Issue 8 May 2010

The Catalunya Chronicle In this month’s issue...

A BRIEF HISTORY OF TIME PART 2 Hannibal and the Romans They did not yet understand Hannibal and the brilliant military tactician that he was.

MAY 2010

An English Paper for Tarragona and beyond....

FREE every month ~ suitable for all the family.

DO YOU HAVE TRACTORS

CARS

MACHINERY

GENERATORS

WORKING OR NON WORKING CASH AVAILABLE FOR ALL OF THE ABOVE FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT

689 468 752

Once upon a Time - Cambrils

Thank you once again to all our contributors and advertisers

Located in the heart of the Costa Daurada, on the sandy coastline, Cambrils is in the Baix Camp region .... Read more on page 6

Bigger and hopefully, better this month - we have again increased our number of pages from 24 to 32 this month.

La Comida

To coincide with this we have also printed an extra 1000 copies, taking our current print run up to 5,000 per month.

We have taken these actions as we have received reports that some people were unfortunately unable to find the paper in their usual outlets last month. As soon as it had reached them - it disappeared from the shelves.

Calcots, and the way to eat them Cheats Cuisine - the simplest sauce Quick and Easy Biscuits

Growing nicely So next time you sit down to your breakfast, remember – No bees = no bacon, no steak, or coffee or fruit!

We have also improved our web-site, and it now contains most of the articles from each issue, together with the ability for you to leave comments and ask questions about anything you see or read in the paper.

May we remind you that if you are unable to obtain your copy of the paper in any particular month, you can always read the current and past editions in full online from anywhere in the world at http://issuu.com/chroniccat

Munchie He’s back and quite capable of causing chaos

The English Childrens´clothes shop from birth to 12 years

Other Contents: Letters to the Editor The Puzzle Page - with our prize cryptic Crossword What’s On!

Ex Monsoon summer dresses from 15 euros, Disney Winnie Pooh boys shirts 15 euros Shorts 10 euros Short sleeved t-shirts 10 euros Plus many more great bargains

The Classified Section Incorporating a new Services and Property Section

Tales from the Riverbank And much much more ...

The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 8 May 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 1

COMMUNITY NEWS ALCOSSEBRE CHARITY WALK R AISES €1200

ALCOSSEBRE The Friends of Alcossebre - "Supporting our Community" The Charity Shop is open from Monday to Friday - 10am to 1pm at El Centro, Las Fuentes, Alcossebre. Tel.: 964 414973

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SATURDAY IN Alcossebre dawned grey and cloudy, but punctually at 11am, as the walkers gathered on the seafront, the sun appeared and everyone was treated to a glorious day of blue skies and beautiful scenery!

ASTER

A

of holidaymakers and residents and about 150 people took part in this charity event organised by the Friends of Alcossebre with the collaboration of the local Council and local branch of the AECC. LCOSSEBRE WAS FULL

The walk was given a wonderful start by the playing of the Sutherland Schools Pipe Band for the half hour before they set off at the head of the walkers, attracting much attention and giving everyone much enjoyment.

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HE VISIT OF

A raffle at the restaurant boosted the walkers' collection with a further 220 euros giving a grand total collected of over 1,200 euros.

AGM - to be held on Saturday, 29th May. Details available later.

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Donations of good quality clothing, books and bric-a-brac welcome at the shop. Volunteers to help in the shop always welcome. http://friendsofalcossebre.page.tl

FRIENDS

HE OF

Alcossebre took advantage of the occasion for Chairman Charles Mustard to present their own donation agreed earlier this year to the Presidenta of the local AECC committee, Conchin Marti.

Funds raised in the shop and at special events are given to local charities and organisations.

New Weekly market for Camarles starts on Sunday 2nd May.

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1,200 EUROS proceeds from the walk will be presented to the AECC as soon as all donations are received.

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The Friends of Alcossebre thank everyone who contributed to making this year's charity walk the most successful yet and are very grateful for all the support they receive throughout the year through their charity Shop in El Centro, Las Fuentes.

A

LL FUNDS COLLECTED

by the this young Friends of group of Alcossebre in the musicians had shop and at been organised as special events a cultural are donated to exchange by local charities and Hafida Latta, and the Friends organisations at quarterly were extremely grateful to her for including the Charity Walk in intervals. their very busy schedule for the In 2009 nearly 13,000 5 days they were here. euros were distributed in this way.

At the end of the 8 km walk along the new coast path in the Sierra d'Irta to the now disused Extensive Range of Building Materials light-house and back, many of the walkers returned to Restaurante Mambo for a 'bocadillo' or 'plato combinado' Carretera Gandesa km 3 and a drink on the terrace in the 43590 sun.

JESUS- TORTOSA

The new market will open every Sunday from 8 am until 2 pm, at the Avinguda de la Torre de Camarles on the outskirts of the village Space has initially been allocated for up to 200 stalls/pitches and anyone interested should contact Sra. Cinta Català at l’Ajuntament de Camarles.

Telf: 977 47 00 07

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When you are next visiting Tarragona city come and relax and have a coffee or tea in BAR CAL MANEL Rodney, Elizibeth and Marina assure you a warm welcome. Open Mon to Fri 8.00am to 9.30pm English and Spanish spoken. Tel 653557524 C/ Joan Baptista Plana 25, near the Eroski Centre

The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 8 May 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 2

CARTES A L'EDITOR Readers Letters - to the Editor Please address your letters to:- The Catalunya Chronicle , C/ Martirs 6, 43500, Tortosa, or alternatively you may email them to letters@chroniccat.com All letters must contain a contact telephone number thank you.

The post-bag started to fill up - many thanks to everyone who wrote in.

All submissions must be received by the 18th of the calendar month to ensure publication for the following issue.

Hi there, I have been reading your excellent Cat Chron since its initiation last year. I have found it to be the most informative and interesting of all the local English and ex-pat newspapers that I have read since moving to Tortosa 6 years ago, and yes, I do mean it's a newspaper!(enough congratulations).

We have noticed a recurring theme throughout every issue, that there is a frustration among many ex-pats and even the Catalunyan local artisans and musicians, for a local venue to show, sell and perform their individual works and talents.

Since Christmas we have been trying to locate such a venue.

We have found a location on the Ebre Delta overlooking the sea. The ambience is near perfect, and we have the approval of the landowner. So we are trying to increase our own local network of artisans and musicians who could be interested, but we need to broaden the appeal to encompass a wider audience from a larger geographical catchment area.

(ANYBODY OUT THERE?) We hope to make this a weekly event in the summer, possibly extending it into the early winter months, weather permitting. We can't have another one like 2010 for a long time I hope, (inShallah). We also hope to achieve a multicultural, family orientated appeal of entertainment with educational, nutritional and health value. So you are all welcome, whatever your nationality, artistic or musical taste or talent. If you have a talent, bring it along. There is a home for it here.

We hope this is not the last you hear from us but there are many hoops to jump through, the local Ajuntament being the first. So if you can offer any help, assistance, advice or encouragement, it would be gratefully received and appreciated.

Maybe you just want to know the availability of stall allocation, type of musical acts etc. Just give us , Tony, Jason or Carol, a call on 617784319, even if it's just for a chat.

"It's good to talk"..............Who said that?

Press release

31 March 2010

YOUR BASIC GUIDE TO THE EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD (EHIC) There has been a lot of discussion recently about healthcare rights and some confusion about the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), the little blue cards that used to be known as E111 forms. Here is a brief guide to EHIC entitlements which should answer some of your questions. Of course, if you still have doubts about EHIC use, you can visit www.nhs.co.uk, ukinspain.fco.gov.uk or contact your local Pension, Benefit and Healthcare Team based at the British Consulates in Alicante and Malaga.

Where can you use the EHIC?

Where can you get the EHIC from?

All necessary treatment. This means any treatment which allows you to continue with your temporary stay in comfort.

State run hospitals, health centres and local GPs in any EEA country outside of UK e.g. Spain.

· online: UK National Health Service www.ehic.org.uk • by phone: 0845 606 2030 or +44 191 203 5555 (if outside the UK) • by post: EHIC Applications, PO Box 1115, Newcastle-UponTyne, NE99 1SW

All necessary treatment. This means any treatment which allows you to continue with your temporary stay in comfort.

State run hospitals, health centres and local GPs in any EEA country outside of Spain e.g. UK

Local Social Security Office (Instituto Nacional de la Seguridad Social). The Spanish EHIC is called a “Tarjeta Sanitaria Europea”

All necessary treatment. This means any treatment which allows you to continue with your temporary stay in comfort.

State run hospitals, health centres and local GPs in any EEA country outside of Spain e.g. UK. You will need to present your UK issued EHIC to access NHS services.

Before 01/05/10, your local Social Security Office in Spain.

After 01/05/10, the UK Department of Health. You and your dependant should receive an application form in the post.

Who can get What does the an EHIC? EHIC cover?

Resident in UK

Resident in Spain (1)

Resident in Spain (2)

Everyone

People paying social security contributions in Spain or in receipt of a Spanish benefit and their dependants.

People registered for healthcare in Spain on an E121 form (mainly UK State Pensioners or people in receipt of long term incapacity benefit) or an E109 form and their dependants.

A few other things to remember about EHICs: Residency in this instance refers to your centre of interest. This can be defined by where you spend most of your time, where you work or where you have your main ties.

EHICs offer access to treatment on the same basis that health care is normally provided to nationals of that State.

Most EHICs issued by the UK are sent to UK residents, and some of the letters that usually accompany a UK resident’s EHIC have been sent to UK citizens living abroad. The letters have now been adapted, and all cards issued in the future to those living abroad should be catered towards an international audience.

If you are not eligible for a European Health Insurance Card, it is advisable to take out private health insurance when travelling abroad.

For more information on this press release please contact: Sally Aston, Consular Communications Officer, British Embassy Madrid, 917 146 475, sally.aston@fco.gov.uk

The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 8 May 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 3

ONCE UPON A TIME.......

Cambrils holds the well-deserved reputation of being the Culinary Capital of the Costa Daurada.

Continuing our series

O NCE U PON

A

T IME - CAMBRILS

BY JENNIFER FIGUEROLA

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CAMBRILS BECAME firmly established as a safe, thriving settlement.

HUS

This vitality was heart of the seriously threatened, Costa Daurada, on the when in 1640, during sandy coastline, Cambrils the Guerra dels is in the Baix Camp region, Segadors, (War of the surrounded by the magnificent Reapers), Cambrils slopes of the Llaberia and underwent an horrific Prades Mountain Ranges. It 3-day siege, ending in has the classic 'meeting of the their surrender. land and sea' effect, as this natural phenomenon is so The attacking army, under Felipe marked and stunning. It is the IV was far superior and eventual surrender by the resisting townsfolk was inevitable. Many were subsequently shot, and the town was devastated, with most of the walls also destroyed. In memory of this tragic time, the inhabitants hold an annual ceremony by the ruined walls, at Coat of Arms the Plaça del Setge, (Siege Square). status quo, yet has always been so and will always remain so - a definitive fact.

OCATED IN THE

There is evidence of human activity dating back to prehistoric times, although it was the Romans who established the first settlement. After the fall of the Roman Empire, this settlement gradually fell into decline until the 12th century. At this time, the Moors/Arabs were driven out of Cataluña and came down the coast, settling in Cambrils.

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1229, troops from King Jaime 1 sailed from these beaches to reconquer Mallorca and the Balearic Islands from the Arabs.

A feudal lord was deployed to control Cambrils, now ruled by The Crown.

HEN IN

This involved soldiers being stationed there, and the construction of fortified walls and defensive towers for protection.

The Port Tower

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17TH century, the Port Tower was built and fishermen built their houses around it.

Eventually the Harbour was built towards the end of the 20th century.

The port in fact, is the most important symbol of the heritage of Cambrils.

N THE

This picturesque town offers the With the advent of tourism in the full range of cuisine, blending fifties, it has a fantastic image as tradition with many signature a holiday resort; dishes, and is the only town in the province of Tarragona to “a postcard brought to have a Hotel and Catering life, “ School. with the sea, fishing boats, water sports and restaurants all along the promenade, existing in the same space alongside the the lighthouse and the red-roofed seafront houses with the nine expansive beaches with clear blue sea.

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PORT TOWER is now used as an art gallery, mainly maritime exhibitions. The red lighthouse, (Far Vermell), at the end of the wharf is great for watching the fishermen, and the sunsets are magnificent from this point.

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The fishing boats come into port between 4pm and 5pm, when they bring in their catch, although not in May or June, the closed season for trawlers. Today there is a Marina, housing berths for over 400 crafts, and the Nautical Club with its superb restaurant.

Economically, Cambrils has always survived with its fishing and farming industries. It extends over kilometres of fields rich in farming and raw materials: olive oil, vegetables, fruit, which together with the fruits of the sea, have built up the tradition of what is the local gastronomy today.

T

HE LOCALS REMAIN

staunchly proud of their history, origins and perseverance, giving the town an integral 'personality', or ambience.

Wander through the Old Town, along the narrow streets and alleyways, never forgetting to look up and see the minute balconies full of brightly-coloured flowers, open windows with bedding hanging out to air, or washing blowing in the breeze.

Nowadays the settlement has grown to a population of 32,000 inhabitants.

Restaurants and hotels abound, yet the friendly, family atmosphere prevails, making it less spoilt than its brasher neighbour, Salou, more popular for 18-30 holidays and clubbing.

A

S FOR ME, I have visited many times, for varying reasons:

Ÿ with my granddaughter for the beach, the swimming, the sea air; Ÿ with my friends for a day out shopping, lunching and sight seeing;

FOR ALL OF YOUR CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING REQUIREMENTS MAYOR S.L, Ctra. Tortosa -L’Aldea, Km.2 - TORTOSA Email: mayor@mayor.cat

Tel: 977 440 440

Web: www.mayor.cat

Fax: 977 440 758

The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 8 May 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 4

ONCE UPON A TIME....... Ÿ with my partner to the Orange shop, where they cannot do enough to help, yet the problems persist!; Ÿ and recently to visit my friend, Nicole, staying at Hotel Tryp.

We nipped in for a coffee at a nearby wine restaurant, 'Vora', near to the port and got chatting with the owner, Pol Bargallò Font.

The global recession has certainly taken its toll on businesses, he informed me, shaking his head. I mentioned the many powerboats and vessels for sale in the marina, an extraordinary amount, which backed this up.

H T

QUIM and Dolors, had built up the beautiful restaurant and wine store over the last 36 years, where they serve a varied menu, available to read in Castellano, Catalan, English and French, and also sell serrano hams, wines, liqueurs and other local produce.

Molí de les Tres Eres

IS PARENTS,

Unsurprisingly, he was welcoming and willing to chat about how the restaurant had grown to the special place it now is, inviting me back at any time.

I

been very hard and the projection for the coming season uninspiring, yet they remain optimistic that they will be able to survive without too many staff losses.

HAVE ALSO VISITED the 'Molí de les Tres Eres', (The Three Era Mill Museum). Archaeological remains can be seen, a fully functioning flour mill and a set of 13th century bronzes. Great for history lovers, very visual and loads of written info if The worst time for the business economically, he added, was the interested. year of 'The Euro'. Before the advent of the euro, tourists from other European countries would pop over to take advantage of the In fact Cambrils has something for everyone, except maybe exchange rates, as would they themselves, if the rate was in their groups of teenagers, who by definition are a breed unto favour. themselves and have a different agenda.

No worries, they can nip next door to Salou and then everyone is The Euro wiped out this practice with a resounding happy. finality that changed the face of tourism as Europe knew it.

HIS YEAR HAS

To cope, prices rose and many businesses, unable to conform to the pressure of inevitable and mandatory change, folded, leaving the survivors struggling to adapt.

ENGLISH SPEAKING DENTAL SURGERY JENNIFER JACK - DENTIST ALEXANDER JACK MASTER DENTAL TECHNOLOGIST Mon / Weds / Fri 10.00 -16.00 Tue, Thu 14.00 - 20.00

Steeped in legend and history, the town has evolved into the unique settlement which welcomes old and modern alike to coexist in comfort and harmony.

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E-mail: catalarmya@ live.co.uk

The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 8 May 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 5

GARDENING ET AL A S ELF ’ ISH L IFE Growing up in the sixties, some of my earliest memories were of my Dad out in the garden on a Sunday morning, doing the heavy work, digging beds over, under my mother’s careful instruction.

She was the boss - and woe betide anyone who played football too near to her greenhouse - the font of all things in the garden.

lasted longer. Apparently the secret is to carry on planting until the end of May/June and they will continue to thrive in October.

Not quite what we were used to in Coupled with all the various tactics the sunny UK. used to artificially maintain the HIS YEAR WE have expanded freshness of produce, again, digging over an additional fifty square metre Ÿ I am sure that you only need plot with the aim to grow as much three of the so-called Daily vegetables as we can and Five portions of fruit and preserve, in various ways, the vegetables if you have not extra we will produce. bought them from a shop.

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MANUFACTURE

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LAYING

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HIGH TECH MACHINERY

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20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

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PROFESSIONALISM

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SPANISH-CATALAN-ENGLISH

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AST YEAR WE had rather too many roosters and whilst we managed to give away a fair To grow this much, we need our few, we decided to bite the bullet own water supply, and as such have and kill and eat a particularly a well that is some 120 metres naughty specimen. deep, and produces water at a very sedate 300 litres per hour.

We packed him off to our

Here in ‘rural Spain’ I am convinced moreover that the vegetables we buy from the village shops (not the supermarkets) have less food E HAD A traditional front kilometres in them than the similar garden - with plenty of offerings in the UK but nothing beats flowers and structural the freshness of your own produce, The pump is slow in that it planting whatever that was, but I effectively ‘screws’ the water up the was always more interested in the with no sprays or pesticides in sight. pipe but has the benefit of being ‘goings on’ in the back - raspberry Surely this must be better for you. powered by our solar panels, thus canes, runner beans and all sorts negating the requirement for a large of (then) weird and wonderful With this in mind, we started off generator; the rest of the water we vegetables which somehow made slowly in our first year, with the collect from various roofs. it to the kitchen table in various obligatory tomatoes, cucumbers guises.

This all fits in with our and peppers sowed religiously in view of a more selfearly spring. We decided that the Fast forward 40+ years to sufficient, or self’ish life.

UK planting seasons had to go out my current situation, armed of the window, and plumped for with my mother’s most trusty buying whatever seedlings were Our hens seem to thrive - we have tome, The Complete Food a fluctuating population, and yet available from the co-operativa.

Garden by John Seymour, three of the old girls that were with If the locals were planting them, us from the start still manage to I started to explore the possibilities then it had to be the right time to produce an egg or two between of growing a significant proportion plant them! them. of my family’s food requirements.

Armed with our small successes of Ollie the rooster, is the proud dad of We all know that it tastes better if the first year - lovely tomatoes which quite a few hens now, and as I write you grow it yourself, but with just a ran out by the end of August, we we are expecting - two new firstshort walk from the veg patch to the decided to build three deep beds time ‘mums’ have been nesting for kitchen, it is immeasurably healthier (which were increased to five by the the required 21+ 1 days. for you. end of the summer) and grow a little As to how many chicks, we are not more and of a greater variety. too sure, as they have managed to As we now had chickens, we could snaffle a large number of eggs incorporate their waste straw in our between them over the last week or compost heap which dramatically so,and are probably sitting on about www.marbesa.es increased the fertility of the soil and twenty.

Kitchen Worktops Factory led to greater results.

Not all will hatch out, but if SILESTONE (tm) This year we had twice as many EXCLUSIVE NATURAL STONES we can have about six or - MEASUREMENT varieties and our tomato season

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eight pollitos we will be very happy.

TELEPHONE BAZ ON 660 879 852

neighbours and they dispatched him with very little fuss. He sure tasted good, a completely different texture and flavour to store-bought produce. We managed to kill and cook two more ourselves, but decided that it did not sit too well with us.

I

F NEEDS MUST,

then we shall do it again, but for now we will give away any new ‘gallos’ and have the eggs from any new hens.

With the ‘dynamite’ straw from the hens going into the compost bins, and our liquid fertiliser - comfrey and nettle tea - being applied to any plants, we have had a lot of success and aim to expand our comfrey plantation this year. Once planted, it is quite difficult to eradicate, but we can harvest twice a year from it which is more than enough for our current ‘huerto’ or ‘hort’.

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been experimenting with spraying it directly onto our olive trees with encouraging results.

E HAVE ALSO

At least it has not killed them!

And it is free - my neighbour is only too glad for me to pick his nettles odd that we do not have any and yet he sprays his finca with weed-killer twice a year.

Must be something herbicide ...

or 977 050 302 after 6pm

The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 8 May 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 6

in

the

POT-POURRI HOW TO BOOK FOR THE FUN RUN AND COST OF ENTRY:

Freesia Group 6 TH

Entry fee prior to the 7th May - 12€ (10km), 10€ (4km) and 8€ for children under 12.

FAMILY “FUN RUN” IN SALOU

On the day of the Run BEFORE 09.30 - 15€ (10km), 12€ (4km) and 10€ for under 12.

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SUNDAY, 9TH May 2010, the Freesia Group celebrates its 6th Family Fun Run in Salou - a great day out for all the family!

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Starting time: 10.00 am from the statue of Jaume 1 in Passeig Jaume 1, Salou (promenade, opposite McDonalds)

THIS YEAR YOU CAN BOOK ONLINE!

Distances: 10 km for the more serious athletes and 4 kms for novices and walkers of all ages and children under 12.

All entrants will receive a T-shirt, a medal depicting the Santa Maria Church, a goodie bag and refreshments after the race.

TROPHIES

FOR ALL CATEGORIES !

BEST FANCY DRESS .

PRIZES

FOR THE

The first three runners in each category will receive a commemorative cup and a bouquet.

This year we aim to surpass the €10,000 raised in 2009 for cancer charities in Spain and are catering for 1,000 runners.

Get your teams together!!! Come on foot, roller skates, with prams, bring your dogs - whatever - anything for a laugh!

Thank you to Barry Humphreys for taking the trouble to write in - his letter is printed below.

Your question - “where can I find some good places to fish from the bank on the river, as so much of it is inaccessible?”, is something I am asked quite often. When I first started fishing The Ebro on holiday, almost 20 years ago now, I was always trying to find some new places to fish up and down the river. I found the best thing to do was to buy an ordnance survey map, as this will show all the roads and tracks leading down to and along the riverbank. From then on, you can keep exploring until you find somewhere where you would like to fish.

It couldn't be easier!!!!!

Don't forget to get your friends and family to sponsor you!

Our aim is to raise money for the three cancer charities in Spain we support, so we urge entrants to ENCOURAGE FAMILY, FRIENDS, COLLEAGUES ETC., TO SPONSOR THEM, either for every km. completed or as a whole.

Don´t forget, a bad day´s fishing is better than a good day at work!

Finally, there is some activity and things are beginning to pick up on the river. I have had reports of good catches up and down the river with carp into double figures; maybe not in great quantities, but if you are prepared to sit it out, you will catch.

This month, I have been fishing with a friend of mine who has a house on the river, just above Mora. We´ve been catching carp into double figures on halibut pellets and sweetcorn and a lot of small cats, on fresh sardines. If you want to catch the catfish, I find that any smelly fish bait will do, even squid, but do make sure your tackle is up to it! These small cats can be caught on conventional carp tackle but there is always a chance of something bigger coming along!

www.freesiagroup.com

If any other readers have a favourite fishing spot, or have any other ideas, maybe you would like to share them with us.

TALES FROM THE RIVER BANK

For those of you who like catching mullets, on float tackle, of which I am one, you can enjoy some good sport on the lower river, now and throughout the summer. All you will need is some ground bait and a loaf of bread. I do find that mullet feed better when the river is not running too fast or in slack water. Personally, I like fishing for them on the pole. These fish fight really well; if only you could catch them on the fly, you could have some great fun!

Full instructions in three languages are on our website

Mike Smith Dear Mike, I don't think we need to worry about an Ebro fish cull. On recent Winter visits to Utxesa and Chiprana we noticed the following. Utxesa :- there are no small fish left in the lake as there were at least 100 or more cormorants 'feeding' on them for most of the winter.

Chiprana, Aragon :- I have been there fishing during every month of the Winter. I took my wife with me in January, she decided never again. it was filthy, rubbish everywhere, and the usual dead fires on the bank and carp remains everywhere. This week there were local guys going across country to the carp spawning grounds opposite Chiprana town and spearing the carp near the surface. They came past us with 6 dead ones, telling us that sometimes they can get 10 or more. We can't blame them, as they eat them but it does'nt take much to add up the annual totals. They didn't believe that we put fish back in the water.

I'm afraid that it is a policing problem that doesn't seem to exist, probably due to money and the CRISIS. Having seen the size and quality of carp and cats in France and the UK in fishing mags and the quality of camp/chalet sites, it won't take long for the VISITORS to take their money and vote with their feet.

I think that one could say that the Spanish authorities 'just don't get it', a wonderful asset squandered.

P.S. At Flix on the last two trips we didn't even have a bite! probably again due to unofficial 'culling' for food. I would be interested to know where is good fishing without a boat now!

Regards/saludos.

Barry Humphreys.

The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 8 May 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 7

VIATGES OUR NEW TRAVEL SECTION

SNOW , GLORIOUS SNOW This month we look at the ski resorts of Catalunya and Andorra.

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lucky to have the beautiful pine-clad mountains, scenic green valleys dotted with vineyards and the uncluttered coastline with its dramatic cliff tops and clear blue waters lapping onto the pure sandy beaches, that you would have thought that was quite enough.

E ARE SO

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fewer than ten ski resorts in the Catalan Pyrenees (Vallter 2000, Baqueira Beret, BoiTaull, La Molina, Tavascan, Port-Aine, Port del Compte, Espot, Masella and Vall de Nuria) and seven ski resorts in Andorra, a principality in its own right, having Catalan as its main language.

HERE ARE NO

NLY

We travelled to Andorra, to the most northerly parish of Ordino in March this year. Snow reports were good and the temperatures had just started to rise. The Andorrans had seen the temperature fall to -46°C this winter!

Those seven include Pas de la Casa – Grau Roig, Ordino Arcalis, Soldeu el Tarter, Pal, Arinsal, La Rabassa and Encamp.

Espot Esqui in the Pallars Sobira district is highly recommended for families who want to enjoy a more tranquil break amongst stunning scenery.

Port del Compte ski station in the Solsones district, the most

Centre of the village Having stayed in Arinsal and Pal on previous occasions, Ordino offered us a much quieter, more relaxing break as we strolled round the pretty cobble-stoned village and visited a few of the small bars for a coffee and hot chocolate or two.

We were on the piste at 9.30 am the next day, with skis, boots and poles all hired from a shop along the 15 minute drive up to the slopes.

There was plenty of parking here at the top and you could ski almost straight from your car onto the slopes.

It is worth waiting, if you can, on the journey back down the village to eat at one of the many restaurants, offering really good value meals. We called in at the Hotel Restaurant Sant Miquel, where we received a very warm welcome and some good hospitality!

Back in the very picturesque village of Ordino, as well as the quaint little cafes and bars, if you feel like relaxing after a hard day on the slopes, the Leisure Centre offers a variety of activities, including bowling, swimming, sauna, spa and turkish bath facilities.

I

fitting that in this pint-sized country of Andorra, you will find the Miniature Museum, in Ordino, in fact. The Ukranian artist, Nicolai Siadristy, widely known as the world´s best microminiaturist, has a lifetime of tiny creations on display here.

T IS RATHER

One of the main restaurants, La Coma, offered hearty botifarra bocadillos at a reasonable price of 4 euros, a far cry from some of the prices one would expect to pay, when you´re on top of a mountain, with spectacular views!

At Arcalis ski resort (top lift at 2552m), we found plenty of red runs, blues and even a black or two, stopping off to inspect a

Baqueira Beret is one of the largest of the six ski resorts in the province of Lleida, situated in the Val d'Aran, equipped with 72 ski runs.

tunnel under a mountain to see some stalactites and stalagmites as we made our way down the mountain.

We were all soon shouting to do our favourite runs again!

southerly of Lleida´s ski resorts, is surrounded by an extensive forest of black pine, one of the most beautiful areas of the PrePyrenees.

14 KM from Berga, in the province of Barcelona, is the Rasos de Peguera resort, perfect for a day´s skiing or introduction to skiing. With it´s ten pistes, this small resort has it´s own record But oh no, we also have on our doorstep the Pyrenees, covered in in history, when in 1908, a white blanket for most of the members of the Catalan winter and perfect for some winter Excursion Centre made their sporting indulgence, not forgetting first ski descent here. the lovely summer treks when the snow has melted and the mountains give way to resplendent glorious green meadows bursting with poppies and other wild flowers.

sailed through, although accept there may be a queue out of Andorra, as customs check your purchases Tobacco and petrol are very cheap here, Andorra, being famous for it´s cultivation of tobacco.

Each work must be viewed from a microscope – one of the favourite´s being the camels trudging towards a pyramid and palm tree, all nestled within the eye of a needle!

Ordino Church Only four hours by car from Tarragona, one first approaches the border control at Andorra. We

Piste Map of Arcalis

The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 8 May 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 8

TRAVEL CONTD...

T

of other museums here in Ordino too. The Postal Museum shows the postal history of Andorra through an exhibition of postage stamps and other related objects.

HERE ARE PLENTY

This includes hotel accommodation, 2 day ski pass, hire of all equipment (skis, poles or snowboard and boots), 5 hours ski/snowboard tuition spread over the two days and a menu del dia each day on the piste PLUS ski locker at the foot of the slopes.

We stayed at the three star Hotel Santa Barbara De La Vall D'Ordino, situated in the centre of the village.

When you are planning your skiing trip next winter, it is worth calling in to your local travel agent, who through Iberski, can provide an all inclusive price for weekend or 6 day breaks to your local ski resorts.

For example, a weekend break from Friday to Sunday staying in a 2 star hotel for two nights ranges from €190 in the low season to €252 in the high season per person.

Hotel Santa Barbara de la Vall d’Ordino ***

And considering we live in such close proximity, all you need to do is jump in your car and catch some of that fresh mountain air!!

If readers have any first hand experience of any of these resorts or others, we would love to hear your news, views and recommendations!

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The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 8 May 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 9

EDUCATION...

MY CATALAN SCHOOL EXPERIENCE

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W

E.F. – Educacio Fisica. P.E. Playing old Spanish playground games to big futbol sala games against other classes.

However, hygiene is very important in Spain, so be ready with your towels and flip-flops!

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HEN MY FAMILY and I decided to SCHOOL SUBJECTS move to Catalunya, my sister and Català – Study of the Catalan language at I were both thrown into the the same level of English in the UK Catalan schools right at the deep end. schools. “I always have to work hard in We had both, at this time, never these classes, but it pays off!” spoken any Catalan to anybody what so ever. So we both found it Castellà – Study of the Spanish language very difficult to follow the normal at the same level of Catalan classes. classes.

Mates – Maths. Mathematics doesn’t really change, however be prepared to learn T THE PRIMARY school we were both some very different methods of long given very few “reforç” lessons division! (catching-up) to help us with our Catalan and on top of that, we also had to Anglès – English. At the same level as 1st learn a second language, Castellano or 2nd year as primary school in the UK… (Spanish).

“Ben is walking his dog.” All the English teachers seem to dislike most English kids, However, when I moved to the high school, can’t guess why. my Catalan improved substantially, as I V.I.P – Visual i Plastica, Art. “I love art, it’s had now made a lot of good friends who one of my favourite school subjects, we were in the same boat as I. have a great arty teacher.” However we E HAD A great reforç teacher who only have one class of V.I.P. per week. spoke several different languages including English. So, Tecno – Tecnologies. “Another subject that I love, we have a really nice, down-to-earth very soon I was speaking good teacher and we always have fun in the Catalan and was ready to join in with the workshops. other classes. As a non-Catalan speaker I received two years of ‘reforç’ which meant Biologia – Biology. “Ugh! Biologia is the being taken out of normal classes for five one subject that makes me want to skip hours a week and being taught the school on Thursdays! Too bad our language. headmaster thinks that it’s an important subject.

Now, I am gaining higher marks than some of my Catalan friends and I am enjoying my Tutoria – Classes with our tutora. Every class has their own tutor/a who looks after self more than ever! I still keep good their class… And punishes the relations with my friends from other countries who were there with me from the troublemakers. “Never an enjoyable class.” start!

Música – Music. From studying famous composers to playing in rock bands. “Music So… After a while, it really doesn’t can be a fun class”. It’s strange that in become so bad! some years we skip it completely.

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The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 8 May 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 10

LES MASCOTES Continuing the series

I NTRODUCING

A NEW CAT

By Meike Knol & Gesa Zoellinger

equation of the meeting of the cats. Also, since the cat isn't used to free roaming the house yet, he/she won't be as upset about being confined to one room during the recovery time after surgery as a cat used to free roaming the house would tend to be.

euthanized if they are not suffering.

Cats with FIV and FeLV can live symptom free for many years as only cats or with other cats who have the same condition.)

Even if the cat was examined by a vet as soon as you got him/her and tested negative for FIV and month’s article we will FeLV, an incubating illness would now examine a few not be able to be diagnosed yet. points in more detai.: The new cat should remain isolated for several days to allow Isolation you to notice any signs of a To start with, the new cat should respiratory or other illness that be set up in a separate room, often Aside from the need to keep a new might take a few days to manifest referred to as a "safe room". No cat separate at first from the if the cat acquired it just before you other animals should be allowed in resident cats due to cats needing took it in. that room at first. The safe room a slow pace for the best chance needs a litter box, food and water The time spent in the safe room for peaceful integration, it is very bowls, scratching post and flat away from the other cats is important health wise. scratching mat, toys, a comfy important also to allow the new cat sleeping spot, and some place the The new cat needs to be tested by to settle down and start to relax. It cat can hide behind or under. a vet for Feline Immunodeficiency is very frightening for cats to be Virus (FIV), Feline Leukemia Virus uprooted from their territory and all A cat carrier, with the (FeLV) and checked for any other they have known, to then be door of it wedged illness and parasites, including placed somewhere new, especially open, or a small box on intestinal parasites, before being when the scent of other cats is it's side can be used as allowed to have contact with the present. Territory is highly resident cats or sharing of food important to cats, and new a "hidey spot". and water bowls, and litter boxes. territories can be potentially dangerous. The new cat needs (Note: If after a full day/24 hours There are no cures for FIV or time to get his/her bearings and the cat has not urinated anywhere, FeLV, so one really needs to know feel a degree of safety, as well as take him or her to the vet as the the status of all new cats before feeling the new home is now cat might have a urinary blockage, his/her home, before he or she is which can kill the cat in as little as in a state of mind to take on 24 hours from the time you realize meeting other cats who could something is wrong. If the cat is possibly be hostile. seen trying to urinate but nothing or almost nothing comes out, or The new cat also needs to start to just drops of blood, get the cat to feel safe about the new people to the vet immediately.) where they allow handling before being allowed to mingle with the Homeless cats who other cats. During the introduction never used a litter box process, there may be times when will hold it for a long time, it is necessary to pick up and put not wanting to soil the area. the new cat back in his or her A window view is preferred, but "safe room".

It can take them up to 24 hours only open it a crack as cats can before they decide to use the litter push out or rip some types of The new cat will feel more secure box, which they were not sure was window screens. meeting the resident cats in your the correct place to eliminate. presence if you and the new cat allowing any contact with other If one has taken in an un-neutered have bonded. cats. cat, or a tame stray from the If the new cat has not yet been streets, the first day and night in neutered, that should be done (However, cats testing positive for the house can be a bathroom or during the isolation period so that other room with no carpet, so any hormonal influences are out of the FIV and FeLV do not need to be

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ONTINUING FROM LAST

One would also want a male cat's spraying or urinating on the floor hormones to have some time to can be easily cleaned. lessen to reduce the chances of Once the cat is using the litter box, territorial spraying. Neutered cats a more suitable and comfortable will sometimes do territorial room should be used for the "safe spraying, but with intact toms, it is room". more probable that they will.

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The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 8 May 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 11

A BRIEF HISTORY OF TIME PART 2 H ANNIBAL

BY BRIAN

AND THE ADVENT OF THE

HALL

In part one of 'A Brief Moment', we learnt of the beginning of Iberian history from the start of early man, the so called homo antecessor, some 800,000 years ago through to the time of the Phoenicians and Greeks and then the Carthaginian invasion of southern Spain with the arrival of Hamilcar and his son, Hannibal.

All this consumed a time span of some 797,750 years ago, or just a couple of newspaper pages. So now, we pick up the thread and continue -----

O

R OMANS

of Hasdrubal, killed by a slave in revenge of the death of a native Iberian leader, Hannibal took over the leadership of troops in Iberia.

The Romans were already in the northern part of the peninsular, mainly in what is now Catalonia and they were a little concerned to say the least, with their Carthaginian neighbours to the south.

N THE DEATH

Because of this they agreed a division, everything to the north of the river Ebro belonged to Rome, everything to the south, to Cartagena, but they managed to persuade the inhabitants of Saguntum (present day Sagunt, just north of Valencia) to ask for a protectate which Hannibal correctly interpreted as interference in his area of control. He laid siege to the city and eight months later it fell into his hands.

Seeing this as a betrayal of the treaty, and in an effort to gain control of the Mediterranean, he decided to take Rome.

The Romans, secure in their long, slender country with friends to the north, could see no initial landward threat and they commanded the

seas around their country so they did not perceive a problem or threat but they did however send 10,000men (2 legions) to the peninsular by boat only to find that Hannibal had gone, but where?

happening, the Romans reinforced their army via naval troop carriers in Hispania, pinning down the reserve army of Hannibal which was delayed in reaching the battle alongside Hannibal.

day Basque and Galicia) who had been around for a long time and were in no mood to be governed by these new interlopers.

Left to themselves, the Celtiberians bothered no one, but the Romans placed taxes on them and this new method of taking money away from them did not sit squarely on their shoulders.

Of the 600 years that the Romans ruled Hispania; the first 200 were the bloodiest and the Celtiberians saw to that.

They did not yet understand Hannibal and the brilliant military tactician that he was.

He quickly overran northern Spain and moving on to Gaul (France) he made safe passage deals with local chieftains. This brought him up to the Alps on the northern part of modern day Italy (Italy as a nation did not exist until the late 1800s)

H

ANNIBAL HAD SOME

50,000 men, 10,000 cavalry and 30 armour plated 'tanks' of that age, the war elephants, which were used in battle to charge against the enemy with gruesome results. After crossing the Alps he challenged the Romans to battle at Cannae and not only decimated them but also slaughtered spectators and Roman Senators alike who had come to gloat over their 'victory'.

Hannibal and his men crossing the Alps.

The way to Rome was open but oddly enough, to the puzzlement of military historians even to this day, he rested his army over winter, and thereby lost the initiative.

Whilst this was

Part of the original mosaic floors at Empuries., which is where the Romans landed in their fight against Hannibal

This led to a humiliating defeat, but not the end of the war of the Carthaginians at the hands of the Romans. The war was to continue for many decades but away from Hispania. However, the balance of power was beginning to swing away from Hannibal and Hispania as a colony of Carthage to the Romans and the Imperial Roman Empire.

T

now clear for the Romans to reinforce their men in Iberia and they placed in charge General Publius Cornelius Scipio who quickly turned the tables on Hannibal who was still fighting in Italy.

Scipio turned his men on to Gartagena and when the city fell, moved to take Gadir (Cadiz) effectively throwing the Carthaginians out of Hispania.

HE WAY WAS

The peninsular was now in Roman hands and part of the Imperial Roman Empire, or so they thought.

They first had to deal with the Celtiberians, a mix of Celts and indigenous Iberians from the northern part of Hispania, (present

With a fearsome reputation of showing no mercy and actually disembowelling captives in order to see into the future, you can understand a Roman Centurion's desire to avoid a posting to this part of the Imperial Empire!

In battle, the Celtiberians were feared as brave fearless fighters with great courage and tenacity who used both a long sabre type sword, used with a chopping motion that made short work of any limb that got in the way, and a short broad sword, for close quarter work, that the Romans quickly adopted.

(If you see paintings of Roman soldiers with the short broad sword, it is no earlier than 180B.C.) Also the one thing that the Romans could not understand, the Celtiberians fought as individuals in an every man for himself attitude, running down on their enemies screaming and shouting, waving their feared sabres around their heads and with one slice of the sharp blade, a leg or an arm or even a head would roll onto the ground.

I

person still remained standing, a quick upward thrust of the short, broad sword finished the job and onto the next unlucky soul.

F THE UNLUCKY

It is because of this attitude of individualistic fighting that took the Romans so long to quell this uprising; this was a beast of many heads for they had no leaders, just a strong desire to be left alone to their own ends with no interference.

The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 8 May 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 12

MORE HISTORY...

After the Celtiberians had been subdued, the great Roman renaissance of Hispania began in earnest.

Masters of the arch, their buildings ushered in designs never seen before. Bridges were thrown across ravines and water was channelled for miles, skirting around hillsides and leaping across valleys on tall elegant aqueducts in order to bring fresh clean water to their new cities.

The aqueduct at Merida in today's Estremadura, is three tiers high, stamping its authority for all to see.

N

EARER TO HOME,

Tarragona or to give it its Roman name of Tarraco, even today boasts of an aqueduct, which can be seen from the AP7 and is known as the 'el Puente del Diablo', or 'the bridge of the devil'.

from the sea; the delta at this time had not yet been formed.

It is these administrative details that tell us how much importance the Romans gave to their Iberian colony.

Great roads for which the Romans were justly famous, were carved out across the Peninsular, the one nearest to us is the Via Augusta which ran from the Pyrenees to Cadiz, the precursor to the N340 and one has to say, better to travel on!

These roads interconnected with their newly built cities, the greatest of which was Emerita Augusta (Merida) and was one of the largest civitas in the entire empire.

You can easily argue that some of the Roman Empire's best remains outside Italy lie in Spain, and indeed, Spain's best Roman remains lie in Merida and is well worth the visit.

It is about this time on the peninsular that the great forests which covered large tracts of land, started to be cut down and used for either fuel or timber. It was to take centuries but the decimation was relentless and would lead to the deforestation and erosion that gives us the landscape we see today.

The mature pines that cloth the hillside as we see them today are but 50/60 years old. The trees of the Roman era were tall oaks, juniper and massive evergreens, trees that took centuries to grow, their slow march through time giving the hard wood so sought after.

The Ebro Delta did not exist in Roman times but began to be formed from this period onwards.

The vast areas of land which were being cleared of trees, started to loose their covering of soil in the heavy winter rains, this soil was washed down into the rivers and then into the seas.

Other cities of repute were Corduba (Cordoba), Tarraco (Tarragona), Caesar-Augusta (Zaragoza) Gades (Cadiz) and Cartago Nova (Cartagena).

Where you may ask is Madrid?

el Puente del Diablo, part of the aqueduct of Tarragona.

Traces of the route and other parts of the aqueduct can still be seen near the city boundary alongside the A7. This structure, 22 km in length and in parts still standing today, is testimony to the durability of Roman design and advanced thinking in building technology.

Probably, the best position for an arena is again, in Tarragona, where the arena boasts of a Mediterranean side setting.

A

The answer is nowhere, Madrid did not come on the scene for many hundreds of years for the central plateau of the peninsular held little attraction for the Romans.

Merida grew in stature from the fact that all around for 75 miles lay fertile plains capable of producing the cereal crops needed by Rome, this plus the wine and olive oil and the rich mineral ores that were in plentiful supply made Hispania the central colony, the rich gem, of the largest empire as yet known to man.

chariot racing, a large amphitheatre and numerous other trappings of such an influential city can also be seen in the city.

During the Roman period, Tortosa was classified as a coastal port, being just a few kilometres inland

The River Ebro, Spain's longest river washed all this mineral rich soil towards the area we now know as the Delta and the sea began its retreat, nature vowing one day to recover what was rightfully hers.

At the end of the first century of Roman occupation, Christianity was introduced by St. James the Elder (Santiago) who was believed to be the half brother of Christ.

CIRCUS MAXIMUS FOR

Indeed, Tarraco was to become the only city whereby the seat of government of all the Roman Empire was controlled from outside Rome. In the rule of Cesar Augustus, he moved the capital of the Roman Empire to Tarraco, so fond was he of the city. Just down the coast at Tortosa, the price of wheat was set for the whole of the Roman Empire as it was such an important and fertile area in the growing of this crop.

The Alcantara Bridge at Toledo

He spent less than 10 years in Hispania before moving back to Palestine where he was killed in a wave of religious persecution. Many years later, his remains were brought back by his followers to Campus Stella where they started to build a monastery which we now know as Santiago de Compostela.

The Arco de Bera marking the city boundary of Tarragona. The Roman road, Via Augusta passed through the arch

However, this wave of Christianity which initially took hold with the urban workers took some 2 centuries to spread throughout the land with the north eastern section, the Basque area, being the last to convert.

The Christians had to overcome the Roman pagan religion of worshiping the months of the

The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 8 May 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 13

AND MORE HISTORY... year and the stars of the celestial heavens. This was no easy feat as holidays were granted and the local governors ensured that the wine flowed freely and generously.

Thousands of Christians were killed in amphitheatres throughout the land, either hacked to death by gladiators or mauled by wild animals to satisfy the 'bread and circuses' the emperor presented to his people in order to maintain a peaceful population.

in Hispania the Roman cities were being fortified by defensive walls against the northern tribes of the Franks and the Alemanni.

religion and he himself converted to Christianity The year 248, marked the 1000th anniversary of Rome and it also brought the beginning of the end of the Roman Empire. The forces within spawned the idea of expansion to the east and beyond the Mediterranean. Not decided as to where the capital should be, the empire was split into two.

The Amphitheatre, Tarragona

However, even the mighty Roman Empire could not stop the onward march of Christianity and by the end of the second century it was a force that the Romans had to acknowledge.

Coins minted during this period show the double headed eagle depicting the empire looking both east and west and a new capital of the east was set up in Byzantium, present day Istanbul.

It fell to Constantine to legalise this new

This did precious little in preventing the decline of the empire and soon

The Romans had not conquered these tribes centuries earlier, and they were about to pay dearly for this error. The 1000 year rise of the prominence of the Romans was about to be extinguished. There was unrest throughout the empire, peasants in open revolt and demands for regional self autonomy slowly ground away at the regional government which was in effect governed from Rome.

Thrown into this ferment was corruption in regional government that was rife throughout the land, the slave system breaking down, and with it the entire economy was collapsing.

Also taking the influence of Christianity on the population, the demise of the Roman Empire was inevitable.

with them a darker age for Hispania.

The Barbarians swept in from the north, clearing the Romans first from Gaul (France) and then relentlessly pressing on into Hispania. Other sections went on to attack Rome itself, thereby bringing to an end the western Pax Romania.

The effect of this was to plunge Hispania into a dark era where technology ceased to exist, for the Barbarians lived off the feats of the Romans and gave almost no record of their passing through the pages of the history of Spain.

It took just fourteen years after the division of the empire between east and west for Hispania to fall to the Barbarians and eventually the entire western section to be lost.

The Barbarians had arrived and

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The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 8 May 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 14

THE WAY OF ST. JAMES E L C AMINO

DE

S ANTIAGO

T

CAMINO DE Santiago is a pilgrimage to the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, which is where it is believed the remains of the apostle Saint James are buried. The routes, of which there are many, have existed for over a thousand years.

HE

T

Wikipedia Commons

HERE ARE MANY routes as indicated on the map below - but traditionally, the way starts at your home, and ends at the cathedral.

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CREDENCIAL OR pilgrim's passport carries the stamps of every town or refuge along the way and is required to receive the compostela, or certificate of accomplishment at the journey’s end.

HE

In order to qualify for a compostela, the traveller must have walked a minimum of 100 km or cycled at least 200 km.

your Compostela which, if you walked for religious reasons, is written in Latin; if not then it's in Spanish.

The following is my log of the journey that we had over the 2 ½ weeks it took us to walk the approximately 300Km between Leon and Santiago. I hope you enjoy it and maybe it will inspire you to walk part of it yourselves.

Walking the Camino is a fantastic experience and many people walk it a section at a time. Some have the luxury of being able to spend months walking it and, on arriving in Santiago then walk back to where they started. Some parts of the Camino are barely signed but the majority is signed with yellow arrows although you sometimes need to hunt them down. Fortunately the section we walked is very well signposted thanks to the dedication of a group called the ‘Amigos del Camino’.

A couple of things ; Firstly, watch out when you leave Leon on the N120 - there is a bit where you need to be on the left hand side of the road as the route goes off down a track there - if you don´t look out for it you may (as we did) miss it. Fortunately a friendly local pointed us in the right direction.

Secondly, on the way (about lunchtime so San Miguel and on the left hand side of the road) some kind local has put out produce from his garden, biscuits and nuts for the ´Peregrinos´ to help themselves to - just a notepad and pen to leave a comment, not a sign of anywhere to leave money... how kind the locals are!

As I write now, at 7:40pm, it´s

W

of St. James - 25th July falls on a Sunday, it is is declared as a Holy or Jubilee year,and the numbers of pilgrims for that year increase three-fold. The next such year is this year, 2010.

HEN THE DAY

The scallop shell is the symbol of the Camino some say because the grooves in the shell represent the myriad different routes to the Cathedral.

Day 1: 18th September, just started raining.. hope it doesn´t last!

Below, we serialise the Camino here we go! of Nigel Morton, who has kindly We arrived in Leon train station allowed us to print the details of on the overnight train from Barcelona at 9am and eventually his journey. set of at 9:45. We went looking for somewhere to get our ‘Peregrinos passports’ stamped Some of you may have heard of but didn’t fancy the idea of the 'Camino de Santiago' which walking back into Leon to find leads from various starting somewhere so we pressed on points all over Europe and goes with the first leg of our journey – eventually to Santiago de only 300Km or so to go!

Compostela in northern Spain.

The weather is perfect for In 2008 we (Arancha and I) walking, shorts and t-shirts. decided to walk a section of the Hope it stays like this!

'Camino Francés that runs from Leon to Santiago.

We arrived at Villadangos del Paramon at 15:30 – about 22Km It is something that so not bad for the first day.

Arancha had wanted to do for many years but, We are in the Albergue here until meeting me, had which is well equipped, clean never found anyone daft and comfortable - they have enough to walk it with cooking facilities so chili-conher. carne is on the menu tonight.

At the end when you arrive at Tomorrow I guess the aches and Santiago you are entitled to pains set in - we´ll see

Day 2: 19th September 2008 - Arrive in Astorga (about 36Km) I learnt 2 things today; 1. 6am exists - really... I had forgotten, and at this time of year it´s still dark but at least there was a moon..

2. You can break both legs while sleeping, they heal but you are left with the pain (or so it seems) - I guess this is what comes as a result of 5 minutes of preparation walking from the house to the car each day Anyway, we went to sleep really early (around 9pm) and woke well before the birds or sunrise, sufficiently refreshed to continue... Maybe I exaggerate about the broken legs a bit - ok, some aches but after 20+ Km on day 1 and little preparation (I

The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 8 May 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 15

THE WAY OF ST. JAMES didn´t joke about the house to car) I guess that´s what you should expect....

W

VILLADANGOS about 7:45ish, not quite the last to leave, and it was still dark and chilly but the stars were out (a good sign).

At the end of the village it´s a bit confusing - there is a cross roads and an arrow (yellow) pointing right to follow the canal to a camping - it didn´t feel right, and it wasn’t, we should have gone straight on, fortunately not far along was a track to the left which joined the road we should have been on so no problem.. it was dark after all...

E LEFT

After a long (and I must admit a bit boring) trek along the side of the N120 we arrived at San Martin del Camino, at the local Albergue - breakfast for 3 euros.... by the time we left it was light but still chilly.

Jumpers and shorts/trousers.

A

following the National until we split away (at last!) to Villares de Orbigo - great place for photos of the somewhat impressive and long bridge that crosses the various courses of the river Orbigo. The municipal Alberge is closed at the moment (not sure if this is temporary?) but there are several others there.

NOTHER LONG TREK

As you walk through, you come to a crossroads where it is signposted to the right for camping/Alberge - of course we wrongly went down there... and ended up being redirected by a local to the right path... (I knew we should have studied the map more).. anyway, little time lost...

At the end of the village you have the option of follow the National or take the scenic route - we took the scenic one... a case of ´Follow the Yellow brick road´ very well signed in numerous places with copious blobs of yellow paint... well done to the ´Amigos´...´.

I

T´S A LONG

route, no fonts to refill your water bottles etc. but well worth it for the scenery and to see how well the Spanish grow stones in the fields, I´ve rarely seen stones grown so well.....

The last descent from the ´Vista de Astorga´is a bit steep if you have dodgy knees (something I would later have the misfortune to discover) , but not too bad as it´s all concreted so no problems slipping on loose stones. Just a pity that at the top where the cross is it appears someone(s) have emptied the rubbish bins all over the ground The last bit is always the worst... the 4Km or so to arrive at Astorga and some joker has decided to build a damn steep hill at the very last 200m or so... just what stiff feet, sore backs, aching legs want....

Anyway, we arrived about 3:15 which wasn´t too bad.. we opted for an Albergue more in the city than the first one we came to (which is small and has limited places).

T

HE PRICE, A hefty 4 euros for the night - not bad at all. It´s well equipped, clean, has everything you could want (including 2 internet pc´s) and has a well equipped kitchen. It´s a 5 minute walk to the shops and there is a supermarket that is open all day close by.

The weather today ; lovely. The sun came up and stayed out all day. Sun cream was an essential - we´re going to have to walk the Camino in reverse to get even sun tans.

Day 3: 20th September 2008 Astorga to Rabanal 20Km (yes we made it!)

Today started well being woken (once again) well before dawn after a night enjoying the continually changing ´song´ of a snoring German... oh well, it all adds to the overall experience.

The countryside has changed a bit, the stones are orangey red (from the Iron I guess) and the fields are a bit browner (can they get much browner?)

I´m glad to say, still no rain - the sun is still shining and the tan on the left hand side is improving..

I think he lives in the last house when you exit the village as, guess what, you can buy them there too!

We arrived at Rabanal around 3:30 - the Albergue is clean and well equipped (5 euros) but no internet so I´m in another place in the centre (not much time!)

Arancha has been suffering with one of her boots so we had 2 options; wait until the next big place to buy more boots (leaving the old ones behind) or ‘modifying’ her existing boots, which we decided to do.

M

fine (a surprise as I only bought my walking shoes 2 days ago) but Arancha has a couple of blisters - we are hoping they don´t cause too much of a problem. We bought socks that reduce the risk of blisters and plaster copious amounts of Vaseline on dry feet each morning, hopefully this is enough.

Y FEET ARE

It´s a fair trek from Villadangos to Astorga - 22Km according to one map, 36Km according to ours (certainly feels more like 36 to me).

Tomorrow Rabanal del Camino (or less) we´ll see...

To be continued next month.

PLUMBING, ELECTRICS, HEATING AIR CONDITIONING, SATELLITE TV, INTERNET, PC REPAIR.

Nigel Morton English and Spanish Spoken NIE SUPPLIED

For interest, so far we are spending 15 Euros each per day on Albergues, food (we are cooking our own meals, well I´m cooking and Arancha is washing up ) and drinks..

Tel. 620 353 138 www.tortosaforum.com nigel@tortosaforum.com

The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 8 May 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 16

Tortosa and surrounding areas

THE MONSTER CONTINUED

L

I wrote about our house The Monster, here are more of the stories and sometimes ridiculous situations we encountered.

AST MONTH

realised that DIY was something of a spectator attraction.

Sadly a temporary panel was nailed over the gap and we retired to the bar for a well earned glass of wine.

T

HE FOLLOWING DAY,

Starting with the front door and its key : there was only one and it measured about seven inches and was very chunky not one to slip into your pocket and forget! Nevertheless I was concerned that it would be mislaid so for some stupid reason I tied a bright orange ribbon through the handle. My neighbour opposite, Matilda, thought it funny as every day we arrived at the house, out came the key and I struggle to open the door.

The door itself had so many coats of paint on it some would come off every time.

Whilst other projects were in hand with the builders and electrician, I decided to take a hot air gun to it.

Armed with steps, a long plastic apron over the shorts and T- shirt, a scraper and the gun I set forth on the door. I started at the top and blistered off numerous coloured layers slowly. I had various villagers come to watch but unashamed I carried on sweat pouring from me.

I had this vision of the old door beautifully restored to its former glory.

As I got to the last panel at the bottom there was not paint to peel there was no door! The rotten wood at the bottom caught alight and to the onlookers amazement the lower panels disappeared in flames.

What was this foreigner doing? A trip to the village carpenter was needed to measure up for a new door! I also

arriving at the house, Matilda was waiting to greet us, she was not happy, some minutes later I understood why. She had waited that evening for us to return from the bar but we had gone back to the rented house.

She gave me a good telling off and the key we had left the in the door!

For years later she would check that I locked up properly and shook her head in dismay if I didn’t.

Misunderstandings are often funnier the more you try and explain.

This one started with the new bathroom having to be brick lined to square it up so a corner bath would fit. The bricks and mortar had to be hoisted up from the garden over the terrace wall.

With poles, weights, a pulley and stout rope, a very “Heath Robinson” contraption was erected. Peter was roped into helping as three men were needed, one on the mixer, one hauling and old Jose on brick-laying.

I left them to it as this was not for the faint heart to watch. Later I heard Jose shouting “faster faster” after hearing this repeated throughout the morning I was getting more and more annoyed.

Finally, I confronted Jose and shouted at him that my husband was not used to the heat, he was working as fast as he could.

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What I had misheard was pasta pasta not faster faster!

He wanted more mortar hauled up. I hope he understood my apology!

The bath was ordered and a crowd of onlookers watched it craned off the lorry and moved to the back of the garage. To this day I do not know how they got it into the bathroom on the first floor. I think they chose a time when I was out of the house to move it! Months into the project they had gotten used to my outbursts. I was getting paranoid about a bathroom….how stupid? Looking back they had never worked for a foreigner before, also, I now know they had never seen a large corner bath let allow fit one. Then to cap it all I went out shopping and came back with a huge glass sink for them to fit!

The floor and walls were tiled; the ceiling hung the lighting fitted, but still no water in the bathroom. Now maybe I was being a little picky but a chocolate teapot comes to mind when I think of its usefulness. Now four months into the works and I loved the finished bathroom but I wanted a long steamy bubble bath and that needed hot water.

On August 8 I finally snapped.

That evening we were going to Barcelona airport to collect our daughter. I quietly said that if there was not hot water by the time I got back they were not to come back tomorrow!

At four o’clock in the morning I had a hot bubble bath. I know this was the best bath of my life I also know it was the most expensive one in more ways than one!! I often wonder what the villagers made of their first outsiders to live in their village. I am sure the bathroom saga was topical.

Whilst the bathroom was being fitted we did have a kind of shower arrangement. The original showerroom was typical of 1930’s the hot water was delivered by an electric water heater fitted within the shower area. The plug was only a few inches away for the water, maybe in those days water and electricity mixed?

T

the only problem, with a new water and power supply this little boiler (the size of a 5 litre water bottle) could not cope. The “little darling” heated up to a very high temperature but only a small amount of water at a time. If you didn’t get it right you were cooked then frozen in fact you could HIS WAS NOT

end up lobster pink one side and blue cold the other!

To make this more fun you had a time element to contend with, exactly 3 minutes once you got it to heat up.

The plumber appeased us (probably tired of us moaning for hot water) and fitted the new shower fitments but left the boiler warning us to be careful. As soon as you had the 3 minute shower you dried your hands and unplugged the “little darling”.

T

for a few days and we were clean and a little happier.

Then the inevitable forgotten stage of unplugging happened.

The “little darling” carried on heating the water in its tank whilst we were out for the evening.

HIS WORKED WELL

On return we heard a plinking sound this was the paint hitting the tiles as she was glowing red. The shower head looked like something by Dali, molten plastic and burnt paint smell filled the room. Too embarrassed to let the plumber see our mistake we quickly went and purchased and fitted another shower head before he could see. This was repeated on more occasions than we would like to recall.

Finally, to house the hot water boiler, we had a laundry room built downstairs in the back of the garage.

Up until this time the laundry had been done on the first floor terrace.

There was an outhouse where years ago the washing would have been done.

A trickle of cold water was fed from a stone tank that you filled by pulled water up from the cistern under the house. Three old washing sinks, one more modern had a motor that drove a paddle – the fore runner to the washing machine! I am sure the former lady of the house was proud of this latest labour saving gadget.

There was a mains tap in this area; I fitted a hose to this, with three new plastic buckets and plenty of energy I did the laundry. Then because of the building works the only place to hang this out was on the third floor balcony. In those first six months I was the fittest I have been in many years.

Up and down all those stairs, who needed step exercises?

The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 8 May 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 17

LA COMIDA THE CALÇOTADA FIESTA

L

CALÇOTADA LENDS its name to the communal celebration of the calçots – leek-sized spring onions, blackened over open fires and served with a spicy nut sauce (see Romesco sauce below).

A

Valls, north of Tarragona, happens to be the capital of the Calçotada, going back to the 1800´s. All over Catalunya other towns celebrate this fiesta, usually in January or February.

In Roquetes, the Calçotada this year coincided with one of the first warmest and sunniest Sunday afternoons we have experienced so far!

Barbecues alight, the picnic tables all set, the competition was on for the best Romesco sauce.

Ours was found to be a little too “picante” - they like chillies here, but not quite as hot as we do!

Everyone was afforded a warm welcome and we spent a lovely afternoon getting our hands blackened as we ate the delicious calçots, sharing each others picnics, ginger beer(!) and wine!

Ç

a special plant, taking a year and half to grow, ALCOTS ARE INDEED

being planted as seed onions in September or October (always when the moon is waning), and then transplanted about two months later when the shoots have pushed up through the ground.

By late June or early July, they are harvested and stored in a cool dry place whilst they germinate again. Then, in August or September, they are trimmed and re-planted.

24 almonds

O

pinch of parsley

to sprout, earth is packed up around them, almost as though they are being shoed or covered up, which is where their name springs from – calçar, to put on shoes or boots.

NCE THEY BEGIN

The Catalan name for footwear is calçats. Not too dissimilar!

By January, the calçots are ready. There could be as many as 12 or 13 of them from each large onion, maybe 7 or 8 from the smaller ones. Now they are milder and sweeter than the usual spring onions, we know.

Because of their “shoe” of soil, at least half their length is white.

The recipe for Romesco sauce is as follows: 3 ñora peppers, soaked, seeded and chopped 2 tomatoes 6 cloves of garlic chopped

24 hazelnuts 1 small chilli pepper (optional)

slice of fried bread 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar olive oil Set oven to 180° C Sauté the fresh and dried peppers in a small amount of oil.

Bake the tomatoes in a lightly oiled baking dish for 10 minutes, then remove and cool.

Using a pestle and mortar, make a thick paste of the garlic and sauteed peppers, then add the nuts, parsley and fried bread, mixing it all together.

Then carefully peel and seed the tomatoes and chop. Now work the tomatoes into the mixture, then add vinegar and 2-3 tablespoons of oil and add salt to taste.

The mixture should be thickly liquid.

C HEATS C UISINE ALMOND BISCUITS (GALLETAS DE ALMENDRA) A Cheating Sauce 80g butter 100g ground almonds 100g sugar 100g flour grated rind of l lemon 1 egg, lightly beaten Preheat oven to 180°C .

Soften butter and beat with almonds and sugar in a bowl.

Stir in flour, lemon rind and the egg.

Make small round shapes, flatten slightly and put on a baking sheet.

Throwing some medium vegetables, garlic and chorizo sausages into the oven last night for a quickie meal I thought a sauce would be nice and it was just the right taste for that sort of meal with some crusty bread if we weren’t doing a no bread thing.

Staring into the fridge thinking what do I have that is instant, produced half a bottle of barbacoa salsa, a third of a jar of salsa calcots aand about two tablespoons of mild mustard ( American style ) heated it up gently and that was it. Now it will be a favourite, this amount was for two or thereabouts.

Livening up Mushrooms

Bake for 15-20 minutes , leaving to cool after removing from oven.

I don't know about you but I find mushrooms here rather tasteless I always season them but sometimes need more taste.

Simple and delicious

Try finely slicing leeks and fry off gently in a little butter and oil then add sliced mushrooms and let them cook until all juices have gone back into the mushrooms, absolutely lovely and if you want to turn this into a sauce just add cream, don't forget to season.

The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 8 May 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 18

MISCELLANY M UNCHIE A LARM

T

HE MUNCHIE IS a lighthearted jovial creature, that has an uncanny ability, even in the depths of deep dark depression, to make most folk smile. It does this, simply by being its usual silly, bouncy self with the look of an angel sculptured on its features and the defiance in its eyes that could probably make even the good lord above a bit cross!

Anyone who’s ever met it could testify to this…if they could get close enough to the house to voice their opinion. Why am I meandering? Well truth be told, I’m getting to the point round about now.

Just thought I’d praise the furry lump for a change, instead of complaining about it.

S

PLISH SPLASH I was having a

bath - yes we still have one.

Wallowing, as I was in the wondrous aromatic smells of warm amber bath goo, I failed to hear the throaty choking sound of the

Munchie yelling at the top of its voice.

This is not its usual modus operandi, definitely not. I knew there was trouble. Dripping, I rang my parents who said all was well with them. Then I rang the other neighbour, who I was rather surprised hadn’t rung me to complain, in his wonderful French, that the Munchie “Fait wowwow”

Y

IT’S A recognised nuisance even among the French and German speaking communities. No one is safe. It’s a multicultural Munchie, no group need feel marginalised everyone is treated equally.

ES

T

strange. It was then I discovered that the third set of neighbours had been burgled. Various reconnaissance missions were undertaken, but no clues were uncovered and all this to the continued alarm call of the Munchie who choked its way through at least another hour of alarm raising.

HIS WAS INDEED

When it finally banged on the door to come in it looked exhausted, but delighted with its efforts and promptly went to bed.

well with our little corner of the mountain. At this point I thought this article was complete, but the Munchie had other ideas.

At this point I think I ought to mention a night six weeks or so ago, when my youngest son and I came home, after a great evening out, to find our house had been forcibly entered and left looking like the aftermath of Simpson’s of Piccadilly Sale - my sister will know what I mean.

Our friends came round for lunch.

We were all in the dining room relaxing, chatting and eating, when the Munchie set up in opposition yet again. I looked out of the window to see our friend’s six month old puppy St Bernard sinking rather expertly beneath the green ooze in the pool.

Apart from the sense of complete impotence you feel, there’s nothing you can do to change the past, and getting right back to the job of smiling and trying damn hard not worry every time you go out, is in fact the only thing you can do.

MUNCHIE WAS still squawking like a demented violin while we, stomachs full and wobbling, were running to the rescue. One of my friends, seeing the panic on the young St Bernard’s face, climbed in to the freezing, green wetness as if she were taking a stroll in the park.

I can hear you all asking, if I got robbed where was the Munchie?

Round at mum n dad’s in front of the fire, but the moment it heard, smelt or felt something was not quite right it was out of their house rather quickly.

Unfortunately Dad thought the Munchie was cat chasing, one of its usual pastimes, but he was wrong! So now, the Munchie makes a point of going on and on and on to clearly state that all is not

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1. Some months have 30 days, some have 31, how many months have 28 days?

2. If a doctor gave you 3 pills and told you to take one every 1/2 hour, hour long would they last?

3. In your pocket you have 2 coins that together add up to 7p, one is not a 5p, what are the two coins?

4. Divide 30 by 1/2, add 10, what is the answer?

5. A farmer has 17 sheep. All but 9 died. How many did he have left?

T

HE

The St Bernard, Napoleon by name, who usually weighs about fifty kilos on dry land, was now extreeemely heavy. Did the Munchie stop its screeching? NO! It treated the puppy to a continuous barrage of abuse for another five minutes, just to ensure he understood that the Munchie was not amused.

6. If you had only one match. and entered a dark room where there was one oil heater, oil lamp and some kindling wood, which would you light first?

7. A man builds a house with 4 sides to it and of rectangular construction each side having a southern exposure.

A big bear comes wandering by. What colour is the bear?

8. Take two apples from three apples, what do you have?

9. How many animals of each species did Moses take aboard the ark?

10. If you drove a bus with 43 people on it from London and stopped at Birmingham to pick up 7 more and drop off 5 passengers and at Manchester you dropped off 8 and picked up 4, and arrived at Newcastle 3 hours later, what is the driver's name?

The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 8 May 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 19

SPORTS C ATALUNYA C HRONICLE S PORT ' S P AGE with GoCatalunya.com

Rafa Nadal makes history in Monaco Rafa Nadal has seen a return to form and made it into the history books again by becoming the first person to win six Monte Carlo Masters on the trot.

H

IS VICTORY OVER

Fernando Verdasco in Monte Carlo was a performance of a player back to his scintillating best. The world No. 3 admitted that his one-sided 6-0 6-1 victory was an emotional one after claiming his first title in almost a year and bringing his career total to 37.

Puyol, who was dismissed, and the Arsenal captain levelled the game.

If Arsenal thought they were in with a chance after that they couldn't have been further form the truth.

Messi hadn't figured much at Highbury but he was on fire at the Nou Camp with a fabulous first half hat-trick, and a forth in the second half to seal a 4-1 win and a place in the semi-finals against Inter Milan. ...and then it all went wrong!

J

If he can keep this sort of form going Nadal is in a great position to regain the world number one spot from Roger Federer as the tennis circuit moves to the European clay courts, Nadal's surface of choice.

OSÉ MOURINHO'S INTER made the Catalans look ordinary with a 3-1 victory and Barça were clearly shaken with Xavi becoming embroiled in a spat with Mourinho after the final whistle.

Bumper Month for Barca...and then

The Italian champions, he told the Inter Milan manager, had only won because referee Olegario Benquerenca was a fellow Portuguese!

I

T'S BEEN A

cracking month for FC Barcelona with victories in La Liga over Athletic Blbao, Deportivo and a 2-0 win at the Bernabou in 'El Clásico' against Madrid but despite all this a recent draw at Espanyol has left them just one point clear of Real Madrid at the top.

In the Champions League they put in two incredible displays that made Arsenal look like a pub team for all but the last twenty minutes of the first leg.

Somehow Arsenal keeper Almunia managed to let in just two goals and when Arsenal finally caught their breath and Wenger responded by bringing on Walcott who, within three minutes, slid a shot past Valdés.

Fàbregas then went down to

Maybe the Icelandic Volcano and the resulting two day coach trip can be blamed but by the time this article is printed the second leg will have been played at the Nou Camp and the final decided.

Brits beat Alonso into Forth in China After a lacklustre start to the F1 season in Bahrain there could hardly have been three more exciting races to follow. Jenson Button put in the drive of a champion and made the tactical decision of the race as he took his first victory for McLaren at a stunning Australian Grand Prix ahead of Robert Kubica's Renault and the Ferrari of Felipe Massa.

A

FTER TWO POLE

positions in Bahrain and Australia, Sebastian Vettel finally got the result his season has deserved, leading home a commanding Red Bull one-two in the Malaysian Grand Prix.

Rain featured again in China as Jenson Button moved to the top of the world championship table when he headed team mate Lewis Hamilton to a 1-2 finish for McLaren in another dramatic mixed conditions race in Shanghai.

H

will continue when the F1 road show hits Europe for the first time this season with the Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuit de Catalunya on 9 May. OPEFULLY THE RAIN

Footballers strike called off A players strike that was threatening to disrupt the end of the Spanish season was called off last month as an agreement was reached. The Spanish Footballers Association (AFE) called a general strike in all categories of professional football in the country for the weekend of April 16-18 in support of players in lower leagues that weren't being paid by their clubs.

The strike was cancelled after the AFE reached agreement with the Superior Sports Council, the Spanish Football Federation and the Professional

Football League, under which the players will be paid.

The Spanish Secretary of State for Sport, Jaime Lissavetzky, announced the agreement after nearly two hours of meetings and said the current debt totalling €4.1 million would be cleared and a wage guarantee fund be increased from €300,000 to €1 million.

It would have been the fifth time that footballers have gone on strike in Spain, with the previous occasions being in 1979, 1981, 1982 and 1984.

Spain's World Cup Odds Shorten Despite Injury Doubts Spain are now no better than 4/1 to win this summer's World Cup finals despite fitness concerns over two of their key players. Spain and Liverpool striker Fernando Torres was scheduled to undergo knee surgery after an injury that's rumoured to rule him out for six weeks, while Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas is out for rest of the Premier League season with a leg injury.

But punters appear to have no concerns as there continues to be support for the pretournament favourites to win this summer in South Africa. Spain leads the betting ahead of Brazil, who are around 5/1 and Argentina at 8/1. The best odds on an England victory are 13/2.

Tickets for all major sporting events, including FC Barcelona tickets, La Liga tickets & Grand Prix tickets are also available online at www.GoCatalunya. com

The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 8 May 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 20

REVIEWS TAKING THE HEAT

she can't decide whether to buy the blue or red one and commands a decision from her other half.

AN EXPAT UNDER PRESSURE

BY NICK SNELLING.

I

IN

urgent like she has had a car accident or broken a heel on her new strappy sandals - just a colour crisis!

SPAIN

T WAS NOTHING

PAPERBACK: 180 PAGES PUBLISHER: LEAN MARKETING PRESS (20 OCT 2008) LANGUAGE ENGLISH ISBN-10: 1905430469 ISBN-13: 978-1905430468

T

about Nick Snelling's book is his admittance that perhaps some Englishmen have shortcomings even before they leave home. Sunshine doesn't cure all of these.

HE INTERESTING PART

One specific case is that not all Englishmen, unlike Aussies or South Africans, who just know how to do a decent barbecue.

In fact, as surprising as it may seem to those stuck in rainy climes, they don't even enjoy the outdoor cooking experience.. perhaps because they have to share in the work more.

(No one, had enlightened him to outdoor cooking as a social art, a gourmet technique in itself to avoid getting smoke in his eyes and cooking tasty meat without turning it to cinders.)

I

F IT WASN'T

so tongue in the cheek, this could be a depressing book for anyone thinking of resettling in the 'off the track' in Valencia or Catalunya, until you realize that he is picking on lots of little things ( amusing in his own way for those who have already lived as an Expat somewhere away from 'old Blighty') that are very different, yet not complaining

WANTED ARTISTS POTTERS LEATHER BAGS JEWELLERY SOAPS CANDLES HEALERS AND MORE

about the big things... like house prices or days of sunshine.

A new country is always different, but here in Catalunya, is a country within a country, so it has its own extra charm and issues. We share many things that are very similar to what Nick Snelling and family experienced in Valencian countryside!

It would be interesting for women readers to see his understanding of how us ladies have re-adjusted to the culture shock of moving away from the British High street and manic town shopping sprees.

If a woman loves to shop, she will shop anywhere!

Q

at his computer musing away and soaking in the tranquil pleasant country scenery from his home office window, he groans as his reverie is interrupted by the annoying pinging of an incoming email, followed immediately by a text.

The man ignores them both. (Fool - hasn´t he learned yet you cannot ignore a woman on a mission?)

At least he got one thing right.. if you buy a "fixer upper", anywhere in the world, you best know (or be) a good plumber or electrician that speaks your language.

Furthermore, you need a knowing solicitor who is familiar to your area and has cultured the fine local art of how to get things done when the traditional legal sytem fails to achieve it at the speed the Brits. demand it.

All in all, a pleasant sunny read and his people watching on a Spanish beach is very male perceptive of an "Expat under pressure"!

This joking male tirade is somewhat different to a book of Ari Fletcher's that shares the same title "Taking the Heat: The President, the Press, and My Years in the White House" I bet he wished he could swop places with Nick Snelling for a day in peaceful Valencian sunshine away from the high pressured lifestyles!

by Rosie Reay RosieReay@FodenPress.com

However, "her who must be obeyed" persists and dials a frantic phone call when

T CRAFT R A MUS IC &

FAYRE

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I am rather disappointed that he doesn't seem to have adjusted to the pace in the sun. Perhaps if he spent more time sitting under an olive tree taking a siesta he would be more upbeat about the family issues he has had to deal with.

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The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 8 May 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 21

TALES FROM THE EBRO RIVER VALLEY BY

ROSIE REAY

O

writings take on a two prong route. The first is light hearted and the second is on a more serious note.

NCE AGAIN MY

Country images Sprawled out on my hammock, writing materials piled up high around me, in wonderful sunshine.

Glorious, glorious sunshine- no sign of volcanic ash clouds down here.

Strange things are happening out there in our dear old world, but on a softer note I too have seen some strange things out there, no not UFO's.

I

read a Twitter from @EbroApartments/birding when the lady's journey was delayed by a herd of goats and sheep crossing the main route home to Mora Ebre. Though her being a Lancashire lass must have thought she was crossing the Pennines again.

WAS AMUSED TO

Our first experience of a traffic jam was in 2004 in the riverside village of Benifallet.

W

new to living in an apartment after living in a Yorkshire moor side village (all with gardens). So many hours in the evening we spent on our large sun terrace "village people" watching as a pastime. The local lads normally tearing up and down on their motorbikes ("chicken chasers") were very quiet this particular night.

But the honking of horns and volatile shouting rang out amidst noisy tractor diesel engines.

E WERE ALL

M

Brighter Spain

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hours late into the night total grid lock!

ANDARIN AND ORANGE

picking season had opened up in full throttle.

All the farmers, tractors and trailers were backed up right out if the village on both sides.

Everyone was hot and bothered and exhausted after a long day picking out in the orchards. All of them were trying to deposit their crops at the local co-operatives. We watched with vivid interest and amusement there was just no logistic organisation to be seen. No one would give way.

Even the side streets were blocked. It went on for

A week ago I was lost in my reverie, driving one of my charges to an early clinic in Xerta. I was thinking, as I always do, how marvellous it would be if the local government restored these huge, abandoned and dilapidated old Spanish homes some are 3 storeys high.

Grand in their times, I am sure. This one is between Aldover and Xerta next to the C12 and usually has wonderful purple bougainvillea creeping all over it.

Well, this morning, there was a dog (yes - a dog) on the high ridge of this very dangerous sloping roof.

It stood so still. I thought it was made of stone.

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Coming back along the same route I pulled over and looked back. Well, I never! There were now 3 dogs up there, I kid you not, walking up and down, as only the Spanish know how to promenade. I drove off chuckling to myself and this reminded me of the story of "The Muscians from Brenen".

O

I am making the same trip to Xerta and noticed the dogs were still up there sunbathing. I turned off to Xerta forst access road by the canal and came around the corner and braked hard. Crossing in front of me was a Nazareen 'Jesus' look alike.

NE WEEK ON

(Memo to self: I must clean my specs before I set off driving in the morning.)

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One little white scamp of a dog was running out in front chasing a scent.

Another of uncertain breed, was running to and fro behind. The donkey trudged across the road, nostrils already flared at the smell of drinking water.

A youngish looking man walked on the far side of him leading his steed by a rope-rein. He had deep brown

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dreadlocks, but looked clean and tanned. His hair had a hint of auburn where every now and again the sun had kindled her rays.

I smiled. He looked surprised to be acknowledged as a human being. He smiled back. The "posse" continued to amble across the road.

Not a care in the world.

Nowhere to rush to. No agenda to keep.

Just each other to look after and keep fed and watered and afford each other company and safety.

I mused how far he had travelled. In a time warp he could have dropped out from Nelson or Woodstock hippy community, but he was far too young. Was he Catalan? Maybe an Expat or just a tourist walking his way around Spain on an epic adventure of his lifetime.

By the way do we still have hippy communities in the Baix Ebre? I know they are still dotted around the Canaries.

A

goods seemed tied in a reddish cloth bag, slung across its hind quarters, with all sorts of odds and ends needed to cook and survive. The walker stood tall and proudly held a self-styled walking stick, one I imagined he had whittled away during long hot siesta hours. A hand sewn cylindrical, orange cloth bag was slung over his right shoulder.

LL HIS WORLDLY

This possibly held a sleeping mat for when he lay under the stars. Did it rain last night? Lets hope they all found dry shelter somewhere . I wish I could have idled away an hour or so to unfold his journey tales, but I had somewhere to be and felt I might be intruding on this man who obviously enjoyed his own company.

The country sightings were far from over.

The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 8 May 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 22

MORE TALES...

Homeward bound, I turn off towards Jesús el camp and have to give way to a three wheeler tractor trundling down the lane sounding like a sewing machine rather than a diesel engine.

Oh my goodness, what on earth is that bouncing on the back of his trailer?

There sat proudly a country old lass under a huge black Mary Poppins umbrella on a white plastic chair.

Grinning away and proudly waving some vegetables, they had so proudly grown and just freshly picked. Bless her!

I must say, it was definitely a very different vision to the white plastic chair 'ladies' positioned strategically along the N340 tendering to their clients...

Y

I awoke to the sound of frantic flapping in the bedroom. A yellowish bird had flown in and the cats were in hot pursuit. No, no don't catch it! Then my eyes caught a movement to the left.

ESTERDAY MORNING

There sat on "him indoors" bed hoist ere three huge black flies swaying away and watching the carrying on. It reminded me of the monkeys -see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil! But even higher on the cross bar of the hoist were 3 kittens astride ready to hoist themselves off at the offending bird.

Oh, please don't fall on the sleeping man...

C ERTIFICATE OF H ABITATION - C EDULA DE H ABITACÍON

Without due prejudice.

This is a very topical subject and is causing great concern and expense amongst the Expats, but also the local Catalan communities since the Social party saw fit to alter legislation.

This has far reaching affects on other matters other than being able to sell your house. It is grinding the whole paper trail to a stop amd causing havoc and impeding economic recovery in Catalonia. Things have to change and change soon. Please read these links ( I have placed them together at the beginning of the article for an easy central access point for you all so you can work through them slowly) and support the blogs and forums. We will also issue emails and phone numbers for you to contact. Please do not sit on the fence, but offer your support and add your comments, worries, successes and experiences.

This isn't going to go away by itself.

Links: http://www.gencat.cat/temes/eng/habitatge.htm http://www.barcelonareporter.com/index.php?/new s/comments/foreign_office_minister_chris_bryant_ warned_spain_demolition_bulldozers_kno/

http://www.cedulahabitabilidad.com/tarifas%202. htm

when properties cannot exchange owners at the notaries without this cedula de habitacíon?

A host of informative links can be found on www.tortosaforum.com

It is affecting: " sellers " buyers (out of time zone for placing their deposit) " solicitors " estate agents " notaries " BASE " Ajuntaments - town halls " 2nd home owners who want to rent their homes, long or short term. " Holiday property owners can't register their property for Holiday Lets

http://ceduladehabitabilidad.wordpress.com/ ** If you hover over the What can I do? button on the above link it will display various other people to contact eg Legal Advice/ Rural Property/Planning permission/ Lawyer/ Mortgage/ Certification program/ on line surveys and so on " http://www.ebro.tv/video/A-Day-in-the-Life-of-anMEP-Pet " Els britànics marxen de l'Ebre http://www.3cat24.cat/video/2832750 an interview of Maxine of Perello Properties and valid comments from Jeff Greensmith. (Nigel has also done a translation on his TortosaForum.com) Jeff Greensmith of www.FincasDirect.com suggests you may "complain to the 'Síndic de Greuges' -the Catalan Ombudsman, tel. 933 018 075, http://www.sindic.cat/en/page.asp?id=65. You can do this in English.

Catalan MEP Ramon Tremosa i Balcells: "President of the EU commission (I mean why not go right to the top!) José Manuel Barroso: (1.)http://ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/presid ent/contact/mail/index_en.htm (2). http://www.tellbarroso.eu/en/ This is absolutely brilliant and is entitled What can Barrose do for you in EU? Then go to his blogspace. " Contact Mark Smithson (the British Vice Consul in Barcelona): (Tel: 933 666 200 ) or email him on: barcelona.consulte@fco.gov.uk " Chris Bryant MP (Minister of State for Europe) : " Another active Euro MP is Marta Andreasen: marta@martaandreasen.com ; her office fax in Brussels : +32 2 28 49726 . Her motto is "Holding the EU to account" -exactly! " Contact your local MEP in your UK home region to lobby on your behalf " Email Gordon Brown as to "What he is doing to look after his British Expats?" He does eventually reply or one of his officers do. " Email Manuel Vallvé, a lawyer and the Honorary Consul for Tarragona. mvallve@vahusari.com

The Socialists voted in this reform with all good intentions, I am sure,but had not properly thought through what the knock on effect would be across all Catalonian communities, businesses and town halls and professional bodies. This is have a dramatic effect on everything involving paper chases! this is very worrying and causing untold stress, not just to Expats but affecting sale of all homes, rustic, village, urban or otherwise.

(The irony of the situation is an alleged senator can't sell his home either as he is missing this vital document with no chance of as at today in getting one - like the rest of us.)

But it goes far deeper than just real estate. This is making the law so absurd. This storm is like a raging bull caught in a forest fire, gathering dust, temper and heat as it rolls out each day.

Local solicitors say things must change as everything is at a standstill.

How do they expect the property market recovery and crawl its way out of the economic recession

Furthermore, people can't register now for health care with CatSalut without producing their 'empadronament’. CatSalut will only accept this document if less than 3 months old. You can't it get it renewed without producing a certificate of Habitation.

There is a lady desperate for an urgent operation her and can't register for health care. They are in a catch 22 situation as they are unable to return to the UK unless they can sell their home. A local Catalan family already has himself and his wife with 2 older children on CatSalut. Now they are in a quandary. They have a new baby and are unable to add the little tot to the health care as they cannot produce an empadronament because their is no cedula for the property. But a baby cannot be denied health care, so what can they do?

Other folk have been inadvertently "chucked off" the electoral register and also cannot get reinstated without the cedula and the empadronament. So what does this mean? It means you can't get registered for full electricity, water and other services.

Let the Peoples' voices, of the new and old Catalan residents, unite together and be heard above the bureaucratic herd of chaos.

As Mr EbroTV declares "Lets start making some noise!

I would love to chat to MEP Ramon Tremosa i Balcells about my right to live on my land." Surely everyone has a human right to live on their land?

Is this a breach of human rights under EU law..mmmh, interesting.

I can understand them wanting to protect the precious little agricultural land of Catalonia we have. So why do they not say if you want to live el campo rustica you must farm a certain acreage of your land.

By living on your land you can control your crops more or pay someone local to do it for you and still enjoy the tranquil life.

Twitter me @RosieReay RosieReay@FodenPress.com

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The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 8 May 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 23

LA SALUD

W

Fruits and vegetables occupy 2/3 of the base and cereal 1/3. This new pyramid of the Mediterranean Diet is more in line with the nutritional recommendations to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables (5 servings a day: 2 plates These are foods that are grown in the garden but are of vegetables and 3 fruits) because they occupy not considered part of the group of "vegetables" a large volume of the dish (about 80-95% of them because of their high carbohydrate content in the is water). form of starch.

One of the reasons why cereals and tubers should Potatoes are a common food in Europe and America. occupy the base of the pyramid shared with fruits Their caloric value is not high, but if these same and vegetables is volume. It is true that grain potatoes are eaten fried, they can triple their energy should be at least 50% of daily calories, and value, from 70 to 210 g. kcal/100, or even more, due therefore the basis of our food, but not 50% of the Cereals are the staple food of much of to the impregnation of oil or fat used in frying. volume of food we consume. Grains contain many humanity, for its nutritional more calories in low volume than vegetables.

talk about cereals we automatically think of breakfast cereals and associate it with a cardboard box. However, we are talking about grain wheat and rice, as they are the most commonly used cereals in human food production although also important are barley, rye, oats, maize and millet. Cereals are the dry seeds of grain crops which take the familiar form of spiky growth, and are not from a cardboard box.

HEN WE HEAR

Tubers are the characteristic swellings of the roots of certain plants. The most common are potatoes, but we also include: turnips, sweet potatoes, parsnips, etc.

characteristics, its moderate cost and Do we need to consume large its ability to immediately satisfy hunger. quantities of cereals and tubers?

Cereals are historically associated with the origin of civilization and culture of all people. Man moved from nomadic to sedentary when he learned to cultivate cereals and obtain from them an important part of his livelihood. Each geographical area of the planet consumes a specific type of grain and creates a gastronomic culture all around them. Among Europeans the consumption of wheat dominates, among Americans corn, rice is the essential food of the Asian people, and millet is unique to African communities. In our environment the form of eating of cereals is varied, bread, pastries, cakes, cereals, etc., but also they are also used as raw material in the alcoholic beverage industry such as beers and whiskey.

The grain of corn, which is the edible part, is a seed consisting of several parts: the cover or outer shell contains vitamin B1 and is removed during milling of the grain. Inside the grain is mainly distinguished into two structures: the seed and germ. Within the germ or embryo is abundant protein of high biological value, rich in unsaturated fat containing essential fatty acids and vitamin E and B1, which are lost in the process of refining white flour.

The answer is no. The largest volume of food in our diet should be vegetables and fruits, because of their high water content. About half of the volume of food we consume each day should be fruits and vegetables. The other half should be half cereals and To reach the 278 kcal of a pasta dish we would tubers and half meat and vegetable proteins. need to eat almost 35 plates of lettuce. It is for Food pyramids reflect the amount of rations and this reason that the new pyramid has vegetables frequency of consumption of different food groups. and fruits occupying 2/3 of the volume of the base.

Within a healthy diet it is recommended that cereals "The plate are the base of our food. Most healthy eating method" pyramids put cereal at the bottom of the pyramid. For explains some nutritionists, including myself, this very well representation of the pyramid with grains at the base this: half of does not seem quite right because it can lead to the volume misinterpretation of the need to eat a lot of starch. of our food should be Healthy Eating Pyramid, SENC 2004 vegetables and fruits, the other half should be: a quarter of starchy, and the remaining quarter meat products (meat, poultry, fish, eggs) or vegetable proteins (legumes, nuts, etc.).

An example would be a Sunday Roast: broccoli, onions and carrots (the vegetables occupy half of the plate) and potatoes (the tubers occupy ¼ of the plate), with a leg of chicken (¼ the plate).

When the grain is consumed after removing the covers and germ, it is called refined. When processing without removing the covers, the resulting product is called whole grain. The grains and whole grain flour are richer in nutrients; contain greater amounts of fiber, complex carbohydrate and complex group vitamin B.

The nutritional value of cereals is related to the degree of extraction of grain "the whiter a bread is, the less nutritional value it has."

For example, a plate full of lettuce contains 8 kcal. and the same volume of a plate full of boiled pasta contains about 278 kcal. Our eye sees two plates full of food, but about 95% of the nutritional composition of lettuce is water.

Recommendations of daily and weekly consumption of cereals and tubers are 4-6 servings of starchy foods for a healthy adult, depending on their sex, age and energy expenditure.

One serving of starch corresponds to (net dry weight): The Mediterranean Diet Foundation has just released a new version, still provisional, of the food pyramid where fruits, vegetables and cereals share the base of the pyramid.

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►40-60 G OF BREAD ►150-200 G OF POTATOES (1 UNIT) ►60-80 G UNCOOKED PASTA OR RICE (1 PLATE OF COOKED PASTA OR RICE) ►30 G BREAKFAST CEREAL

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The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 8 May 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 24

GROWING NICELY T O B EE

OR NOT TO

T

question…..

Or maybe it’s the question we should be asking ourselves, but over a lazy luxurious breakfast in the sun, one morning last week, the question we asked was ‘to weed or not to weed’?

B EE ?

HAT IS THE

Or when contemplating the weeds on our gravelled area at the entrance of the house, where we park, which has become so overgrown, the question we really asked was ‘to spray or not to spray’?

Otherwise we know it takes hours of back breaking work, just to clear the new growth of weeds (wild flowers) that have sprung up with the recent rain.

Well it didn’t take us long to make the decision to spray, just the gravel.

We chose a still, dry day; we used a chemical that said it was harmless to wildlife and pets. Do you always believe what it says on the tin? Well it has certainly ‘cleaned and tidied’ the front of our house.

Unfortunately it also killed a strong young, tree mallow, Lavatera olbia, which was decorative and we wanted keep it, near the edge of the gravel, it was a good shape in the space, we had left several metres clearance when spraying but the drift obviously caught it.

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This caused me to wonder what else the spray does, maybe it really isn’t too bad on it’s own, but might become toxic when mixed together with another chemical, a plant food perhaps?

However, I am not complaining because apart from the

bright yellow flowers, that have a glorious perfume, it also produces many seedlings to share with your friends.

Bumble Bees love the tall spikes of blue flowers (in bud at the moment) of Echium Candicans E. fastuosum, this dramatic centrepiece is cousin to the humble herb Borage, where the bees feast regularly in the meadow (see picture).

entrance looking neater, I am glad we decided not to ‘clean the land’ around our olive trees because all this rain has given me, what I have always coveted, as a gardener, terrace after terrace of wonderful wildflower meadow which are so beautiful and literally buzzing with life.

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I have always chosen plants that attract insects and bees, because I like to watch them, here are a few plants that are good backbone plants to any flower bed and are currently covered in bees!

There are so many diverse wild flowers (weeds) that have flourished this year, in the grass along the terraces, of-course most of the wild plants have found it impossible to recognised my boundaries, and have jumped into the flowerbeds, casting their seeds to the wind, they have taken pride of place amongst the more formal planting and are crowding out some of my valuable ‘hybrid specimens’.

Lampranthus spectabilis is such a spectacular succulent perennial at the moment, the flowers simply buzz with attention form the bees. (See picture) It spreads beautifully from year to year and is a valuable addition to any garden.

The sound of the insects and smell of damp grassland takes me back to so many holidays or visiting with friends in the country, walking in the bluebell woods or taking a shortcut through a meadow, in the English countryside.

Yet here I am, in my Mediterranean, garden with my very own meadow. Normally I struggle to find enough water just for the garden, the terraces must always fend for themselves, although green in the spring, they have never

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produced this abundance of wild flowers, each seem covered with bees or insects, sometimes both. Last night the bees were still active at 8 pm when I walked the meadow/terraces with the cats. They work a long day.

T

I visited the El Perello Honey Festival, which was really enjoyable. There was much more than honey on show, there were hives and all the tools of the honey trade, of-course as well as stalls full of a large variety of local produce, on sale. There were also plenty of refreshment stalls, as well as a fun-fare, making it a popular family weekend occasion.

HIS AFTERNOON

Inside the show pavilion, were all the stalls selling honey, the smell, wafting from large open vats, as the honey was ladled into small jars, was intoxicating, and tasted fantastic.

Today, as I sit down to write this article with the delicious taste of honey still lingering, I am reminded that harvesting honey is not the primary activity, our society needs from bees.

The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 8 May 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 25

STILL GROWING Pollination is crucial and of absolute importance for our crops to mature, and for us to enjoy the abundance of food they enable us to take for granted.

T

ago, I helped an elderly and rather eccentric flower painter to open her garden to the public her immaculate garden, combining vegetables and wild flowers. These events were very successful. She always managed to raise considerable sums of money, on the entrance fee, tea and cakes, small plants and prints of her published paintings etc., all of which she donated to the protection of the world’s flora.

HIRTY PLUS YEARS

I asked her why she didn’t give the proceeds to save animals as well, she replied ‘My dear, the cuddly animals will all be irrelevant, if we loose the plants and the pollinators, we will have no animals!

This concept seemed very extreme at the time, although it was decades after Albert Einstein said, ‘If the bees disappear from the surface of the globe, then man would have four years of life left. No more pollination, no more plants, no more animals, no more man.

This free services of pollination, provided not just by bees, but a wide variety of insects, contribute to one in three mouthfuls of all food we eat, it is worth millions to the economy each year.

Something like £165 millions per annum in UK, estimated value to the USA economy is 14$ billion!

In April 2008 British Beekeepers were lobbying Parliament for an £8 million research programme to examine reasons for the drop in population of Apis mellifloria, the Honey-bee, particularly in the UK but also worldwide.

At that time, DE.F.R.A the UK organisation responsible for agriculture, couldn’t allocate large sums of money for research, however money has been found now, because even with the economic climate, the impact of the honey bee destruction has become alarming, worldwide.

or died. The west coast lost 70% of their bee hives. With an estimate of over million hives that have failed in USA the situation is now critical. This year uncontaminated bees were flown from Canada into California to pollinate their Almond harvest.

But the problem doesn’t stop there; C.C.D. phenomena have spread across other countries, and into Europe. Spain and Portugal are now affected, although it hasn’t yet been recorded in the UK; however the bee population there is very sick and diminishing with no obvious cause.

There have been suggestions that the viruses and bee mites are the cause of the honeybee destruction that have spread from country to country, or harsh modern farming practices, which have been defended to aid cheaper food, and because all chemicals used are deemed ‘safe’, however one researcher has recorded that she was finding a lethal cocktail of up to 42 different types of agro-chemicals in each of the dead bees.

There is also a theory that radiation and microwaves are having a harmful effect, various research programmes are looking at the long term effect of modern technology.

London, the most densely populated and technologically saturated urban areas have, in fact the healthiest bees in UK! My Daughter counted upwards of forty bees feeding on the flowers in her window-box recently.

London bees are thriving and urban beekeepers are trying to work with gardeners and allotment holders to increase the number of hives in the city, to ask gardeners to have a patch of wild flowers in their gardens and resist concreting over large areas.

So next time you sit down to your breakfast, remember – No bees = no bacon, no steak, or coffee or fruit!

What can we, as gardeners here in Catalunya, do to help maintain our healthy population of bees. NOW? I spoke to several local beekeepers….. · Resist strimming the grass until there is plenty of other food and habitat for the bees. ·

Remember that even though chemicals can be harmless, nixed into a cocktail they are lethal to bees.

·

Clean farmland might make collecting olive easier but it causes soil erosion as well as a damaging wildlife habitat.

·

Plant lots more herbs, most of which are highly desirable to the bees. See pictures of Calendula and Borage.

·

Plant lots of varieties because different types of plants attract different pollinators with different shaped mouth parts.

·

Make sure you have varieties of plants that flower throughout the year; many native species have garden hybrids that are very decorative. Bees need food for eight or nine months a year.

·

Leave land undisturbed. Grassland and wild flower meadows are a perfect habitat for pollinators. In fact, the ecological importance of wild land next to agricultural land has shown to increase the yield by 20%

·

Remember your garden will feed other pollinators, some we want to encourage others we try to kill.

·

Butterflies and Moths drink the nectar but the pollen sticks to their legs.

Many Beetles feed on nectar, pollen or petals but they inadvertently transfer pollen between flowers.

·

Hover-flies and wasps are effective pollinators and even some ants and birds will manage to do a good job,

·

However it is the honey-bee who is crucial to commercial food production.

Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) was first noticed in the USA in 2006/2007, when worker bees suddenly either disappeared

The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 8 May 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 26

MEN, AND THE THINGS THEY SAY What men are really thinking when they say the things they do?

Well now is your opportunity to answer that very question...

"I'm going fishing."

Really means...

"I'm going to drink myself dangerously stupid, and stand by a stream with a stick in my hand, while the fish swim by in complete safety."

"Let's take your car."

Really means...

"Mine is full of beer cans, burger wrappers and completely out of gas."

"Woman driver."

Really means...

"Someone who doesn't speed, tailgate, swear, make obscene gestures and has a better driving record than me."

"I'm getting more exercise lately."

Really means...

"The batteries in the remote are dead."

"We're going to be late."

Really means...

"Now I have a legitimate excuse to drive like a maniac."

"You cook just like my mother used to."

Really means...

"She used the smoke detector as a meal timer, too."

"Take a break, honey, you're working too hard."

Really means...

"I can't hear the game over the vacuum cleaner."

"That's interesting, dear."

Really means...

"Are you still talking?"

"I don't care what color you paint the kitchen."

Really means...

"As long as it's not blue, green, pink, red, yellow, lavender, gray, mauve, black, turquoise or any other color besides white."

"It's a guy thing."

Really means...

"There is no rational thought pattern connected with it, and you have no chance at all of making it logical."

"Can I help with dinner?"

Really means...

"Why isn't it already on the table?"

"Good idea."

Really means...

"It'll never work. And I'll spend the rest of the day gloating."

"Have you lost weight?"

Really means...

"I've just spent our last â‚Ź30 on a cordless drill."

"My wife doesn't understand me."

Really means...

"She's heard all my stories before, and is tired of them."

"It would take too long to explain."

Really means...

"I have no idea how it works."

"Honey, we don't need material things to prove our love."

Really means...

"I forgot our anniversary again."

"It's a really good movie."

Really means...

"It's got guns, knives, fast cars, and Angelina Jolie."

"That's women's work."

Really means...

"It's difficult, dirty, and thankless."

was a real babe."

"Football is a man's game."

Really means...

"Women are generally too smart to play it."

"Oh, don't fuss. I just cut myself, it's no big deal."

Really means...

"I have actually severed a limb, but will bleed to death before I admit I'm hurt."

"I do help around the house."

Really means...

"I once put a dirty towel in the laundry basket."

enough so that you don't spend the next 3 days yelling at me."

"You know I could never love anyone else."

Really means...

"I am used to the way you yell at me, and realize it could be worse."

"You look terrific."

Really means...

"Oh, God, please don't try on one more outfit. I'm starving."

"I missed you."

Really means...

"I can't find my sock drawer, the kids are hungry and we are out of toilet paper."

"Hey, I've got my reasons for what I'm doing."

Really means...

"And I sure hope I think of some pretty soon."

"I'm not lost. I know exactly where we are."

Really means...

"No one will ever see us alive again."

"I can't find it."

Really means...

"It didn't fall into my outstretched hands, so I'm completely clueless."

"We share the housework."

Really means...

"I make the messes, she cleans them up."

"What did I do this time?"

Really means...

"What did you catch me at?"

"This relationship is getting too serious."

Really means...

"I like you more than my truck."

"She's one of those rabid feminists."

Really means...

"She refused to make my coffee."

"Of course I like it, honey, you look beautiful."

Really means...

"Oh, man, what have you done to yourself?"

"But I hate to go shopping."

Really means...

"Because I always wind up outside the "Will you marry me?"

"It's good beer." dressing room holding your purse."

Really means...

Really means...

"Both my roommates have moved out, "It was on sale."

"No, I left plenty of gas in the car."

I can't find the washer, Really means... and there is no more peanut butter."

"I don't need to read the instructions."

"You may actually get it to start."

Really means...

"Go ask your mother."

"I am perfectly capable of screwing it "I'm going to stop off for a quick one Really means... up without printed help."

"I am incapable of making a decision." with the guys."

Really means...

"I am planning on drinking myself into "I broke up with her."

"You know how bad my memory is."

Really means... a vegetative stupor Really means...

"She dumped me." with my chest pounding, mouth "I remember the theme song to breathing, with pre-evolutionary 'Minder', the address of the first girl I "I'll take you to a fancy restaurant." companions." ever kissed and the Vehicle Really means...

Identification Numbers of every car "Someplace that doesn't have a drive"I heard you."

I've ever owned, thru window."

Really means... but I forgot your birthday."

"I haven't the foggiest clue what you "I was just thinking about you, and got just said, and am hoping desperately that I can you these roses." fake it well Really means...

"The girl selling them on the corner

IS YOUR CAR FEELING UNWELL? IF SO, CALL ENGLISH SPEAKING MECHANICS (CAMILO & JORDI) TYRES, EXHAUSTS, ITV PREPARATION, SERVICES & REPAIRS

ENGLISH SPEAKING MECHANIC C/Alcalde Marin, 31, 43520 ROQUETES TEL/FAX: 977 50 19 56

The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 8 May 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 27

SERVICES Services WASHING AND IRONING SERVICE. Washer broken?

Ironing piling high?

Just too busy?

GENERAL BUILDER Time served builder, over 25 years experience.

Legal registered builder in Catalunya for over 4 years.

All kinds of work including bricklaying, plastering, tiling, plumbing, electrics, roofing etc.

We offer washing and drying only, washing and drying plus ironing or just ironing.

Door to door service.

Mora d’Ebre and surrounding areas

NVQ 3 Qualified Care Worker

Call Joanne 691538490.

Available for home help / respite care

NOT COPING? CONFUSED, UPSET, GOING MAD? COUNSELLING Person-centred, Bereavement, Family Therapy, Drink, Relationship, Sexual problems....

I am here to help: Jennifer Anne Figuerola, BA, Honours Psychology, Dip. Counselling Individual, personal, confidential hourly sessions, 20€, initial consultation 10€, MIRAVET Tel: 977407540 / 654875163 FOR HIRE All types of Agricultural Work undertaken by experienced farmer. Trees sprayed and pruned. Land Cleared Help with Livestock.

Has own tractor.

No job too small.

Call Davide on 680 150 309 (Spanish) or 636 292 568 (English)

Tel. Jonathan 699396053.

Also 24/7 house/pet sitting El Perello/L'Ampolla/ Tortosa & Amposta areas Contact Hazel on 638430338 hazeearnest@hotmail. com or for Vinaros/Benicarlo call Dot on 600564097 BACKACHE? VARICOSE VEINS? FROZEN SHOULDER? TENNIS ELBOW? FEEL THE RELIEF MULTI-LEVEL THAI MASSAGE A drug-free procedure, suitable for men, women or children.

Initial consultation 20€; Subsequent individual treatments, 30€ Contact Floreal Figuerola in Miravet: 977407540 675071794

Property For Sale or To Rent Advertise your property here in our new section Commercial Advertising rates apply - €15 per insertion for text only adverts (25c per word over 35 words) IVA included.

FOR SALE Large Apartment + Shop part of Tortosa Cathedral.

Both reformed & in upcoming area.

Great investment!

Flat: 115,000€ Shop: 60,000€ Buy both for 150,000€

TEL 633 54 77 73 EMAIL: reddheven@yahoo.com

FOR SALE Lovely Finca near El Perello with lots of trees + Mobile Home & small Almacen etc.

Bargain 40,000€

TEL: 633 54 77 73 EMAIL: reddheven@yahoo.com FOR SALE DREAM CONVERTED BARN, DORDOGNE, FRANCE 3 beds/2 bath/2 reception, one with huge fireplace, garden, well,.....

Bargain, 275 000€ Tel: 977407540/654875163

Not Just Olives Website Design & Hosting

ces Referen available

Simple web sites from €30 Full Online shops Put your business on-line!

Call Chris on 636 292 568 or email davenpuerto@gmail.com

Andy Mann the Handyman.

Simple, practical and economical solutions for ALL your business and domestic building repairs and maintenance.

Electrical, plumbing, building, rendering,carpentry, tiling, painting and decorating,electro-domestics and assembling IKEA packs.

Whatever your requirements - from putting up a shelf to modernising your kitchen or bathroom to a new build Call ANDY on 663 074 773. see our website at andymann.webs.com Contact us at andymann08@yahoo.co.uk

Shop for Sale - New Build Hospitalet de Llobregat Two storeys / ground floor 67m2 / first floor 48m2.

Excellent situation - good access Price €260.000 Call 977581111 for more information FOR SALE TOWN HOUSE, MIRAVET Ideal B&B 4 ensuite double bedrooms Roof Terrace,Garage 275 000€ Tel: 977407540/ 675071794

FOR SALE MIAMI PLATJA TWO-BEDROOM HOUSE €180000 MASOS BLADER. LOVELY TWO-BEDROOM HOUSE EXTENDABLE. LIVING ROOM. KITCHEN. BATHROOM. FIREPLACE. STORAGE ROOM. TERRACE: 50m2. PLOT: 250m2.

Call 647 287 572 for more info

FOR SALE MORA D’EBRE SUNNY FINCA €59500 New build registered Almacen 50m2 Flat land, lovely views, cisterna.

OPPORTUNITY to take over Mortgage of €36,000 (€223 Euros per month) plus €23,500 cash - Interested ring Tracey 639 548 092

FOR SALE L’AMPOLLA 3 BED HOUSE €220000 Fully Furnished in centre, 2 mins from beach Living room, kitchen, 2 bathrooms, 2 balconies, fully alarmed, Double glazed pvc windows & central heating. Well decorated throughout, Garage, Garden.

TEL: 618 756 594 For even more impact take advantage of our new service as shown in the advert below: In the Paper:One colour photo, brief description and contact details AND ALSO On our website : FOR ALL Up to 4 photos displayed in a gallery €25 1000 words to use for description Map displaying the location of the property Go to www.chroniccat.com for more details.

Catalonian Properties New and Resale Properties, Large/Small Farms/Coastal, River/Countryside.

We have several clients looking for your property so give us a call if you want to sell it. www.catalonianproperties.com e-mail: terry_owen1@hotmail.com Tel/Fax: (0034) 977 470 924 Mobile: 606 813 219 or 615 316 722

The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 8 May 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 28

PASSATEMPS Across

Cryptic Prize Crossword Little Britain â‚Ź10 voucher to winner drawn at random from correct solutions received by 18th of May. Please email or post it to us, with your name and telephone number.

Down

1 Collector of small particles in a metal vessel 1 Obligations owed by a young women, a shirt and Old Bob (5) (7) 5 Stylish, painfully severe, brisk (5)

2 Mollusc collapsing with too much gin (7)

8 Onion based foodstuff from the East (5)

3 Place of early grades, first group of fish (7,6)

9 Violent agitation that mutilators sat out (7) 10 A force for good, saving many from evil (9,4) 11 Fruit for Dad in the American capital on the 4th of July (6) 12 Slightly daft oft-heard call in spring (6) 15 Delicacy no ape could use as a point of reference (13) 18 Unravel, upset no longer (7)

4 Aquatic South American rodent found in Turin on the first of August (6) 5 Long suit ran at changes, cutting off the air.

(13) 6 The mother of us, confused love (5) 7 Cry whilst chasing, loathly loosely (5-2) 11 Take upon oneself to supreme representation (7) 13 A child and a bell joshing (7)

19 I would start to use a manner of speaking (5)

14 Root soup from Russia (6)

20 Mile a message travels (1-4)

16 Winter warmer served with marshmallows (5)

21 Revolver (7)

17 Purveyor of sales messages, a tradesman without rest (5)

Last Month’s Solution Across: 7 Slouch, 8 Pointy, 9 Gulp, 10 Tax haven, 11 Eyewash, 13 Slake, 15 Hi-fis, 17 Bumpkin, 20 Blizzard, 21 Lime, 22 Ossify, 23 IQ test.

Down: 1 Cloudy, 2 Jump, 3 Whitish, 4 Epoxy, 5 Gigaflop, 6 Streak, 12 Whizz-kid, 14 Quids in, 16 Ill-use, 18 Inmost, 19 Satyr, 21 Lots.

www.littlebritain24-7.com

Easy

Across

Down

7 Meal (6) 8 Possessions (6) 9 Task (2-2) 10 An occurrence (8) 11 Red (7) 13 Beg (5) 15 Childhood illness (5) 16 OAP gets one (7) 18 Pause (8) 19 Fix (4) 21 Ships steer with one (6) 22 An informal conversation (6)

1 Type of cheque (4) 2 Cannot be bought (13) 3 Advert for a film (7) 4 Light wood (5) 5 Institution (13) 6 Musical style sharp (8) 12 Petrol raw material (5,3) 14 Protection (7) 17 Child (5) 20 Indian bread (4)

Medium

Quick Crossword

Hard

The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 8 May 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 29

INFORMATION Que? Monthly look at some differences between Catalan and Spanish words English May to work Second-hand before architect coat unfortunate unfortunately Lost property apron spider to lose dear

Spanish Mayo trabajar De segunda mano antes arcitecto abrigo desafortunado desafortunadamente Objetos perdidos delantal araña perder querida

Catalan Maig treballar de segona mà abans arquitecte abric desafortunat malauradament Objectes perduts davantal aranya perdre estimat

Advertising Rates To advertise in the next edition of the Catalunya Chronicle we would need your copy before the 18th of the month.

Personal Classified Ads are FREE up to a maximum of 35 words, and subject to a maximum sales value of €1000. No more than three items at a time please.

Business Classified Ads start at €15, subject to size.

Whether you have your artwork or not, included in the price we offer a design service and we will endeavour to match your requirements.

The cost of advertising is €0.80 per square centimetre, and there is a 10% discount for a six month run. This price includes IVA ( at 16%).

Let people know you are in business - can you afford not to?

The Catalunya Chronicle C / Martirs 6, 43500, Tortosa, Tarragona, Spain.

Website: www.chroniccat.com email: info@chroniccat.com Telephone: 636 292 568 (Chris) or 646 353 442 (Tim) Deposito Legal: T-1528-2009 Circulation: 5,000 this month Printed by: Lerigraf sl

No part of this document may be reproduced without written consent from the paper.

The Catalunya Chronicle cannot be held responsible for the contents of the articles supplied by it’s contributors, nor for the claims made by it’s advertisers.

Trademarks and Copyright are held by their respective owners.

We would like to thank all our contributors, article writers and advertisers for all their fabulous support.

Copyright © The Catalunya Chronicle 2010 All Rights Reserved.

Distribution Points.

A full list and map of all our collection locations is available on our web-site, and if you do not find one near enough to you, then please let us know.

Currently we have managed to place the paper in the following towns and villages.

L’Ampolla L’Amettla Camarles Amposta Tortosa Miravet Tres Calas El Perello Cambrils Salou

Hospitalet Reus Airport Alcossebre Ulldecona Flix Xerta Riba-Roja Mora D’Ebre Peniscola Benifallet

Miami Platja Gandesa Bitem Vinaros Benicarlo ... with more to come

W HAT ’ S O N For up to date details please visit our On-Line Calendar at www.chroniccat.com.

We cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the details above – as always, it is a good idea to check before attending.

Sun 2 May MerCamarles Market - Avinguda de la Torre, Camarles Sat 8 May Freesia Group El Perello Book Stall - Homogenic Bar - El Perello Sun 9 May Progat Flea Market - Restaurant Ermita Mig Cami. Tortosa Tortosa Friendship Club & Boot Sale - Ravel de Crist, Tortosa Diada de L'Arros, Col i Fesols L'Aldea - Pavello Poliesportiu Municipal, L'aldea Flea Market in aid of Progat - Restaurant Ermita Mig Cami.

Simpatica Road, (direction Hospital), Tortosa MerCamarles Market - Avinguda de la Torre, Camarles Boot Sale, Vilanova - Hipaca Escornalbou Freesia Group Fun Run - Salou Sun 16 May MerCamarles Market - Avinguda de la Torre, Camarles Mora Boot sale - C/Garcia Restaurant Braseria,Can Palomo, Mora La Nova Sat 22 May Freesia Group El Perello Book Stall - Bar Homogenik - El Perello Sun 23 May MerCamarles Market - Avinguda de la Torre, Camarles Mora Caravans Boot Sale - C12, km 61 Mora La Nova Sun 30 May L'Ampolla Car Boot - Camping St. Jordi, latje Avellanes, L'Ampolla MerCamarles Market - Avinguda de la Torre, Camarles

To add your event here free of charge, please email editor@chroniccat.com

The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 8 May 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 30

CLASSIFIED SECTION FOR SALE Stihl MS440 Chainsaw, 50cm blade, brand new, never used. Store price 1,000 Euros, selling for 500 Euros.

Tel 977473278

Personal For Sale FOR SALE Twin axle trailer.

New axels , no brakes, carrying cap.2000 kg. size 2,40 m.X 1,20 m.

PRICE: 1250€

FOR SALE WROUGHT IRON GATE 203 cm x 90 cm COMPLETE WITH ALL FITTINGS AND LOCKS €95 Tel 977460043

Tel: L'Ampolla 977 460498 FOR SALE Jacuzzi shower

FOR SALE SUBARU LEGACY ESTATE CAR 2.2 PETROL 1995 UK REG NUMBER 88000 MILES TOWBAR ELECTRICS 6 STACK CD PLAYER ETC ALARM GOOD ALL ROUND CONDITION EL PERELLO £495 TEL 626641078

FOR SALE 4 x New Stainless Steel Flue Pipes.

Each 1 x metre x 0.175mm dia.

Cost new 144 Euros.

Accept 70 Euros.

Phone 620 179 483 Mike.

FOR SALE DIY and builder’s kit for sale. Power tools, scaffold, barrows, pumps, props.

Near L’Aldea. Please call for a full list 629 010233 FOR SALE 2 Almacen / Shed doors €25 each €40 for the pair Tortosa Area Call 689 354 898

FOR SALE Large amounts of plumbing and electrical material buy the lot or what you need guarantee less than 50% of the cost tel 634162387

FOR SALE 2 radio controlled toy racing cars. Hardly used and in good condition.

20 euros the pair.

Phone 677 14 29 26L'Ametlla de Mar area.

FOR SALE Monza 4/5 berth towing Caravan - fridge - cooker €595 ono

New with lights / radio etc.

Bargain: 300€

Small Steel Door 140 x 80cm with Lock €35

Basin + marble top & unit PRICE: 95€

Surveillance Camera New in box €40

TEL: 633 54 77 73

Yale Dial up home Alarm System Never Used €60

FOR SALE High sided Trailer €350 100cm X 100cm X 70cm incl. spare wheel and cover.

Inside base wood covered.

Ideal for building materials, olives, carobs etc Tel 977473008 or 652995723

FOR SALE FOR SALE Generator automatic start/stop due to battery charge. From 999€+IVA Viggo Peetz 644 24 3415 / vpeetz@gmail.com

Personal For Sale

Gas oven 3 rings & oven, Good condition.

PRICE: 50 €. Tel:

L'Ampolla 977 460498 FOR SALE IDEAL FOR CARBOOT SALE 2 LGE BAGS OF CLOTHES + MISC ITEMS SOME NEW 15 EUROS THE LOT 977 457 586 FOR SALE Pine logs for sale. Suitable for firewood, gardening etc.

Several truck loads available - will sell any amount)Any reasonable offers accepted. Buyer to pick up at Tortosa. Alex 654 803 160.

FOR SALE Two PVC white doors brand new Stained glass panels still wrapped €250 each Tel 657 285 436 or 627 291 107

Telescopic Sight for Rifle Paraline Made in USA Unused €25 Air Pistol (GAF) 30 shot Automatic with Laser Sight and Carry Case €65 Call 650 318 700 El Perello

GOT SOMETHING TO SELL? Personal Ads free up to €1000 Maximum of three items per month FOR SALE Ladies and gents bikes, each have 18 gears and are in excellent condition.

50 euros each.

Phone 677 14 29 26 for further details. L'Ametlla de Mar area.

Personal Diagnosed with Cancer? or had Cancer in the past?

We are a support group who meet once a month & keep in touch to share, care & support each other.

Contact Charlotte cancershock@yahoo.co.uk or 622 553446

Personal Wanted WANTED STATIC CARAVAN 2 BED MIN DOUBLE BED BUNK BEDS QUAD BIKE L'AMETLLA AREA TEL 676 927 175

GIRL FRIDAY Seeks suitable employment Mon – Fri (daytime only) – general household duties, looking after the elderly, tidying gardens, washing, ironing, shopping, etc.

L’Ampolla / Tortosa Area References available For more information call Diana on 697944440 (Spanish) or 693790552 (English)

WANTED Looking for good home for a very lovable 3 year old black Labrador bitch. No vices. Excellent pedigree, good for breeding.

Personal For Sale FOR SALE Water deposits 1000 litres €50 each virtually new 3 seater, 2 seater and 1 seater sofa brand new shop closing. Normal price €2995 sell for €700 absolute bargain Chandelier Egyptian Crystal spectacular piece €600 only must be viewed to see its beauty large stock of wood come fill your van at bargain price container perfect storage dry and safe Call 634162377 FOR SALE Twin Axle Trailer New Axles, Carring Cap 2000 kg, no brakes 2.4 x 1.2 Price €1250 Shower Screen Turning €50

Teresa 654 803 160

Outboard Motor Yamaha 85hp 2 stroke €1500

WANTED Toyota Landcruiser, 5 doors, right or left hand drive, with title, cash in 2 hours. tel 626507159, llasat@yahoo.com

Outboard Motor Evinrude 9.9hp 2 stroke €500

JANE (FORMERLY OF MURRAYS CAFE) URGENTLY SEEKS EMPLOYMENT MOST THINGS CONSIDERED TEL: 664 460 129

WANTED House for rent around L'Ampolla, long term but not necessary needed immediately. Quiet location, must be winter and dogs suited. No holiday let style/prices. Agency and serious landlords preferred.

Email LW@wideblue.co.uk TEL UK 02081444873

L’Ampolla Willy Dom 977 460 498 648 457 725 FOR SALE Atlas Classic Midi mobile home for sale, 28ft x 10ft.

Two bedrooms.

Very clean condition. Full size gas cooker,gas fire,fridge.

4750 Euros.

Buyer to arrange transport.

Tivenys area Tel 977 059 891 email csansby@msn.com Quiz Answers 1. All of them.

2. One hour.

3. But the other is!

4. 70.

5. 9.

6. The match.

7. White, it's the south pole.

8. 2.

9. he did not, it was Noah.

10. It's YOU!

Personal For Sale

The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 8 May 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 31

THE FINAL WORD FARM KID in the ARMY Dear Ma and Pa, I am well. Hope you are. Tell Brother Walt and Brother Elmer the Army beats working for old man Minch by a mile. Tell them to join up quick before all of the places are filled.

I was restless at first because you get to stay in bed till nearly 6 a.m. But I am getting so I like to sleep late. Tell Walt and Elmer all you do before breakfast is smooth your cot, and shine some things. No hogs to slop, feed to pitch, mash to mix, wood to split, fire to lay. Practically nothing.

Men got to shave but it is not so bad, there's warm water. Breakfast is strong on trimmings like fruit juice, cereal, eggs, bacon, etc., but kind of weak on chops, potatoes, ham, steak, fried eggplant, pie and other regular food, but tell Walt and Elmer you can always sit by the two city boys that live on coffee.

Their food, plus yours, holds you until noon when you get fed again. It's no wonder these city boys can't walk much.

We go on 'route marches,' which the platoon sergeant says are long walks to harden us. If he thinks so, it's not my place to tell him different. A 'route march' is about as far as to our mailbox at home. Then the city guys get sore feet and we all ride back in trucks.

The sergeant is like a school teacher. He nags a lot. The Captain is like the school board. Majors and colonels just ride around and frown. They don't bother you none.

This next will kill Walt and Elmer with laughing. I keep getting medals for shooting. I don't know why. The bulls-eye is near as big as a chipmunk head and don't move, and it ain't shooting at you like the Higgett boys at home. All you got to do is lie there all comfortable and hit it. You don't even load your own cartridges They come in boxes.

Then we have what they call hand-to-hand combat training. You get to wrestle with them city boys. I have to be real careful though, they break real easy. It ain't like fighting with that ole bull at home. I'm about the best they got in this except for that Tug Jordan from over in Silver Lake . I only beat him once..

He joined up the same time as me, but I'm only 5'6' and 130 pounds and he's 6'8' and near 300 pounds dry.

Be sure to tell Walt and Elmer to hurry and join before other fellers get onto this setup and come stampeding in.

Your loving daughter, Alice .

An farmer in his pickup, drove to a neighbour's , and knocked at the door. A boy, about 9, opened the door

The room was full of pregnant women and their partners and the class was in full swing. The instructor was teaching the women how to breathe properly, along with informing the men how to give the necessary assurances at this stage of the plan. The teacher then announced, "Ladies, exercise is good for you. Walking is especially beneficial. And, gentlemen, it wouldn't hurt you to take the time to go walking with your partner!"

The room really got quiet.

Finally, a man in the middle of the group raised his hand.

"Yes?" replied the teacher.

"Is it all right if she carries my golf bag while we walk?

"Is your Dad home?"

"No sir, he isn't; he went to town."

"Well, is your Mother here?"

"No sir, she went to town with Dad." "How about your brother, Howard? Is he here?"

"No sir, He went with Mom and Dad."

ESTATE AGENTS

We go that extra mile to ensure your move runs smooth!

"Is there anything I can do for you? I know where all the tools are, if you want to borrow one, or I can give dad a message."

"Well," said the rancher uncomfortably, "I really wanted to talk to your Dad. It's about your brother Howard getting my daughter, Suzie, pregnant."'

The boy thought for a moment. "You would have to talk to Dad about that. I know he charges €500 for the bull and €50 for the pig, but I don't know how much he charges for Howard."

URGENTLY WANTED - PROPERTIES FOR SALE IN L’AMPOLLA & L’AMETTLA DE MAR

The Catalunya Chronicle - Issue 8 May 2010 - www.chroniccat.com - Page 32