Archive for February, 2011

Posted by John at 27 February 2011

Category: Money, Motoring

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Fuel saving reductions

The Council of Ministers has approved a decision to reduce the speed limit on Spanish highways and motorways from the current 120 km / h to 110 km / h “on a transitional basis.” The First Deputy Prime Minister, Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba said that this is an emergency measure implemented in Spain to save fuel, although he would not commit to how long the measures will last for.

Rubalcaba said that these measures will save around 15% of fuel. He also noted that as part of the measure of implementing this new rule, which will become effective on March 7, an “urgent campaign to replace all speed limit signs” will be carried out across the nation.

Additional measures to save energy

In addition to reducing the speed limit, Rubalcaba announced additional measures aimed at energy saving, these include reducing the price of train tickets on Renfe Media and Corta routes by 5% to promote public transport. As with the speed limit, this will be a temporary measure.

Fuel prices at record high

The price per litre of petrol is at record highs. According to the latest Oil Bulletin of the European Union, a litre of petrol costs on average €1.284, just a penny less than in January, but 16% more than in the same week in 2010.

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Posted by John at 21 February 2011

Category: Motoring

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Proposed changes for urban roads

In a recent announcement the Spanish Traffic Department has put forward it’s plans to reduce the speed limit on all urban roads with one lane in each direction and one-way streets with just one lane to 30kph. On most of this type of road, the limit is currently 50kph.

Reducing speeds will save lives

The new proposals are justified by The General Director, Pere Navarro,saying that 50 per cent of pedestrians survive being hit by a car at 50kph, but 95 per cent survive a 30kph impact.

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Posted by John at 18 February 2011

Category: Spanish Recipes

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Recipe: Judias Verdes con Chorizo

Summary: A very typical Spanish country dish. Very cheap to make but very tasty.


Ingredients

  • 500g cooked green beans
  • 50 ml vegetable stock
  • 5 medium potatoes
  • 300g chorizo
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 3 tablespoon fresh tomato sauce

Instructions

  1. Peel the potatoes and slice thinly the fry them slowly in a heatproof pan. When almost tender add the sliced chorizo and fry for a few minutes, then place on a plate and keep warm.
  2. Add to the pan the onion and garlic and fry to colour.
  3. Add the flour and tomato sauce and the vegetable stock. Stir until thickened then put the potatoes and chorizo back into the pan.
  4. Add the beans and simmer for 10 minutes adding a little more liquid if it looks too dry.
  5. Serve immediately.

Cooking time (duration): 30 mins

Number of servings (yield): 4

Meal type: lunch

Culinary tradition: Spanish

My rating:3 stars: ★★★☆☆

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Posted by John at 11 February 2011

Category: Business, Money

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Posted by John at 7 February 2011

Category: Business, Day 2 Day Spain, Money

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Posted by John at 4 February 2011

Category: Business, Day 2 Day Spain, General

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