The good, the bad and the ugly
 

Yesterday we had to venture to the costa for a new shaver for OH. A quick trip to Marbella we thought.
The good: Arriving at Worten we found a salesman who seemed to think the problem was with the connecting lead and not only refused to sell us a new razor but gave us the address of a spares shop in Fuengirola. The whole conversation took place in a mix of our very bad Spanish and his slightly better English. In UK he would have tried to sell us the most expensive one in the shop.
Not all try to rip off the newbies:thumbsup:

The bad: On arriving home, we discovered the problem was not the connection and may now be the battery. However once Semana Santa is over we can return to the spares shop and get a new battery. In the mean time I will have to live with a scruffy, stubbly OH.:rofl:

The ugly: Fuengirola was a nightmare. Nowhere to park.:thumbdown: The shop was closed until 5pm so we decided to find a restaurant and have a long lunch, see the beach etc. After 30mins of driving around the town and failing to find another place to park and not seeing anywhere we wanted to eat we went to Miramar shopping centre and had an OK lunch which to be fair was good value. I am not trying to start another cost v campo thread but it was a relief to get back to our little corner of the mountain.

Re: The good, the bad and the ugly
 

You made a good point that not all Spanish people are trying to rip off newbies to Spain, as is the usual generlisation, but then spoil it by saying that sales people in the UK are not helpful, would have tried to squeeze you to the max and try to sell the most expensive one in the shop.

:thumbdown::thumbdown:

You seem to have a very low opinion of Brits, or at least the ones who work in retail.

Re: The good, the bad and the ugly
 

The people in my local electrical shop are always great and will often talk me out of the more expensive items and recommend cheaper ones that they have in their own homes and can tell me more about them because of this. They have saved me quite a bit of money during our time here.

Rosemary

Re: The good, the bad and the ugly
 

Sadly, having lived there for over 60 years it is a true reflection in salespeople in places like Comet, Currys etc.. I have lost count of the times I have gone buy a relatively inexpensive item there only to be pushed towards a more expensive version with features I neither want nor need. Then to be pressured to take out 3 years warranty costing more than the original item.

I was however simply making a comparison to demonstrate how pleasantly surprised we were.:thumbsup:

Re: The good, the bad and the ugly
 

Whilst living in the UK, lots of families like us, ie Spanish, Italians etc also made the move as things were so bad in their own countries, that leaving for pastures new was the only option for a great many.

But for all the hardships that they had passed through at home, I honestly cant recall any of them slagging off their birth country and countrymen, even though I suppose they had a lot more reason to do it.

So I will put down "slagging off your own country/countrymen" as a typically British trait for the sake of argument, as it seems you are the only nationality that seems to do it on a grand scale/regular basis. Or at least plenty of Brits do.

The title is the Good, bad and ugly, and there is somthing very ugly in tarring everyone with the same brush and losing all sense of love for ones home country.

Enough said from me on the subject.

Re: The good, the bad and the ugly
 

I think Sujee's point is more along the lines of big corporation/chains versus the good service you'll get from family-run stores - well sometimes!:thumbup:

Re: The good, the bad and the ugly
 

I think that a lot of Brits tend to complain rather than praise which is why the Aussies call us whinging poms.

A couple of different times I sought out the manager of the local small Tescos to talk to him about a what had occurred with one of his staff members. When I said that I wanted to talk to him about their attitude he immediately went on the defensive and was not initially really listening to me. I was praising their attitude and helpfulness and he was shocked that someone had bothered to seek him out as it was not a complaint but compliment. These were two different staff members, two different managers and I did not know any of them.

I have always believed in speaking as I find and will always give credit where it is due.

Rosemary

Re: The good, the bad and the ugly
 

:blink:

Re: The good, the bad and the ugly
 

Su, after 60 years and you havent learnt the word NO! :confused:
I have found a glare also helps

IMHE most expensive things have a similar failure rate to the lowest cost, just more frills and go faster stripes, posh name and chrome to bedazzle the friends and family when they visit.

Re: The good, the bad and the ugly
 

I've been to Fuengirola every week for the past 3 years and never had a problem parking

If you dont mind paying you can go to the underground carpark near the square. Slightly cheaper is the blue zone at the start of the carretera de mijas, or if you want free than on the seafront in Los Boliches or at the Mosque near the castle

Just some tips in case you want to go back! :)

Re: The good, the bad and the ugly
 

Fair dues - I should have read more carefully. Still, if it's a well-run chain store then all the better.
It's a danger when operations become too big, that genuinely good service can take a hit. Not always the case, but big companies like Curries, Comet, Santander are often flagged up for poor service.
The best chain stores like M&S or Waitrose pay attention to customer service and it shows (normally)

An article in the Telegraph touches on this.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/expat/exp...hange-you.html
That paragraph isn't knocking the UK as such (you can still find local friendly low-cost cafes), just the mushrooming of the corporate chains that strive constantly to extract more and more out of you for less. Problem is: they're winning.

Re: The good, the bad and the ugly
 

Absolutely. One of the big reasons we love living in Spain is the excellent cafe culture. In the UK it is a fake corporate version.

Btw, having just spent 2 weeks in the North I can resoundly say that the price of coffee and canyas is twice the price here than in the South

1 euros 80 for a coffee and 2 euros 20 for a canya. Pretty much everywhere in Oviedo

Re: The good, the bad and the ugly
 

If I could see a cafe was packed out and waiting for a table/seat I wouldnt have even ordered a coffe but moved on. when its like that the tables are manky, the seats not much better, and the floor disgusting.

can't see why people have to put up with such facilities just so they can say they have had a coffee in a particular establishment.

Re: The good, the bad and the ugly
 

.

had the €3.50 del dia yesterday,
bread roll
plate of spaghetti bolognese
plate of meat balls (5) and chips
banana
coffee

took some photos of the advertising board - must remember where I put the download cable so i can post here.

Re: The good, the bad and the ugly
 

Oh goody, another UK is crap and expensive and Spain is wonderful thread. Pity I am out for lunch in London:lol: Also includes coast is rubbish, campo good! Bonus thread for a rainy day:thumbsup:

We always parked in an underground one close to Dunnes stores without problem or on the Port....is there really nowhere closer to Tolox for shavers:confused: Who listens to salespeople anymore. I have usually decided what I want in electrical stuff before I buy it. Most of them have only been in the job a few months and know nothing about the products they sell.

Reason why you can get a coffee and have another etc etc. in Spain is cos there is an over supply of bars doing nowt.

Re: The good, the bad and the ugly
 

:rofl: Luv it! :rofl: I somehow can't imagine a salesman bullying me, (or you!) telling me what I want or don't want. I tell him what I want, not the other way around. I guess if someone is so weak willed they allow themselves to be "bullied", buy in Comet/Curry's etc, maybe they deserve it. Talking of shavers, recently my two year old one packed up, I e-mailed Phillips saying I didn't think it was great service, they said send it back, they'd look at it. Few days later, brand new shaver arrives, no charge, just a note apologising for it's failure.

Re: The good, the bad and the ugly
 

anyone with a battery powered something should remember that the batteries only have a limited life of discharge/charge cycles before they fall off rapidly.
problem is the batteries are available - if you know where to look and are competent to fit but many still don't perform the same way as manufacturers originals which are harder to find and more expensive.

but then not many things nowadays are expected to have a long life anymore, be they battery or mains.

Re: The good, the bad and the ugly
 

the UK has planning officers who endeavour to have a "good mix" of shops and are not overkeen on coffeee shops. but then it is a shame they seem frightened to have a liquor licence so if you want anything else you have to find a pub.

ISTR John Major when PM extolling the virtues of the European lifestyle with street cafes and sitting out under an umbrella - it rained for 3 weeks after that.
But my local council expect exhorbitant rents, exhorbitant rates and then when a local shop put some chairs and table outside demanded a further charge of 50% of the rates for them to do so.
They still expect everyone to close at 5.30pm so there isnt anywhere to stop off and get a coffee before wending the weary way home.

so little incentive whilst here anyone seems able to set up a cafe/bar, open when they like, if that is what you want to do.

take this as knocking the UK if you like, but life there is so rigid - open @ 9 close at 5.30, no evenings. Is it small wonder the high streets are so dull and boring on the way home ?? No one opens their living room or the unit under the flat anymore. All segmented - homes/shops/offices/factories in different coloured areas on a planning map.

Small wonder people convert ice cream vans and trailers as take away snack bars.

Re: The good, the bad and the ugly
 

To compare the UK with Spain must be the most obvious focus for any discussion on a British Expat Spanish forum. The next one is often the campo versus the coast one.

I love the sea and the company of my fellow expats, as well as the Spanish people; and also the ability to get anything I need within walking distance - from doctors, police stations and banks to exotic meals from all over the world.

I admire Camposinos from afar, those hardy people prepared to do without all sorts of things to taste the authenticity of true rural hardship in a foreign country.

Re: The good, the bad and the ugly
 

after so many years as a youth yearning for it, then spending many years bobbing about on it, feeling its calm and its anger to the highest level, I miss it, but do go back for a quite moment of contemplation from time to time.

favourite CD ? Sounds of the Sea. something to go to sleep with.

Re: The good, the bad and the ugly
 

Me too J2.....

The Bad...

I have just been back to the UK due to the death of my mother, while there I went to Curries to buy a laptop, I knew exactly the make I was going to buy...HP (same as my existing PC), I just had to decide on the spec and price to pay!
I was harassed from the moment I walked through the door by a young woman of foreign decent who proceeded to pressure me into first a Sony....
I don't want a Sony says I....
But this is on special offer says she....
I DON'T want a Sony!
How about an Acer....
I don't want an Acer....
Have you tried one?
Yes I didn't like it, it was faulty and I took it back.
Have you thought about a Mac?
I don't want a Mac!
They are much better....
I DON'T want a Mac!
You would if you tried one!
I have...I don't like Mac's...
Well you are the first person I've ever heard say that, everyone likes them!
I'm NOT everyone, I DON'T like them!
I want an HP, it's between these too, I do a lot with Photoshop so I need lots of Ram....it looks like it's going to be this one.
But this one has a bigger screen and it's £10 cheaper!
I'm not bothered about the price, I need the extra Ram!
But you get a bigger screen for $10 less with this one...
I DON'T want THAT one....I want THIS one! :frown:
How about Office, it's on offer.
I already have it!
But you get it cheap when y......
NO
Well then security, you can have Norton for.....
I DON'T want Norton, I use something else.
But Norton is....
NO
Well how about extended warranty?
No!
But.....
NO! :banghead: I only want the Laptop I came in for, I am not buying anything else no matter how hard you push it, so you can stop giving me the hard sell!
But I have to! I'm only doing my job...I have to get you to buy the extras.
NO YOU DON'T, if you irritate me enough I shall simply walk out that door! :angry_smile:


That was actually a cut down version of what I had to put up with before walking out of the shop after buying ONLY the Laptop of my choice!

Now for the good....

Santander, the bank that gets so much bad publicity were in fact absolutely wonderful, it made sorting out my mothers affairs easy! :thumbsup:
The staff member I dealt with was brilliant, so much so that on our return home I made a phone call to her boss telling him how good she had been with us.
If only all staff dealing with the public could take a leaf out of that young ladies book!

Re: The good, the bad and the ugly
 

You need to take an assertion course;) Know what you mean though about the extras, I was offered the same.

Re: The good, the bad and the ugly
 

€1.80 for coffee & €2.20 for a caña???? Wow, that's speedy inflation. Sounds like Parador prices!
Here, (in the "north" as you say) the average is €1.30 & €1.70 respectively.

Re: The good, the bad and the ugly
 

Phew I'm glad to hear that. I'm meant to be on a visit to the Basque country this month, those prices from Cman were a little frightening, although it may be they were terraza prices in posh places?

Re: The good, the bad and the ugly
 

Sorry to state the obvious, but ever tried a wet shave? Cleaner, more reliable.
Perhaps only more costly if you live where there is a hosepipe ban.
And those soft bristles dipped in shaving cream, applied to the face, mmmmm, paradise.

Re: The good, the bad and the ugly
 

In view of the various mostly positive opinions regarding Spanish coffee bars I was surprised to happen upon a Starbucks the other day.

Seemingly they are not only widespread but have achieved quite a toehold in the market and followed on from the success of the US style fast/junk food joints in Spain.

Here is one guys take on why they've succeeded...

http://spanish-podcast.com/2007/12/1...xist-in-spain/

There are a few posts pointing out the more limited choice of coffee bars in the UK, but it should be remembered that England is still a nation of tea drinkers to a certain extent at least and Spain is not, also there has been quite an increase in the number of pleasant tea houses/tea cafes in the UK in recent years.

Re: The good, the bad and the ugly
 

The only thing I entered Starbucks for was to make use of their toilets for free; ditto McDonalds.
Cannot understand why Starbucks insist on
a) filling the huge mug right to the very top
b) using thick mugs

Coffee & tea taste so much better in thinner, porcelain-type material.

Re: The good, the bad and the ugly
 

Well I knew that was an old article when I saw this I have to admit I thought that was the main reason Starbucks had previously done reasonably well in Madrid - plus they made a tie-up with the VIPs people.
Nowadays I think they appeal to the wi-fi generation - plus it's meant to be a good place for professionals on the move to meet up without running the risk of sitting next to a drunk.
It's not my cup of tea :p but I suppose we're stuck with this type of chain for a few years yet. Just shows there are still plenty of people around who are prepared to pay 3-5 euros for a coffee.

Re: The good, the bad and the ugly
 

Of course there a people who will not quibble over the price of a coffee, Starbucks, and the other chains will always have their fans.

There is even a starbucks in the Waldorf Astoria in Manhattan , and alot of people want to be seen there, meet there etc. cost is irrelevant and so is the taste of the coffee.

Re: The good, the bad and the ugly
 

I don't like Starbucks, Costa either. The muffins are foul and overpriced. I can't drink all that coffee, even a regular!

What they are good at is the marketing...starbucks sells the American dream, like Mcdonalds. The idea of squishy sofas was a good one but some small shops have copied that now, free newspapers too. I am not sure I understand all this obsession with coffee, give me a good smoothie bar anyday:D

Re: The good, the bad and the ugly
 

didnt they use Starbucks for the coffee Gibbs is always drinking in NCIS ??

Re: The good, the bad and the ugly
 

Well there's a couple more valid reasons you've given yourself.

They're not really my cup of TEA though. ;)

Come to think of it, whats the chances of a decent cup of tea in a Spanish run bar ?
....or any cup of tea come to that ?

Better chance of a cup of coffee (of sorts) in an English tea shop I would think.
I tend to drink about half and half myself.
Mostly coffee when I'm out and mostly PG tips or Yorkshire tea at home.

Re: The good, the bad and the ugly
 

Funny enough like you I like Yorkshire or PG Tips but for some reason in Spain I can never seem to get full strength, I like my tea very strong. I have tried double boiling the kettle etc but just can't seem to get it to full strength tried bottled water and tap water same?

Re: The good, the bad and the ugly
 

Interesting, I think I have to work on the teabag a bit more here to squeeze out all the flavour and other brands are far too weak anyway.
I think tap water brings out a tad more flavour in my own area for some reason.
Suppose you could be posh and try just using a small cup, though I much prefer a decent sized mug myself if I can get it strong enough.

Re: The good, the bad and the ugly
 

1 tea bag is OK of a cup, about 200-250mls, after that you need to use loose tea or two tea bags.

Re: The good, the bad and the ugly
 

I might be more inclined to pay their prices if the coffee was any good, but the ones I've tried in Starbucks and Caffe Nero have been awful, Costa Coffee is a little better but not much. I'd rather sit on a hard chair and drink a decent con leche or a cortado, thanks!

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Agree totally.
Funny about the tea, I've often wondered if it's the water or just the brand of tea used. I understand the British Council cafeteria in Madrid has people raving about their tea - they try and utilise Barry's tea (an Irish brand) when possible. Of course the water in Madrid is of good quality, so it may make a difference in producing good tea in say Valencia

Re: The good, the bad and the ugly
 

Proper tea should only be made from leaf not a bag and always use a china cup...according to my Mother:D

Re: The good, the bad and the ugly
 

Nice to see you was brought up proper jacky. :thumbup:

Re: The good, the bad and the ugly
 

Warm the pot, milk in cup first (to protect the fine china), let the tea seep for 5 mins (not sure about timing really). What other rules are there for "proper" tea?

Rosemary