MOT, (ITV) failure!

In Spain there is the ITV, (MOT), test for 4 year old cars. Our Evoque is 4 years old next month so we went for the test today. 

It failed! And the reason:- They have to be able to read the chassis number which is stamped into the panel behind and under the rear seats. Go into the boot, you should be able to see it from there. 

However, Land Rover, in their wisdom, had fitted a polystyrene multi-container in the boot where the spare wheel should be and this obliterates any access to the panel underneath at the back of the rear seats. 

I have to take the car back once the chassis number car be seen. Armed with a carving knife I cut the polystyrene away and it can now be seen. 

Land Rover should have thought ahead for cars meant for the export market even if this particular feature of being able to read the chassis number is not applicable to their cars in some parts of the world.

Double birthday parties!

Today was a double birthday party for Ariadna...

...5 years old a couple of weeks ago...

...and her mother, Carmen, whose birthday was today.

Ariadna really liked her presents...

...and so did Carmen.

Perfume...

an ebook...

...a necklace...

...and chocolates because AmazonVIP haven't delivered her actual birthday present from us yet.

The food for the meal was wonderful as usual.

How about that for starters...

...followed by delicious chicken...

...and a superb birthday cake!

A very good time was had by all!

Up the tower at Torre

The church in our village of Torre del Compte is still undergoing restoration work. However, the work on the tower has been completed.

With our friend Lola, who is now the mayor of the village, we paid a visit to the top of the tower.

The views are amazing in every direction.

Looking east, in the far distance are the Ports de Beceite, the range of mountains which separate us from the Mediterranean.

To the south our house on the right with the ermita to the left look as though they're in the middle of the countryside - well, ours is the last, or maybe the first, house in the village.

To the north you can see the viaduct which was the old railway line crossing the Rio Matarraña and is now the Via Verde.

To the west, you can see along the Matarraña valley and make out the road bridge which leads into the village.

The inside of the church still needs a lot of work...

...but the tower will be standing for a few hundred years more.

To see all of the photos on Facebook, click HERE.