CHICA DE MAZARRÓN

    So today, after much deliberation I decided to go live with the blog platform that I have been working on and what a reaction.  I am not a professional writer but this is a hobby that I enjoy and I am excited to build on this and explore many topics that life here in Spain will undoubtedly conjuror up.   Thank you for all the likes, shares and comments - I was really scared to go live with this blog, as it is something I enjoy writing but I am not very confident in.  Wahooo, bring on the next adventure and something else to write about. Muchas Gracias & Un Saludo Chica de Mazarron xx

  One of the most stressful things I found moving to Spain was leaving behind my long suffering hairdresser of 10 years. So much so in fact, that I am embarrassed to say I actually didn´t get my hair cut for over 12 months and was colouring it out of a box 😭 Although I had looked at several hairdresser in Bolnuevo, The Port, Mazarron Town, Camposol, Country Club and even further afield. I had never found one that stood out to me or put me at ease with my stupid nervous questions.  That was until one ladies name kept being recommended to me and I plucked up the courage to make an appointment. My first haircut here is Spain was post lockdown and I have to say I left the Salon feeling really calm, happy and totally safe, after working myself into a totally unnecessary frenzie about the potential of having to wear a hat for months! The COVID19 regulation we fully adhered to at all times and the staff and customers alike were all relaxed and totally non-phased by our new normal....

So, to set the scene… I was renting an apartment alone in El Puerto de Mazarron and through February & March, much like most of the world, my free time was spent keeping track of the news and social media relating to Wuhan and the development of a virus known then as 2019 novel coronavirus - Little did we know what was soon to follow for us in Spain and the rest of the world. As we watched the figures in Spain spread and cases confirmed in all 50 provinces, on Friday 13th of March we received a phone call at work advising us to return to our homes and await further instruction from our boss and to keep an eye on the local news and press releases from the Policia Local.   It transpired at this stage that our local government was putting us into a state of lockdown, as there were concerns that Spanish nationals from big cities, particularly Madrid, were heading to the Costa Calida (Mazarron specifically), to their second residencies at the beach that afternoon.  The wee...

Last Night Vista Sunset This weekend marked the end of an era, not only for the bar itself but for Audrey, her awesome team, the customers and the acts that perform there and made it such a fun place to be.  After 3 years of blood, sweat, tears and way too many hangovers to count, Audrey has finally served her last Vista Fish & Chips, called her final last orders and performed her last Vista Coyote bar dance 💃😢 I for one, and I know all her customers over the years, would like to wish Audrey, Gary, Jayne and Julie all the luck moving forwards and I can't wait to see where you guys crop up and what you all go on to achieve next.   Keep an eye out here for the next instalment.... I will track these wonderful people down and I look forward to writing about them all again in the future.  Good luck Team Vista of 2020, see you on the other side 😘  Un saludo  Chica de Mazarrón xx

  This morning we were discussing what to buy a friend for her Birthday and that you don't see fresh flowers here in Spain, as much as you do back in the UK. A quick Google and we were heading off to El Puerto de Mazarron ... Situated in the center of El Puerto de Mazzaron is a cute little shop front, with plenty of parking and a beautiful array of fresh flowers.  On entering the shop there was an enchanting aroma of freshly cut flowers and two incredibly sweet ladies. With my limited Spanish and their helpful manner we had no problem at all understanding one another and putting together a perfect selection for our friend and at a reasonable price too.  The flowers were fresh, colourful and smelt amazing and I am confident they will last well and bring our friend lots of joy for her birthday. If you are looking for a pressie or just to bring some colourful joy into your home, please consider visiting these lovely ladies, sit...

This bar is a great little hangout, with a positive, fun vibe to it and plenty to offer during hot sunny days, late warm evenings and even on the cooler or wetter days. Located on Camposol Sector A, Leanne has a fantastic established team by her side and has been running Tel´s for many years now.  Whether you are looking for a full English breakfast, a quiz, music entertainment or just a good drink and chatter this is a great place for all.   I have spent many an afternoon or evening with friends, enjoying the relaxed environment and a glass of something cold.  Nothing is ever too much trouble for Leanne and I have seen her go out of her way on many occasions for her customers - I've even seen her give some of them a lift home to save them a long walk! If you like quizzing and live music this is a place you will love.  With a small cozy indoor area but a large spacious terrace, there is always room to be in the midst of the action or slightly tucked ...

Since arriving in Spain and starting work in El Puerto de Mazarrón, this instantly became my favourite Friday after work happy place.  Finishing at 2pm on a Friday I love to head here with a good book or great friends, sit and sip a good cocktail or a glass of wine and listening to the Med lapping up around me.  With beautiful clear blue skies and sunshine, the med on three side around you this little piece of paradise is the perfect way to relax and finish the working week.  Recently taken over by new management this chiringuito has not lost any of its charm but has benefited hugely from the investment and passion that has been injected into it.  With such a stunning setting it is easy to excuse the slightly more expensive drinks but taking into account the over all experience I would say it is well worth it!  With tapas on offer there are always fresh delights available and I'm sure once Covid disappears the popular Sunday a...

For a friends birthday I decided that we needed to get away from our day to day lives, escape from the norm, push ourselves out of our comfort zones and have some fun!   Whether you're living here and want a fun activity right on your doorstep or holidaying and would like to explore and experience a bit of an adventure, then I highly recommend this package.  Based in the Sierra Espuna, in Gebas, are Espuna-Adventure . A company offering a wide range I'd activities including quad-biking, 4x4 tours, laser shooting, archery, river-rafting and more. Here is how our day worked out....  We set off around 8am, to arrive at Hotel la Mariposa by 9. A short drive on the RM3, through Alhama de Murcia and up the mountains towards Gebas and we arrived at our destination - about a 40 minute drive through absolutely stunning scenery! On arrival at the hotel we were greeted by our hosts Mark and Tom, ordered our coffee and soaked up our beautiful surroundings, whilst awaiting our briefi...

Chica de Mazarron is my pen name  As a girl in her 40's who moved to Mazarron, having spent all her life living in South East England, I wanted to create an alter ego who could share all of the experiences I've had in the process of moving to Spain and in the 15 months I have been living here. Chica de Mazarron, is not about bad mouthing or naming and shaming and is purely to give people recommendations and knowledge based on my experiences.  One of the things I've realised during lockdown is how taken for granted all our local businesses are and that whilst we all have our favourites and all like to try new things, rarely do we actually give them the praise they deserve. Chica de Mazarron is all about sharing the love, making people feel good about what they do every day and recognising the hard work, passion, dedication and hours they put in to giving us a good time.  You will never see a bad review on this site but when I visit anywhere I plan to blog about...

      So, I don´t want my blog to be known as a ´Covid Blog´ but as I am writing about my real experiences of living in Spain and therefore think it would be churlish to completely dismiss the topic from my content.  Periodically I´ll post about living in an ever-changing world, dealing with a global pandemic. It will include my experiences of living through it, interesting changes and developments in the situation but ultimately will be my personal take on things. By all means read the series, enjoy and take a first-hand account from this but please don´t depend on it for fact or accuracy, particularly when making decisions to protect your health or to abide by the ever-changing laws - I am not an expert in any field! I just want to share my experiences with you! Un Saludo Chica de Mazarron xx

    So this is my first establishment review but I am really keen to include these in my blog. I feel it has never been more important to support local businesses and ensure their hard work is recognised and they reap the benefits of word of mouth and recommendations.  I am really lucky to have this cafe within walking distance of my office. The ladies there are super friendly and efficient, are fulfilling the Covid regulations without question and offer a diverse array of fabulous food and drink, at superb prices. Located on Avda. Doctor Meca in El Puerto de Mazarron this cafe offers specialist teas & coffees, a great selection of sweet & savoury pastries, pizza, tostada, pancakes, waffles and much more - you can even have a cheeky glass of vino 😉 They offer an eat-in or take away service and today a colleague and I ordered lunch which they prepared and delivered to our office. Prompt service, with a smile and great hot food for less than 2 euros!!!   ...

    The Costa Calida is the coastline of Murcia and runs from the North near Alicante, down to the South bordering with Almeria. Well know areas along this coast include the Mar Menor, Aguilas, Mazarron and Cartegena to name just a few. The original airport serving the Costa Calida (on my first arrival) was San Javier, a military airport also serving civilians. In January 2019 Murcia International Airport opened, which along with Alicante Airport provides an important gateway to our beautiful home.      Host to several mountain ranges, outstanding golf courses, national parks and spectacular coastlines, activities are plenty or if you prefer you can while the day away with stunning views, beautiful Mediterranean food, a cafe con leche or something stong if you wish - you really are spoilt for choice!        With an array of Spanish villages, cities, ports, harbour towns and ex-pat urbanisations there is something for everyone....

I'm new to blogging but I love researching, visiting places, taking photographs, writing but most of all sharing information and so I thought I'd give this a go.... After spending many holidays in the Costa Calida, mostly Mazarrón, for three years and now having lived here for the last 15 months I really wanted to collate my experiences and knowledge of the area to help others who are visiting, considering moving or are actually making the move here.  I hope you enjoy reading! Un saludo Chica de Mazarrón xx