We now have a lovely pool for our guests to lounge by when they are not out enjoying the local area. Completed in May, there are comfortable loungers from which one can enjoy views of the surrounding valley and mountains.

Here are a couple of photos:

Come and enjoy a swim in the cool pool or enjoy a swim down in the Genal River. It has already been prepared for summer.

The swimming hole in the River Genal in Juzcar is in an area covered with poplar trees with a snack stand that has very refreshing cold beers. The water is crisp and refreshing as well. While one needs to drive down to the river spot (one could walk down but then one would need to walk back!), it is well worth it as it is quite peaceful and tranquil, especially during the week when there is practically no one there. One can spend the entire day reading, napping, eating>, and, of course, swimming.

There are also the ruins of the oldest factory in Spain just a short meander up a track from the snack stand. So one may even enjoy a wee bit of history while taking in the pleasures of nature in this secluded little spot.

Yet another reason to come to the Genal Valley... fabulous food at the Hotel Bandolero, cool swimming opportunities, rest and relaxation... what more does one need to disconnect from one's heavy daily routine?

21 June 2007

Since early May, we had the wedding cake for 350 persons to prepare. We got that done and dusted and the cake was loved by one and all, including the servers at the wedding or so we were told. It was a strawberry mousse with white chocolate and fresh strawberries. Ivan made a five level cake with a decoration on the top and then three large sheets of cake. We had to deliver it the restaurant where the wedding reception was held, about 12 KM from Hotel Bandolero. The whole village plus some attended the wedding. We were unable to attend because we had the Ronda Feria event to attend.

That was on the same day, Saturday 19 May. Iván and I were once again invited to participate in a restaurant culinary demonstration at the feria. Iván decided to do something related to sweets. Our (and I say 'our' because my name was posted on the poster as well although all I did was stand around and clean while Ivan did the demo) time was 8PM that evening, a prime time slot. Iván prepared strawberry ravioli filled with sweet lemon mascarpone cream, strawberry and cava soup and a praline tart. This was indeed a hit.

As May is a big month for first communions, we received orders for three big cakes for people in the neighboring village of Faraján. Again all was well.

Then there was the election on 27 May. It was finally determined that I could definitely not vote as I am not from a European member country (which did not surprise me at all). Anyway, the campaigning finally got into full swing in Júzcar three weeks before election day when posters of the various candidates went up around the village. The candidates themselves went around under the cover of night (or so it seemed) to install thee posters, whether it be sticking them onto a wall, trash bins, houses or hanging them across a road. The PSOE candidates had an event which included some food and drinks but also gave a presentation on what their platform is... an impressive event as something like that had never ever been held before in Júzcar. We were all very pleased to see this as it was a very positive thing for all.

The PP candidates (the conservatives) also had an event, a meal for the whole village, gratis. Ivan and I were not sure if this would really win votes for them, basically saying that they should be elected because they provided some free food. There was no presentation of their platform. Not knowing the people of the village all that well, we were not sure if that would win a vote. Later we were told by our neighbours that it would indeed not win votes but.... hey, free food is free food so the entire village turned up, and why not? A party is a party after all.

The swimming pool installed by our neighbour Paul was completed and filled in with water in May as well. Iván was the first one in the pool; it´s a very nice pool, a modest size but adequate for the need. Again here I say 'our' because Paul has very generously allowed us to send out clients to his pool as we do not actually have our own pool... yet. He is also allowing us to use the pool ourselves and we have. Paul also invited us to participate in his purchase of outdoor furniture for our terraces as he was getting such a great deal on his. Some of that has already arrived and has made a big improvement of the appearance of our room terraces. Once I have the remaining new furniture in place, I must get some updated photos on our website.

Website news as well.... I've now bought the Spanish domain of our website, www.hotelbandolero.es . I have converted the http://www.hotelbandolero.com/ website into an English language homepage and the hotelbandolero.es page is now the Spanish language homepage. This was all done to improve our search results in Google and other search engines. The .es domain only cost 2 Euros for the whole year, quite a good deal.

Business has slowed right down now which was not unexpected. I think for the whole month of June, we've had a whole of four room bookings.... maybe, and passing trade for food has dropped right off as well. July does not look much better either... this even with that pool on the website for about 4 weeks now. I was hoping that a pool would improve booking queries but that has not really happened thus far. Makes me wonder whether it would be folly for us to bother spending any cash on a pool of our own... especially when the one next door is so nice.

I am actually now in NYC visiting with my Mom. The day I left, David Fernandez, the new Júzcar mayor, asked Ivan to prepare food for 200 people at the Juzcar annual Romeria on 30 June. I won't be there for that as I arrive from NYC on 1 July, but in any case, that would be good business for us. The Júzcar Romeria is an annual event which takes place down by the river where there is a camp-site and the river swimming area. There are horses, singing, dancing, food and drinks.....an all day event in the campo which I wouldn't have minded attending, especially as we may be doing the food. The romeria starts off with a procession of the Virgin of Moclón, Júzcar's patron, from the village down to the campo. Iván will have some help from Iris and Danny, our weekend workers if we does actually prepare all the food.

So, the story of Diego... I must post that here, perhaps tomorrow but this entry is now getting too long so I will say Adios for today.

21 June, Thursday

Boy!! Time has flown by since the last time I made an entry here. We've had a lot of things going on including the break down of my PC (again!)preventing me from doing my normal work as well as from making entries here.

I don't have a lot of time at the minute but I do want a new entry to be posted so I am going to close this one saying that we have a new mayor in Juzcar, the one we wanted to win and voted for.... well at least Ivan did as I can't vote in Spain. His name is David Fernandez, a 33 year old resident of the village who we believe will make a big difference not only for the village but for us as a business in the village. He took up his office last Saturday at 5PM. So, more on this and other news hopefully later today if not, tomorrow.

Hasta pronto!