dedication to YOU. Are you READY to dive deep within yourself and prepare for your new role as Master & Creator? As Earth & Humankind find themselves amidst great change and transformation… my MasterCreator Class gently guides you into unknown territory for you to create a life of freedom, compassion and celebration.   More Info: MasterCreator Class      All the money raised from my books and classes goes to my non-profit Business The Magnificent Consciousness to help inspire others through creative expression to explore, discover and express the magnificent Consciousness each person truly is and their unique space in the heart of life.