Bedrock

Archive for the ‘spain’ Category

This entry is predominently aimed at readers in our corner of Spain who are looking for a better broadband setup and has been very much updated in early 2024 and again September 2025. In the area where we live and in our village of Galera 18840 in particular, choices are limited as to Internet providers… or are they?

This entry was originally started back in May 2022, is primarily (but not exclusively) for people in the outskirts of Galera (and probably other areas including Huescar) who have broadband issues and actually want to solve them. It COULD however have some interest for pretty much anyone looking to escape the clutches of their broadband provider where there is a reliable 4G/5G signal available with comments about other “solutions”.

If my experiences seem like they might be of use to you, then further down, for one option, you would need a half-decent mobile signal and be prepared to pick the right Spanish mobile (yes – mobile) operator for the job – don’t pick and choose from this article – remember – most mobile “unlimited data” contracts are a con – i.e. they have a “fair use” policy – in other words – NOT unlimited. DigiMobil on the other haved have a truly unlimited offer – and it is also inexpensive. I THINK that Starlink has a monthly “fair use” limit – but not 100% sure. Keep reading….

Since the intence heat of August is no longer with us and now that the Saharan “Calima” has given up, it’s time to actually get stuff done not to mention a spot of entertaining and travelling around.

Just had a UK pal of mine visit for a few days and we went to check on the local lake (which has frighteningly low water level) ending in a late-Sunday visit to a magical area nearby with waterfalls, a stream and more, ending in a coffee stop an hour or so east of us at Pozo Alcon.

Yesterday, Maureen and I visited the lovely small town of Cela (near Tijola and half an hour southeast of Baza, our nearest large town here in Granada province) for a relaxing sunday picnic and she went off for a short swim in Balsa De Cela… the weather was absolutely ideal.

You can’t beat a pool when the weather is hot (nice heat just off-season). Unfortunately lots of the local facilities are closed (poolside restaurants, one of the bars etc) persumably as this is the time of year the Spanish take breaks. Can’t have everything.

I could see another trip to Cela in the spring – lovely place. Above, Maureen had just gotten over the initial shock of the cold water and went on to have a good swim.

Weekend now over, things to do, people to see, places to go. Well, the first two anyway 🙂

Just an airport run to pick up the boss but decided on an overnight stoppover..

Not the most picturesque hotel (needs trees) but awfully handy for the motorway and shopping (2 minute walk to Thader shopping centre) as a stopover on the way to Alicante Airport.

Oh and had a trip to Brico Depot in Crevellent – as always – beats B&Q hands down despite being from the same parent company.

For years, my favourite breakfast spot was Emilios bar/restaurant on the road from Huescar to Baza via Castillejar. Nothing better than a quiet breakfast outside in the sun at this delightful but now sadly defunct bar just past Los Carriones on the A4200 route from Huescar and on to Benamourel and Baza.

Sadly now closed but just further west a km or so is the Bar 3JJJs with its shop which sells lots of English food for those who like to buy English food (generally not a fan with exceptions). Google Maps rightly calls the shop Supermercado El Salto but seems to make no reference to the 3JJJs displayed proudly on the wall of this smaller but pleasant cafe. I’m not one for unhealthy “Full English” breakfast but made an exception this week and can recommend the place for said full English as well as my more normal coffee (cafe con leche) and “tostada con tomate” breakfast. Staff are pleasant and a good if simple atmosphere.

For me you can’t beat a simple tostada – not pre-made but with toast, a bowl of tomato, a bottle of olive oil and salt, out in the country away from towns and the noise.

Mid-September update

Slight amendment to 3JJJs recommendation – this week gone I ordered tostada con tomate e queso fundida (toast with tomato and melted cheese) – the tomatoes, instead of being finely chopped as usual came simply sliced complete with skin etc… didn’t enjoy that at all, others might. Never come across that in spain in all the years we’ve been here. Won’t try that again.

Well it is holiday season after all and we’ve had a quiet day at the beach just south of Aquillas (south of Spain).

Of course at this time of year there’s no such thing as a secluded area but we had a nice time regardless at La Carolina, one of several short stretches of beach surrounded by mountainous rock.

We spent the day simply idling on the beach with the odd dip in the water. Rather choppy so next week Aquillas itself as it has a nice sheltered cove.

Makes a break from constantly DOING stuff. We’ve just returned from a trip to the UK to visit friends and a spot of maintenance. Back here in Spain, not much happening on the new gadget front as many companies are on holiday right now – and just a few minor repairs to do around the house, so what better when it’s too hot to do outside work than cooling off in the sea.

To escape the heat in Galera (fine until July but then particularly hot – see photo below) we decided to go to the UK for the back-end of July and early August while, simultaneously, UK friends of ours stay at the cave.

While it’s not COLD in Bellingham (Northumberland), it IS drizzling a lot as usual. Hence instead of sitting outside enjoying the weather, I’m sitting in here while Maureen is coffeeing with a friend.

Spending a lot of time in bars and restaurants here is out of the question, thanks to Covid and Brexit which together with rampant opportunism have jacked up UK prices far more, I suspect than those who spend all their time here realise.

I’ve seen prices well over double what they were just a couple of years ago and… well, a tale for another day.

The house here is quite new for us and I’m making good headway toward getting the electrical basics up and running. Got dehumidifiers sorted, temperature monitoring and broadband in-hand and more – but will a long way to go and I only have another 12 days. Wish me luck