Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

Barcelona

One of the highlights of Bjørn’s trip through Spain in 2009 was the amazing reception he got at FC Barcelona. So, I always look out for Barcelona shirt stories. Here’s one that broke a few days ago.

When Lionel Messi or his FC Barcelona teammates lift their shirts after scoring a goal, soccer fans will see Intel Corp. (INTC)’s logo under a sponsorship that puts its logo on the inside of the team’s jerseys.

Intel, the world’s largest maker of semiconductors, agreed to become the official technology partner of the 2011 Champions League winners and current leader of La Liga, Intel vice president of sponsorships David Haroldsen said. The company’s current advertising slogan is “Look inside.”

“This is a first-time placement of a logo inside of their jersey and a first for a technology company,” Haroldsen said in an e-mail.

Haroldsen declined to provide terms of what he called a “multiyear” agreement. Forbes magazine reported that Intel will pay the club $25 million over five years.

Intel’s technology will help Barcelona players and coaches improve research, training and performance, Haroldsen said. The company’s only current sports sponsorship also will provide devices to students at Barcelona’s La Masia training academy, which developed current players such as Messi, Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta.

“In the future, we will also be working to improve the fan experience through new technology at Camp Nou,” Haroldsen said of the club’s 99,354-seat stadium, which it says is the largest in Europe.

Full story here

Prospect Networking

Prospect Networking is a very diverse collection of international friends who come together on a Facebook group. The majority are UK-based and many of us have known at least some of the members for a number of years. This longevity and consistency have turned into one of my favourite “Water Cooler” groups. Yesterday, a number of members came out strongly in support of a joint effort to assist me as I cycle through the UK. I am grateful for this and will introduce you to some of their key members over the coming days.

Who better to start with than the sage administrator of the group, life-long Burnley FC fan, Steven Healey! I am looking forward to meeting him and his partner, Angelika, as I travel through Wilthire. He has recently started a new blog and I am happy to recommend that.

Thanks to all at Prospect Networking. I look forward to meeting many of you as I tour the UK.

Well, the weeks are moving on and I am starting to think carefully about my route, my equipment and my cycle. The more I think of it, the more my my mind is moving on to an electric bike – especially for the UK stage. Today I was interested to see this video. Quite fascinating!

Spain Is More Destinations

Spain is More

Oh yes, it certainly is! I am absolutely delighted to have found a partner for the part of the route I was least looking forward to. I would claim to know Spain well but the north west is really open through reading, videos etc. So, I was delighted to find, Rasmus and his partners at Spain Is More who immediately offered to support. Now, any offer of support is always warmly welcomed but when it comes from THE specialists in tours in the area, I know I have found a 2345 leaf clover! Great to be working with you and I hope I can get your name well known to my followers!

So, who are these new-found super-heroes? They say, “Our aim is turning your holiday in Northern Spain into a really special experience. Thanks to our deep knowledge of the area, we know hidden, secret and the most remarkable places, which “normal” tourists do not usually find.

We emphasize that the experience we offer is unique and that our guests experience the Spaniards’ own Spain, whether you travel with our group trips or on your own by car, train, foot or bicycle.

Our group tours are followed either by English-speaking tour guides or local multilingual guides. On our drive-yourself trips, you will be at every moment assisted by our personalized travel guide in English, which describes your trip in detail and suggests the best restaurants, beaches, attractions and tours, including addresses to the pre-booked hotels, activities and more.

In Northern Spain, everything is possible regardless of your age. Let us know about your needs and wants, and we will design your dream vacation in northern Spain.”

More information on the Spain Is More website

You will be hearing a LOT more about Spain is More from me especially when I am up i Galicia and Asturias!

Costa Women Silent Auction for Bancosol

It is always nice to support those who support me so today I am delighted to highlight my friends from Costa Women. I wish them every success with their Charity Week Project.

As part of the Costa Women Charity week taking place 22-29 November 2013, two abstract works of art have been donated by local artist Charli Leniston. The pictures, called Cells Dividing and Sand Dunes, retail for a total price of 750€!

The pictures can be bought by silent auction which is taking place on Facebook.

The starting bids are 25€ per picture.

Cells Dividing retails at 450€

Size 100cm x 70cm

Sand Dunes retails at 300€

Size 46cm x 73cm

Anyone can bid for the pictures. Please just private message the Costa Women Facebook page with your offer. All the money from the winning bid will be donated to Banco de Alimentos de Málaga which provides food for needy in the Málaga province.

For more information please email costawomen@gmail.com

Costa Women is a free social and business networking Group for Women living in Spain.

I was delighted to hear from a long-term friend today, Richard Eastabrook Partner of Digital Lux Group who immediately offered to support the project. That’s always hugely appreciated but today he went one better by agreeing to sponsor via Digital Lux Group, located in Alicante Business Centre (Alicante City Port) and London. If you have a requirement for either quality property in and around Alicante City or office accommodation he’d be delighted to hear from you. Thanks, Richard. Contact +44 7947 665 620 or info@digital-lux.com

Yes, Seville (or Sevilla as it is correctly called in Spanish) is where I start my little trip! My great friend Cat Gaa lives in the city and kindly sent me this!

I am doing a week’s training in Lanzarote in March and this looks like a lot of fun. Want to join me? The worst part is the obscenely early start!

Oh dear!

Let’s hear it for San Iker though. #respect

….whilst Ronaldo gives his shirt to a fan whose nose he has just broken!

Hostal Marbella

Things are moving along smoothly this week and I was delighted to get a confirmation from Stig and Carola at the prestigious Hostal Marbella in Fuengirola, Málaga that they would like to partner with me.

Hotel Hostal Marbella is a small and cosy hotel with 25 rooms owned and managed by a Swedish couple. The hotel has 4 floors with a lift and the majority of the rooms have a balcony or terrace. All the rooms have been newly refurbished and have A/C, heating, television with international channels, wireless internet, security boxes and bathroom en-suite. It has a full drinks license.

In the reception the staff are all multilingual and speak Spanish, English and the Scandinavian languages. They are all focused on giving you the best possible service to make your stay enjoyable. On the ground floor there is a new lounge where we serve breakfast and drinks. Enjoy the sun or the moon on our roof terrace!

2013 has been a great year for the hotel and they have received awards and commendations from all three of the main booking engines – TripAdvisor, TriVaGo and Bookings.com

Please note that the word “hostal” in Spanish does not mean the same as “hostel” in English and there are no bunk-beds, curfews, wardens or dormitories here! It is spotlessly clean and has everything an independent traveller might want. Although Hostal Marbella is only 100 meters from the beach the prices are probably 50% less than accommodation on the promenade ….and it’s much quieter! It is also 100 meters from the main square with banks, bars, restaurants, launderettes etc. The bus station and train station are similarly within 5 minutes’ walk.

Our English-language website gives full details. You can make a reservation there at the guaranteed best price and without agents’ commissions.