Robbie – Page 4 – Nerja Holiday Rentals

Shocking Revelation: Andalusia on the Brink of Disaster! The Terrifying Truth about the Devastating Drought You Won’t Believe!

Shocking Revelation: Andalusia on the Brink of Disaster!

In a jaw-dropping turn of events, Andalusia, the picturesque region known for its vibrant landscapes and rich agricultural heritage, is now facing a severe and unprecedented crisis. The relentless and unforgiving grip of drought has taken its toll, leaving Andalusians gasping for relief. As water reservoirs shrink to alarming lows, the very survival of this sun-soaked paradise hangs by a thread.

1. The Hidden Enemy Within A Bone-Dry Catastrophe

Drought in Andalucia- Clickbait

Prepare to be shocked as we expose the hidden enemy behind Andalusia’s catastrophic water scarcity. The drought, an insidious villain lurking in the shadows, has been wreaking havoc, draining the lifeblood of this once-thriving oasis. Discover the startling reasons behind the crippling water shortage that experts never saw coming!

2. Unveiling the Devastating Impact on Agriculture

Hold your breath as we reveal the devastating impact of the water crisis on Andalusia’s agricultural heart. Crops wither away, livestock suffer, and farmers face a nightmare they never imagined. The very essence of Andalusia’s farm-to-table traditions is at risk of vanishing forever!

3. Day Zero Looms: Is the End Near?

As water levels plummet to unprecedented lows, a dreaded spectre looms large over Andalusia—Day Zero. Uncover the chilling truth about how close the region is to reaching the brink of disaster. Is there any hope left, or are we witnessing the end of an era?

4. A Glimpse of Hope: Innovative Solutions to the Rescue

Amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerges! Meet the unsung heroes who are battling against the odds to save Andalusia from this apocalyptic drought. From cutting-edge technologies to ancient water-saving techniques, discover the innovative solutions that could turn the tide and save the day!

5. Shocking Revelations from Climate Experts

Prepare to have your mind blown as renowned climate experts divulge shocking secrets about the drought’s true origins. Is there a chance this crisis was preventable, or are we doomed to witness the tragic consequences of inaction?

6. Celebrities Rallying for Andalusia: The Unexpected Heroes

From Hollywood stars to influential musicians, witness the unexpected heroes rallying for Andalusia’s salvation. Their passionate pleas and selfless actions could make all the difference in this race against time!

Don’t miss this eye-opening exposé that will change the way you view Andalusia’s drought forever! Brace yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions as you uncover the truth behind this environmental catastrophe. The fate of Andalusia hangs in the balance, and it’s up to us to spread awareness and take action before it’s too late!

Wow! Is this for real?

No! well, not exactly. As ever, let me explain.

Like millions of other people, I watch Youtube. Mainly I view cookery videos, some documentaries and sometimes, news articles such as Ukraine war updates and so on.

One thing most of them have in common; they have clickbait headlines.

The videos can be the most mundane, boring, overlong and often plain useless but, they will have that headline to drag you in.

One of the best culprits is a Vlogger by the name of Neil Sean. He is a showbiz correspondent and a bit of this-that-and-the-other. He has a bit of an obsession with Meghan and Harry, A.K.A The Duke and Duchess of York. Neil is a true master baiter (No pun intended!). He pulls me in every time. Neil has the practice down to an art.

Check out his Youtube Channel and you will see what I mean. Neil Sean Showbiz

So, I decided to have a little bit of an experiment

Using an Artificial Intelligence app, I asked ChatGPT to re-write an article from the Sur in English in the style of a click baiter and, the above article is what was produced, in a manner of seconds. The real article by Hector Barbotta, although concerning, bears no resemblance to the AI-written article using clickbait techniques.

What does clickbait mean?

What is Clickbait – Definition and Examples

Clickbait typically refers to the practice of writing sensationalized or misleading headlines in order to attract clicks on a piece of content. It often relies on exaggerating claims or leaving out key information in order to encourage traffic. The term is generally used in a dismissive sense.

See what you think. Original Sur Article

Wildfires during the summer in Spain, Italy and Greece

Wildfires spread during the hottest days of the year in Spain, Italy and Greece

Wildfires in Greece have been a recurring and devastating problem during the summer months. Greece is susceptible to fires due to its hot and dry climate, especially in regions like Attica, Peloponnese, and parts of Central and Northern Greece. Wildfires in the country have led to loss of lives, destruction of property, and significant environmental damage. Needless to say, thousands of holidaymakers have been affected also.

About Wildfires

Wildfires have been a recurring and significant environmental concern in the Mediterranean region. The Mediterranean climate is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, which create favourable conditions for wildfires to spread rapidly. Several countries in the region, including Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Turkey, have experienced devastating wildfires over the years.

Causes:

Natural causes: Lightning strikes during dry periods can ignite wildfires.
Human activities: The majority of wildfires are caused by human activities, such as discarded cigarettes, campfires left unattended, agricultural burns getting out of control, and intentional arson.

Impacts:

Environmental impact: These fires can lead to the destruction of large forested areas and the loss of biodiversity. The fires often cause long-term damage to ecosystems and can alter the natural regeneration processes of plants and animals.

Health hazards: The smoke from wildfires contains harmful pollutants, such as particulate matter and carbon monoxide, which can cause respiratory problems and worsen existing health conditions.

Property damage: Wildfires can threaten homes, businesses, and infrastructure, resulting in the loss of property and displacement of communities.

Economic losses: The cost of firefighting efforts, damage to property and infrastructure, and the impact on tourism and agriculture can result in significant economic losses for the affected countries.

Prevention and Mitigation:

Early detection and rapid response: Effective monitoring systems, such as satellite imagery and aerial patrols, are crucial for detecting fires early and coordinating rapid responses.

Fire management strategies: Controlled burns during cooler months can reduce the accumulation of flammable vegetation and prevent more severe fires during the hot and dry seasons.

Public awareness and education: Educating the public about fire prevention measures and responsible behaviour in fire-prone areas can help reduce the number of human-caused wildfires.

International cooperation: Given the cross-border nature of wildfires, cooperation between Mediterranean countries in firefighting efforts and sharing resources can enhance the response to large-scale fires.

It’s important to note that the situation might have evolved since my last update, and I recommend checking more recent sources for the latest information on wildfires in the Mediterranean region.

With this in mind, everyone needs to take extra care when they are in the countryside. A careless cigarette or unguarded BBQ can soon turn into something dangerous.

Nerja Restaurants and Chiringuitos – Good or Bad?

Nerja Communities on Facebook – Opinions are Divided

Facebook Groups Logo

My two favourite Nerja restaurants

Nerja Restaurants - El Niño — The original El Niño restaurant in Nerja.

I wrote a blog a week or so ago referencing two Restaurants in Nerja that we first ate in on our original visit to Nerja in March 1995. Two weeks in the Balcòn de Europa Hotel flew by. We had seen the travel programme, “Wish You Were Here?…” hosted by Judith Chalmers and decided to pay Nerja a visit.

Chiringuito Ayo Food of Spain Award 2021

The first “proper” restaurant we ate in was a place near the top of the town called El Niño: the second was Chiringuito Ayo on Burriana Beach.

My aim for writing the post was to reminisce on the changing face of Nerja and get people’s opinions on the two eateries. El Niño has since moved to Burriana Beach but Ayo remains in place.

Out of the two blog posts, I was surprised at the negative comments in regards to both of these restaurants /chiringuito. Ayo, in particular, was brutally slated; El Niño didn’t fare much better. I was both surprised and saddened by what I read.

Both of these establishments feature high on my first memories of Nerja. But, people will give you the cold, hard truth if a restaurant, bar, cafe etc is not up to scratch. Considering that Ayo received an award in 2021, some of the comments seem wide of the mark. It only takes one incident to happen, such as a bad meal, poor service or high price to get the keyboard warriors spreading bad reviews.

My advice is for you to decide for yourself when you stay at Nerja Beach Holidays. Visit both Ayo and El Niño and see what they have to offer. If they are not that good, you can always blame me.

Here are the Nerja Facebook groups. Nerja Food and Drink, Nerja Info

What are Chiringuitos?

Chiringuitos are small beachside establishments commonly found in Spain, particularly along the coasts of Andalusia, Catalonia, and Valencia. The word “chiringuito” originates from Spanish and refers to a temporary or makeshift structure. Chiringuitos are usually made of wooden poles, palm fronds, or other lightweight materials, giving them a rustic and casual appearance.

These beach bars are popular gathering spots for locals and tourists, offering a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Chiringuitos typically provide food and drinks, including traditional Spanish dishes like paella, fresh seafood, tapas, and refreshing beverages such as sangria. They often have outdoor seating, allowing visitors to enjoy the beautiful beach views while indulging in their meals or relaxing with a drink.

Chiringuitos are an integral part of the Mediterranean beach culture, and they are incredibly vibrant during the summer months when people flock to the beaches for sunbathing, swimming, and socializing. They contribute to the lively and festive ambience of Spain’s coastal regions, providing a place to unwind, enjoy delicious food, and soak up the sun and sea.

These days, chiringuitos can be large, permanent structures, such as La Barca and Ayo on Burriana Beach. You will find these establishments well patronised.

Cooking Crispy Belly Pork in a Taotronics Air Fryer

The very best Crispy Belly Pork in the world!

Crispy Belly Pork Recipe

I love cooking. I will try my hand at any type of cuisine; Chinese, Indian, Greek, French, Spanish, you name it, I’ll cook it!

One of my wife’s favourite meals is crispy belly pork. The crispier, the better. There are many different recipes to try, some good, some not too good. The best I found was a recipe by Chef John, a Chinese chef on Youtube.

About Chef John

Chef John Crispy Belly Pork in an Airfrer — Arguably, the best chef on Youtube – Chef John

Chef John began learning the art of Traditional Chinese Cuisine in 1987 when he was just 17 years old. He underwent systematic training in Shanghai to master many skills, such as knife work, selecting ingredients, seasoning, and temperature control.

Watch the video and see how to make this delicious dish. It really is simple and you will thank John for it. My own version uses a stock cube rubbed into the flesh side and my timings are a little different. But on the whole, it’s John’s recipe. I used a Cosori Air Fryer.

Enjoy!

I Met This Bird in a Bar in Spain – All About Ravens

My wife and I went to a restaurant close to where we live. El Cortijuelo is one of two restaurants situated about 4km outside the village of Villanueva del Trabuco. “Trabuco” is about 1 hour and ten minutes drive north-east of Nerja.

The food and service in El Cortijuelo are very good and a Menu del Dia will cost 10€ per head. That’s a three-course meal with a drink.

Today would be a little different to most days. Today I met a bird sitting at the bar on some bloke’s arm.

To be clear; I met Ben, a Raven.

I had some experience with Ravens as I served in the Irish Guards and often mounted guard at the Tower of London. As everyone knows, there are a few Ravens living there.

The poor thing had been to the vet as he had an unfortunate accident and needed his wing pinned. Needless to say, he attracted a lot of attention and many people had selfies taken with him, me included.

Cayetano and the Raven

The gentleman with the Raven was called Cayatano, he told me about the other pets he has; these included eagles and Owls. Cayetano has rural accommodation in the countryside closer to the town of Algaidas; Cortijo la Umbria.

La Umbria is available to guests all year round and is situated in a beautiful part of the Malaga province of Andalucia. Check out the prices and photos from these links. Cortijo La Umbria

About Cortijo La Umbria

Ravens at the Cortijo La Umbra in Algaidas, Spain. — Cortijo La Umbria close to the Andalucia town of Algaidas. click to see more photos

Cortijo la Umbría is surrounded by nature next to a 30,000 m² fenced mountain where there are birds of prey, chickens, pigeons, messengers, dogs and horses. At the same time, it is located 500 meters from Villanueva de Algaidas where there are all kinds of establishments as well as a 24-hour health centre

Languages spoken: German, English, Spanish, Italian

Ravens

BEN, THE RAVEN — Ben, the Raven, with his damaged wing pinned.

The raven is a large black bird that belongs to the genus Corvus, which is part of the family Corvidae. Several species of ravens are found worldwide, including the common raven (Corvus corax), the largest species of passerine bird.

Here are some key characteristics and facts about ravens:

Appearance: Ravens are known for their glossy black feathers and their thick bills. They have shaggy throats and wedge-shaped tails. Adult common ravens typically measure around 56 to 68 centimetres (22 to 27 inches) in length, with a wingspan of about 115 to 130 centimetres (45 to 51 inches). They are larger and heavier than crows, their close relatives.
Distribution: Ravens have a widespread distribution throughout the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. They are adaptable birds and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, mountains, coastal areas, and even urban environments.
Intelligence: Ravens are brilliant birds and are considered one of the most intelligent species in the avian world. They have been observed exhibiting problem-solving skills, using tools, and displaying complex social behaviours. Ravens are known for their ability to mimic sounds and voices, and they can even imitate human speech to some extent.
Vocalizations: Ravens have a wide range of vocalizations, including deep croaks, gurgles, and rattles. Their calls are often associated with their mysterious and somewhat eerie reputation. They use vocalizations to communicate with other ravens, establish territories, and warn of potential dangers.
Diet: Ravens are omnivorous and have a varied diet. They feed on a wide range of foods, including fruits, grains, insects, small mammals, carrion, eggs, and even garbage. They are opportunistic scavengers known for their association with feeding on the remains of large carcasses.
Cultural significance: Throughout history, ravens have held significant cultural and symbolic importance in various mythologies and folklore. They are often associated with intelligence, wisdom, and mystery. Ravens are prominently featured in the mythologies of many indigenous cultures and have been depicted in literature, art, and popular culture.

It’s worth noting that the information provided here pertains to common characteristics of ravens, but specific behaviours and traits may vary across different species and populations.

There you have it! All you need to know about Ben and his friends. If you are staying in Nerja, you might like to visit the inland villages, you may bump into Cayetano and Ben.

Nerja Food and Drink – Bacalao con Salsa – Cod in Red Pepper Sauce

Bacalao con Salsa de Pimientos del Piquillo – Cod in Red Pepper Sauce

A traditional Bacalao (Cod) fish dish from Andalucia

This is one of our favourite meals at home or in the Nerja restaurants. If, like us, you appreciate a good piece of fish then, this one is for you. It won’t break the bank, and, if you are self-catering, it is easy to make for yourself. Piquillo Peppers can be bought in jars, already peeled or tins and are ubiquitous.

Ingredients:

4 pieces of cod (any white fish would do. I used Bacalao pieces from Mercadona Supermarket)
1 cup Piquillo peppers, roasted and peeled
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 cup of tomato juice
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 egg
Breadcrumbs

Method

Using three bowls, 1 for beaten egg, 1 for breadcrumbs and 1 for flour.

After drying the fish on a kitchen towel, coat the fish in flour, dip in the beaten egg and then coat in breadcrumbs. Leave to dry for 15 minutes.

Dice the onion and garlic and add to the frying pan with the olive oil and cook for 20 minutes or until soft. Add 4 piquillo peppers (these can be bought in jars) and cook for 5 minutes. Add tomato paste and smoked paprika. Add tomato juice and simmer for 5 minutes.

Add the mixture to a container and blitz until you have a smooth, red sauce. Add the sauce back into the pan and add the white wine.

Meanwhile; add your breaded cod to the Cosori Air Fryer and cook for 15 minutes, turning once. After 15 minutes, check that the fish is done to your satisfaction. If you want it darker and crispier, add another few minutes to the frying time.

Heat up the sauce and coat the bottom of a plate, add your cooked fish and garnish in whatever way you like. Job done.

This is my way of doing it but there are many variations. Try it for yourself.

If you are visiting Spain, you might want to remember this fish dish, it really is something special and inexpensive.

Without doubt the very best restaurant in Nerja

Which is (or was) the very best restaurant in Nerja?

The best restaurant in Nerja - El Niño — This is the site of the old El Niño restaurant as I remember it

I was out walking this morning (as you do) and in the quiet of the Malaga countryside, a thought occurred to me; don’t ask why, but, I wondered which, was, the best restaurant that I ever used in Nerja.

To give you some idea of what I was thinking; the first time I visited Nerja was in March 1995. Nerja was very different then. We stayed in the hotel Balcòn de Europa. This excellent hotel is situated at the end of the Balcòn de Europa (who would have guessed?). Two wonderful weeks thanks to watching the travel show “Wish You Were Here?” with Judith Chalmers.

It’s mainly thanks to that programme that Nerja has become the attraction it is today (some might say she ruined Nerja, others would disagree).

El Nino Restaurant

We set out to try everything we had seen on the TV; Nerja Caves, Frigiliana, Balcòn de Europa, the beaches and, of course, the tapas bars and restaurants. The Nerja Caves were impressive, as was the church of El Salvador, Frigiliana and the Malaga wine remain fresh in the memory.

The restaurant that stuck out for us was El Niño.

This restaurant was a recommendation from one of the locals. We wanted to try something truly traditional and we were assured that El Niño was the place to go to. The original restaurant was on the corner of Calle Almirante Ferrandiz 83, it has since relocated to Burriana Beach as Restaurante El Niño Lounge Bar.

The original place was a wonderful place, the walls were decorated with all sorts of Andalucia paraphernalia, such as farm and kitchen tools, pots, pans and more. The place was beautifully clean with pristine white tablecloths. The bar, although not particularly big, had display units that had tapas trays and live crab and lobster, these featured on the menu. There was also a brilliant choice of wines and the menu was excellent.

The service was excellent; I believe the owner could speak six or more languages. He spoke to us in English and I did hear him chattering away in German as well.

How can you compare a Spanish restaurant in Nerja to any other cuisine?

While it is true that a Spanish restaurant I inherently different to a Chinese, Indian or Italian restaurant, you can judge them on service, quality of food and the general running of the places. The food is of course different, but the standards of quality and service are distinguishable.

For us, the original El Niño at Calle Almirante Ferrandiz 83 was by far the best place to eat in Nerja. There are some fantastic photos of the original restaurant on TripAdvisor.com

These days, there are a lot more restaurants in Nerja than there were in 1995, certainly there is a lot more diversity.

These days, you are likely to find us in El Redondo (The Round Bar) eating tapas. After 22 years of living in Andalucia, we have munched our way through pretty much everything. The Nerja Chiringuitos are also places we like to eat in.

Everyone will have a favourite place to eat in Nerja, it wouldn’t be so if we all liked the same thing.

Hopefully, if you are staying with Nerja Beach Holidays in one of their great apartments, villas or townhouses, you’ll get to try the food out for yourselves.

Ossobuco or Rabo de Toro; Which is the best?

Two dishes from two different countries

I have a long-standing love affair with cooking. I would rather spend hours in the kitchen than making eggs and chips. Beans on toast? It would be a cold day in hell before I would make something so simple.

There are two dishes that I have made on a regular basis; one is Italian, and the other, is Spanish. They are, however, very similar in preparation. The ingredients are also very similar.

I first tried Rabo de Toro way back in the late nineties. We were staying in the Reina Cristiana Hotel in Algeciras and took a trip to Ronda. We had seen a travel programme that named a restaurant that was right next to the Puente Nuevo, the iconic bridge made famous in the Hemingway novel For Whom the Bell Tolls. This restaurant was reputed to serve the best Rabo de Toro in Spain. It was a well-earned reputation.

The Ossobuco; I saw this dish on the TV some years ago and was very impressed. It really is very similar to the Rabo.

Ossobuco

Ossobuco is a traditional Italian dish that consists of braised shanks cooked with vegetables, white wine, and broth. The name “Ossobuco” translates to “bone with a hole” in Italian, referring to the marrow-filled bone in the centre of the veal shank.

The dish is typically prepared by searing the veal shanks to develop a rich caramelized flavour and then simmering them in a mixture of vegetables such as onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. White wine and broth are added to create a flavorful braising liquid. The dish is often seasoned with herbs such as bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. Ossobuco recipe BBC

Rabo de Toro

Rabo de toro is a traditional Spanish dish that translates to “bull’s tail” in English. It is a hearty stew made from braised oxtail, typically cooked with vegetables, wine, and various spices. The dish has its roots in Andalusian cuisine and is particularly popular in the southern region of Spain, especially in cities like Cordoba and Seville. See the recipe by Michelle Minnaar.

I have eaten Rabo de Toro in Nerja if my memory serves me well, It was in Restaurante El Niño, which was many years ago long before they relocated to Burriana Beach.

On a trip to Sevilla, we had Rabo de Toro as a tapas, served wrapped inside the crusty pastry, rather like a Spring Roll. It was very good.

The Ossobuco is a bit harder to come by, even the butcher in our village has to send off for it; after all, it’s not a traditional Spanish cut of meat. I’ve never eaten it in any restaurant, or, I don’t recall doing so.

It would be interesting to know if there are any eateries in Nerja that actually do serve Ossobuco.

Which is best; Ossobuco or Rabo?

These are two great dishes that people should try, either at home or in a good restaurant. Cooking them isn’t difficult but they do take a good 3 or 4 hours of slow cooking to get them right.

I would, given the choice, go for the Ossobuco and you have just one bone to contend with and there is plenty of meat.

I’m sure you might not agree.

Spanish Food and Drink – How to Make Paella

My favourite Spanish food – Paella

Spanish Food and Drink - Paella — A paella with a nip in it – Just shellfish Paella – it’s quite easy to make

What is Paella?

Paella refers to a traditional Spanish dish typically cooked in a wide, shallow pan called a “paellera” or “paella pan.” The pan is an essential part of the cooking process and helps to achieve the characteristic flavours and textures of paella. It is designed to have a large surface area, allowing the rice to cook evenly and develop a crispy layer at the bottom known as “socarrat.” So, while paella is a dish, a paella pan is specifically used for cooking it.

There are countless variations on the paella theme; on the coast, you may find a lot of fish-based dishes, while inland, rabbit and chicken often appear.

Just last week, I cooked a favourite for my family who was visiting Nerja and staying with Nerja Beach Holidays. I cooked the paella using just crustaceans, such as Dublin Bay prawns, large Tiger prawns and assorted shellfish.

I’ve written about this most “Spanish” of dishes on many occasions, this just happens to be the latest variation.

Ayo on Burriana Beach in Nerja

One of the most famous and successful paellas can be found in a chiringuito on Burriana Beach in Nerja; Ayo’s.

This beachside restaurant has been the subject of many travel and food programmes. Ayo’s has been everpresent on Burriana Beach for more than 50 years.

Check out this Youtube video and see Ayo at work, making a fantastic paella. If you are lucky enough to visit Nerja, make sure to check out the Chiringuitos, they are exceptionally good and serve great Spanish food.

I hope you really enjoy yourself.

AI Artificial Intelligence – Should we be scared?

Does AI Have a mind of its own?

AI – What is it?

From the HCL Tech website comes the answer: Artificial intelligence (AI) is pushing the boundaries of machine-enabled functionalities. This bleeding-edge technology facilitates machines to act with a degree of autonomy, resulting in the effective execution of iterative tasks. Check out the full article here if that hasn’t scrambled your eggs.

What are the advantages of Artificial intelligence??

The following are the primary advantages of AI:

AI drives down the time taken to perform a task. It enables multi-tasking and eases the workload for existing resources.
AI enables the execution of hitherto complex tasks without significant cost outlays.
AI operates 24×7 without interruption or breaks and has no downtime
AI augments the capabilities of differently abled individuals
AI has mass market potential, it can be deployed across industries.
AI facilitates decision-making by making the process faster and wiser.

I asked ChatGPT to describe to me what it is

AI Artificial Intelligence - What Does It All Mean?

Why are people worried about AI?

Job Displacement: AI can automate many tasks and jobs currently performed by humans.
Ethical Issues: AI raises a range of ethical concerns. For example, there are concerns about developing autonomous weapons that could be used in warfare, potentially leading to a loss of human control and accountability.
Privacy and Security: AI relies on vast data for training and operation. This data often includes personal information, raising concerns about privacy and data security.
Lack of Transparency and Accountability: AI systems can be complex and hard to understand, especially when they employ deep learning or other advanced techniques.
Superintelligence and Control: Some experts are concerned about the potential development of artificial general intelligence (AGI), that could surpass human intelligence in all areas.

How or why do we believe this?

Because AI told us so. There is a lot more to the problems and benefits of Artificial Intelligence than the few lines of this blog, the pros and cons are immense. There is no doubt that human jobs will be replaced by a computer.

It’s not all doom and gloom

You can use the ChatGPT app to help you with everyday tasks. Would you like to know all about Nerja? Simply ask the question “Can you tell me all about Nerja on the Costa del Sol?” and in a matter of seconds, you get the answer!

Or, “When is the best time to visit the Costa del Sol?” answer is…

You can use the AI system to write blogs, Social Media posts and so on. The good thing is; AI doesn’t have an opinion. The information you receive is based on algorithms and data. So, there is no point asking for references as to where to stay or eat in Nerja.

If this subject interests or scares you, take a visit to this website and try it out for yourselves. You can also get the AI app for your web browser.

Nerja Break With Nerja Beach Holidays May – June 2023

A Nice Break in Sunny Nerja

Nerja Berch of — The beautiful Church of El Salvador, Nerja, May 2023 – A true sight to see.

It has been a strange year, here in Spain. Normally, the rains arrive in September and then again at the start of the year. This year, we had a drought.

The reservoir at Viñuela, north of Malaga city, was down to just 10% capacity. The crops suffered, including the olives. Normally the wheat fields would be fully grown with thousands of blood-red poppies mixed in. This year, the harvest was taken in, in the middle of May. It was looking grim!

Here comes the rain again

It was a record-breaking January, and February for sunny days with high temperatures. In some cases, we were getting 35ºC! Still no chance of a downpour. We had a few days of rain but, nothing substantial. From March 7th until about May 21st it was as dry as a bone.

Just when we thought we would no more rain until September, the rain arrived. Just in time for our friends to visit Nerja for a couple of weeks. You really couldn’t make this up.

Nerja Break

Our friend from Ulster was coming to Nerja, as were members of my family. We had planned a holiday in Nerja for some time. My family stayed with Nerja Beach Holidays, in a lovely apartment close to Nerja Parador. As you would expect, the accommodation was excellent and, in a fantastic location, close to all the Nerja attractions, such as the Balcòn de Europa, Burriana Beach, Nerja Caves and the best bars, shops and restaurants.

Our friend, Tom, stayed at the Plaza de España which is located behind the Nerja Town hall, so, he wasn’t far from us and smack-bang in the centre of Nerja, a short walk to the church of El Salvador and Tutti Frutti square.

Chinese Meal in Nerja

[ngg src=”galleries” ids=”2″ display=”basic_thumbnail” thumbnail_crop=”0″]As we live north of Nerja, about 1 hour, there are no Chinese restaurants close by, we would have to drive half an hour to the nearest restaurant, which is in Antequera. So, any time we are in the area, we take the opportunity to eat out. Nerja has a great variety of restaurants, bars and beachside eateries.

We picked the China House restaurant, the nearest to the apartment and we knew from previous visits that it was a great place to eat.

As our friend had never been to Nerja, we went on a tapas route. We also had a great breakfast at a great place opposite the church of El Salvador. OK, it was a full-English job but it did make a pleasant change. The rest of our time was taken up visiting the local attractions.

There was an open-air art exhibition in Plaza de España. The art ranged from biscuit tin-type paintings to abstract Picasso and Dhali types of work. At one stall, there was an odd painting which consisted of several yellow streaks on a pale blue background.

The owner of the stall noticed that my sister was admiring it and asked her if she liked it. “Oh yes, I do!” replied my sister “It’s something like my 5-year-old grandson paints.” Ouch!, Sheila was never one for subtleties. There were also some silver sculptures, god knows what that was all about.

As it happened, there wasn’t really a lot of rain, which was great for our friends and relatives; however, not great news for the farmers who depend on the rain for a living. It was great to be back for a Nerja break, it had been 5 months since our last stay. We’ll be back again soon.

Holiday Rental in Nerja Apartment

Nerja Beach Holidays – Acapulco Playa 35

Holiday Rental Apartment

Nerja is a great place for a vacation at any time of the year. Self-catering apartments or villas are also the best way to enjoy a stay in Nerja as you are not tied to any hotel itineraries. You are free to come and go as you please and at your own pace.

Here we have a great apartment in Nerja. This holiday rental apartment is close to everything you need to see in Nerja. This is an ideal rental apartment for up to 4 people.

About Acapulco Playa 35

Located in a prime location, only a 5-minute walk to the iconic Balcon de Europa, this 2-bedroom apartment is located on the 3rd floor in the quiet building of Acapulco Playa overlooking the Mediterranean sea and the beaches of Caletilla and Salon. There is easy access to the apartment via the lift/elevator. The building also has a private gated parking area.

As you enter the apartment, you will find the open-plan kitchen with a dining area. The kitchen has all the essentials for your self-catering holiday, complete with a fridge/freezer, oven, hob, kettle, toaster, microwave, and washing machine.

Leading on from the kitchen area is the spacious living room area complete with a TV with international channels, a sofa, an armchair, air conditioning/heating unit. Free WiFi is provided.

The living room opens onto the spacious balcony with scenic views over the communal gardens, pool as well as the sea, and Balcon de Europa.

The apartment has two bedrooms – The master bedroom has a double bed with TV, storage, and air conditioning/heating unit and the patio doors lead onto the terrace with a sea view. The other smaller bedroom has a double bed, storage area and a ceiling fan.

The apartment has a bathroom with a walk-in shower, a washbasin and a toilet.

The building has a communal swimming pool open from 9h to 20h with grass and shaded areas.

Salon Beach is approximately a 4 minutes walk away.

Balcon de Europa and Caletilla Beach are approximately a 5-minute walk away.

There are many shops, bars and restaurants in the vicinity of the building.

You can see more details and photographs from the main Nerja Beach Holidays website. Acapulco Playa 35

Folk Music Nights in Andalucia Spain

A Great Night of Folk Music in Villanueva del Trabuco Malaga Spain

Folk Music from around the world

Saturday the 15th of April was a day to remember. My horses in the Aintree Grand National got nowhere (as usual) and there was a great night of world folk music in Rincon de Trabuco, formerly Bar Tacones, in Villanueva del Trabuco.

Folk Music in Andalucia Spain — Smarfolk played a great gig in Villanueva del Trabuco

The band hail from nearby Antequera, a historic city that boasts more places of worship than you can shake a stick at. There are Roman ruins as well as Neolithic and Bronze Age Dolmens (Think of Stone Henge with a roof). There are also two natural features, La Peña de Los Enamorados and El Torcal mountainous formations. Antequera is definitely a place to visit.

Well, the band, featuring a squeezebox, a file, a guitar, a drummer and a bass pumped out a solid hour of folk music. I’m not a folk music aficionado so I can’t tell you what was a reel, a jig or a hoedown. The music played was from Argentine, Cuba, Spain, Ireland, England and a few other places besides.

The bar isn’t that big but, it was packed anyway. Everyone had a great time.

This is one of the joys of self-catering apartments, you are free to explore other places and take in the sounds, as well as the sites.

The band are set to return to the village in the near future.

Spain Drought Causing Problems for Reservoirs

Transfer of water from Nerja’s Chíllar River to Axarquía reservoir reduced

Efforts are underway to transfer water from the Chillar River in Nerja to nearby areas needing water. The project is being coordinated by the Axaragua public water company, which is responsible for managing the water supply in the region.

The transfer is expected to provide additional water resources for irrigation and drinking water to farmers and residents in the surrounding areas. This is particularly important given the current drought conditions and water scarcity in the region.

The project involves constructing a pumping station and a pipeline to transport the water from the river to the areas in need. The pipeline will be around 11 kilometres long and will run from the pumping station to the reservoir in La Viñuela.

The project is expected to cost around 15 million euros and will be funded by the European Union, the Spanish government, and the Andalusian regional government. The project is also expected to create around 200 jobs during its construction phase.

Once completed, the transfer is expected to provide up to 1.5 cubic hectometers of water per year to the surrounding areas. This is expected to benefit around 100,000 people and 11,000 hectares of farmland.

The project has been welcomed by local farmers and residents who have been struggling with water shortages in recent years. However, some environmental groups have raised concerns about the project’s impact on the Chillar River and its ecosystem.

Axaragua has assured that the project has been designed to minimize any impact on the river and that measures will be taken to protect its biodiversity.

Spanish Drought

Spain has officially entered a period of long-term drought, the country’s Aemet weather agency said last week, owing to high temperatures and low rainfall over the past three years. But in Catalonia, the situation is critical, as average reservoir levels hover around 27% of their capacity. See more.

Chillar River Hike

Enjoy this 7.7-mile out-and-back trail near Frigiliana, Málaga. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 38 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking, and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while exploring. So, if you are staying with Nerja Beach Holidays self-catering villas and apartments, try the hike. Don’t let a bit of Spanish drought stop you.

Spanish Drought Update

Well, since I wrote this blog post, the rains have arrived. From the 20th of May up until now (June 7th) it has been raining on and off. The next few days will continue with showers. Some areas of southern Spain have even been flooded Report

Paella de Mariscos – How to make Paella the Spanish way

What exactly is “Paella”

Paella de Mariscos - Paella made with fish and shellfish. — Paella de Mariscos – Paella made with Prawns, fish and shellfish.

Paella is Rice or “Arroz”

Paella de Mariscos is a popular Spanish rice dish that originates from Valencia, a coastal city in Eastern Spain. It is a seafood paella that includes a variety of seafood ingredients such as shrimp, clams, mussels, squid, and sometimes lobster or crab. The dish is cooked in a large, shallow pan called a paellera, which is designed specifically for cooking paella.

The rice is cooked with a flavorful broth that includes saffron, paprika, garlic, and other aromatic ingredients, giving the dish a distinctive yellow colour and delicious taste. Other ingredients that may be added include green beans, tomatoes, and bell peppers.

Paella de Mariscos is typically served as a main course, often accompanied by a fresh green salad and a glass of Spanish wine. It is a beloved dish in Spain and is also popular in other countries around the world, particularly those with a strong Spanish influence. It is often regarded as Spain’s national dish, although, not by Spaniards; they see it as a Valencian dish but, they still shovel it down on every occasion possible.

How Paella is Made

Making paella is quite simple and you can use whatever ingredients you like. Inland Spain you will find the Chicken, Pork and Rabbit feature. The coastal towns will be more seafood orientated.

You will need:

A Paellera or large frying pan
Rice (authentic short-grain rice if you are going native)
Prawns, shellfish and anything else that comes out of the sea.
Saffron
Stock (chicken or fish)
Olive oil
Onion
Garlic
Tomatoes
Red or green peppers (or any vegetables you care for)
Salt and pepper
Parsley

Method.

Into a hot paellera or frying pan add enough oil to cover the bottom, add onions and garlic and cook until softened. Add the vegetables and fry, again until soft. Add the rice and mix well to get the whole of the rice covered in the oil. Mix the saffron into your stock. Add enough stock to cover the rice. Turn the pan on low heat and cover the top with a lid, foil or another pan.

After 30 minutes, check that the rice stock is reduced and the rice is tender. Add your prawns and shellfish and cover on low heat for 10 minutes. Check the prawns and shellfish are cooked. Add some parsley as a dressing. Serve on a plate and pour yourself a glass of lovely Spanish wine. Enjoy.

The paella in the photo was made 9th of April by yours truly. But if you are visiting Nerja, then Ayo’s on Burriana Beach is the most famous paella in the world. And Ayo has been the subject of many TV food and travel programmes.

Tip: Try and burn the bottom of the paella (really!) as this burnt part is the highly prized “socaratt”. The name Socarrat is a culinary term used to describe the crispy, caramelized layer of rice that forms at the bottom of a paella or similar rice dish.