Prices in Spain have hit rock bottom! (see some of the links belows) Condos, villas and homes are about 60%+ off their highs and the time to buy is now! The dollar is the strongest it has been in almost 10 years....and buying into a depressed market is a win-win situation for all! This week I have been inundated with emails from various estate agents in Spain because the Euro is very low against the British pound and the US dollar. I could not resist sharing some of the properties I saw on-line. It almost doesn't pay to rent - and rents are pretty low!
(You may have to click the "back" button on some of the links to come back to the blog and view the remaining properties!)
I was able to find 2 bedroom condos, in golf communities with prices at 51,000Euros (about $58,000USD based on today's exchange rate)...that's a 2 bedroom condo, golf course community, never lived in, bank owned with an asking price of about $58,000! The common charges are low, the taxes are low and the weather is dry and warm. Check out the photos:
http://www.chersun.com/SearchPropertyDetails.aspx?propid=36571_1762148&propertyNum=1&SearchData=v7|10|2|100000|50000|99999998|0|0|3|3|1|1|1|All||2|11|0|2|1||2||||285|0:2147483647:0|0|1|1|66::&propertyNumOnPage=1
Want a furnished 2 bedroom, 2 bath unit in a golf course community? Asking 85,000Euros (about $97,000 based on today's exchange rate). Look this one over:
http://www.chersun.com/SearchPropertyDetails.aspx?propid=36571_3156324&propertyNum=21&SearchData=v7|10|2|100000|50000|100000|0|0|3|3|1|1|1|All||2|11|0|2|1||2||||285|0:2147483647:0|2603|1|1|66::&propertyNumOnPage=1
Maybe you prefer a furnished 2bedroom-2bath independent villa, in a golf course community with a 5 star hotel and spa, a very short drive to beach, and 15 minutes to San Javier airport...it's right here:
http://www.chersun.com/SearchPropertyDetails.aspx?propid=36571_3447564&propertyNum=10&SearchData=v7|10|2|100000|100000|200000|0|0|3|3|1|1|1|All||2|11|0|2|1||2||||285|0:2147483647:0|2602|1|1|66::&propertyNumOnPage=10
Think a brand new beachfront condo is out of reach? Listed at 159,000Euros (about $180,000 based on today's exchange rate) this 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo is move in ready! Click the link and make dreaming a reality!
http://www.chersun.com/SearchPropertyDetails.aspx?propid=36571_3613727&propertyNum=143&SearchData=v7|10|2|100000|100000|200000|0|0|3|3|1|1|1|All||2|11|0|2|1||2||||285|0:2147483647:0|2603|1|1|66::&propertyNumOnPage=3
If you want to do a search specific to your needs, just click on this estate agent's website (below); it's in English and easy to use. It even has a currency converter so you can see how incredibly affordable and possible it is to own your little piece of Spain! We met with this agency during last year's visit; it is a family run business - very professional and personable. Hopefully, you'll make a visit and meet them as well! Take a break from the cold weather, put your feet up, grab a glass of rioja wine and have a look at what the future could hold for you! Here's your first step:
http://www.chersun.com/
Adios!
Fifi
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Saturday, January 24, 2015
My ABC's of SPAIN
A - Affordable
B - Beautiful
C - Choices
Spain's coastline offers rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, warm Mediterranean waters and the cool Atlantic on its northern shore. There is truly something for everyone in Spain: like to surf? The north shore will welcome you with waves. Looking for sandy beaches perfect for bronzing? The Mediterranean coast will basque you in sunshine. Are you into long walks or hiking? There are mountains and forests that cover every Spanish region. History and culture? Roman ruins, World Heritage sites, historical landmarks and museums are everywhere. Sports? Wide open water for pleasure cruising, smooth sailing or racing regattas. There are golf courses galore. Tennis and cycling superstar champions have made a name for Spain and soccer, well, that is national pastime like no other! Do you prefer to sample incredible wines? Spanish vineyards have produced some of the finest (under rated & under priced) wines we have ever tasted. Needless to say, with wine goes a great meal and Spain can do some bragging here: as of 2013 Spain had 171 Michelin star restaurants - eight of which boast 3 Michelin stars!
We have traveled to Spain numerous times. Once we drove from our villa rental in the Algarve (Portugal) back in the 1980s and stayed in beautiful Seville. Maybe a decade or two later by cruise ship we stopped along the southern coast visiting several port cities and towns. Most recently, in a scenic drive from France we stopped along the way at Barcelona, Valencia and Murcia. In a previous visit to Barcelona, we were there either pre- or post-cruise, we decided to take the train to PortAventura theme park. What fun we had. Visiting Valencia, as I've written before, is a real taste of Spanish living. Santiago Calatrava, noted Spanish architect, designed an art and sciences museum park that is well worth the visit if not just for the content but for the design. (He also designed the World Trade Center PATH train station; it's futuristic - it's beautiful.) Lesser known area of Murcia, the Mar Menor and LaManga combine to create a perfect sun and sand escape for holiday. Where many know Madrid and Barcelona, some may have heard of Valencia and only a few know of Murcia. Lifestyles of the rich and famous focus on Marbella and the party crowd flock to Ibiza but there is so much more to Spain that has yet to be explored!
So, as one can see, Spain is the hidden gem of Europe. Currently the dollar is very strong against the euro - finally - after a 10 year hiatus....now's the time enjoy exceptional travel opportunities in affordable, incredible Spain!
Below is another blog post with a sample vacation package to Spain...take a look!
Click onto my travel website and look for the GLOBUS VACATIONS link to explore some of the travel packages to Spain or elsewhere! Go have some fun - start planning your next holiday today!
Adios amigas y amigos!
www.VirtualGlobalTravel.com
B - Beautiful
C - Choices
Spain's coastline offers rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, warm Mediterranean waters and the cool Atlantic on its northern shore. There is truly something for everyone in Spain: like to surf? The north shore will welcome you with waves. Looking for sandy beaches perfect for bronzing? The Mediterranean coast will basque you in sunshine. Are you into long walks or hiking? There are mountains and forests that cover every Spanish region. History and culture? Roman ruins, World Heritage sites, historical landmarks and museums are everywhere. Sports? Wide open water for pleasure cruising, smooth sailing or racing regattas. There are golf courses galore. Tennis and cycling superstar champions have made a name for Spain and soccer, well, that is national pastime like no other! Do you prefer to sample incredible wines? Spanish vineyards have produced some of the finest (under rated & under priced) wines we have ever tasted. Needless to say, with wine goes a great meal and Spain can do some bragging here: as of 2013 Spain had 171 Michelin star restaurants - eight of which boast 3 Michelin stars!
We have traveled to Spain numerous times. Once we drove from our villa rental in the Algarve (Portugal) back in the 1980s and stayed in beautiful Seville. Maybe a decade or two later by cruise ship we stopped along the southern coast visiting several port cities and towns. Most recently, in a scenic drive from France we stopped along the way at Barcelona, Valencia and Murcia. In a previous visit to Barcelona, we were there either pre- or post-cruise, we decided to take the train to PortAventura theme park. What fun we had. Visiting Valencia, as I've written before, is a real taste of Spanish living. Santiago Calatrava, noted Spanish architect, designed an art and sciences museum park that is well worth the visit if not just for the content but for the design. (He also designed the World Trade Center PATH train station; it's futuristic - it's beautiful.) Lesser known area of Murcia, the Mar Menor and LaManga combine to create a perfect sun and sand escape for holiday. Where many know Madrid and Barcelona, some may have heard of Valencia and only a few know of Murcia. Lifestyles of the rich and famous focus on Marbella and the party crowd flock to Ibiza but there is so much more to Spain that has yet to be explored!
So, as one can see, Spain is the hidden gem of Europe. Currently the dollar is very strong against the euro - finally - after a 10 year hiatus....now's the time enjoy exceptional travel opportunities in affordable, incredible Spain!
Below is another blog post with a sample vacation package to Spain...take a look!
Click onto my travel website and look for the GLOBUS VACATIONS link to explore some of the travel packages to Spain or elsewhere! Go have some fun - start planning your next holiday today!
Adios amigas y amigos!
www.VirtualGlobalTravel.com
Sample Travel Package to Spain!
JUST FOR FUN, I priced a sample vacation package to Spain for 2 people.
The price per person is UNDER $2000.00 and includes all air transportation and 7 nights hotel plus travel insurance, taxes and fees!
Depart from NYC non-stop to Madrid for 5 days of exploring on your own, at your own pace. Stay at the centrally located 4 star Petit Palace Lealtad Hotel. Then, hop a flight down to Alicante and the sun kissed sands on the Mediterrean. Spend another 3 nights at the 4 star beachfront Melia Alicante Hotel sampling sangria and tapas from the many restaurants that line the promenade. This sample vacation package covers it all: history, culture, food, sun and fun!
Thank you for taking the time to price a Funjet Vacations getaway, where you'll Do Something You'll Never Forget. This sample itinerary was selected by Camille Albarelle from VIRTUAL GLOBAL TRAVEL (member of the KHM TRAVEL GROUP). All prices listed may be subject to change until payment is received.
Consider upgrading your room for the best vacation experience!
Please review the Terms and Conditions.
| Flights - departing 25SEP15 and Returning 03OCT15 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| First Leg Friday, September 25, 2015 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additional baggage charges may apply | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Second Leg Wednesday, September 30, 2015 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additional baggage charges may apply | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Third Leg Saturday, October 3, 2015 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additional baggage charges may apply | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| † indicates codeshare flight | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Destination 1 - Madrid (MAD) |
| Hotel - check in 26SEP15 and check out 30SEP15 | |
| Petit Palace Lealtad PlazaRoom 1 - 2 Adults Room Type - Run Of House Room Assigned On Arrival | Hotel Rating 4.0  |
| Add-ons - for 25SEP15 to 03OCT15 |
| Dream Vacation Care Date - Saturday, September 26, 2015 Price - Included with hotel |
| Destination 2 - Alicante (ALC) |
| Hotel - check in 30SEP15 and check out 03OCT15 | |
| Melia Alicante - Location: Beach Room 1 - 2 AdultsRoom Type - Double Room - With Breakfast | Not Rated |
| Add-ons - for 25SEP15 to 03OCT15 |
| Dream Vacation Care Date - Wednesday, September 30, 2015 Price - Included with hotel |
| Add-ons - for 25SEP15 to 03OCT15 |
| Europe Travel Protection Plan - click for benefits Date - Saturday, September 26, 2015 Price - 2 Adults $69.99 ea. |
| Summary |
| Flights, Hotel & Add-ons Package (includes Taxes and Carrier Imposed Fees) | $3,826.96 |
| Adult Base Price(2) | $1,913.48 |
| Europe Travel Protection Plan - click for benefits | $139.98 |
| Optional Components | $139.98 |
| Total Price | $3,966.94 |
| Price per person | $1,983.47 |
Total price including taxes and fees*
Friday, January 16, 2015
VGL Cookbook - Shrimp Asopao
This recipe easily feeds 6-8 people and is a one pot meal - even more attractive!
Be sure to have the all the ingredients before you start - like the Sofrito! (enter sofrito under "Search My Blog" to get the recipe!)
18-24 shrimp (no tails, cleaned. I used frozen shrimp from our fish market, defrosted)
(lightly season shrimp with a little salt and pepper)
(use 5-6 of the shrimp and cut into small pieces to use in step #1)
Have a pot of water simmering with 2+ quarts of water
Step # 1
*1/2 Green Pepper - diced into small bits
*1 onion - diced into small bits
*3 good sized garlic cloves (minced; I used a garlic press)
*3 Tablespoons (approx) of olive oil
*1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
*1 heaping Tablespoon of chopped parsley (I buy a bunch, chop it and freeze it; makes life easy)
* the cut up shrimp (goes in last, after onions have cooked down)
In your stock pot, add the oil and the green pepper, onion, minced garlic, pepper and parsely.
Under low heat toss frequently to prevent burning; when onions are translucent, add the chopped shrimp. Cook a minute or two or three...
NOW:
Step # 2
**15 oz can tomato sauce
**2 1/2 cups uncooked rice
**2+ quarts of water in a separate pot, simmering (you'll use this in rations)
**15 oz can of seafood stock
**1 heaping Tablespoon of salt
**4 oz jar of diced pimientos
**1/3 - 1/2 cup frozen peas
**2 cubes of sofrito (frozen or defrosted)
** 1 heaping Tablespoon of capers (try not to use any of the liquid)
**Remaining whole shrimp (they go in at the end when the rice is just about cooked)
To the green pepper & onion mixture add the tomato sauce, stir well, add the rice and stir.
Add 2 quarts of warm water (I dipped my Pyrex measuring cup into the warm water)
Add the salt, the pimientos, frozen peas, capers and the sofrito (I dropped my in frozen)
Keep stirring and stirring - rice will want to settle down and possibly stick. Keep it movin'!
About 10 minutes into the cooking, stir in the seafood stock. Taste it...it should smell very good and taste like it's going to be a great meal!
Now the rice has been cooking about 20 minutes - add the rest of the shrimp and cook another 5-8 minutes or so until the rice is tender and looks like it has doubled in size and shrimp are cooked.
Serve in large bowls and enjoy! Oh-my-goodness -or- Ay Dios mio!
Saturday, January 10, 2015
VGL Cookbook: Sweet Potato Hash Browns
I always associate sweet potatoes and/or yams with Thanksgiving. It was a vegetable that we ate sliced, sprinkled with a light brown sugar, topped with butter and baked to sweet perfection. But that was it. I've had sweet potato fries, but that is about as different a variation as it has been....until now.
Watching an episode of "Chopped", one of the ingredients was a sweet potato. Contestants were school chefs/cooks and had to prepare meals that kids would like but were good for them. One chef made a sweet potato hash brown (but hers came out like a little cake). I made a mental note that I still had a sweet potato left over from New Year's turkey dinner.
A few days later, looking to make a different side dish, I remembered the sweet potato! (They stay very well)
I grabbed the shredder and began....
1 medium sized sweet potato - grated (I used the old style box grater)
1 small onion - chopped (small bits)
1/4 + teaspoon salt
1/4 + teaspoon pepper
2 Tablespoons olive oil
2 Tablespoons butter
First, peel the sweet potato
Then grate it
Now, in a large frying pan, add oil and butter, low heat to melt butter
Salt and pepper the shredded potato and toss about to season throughout
Sprinkle the seasoned shredded sweet potato into the frying pan and cook 5-10 minutes
Let it get a little golden brown on the bottom and then, with a spatula, toss/turn over and keep
moving the hash browns until tender and slightly browned.
The sweetness of the potato, the flavor of the onion mixed with the salt and pepper made this quite the
surprise side dish that evening. In fact, the review was so good, the request was: "please, make it again"!
It was so simple to make - so colorful on the plate - so delicious to eat! Try It!
PS - That evening's meal was chicken cutlet (pounded down) with a slice of prosciutto and topped with shredded Manchego cheese, rolled up, secured with toothpicks (2) and sauteed in olive oil and butter until light golden brown. Then I added a cup of chicken broth, covered it and let simmer for 5 minutes. Meanwhile the green beans were cooked with a sliced clove of garlic and served with a basil flavored olive oil! Mmmmm
Watching an episode of "Chopped", one of the ingredients was a sweet potato. Contestants were school chefs/cooks and had to prepare meals that kids would like but were good for them. One chef made a sweet potato hash brown (but hers came out like a little cake). I made a mental note that I still had a sweet potato left over from New Year's turkey dinner.
A few days later, looking to make a different side dish, I remembered the sweet potato! (They stay very well)
I grabbed the shredder and began....
1 medium sized sweet potato - grated (I used the old style box grater)
1 small onion - chopped (small bits)
1/4 + teaspoon salt
1/4 + teaspoon pepper
2 Tablespoons olive oil
2 Tablespoons butter
First, peel the sweet potato
Then grate it
Now, in a large frying pan, add oil and butter, low heat to melt butter
Salt and pepper the shredded potato and toss about to season throughout
Sprinkle the seasoned shredded sweet potato into the frying pan and cook 5-10 minutes
Let it get a little golden brown on the bottom and then, with a spatula, toss/turn over and keep
moving the hash browns until tender and slightly browned.
The sweetness of the potato, the flavor of the onion mixed with the salt and pepper made this quite the
surprise side dish that evening. In fact, the review was so good, the request was: "please, make it again"!
It was so simple to make - so colorful on the plate - so delicious to eat! Try It!
PS - That evening's meal was chicken cutlet (pounded down) with a slice of prosciutto and topped with shredded Manchego cheese, rolled up, secured with toothpicks (2) and sauteed in olive oil and butter until light golden brown. Then I added a cup of chicken broth, covered it and let simmer for 5 minutes. Meanwhile the green beans were cooked with a sliced clove of garlic and served with a basil flavored olive oil! Mmmmm
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