Good News!

Many Congratulations to you both and what a lovely (and very appropriate under the present circumstances) name - 'Hope'.  I love it  - and hope (no pun intended) she will have a charmed and healthy life.    Look forward to raising a glass to her (any excuse me!) in Mirador in the very near future.  Any chance of uploading a picture of baby Hope? 

Alan and I are off tomorrow (St Davids Day so if you happen to be in Cardiff airport, we'll be the prats sporting our daffodils!!)    It's going to be a busy week sorting out NIE's, opening bank account, sorting out our temporary mortgage, and then the fun part of looking for some furniture, lighting and possibly air con.  Hoping to visit some friends too and of course a few visits to the apartment. 

Carol and Danny were out there last week but unfortunately were unable to upload pics due to 'technical' difficulties.      She has sent me some hard copies though, so Alan is on the case as we speak, scanning a few in which I'll try to upload this evening.

Hoping to take lots of pics while we're there and will enjoy boring you to death with them when we return next weekend.

Congratulations again.  Keep the chat going everyone - getting close now.

Hi, Dil and Alan,

Have a great time away- and please, please bring back some sun!!  We'd particularly like to see how the park's coming on, so if you could manage a photo, that would be lovely. 

I hope all the admin. side goes smoothly as you pioneer the unknown, uncharted territory of aircon units, NIE numbers, etc!

Very best wishes,

Donna and Andy

Hi. Yes, really looking forward to joining the mile long queue for our NIE's!     Apparently once they're reached their quota for the day they send everyone home and tell them to come back the next day and start all over again!  LOL.   That's the bad news, but the good news is that there's apparently a tapas bar opposite so we can take it in turns to queue ...........  hic, hic, hic  - l..o..v....e   the Sbanith sishten ...hic, hic, hic !!  Will let you know how it goes in due course!

Yes, I'll be hopefully snapping away at anything that stands still and will certainly take some of the park area.  It's a shame that they've got the yob mentality there too, we'll have to set up our own version of neighbourhood watch I reckon.  I just hope it won't develop into anything worse.

I trust baby Hope isn't giving you too many sleepless nights.  Looking forward to meeting her and Isobel (oh and yourselves of course) .   See you in a week's time.

Dil (18)

Have heard from our agents that the old quarry, behind the apartments, is currently being turned back into its natural state, lots of natural vegetation being planted. Apparently its going to be owned and looked after by the commune, mabe you (Alan & Dil), if you get time, could get a couple of photos so we can see if there is any change in the scenery. I have also heard that the town of Cox hold a get-together on the hillside, not quite a fiesta but on those lines, so something else for us all to look forward to.

Also congrats to you, James & Joanne on the birth of your daughter Hope, see you in the summer !

Ian & Jill 

Hi Everyone.. as Dil said..I have been unable to upload any pics at present...and I am very disappointed as I took hundreds. I was only over a short time after the last ones were posted. So  the apts look at much the same stage.  But..The work being focused on..was the finishing & edging to the pool & Exterior walls .which changed considerably in 7 days. The entrance walls to the ground floor apts & paths..were all being painted.  Plus electrical work outside. And general finishing off inside the apts. Our bathroom was fitted during our week.

The park has been planted with shrubs..and what appeared to be little trees.  It does look really lovely with the mountain backdrop. As I said on another thread...I am sure the locals are all going to be good neighbours. We spent quite some time walking around the town of cox..and all the small streets. There is a pastry shop...and Danny found his cigars. Some lovely little squares to sit on benches..up the narrow lanes. One with a view up the hill to the castle. The lovely blue domed church.We had some tapas in the cafe at the main square..and watched the children coming home from school. It is a very pretty Spanish town.

The fact that all the building materials..and  very expensive fittings..were left on a daily basis unsecured.  with all the apt windows & many balconies... left wide open to air. Some very easily accessible..yet not one apt was vandalised.  That Says a lot to me about the area.

And once again to Jo and James..

My very Best wishes and every happiness for your family..as we all welcome  the arrival of "HOPE "..it is a wonderful name. One that will inspire.  And I am sure Isabel will make a brilliant big sister. 

We look forward to meeting everyone soon. Regards, Carol & Danny

Hi

that all sounds great. we are still waiting to find out when we can come over and get the keys, but no news as yet from MASA who we are buying through. We were advised to have security grills put over our windows and doors of our upstairs appartment, so we have opted for that just in case of break-ins, but it does all seem pretty safe there. I hope we have done the right thing, because it could look a bit like a prison! However most appts in Spain do have them. I guess if it is quite safe out there, we could always have them removed again! has anyone else done this (I know the downstairs all have grills fitted already).

Looking forward to finally coming over, moving in, and meeting everyone, Andy & Donna

Hi  Donna,  You are absolutely right about the grills. They are the norm. The threat of burglary..as far as I have seen and heard..is opportunist.and mostly non Spanish. That is why I felt the area seemed fairly secure..and the locals friendly. But there is always a threat. Nowhere is perfect..there are good and bad in every society. Holiday apts..& houses owned by foreigners...signal valuables.

But the lengths they go to protect & secure...  is the one thing about Spain that does bother me. And the conflicting issues..You can see all the apts left open on building sites...valuable tools..fittings..granite worktops.. Lights..and Lamp posts ideal for target practice..and fresh painted walls & swiming pools.  An ideal  canvas for grafitti..  With everything wide open .. no security guards. Everything accessable..But nothing is touched...stolen..or damaged. 

Yet all around. the same area...every local home..never mind foreigner...has grills at the windows...gates & bars on the doors. Shutters down. And there is no doubt..in our rented accommodations while visiting... i have hated this. And felt a prisioner. And feared a fire in the night..more than a burglary.  So many keys..and so many locks to open.

 We have been a victim of numerous crimes against property  and also Had our car stolen..Over the past 26 years in the UK.( I lived in the U. S for 31 years). ..including 2 burglaries..that completely trashed our house.  All Done by kids on drugs.. But we didn't barricade ourselves in.

Last year..I was attacked by a man...quite violently..and this totally shook me and tested my trust & faith. Yet in the Uk we still do not feel the need to fit bars & lock ourselves up. And close ourselves behind shutters.  Yet in spain they do?? It is the entire opposite of the free and open outdoor life we expect in spain. I can only hope it is just used as a deterrent.  I know It has always been their way. And I too have considered what to do about bars on the windows..as it will become our permanent home ..and I now know it is possible someone can want to hurt you. Even for no reason..and never having seen you before. The apt we stayed in a week ago...was fitted with  extra security. I couldn't sleep..as we were so locked up . I felt as if we were under siege..and someone was waiting outside trying to get in.

when you opened it all up in the morning..and saw the lovely landscaped gardens..and the sea in the distance..it seemed just madness. I would welcome anyone elses view on this. As no one seems to mention this when talking of relocating to spain..All the Best, Carol