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The World Cup 12/07/2010

The World Cup in South Africa has been a sociological phenomenon of great importance in Spain. Never before, since the arrival of democracy, had so many flags been seen on the streets, balconies, windows and cars in every corner of Spain. What is the reason?

Simply because ultraconservative if not fascists groups had converted the Spanish flag into their national symbol. People in general were reluctant to use the flag as they did not want to be associated with these fanatic groups.

The world cup has brought out the deep felt and collective feeling of the Spanish national identity with the flag. We should be grateful to a group of down-to- earth players kicking a wretched football and winning the World Cup.

The World Cup has cleansed the image of our flag and from now on it will belong to all Spaniards, and not just a few.

La Meridiana Restaurant – Taberna del Alabardero – Marbella 22/07/2010

We visited La Meridiana Restaurant in Marbella.

The restaurant belongs to the Lezama group which was founded by the priest Luis Lezama with the idea of creating a ‘Restaurant school’ for young people. The social work of this restranteur has spread throughout his restaurants in Madrid, Washington, Seville, Marbella and Seattle.

For years La Meridiana has been a reference point for gastronomy and glamour on the Costa del Sol. It is located on the Golden Mile in Marbella, in an unsurpassable and heavenly place a short distance from Marbella Club, Puente Romano and Puerto Banus. The restaurant is beautiful and oozes glamour and elegance. There is a large parking area which leads to an entrance with a steps and gardens which take us to the reception, where Saray, the hostess, welcomes us with the best of her smiles. She asks us to follow her through the Winter Restaurant and before us opens up a magnificent garden with pergolas full of wisterias which fill the garden with violet and white. In the center the floor is made of a back lit deep blue glass which gives the garden a relaxing and unique ambiance. From a corner the soft sound of a beautifully played saxophone can be heard. The waiters, the mettre, and the sommelier move through the courtyard with a friendly and professional touch.

The price quality ratio and the service are very good.

The garden is the perfect environment for an intimate dinner, with family or with dear friends.

It takes me back to the ambience of Marbella in the old days, which has been lost recently.