The Quirks of Spain’s Clock and its Impact on Winter Golf

by | 23/09/23 | News & Views

The ebb and flow of time, especially with the shifting of our clocks, is a topic of discussion that arises annually in many nations. This age-old ritual, designed to maximise our daylight hours, has historical roots.

In Spain, however, there’s an intriguing twist to this story that directly impacts activities such as winter golf.

Though Spain’s geographical position places it within the Western European Time Zone (WET, or GMT), a decision made during World War II by General Francisco Franco to align Spain’s time with Germany shifted it into Central European Time (CET).

Golf time / Alenda Golf Property

This move caused Spain’s natural day-to-night rhythm to skew, meaning they often experience daylight when it should technically be night. It’s a characteristic that has been embraced as part of Spain’s unique cultural tapestry.

Let’s then ponder: while we in the UK eagerly await that extra hour of sleep, when does this moment come for our friends in Spain? And how does it affect those keen to get in a late afternoon round of golf?

In the UK, the advent of Daylight Saving Time (DST) occurs on the last Sunday of March, where we push our clocks forward from 1 am to 2 am. Then, on the last Sunday of October, we revert to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and pull them back, granting us that coveted additional hour of sleep.

Spain follows a similar pattern. They adjust their clocks forward in March’s last weekend and dial them back in October’s final weekend. While the mechanics of the change might be shared, the implications differ, especially for those keen on their golf.

For golf enthusiasts, the earlier onset of darkness in the winter months poses a challenge. In the UK, golfers often find themselves rushing to finish their game before the encroaching twilight.

In Spain, the challenge is accentuated. With its time zone already misaligned with its geographical position, the shortened days make late afternoon and evening golf sessions near impossible during the peak of winter.

In essence, both nations anticipate that additional sleep hour in October.

However, for golfers, this time shift also serves as a reminder of the shorter winter days that limit their time on the greens. Spain’s unique time alignment story underscores how history, politics, and geography can intertwine, influencing not just cultural norms, but also recreational activities.

So, as you curl up for that extra hour this October, spare a thought for the golfers in Spain, navigating their passion amidst the quirks of time.

Two Days Left To Exchange UK Driving Licence

by | 15/09/23 | News & Views

British Expats Have Two Days Left To Exchange UK Driving Licence

A final reminder for British expatriates who still hold a UK driving licence.

For British residents of Spain, the deadline to exchange your UK licence for a Spanish one is Friday, September 15. Failure to do so will mean you will be unable to drive your car legally on Spanish roads.

This is a culmination of tense negotiations over the last few years that followed Brexit, as the UK Government and Spanish authorities aimed to clarify issues around driving licences.

Go HERE for how to change your license

Three earthquakes were recorded in the Alicante Province

by | 5/09/23 | News & Views

Three earthquakes were recorded in the Alicante Province

Three earthquakes were recorded in the Alicante Province during the recent DANA weather phenomenon that affected Spain. These tremors, ranging from one to three magnitudes on the Richter scale, were not strong enough to cause any damage. Two of the earthquakes occurred on the evening of Sunday, September 3, with only a three-minute gap between them.

The first tremor, measuring 2.9 magnitude, was felt in the southeast area of Hondón de los Frailes at around 11:45 pm. Despite being of low intensity (III) and occurring at a depth of 0 km, it did not result in any damage. Residents in Crevillent, Aspe, Elche, Novelda, and Monforte del Cid also felt the tremor, but no harm was reported.

On Monday the 4th, at 10:57 am, a third quake was recorded in Santa Pola. It had a magnitude of 1.8 and occurred at a depth of 15 km, without causing any damage.

There were no  damages or injuries reported.

 

New Rules for Brits Travelling to Europe Next Year

by | 1/09/23 | News & Views

New Rules for Brits Travelling to Europe Next Year

New Rules for Brits Travelling to Europe Next Year

The rules for travel to Europe are changing. From next year onwards, any Brits thinking of a European holiday will need a new travel permit to enter certain European countries.

From 2024, British tourists heading to 30 European countries, including popular spots such as Spain, France, Greece, and Cyprus, will need to acquire a European Union travel permit. This is a part of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).

The ETIAS Scheme: What You Need to Know

  • The ETIAS system connects the travel permit directly to the traveller’s passport. According to the EU’s official site, it will be ‘valid for up to three years or until the passport expires.’
  • The European Union recommends that this authorisation be secured even before arranging any travel: ‘We strongly suggest you secure the ETIAS travel authorisation prior to purchasing your tickets and reserving your hotels.’
  • The site states: ‘Most applications are processed within minutes.’ However, they further note: ‘Your application might take longer to process. If so, a decision will be reached within four days. Please be aware that this period might extend by up to 14 days if additional information or documentation is required, or up to 30 days if an interview is scheduled.’
  • Therefore, it’s wise for anyone considering travelling to Europe to apply for the ETIAS travel authorisation well ahead of their trip.

Application Process and Key Guidelines

To acquire this permit, an application form must be filled out. This can also be done by an authorised person, such as a family member or travel agent. An application fee of €7 is necessary.

Ensure your travel documents, like your passport, are up to date and have ample validity left: ‘We recommend not travelling with a document nearing its expiration.’

Your ETIAS Checklist

  • Apply for the ETIAS travel authorisation well in advance – before purchasing your ticket or reserving your stay.
  • Ensure your passport details match those on your ETIAS authorisation – discrepancies will result in being denied boarding and entry.
  • Ensure your ETIAS travel authorisation remains valid.
  • Ascertain the duration of your stay in the European countries that require ETIAS.
  • Ensure your passport is valid for three months post your intended departure date from the European countries needing ETIAS – failing to do so will lead to refusal at the border.

Non-compliance could lead to denied entry, so it’s prudent to organise all essential paperwork well ahead of your trip.

1