Life During COVID-19
Linda Jarvis • May 22, 2020
My Thoughts
It has been a hard slog for everybody this horrible COVID 19. In Spain the lockdown measures were extreme but I think we have benefited here in the long run and it seems to be working.
Our area 'Terres de l'Ebre' are now in phase 2 of the de escalation plan and I have to say it feels almost like normal, bars/restaurants, hair salons etc are all open and have been for a few weeks and so far we are still doing fine of course maintaining social distancing. It is compulsory to wear masks in public places if it is not possible to be 2m apart which I have to say in this heat (35 degrees) it is no mean feat!
I think we have been extremely lucky because we have the bonus of living in the countryside and any towns or villages with less than 5.000 people have been allowed by the government to have a bit more freedom, more than other areas like Madrid and Barcelona who where hit the hardest due to the areas of dense population.
I did not realise how much I would miss just sitting outside the local bar with a cold drink watching the world go by, or taking a nice walk to the river through the grapevines because for seven weeks we were not even allowed any form of exercise, unlike the uk for example. Seeing the farmers harvesting the fruit, it's cherry and apricot time here at the moment, even the sound of the tractors is music to my ears, locals chatting outside the shop, laughter as people meet with friends at the bars and soon at the beaches and local restaurants, all of which only a few weeks ago seemed like it would never happen.
I suppose I am saying that it is the small things that matter and if I have learnt anything from this horrible virus it's not to take anything for granted. We did not like been told what to do, having choices taken away from us, not able to give hugs or kisses to our loved ones, the Spanish struggle with this as even strangers get a kiss on each cheek, ha ha, and yes we have moaned about the draconian measures the government put in place but for me it had to be done for us to get to the place we are at now and long may it countinue.
Hopefully you will be able to share this beautiful area with us soon and believe me we do appreciate how lucky we are to live here.
Be positive, stay safe and respect each others space.
Spain is host to the largest number of British citizens living in the EU (308,805) and just over a third (101,045) are aged 65 and over, according to the Office for National Statistics. Over 17 million Brits come to Spain every year and many of them live here or retire here and Spain want to keep it that way as much as possible. Expats will be allowed to continue living in Spain even if Britain leaves the European Union without striking a withdrawal deal. It is most unlikely that Spain will single UK citizens out for especially unfriendly treatment not least of all because of the number of Spaniards living in the UK that would be vulnerable to reciprocal unfriendliness. The fact is that, despite Brexit, it is in everyone’s interests to cooperate. The Swiss, Norwegians, Americans and citizens of many countries outside the EU, have all been buying property in Spain without problems of any kind for years. It will be just the same for Brits post Brexit but probably easier. British ex-pats who live in Spain and tourists who visit every year will be covered in terms of healthcare after Brexit, thanks to the new Healthcare (international Arrangements) Bill going through parliament. As the UK is still a member of the European Union, British citizens can currently receive free healthcare anywhere in Europe with their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) . There were doubts, however, whether this would still be the case after Brexit, but it has now been confirmed that there will be no change in Brits’ health status . The simple fact is that Spain is such a wonderful place to have a holiday home in and retire to that people will just put up with almost anything to be here: perfect climate, friendly host culture (democracy within the EU), first class communications, beautiful scenery beaches and mountains, great food, buzzing night life, fascinating history and culture and so on. Nowhere else gets close. Why should we let politics ruin our dreams of a better life!
The calçot, is a cross between a spring onion and leek, is by and large one of the most beloved products of the Catalan region in Spain. Native of Valls, Tarragona (about 100 kilometers southwest of Barcelona), they say a Catalan farmer supposedly began growing them over a century ago. Sweet, tender and absolutely delicious when dipped in romesco sauce. The Calçotada Roughly between the months of December and March, when the calçot is in season, locals enjoy the calçotada . A calçotada is a winter barbecue where the calçots are packed tight on a grill, charred and then dipped in that rich and nutty romesco sauce (be sure to remove the charred layer first!). But the feast doesn’t end there! After piles upon piles of calçots come all types of grilled meats, which pair perfectly with romesco sauce as well and of course plenty of vino! This is a great time to get together with family and friends and just enjoy this great winter tradition. We do this 2 or 3 times during the winter months. So tie a bib around your neck and go to town with the calçots. They only come once a year, after all!
This Sunday 24th September is the local artesan festival in Ginestar (fira raure) it is well worth a visit. You will find plenty going on, wine tasting, basket weaving, local pottery and ceramics, traditional cakes and pastries, food stalls, selection of local olive oils, etc etc the list is endless. I have to say this is one of my favourite festivals in the village, the atmosphere is great, so relaxing and enjoyable. We always start off with a nice breakfast at one of the local bars, of course this includes a glass of the local vino! Then we take a stroll around the village stocking up on the important things like wine and olive oil and even though we've had breakfast it would be a crime not to snack on the local delicacies, don't you think! The local farmers bar 'Bar Sindicat' has a 3 course menu del dia for 18 euros this includes wine, so will probably give this a go, why not, and then a much needed siesta and back in the afternoon for more of the same.
I love this time of year in Spain when it is not quite winter and not quite spring. The blossom on the trees lifts your spirits. Not only Almond blossom but Cherry, Plums and then Peaches and Apricots also. The lands are just a sea of white and pink flowers, beautiful! Soon the villages will be a hive of activity as harvest time starts. Farmers with tractors and trailers carrying boxes of fruits carefully packed ready to send to the markets. They deserve that cold 'Cerveza' at the end of the day I think.
N.I.E. is an abbreviation for Número de Identidad de Extranjero, which translates as Identification Number for Foreigners, or Foreigners’ Identification Number if you prefer. If you are buying property in Spain, then you need to have an NIE number in time to sign the deeds of purchase, known in Spanish as the escritura . This is signed before a notary. You also need an NIE number to open a Spanish bank account and to purchase most things including cars. Getting your NIE number in time for purchasing your property means applying at least 1 month before hand if you are applying in Spain, and at least 2 months before hand if you are applying via a consulate abroad. The actual time it takes depends upon where you apply, and the time of the year. You might be able to get an NIE number in person in Spain in a couple of days, but it could also take weeks, so best allow yourself plenty of time. There are three ways to apply for a Spanish NIE number: 1. Apply in person in Spain. 2. Apply in person via a Spanish Consulate in your home country. 3. Apply through a representative in Spain. (We can help with this). 1. Applying for NIE number in person in Spain Applying in person for an NIE number whilst in Spain is a relatively straight forward procedure. You will need an appointment at the local 'Comisaria de Policia' in this area that would be in Reus or Tortosa. We would recommend that you use a local Spanish solicitor for this as they can do everything for you and most of them speak English. The process is as follows: Prepare the necessary documentation: Your passport and copy Two copies of the EX-15 NIE application form filled in. You can download this at www.exteriores.gob.es Fee approx 9-13 euros depending on the police station. 2. Applying in person via a Spanish Consulate in your home country Take the same documentation as above in person to your nearest Spanish Consulate. Depending on your area this can take from 2 weeks to 2 months. 3. Authorise a third party to obtain you NIE number on your behalf The Spanish Government now permits foreigners to authorise a third party to obtain an NIE number on their behalf. Once authorised they take care of the whole process for you. As mentioned we would recommend that you use a local Spanish solicitor for this as they can do everything for you and most of them speak English. You would have to give them power of attorney in Spanish 'Poders'. It is not a difficult process but it does take time. We recommend that if you are serious about buying in Spain that you prepare the NIE number beforehand it saves a lot of time. Please remember that we will help with the whole process when purchasing a property through us.
We have finally decided to take the plunge and add a blog to our site. We always wanted an easy way to share information with visitors and we are super excited to start this journey. Keep coming back to our site and check for updates about the area, property market, system for purchasing here in Spain and much more. All right here on the blog.
Sunshine: Let’s face it, a plentiful supply of sunshine is always more appealing than endless days of rain and Spain, by and large, receives a bountiful supply of those golden rays throughout the year. Natural Beauty : In the country with the second most UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in the world, you can find it all: lakes, mountains, volcanoes, marshes, forests, valleys, cliffs, beautiful coastlines and much much more. The diversity of Spain's landscapes will never cease to amaze you. Outdoor Activities : Sunshine and warmth – perfect ingredients for enjoying the Great Outdoors, whatever your interests: sailing, cycling, hiking, golf, painting, or simply paddling around at the beach. Cost of Living: Spain has become noticeably more expensive, especially since the introduction of the euro in 2002. Nevertheless, prices for food, alcohol, petrol and property – to name just a few items – still compare favourably to many other parts of Western Europe. Pace of Life : Spain is renowned for its siestas and mañana approach to life. And while the pace may be picking up in the cities in particular, generally the Spanish follow a more relaxed approach to the clock. Great if you have time to go with the flow! Food and Drink : Spain may not be a renowned gourmet centre like France or Italy, but it has more to offer than just paella and tortilla too (although both are delicious). And as you would expect from a country of such size, there is a great variety of styles between the different regions . Family Life : Spanish families tend to be close knit, with plenty of contact across the generations. Indeed, it remains common for families spanning three or four generations to sit down to lunch together each day. They are also children oriented, with kids the centre of attention wherever they go, for doting family members and strangers alike (which is great if you happen to have some yourself) . Cultural Riches : Spain has a wealth of history and culture from the magnificent art galleries of Madrid and Barcelona to architectural jewels such as the Alhambra in Granada, the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and Bilbão’s Guggenheim museum. . Fiestas : Fiestas are a central feature of Spanish life. Each village, town and city has its own monthly schedule of saints’ days and feast days too, which can be just as entertaining and intoxicating (in every sense). And because they have specific significance to the local community they are likely to be more meaningful and entertaining for you as well. Health Care : Spain’s health care system was rated seventh in the world by the World Health Organization when it compiled a report on the subject back in 2000 (World Health Report 2000 – Health Systems: Improving Performance) its reputation is deserved: the staff are well-trained, facilities are modern, well-equipped and clean, and treatment waiting lists are short.