Monday 20 January 2014

Mickey Mouse Tales ??

You would think that it wouldn't be possible to build not one...but two brand new airports and then have both of them them sit there unused...

But as this has already occurred both at Castellon and Corvera,  nothing I ever hear about the much heralded  Paramount Theme Park will convince me of its existence..Not until I am standing in the sunshine, queuing for a white knuckle ride, while holding a monster hot dog !!


That said the annual 2014 FITUR tourism show opens in Madrid this week, and offers yet more chances to view impressive 3D models and sexy videos while behind the scenes the Premursa  team scurry around looking for investors.


Click on the Link for the PDF of the park plans !!

Pres Release follows - sounds like a roller coaster ride.... somewhat reminiscent of the last few years of Paramount discussions ??


PARAMOUNT THEME Park will take centre stage at next week’s Tourism Expo in Madrid. Murcia’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Pedro Alberto Cruz, said that Paramount Park, which will once again star at the 34th International Tourism Fair (FITUR), to be held from 22nd to 26th January.

Jesus Samper, president of flagship projects Murcianos (Premursa) said during last week’s press conference that, “skepticism does not worry me in the least. There was also skepticism about the New Condomina but there we have a stadium.”

Samper indicated that they are working with eight investment funds, all foreigners, but again refused to give the names, for reasons of confidentiality: “They did not wish their names to go out in the media.” He added that “The first buildings on the ground will be seen within eight months, upon completion of the installation work for water supplies, telephone and light as well as the implementation of security measures and houses for workers, plus the infrastructure needed to begin constructing the buildings and the installation of the attractions.”

The total cost of the works, according to Samper, is 100 million euros, corresponding to capital, while between 130 and 140 million is the investment provided by financial institutions. The remaining money will come from the sale of individual plots and hotels, Park Lifestyle Centre, the area where they will have hotels, shops, bars and restaurants.

Paramount will occupy 50 of the 311 square meter pavilion at Fitur. The theme park will be recreated by a three-dimensional visual that will cover each step of the most significant areas, from West Fargo to The Enchanted Castle, Main Square and the Future Sleepy Hollow. All the major recreation attractions will be displayed at the show, among which there will be four roller coasters, the largest of which can 'travel' up to 160 kilometers per hour, dropping from a height of 120 meters.

Cruz said the installation is, “absolutely stunning and an attraction in itself. It has been produced in Los Angeles, and provides a static 3D virtual walk where visitors can enjoy the picturesque attractions and areas. It will be exactly like this in reality.” The facility will accommodate up to ten people per session, which will last for about ten minutes.






Tuesday 7 January 2014

2014 - Where would I rather be today ??

 


I am just back in at work and chained to my desk after a wonderful Christmas....and as I sit here watching the rain pouring down outside, my thoughts turn (as they do often) to Condado.

A quick check on the the weather forecast shows that the high today is due to be 20C and  Sunny - why on earth am in cold wet rainy London when I could be in Spain !!

Its been just over a year since I last posted....but buoyed by New Year enthusiasm and a sincere hope that 2014 will finally be the year that my wife and I are able to spend an extended period in Condado, I thought it would be appropriate to start posting again !

We spent our limited time on site in 2013 and think the total days spent were around 20  - just not enough when there is so much of everything onsite now - peace and quiet and great facilities...

A few Highlights of  2013 and in no particular order !!
  • American Breakfasts at Big Gs
  • Eating outside at late in the evening at La Cata
  • Beer and Football Coverage at the Clover.... excellent as always
  • Massive blue cocktails at Boakao
  • The market onsite and others elsewhere
  • The covered market in Mazarron
  • The new french restaurant
  • Sitting on the empty beach at Bolnuevo in glorious sunshine on November 5th
  • A long evening on July 4th with Elvis and cocktails
  • The feeling that we always get when we drive back up entrance boulevard and say."it's great to be back"