Former Huddersfield gymnast and pub landlord Brian Hayhurst and his wife Elaine are ex-pats who have lived just outside Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol for 20 years. He writes every fortnight for Huddersfield Hub.
As the summer season draws to a close here, the hospitality sector, hotels and leisure activities can be well pleased with financial rewards which many are saying is level or better than before the pandemic, which was a terrible time whilst trying to keep their heads above water.
Traders will have to wait and see if the price hikes for food, fuel and travel worldwide will affect future tourism in Spain.
A ‘Which’ report has said that flight prices for the upcoming half-term holidays are 42% higher than before the pandemic hit in 2020. Tenerife will see the biggest ticket price rise. But most outlets on the Costa del Sol are still currently enjoying some good trading days.
The German community, along with hundreds of others have had much fun during their Oktober Fest parties.
And nearby Fuengirola has just concluded its annual historic feria, which was opened by popular singer Fran Terren. This culturally charged event was enjoyed by thousands with parades, folklore and traditional, flamboyant dresses. In honour of Vergen de Rosario, the festival ended with a spectacular multicultural religious parade and a massive firework display.
Almost weekly at the moment there are some splendid charity fund raiser events held at some tasty restaurants up and down the Costa.
Lions International, Rotary and numerous organisations are offering this typical – sumptuous three-course meal with wine, beer and entertainment by local leading acts, eg cost €40 (£30).
Thousands of euros are raised tirelessly by voluntary workers and officials using raffle prizes given generously by businesses or individuals.
One raffle prize which caught my eye last week was two tickets to see Man United, in a VIP box with pre-match meal included! All money raised is handed on to needy causes including animal rescue centres.
Marbella seems to be flourishing despite the absence of a number of exceedingly wealthy Russian Oligarchs. One such person – Demitri Pumyansky – may not be returning after his 72-metre long super yacht Axioma was auctioned by Gibraltar authorities for $37.5 million when he defaulted on a $22 million loan, caused by bank closures etc.
Ordered by Supreme Court, the money it said must be held in a secure account. It is hoped, (although unlikely) that the money might be used eventually to benefit Ukraine.
The irksome issue of UK driving licences is still on-going after almost a year, leaving hundreds of people with classic, cherished/essential vehicles off the road.
Residents who, for some reason, did not swap their UK licence after several reminders for a Spanish one, are not allowed to drive on the roads here, and big fines are being issued if nabbed by police. Frustratingly, holidaymakers using hired cars can drive without fear of fines.
Negotiations have been at embassy level for months now. Meanwhile the cars must remain garaged or off-road. There are rumours that Spain is trying to negotiate some form of agreement deal with Gibraltar – peninsular that Spain would like back!
With extortionist electricity costs here, as with all of Europe, a friend of ours decided to expertly install solar panels on one of his pergolas in the garden, taking advantage of hours of daily sunshine.
This ingenious, and unseen project, is now producing enough energy for a steadily increasing list of his appliances – for free – and there are more panels planned for the garage roof.
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