Originally Posted by MikeJ

Just as a point of information - I believe that it is a legal requirement to carry your passport when driving in Spain (or ID Card if you are lucky enough to have one). Under Schengen EU citizens (except Brits) are allowed to cross borders inside the Schengen area - Brits must have a passport It's just very very rare to get asked for one, but if you are you and don't have it with you could be in jail! (Try crossing the border to Gib when there is a Spanish crackdown)

Originally Posted by John and Lynn

Hi, I have a question, as am just sitting at home in hot and humid blighty. The other half has decided it is too hot and put the fan on in the lounge, this got me thinking as we have a constant battle when over in our apartment with the air con. He puts it on at night, cos it is too hot for him, and I get too cold and turn it off, he then puts it back on, and so we carry on. Oh it's great fun! In our apartment the vents for the air con cannot be opened/closed so we are restricted to the cold air emitting from the vents in every room. Does anyone know if it is possible to change them to ones that can be opened/closed. This would be ideal then we could have separate bedrooms, I can have my vent closed, he can have his open and freeze!!! Likewise in the winter if you just want to warm one room that you are in rather than the whole apartment!
Back to the battle of the Fan and some more wine!

Lynn

Originally Posted by Jon-Bxl

How funny/strange I was just looking for the same thing on the internet.

I googled 'closable air vents' and came up with a lot of sites... I just need to measure the grille to be sure that I get the right size, and these are light enough to pack and take there... to be sure you have them. Im sure these can be found in Spain, but its easier this way.

http://www.screwfix.com/cats/100139/...ooling/Ducting here is one that looks good.

or

http://www.sdslondon.co.uk/slotted-h...-hit-miss.html hit and miss vents

No commercial connectoins here.

In our case we want to close off a room that isnt being used, and its a shame to cool/heat it.

Regards
Jon

Originally Posted by Wendy & Mike

In our apartment on rago 2 the blades can be adjusted manually so that the air flow can be greatly reduced. Each blade, both horizontal and vertical, has to be adjusted individually, so it's not really an option on a day to day basis, but it's okay if you want to shut off a room.

On a different matter, when we were at our apartment earlier this month for the first time in 9 months we had problems with our gas water heater. The pilot light lit okay, but when we used the hot water taps the burners didn't fire up, so hence no hot water. As the weather was so hot, cold showers weren't a problem this time, but so that I don't have to suffer later in the year (yes, I know I'm soft) does anyone have a simple solution to the problem, or failing that, can anyone recommend a reliable plumber who preferably speaks English?

Thanks

Wendy

Originally Posted by Jon-Bxl

Thanks for the kind feedback. Our only regret is that we didnt extend our stay a bit - it seems that some of our favourite people are there, or there soon i.e Carol+John (that we saw fortunately on our last day); Kim from 'woodsie' on a girls weekend; Marisol and Fer (and Rocco) in July, Graham and Sandra, Mel and John and now I hear Sharon is going to be there with a bunch of gorgeous gals!! Oh no what are we missing!!

Now how can I slip away... hmmmmm Ayamonte isnt a 'nip around the corner'! What am I saying, my wife would jump at the chance to go back too - and dump me to join the various girls nights out and visit friends.

I just know that you all are going to have a wonderful time - have a glass or 2 - for us.

One place I've recommended before - that 'teedup' tried and enjoyed too with their friends is a little local bar just next to the Don Diego hotel/Eroski (the DD hotel is renamed now - but most know where it is). I arranged my birthday party there. 10 adults and 5 kids/teenagers took over the bar area, where they bought out platefuls of food for everyone - in 'buffet style' just help yourself from various plates placed in the centre of the table. As it was a big do I pre-arranged the booking in advance and also to get Cava, that they dont keep. What an unbelievable price I paid for the food, and all the drinks were Spanish prices I think around 7E for a bottle of wine; 1E for a beer etc etc. I think our guests werent just being polite when they said that they ate and drank really well. (And many were locals, non-tourists as well) Theres a secure open area opposite where the kids could kick a ball around (and lose to the adults in a footy match late in the evening!!!)

Please note its not a posh resto, but a bar/pub that serves good quality local food, pork steaks, ribs, some tapas, fish, cheese etc. Very local and rare to see tourists there. The owner Frederico is the shorter gentlemen, very friendly who speaks english and Manuel the larger gent - who is just a nice bloke!

When Teedup went there with friends - they just turned up and liked the local ambience, though at first wondered if they should eat there as it was so local, and the ladies had all dressed up for a night out, but decided to stay - and were glad that they did, even though at first they wondered about staying.

I hope it works for you if you try it and fancy a good pub-grub and drink meeeting in a local Spanish place. Not posh - but good fun and local ambience. GREAT FUN was had by all.

So therefore you can just turn up as well and ask for whatever they have or a buffet of mixed grill + fish etc. But if you are having a bigger party like I did - reserve it in advance to be sure.

You find it as follows:

Imagine walking out of the old Don Diego hotel lobby (so its behind you). Across the road are some small shops, with LOLYPAN on the left. (El Baario is effectively behind these shops)

Go down the road alongside Lolypan - for a few yards, turn right immediately and you will see it about 20 yards on the left.

Nice place to go after the market as its very buzzy and local too....

See attached for the bizcard and map.

Have fun - we know you will!

Jon

PS I have no commercial interest in the pub - just recommending somewhere nice.

Originally Posted by Wendy & Mike

...On a different matter, when we were at our apartment earlier this month for the first time in 9 months we had problems with our gas water heater. The pilot light lit okay, but when we used the hot water taps the burners didn't fire up, so hence no hot water. As the weather was so hot, cold showers weren't a problem this time, but so that I don't have to suffer later in the year (yes, I know I'm soft) does anyone have a simple solution to the problem, or failing that, can anyone recommend a reliable plumber who preferably speaks English?

Thanks

Wendy

Originally Posted by John and Lynn

We have had the same problem on numerous visits and each time we have had to get someone to look at it. Each time they have taken it apart and put it back again, and then it works. We have never had the manufacturers come out as they need a spanish telephone number to log the call and then quote 5-7days to get someone out.

We have used different people to fix it each time and I wouldn't say that I could track any of them down again. So if anyone does know a reliable, contactable, english speaking plumber it would be good to know their details...

Originally Posted by jdr

Who ever you get make sure they are registered gas installers, not just handymen.

Originally Posted by jdr

Who ever you get make sure they are registered gas installers, not just handymen.

Originally Posted by Fortaleza

Why use registered Spanish gas installers and be safe and totally covered in case of ...whatever..., when it is much nicer to give Joe Bloggs just two doors down a bit of cash, cos he needs it, and it would be nice and all that, ...oh, and of course English speaking, none of that foreign rubbish!!!

Bless!!!

Originally Posted by MikeJ

My OH has just come from a girly weekend in CE (don't ask). Whilst there she noticed that there seems to be a sudden proliferation of digital TV aerials- all over Ayamonte as well as CE. There is even one on top of our block. I presume that this is the onset of Spanish digital terrestrial broadcasting (freeview) in the area. What better way to get to understand some of the language and customs than watching Spanish TV. Who knows we may even be able to attract Spanish guests too.
Does anyone know how you get connected?

Originally Posted by Steve and Pat

Have you thought of applying for the Moderator's job? Mitzyboy is looking for someone to moderate this forum (or is it a thread?) I'm sure you will enjoy keeping us all in line!