Now me and Marcus (my husband) came up with a great idea in the spring - let's learn to drive a boat. It can't be that hard, all sorts of idiots are allowed to drive boats, you just have to sit and watch at the Mar Menor on a sunny day to see how many idiots are out there!

Cartagena is a medium-sized town on the south-east coast of Spain, dominated by an industrial port and an illustrious naval history: the inventor of the submarine was from Cartagena, as commemorated by the huge grey prototype submarine from 1888 that squats down by the leisure port. The largest submarine in the world is also being built here, under wraps so nothing to see unfortunately.

We've been to the port town of Águilas (you pronounce it with the stress on the very first A) a couple of times over the last few years and we’ve always had a wonderful time. Our most recent visits included a spot of diving, some really great food and seeing a dolphin. I’ll tell you more.

We had a week off work and thought a couple of days diving would be fun. We chose http://www.buceoaguilas.com/ right on the harbour, next to the train monument.

ITV are looking to speak to expats who are living in Spain to be part of a new TV documentary.

We've been contacted by Becky, here's her message: 

San Javier Jazz Festival

Wow. What more can I say? The festival was super cool, well organised and had some outstanding artists.
The most important figures in the world of jazz, blues and bossa nova had an appointment at the XI San Javier International Jazz Festival – well that’s what the website said anyway. www.jazzsanjavier.com detailed all of the artists showing at this year’s extravaganza. Keep an eye on this site to see who’s coming next year.

One of the things I noticed when visiting friends at the weekend was that their loo had a lovely view!

Instead of reading a magazine or the back of the shampoo bottle I was able to gaze up the mountain, into the pine forests and watch the birds and the bees do their thing, whilst going about my important business.

I estimate that I spend about 30 minutes each day on the loo (sometimes more if I have a good book on the go!) - that's 30 minutes of viewing time.

Hi

I'm on the look out for your top 5s again.You know, your top 5 suggestions for great places, things, activities, trips etc. I'm particularly interested in the Alicante region at the moment, but top 5s for all areas of Spain will be great.

Here are some examples:

http://www.nativespain.com/my-top-5-things-do-murcia-0

http://www.nativespain.com/5-top-scuba-spots-costa-calida

Calling anyone who lives in any of the following areas:

* Alcoy (Alcoi)
* Alicante
* Altea
* Benidorm
* Benissa
* Calpe (Calp)
* Dénia
* Dolores
* El Campello
* Elche (Elx)
* Guardamar del Segura
* Javea (Xábia)
* Moraira
* Orihuela
* San Miguel de Salinas
* Santa Pola
* Tabarca
* Torrevieja
* Villajoyosa (La Vila Joiosa)

Hi

for anyone purchasing a property from the San Jose developer (Santa Ana Del Monte in Jumilla) there's been some bad news - they have applied for court protection - basically meaning that if you have put a deposit down for a property you will have to join the (possibly long!) creditors list.

Justin at EyeOnSpain.com (a great site for anyone buying off-plan, I've recommended him before) has a thread here: http://www.eyeonspain.com/forums/posts-long-4308.aspx

My personal experiences of the luxury of a spa visit have been few and far between and to be honest, a little scary.