Long live the president

Before I actually bought an apartment in Mijas-Golf, I never had much time for presidents of communities, whose self-importance seemed to far exceed any good they might do. But I was wrong. Having lived here two years, I feel lucky that our president lives only two doors away, and keeps things running smoothly within the complex. The gardens are beautifully maintained, the pool is always clean, the fountains work and the security is good. He puts himself on the line in the interests of all the residents, and he regularly admonishes trouble-makers, noisy neighbours and inconsiderate visitors who, without being spoken to, could make life a misery for the rest of us. Don´t get me wrong - I am by now means a nosy neighbour or a habitual complainer - and prefer a quiet life than any conflict, but I feel secure knowing that if I have any problems within the complex, then the president will sort it out quickly and without fuss. And after all, who else would want the job? I don´t believe in over-officious individuals in any walk of life, but I do think it´s necessary to keep certain standards and to make sure basic rules are adhered to when you have over 200 people living in one complex - othewise chaos would ensue. So just to say once again, after a busy summer at Mijas-Golf, congratuations Mr President!

Romeria de las Lagunas - what a day

Romerias can be spectacular occasions when the statue of the Virgin is carried through the streets, followed by horses, carriages and local people donning traditional dress. I went to the Romeria de Las Lagunas last week, which takes place annually in the Parque El Esparragal, just past Mijas-Golf. What a fantastic occasion. We always go mob-handed and get there around 11.30am to make sure we get a table (by the bar obviously). The Virgin de la Paz is carried into the park on a flower laden carriage pulled by two oxen - accompanied by drumbeats and live music from the stage in the park. A huge paella was cooked for the crowds, and although the queue took around an hour to get to the front of (not for me as I was busy at the bar - but for my friend´s daughter and friends who had been sent on the paella mission) - it was delicious. Manzanilla (dry sherry) and Malaga wine were also served free of charge, and the pub in the park was also packed with revellers. The serious dancing started around 5pm when locals and holidaymakers boogied the afternoon away. The best part of the day was undoubtedly the greasy pole climbing competition (really) when lots of macho local youths compete to see who can climb up a vertical wooden pole and yank down a whole jamon serrano from the top. After many failed attempts, one courageous lad shimmied his way up to the top to claim the prize - to the adulation of the local girls! Altogether a brilliant day out - and even time for one for the road at the makeshift bar at the other end of the park where the horsemen were congregated to show off their trusty steeds!