Karen Brimmer
"Our walks expert, resident in Ayamonte town"
Where are you from originally?
I am originally from London but with strong family connections to Scotland..
When did you move to Ayamonte?
Nearly six years ago now.
How did you find out about this place?
Through a moving abroad exhibition that was on in the Olympia, we came over to see Costa Esuri and fell in love with Ayamonte.
What do you like most about Ayamonte?
It’s a typical Spanish town and it doesn't revolve around tourism.
What would you change?
I don’t think I would change anything. However, it would be nice if the waterfront was improved so people would have a better first impression, particularly when approaching by ferry.
What was the most difficult thing coming to live here?
Making friends and getting to know people is difficult in a new area and as you leave all your friends and family in the UK you start from scratch.
Favourite food?
Tapas and Espinacas con garbanzos (Spinach with chickpeas), Healthy and tastes a lot better than it sounds.
Favourite Festival?
The procession of Los Reyes Magos (Magic Kings) the procession and the kids collecting all the sweets and of course the kings coming out onto the balcony in Laguna Square.
Recommended dish, tapa, or food?
Coquinas (small clams) and Boquerónes (large anchovies)
Something not to be missed?
Semana Santa is a big event here in Ayamonte. There is at least one procession every day for a week.
Comment:
I'd encourage everyone to go along to the many festivals, events, and so on. There is always something happening. Also, learning something of the language and being able to talk with the locals will help you enjoy these occasions even more.
Tom Dooley
"Historian and researcher, resident in Ayamonte town"
Where are you from originally?
Originally from London but half the family were born in Waterford.
When did you move to Ayamonte?
Let me see I moved over to Gibraleon in 2004 where I lived on a Finca and five years ago I moved to Ayamonte as living on a Finca on your own can be a little too much.
How did you find out about this place?
I was doing a little research on places in Spain like Galicia and came across an article about Huelva and just came over.
What do you like most about Ayamonte?
That’s really difficult to pin down; being by the river, close to the sea and being a much more traditional place are just a few pluses. Of course having Portugal on your doorstep with a short trip on the ferry is also great.
What would you change?
I like getting out and about and going for walks so public accessibility to the countryside could improve. I tend to find myself walking through fields which are private land. The recent incorporation of the walks is a great start but still limited for the numerous cross-country walks that are there.
What was the most difficult thing coming to live here?
Language and communication however I can communicate and it’s never gotten in my way to get things done although even now I am nowhere near fluent.
Favourite food?
Don’t really have a favourite but I will say fresh fish and you know what you are eating here which has a lot to say for itself nowadays.
Favourite Festival?
Again I don’t have a favourite but I suppose Semana Santa is the big one, seeing the activity in the streets and the whole family together.
Recommended dish, tapa, or food?
Prawns are good and all the local fish produce
Something not to be missed?
Semana Santa is unique or just pop into the Churches and Temples and wander about to see all the details that go with it.
Comment:
“All I can say is that I really enjoyed my stay in Ayamonte”
Chris Truter
"Our very own golfing pro"
Where are you from?
I am from Port Elizabeth in South Africa.
When did you move to Ayamonte?
I moved here six years ago in 2007 .
How did you find out about this place?
I heard about Costa de la Luz from some friends who had been here and told me how unspoiled it was to compare with other coastal areas in Spain and Portugal. Then I saw the plans for Costa Esuri and saw that it was the ideal base for the Golf Academy I wanted to set up.
What do you like most about Ayamonte?
The style of life after living in major cities, Barcelona and London included. And of course Ayamonte offers perfect weather, beaches and fantastic golf courses.
What would you change?
Nothing! My family is here because of the beauty of the area and the way of life, and we are very happy here.
What was the most difficult thing coming to live here?
Moving to a relatively undeveloped area means that there are a few things in the infrastructure that could be better but it is also nice to be here and see it come on and develop. Of course, like everyone, the distance from family and friends is always difficult.
Favourite food?
Prawns, coquinas, Iberian pork (secreto), tortilla; luckily for me all of the Spanish dishes agree with me!
Favourite Festival?
Las Angustias festival as it’s our local festival and has a wonderful atmosphere.
Recommended dish, tapa, or food?
There are so many but to name two: Pimentada (Salad of roast peppers and tomatoes with onions) and calamares de campo (deep fried onion and peppers often in rings)
Something not to be missed?
Early morning on the golf course, midday siesta and sunset on the beach.
Comment:
The Chris Truter Golf Academy is at Costa Esuri, catering to any level of golfer and dedicated to helping you get the most out of your game. I look forward to seeing you there.
Bryony Collins
"Our Esurian member of the Snug team"
Where are you from originally?
I moved here from Sheffield but I am originally from the West Country.
When did you move to Ayamonte?
Mike and I moved over in May 2008 so it will be five years this May.
How did you find out about this place?
Believe it or not on an inspection trip in 2004. We came out a few months later after that trip for a week and bought off-plan which was a bit scary but it all worked out nicely.
What do you like most about Ayamonte?
Well, it’s not over commercialized and it’s not a holiday resort. It’s just lovely and you have the best of both worlds with Portugal on your doorstep and the Eastern Algarve which I think is the nicer end of all the Algarve.
What would you change?
Don’t know to be honest. I don’t have any cravings for UK items and I love the restaurants here. I can say I don’t want Ayamonte to change.
What was the most difficult thing coming to live here?
Without a shadow of a doubt, leaving the grandchildren. We do get to see them on all the mid-term breaks and Skype helps bridge the gap until summer when they come and visit.
Favourite food?
Jamon, cured ham, all the Iberian pork, paella and fish obviously.
Favourite Festival?
Easter or Semana Santa as they say here. Neither Mike or I are particularly religious but I like to see the processions and how everyone joins in.
Recommended dish, tapa, or food?
Any fish dish like dorado, they do grilled fish so well here.
Something not to be missed?
The Angustias Festival in September, with all the people dressed up in flamenco dresses.
Comment: “As far as I am concerned Ayamonte has got everything you could possibly want, that’s if you are looking for traditional Spain.”