Spanish Grass - Esparto Grass

Esparto - Grass Roots Of History

The first time I came across Spanish grass, was in the Valencian countryside, refurbishing an old farm building. The terracotta floor was down and the grouting done, the Spanish chap threw me a bunch of light brown strands and suggested this will clean it up best - he wasn't wrong.

Spanish grass is as durable and formidable as the skilled craftsmen that work it, and turn it into superb and highly desirable products that not only have a purpose are aesthetically pleasing to have in the home.

Spanish grass or Esparto is one of the products that made the world go round for thousands of years and has almost disappeared today but the old skills are still remembered In Spain's only Esparto grass museum in Murcia, alongside skilled craftsmen keeping this artisan work alive.

Esparto Craftwork

Esparto, is a type of grass that grows wild on the hillsides all along the Spanish coast, and its tough, flexible fibers, were used from ancient times to make shoes, belts, baskets, fans, paper, mats and thousands of other things.

Historically, one of the most important things made from Esparto were the ropes used by sailing ships.

Decades ago, hundreds of people where employed in the esparto industry and the first stage is to gatherer the grass on the steep Spanish hillsides - no easy task, especially in the baking summer months.

A palillo, a metal spiked hand loop, pulls the fibres from the ground and wraps them together.

Next, it was stacked in heaps to dry out in the sun and then soaked in large ponds for up to 40 days, to allow for a chemical change in the fibre, after this, it was pulled out and stacked to dry again.

Now it was ready to be pulverised, using a huge wooden mallet over a tree stump or two timber beams, belt driven in a factory.

The next stage is to comb the fibres through with metal rakes, a process that proved hazardous to the health of the workers, causing espartosis from airborne fibres.

The fibres were then spun into threads and woven together into bands, spun into 15m length cables ropes for shipping.

Esparto today, has been replaced by modern materials, like plastics to make most of the heavy industry products, but In Murcia and other parts of Spain craftsmen still keep this process alive by making house hold products.

All photographs in this lens are being used with kind permission from Señor Jesús María Quintero Gómez - www.esparte.es
Image Credit

Craftsmen working on his stall

 

Esparto display

Home Security

Creeper Burglary

Creeper burglars have been around for some time, and years ago this crime was done by the more specialised burglar, breaking into the home at night, whilst the occupants were asleep.

In resent times the advent of the more ruthless creeper burglar has increased due to technological advances in vehicle designs.

Most vehicles are becoming harder to break into, the average thief using crude or sophisticated methods are failing, and so they are motivated to search for the owners unlocking device and therefore, the need to break into the house.

Creeper burglars are not only after your vehicle some are there for your valuables and some are there for far more sinister and diabolical reasons...

Image Shearart 

Sneakers

Whilst working for a company in the UK we would refurbish council owned apartment blocks (Flats) and part of the tendering process was to agree that a certain number of inner-city teenagers would be taken on and trained.

The majority of these kids came from broken homes, history of crime and abusive backgrounds, but were in essence good and eager to learn, some shining through and going on to secure a job in the industry after a year.

Talking to some of them and listening to the crimes they'd confess were scary; especial two young lad's tales about the time they spent as Sneakers - Creeper burglars with a twist.

Bored with breaking into houses steeling valuables, and cars, and getting away with it, a group of them decided to raise the bar.

Working in teams of two they would approach a property when the owners were asleep and break in, leaving not a single trace of evidence. They would move furniture around without being herd, some would go as far as to move a fridge into the lounge, also they would sneak into the bedroom and paint dots on the foreheads of those sleeping.

This eventually become too easy and so they would start targeting people, for example in the days of 35mm film cameras they would observe a family fall out of their car, exhausted from the annual holiday, and watch them head straight for bed leaving the suitcases down stairs. They would seek out the cameras, look to see how many shots were left, and then take pictures of their genitals, some whilst children slept in the background, subtle just to suggest, without waking or touching the children.

So when the unsuspecting parent would go to collect the pictures the police were waiting with questions. Can you imagine the physiological implication of these actions?

In some instances they have broken into homes found the occupants credit cards, access their computer, and downloaded illegal porn. How do you explain that one when they are wrapping your house in police don't cross tape.

Now these kids were never caught and they stopped almost as if they grew out of it, and they admitted that the majority of homes they hit were without security systems and in some cases doors and windows were left open.

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Birthplace Of Paella

The Best Paella Pan 

 My Gotta Have It Kitchen Tool

Every Sunday here in Spain as regular as the English cook a roast dinner, the paella (pan) comes out.

I would be outcast by my Spanish friends, confirmed as heathen or Guiri, if it wasn't for my 26"- 65cm Polished Steel Paella Pan.

When you think about it, there are a few things in the kitchen that are favourites, that Sabatier knife maybe, the odd shaped fork or even a simple cup, a gift from a loved one. When on a mission to do something in the kitchen, and those things that you prefer to use are missing or in the dishwasher it can be annoying - okay slightly neurotic.

One of my favourite tools is my Paella and after its use, it is wiped with olive oil to stop it from rusting.

There is a vast range of paellas (pans) for sale, but traditionally polished steel pans are thought of as the best in Spain. The centre of the pan should have a depressed well so the meat can be cooked in oil first, and the outside bottom of the pan must be dimpled for heat distribution to the whole of the pan.

Image Shearart

 SOCARRAT

(soh-kah-raht, from the verb socarrar, to toast lightly)

If you want to cook an authentic Spanish Paella it must have a socarrat, a lightly crusted rice layer on the bottom of the pan. This is done by turning up the heat a few minutes before the dish is ready the rice will make a crackling sound. When it does turn off the heat so as not to burn the rice and leave it to stand with a teacloth over it not a lid.

 

El Palmar Valencia Spain

 

The first time I watched a real Paella being made was at the Moors and Christian festival week In Villajoyosa Alicante. People competed in the street using wood fires, preparing the broth first before adding the rice.

Valencia enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers, and is a popular coastal resort providing all the amenities and activities necessary for an excellent travel and holiday destination.

Valencia has several top quality beaches on offer to enjoy, like the beaches of Benicasim and Oropesa or the superb beaches and dunes of the Canet d'En. To the south nature is king in L'albufera reserve and Saler beach.

El Palmar at the side of the Albufera lake in Valencia is the famous village that the Paella originated. You will be able to savour a genuine paella cooked on a wood fire in plenty of eateries.

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 Authentic Paella

PAELLA is the most famous dish of Spanish cuisine, typically eaten at mid-day.
Paella in Valencian means pan. In Spanish Castilian the word for pan is Paellera.

A Valencian Paella uses local ingredients like a variety of bean called garrofó and also green beans rotjet, ferraura and tabella. Lots of tomatoes, paprika, olive oil and saffron are added and Artichoke when in season.

 

 Ingredients

• Chicken 700 g. 8 to 10 medium pieces
• Rabbit 300 g. 4 to 6 medium pieces.
• 1 tablespoon of ground paprika.
• Saffron to taste
• 12 tablespoons chopped fresh tomato
• 400 g wide green bean (Ferraurarotjet).
• 100 g Butter beans
• 3 Artichokes
• 100 g White beans (tabella)
• 15 cl. Or 150 gr Virgin olive oil
• 320 g Short-grain Rice
• Salt

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in the pan until it starts to smoke then add the rabbit and chicken turn to brown all over.
2. Chopped the vegetables and sauté a few minutes in the pan, stir in the tomatoes and paprika for a few minutes.
3. Pour in the water close to the edge adding salt and cook for 20 minutes adding more water to keep the level up now add the rice.

4. Paella

   Paella de Marisco, with fish or seafood 

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The Making of McDonalds - Grinding it Out

No matter what you think of McDonald's food, or their impact on the health of the planet's fast food lovers. You have to admire their success as one of the most famous globally recognised brands, their revolutionary business franchising, food service automation, people development and sharing the wealth with their employees in the way of educational programs.

One of the most interesting things about McDonald's restaurants is Ray Kroc, the man behind the global success of the restaurant franchising and development of the business model. In his book ''Grinding it out'' there are several messages written with a positive self-help attitude in mind and Ray Kroc's words are definitely motivational.

Ray Kroc was 52 years old, suffering from incipient arthritis, diabetes, missing most of his thyroid gland and his gall bladder gone, yet still he pushed on showing that you are never too old to succeed.

The McDonalds Brothers 

 Ray Kroc started out selling paper cups for $35 a week in the 1920's, he subsidised his income to support his family by playing the piano at night. He worked his way up the promotional ladder and then made a risky move into selling a newly designed six-spindle milk-shake machine, his goal to have one multimixer in every milk shop and drug store across America.

He started getting calls about the milk-shake machine and those enquirers often ended with ''like the one the McDonald brothers have got in San Bernardino California''. Intrigued why everyone was suddenly referencing the brothers he went to check out what all the fuss was about.

Ray Kroc parked at a suitable distance from the restaurant to observe, and it wasn't long before he saw hordes of people from all walks of life flocking to the restaurant, he could see the clean cut uniforms and efficiency of the staff and the cleanliness of the place, including the car park.

The McDonald brothers referred to Ray as ''Mr Multimixer'' they had eight of his machines.

Ray sat down with the brothers and discussed the possibility of emulating the system and opening up other restaurants, they pointed to the top of the hill and at their large house and said they liked to sit on the porch and look down on the restaurant and take it easy. They would not be interested in extra work and they don't know of anyone that could put it all together for them.

Ray was impressed with the simplicity and effortlessness of their system and said to them ''what about me?''

Follow the rest of his inspirational journey in his book Grinding it out.

Ray Kroc Quote 

 

 

 Ray Kroc's first April 15 1955
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Big Mac

Benidorm Beaches Spain

Poniente, Levante and Playa de Mal Pas

 

47 km or 29 miles, the distance Benidorm is from Alicante Airport, with dozens of shuttle buses and now a Speedy bus offering direct transfers to individuals hotels.

Taxis are parked on the right of the main exit doors around the clock, and if you're lucky you could be in one that gets eggs thrown at it or witness some stout red-faced Spaniards going nose to nose, as there's still an ongoing dispute as to who should have the rights to the airport punters. The local cabs of Elche or those coming from the destination towns, this regardless of what the law says.

Yes, that might sound negative to some, but to others they sit back strap themselves in and watch the fuss, all part of the experience, 'welcome to Spain.' the excitement has begun.

The view from La Cruz in Serra Gelada of Benidorm is reminiscent of a Manhattan style skyline. Benidorm's three beaches are pristine-clean and maintained. Playa de Poniente, 'west beach', stretches around for 2974 meters and joins, Playa de Levante, 'east beach', with an additional 2080 meters long this is usually the most populated beach. Both beaches are separated by Playa de Mal Pas,120m long with a width of 75m. This is a small cove on the other side of the marina below the Castilla and gets very busy.

You can also find another beach at the end of Playa de Poniente, La Cala. This is small cove and popular with both tourists and locals, with several bars and restaurants to choose from. The water is easy to swim in here, because it remains waste high for a substantial distance and ideal for the kids to play in and the older generations to stand and chat.

Image ShearArt

Benidorm Revisited

Benidorm, arguable one of the most denounced and trashed talked about resorts in Spain, by those knockers who have never actually visited the place.

I defy them to walk along the promenade at high noon and recall their negative connotations as the heat warms their skin. Tension,soothed by a subtle breeze from the Mediterranean sea, the white sand stretches for what seems like miles.

The promenade full of designer flip flops ranging in as many colours and sizes as their wearers, burnt red the preference of the newly arrived. Dodge the Segway riders and street performers, and become ensconced in a comfy chair, alfresco at a café bar, and people watch. Spot the nationality, although some make it too easy, dressed like reality TV stars or those that wear football tops and bold heads, on an all inclusive.

Benidorm is a favourite destination for many Europeans, who visited the place religiously each year, for years, and that's including the winter months, popular with the older generations. The Spanish also love to visit Benidorm, especially Madrileños from Madrid.

Benidorm has a thriving beach life with early morning aerobics and Metal detectors dot about the beach in search of euros. Cable skiing is popular as well as para-sending, sea kayak, paddle boarding, Jet-skies and banana rides to name a few.

Adventure seekers can explore Benidorm's hinterland and high ground via Jeep safari, down hill biking, hiking and hot air ballooning.

There is a profusion of entertainment options in Benidorm, in the daytime and a superabundance well into the early hours, with hundreds of bars and restaurants to choose from in the new side and the old town. Benidorm Palace is at the top of the list for popularity with its titillating Moulin rouge-esque floor shows and set menus.

Regular boat trips to the isla de los periodistas or journalists' is a great way to see Benidorm off shore. The island also know as Benidorm island and peacock island, due it having some caged peacocks and is the head quarters for the local Seagull mob, hundreds of them.

Benidorm Island is six and half hectares, it used to be the landing spot for Pirates to plot and conduct their raids from to the mainland. Fleeing citizens from Villajoyosa and Benidorm in 1834 stayed on the island after a cholera outbreak. Now days the island is a favourite spot for divers, both snorkel and scuba and can be explored by submersible voyage around the island. There is also a café serving a variety of food and drinks.

Enjoy a Free Trip

Another thing you can do whilst in Benidorm is go on a free trip with PAL. They will pick you up at your hotel, or a designated collection area very close. And whisk you off on a free trip, they have a variety of destinations and reps in most of the hotels, who can take your bookings, or ask at the hotel reception desk. Some of the regular trips offered include, the fonts de algar where you can see beautiful waterfalls, Valor chocolate factory in Villajoyosa, Guadalest, in land from Benidorm and one of the most visited places in Spain. Altea, a picturesque town along the coast. Moraira, again another picturesque town on the sea front next to Calpe. Jalon Valley which is inland and has a huge Rastro (Flea Market) and wine bodegas.

Image from ShearArt

 http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Playa_del_Mal_Pas.JPG

Windshield- Windscreen Sun Shades

Make Your Car Cool

Sun shades, have come a long way from suction pads that fell off when the sun came out.
Nowadays, the choices range from fun, to easy to install in seconds. Also bespoke to fit your exact model and make of car.

Car interiors can reach 160F - 75C, when parked in the sun. Opening the door to get a blast of heat, and then trying to climb in only to jump out again because the seats are burning, and the steering wheel is red hot. Image the amount of damage over a period of time to your car interior, not to mention anything you may have left in there.

I felt compelled to put together some examples of Sun Shades on offer, as I have recently purchased some crazy eyes for my windshield/windscreen and have receive a lot of amusing looks from my neighbors.

If you know of anymore crazy or interesting sun shades, please let me know in the comments section below.

Police swoop expat as he staggers to his car

British expat Mr Ingram, on leaving his 50th birthday party this week, was some what worst for wear, when he left his local bar around midnight.

The Spanish Police had set up a check point across the road as part of a routine schedule, and stood in horror as they watched Mr Ingram take ten minutes to walk a short distance to his parked car, and another ten trying to get his key in the door.

Eventually, his wife came out of the bar and joined him as he opened the door, and slumped in the seat. The police were already walking towards him with the intention of stopping him breaking the law, and to save him from doing serious injury to himself and others.

The car, obviously had been there most of the afternoon, as he had a sun shade still attached to the windscreen.

The Police opened the door, and Mr Ingram sprang from the car and proceeded to stagger about incoherent. It was only when his wife started the car from her side did the Police realized that he was in fact, the owner of a British Spanish registered car (the driver-side is on the right)

Red face, the Police still cautioned Mr Ingram for being so drunk in public and waved them on.

Below are some Sun screens from Paparazzi, an Argentinean magazine that had these made and placed in a well-known celebrity hang out using famous models to fool people.

 Image credit Divine Caroline

Streaking For Mother

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