Air Show 2009

The European Air show AIRE will take place again in the Murcia region in 2009. The event last took place in 2006 and was an outstanding success and a great experience. We would recommend it as a really enjoyable weekend for all the family.

The static display takes place at the air base in San Javier, while the air displays focus on the air space above the beaches at Santiago de la Ribera and San Pedro del Pinatar. Initial information indicates that the main display will take place on the 7th June. A website will shortly be launched at this address www.aire09.es/. We will keep you updated as more details are released.

New Tourist Information Office

A new tourist information office has opened just a short walk away from our apartment in Los Alcazares. While we provide local information in our apartment it is always difficult to ensure that the information is bang up to date so the opening of this office is excellent news for our renters. Now you have easy access to the latest information about the local bus service and tourist attractions. Directions to the office can be found in the information pack which we will show you upon arrival.

Cartagena for Culture

I recently attended a guided tour of some of Cartagena's historical sites - and can highly recommend the experience. Enquire at the tourist information office (you will find a map in our apartment) for times when the guides are available and the meeting point. I have been to a couple of these sites before without a guide and while they are interesting it is hard to appreciate how they fit into the history Cartagena. The guide was extremely informative and told us many extra pieces of information that I would have missed on my own.

My favourite site was our first - the Punic Wall. I found the dancing skeletons fascinating, if not a little creepy. The tour lasted about 3 hours and took in 4 sites. There will be more to see soon when the Roman Amphitheatre and Roman Museum opens.


More information at http://www.cartagena.es/

Change to English TV Channels

Recently there has been a problem with the providers of English speaking TV throughout the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida. While we currently have the normal range of UK channels there is no guarantee from these companies that the broadcasts will continue. Our community committee has agreed to invest in the Spanish digital service. English speaking TV series and films will be available with their original soundtrack and in addition Spanish TV channels show premiership football matches. We will monitor the situation and if the current provider stops broadcasts we will be arranging connection to the digital service so that our renters continue to have access to English speaking TV in 2009. 13/11/2008

A Spa Day Out

If you are looking for a day of relaxation for all the family then we do recommend visiting the Spa - Balneario de Archena. Situated in an ancient spa town it is just under an hours drive from Los Alcazares and is a real alternative to the beach and it is open all year round late into the evening.

The spa has hot and cold plunge pools, a large warm natural water swimming pool, a lazy river and a number of jacuzzi and jacuzzi beds. There is a separate pool area for small children and in the summer there is also a large outdoor pool. The pools have fantastic views of the Ricote Valley, you really feel like you are in another world.

We visited in March when the weather was clear but cool and it was lovely to wallow in the lazy river which flows outside for a short period of time. The price is very reasonable, and a fixed price for the first 3 hours - which is probably the maximum time you can spend in there without turning into a prune. You will need to either take or buy a bathing cap to wear while you are in the spa area, we would also recommend taking flip flops and a towelling robe. Towels are also not provided. The changing facilities are excellent, clean and plentiful.

Afterwards you can stroll through the grounds and have a snack in the tranquil gardens at the café and watch people strolling past you in their robes - off for their next health treatment.

For more information visit their website or ask us for directions when you arrive at the apartment.

Apartment Updates

We value comments made by our guests and always aim to provide the best facilities for your holiday. Recently some of our guests suggested that mirrors would be appreciated in two of the bedrooms and we are pleased to announce that a short break between rentals allowed us to install these mirrors. We have also installed a clock in the living room, again a suggestion from our guests.

With safety in mind we will be shortly removing glasses from the property and replacing them with a brand new type of 'glass'. These glasses will be unbreakable on tiled floors, reducing the hazard of glass shards on the floor. They are much tougher than the standard acrylic glasses widely available - they are a produced by a brand new manufacturing process in New Zealand. If anyone would like to see further details visit the website.

First Water Park Opens in Murcia

Aqua Natura, the first water park in Murcia, is now open.

The park, which is part of the zoo Terra Natura, is 30,000m2 and is split into three different areas:

• One with slides (10 slides which includes the Kamikaze ride)



• The "lazy river" where you can relax and let the water take you along. This area includes a solarium where you can rent sunbeds.



• The swimming pool (separate children's pool).

There is a reception area with a self-service restaurant and picnic areas.

It is located Espinardo, Murcia right next to the University Campus. Take Salida 136 off the A-30 Cartagena to Murcia road and the park is well signposted (Terra Natura).

There is a website, although the Aqua Natura Murcia page and the English translation of the site is still under development at the time of typing!

http://www.terranatura.com/Inicio/Index.aspx

Supermarket Re-vamp

As guests who have previously stayed in our apartment will know, the Mercadona supermarket is only a few minutes stroll away from the development. For value and choice it is undoubtedly the best supermarket in the area - and now it is set to be even better!

For the past five weeks the supermarket has been closed and is being completely refurbished. It is due to open again at the end of the month - perfect timing for the Spring and Summer season. An integral part of the supermarket is 'Cafe Parking'. Adjoining the supermarket it is the ideal location to grab some refreshment before or after you've completed your shopping....it certainly reinforces the idea that although you may be shopping, you are still on holiday!