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Good Olde Nick- Mi Casa Su Casa - By Ed Haliburn The Costa Del Sol, the sunshine coast of southern Spain, is known to Northern Europeans as the ‘California of Europe’ where sun, sea, sand and sangria come in ample measure and the bars stay open all night. This is where we found Nick Pinto running a most vibrant and colourful bar & restaurant called ‘The Woolpack’, in the prime tourist resort of Benalmadena, near the port city of Malaga on the Mediterranean Sea. Nick, a native of Vishakapatnam and lately of Wembley, London, is well known in the sizeable British community that either live here or have second homes along the long Mediterranean coastline that stretches from Almeria in the East to Gibraltar in the West. Many places of interest abound but, undeniably, the main attraction to the Costa del Sol is tourism. The warm and balmy climate, nearly 340 days of sunshine, is conducive to spending long hours outdoors. The variety of food and wine combined with the close proximity to Northern Europe does play a significant role in making this a most attractive place to visit or retire to. London is only 2 hours flying time away and a million Brits and Northern Europeans either live or have second homes along this long coastline that has been transformed, from a string of ‘dirt poor’ villages into the playground of Europe. The Benalmadena Marina, midway between Malaga and Marbella has been voted one of the ten best yachting marinas in Europe. The continued attraction of Spain, a member of the European Community of Nations, seems to be endless.
This part of Spain is known as Andalusia. It is irrevocably associated with seven hundred years of Arab occupation from the 8 to the 14 centuries that is forever perpetuated in the historical palace and last seat of government; The Alhambra in the city of Granada. It is a classic showcase of early middle ages Islamic art, culture and learning. The sculptured gardens and water features embellish the distinctive architecture that predates the Taj Mahal by some 300 years and some say, when taken in totality, even eclipses it. The closure of this period in history is the story line of the film El Cid that depicts the Christian forces under Charlton Heston expelling the last remaining Arab presence from Spanish soil.
The Interior of The Alhambra The cultural fusion of southern Spain is reinforced by the sight of North Africa, clearly visible on most days, with Morocco only 8 miles across the Straits of Gibraltar. The historic city of Tangiers is the main attraction and is serviced by daily ferries that make a casual outing a day to remember. For tourists the contrast couldn’t be starker. Spain is thrusting and prosperous, emerging energetically from the slumber and isolation of the Franco years while Morocco with its souks, winding streets and medieval charm is still, perhaps, half a century behind. Handmade goods of leather, brass, wood and horn are everywhere as are the persistent hawkers who never take ‘no’ for an answer. The famous Rock of Gibraltar is also a noteworthy attraction but now slipping down in the league of ‘must see’ attractions along the Med. The monkeys are still there but the ‘pull’ of duty free shopping that once made it ‘a one stop shop’ has gone forever. Due to limited space, large scale retail outlets are scarce with family owned shops still lining both sides of historic Main Street. However, many luxury items are now cheaper in Spain and cruise ships prefer Malaga with its elegant malls, streets and other attractions.North of Gibraltar is Cadiz, from where Christopher Columbus sailed to discover the New World. It is just a morning’s drive away and the old city of Jerez, famous for it’s sherry, is also within easy reach. Tourism has yet not spoilt this unblemished coastline with it’s pristine sands washed by the Atlantic Ocean. A great place for kite-flying and windsurfing that attracts the odd-ball perhaps like Goa did a few years ago.
The Warehouse and Museum at Tio Pepe - Jerez
Our Community - The white washed village of Hacienda Del Golfe With an enviable location and customer base, we hope Nick’s venture will achieve the success it most certainly deserves. My wife Hazel (nee LaPorte), a childhood friend of Nick, and his many friends around the world wish him every success in his venture. I promised Nick that I would publicize his venture. So if you are ever in Southern Spain drop in and say ‘Hola’ to our amigo Nick. He will be truly chuffed
The author,(L) his wife Hazel and (R) his sister Dr. Joan Haliburn MBBS, FRANZCP | |||||||||
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