DANA
While last Tuesday we still had no idea of the enormous damage that the DANA would cause in Valencia, this has now become painfully clear. It became clear that news about the disaster had quickly reached the Netherlands when we received many messages from friends and family in the Netherlands on Wednesday evening (and in the following days). “Are you all right?”
Sleeping Beauty
As I wrote last week, house hunting can be very different in Spain than what we are used to in the Netherlands. And because after twenty or more viewings we no longer have a clear memory of all the houses – let alone the location in which the house in question was located – we regularly refer to the most striking aspect of the house or the viewing to remind…
Anniversary
Although we normally receive mainly Spanish guests, a surprising number of foreign guests have stayed with us in September and October. Including, of course, several Dutch guests. Couples who consciously opted for the change between city (Alicante or Valencia), beach (Gandia, Dénia, Calpe or Moraira) and nature (with us in Vall de Gallinera). And while we were already huge fans…
Those damn Spaniards!
While it is still too hot to light the fireplace, it is also too cold to dive into the pool. According to most people. Because while a few (especially non-Spaniards) still lie outside in the sun with a book and a towel, most guests (especially Spaniards) are certain that the hiking season has started. Our Spanish guests, who are about to check out and have already…
Location, location, location
Location, location, location. Not only when it comes to purchasing real estate – but also when it comes to choosing your next holiday destination – location is an important (or the most important?) factor. Anyone who does not want to spend their scarce holiday days among other Dutch, Belgians and English people in a city that never sleeps will not likely choose to stay…
Ibiza
“Do you ever miss the Netherlands?” I’m walking our guests to their room, while they ask me this question. I don’t have to think for long. “No, I feel completely at home here.” I think the way I say it is quite decisive, because the guests start laughing. “You sound just like Iris.” “From B&B Vol Liefde (a Dutch television show)?” I ask. They nod and I smile. I love Spain.
Needle in a haystack
Everyone knows Booking.Com. Anyone who starts a Bed & Breakfast can hardly ignore the platform. Because a large number of our current guests still use this booking site, we have to deal with the high commission costs. But at least it will get us known by a large public. Some of whom will become regulars. And when they become a regular, they usually will no…
Swimming pool police
As I feed one sheet after another to the laminator, I run my eyes over the words. Our new ‘swimming pool manual’, which has been compiled by an officially recognized company, consists of no less than twenty-six pages. In addition to the specifications of our swimming pool and the pump, the manual for its maintenance and various provisions that must be taken…
Lefty-loosey, righty-tighty
There doesn’t seem to me to be a greater contrast than that between August and September at the moment. While we were still packed in August, people seem to be slowing down in the first weeks of September. Many restaurants are closed and I hear from various suppliers that this also applies to a large number of other companies. No problem.
A real list
A year ago, all three of us obtained our Manipulador de Alimentos certificate online (the Spanish version of the so-called Food Hygiene certificate). One of the many requirements that a Bed & Breakfast owner in Spain must meet and (in retrospect) one of the few things that we clearly had in mind well before opening. Because although I once ran the entire Valencian decree…