Wow. What more can I say? The festival was super cool, well organised and had some outstanding artists. The most important figures in the world of jazz, blues and bossa nova had an appointment at the XI San Javier International Jazz Festival - well that’s what the website (www.jazzsanjavier.com) said anyway. Read more…

My alarms at the gallery have been going off rather frequently of late. Maybe it’s the heat, I’m not sure, but I now know the Altea police force on a first name basis, and it is rather reassuring to have them at your door within minutes. Oh I do love a man in uniform! Read more…

In my part of the world, if you see a man walking towards you chanting loudly, you don’t have to panic. He is not an escapee, he is just a lottery ticket seller. There are no betting shops here, so the lotteries (note plural) are big business. Around 157 million euros is bet every week on various draws. Read more…

Looking at this photo you could be forgiven for thinking it was taken in the Caribbean: all that dazzling white and turquoisey-blue, and the water so clear that you can see your toenails need repainting. Then you look back across the fine soft sands and see that the trees are pine, not palm. Then you stick your big toe in the water - and scream. Read more…

After the full-time whistle blew and spectators began to dissect the final moments of yet another re-match while on their way home, I can honestly say that I am a convert to this yearly sport. This annual get together of colour, spectacle, heart-pounding drums, and raucous music has just come to an end in Guardamar Del Segura - about ten minutes drive from Torrevieja, my adopted home. Read more…

Scuba diving on the Costa Cálida is inexpensive, fun and accessible for all. Whether you’re a qualified diver or an enthusiastic snorkeller, the area has some really great dive sites; everything from wrecks to rocks and reefs. You can also dive all year round here, although the water can be a little bit chilly from December to March! Read more…

‘Oh dear. This passport’s had its chips.’ The nice Gatwick airport official who’s examining my dog-eared and disintegrating passport is clicking her teeth. ‘Use it a lot?’ … ‘All the time.’ My voice cracks with desperation. ‘The magnetic strip’s torn. Get it renewed as soon as you’re back in Mallorca.’ I’ve been shunted into my own space away from the dutiful flocks of passengers whose passports are all, it seems, in fine working order. Read more…

I read in a recent survey that of all of the marvellous technology such as DVDs, MP3s, computers, etc., the one that the Spanish find most useful is the good old mobile phone. They have been around in some form or another for over 20 years. But now, as they are so cheap and easy to carry around, everyone has one. Read more…

A full symphony orchestra in full flight is a thoroughly rousing experience. When that is combined with a programme that offers contrasting style and form, the result is usually a treat. When the whole is also delivered with the enthusiasm of a youth orchestra, then joy also enters the equation. Read more…

Getting on for two decades ago, I stepped off a plane in the fantastically-atmospheric, fantastically-wet city of Santiago de Compostela. I’d come to take up an English teaching post at a language academy. I knew nothing about Spain, even less about Galicia. Having returned to the UK, after several years spent working and living in Thailand, Japan and the US, I fancied spending some time closer to home. Spain seemed like a good idea. I’d be lying if I said I had a good time. Read more…