NOT all the people who come to Spain are in search of the sun. Some of the immigrants come from equally sunny climes. Here in Cortes de La Frontera we have two thriving Argentinean businesses.

One is Bar Amigos run by Marcos and Mirta Jofre.

Mirta first came over three years ago at the urging of her son Mariano who had taken the step two years earlier with his wife and two young children. After many requests to his mother she came to test the waters and her husband Marco moved over six months later.

When I asked them why they came they said that their main reason was for security. Marcos said that he had to take their teenaged children to school and pick them up as they could be robbed and beaten in the street just for their shoes. They felt general anxiety both financially and for their own safety and so finally they bravely made the move.

They first rented a small bar to see how it went .The children settled down into the local instituto and both Mirta and Marco became the centre, not just for other Argentineans, but for many expats and Spaniards as well. As their mother tongue is Spanish they had no problems with communication.

After their lease expired they found an old cinema which, when converted, would give them much more space. Marco who is a builder and painter set to work with the help of the whole family and soon the new Bar Amigo’s opened opposite the market. Very convenient for morning coffee and breakfast when out shopping! As well as the usual toast, Mirta will make you egg and bacon if you wish. They also serve a wide variety of sandwiches and tapas and, occasionally, lovely Argentinean specialities like empanadas - which are a delicious version of the English Cornish pasties.

The bar is very popular with the football fans and emotions ran high during the last World Cup where they showed nearly every match on their huge TV. They recently added an internet facility and locutorio to their services.

They work hard and are unfailingly polite and charming. Marco still takes on painting and general building work. They now feel much more secure financially and their children can go to school without an escort.

We wish this hardworking couple and their family good luck in their venture.

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From South America To Southern Spain
Friday, 20 November 2009
NOT all the people who come to Spain are in search of the sun. Some of the immigrants come from equally sunny climes. Here in Cortes de La...

© 2012 - Secret Andalucia - Guadiaro Valley, near Ronda

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