Calahonda Duplex Apartment
Ref: 26962
185.775€
237.000€
Ref: 27115
Mijas Pueblo
Ref: 29672
Townhouse
End of terrace townhouse 3 bedrooms 1.1/2 bathrooms on small complex situated in a great location only 300 meters from the beach and just 75 meters from the shops and bars. This property does need a new kitchen and bathroom and a good paint all over, once done, this property would make a great holiday home with very high all year round rental potential. 118m2 built 15m2 terrace.
214.961€
257.953€
Ref: 29921
Apartment
Townhouse
Miraflores
This 2 bed, 2 bath penthouse has wonderful sea, Golf and mountain views, the property has two terraces, one of which is south facing and benefits from sun all day. It is difficult to find a property of this quality in the area. There is a bank valuation of €275.000 so obtaining a 100% finance should not be a problem. This property is being sold fully furnished. Built: 85m2. Terrace 15m2 Total 100m2
La Cala De Mijas
Re
Ref: 29941 This 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom Apartment comes with Communal Satelite t.v air Conditioning Hot/Cold Video Entry and is in a great location for rental potential. Its also just around the corner from Miraflores Golf Course. This Apartment is priced to sell!!! 83M2 BUILT. 12M2 TERRACE
Apartment
ed
Apartment
Very well priced duplex apartment. As you walk through the front door you come into the lounge to your right is the kitchen with an arch, also down stairs there is a toilet with shower room and storage cupboard. Up stairs consists of 2 double bedrooms and 1 bathroom. Front of the house is a small terrace with awning which has the sun on it for most of the day also has a little private garden for sun-bathing/BBQs. Nice community pool, very close to bars and restaurants and the beach, also very quite.
Riviera del Sol
c du
Miraflores
Miraflores Apartment
Ref: 30180
This 2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment is not only in the best phase at La Cala Hills but is also in the best block. The apartment has satellite t.v, internet service (free),air conditioning hot/cold, parking and storage, and also this apartment comes fully furnished. 100m2 built. 22m2 terrace.
Beautifull spacious apartment in Miraflores. The complex has immaculate gardens and two pools one of which is heated in the winter. Property is south facing and includes Store room, Garage and totally furnished to high quality. Alarm and Aircon fitted. 98m2 built. 30m2 Terrace
270,000€
284.823€
Ref: 27769 This lovely townhouse is part of a small well kept community sharing manicured communal gardens and large pool area. The house it self has been updated and extended by the present owners and makes a perfect home for younger families as well as a great vacation retreat. The +50 m2 terrace enjoys spectacular sunsets and views over the white village of Mijas, the breakfast terrace has the morning sun! Lock up garage and off road parking. Nearby access to public transport and minutes from Mijas , Fuengirola and Benalmadena. Bank Valuation 404.000,€ 100% Mortgage Available! Built: 125m2. Terrace 63m2 Total 188m2
349.314€
Riviera Del Sol Villa
Ref: 30186 Fantastic opportunity to purchase a front line golf Villa on Miraflores Golf Course, 3 bedrooms 3 ½ bathrooms., Lovely manicured gardens with private pool and garage. Aircon, large modern kitchen, 500m2 plot 280m2 built excellent views. 280m2 built, 500m2 plot
445.000€
contents
issue
26
costa culture
4
Andalucia is not Spain by Mike Wilkinson
costa getaways
6
COVER STORY Senda el Retiro Malaga’s Garden of Eden by Harvey Mann
costa companies
11
Local Business Spotlight
costa lifestyle
20 22 23 24 26 28 30
Mens Stuff So you think Pilates is for girls What Men Want
What Women Want
Hannah’s Beauty Tips Guaranteed to get you glowing Helen Johnson Lose weight by eating wisely Dieting for lazy people Health News Eat at ease
costa homes
36 40 42
Nature Facing the drought - One year on Costa Tax & Finance The revised Spanish tax system for dummies (part 2) Savings Tax Step by step guide to buying a property in Spain
6 44 46 60
Costa Business Advice Is your business fit... for business? (part 4)
COVER STORY Interiors Wondrous Windows
COVER STORY Location Review Mijas
costa stuff
68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 85 86
Brush with the law Music Review Movie Review Costa Cuisine Showbiz Whispers True or False It’s a Strange World Strange But True & Challenge
46
Animal Health Bytes & Pieces Charity
guide to the costa
Spiritual Thought
88
60
92 95
Useful numbers, phrases and shopping tips that will aid your stay in Spain Indoor and Outdoor Activities
Bars and Restaurants Sponsored by Bars In Spain
business directory
99
All your services and business needs in our comprehensive listings Sponsored by Bars In Spain
Hello and welcome... …to issue no 26 of Costa Life. Easter time is upon us and summer is officially here, well nearly, anyway! The rebuilding programme after the January storms for the beaches has finished just in time for the influx of tourists who will be able to enjoy the Semana Santa parades. These are held throughout the Costa del Sol and Andalusia from the 1st till 8th. Also don’t forget the International Feria at the Fuengirola feria ground from the 26th till 29th April, so get down there and support your country. You will be able to enjoy the foods, drinks and dance local to other countries, I can guarantee the atmosphere is amazing. Over the last few weeks the radio has been broadcasting live out of the Miramar shopping centre, in conjunction with The Miramar and The Music Factory and is sponsored by O ´Brien’s Sandwich Shop. So come down and say hi on the 21st April, bring the kids. There will be live entertainment and puppet shows; all great fun. If you can’t make it why not listen in on 106 fm or online via our NEW Website at www.ccfmradio.com. We are also building new websites for both the Magazines so why not log on and check out their progress throughout April on www.costalifemagazine.com or www.countrylifemagazine.com. In this Issue we have added a feature called Costa Life Profile, this will be looking at prominent people who live and work on the Costa del Sol.
Editor Sharon Holdsworth Consulting Editor Harvey Mann Design and Production Lynda McMillan Advertising Sales Ronan Holdsworth Accounts and Administration Lorraine Bonora IT Advisor Dave Howard of Alphashare
We would like to thank Jump Photography for our new team picture; we’ve had some great comments on this. (952 494 311 www.jumpphotography.net.)
Web Master Mike Wilkinson
Our front covers look fantastic again thanks to Martyn Wilkes (645580045) you can check out some of his other images on www.pbase.com/purplepond.
Contributors Bars In Spain Linda Christie Lydia Green Marion Harrington Hannah Henley Simon Hill Inda Data Helen Johnson Jan Morley Dr J.S. Nicolas NV Mijas Cruella Parsons Annette Riggall Videonet Dave Wakelin Mike Wilkinson
Well that’s it from me, enjoy this issue.
the team
See you in May.
Company Director Ronan Holdsworth Partner Barrie Shearman Images courtesy of Costa del Sol Tourist Board Jump Photography Martyn Wilkes Deposito Legal MA-0054-2004
For Information on distribution points, sales or any other enquiries call 952 471 091 or email: info@costalifemagazine.com
Reproduction of this magazine in whole or part without the written permission of the publishers is strictly prohibited. The views expressed by contributors and advertisers are not necessarily those of the publishers. Although every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information and the advertisements contained within this magazine, the publishers can accept no liability.
Produced by and part of the HOLDSWORTH SHEARMAN MEDIA GROUP
952 471 091 info@costalifemagazine.com
>> costaCULTURE
Andalucia is Not Spain hey say, whoever ‘they’ may be, that one of the most stressful things that you can do in your life is to move house. I don’t really understand why they say this because I can think of many many things that are far more stressful than watching the removal men almost scratch your antique French-polished table as they struggle to get it through the front door. Besides, if they do scratch it, you can always claim for a new one on their insurance – assuming there is such a thing as a ‘new antique Frenchpolished table’. But, if we presuppose that ‘they’ are right, then does it not follow that, if you’re not only moving house but also moving country, it would be doubly stressful? Well I think that ‘they’ are wrong! Moving country was one of the least stressful things that I’ve ever done in my life. In fact, moving country was a reaction to all the stressful things surrounding me in it in the first place, and they all came to an end as soon as that plane took off and flew away from the greyness of my homeland. It was like a breath of fresh air… warm, Spanish air. Or maybe I should say ‘warm Andalucian air’, because that’s where I alighted, Andalucia. However, Andalucia is not Spain - and I will now attempt to explain to you why.
Written By:
Mike Wilkinson mike@costalifemagazine.com
“Of course it’s Spain!” I hear all you closet geographers retort. Well, strictly speaking, it’s one of seventeen autonomous regions that together make up the geographical land mass known as Spain - autonomous meaning ‘self governing’, which in turn means that Andalucia has its own government (or junta) with its own parliament, much like most other nations in the world. It can also be debated that it has its own language, Andalucian. You may well surmise that it’s a local dialect rather than a language in its own right but, as I say, there are a great number of
Andalucians who would be more than happy to debate that point with you. It has its own capital, Seville, and it also has its own flag and its own coat of arms which are both regarded as national symbols, not that that has anything bearing as to whether it should be regarded as a separate nation in its own right or not. Their coat of arms shows their founder, Hercules, Andalucía por sí, with two lions in between two columns. Its motto reads: ‘A para España y para la humanidad’ - Andalusia for itself, for Spain and for mankind – but it seems to me that they tend to act more for themselves than for Spain, and I can’t for the life of me see where ‘mankind’ might come into the equation. In fact, most of the things that the British consider to be quintessentially Spanish are, in actual fact, Andalucian. Flamenco (which, incidentally, is primarily about the music, not the dance) is Andalucian, not Spanish. Bullfighting (which, incidentally, is not Spain’s national sport as some would suggest – football or futbol is – and, as a matter of fact, bullfighting it isn’t even a sport, it’s an arte or espectáculo) is Andalucian, not Spanish. Serving tapas with drinks is an Andalucian custom, not a Spanish one. And the vision of a land full of historic cities, ruined castles and ancient monuments is a vision of Andalucia, not of Spain. But it’s easy to understand why these misconceptions might exist, because when the British think that they are going on a package holiday to Spain they are, the majority of the time, actually going on a package holiday to Andalucia. And, as I may have mentioned before, Andalucia is not Spain. First and foremost, Andalucians regard themselves as Andalucian and not Spanish. The feeling of nationalism within them is strong and Andalucismo is the name given to the political movement advocating the recognition of Andalucian people as a ‘nation’. After much protesting and marching over many decades, fighting for this recognition, the Spanish government finally agreed to define Andalucia, in May of 2006, as a Nacionalidad, or Historical Nation. But their fight continues in an effort to be seen on an even keel with Catalonia, which is regarded as a true ‘nation’. But enough of politics… how does the rest of Spain regard the Andalucians? Well, in the days of the dictatorship (oops, politics again sorry), General Francisco Franco refused to build any factories there because he was of the opinion that the local people would not be great producers of anything substantial. He opined that there was far too much sun, sea, sand and siestas for the local inhabitants to be bothered about hard work. (They say that there is no point in Andalucia that is more than 45 minutes away from the coast, although ‘they’ could be wrong again, because surely it depends on how fast you drive.) In later years Franco did, in fact, change his opinion, retract his statement and make an apology to the people of Andalucia, after many migrant workers from the area moved to work in the factories further north and proved themselves to be a very productive and hard working nation indeed. The Spanish people of today also have many opinions of the Andalucians. They are mostly seen as party animals. (Ain’t nothing wrong with that in my eyes - people thought the same of me not so long ago!) But ‘tis true, they do like to party. As well as the numerous national public holidays in the Spanish calendar, Andalucia has a far greater number of other local public holidays and ferias than any other autonomy in Spain. This could well be because of the fact that it is much more densely populated and hence, there are many more villages and towns compared with elsewhere in the country, each with their own Saints Days and ferias and suchlike. Or it could be because the Andalucians really are party animals, running around in flamenco dresses, singing, dancing and drinking as their reputation suggests. I must admit, I’ve not witnessed any evidence to the contrary thus far, which is more than fine with me. But they are also regarded by the rest of Spain as a very warm, friendly and generous nation. Now I find this one a little more difficult to chew, but maybe that’s because I’m not Spanish. The ‘generous’ bit, maybe although I’ve never been bought a drink by a Spaniard yet - as it’s only in Andalucia that you will get served a bit of free food with your drink, and then only in certain areas. Warm and friendly? Sometimes. Like maybe I’m in a Spanish café or bar where they are quite happy to laugh along with me at my attempts at the Spanish language and put me on the right track - but then, if they were nasty to me, I wouldn’t go back, so they do have a bit of a vested interest in trying to be friendly. However, out on the streets,
it seems to me that they sometimes come over as a bit rude. Like once, I was walking down the street and a family with a pushchair were coming towards me, taking up the whole pavement. It wouldn’t have taken much for one of them to move aside to let me by, but no… and I was left with the choice of being squashed into the wall or pushed out into the road to get run over. But, for all I know, it could be even worse across the rest of the country and maybe the fact that they didn’t actually physically throw me into the street was an act of warm friendliness. Modern Andalucia is the end result of 2,500 years of invasions – both of conquest and of liberation - by Phoenicians, Celts, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Barbarians, Vandals, Visigoths, Moors and Christians… each leaving their mark in the culture of the area. It is the birthplace of Spain’s most characteristic customs and traditions and is rich in history, architecture, stunning and beautiful beaches and landscapes, nature, and great historical cities. But most of all, what really strikes me personally, is the Andalucian way of life. They are in no particular hurry to get anywhere particularly fast. Laid back and content, Andalucia is not Spain.
>> costaGETAWAYS
Retiro Malaga’s Garden of Eden Written By:
Harvey Mann “As it’s your Birthday, what would you like to do today?” Had I heard the question right? At the precise moment it was asked I was in a dilemma: do I cut my toast into soldiers and dip it in the egg yolk or do I save the toast so that I can spread it with marmalade to have with my tea? Carole, the bubbly Scottish weather girl on BBC Breakfast TV, was prattling on about the chilly start to the day. I peered over the shattered shell of my soft boiled egg, bleary eyed towards the Mediterranean; the sun had risen like a red ball, and now above the horizon it glared down fiercely onto a calm sea. I squinted at the stunning reflection; another warm sunny February day. The winter in Spain is much more bearable than back home. Birthday celebrations at my age are optional: sometimes you have them and other times they are best forgotten. On this occasion, along with the bizarre birthday card from a friend of a naked overweight elderly man with his grandson standing under his very large belly and saying, “It’s a long time since I’ve seen my Willy”, makes me think that celebrations can quickly turn to commiserations. “You haven’t answered my question yet,” my dearest continued. “How would you like me to whisk you off to somewhere exotic? Maybe we should head out towards the airport.” Had I heard her right? The airport? What did she have up her sleeve – apart from the rubber gloves that she was wearing standing at the sink as she did the dishes. The road between Torremolinos and Malaga is not the most inspiring; polígonos have been built over waste ground that once supported wild flowers and bushes; farms that once gave an important touch of greenery to the landscape have mostly gone. You can just spot Plaza Mayor in the distance: a collection of fast food outlets, cinemas and skating rink, mostly inhabited by the young chicas and chicos. “Why is youth wasted on the young?” asked Oscar Wilde.
>>
>> costaGETAWAYS
The most disappointing turn off is the one to the airport; for some of us it is the time to come to terms with going home, even if it is just for a fleeting visit. As promised by my wife, we had driven past Torremolinos towards the airport. What had she planned? Had she secretly booked a birthday flight to some exotic place? My expectations were running riot. “Take the next right,” my dearest ordered. She has a nicer speaking voice than the Tom-Tom Sat Nav that I had promised myself. The turn off I had been told to take is the MA-417 and this is the one after the turn-off for Malaga. The sign says Alhaurín de la Torre and a place called Churriana. Now Churriana has always interested me; one of those Spanish names or words that roll off the tongue. Churriana I suppose was just a little village of a few cottages not so long ago; however like everything else in Spain it has developed into a bustling little town and has a nice roundabout that announces its existence. As it is so nice we went around the roundabout twice, as I lost the exit road. My Sat Nav sitting next to me had dozed off and I missed the turn. Now I was going straight north on the A-366, the Carretera de Coin towards Alhaurín, and midway between the two places is an unmarked turn off. Suddenly my dearest was awake. “Turn now you bloody fool,” she shouted. Braking and swinging the steering wheel to the right and going round the corner on two wheels, I was now heading towards a clump of trees, and what looked like a thatched house some two hundred metres off the road. “That’s it,” my dearest said. “What is? Is this the exotic place you promised to take me? I thought this was going to be a very special birthday treat.”
8 costa life
costaGETAWAYS >>
“Anything that gets you up and out is a treat for both of us.” Bloody Happy Birthday to me, I whispered under my breath. Senda el Retiro Parque Botánico Ornitológico, said the sign along with an emblem of a Toucan. Isabel Gómez greeted us with glee at the box office, “Come in. I promise you, you will have a wonderful time; we have 42 hectares for you to explore and enjoy.” Now my curiosity had overcome my disappointment of my breakfast dream of a flight to far off places. From the entrance I could see it was like an oasis: a wonderful array of tropical trees, the sound of birds screeching, cawing, and other animals barking or bellowing. How come this paradise exists so near to the airport? A subtropical rainforest of flora, fauna, and vegetation that is unique in Europe. It was as if someone had drawn back a curtain and all the concrete buildings, cranes and grinding cement mixers had disappeared in a puff of smoke. Now my dearest and I were standing like Adam and Eve (with our clothes on) in a Garden of Eden. “As far as we know the park was first used in 1669”said Isabel, “making this the oldest gardens of Malaga. Many of the trees like the Cypresses are over 600 years old. In 1984 the gardens were declared as a National Historical Monument.” My search through the records shows that the old house within the park was believed to have been used by pirates who operated off the coast of Spain as a refuge. Sometime in the 17th century a Monk, Brother Alonso of Santo Tomas, transformed the abandoned building into a retreat. Over the years, it was transformed into a Venetian style villa with an Orchard Garden, then a Courtyard Garden in the 17th century, and finally a Court Garden in the 18th century, helping to make the park one of the most beautiful gardens in Europe.
>> costa life 9
>> costaGETAWAYS Now the paved walkways take you on a journey of discovery through miniature forests of trees that gently shade us from the warmth of the February sun. I must admit that, if my driving to the park was maybe a little erratic, here it is tranquillity, with just the swaying trees in a gentle breeze and the comforting calls from more than 200 different species of birds. The collection is huge and represents birds from all five continents. If like me you are a bird enthusiast you will love this place. Some of the species that are more likely to fly off are housed in well constructed walk-through aviaries that blend with the local habitat, and allow a natural enjoyment. They have double doors at either end so there isn’t a problem with accidentally allowing them to fly free. Both my wife and I entered and stood peacefully as the birds swooped from one side of the aviary to the other, making us duck laughing at their antics. Another part of the park has large cages that house a huge collection of hornbills, great hornbills, rhinoceros hornbills, laughing kookaburras, toucans, scarlet and red macaws. Other areas have blue cranes, great white pelicans and emus. Water plays a prominent part in the serenity of the park with waterfalls, historic fountains, lakes and rivers so you will find tropical fish in the fresh and saltwater aquariums, frogs and amphibians including the lesser flamingos from Africa and a large collection of wading birds, sacred ibis and black crowned cranes. The bird collection of different species is mind blowing: I cannot think of any other park in Andalucia that could compare with Senda el Retiro. If you like reptiles and mammals, Senda has a collection of zebras, giraffes, capybaras (the world’s largest rodents) antelopes, white oryx, wallabies and even primates. Senda el Retiro means nature’s path, and, without doubt, I cannot stress enough the enjoyment my wife and I had sitting by a pond in one of the aviaries watching the wildlife go about their daily preening. The park has several picnic places including a restaurant that at the time of our visit was being renovated. As we sat under the shade of an old cypress we felt at peace with the world. I suddenly realised that, although Senda is close to the airport, in all the many hours that we had spent there we had not heard the sound of any planes coming into land or taking off.
10 costa life
Was it the special birthday treat which my wife had promised when she said she would whisk me off to exotic parts? Yes, unreservedly it was one of the nicest treats I’ve had. As I drove off down south towards the sea and the airport road, quietly humming Happy Birthday, I turned to my wife to congratulate and thank her. Unfortunately, my dearest Mrs Sat Nav had had a busy day, and had dropped off. For Bookings and information at Senda El Retiro call 952 62 35 40 or visit www.sendaelretiro.com
costa COMPANIES
Local Business Spotlight
12 13 14 16 17 18
>> costa COMPANIES
W
e came to Spain in May 2005 bringing the whole family to give them a better life in the sun.
I started as a trainee at the age of 15 and finished my apprenticeship at 21. This covered all aspects of soft furnishing from cushions to loose covers some upholstery even carpet sewing. I have worked in domestic and commercial soft furnishing. Up to coming to Spain nearly two years ago and starting our business, I did private work from home whilst my family were growing up. My Daughter Clair now works with me and she does most of the interior design and sourcing items for our clients. We also offer complete furnishing packages to suit the customer’s budget. My husband and son-in-law are also partners in the company. My son-in-law and husband do all the rail, pole, pelmet and headboard fitting for us.
Our materials start from 5 euros a metre off the roll. Most of these come from England as do most of our curtain poles. We also have a wide range of samples from a company in Valencia who have a warehouse in Malaga. These materials start from 15 euros a metre up to 200 euros a metre. We also use local companies for curtain rails that are made to the customer’s requirements. If we don’t have what the customer is looking for we are happy to source it for them or if they want to get the fabric themselves we can tell them exactly how much they need and we will make it up for them. We also have a range of ready made curtains and bedding to order. There is a varied mix of styles from traditional swags and tails for window dressings to modern plain upholstered pelmets, from Moorish castle design to modern minimalist styles. People usually know what they want in England and can tell you exactly what they want but when they come to choosing for their homes in Spain they want something very different and often need help in deciding what will go with what. We have a catalogue of the handcrafted pine furniture for customers to choose from and we also make to the customers requirements i.e.: if there is only a small space for a bedside cabinet he will make it to fit the space. The furniture is made by my son-in-law Barry who worked for a furniture making company in England for ten years before coming to Spain. My Husband Jon is a qualified electrician but both he and Barry can turn their hand to most maintenance work but if a more specialist type of job comes up we have a list of reputable and reliable craftsmen to draw on. We are now doing as much maintenance and furniture work as soft furnishing!! Many customers return to England leaving us with their keys. They ask us to clean their homes and look after the maintenance side whilst they are back in the UK, ready for them to come on holiday. So they don’t have anything to do when here except relax and enjoy there second home. So much so, that at the beginning of the year we branched out into Property Management. We can offer our clients:- a cleaning and laundry service, monthly visual inspections (emailing any problems found), key collection, welcome packs, etc…. We are at the moment in the process of building a Website in which we hope will provide all our customers, home and abroad, new and old with a pleasant online experience. Finally, 90% of our clients are referrals from other satisfied customers. We pride ourselves on giving our clients value for money and a job well done we are always happy to go the extra mile. All work undertaken is done to a high standard that we would expect if we were having the work done in our own home.
12 costa life
costa COMPANIES >>
Let us create your very own Desirable Decking
P
rofessional Design and Construction of Timber Decks for both coast and country along the Costa del Sol A timber deck is a fantastic way to extend your home and entertaining areas without the cost or drama of a major home extension.
deck is a long way off the ground or adjacent to water - consider having a childproof gate installed at the top of any flight of stairs.
Pools, Spas and trees A deck as an extension of your swimming pool, which can also enclose a pool cover trough, will add valuable usable space to a pool area. A spa can be installed onto the deck as long as the structure is reinforced to support the weight of the water. Alternatively we can set the tub on a concrete slab on the ground and build your deck around it. Trees can also be incorporated within the structure of your deck and even be used to provide a convenient shelving area for a bar or barbeque.
Finishing your Deck
Imagine the perfect space for alfresco dining with friends, for catching that precious evening sun or maybe just as a private retreat.
We recommend that your deck be stained and, optionally, varnished, this will help to prolong its life. Decks can also be saturated with clear or tinted decking oils, providing protection against the weather while blending perfectly into your environment. The extensive selections of coloured stains which are available ensure a match with any existing woodwork. In addition we also offer a range of lighting and audio options with which to enhance the finished deck.
A timber deck is:
Personal Service
The perfect solution for rocky, sloping, uneven or poorly draining gardens and plots. Ideal for the Spanish climate as wood absorbs far less heat than masonry products making it much cooler underfoot. Much easier to install than other building materials and allows unlimited design versatility. Attractively finished thanks to the wide range of coloured stains and varnishes that can be applied to the wood
Our professional staff can advise you on all aspects of design and construction of your timber deck and from the outset will work with you to ensure your total satisfaction with the completed project. Contact us for an initial discussion and a no obligation quotation on 638 511 841
Decking - Building and Maintenance Decks are perfect for outdoor entertaining and also add value to homes by creating an extra living area. So how do you ensure the quality and longevity of such a critical structure?
Materials Timber used on decks must be able to resist the elements. We only use wood specifically treated for outdoor conditions.
Softwood Softwoods such as pine have low durability unless they are treated therefore we recommend northern softwoods such as Siberian Larch or Norwegian Fir which have been heat and pressure treated with insecticide and fungicidal agents. Timber used for ground posts needs to be stronger and more resilient than the timber used for the floor of the deck. We utilise only impregnated timber with a 10cm square section for all ground and framing posts. Treated softwood is the most cost effective and popular timber.
Hardwood Hardwood is the strongest choice for decking timber. It is naturally resilient to insect damage and usually possesses a richer timber hue than softwood. Varieties of hard wood popular for decking include Iroko and Ipe As with softwood it is important to protect hardwood decks by treating them with a good quality timber finish such as decking oil or timber stain.
Railings As well as being a safety feature, railings are a very visible part of your deck and there are a wide array of designs and materials to choose from. A closed-in deck is important if there are small children around and the
costa life 13
>> costa COMPANIES Versatile uses of Redi-Rock coastal & floodplain defences shoreline traffic management security - force protection infrastructure subsidence golf and leisure facilities housing developments bridge abutments and wing walls erosion control landscaping projects housing temporary and permanent Free standing walls projects natural stone appearance a finished look to any project achieve heights over 2.5m curved or straight wall designs minimal labour easy and fast installation interlock with retaining wall blocks
Retaining Walls quick and easy installation in any weather dry-laid, no mortar height without using geo-grid use less land and limited working space engineered strength natural stone appearance offsite design and manufacture precast with no reinforcement unique interlocking design minimal labour and site disruption cost effective
e h t h t i w h t g n e r t s g n i r towe Redi-Rock is the leading, big block retaining wall system in the World today. Each precast concrete block has a natural rock appearance and is available in many different styles and patterns. Under specific conditions, Redi-Rock retaining walls can achieve up to 4 meters without using geo-grid or tiebacks or up to 10 meters high using geo-grid. This fact means less excavation, less installation time, and more savings. And, you don’t have to worry about your retaining wall going anywhere! These massive blocks, averaging over 1134 kgs. each, build walls that last. At the heart of the Redi-Rock product range is a simple yet revolutionary massive concrete block system. Using state-of-theart software, these engineered designs provide an instant retaining wall system that is versatile enough to achieve height without compromising strength. This ‘concrete lego’ style system is suitable for use in a wide variety of projects, ideal in situations where space is limited and is fast to construct in all weather conditions. Because of the modular design and installation, project programmes can be considerably affected, saving time and cost. The flexibility of Redi-Rock Solutions allows for a wide range of creative designs that will suit any landscaping project.., whether commercial or residential.
Redi-Rock’s freestanding blocks have textured faces on both sides of the block. Besides looking great and adding an aesthetic appeal to your property, these freestanding walls serve as guardrails or barrier walls to protect areas from errant traffic or other threats. They work great in car parks when used with Redi-Rock’s retaining walls.
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costa COMPANIES >>
f o e c n esse
k c o r l natura
Redi-Rock’s freestanding walls are ideal to stand alone or integrate with a retaining wall.
With its massive size, towering strength and natural rock appearance, Redi-Rock fits beautifully into any landscape. In fact Redi-Rock looks so great that many have trouble recognizing it from quarried stone. The scale of these massive blocks (nearly 6 square feet of face) enhances the overall attractiveness of any project. And with little or no maintenance required after installation, the Redi-Rock system saves you money. Natural, beautiful and economical, Redi-Rock makes sense Big blocks come in many different sizes but on average they weigh about one tonne per block. Compare this to the smaller blocks that average 9 54 kgs and you can see why these blocks are called big. These 1134 kg blocks function like their smaller counterparts in holding back earth but also have some pointed differences. For example, while traditional retaining wall blocks are set mostly with manpower and large crews, these new big block systems use machine labour and a small crew. This gives the big blocks an advantage in installation costs and efficiency. But probably the most interesting benefit is not in installation but in application. Smaller blocks rely heavily on geo grid or tie backs for their strength in holding back the earth. Due to their massive size big blocks do not utilize geo grid until much taller heights. This solves a very common problem encountered when building retaining walls, the limited space problem. Roads, utilities, trees and other objects can be critical impediments to building a retaining wall because of the geo grid that must extend back into the bank. In these cases excavation is too costly or just plain impossible.
Installation Redi Rock installs with one or two labourers and a piece of heavy equipment. Since the machine does most of the work, manual labour is virtually eliminated. Setting the blocks is simple and fast with the self aligning knob and groove system. Finishing the ends of your walls, designing walls that step up or down, or even creating walls that “scallop� all of these are easily accomplished with the Redi Rock system. The blocks have all the features of precast concrete solutions, are dry-laid and can be used in temporary and permanent projects. Because of the mass/gravity design Redi-Rock solutions can achieve height without using expensive geo-grid, uses less working space so earth works are reduced. These solutions offer considerable flexibility in project programming as standard site equipment is used for installation and site disruption is minimized. The synergistic nature of the Redi-Rock system enables its user access to a system that adds up to more than the sum of its parts. Redi-Rock offers a complete and complimentary product line, exceptional engineering support and fast, easy, economical installation which sums up to immense value to whomever chooses the Redi-Rock system.
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Welcome to
... ...card and gift shop opened in November 2006. Situated on the Costa del Sol at Jardin Botanico, KM 199; La Cala Occasions is an Aladdin’s cave of gift ideas, cards and balloons. Whatever you’re looking for as a gift for that someone special you will find it at Occasions.
Gifts
They sell a variety of greeting cards, different types of balloons, in fact all party paraphernalia including gift bags, wrapping paper and decorative bows, along with a wide range of party gifts including Lucy Locket and Russ. If you are making a party or just sending a loved one a card, why not just pop in and have a look. Trade enquiries welcome.
There is easy parking and you will find their staff offer a warm and helpful welcome. So come and say hi to all the staff down at Occasions. They are open every day Monday to Friday from 9.30am till 5.30pm and Saturdays.
Cards Occasions can offer you the most modern greetings cards from a condolence card to a birthday card and of course everything in between, including all the seasonal cards that you may need to send to your nearest and dearest. They have a wide choice and you are recommended to pop in at any time and take a look at their huge selection. If you need to send a card to someone abroad they can ensure that your card arrives on time worldwide through their local courier service, Offex couriers
Balloons What’s the ‘Occasion’? It can be a party for 200 people or simply to let someone special know you love them. Why not say it with balloons? We have a vast selection to choose from and now have the widest selection of helium balloons on the coast, including musical balloons! With trained staff to advise you and arrange displays what more could you ask for?
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Occasions is an Aladdin’s Cave of gift ideas! Cuddly toys to die for, novelty slippers for all ages, vanity cases, Lucy Locket gifts and much more. There is something for everyone at Occasions. Don’t be surprised if you cannot resist and get something for yourself!
costa COMPANIES >>
T
here are many advantages to installing our Fibre Optic and/or LED Products:-
Savings of up to 90% on running costs * Bulbs last up to 100,000 hours (10 years!) * Low maintenance, heat and UV * Standard white light is included with every lighting system * Custom lighting designed to suit YOU and YOUR budget * Full warranty and a personal, professional service * Prices start from just €719.00 installed * Star Light Solutions design and install Fibre Optic and/or LED lighting for homes, pools, gardens, bars, nightclubs, museums, leisure centres, hotels and more! As well as working for private clients we also supply Traxon (Mood Light), Unlimited Light, FX and Pulsar products to various trade and commercial clients. More and more projects are opting to use Fibre Optic and/or LED Lighting – you only have to turn on your TV to see the beautiful effects that can be created. Chat shows, News programs, commercials, etc, are all using this type of lighting for their sets.
The latest addition to our product range is a new fibre optic light source that runs from an LED bulb rather than the usual halogen. This means that many more colour options are available. We’re also in the process of adding more products to our range so keep an eye on the website for details. Another area where our lighting is becoming more popular is stunning, eye catching signs for commercial premises – at the moment we’re in the process of manufacturing a sign for Solution nighclub in La Cala de Mijas which is due to open at the end of March. In the past, signs were lit using fluorescent or neon bulbs, which can look unimpressive when a bulb or two fails. Modern signs now use LED and/or fibre optics, which eliminates this problem, and it also makes maintenance so much easier. Our signs can also have the added advantage of having a slow colour change option, which really grabs the attention of passers by. Wherever you’re planning to add new lighting, we have the perfect solution for you so don’t hesitate to call now to arrange a free consultation. Tel: 952 455 314 / 618 400 054 info@Starlightfibreoptics.com www.starlightfibreoptics.com
In Andalucia we do a lot of outdoor living and this is where our lighting products really come in to their own. Pools can be lit with LED pool lights that offer over 16 million colours! Very popular lately is to create a ‘star’ effect in the bottom of pools, using our clear acrylic mosaic tiles and a fibre optic harness. Fibre optics also look fantastic installed in tiles or decking and can be fitted with tiny acrylic lenses for a diffused light effect or, if a sharper point of light is required, they can be fitted without the lenses. Lighting of outside areas can be subtle or full on, depending on the client’s taste. For example, we have marine quality stainless steel pavers, garden spotlights and LED strip lighting that create subtle effects and can be used to highlight individual areas. Alternatively, we can use architectural lighting products to light anything from an individual palm tree to entire buildings. Add some of our Lounge Light LED candles (with replaceable 100 hour batteries) and you’ll have an amazing entertainment area. Our candles are different from others, on the market, because they don’t need to be lit for the LED to function – no more candles blowing out in the breeze. Internally, we have star ceilings, a galaxy disc, chandeliers, pavers, downlights, pendants, and numerous other products. The only limits really are your imagination! All of our brochures and videos are available to download from our website.
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SAVE SPAIN SAVE YOUR before
W
ater is a resource that so many of us take for granted, yet countries around the world are facing shortages in water, Spain being one of them. As a result, water charges and taxes are increasing to compensate. Many simple steps can be taken to reduce water consumption and it is important to act NOW to try to alleviate the problem.
after
One of the main areas in which this valuable resource is consumed is in flushing toilet systems. All establishments that have toilet facilities for men will be interested in the product offered by uridan-españa S.L. They are a company, based in Fuengirola, who are importing a new range of men’s urinals here in Spain: those which are not only economical and environmentally friendly, but also very modern and contemporary. With headquarters in Haderslev, Denmark, uridan a/s is a 100% Danish owned company whose mission is to help protect the environment and save one of our world’s most precious resources – drinking water. So, what makes these urinals different to others? Quite simply, the innovative and modern design of uridan® urinals allows them to work without the use of water. Furthermore, these urinals are totally odour-free. I am sure you will agree that this must be quite an amazing system! The uridan® non-water urinals, developed in Denmark in 1998, are marketed in 19 countries across the world and are installed in many different locations; airports, hotels, restaurants, pubs, camping sites, industrial premises, football stadiums, sports halls, schools, universities, private homes and commercial offices. This product, through uridan-españa S.L, is now available in Spain.
How does it work? The uridan® non-water urinal is designed with a built-in waste trap. A scented, biodegradable blocking liquid, urilock®, floats on top of the urine in the waste trap. This environmentally friendly liquid forms a seal, preventing any urine smell from being released into the air. Because urine is more dense than the blocking liquid, the urine simply passes through the blocking liquid and out of the waste pipe. In effect, the waste trap acts as an “S bend”. In addition, because the uridan® nonwater urinals are designed entirely with smooth surfaces, there being no rims or inside edges where urine can gather, the smells normally associated when water and urine combine will not occur – this certainly must be considered an advantage! Daily cleaning with uriclean® antibacterial liquid is quick and easy and removes any dried urine in the bowl or on the sides of the urinal. No water – no smell!
How much water can be saved? There are clearly many advantages in using uridan® non-water urinals, particularly here in Spain where there is often a shortage of water and water rates are increasing. On average, a flushing urinal uses between 4 and 8 litres of water each time it is used. Our urilock® blocking liquid remains effective for approximately 7000 visits, thus saving an average minimum of 28,000 litres of water, and up to 56,000 litres, which would previously have been required to flush away the urine.
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’S WATER… MONEY!! The uridan® non-water urinals easily indicate when the biodegradable blocking liquid needs to be replaced, the process of which is extremely simple and quick to perform. The number of times the urilock® blocking liquid is replaced will depend upon usage. Some establishments will change it once or twice a year, others more frequently; all having saved thousands of litres of water before and after doing so.
Other advantages There are many further benefits in using uridan® urinals: More hygienic – there are no hidden areas for urine and bacteria to gather. Savings in operational costs - fewer pipes are required, there are no water costs, no soap dispensers or deodorizing blocks are needed and no electrical sensors are required for flushing. Savings are particularly noticeable in new buildings, although replacement of existing urinals is very easy and the initial investment can be recouped between 10-24 months. Less maintenance costs – problems caused by urine stone, which reduce the diameter and effectivity of the water pipes, are totally eliminated since urine stone only forms when urine comes into contact with water. Further expense in repairing flushing valves, electrical sensors etc… are also eliminated. Long life span – our urinals are made from fibre-glass or ceramic and the surface has a special gel coating in order to maintain a smooth appearance and protect the urinal from any damage. Positive image for your business – uridan® urinals modernise and enhance the appearance of men’s toilet facilities – the design is contemporary and there are many different models and colours available. This really is a product that needs to be seen. Appointments can be made to further discuss the product and its benefits for your business, and, using a replica model, uridan-españa S.L can demonstrate the use of the waste-trap and blocking liquid. Display models are also available for you to see and fully understand the way in which the system works. Just think of the huge quantities of water that could be saved every day without having to really think about it… More information can also be found at www.uridan.es where there is information in Spanish and www.uridan.com where there is information in English. You can call for an appointment on: +34 952 466 556 or +34 628 133 621
Remember, the water you drink is just as important as the air that you breathe…
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FUNNY STUFF… Hey guys, I’m not usually one for posting forwarded warnings about scams but I had a near miss yesterday. I walked into B&Q at lunchtime and some old guy, dressed in orange, asked me if I wanted decking. Fortunately I got the first punch in and that was the end of that. Those less suspecting might not be so lucky. Be vigilant!
So you think Pilates is for girls? More and more professional athletes are including Pilates in their fitness programs, in order to enhance their strength, coordination and flexibility. Pilates was designed by a German born gymnast and boxer named Joseph Pilates. His exercise system emphasized the development of the core muscle groups (the spine, abdominals, hips and lower back). Most men who exercise frequently are strong, but their muscles are incredibly tense. For this reason they likely have difficulty doing a strength and reach test (or sitting straight with their legs stretched out in front of them). This is because the male hamstrings tend to be very tight and inflexible. The answer is Pilates; which sculpts the body from the “outside” - making Learn to live every moment in tight areas more agile. It also improves and makes many functional activities (things you your life as though it were your do in your everyday routine) a lot easier on last: leave work earlier, your muscles and joints. experience new adventures and
TOP 5 MOST DESIRABLE WOMEN… from www.askmen.com
5 Jessica Biel
Top Tip…
4 Adriana Lima
laugh all day long.
CELEBQUOTES Ugliness is better than beauty. It lasts longer and in the end, gravity will get us all. Johnny Depp Never trust a man who, when left alone in a room with a tea cozy, doesn’t try it on. Billy Connolly
3 Jessica Alba
2 Scarlett Johansson
1 Beyonce
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>> costa LIFESTYLE >> Get into the swim of things‌ Black and grey swimming boxer short
Flower printed red and grey swimming short Striped jersey trunks United Colors of Benetton
Stone tailored shorts Brow two stap sandal Blue textured jersey crew neck t-shirt with large front print. Straw trilby hat Topman
Purple gingham shirt Ribbed vest in light blue Grey speedway loose cotton trousers Polorised grey sport sunglasses Burtons
Spring into Summer‌ 22 costa life
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>> Beach beauty… Braid & Diamante Flip Flops Swirl print halter top, belt briefs, and sarong Accessorize
>> Life’s a beach… Striped bikini red & yellow Pink and white stretch jersey swimming bra and checked knickers Cotton beach towel United Colors of Benetton
Spot daisy triangle binkini Red bikini with raffia buckle detail Bandeau top with keyhole ruching detail at bust and a boypant in a petal print fabric Topshop Heart trim bandeau top and bottoms Chocolate ring triangle bikini Dorothy Perkins
Store Locator A to Z... Accessorize - www.accessorize.com - La Cañada / Burtons - www.burtons.co.uk - Gibraltar / Dorothy Perkins - www.dorothyperkins.co.uk La Cañada and Miramar / Topman - www.topman.co.uk - La Cañada / Topshop - www.topshop.co.uk - La Cañada / United Colors of Benetton www.benetton.com - Fuengirola
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Guaranteed to Get You Glowing… Beauty tip...
TIPS TO ENJOY THE SUN… Choose a sun protection factor for your skin type. Make sure you protect the most exposed areas of your body; nose, lips, shoulders, tops of feet, hands. Generously and regularly reapply your sun protection product (approximately every 2 hours). Beware of clouds! Sun rays pass through them so you are not safe from sunburn! Avoid sun exposure between noon and 4p.m. when the sun´s rays are most dangerous. Wear a hat to avoid sunstroke.
Dust blusher over your eyelids as an instant subtle eye shadow. It is quick to apply and will give a balanced look to your make-up.
Now the Sun is shining, remember to protect your skin, you can still achieve an amazing tan, but do it slowly and carefully. You cannot replace your skin. For your face, you can use a face cream or Make-up base with a sun protection factor already in it. For the body there are many different types for example, creams, oils, spray mists, which make the application of sun protection to your body quicker and easier. Check which make of sun cream you are using, some of the Professional Sun Care products help maximize and prolong a tan.
Celeb beauty secret… No wonder Desperate Housewife Marcia Cross looks so good, here is her beauty secret Deep Hydrating Renegerist Cream from Olay.
Natural Anti-ageing… Snacking on walnuts and almonds can do wonders for your skin naturally. They are loaded with good fats - omega fatty acids - and can help regenerate healthy new skin cells.
SKIN TIP… Take a good multi vitamin and also an oily fish and evening primrose oil supplement. Your skin will then be nourished from the inside.
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WINDOWS OF THE SOUL… Small eyes: Don’t use too much shadow or liner it will make you eyes look smaller. Apply a light colour on eyelid, use a darker colour in the crease and use a highlighter under the brow. Large eyes: Wear darker shadow on the lid and extend it to the crease. Use a flat colour under the brow to highlight.. Deep-set eyes: Use light colours on the eyelid and under the brow. Use a medium colour in the crease. Emphasize the outer corners with shadow. Light colours cause the eyes to open, dark colours will cause the eyes to recede. If you have very light skin avoid dark shades. Be careful with shimmer – they will bring attention to imperfections and wrinkles. The eye area is the first to show age don’t tug on the skin.
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Lose Weight by Eating Wisely If you want to loose weight, you need to plan ahead, stock your fridge with the correct food types and work out in advance what you will be eating for the week. Have a look at this nutritional guide; make changes to your existing diet to incorporate some of these healthy options.
your risk of heart disease. One Portion of dark green leafy vegetables – Rich in magnesium, which helps to keep you de-stressed. A Lack of magnesium causes insomnia. Fish – (Salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, anchovies): Oily fish protects your cardiovascular systems and builds muscles.
Daily Water – Over 1.5 liters, keeps your hydrated and helps your cells to work properly. Musli or porridge – Protects your cardio vascular system and reduces cholesterol. Brown Rice, Brown Pasta or and wholemeal Bread – Minerals and fibre help you to stay full and keeps your digestive system healthy. Orange coloured food – Sweet potato, red and orange peppers, oranges, carrots, tomatoes, melon are rich in vitamin A and gives you healthy skin and boosts your immune system.
Shellfish – (clams, oysters, muscles). Low in fat, high in proteins and packed full of essential minerals such as iron and Zinc. Chicken – Breast are the leanest part and great source of protein. Lean red meat – Excellent protein source and high in saturated fat Chocolate – Stimulates dopamine production, which makes us happy! Cereal – Often has hidden sugar and salt but can be good for energy.
Eat only once a month or NEVER!!!
Eggs – A good source of proteins and iron. Avocados and Bananas – Contains tyrosine which keeps you motivated and alert during activity. Sugar free yogurt – Boosts metabolism and helps with digestion. Rich in cancer fighting lycopene.
Eat once a week A portion of: Berries and Fruits – Blueberries, strawberries, plumbs, grapes, cherries, kiwi. These antioxidants rich fruits will give you protection against the harmful free radicals that the body provides.
Eat at least 3 times per week Nuts – A handful of brazil nuts. High in magnesium and proteins for strong bones. Alcohol – 1 Unit/Glass of Red Wine will lower
Fizzy Drinks – High in sugar and also in phosphoric acid, which affects the calcium absorption in the bones. Sugar – Increase risk of tooth decay, mood swings, anxiety, obesity and diabetes. Takeaways – most of them are fried and full of transfats – which are soon to be banned!! Plastic covered ready meals – The plastic promotes the female hormone estrogen, which can lead to increase fat production! Also high in sugar and fat.
Now add the exercise!!!
Helen Johnson - Personal Fitness Trainer & Nutritionist - 617 453 550 - fitness@luv2btraining.com 26 costa life
You could advertise your business here for as little as €180 per issue
Gymnasium fully equipped gym with both fixed and free weights crosstrainers + bikes treadmills + rowing machines professional instructor available only gym open at 8 am
Classes over 56 fitness classes every week step aerobics, aerobics, hip hop, yoga, bums & tums, latest reebok decks new from Finland “gym stick” suitable all ages individual pilates room individual spin bike room with 40 bikes individual aerobics and exercise room with sprung floor from Sept “early bird” fitness classes at 8am Mon, Wed, Fri Goshin Ju Jitsu + Tae Kwon Do
Facilities fully air conditioned - lockers high powered showers - hair dryers mens & womens saunas - jacuzzi
Written by
Roger Darlow
D I E TING
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for
LAZY people
T
hey say you are what you eat, but I don’t buy into that particular theory for many reasons. If that were to be the case, I would be a fifty-foot long baguette. I am merely a slightly overweight good looking guy who has, over many years, tried all sorts of diets to lose some of my fourteen stone framework, but to be honest I have never had any lasting success. The weight comes off and then goes back on, known as the yo-yo diet, and after many years I have learnt that the only slimming formula in the world that will successfully work is eating less food. There is no magic formula or potion that will make you lose weight if you are not prepared to eat less. Failing that you only have one other route open to achieve your aim, and that is to exercise hard enough to lose the weight you are gaining through eating too much. Many of us just do not have the dedication, time or willpower to do all that exercising and will make up any excuse for avoiding it. Excuses such as, “I don’t have the time”, or “I have to look after the kids”, maybe “I am too tired” or “I do a full time job”; we have all heard them all and they are just excuses, nothing more and nothing less. It is so much easier to do absolutely nothing rather than to get up off your butt and do something about it.
costa LIFESTYLE >> A few years ago scientists (bless them) came up with a theory that you could lose just as much weight by thinking about exercising as by actually doing it. I just had to try this as I am a sucker for new ideas. After lying on the couch watching horse racing for three hours but thinking about exercising whilst watching my horses all finish last, I then reweighed myself. I had actually put on a kilo. It could have been the three cream buns, two baguettes or the burger I had to eat while watching racing, but I don’t think so. Being of nearly sound mind and a very fat body I decided to investigate the best way for us lazy people to lose weight and get down to our target weight easier, and without any pain whatsoever. Of course I soon found the formula: all it took was a little thinking and planning. The first thing they say about dieting is that you must feel confident and want to lose weight. As soon as you start to lose a pound or two this confidence grows and makes you more motivated. I say codswallop! For a start if you weigh, say for instance, 16 stone, and you join a slimming club, what is the first thing they say to you? That’s right, “Your target weight is set at 11 stone”. This seems a million years away to you, which it is. My new method would be to say your target weight is set at fifteen stone, fifteen ounces and you just know you can get under that with no effort. It has two advantages for the average person. In the first place you can ask for your money back as you have already reached your target weight and, in the second place, from the very first day you feel so good because you are no longer above your target weight that it gives you the sense of purpose and motivation to go on to even more weight loss.
no, that would never do. Who would we moan about on planes taking up their own seat and half of ours; who would we point to in the shopping mall and say to our better halves “Have you seen the size of them?” Where would the customers be for the overpriced ‘Mr Big’ range in the fashion shops, and who on earth would buy all the whopper meals and go large on the fries? Wouldn’t life be dull? I take the point that we need to be fit because the National Health systems in all modern countries are finding it hard to cope with the amount of obese people, and that is no laughing matter. On the other hand you cannot run people’s lives by making laws; you have to encourage them to live a healthy life and, to be perfectly frank, if it’s a Big Mac at €2.99, or a healthy meal at €5.99, there is only one winner. Why? Because our money has a say in how we eat, our pockets dictate what goes in our mouths, and that is fact not fiction. So to lose weight we have just the one choice and that is to eat less than we have been eating. If you can exercise, well and good, that part is easy. Too many people run away (little play on words there) with the idea that exercise means sweating cobs at the gym and using exercise machines for hours on end. That is just not true; a nice steady walk along the seafront is every bit as good for you as two hours on the running machine or the rowing boat. The plus factor is you can stop for a coffee and a nice ham and cheese baguette and one of those lovely cream cakes. What better way of losing weight is there than that? And there is sex of course. They say if you have sex once a day it is as good as walking seven miles per day – fine, just don’t get caught by the wife/husband. We all know there are dangers in all things and dieting is no different. It can become obsessive for some people who go on to develop eating disorders. Someone once told me that the first sign of anorexia is that when you look in a mirror you see a big fat person staring back at you. Help, I must be anorexic. However with my new walking regime, regular large fries and a target weight of 22 stone I think I am going to make it this time. Remember you are what you eat, you are who you are, and the real truth is that the only thing that matters in the end is – are you happy at your current weight? If you are – fine, don’t change for others. If not – do something about it. Eat less, eat the right types of food and enjoy life because it soon passes you by in the land of sea and sun. Don’t do it for anyone else; do it for you. The good news is that I can tell you all that after my first week of solid walking exercises, cutting down to one cake and one baguette a day, I haven’t lost any weight but I now know where the cheapest cakes and baguette are on the coast. So think thin; think happy. Until next time…
Roger and Out.
Slimming is all in the mind and if you can get your mindset correct you will soon be a ‘Thinster’. We are told everyone has an idea weight for their height and age, but how can that be? None of us are the same and none of us are ideal, so it must be a myth. It just cannot be true because it does not make any sense. What if two of us are the same height and age but one of us has very big feet or very big anything else for that matter? Surely that person will weigh more. We were not all meant to weigh the same in God’s master plan; he made us all different sizes and shapes for a very good reason. I mean, let’s think about it, if we were all the same size and shape half the fun would go out of life. Every women or man we had in our lives would just be a clone of the last one, or the first one, the same shape and size, an exact replica – no,
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Eat at Ease…
This spring sees the launch of www.eatatease.com, a new service website dedicated to providing professional dietary advice from qualified, UK-registered dietitians. Now, those needing help to diet sensibly, wanting advice on how to combine healthy and delicious food, and those requiring assistance with dietsupported treatments for medical conditions can turn to the Eat at Ease team of professionals for advice and support. What’s more, the website is accessible and affordable, allowing you to stay in touch with the dietitians wherever you are and providing a unique combination of personal contact with the convenience of a 24-hour website. One-on-one consultations with guaranteed quick reply form the icing on the cake of one of the most authoritative sources of information about diets and healthy eating that you’ll find on any website. Gibraltar based and partly funded by the Government of Gibraltar, for those who prefer the personal touch, Eat at Ease will also be providing consultations in Gibraltar clinics. For more information, visit www.eatatease.com or contact them on info@eatatease.com
PARKINSONS ON THE INCREASE… The numbers of people growing old and living longer have led to the increase of Parkinson’s disease. By 2030, there may be 80 percent more with the disease, and the numbers will double in developing Asian nations, according to a new study. This is a chronic condition that will be claiming more and more people. Over time, this will tip the scales as the young population ages and leave more people vulnerable to Parkinson’s and other age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s. Drug combo improves Parkinson’s in lab tests… manipulating chemicals in the brain that produce similar effects to marijuana could pave the way for a new treatment for Parkinson’s disease. Scientists have said when they combine a drug already used for Parkinson’s disease with a compound that boost natural chemicals in the brain similar to the active ingredients in marijuana it relieves symptoms This study points to a potentially new kind of therapy for Parkinson’s disease.
Health tip … Activity should be a daily occurrence. Walk, run or jump for a minimum total of 20 minutes a day.
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NEW DIABETES FIGHTERS… Aim for one to two servings of low-fat dairy products, a 500 mg supplement of calcium daily and add a vitamin D pill.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome often seen, too often misdiagnosed T he Carpal Tunnel is the name for the area in the wrist on the palmside of the hand, where nine flexor tendons for the wrist and fingers and one major nerve pass through this ‘tunnel’. The walls of this tunnel are the bowl shaped wrist bones on the bottom, and a fairly thick type of tissue reaching across this bowl on the top half holding the tendons and nerve in place. Under normal conditions, the tendons can glide through the tunnel without any problems and do not affect the nerve, called the median nerve.
The Symptoms are, especially at the beginning of the disease, not very specific. One of the first signs normally is tingling in the thumb, index and middle finger, sometimes involving even half of the ring finger, and it is often first noticed at night. Being confused with the ‘sleeping hand’ after having lain on the arm in an awkward position, these symptoms are normally ignored. The next level in the chain of symptoms are pins and needles in the area described above, followed by numbness and than by increasing pain in the fingers and the wrist. In this stage, the patient will also notice weakness and loss of control i.e. when picking small things up and dropping them. The Median Nerve is one of three major nerves to the hand, responsible for sensation and movement of the thumb, index and middle finger and half of the ring finger. Like every big nerve it tolerates temporary pressure, but it cannot regenerate any damage suffered by injury or compression. There are several reasons like direct injury, elbow dislocations, compression by tumour, haematoma (bruise) in the forearm, or neck injuries for causing median nerve symptoms. Apart from these acute problems, chronic diseases like rheumatoid and osteo-arthritis can also damage the nerve. Misleading in finding the diagnosis is the fact that a nerve can show symptoms of damage in any area along its path, down from the spine to the end of the limb, regardless where the origin of the problem is.
The Treatment is normally straight forward, but unfortunately the diagnosis of this disease is regularly missed by misinterpreting the symptoms. In the early stage, although that could mean years after the first symptoms occurred, local injections with cortisone to reduce inflammation and/or a night splint can help. If this does not improve the symptoms or if the disease is already in the advanced stage of pain, numbness and weakness, surgical release of the carpal tunnel is recommended. This can be done as out-patient surgery under a local anaesthetic. Under normal circumstances, the pain and numbness settle down within a few days and the patient can return to normal life after 3 4 weeks. If treatment of the carpal tunnel syndrome is started in the ‘early’ stage of the disease, full recovery of the endangered nerve can be achieved. But even in the later stage, improving the symptoms by surgically releasing the tight carpal tunnel can help in the managing of daily activities and restore a certain quality of life. If you have any questions about this, do not hesitate to ring us at the Clinica SANDALF on 952 57 77 66.
Mr Alf Neuhaus
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Col. No: 9.220
Sandra Vincenti
UK Chartered Physiotherapist Col. No: 682 Treatment of Arthritis & Rheumatism Joint Replacements - hip,knee,ankle,shoulder Hip Resurfacing Advanced Cartilage Repair Keyhole Surgery Hand and Foot Surgery Accidents & Fractures Bone density measuring available X-ray Facilities - Diagnostic Ultrasound Back and Neck Problems - sciatica,whiplash,etc. Rehabilitation - post op,post injury Emergency Accidents dealt with (ambulance service available 24hr per day)
Travel insurance & International insurance claims welcome 24HR EMERGENCY SERVICE - TEL:656 313 293 Tel: 952 577 766 - E-mail: clinica.sandalf@terra.es www.clinica-sandalf.com C./ Pepa Guerra Valdenebros, 29631 Benalmadena behind Tivoli World Arroyo
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Narcissi
Ceanothus
Facing the Drought one year on
Written by
Simon Hill
A
lmost a year ago I was writing about the impact of the drought on our gardens and saying that we should rethink our approaches to gardening in Andalucía.
This year promises to be marginally better than last, what with quite good rain last autumn and further rainfall in the spring, but we cannot afford to be complacent. The coming summer may well be more difficult than the last. On coming to Spain, I wanted to create a garden lush with growth. Allround tropical greenery was to be inter-planted with herbaceous perennials and seasonal bedding more suited to England than in the arid south of Spain. How mistaken I was. Though I had some successes, there were many losses. This was the ‘trial and error’ phase of gardening in this region - an experience endured by most gardeners from further north during their first few years in Andalucía. Now I have learnt better. In much of Andalucía, summer means many months with searing heat and not a drop of rain, a period when most native plants are effectively dormant. Gardening in such extremes, when water supplies are increasingly limited, requires us to grasp a totally new set of concepts. Not for most of us is the lush tropical look of parks and gardens along the Costa, where money and water seem unlimited and summer heat is tempered by cool sea breezes. Of course, most of us have to be careful with our expenditure and use of water.
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Fuchsias Understanding the soil is often the key to success. A plant happy below ground is a plant more likely to grow healthy foliage and flowers. Many of us have heavy clay soil that can be a barrier to success. How should we manage such soils? In short, by applying lots of organic matter as mulches or manure to improve the soil structure, by helping drainage with deep digging and incorporation of materials such as grit sand, and by never, never, walking on or cultivating the soil when it is wet and sticky. This leads to serious compaction and restriction of root growth. Slashing water droplets from sprinklers often cause capping and compaction of the soil surface, restricting access of oxygen to the plant roots. Organic or gravel mulches can be effective in preventing this. Better still, we learn the value of drip systems, giving the soil a deep soak only occasionally during summer. Good root growth deep in the soil helps our plants to survive water stress. Plants from the Mediterranean are popular in Britain and other parts of northern Europe, where they have proved that they can survive and thrive in dry and sunny sites. But remember, environments in Andalucía can be much more extreme than a sunny border in an English garden. ‘Full sun’ in Andalucía may mean exposing a plant to conditions more akin to those in the deserts of Arizona or even the Sahara! Not as many plants as we may think can thrive in such ‘full sun’ conditions, close to an arid and baking hot soil surface. In many natural habitats wild plants experience ‘full sun’ for only part of the day with cooler temperatures at other times and at night. The socalled microclimate experienced by a plant in a particular habitat depends on many factors, such as the slope of the site and the direction it faces, and whether there is shade, from trees or rocks for example. In designing our Andalucian gardens, we need to take advantage of trees and walls to provide shade. Always avoid the temptation to start by fully clearing the site of a new garden. You could be creating a new desert! Often it is better to take advantage of existing shade, replacing trees only as the need arises. Just because plants originate from a place with a Mediterranean climate does not necessarily mean that they are easy to grow in Andalucía. Take the beautiful blue Californian lilacs (Ceanothus) that give wonderful form and colour in the spring and early summer garden. These require very well drained soil and strongly resent summer watering which can cause the roots to rot. The garden centres have them for sale when they are in flower in March-April – just the time when they are most difficult to establish, having not enough time to make sufficient root growth before the dryness and heat of summer. Thus you can only keep them alive by watering, with a great risk of root rot that they are prone to when the soil is both moist and warm. Other old favourites in Northern Europe are the fuchsias and these readily found in garden centres and are popular amongst the Spanish. They are frost tender and appreciate warmth - so we assume they will thrive here. The garden centres sell them in full flower and we rush to buy them for our pots and tubs. A few days later they have dropped their flowers and leaves and are on the way out. Why? Because, in fact, they need cool summer temperatures, a shady site, and abundant humidity in soil and atmosphere, as found in their wild habitats on the Pacific coasts of South America. If you must, keep them in a shady patio and don’t forget to water them. There is little chance of success in the open. Even if you buy plants in the garden centres that are potentially able to survive outside in Andalucía, they very often die when planted in the
Scilla-peruviana
Acacia Dealbata
garden. Why? Usually it is because they have been raised in greenhouses with abundant water and nutrients. They are soft, and need to be trained to cope with the extremes of the outside. This is a process often known as hardening off. At first they need to be pampered, shaded from the full sun, carefully watered (but not too much) and protected from wind. In the case of trees and shrubs, it often pays to cut back the top growth, by as much as two thirds, to reduce the shoot’s demands on the roots for water. Slowly they can be exposed to, and become used to, more Acacia Baileyana rigorous conditions. Only then may they stand a chance when planted out in the garden, and this assumes that by careful watering they can be kept alive for long enough to extend their roots into the soil where they can be efficient in finding and taking up the necessary water and nutrients. Of course, most plants are best planted at the start of their growth period, usually when they are dormant and not flowering; autumn for most Mediterranean natives. Unfortunately this is rarely the time when we see them for sale. There is another small lesson we need to learn. In the words of Christopher Lloyd, one of the greatest gardeners of the twentieth century: “It is always better to deal with a sound nurseryman whose reputation depends on maintaining good relations with his customers, rather than with the impersonal medium of a market or chain-store, where bargains so often turn out to be the opposite and there is no redress”. Plants from a ‘good plants man’ may be more expensive, but they are much more likely to survive, and come with good advice if you need it or indeed ask for it. As I write this, the stars of my spring garden are small golden Narcissi, the beautiful blue bulb, Scilla peruviana, that is native to Andalucía, and lovely multicoloured anemones. Along the roadsides nearby are the mimosas or wattles (Acacia species). These are Australian natives that are well at home here and in riotous bloom. If you want them in your garden, beware! Stick to those species like Acacia baileyana or A. dealbata, mimosas that do not produce abundant seeds and become a litter and weed problem in the future. Good gardening!
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Swimming Pool Construction Hydrasol offers a range of pool designs using the highest quality materials and an efficient reliable service. Hydrasol pools are hand built using steel reinforced concrete and carry a 10 year guarantee. Our Standard Price will include Construction of steel reinforced concrete shell Mosaic tiling and cenefa with decorative motif White non slip or tiled surround capping Good quality pump and filtration system in its own housing with three shut of valves waste water clearance, two skimmers and three jets Two Pool lights External shower Full care and maintenance tuition
General Construction
Swimming Pool Enhancements
Hydrasol offers a full building service for all your reforms, extensions and home improvements. All work is carried out by professional experienced builders and is project managed throughout to ensure your complete satisfaction
Most people in Spain only take full advantage of their pool area for a few short months. If your pool seems more work than pleasure Hydrasol can supply a range of products to help you enjoy your outdoor space all year round.
Full or part Reform,
Quality efficient Pool Heating
Pool Houses , Garages and Storerooms
Spas and Hot Tubs to suit every space and pocket
Bespoke Fully Fitted Kitchens Patios,Terraces, Paths and Driveways Interior and Exterior Tiling Replacement Doors and Windows
Wide range of Pool Covers from simple roll away to fully automatic safety covers Automatic Pool Cleaners and Chemical Dosers Pool Reforms
685 977 958 or 617 713 420 info@hydrasolsl.com
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The Revised Spanish Tax System for Dummies Part 2: Savings Tax Brought to you by The Torresol Group
Please note that comments are general observations for guidance only and should not be used as a substitute for professional advice which takes into consideration individual circumstances
A
s stated in Part 1, if an individual is physically living in Spain for a total of more than 183 days out of 365 in any one Spanish Tax year, card carrier or not, fiscal residency is automatically established unless proved to the contrary. Liability to pay tax to the Spanish tax office extends to worldwide assets. This includes all bank accounts, stocks and shares (whether single companies or collective schemes) and other forms of savings whether “offshore” or “onshore”. In very general terms, any growth, let’s call it “interest”, is taxed annually at a flat rate of 18%. This is the new “Savings Tax” introduced in January 2007 and impacts on 2006 tax declarations. Of note for small shareholders is that the first €1.500 of any dividend paid is exempt from savings tax but this does not include dividends from what is defined as a “collective scheme” The concept of Savings Tax sounds pretty straight forward. However, remember that the Spanish fiscal system is completely different from that in the UK so don’t make assumptions. Savings Tax is levied on what the Hacienda deems to be savings and there are some interesting exceptions! Foreign product often does not fit neatly into the Spanish system and care is needed in determining the precise tax treatment. This is something that should be left to a professional advisor. PEPS, TESSAs and ISAs lose their tax free status in Spain. Savings Tax is applied annually on any growth. The same applies to any collective investments which do not have a life wrapper. Any losses are either used to reduce the positive gain on other savings vehicles or if not applicable, applied to reduce any future gains for up to 4 years. Lump sums deposited with non-Spanish life assurance companies are the products which cause particular difficulty when assessing tax liability. Having said that, it appears that there is only one difference in the tax treatment between compliant and non-compliant product i.e., those that comply with the Brussels Council Directive 85/611/EEC of 20th December and/or are registered with the Spanish SEC for the purposes of being marketed by Spanish resident entities and those that do not e.g., products based in offshore locations such as the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. Any tax liability on compliant product is retained by the company’s fiscal representative in Spain;
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declaring any tax liability on non-compliant product lies with the tax payer. It should be pointed out that whilst investments with a life wrapper do not come within the scope of the EU With-holding Tax, if an individual is to keep on the right side of Spanish law, particularly if an income is being taken, then a potential liability will arise and should be declared. Not to do so would be seen as tax evasion and could result in a prison term. Whether a life wrapped lump sum investment is assessed as a “systematic savings plan” i.e., one which is taken out with the intention of drawing a regular income at some point in the future; whether it is treated as a simple “unit linked collective investment”; or whether it is looked upon as a single premium whole of life assurance; these decisions merit professional attention and depend on precise policy conditions and finer points of Spanish fiscal law. At the very worst a life policy will result in tax deferral; at best it will roll up tax free during the capitalisation period i.e., when income is not being taken and attract further tax breaks when a regular income stream is triggered depending on the age of the policy holder at the time.
References: Ley 35/2006 de 28/11 - Concerning Income of Physical Persons and the partial modification of the laws regarding taxation of Companies, the Income of Non-Residents and Assets (BOE 285). Commentary on Ley 35/2006 de 28/11 Landwell (Price Waterhouse Coopers – Spain). References taken both from the full Spanish version and shortened English text.
Convenio Hispano-Británico 21/10/1975 Agencia Tributaria Ministerio de Hacienda. Ley 40/1998 de 09/12 modificado Real Decreto 03/05/2004 (BOE 10/03/2004) – Tax Treatment of Collective Investments. Ley 35/2003 de 04/11 – Tax Treatment of Entities offering Collective Investments.
MARION HARRINGTON (FAIQ-CII)
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STEP BY STEP GUIDE to buying a property in Spain
W
hen you have finished your long hard search and settled on the right Spanish Property for you, please don´t trip up at the final hurdle. Make sure you are never pushed into making a rash decision on a property until you are perfectly happy with your choice, and that you are sure you want to complete on the sale. There are, sadly, still horror stories of people being ripped off and conned out of small and large amounts of money, but if you go through an established estate agent and arrange suitable legal advice, your buying process should be smooth and trouble free from start to finish. One thing you will have to accept when buying a property in Spain is that the world of officialdom and paperwork is not quite what it is back home, and some things are done quite differently from the UK. You must try to accept this early on, to avoid more worry than necessary. Hopefully this short guide will give you some useful pointers to guide you through the process as smoothly as possible.
SO, you have seen 100´s of properties, your agent´s going grey, you can´t quite decide between property a and property b, it´s all getting a bit much… and then you find it: The property you always imagined! Now the fun begins, as it´s time to make an offer. At this stage the Spanish system is no different to the UK. The buyer makes an offer and the vendor either accepts or rejects that offer. If agreement is reached verbally you should instruct a lawyer immediately to act on your behalf.
INSTRUCTING A LAWYER >> Choosing the right lawyer is a very important part of the buying process, and bear in mind that you could well be dealing with the same lawyer for some time to come, and they will probably end up acting on your behalf if you should sell the property. As in so many things, the best way to find someone good is a recommendation.
Once you have narrowed down your search, it is time to contact an agent. Don´t be scared, many of them don´t bite! There are many more estate agents in Spain than there are in the UK, mostly because of the recent property boom, so you should try to use a little care when selecting an agent. Ask them if they are part of any recognised professional body, and maybe how many property listings they have on their books, or how long they been established in Spain, for example. The fact is that your feeling is usually the best judge. Other than that, a recommendation from someone who bought from the same company is probably the best way to choose.
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PUBLIC CONTRACT – The notary public. This is the final stage in buying a Spanish property. Both parties must attend the notary on or before the date stipulated by the private contract, at which time the balance of the purchase price is paid, and a new title deed is prepared and signed by the notary. Mortgages will also require a separate deed, and outstanding mortgages must also be cancelled at this point. Once the deeds are signed they will be then be submitted to the land registry for registration.
THE BUYER´S COSTS >> As a general rule, the costs of buying a property in Spain should be no more than 10% of the purchase price. These costs are as follows: Transfer tax: the Spanish equivalent of stamp duty, currently 7%. Lawyer´s fees: most lawyers in Spain charge 1% of the purchase price, depending on what services you ask them to proved. They will probably charge more if you ask them to act as “Power of Attorney”, for example.
THE PROPERTY SEARCH >> Always do your research! The increasing use of the internet has proved a significant to both buyers and sellers of property, and is more and more becoming the first place people look for Spanish property. Some websites provide even more useful information such as area guides, property news, and even newsletters. Try and go through as many magazines as possible to get a feel for prices. You can pick some up in the UK in places like WH Smith´s but there are many more to choose from once you have arrived in Spain.
other reason why this stage of the process is so important is that it defines a date by which time the parties must complete.
Notary and Registration Fees: These should be no more than around 1000 Euros, depending on the price of the property.
PAYING A HOLDING DEPOSIT >> Once you have made your decision and your lawyer is happy with the terms and conditions of anything you are asked to sign, it is time to pay a holding deposit. This deposit is usually 3000 Euros on smaller properties, and 6000 on larger properties, and is usually held by the estate agent, in order to take the property off the market until the private contract is signed. These deposits are often paid “subject to mortgage” until a certain date. This means that buyers are given a certain amount of time to arrange the finance, and will not lose their deposit if the finance is not granted.
PRIVATE CONTRACT – The point of no return. This is the most important stage in the whole process, as if either party pull out afterwards, they must compensate the other party with (typically) 10% of the purchase price. On signing the private contract, the buyer will deposit 10% with the seller´s lawyer, and the
The fees may rise if you are taking a large mortgage, for example, as banks and mortgage brokers in Spain charge higher opening fees that UK equivalents. They will be repaid as part of the mortgage total, however, so it is difficult to give an average figure. All other costs should be paid by the seller, including all estate agents fees, capital gains tax, and an incremental land tax called “plus valia”. As a final piece of advice, the oldest one in the book probably holds more true today than ever before:
Buyers beware, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
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Costa Business Advice … Brought to you by David Fairweather from Bars in Spain SL
Is your business fit.... for business? (part 4) TECHNOLOGY channels such as company intranets or through password-protected websites.
We started off the New Year looking at how we often make New Year resolutions for ourselves, such as losing weight, getting fit and giving up smoking, but often neglect to apply a similar approach to our businesses. So throughout the past three issues we have looked at three of the main components that make up our businesses,
Business Planning or Strategy People Business Processes
Technology can be used as a tool to achieve better customer relations by using software such as contact management and customer relationship management software (CRM). It can also create more cost-efficient business processes.
For example, automated stock control can be used to reduce or eliminate expensive inventories. It allows just-in-time ordering with automated re-ordering, speeds up the production process so customers get your products sooner, reduces costs, and helps to balance the books.
In this final part of the series we look at Technology and its role in business.
Technology can incorporate extensive reporting and feedback facilities making it easier to monitor Key Performance Indicators.
In this age of technological enlightenment, the technology we use to run and manage our business processes has become both more integral and more crucial to the effective running of a business.
For example, a company website can be used to report a great deal of useful information, including:
Computers have become the modern day equivalent of the wheel, the car, the radio or the television and much more. It has evolved via the World Wide Web into the largest database in the world. We can now key in almost any subject or term and receive vast amounts of data whilst sitting in the comfort of our armchair at home. Telecommunication Systems have evolved in such a way that we can now, not only receive and make phone calls almost anywhere in the world, but we can send messages, take photos or video clips, pay bills, listen to music and annoy people in restaurants all from a device that fits comfortably in our pockets. It would seem obvious therefore that the need for technology in the workplace is paramount, and accordingly the hardware and software that helps us to run and manage our business processes is key to making our business more effective. Using Information Technology to Improve Performance Information technology can improve performance by speeding up and automating routine procedures. It can also free staff time for more productive and creative work and reduce the possibility of human error. Payments can be automated by using direct banking services and you may be able to outsource routine work and integrate the results into your in-house systems - for example, you might outsource bookkeeping and accountancy but retain credit control in-house. The Internet has simplified and speeded up communications. Files can be sent as attachments to emails. However, it is important to remember that email is an insecure medium, and sensitive and confidential information should only be exchanged through secure
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• • • • •
How much time customers spend on the site Their “journey” through the site Who they are The most and least popular pages How many visitors become customers
If you use an external web hosting company, ask what statistics are available. If you host your website in-house, your web server vendor will be able to advise you on this. Business Consultancy and Advisory companies will also be able to offer advice on finding innovative ways to use technology to benefit your business. Do We Really Need Technology? Technology should only be used in business where tangible benefits can be gained. For example, if you are a business that only handles a small amount of transactions, there may be no significant gain in installing accounting software when simple bookkeeping will suffice. In other words, use technology for business gain and not just for the sake of having the technology. It is a fact that when we go to buy a new mobile phone or a TV we often go for the model with the most features, but in reality, how often do we use all those features, if at all? Which raises another issue; in that if we invest in technology for our business we need to make sure that we are trained to use it to optimum effect, so that we can achieve maximum benefit from that investment. It is amazing how many people use Microsoft Office, but probably only utilise 10 to 20% of its functionality. As the saying goes, “if you’ve got it, flaunt it” and it doesn’t really cost much to train people on these programmes and the return on investment can be very high. For a start it shows your staff that you care about them and the way that they do their job.
This means that they will almost certainly be happier and more confident in their work, which will improve their motivation and commitment to your business. This in turn will be reflected in their output and subsequently to your clients and the performance of your business. “A Little Knowledge Can Be a Dangerous Thing!
Without the right training technology can be counterproductive! As the saying goes....”A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing!” Being self-taught brings with it a degree of selfsatisfaction but invariably comes after a lot of painful and unnecessary problems from “learning the hard way”. This may be ok on a home computer but if you are using computers for business, the resultant problems could be catastrophic. Always try to keep home and business computing separate and keep computer games away from your business computers. Make sure that you have the latest anti-virus software and avoid the many different “Messenger” type systems that can bring their own fascinating and unique brand of attachment problems! Another good tip is to avoid downloading free screensavers from the Internet as they are often configured to provide their source with lots of information about you and your computer. A friend of mine in the UK recently found his bank account empty as a result of internet fraud, not to mention that around 85% of all e-mail is now said to be Spam! Another programme that is hardly ever used to maximum effect is Microsoft Outlook which is usually included free these days when buying a new computer, and contains many useful features in addition to e-mail management, including a calendar and diary function, a contact database, a task pad and notes facility. For many small businesses these packages are perfectly adequate without the need to purchase more expensive programmes so productive technology does not need to be expensive! So there we are, at the end of our new year Fitness Programme. We have looked at the importance of having a sound Business Plan, the importance of the People within our business, the Business Processes that we need to adopt and how the sensible use of Technology can help us to be more effective. So hopefully, after our New Year Workout...
Your Business Should Be...... Fit For Business! Bars in Spain SL is a Franchised Real Estate Network throughout Spain offering business advice & information for anyone considering starting or purchasing a bar, business or franchise in Spain. To find out more call 952 499 400 or visit www.barsinspain.com
WOND One of the most important structural forms of a home is a window; without them it would always be night as they are the primary source of natural light in a room. Here in Spain we appreciate the everlasting sunshine that Britain and Ireland don’t benefit from, so let the light shine in.... Follow these easy steps in creating wonderful windows, whether a focal feature or just a practicality.
W
hether you find yourself in need of fresh window fashion, or you want to dress the windows in your first home, here you will find the latest trends that will help you find the perfect style to turn any window into your new favourite focal point. Window treatments are a great feature in any room, achieved on any size budget. Your room can look the bee’s knees!!
Wow... Coming Soon to a window near you! Now introduce your windows to the 21st century. Here are the latest trends in window treatments that will ensure your windows will be the best-dressed on the Calle. Organic materials are literally the new black of the fashion world, bringing nature indoors. Stressed woodgrain in blinds and natural woven shades, along with the rods of bamboo, are the most popular of choices. Wood is back in decorative hardware, while bamboo, birch and maple are the materials of choice for the newest finials and pulls.
Organic is Back One of the most popular window treatments are natural woven shades in bamboo and matchstick. These woven shades come in different wood colours. They let in diffused light, so you still have privacy. Trends are definitely returning back to nature. Bamboo is a fantastic material to use on a window, replacing the dull and boring Venetian blind. These materials are environmentally friendly and are of fantastic quality.
Colour Mad The quickest and easiest way to update your windows is through the use of colour in curtains, drapes or roll-up blinds, all available in an abundance of colours and fabrics. Continuing from last year are the ever-popular dominant browns combined with blues, greens and ocean tones of blue
ROUS windows Written by
Lydia Green
which is seen as the new Red. Red and black continue to be trends, along with dusty hues of lavender and greys. Eastern influence is also still strong with orange and gold jewel tones. So be daring and update your wondrous windows in a jiffy!
Luxury Lovelies For those with a more expensive taste, or if you fancy a little drama, there are some beautiful fabrics used in curtains and drapes today. Opulent and velvet damasks are a must-have to create a real focal point. Leather and suede are big this season, along with strong bold colours in simple designs. Silk has also exploded into 2007 as a very luxurious option that will be more expensive but worth it as it can add life to a dull room. All these fabulous treatments can have all the trimmings to add that touch of class with detailed embellishments and beaded tassels. Go on and indulge your room.
Fashion Fun The fashion world and home trends are now running simultaneously where one influences the other. Bold prints dominate this season’s looks on both fronts. Window treatments now have more detail, colours and materials that are mildew and stain resistant for a longer life so the choice is immense and the finding fun! Blinds for example have come a long way from the old boring plastic horizontal and vertical Venetian blind; they are now available in a variety of colours, materials and all sorts of finishes like velvet banding that can even be remote controlled.
Images supplied by: ACE Cortinas PR. Shots
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Bold Prints
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The most dominant trend exploded on the scene about two years ago and still continuous to grow. Bigger bossier and bold prints are massive, with colourful stripes and floral geometric prints with a funky feel that will appeal mostly to a younger population. This a big reflection of the fashion world that has originated from the ‘60s with an ‘80s influence.
Simply Sleek Simple and sleek lines with no fuss dominate the 21st century from drapes to blinds, giving your room a contemporary feel. Panel tracks are a great treatment to gain this look. Silk panels are stunning and woven woods give a true streamlined answer to modern. They can act as room dividers and fantastic repetitive focal points.
Window Wonderland The bedroom may be a tricky room to decorate with a treatment as some people like the light and others don’t. If you don’t mind a bright room whilst sleeping, then use the light to your advantage which enlivens oneself to awaken to, and here voiles are a fabulous material to use. They are light, airy and available in all colours and lengths to fall beautifully to the floor creating a feminine aura. If on the other hand the light disturbs you, made to measure curtains are your best solution with a antilight lining so that it gives you maximum darkness.
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Paula Just a note to say thank you for the completed refurbishment of our apartment in Calahonda. We were very pleased with the finished product, the efficiency and attention to detail was very impressive and I would have no problem recommending your interior business to our friends. Many thanks for a job well done. Yours faithfully J O Neill.
Feature Property
€ EDC435 - Cártama Estación € 450,000 Stylishly restored villa in a fabulous, country location yet very close to town & all amenities 215m2 built set in 1882m2 of land, 4 beds, 2 baths & fitted kitchen. Pool with fantastic terrace & views over orchards, gated access & much more!
AEG441 - Alhaurín El Grande
€ 750,000 €
This is a beautiful home & self-contained apartment with a wonderful pool, garden & outside kitchen/barbeque area. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, luxury kitchens fantastic location & views. 200m2 build on grounds of 6,000m2. Viewing a must!
AEG434 - Alhaurín El Grande €€379,500 Fabulous home (3 bed, 2 bath) with beautiful views: 2 independent living areas; huge enclosed conservatory; great, 6370m2, plot of flat, fully fenced land; 30m2 stable; large garage & all services connected.
€ CAR445 - Cártama € 315,000 Two storey, 2/3 bed country home with magnificent views yet still a short walk to town & all amenities. Landscaped garden plus additional land (3,500m2). Refurbished using great rustic detail combined with stylish, practical living.
CAR443 - Cártama € 320,000 € 3 bed country home on a great flat plot of land with many citrus fruit trees. There is an attractive walled pool & sunbathing area. Very easy access - perfect for those wanting country living only 2km from the town.
€ MAQ254 - Málaga € 379,200 Have your own rural retreat, close to Málaga. Almost 13,000m2 of land with a 3 bedroom main home & separate guest house. Lovely garden area - even a pond full of Coy Carp. Mains electricity & water from 4 functioning wells.
EDC442 - Cártama Estación €€294,000 Centrally located, beautifully presented duplex, built & furnished with quality materials. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathroom plus W.C & a fitted kitchen to die for! Amazing roof terrace with mountain views.
ALJ444 - Aljaima € 180,000 € Charming villa offered at a charming price! There are 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms & a lovely fitted kitchen. The outside area is easily maintained being predominantly a covered terrace. All services plus a garage – not to be missed!
CAR451 - Cártama €€168,000 Beautifully refurbished 2 bedroom townhouse with fantastic views. Quality fitted kitchen with granite work surfaces & separate dining area plus large storage area under the delightful patio.
Ref: MLSA504247 Mijas Golf Apartment - 215,000€ € 2 bed, 2 bath, build 146m², terrace 60m² Apartment, Close to Golf, Furnished, Equipped Kitchen, Parking: Underground, Pool: Communal Pool, Garden: Community, Facing: South. Views: City, Mountains, Open, Sea, Very good. Features: Charming Property, Conveniently Situated for Golf, Excellent Condition, Gated Complex, Good Rental Potential, Good Road Access, Green Zones, Living room with dining area, Marble Floors, Renovated, Satellite TV, Sunny terraces.
Ref: 226 Las Lagunas Attic - 318,500€ € 3 bed, 2 bath, build 168m², terrace 75m² Central, Fitted Kitchen, Parking: Garage, Pool: Communal Pool, Garden: Community, Facing: South, West and North Views: Africa, City, Mountains, Open, Panoramic, Partial Sea, Pleasant, Pool, Sea, Street, Surrounds. Features: Completely Equipped Kitchen, Conveniently Situated Schools, Double Glazing, Electric Entry Phone, En suite bathroom, Fireplace, Fitted Kitchen, Garden, Lift, Marble Floors, Mountain View, Newly Built, Penthouse, Sunny terraces.
First Line Beach - Fuengirola We have several apartments with 1 to 4 bedrooms and 44m²-200m².
Ref: MLSA504231 Riviera Garden Apartment - 186,000€ € 2 bed, 2 bath, 66m² build, terrace+garden 30m² Apartment, Close to Golf, Fully Furnished, Fitted Kitchen, Parking: Street, Pool: Communal Pool, Garden: Private and Community, Facing: East. Views: Mountains, Partial Sea, Pleasant. Features: Community Pool, Conveniently Situated for Golf, Easily maintained gardens, En suite bathroom, Excellent Condition, Fitted Kitchen, Garden Apartment, Living room with dining area, Marble Floors.
Ref: 204 Fuengirola Beachfront Apartment - 660,000€ € 3 bed, 2 bath, build 184 m², terrace 60m² Features 24 Hour Reception, 24H Security System, Air conditioning Hot/Cold, Built to High Standards, Close to all Amenities, Exclusive Development, Lift, Marble Floors, Quiet Location, Security Guard, Storage, Sunny terraces, Tennis Court, Walking Distance to Beach, Walking Distance to Rest., Walking Distance to Shops, Walking Distance to T. Centre.
Ref: MLSA504226 Marbella - Los Arqueros Apartment - 295,000€ € 2 bed, 3 bath, 100m² build, 20m² terrace Close to Golf, Furnished, Fitted Kitchen, Communal Pool, Community Garden, South Facing, Views of Africa, Gibraltar, Golf, Mountains, Panoramic, Sea.Air conditioning Hot/Cold, Storage room,Covered Terrace, Fireplace, Lift, Marble Floors, Safe, Satellite TV.
Ref: MLSV504252 Cerros del Aguila Villa - 489,000€ € 4 bed, 4 bath, Build 190m², plot 700m² Villa, Good Position, Partly Furnished, Fitted Kitchen, Parking: Garage, Pool: Communal and possible Private, Garden: Private and Community, Facing: East. Views: Mountains, Panoramic, Partial Sea. Features: Dining Room with Fireplace, Easily maintained gardens, 3 En suite bathroom, Ideal Family Home, Private Area, Safe.
With prices ranging from 160.000€ € to 1.100.000€ € Please call for more INFO.
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Ref: 104 - Mijas Costa Townhouse - 420,000€ € 3 bed, 2 bath, build 139m², plot 180m² Furnished, Fitted Kitchen, Off road parking, Communal Pool, Garden: Private, Facing: South. Views: Coastal, Pleasant, Sea. Features: Access to Beach, Air conditioning, Conveniently Situated Tennis, Detached villa, Double Glazing, Easy Renting, Fireplace, Fitted Kitchen, Garage, Storage, Very Good Access, Well maintained community.
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Ref: MLSTH504220 Townhouse - 295,000€ € 4 bed 2 bath, 144m² build, 44m² terrace Partly Furnished, Fitted Kitchen, Community Parking, Communal Pool, Community Garden, Facing: South and West Mountains, Sea & Urbanisation Views. Charming Property, Conveniently Situated for Golf, with Independent Apartment, Living room with fireplace, Lounge Dining, Near amenities, Quiet Location.
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Ref: 206 - Torreblanca Developments - 185,000€ € Beautiful garden apartment 2 bed, 2 bath, 117m² build, terrace 40m²
Ref: MLSV504213 - Entrerios Finca - 2,500,000€ € Neg. 4 bed, 4 bath, plot 10,200m², build 480m² Close to Golf, Furnished, Fitted Kitchen, Garage, Private Pool & Garden, A separate guest house of 200 m², with two independent apartments. Facing: Southwest. Views: Countryside, Hills, Mountains. Features: Air con, Automatic Entrance, Irrigation System, Bar, BBQ House, Dining Room with Fireplace, Double Glazing, Electric Entry Phone, Fruit Trees, Guest House, Horse Boxes, Library, Marble Bathroom, Private Area, Satellite TV, Solar Panels.
Ref: 149 - Fuengirola Detached Villa - 600,000€ € 4 bed, 2 bath, plot 250, build188 Close to town, Fitted Kitchen, Parking: Garage, Garden: Private, Facing: North. Views: Town. Features: Air conditioning, Close to all Amenities, Walking Distance to Rest., Walking Distance to Shops, Walking Distance to T. Centre.
It has 60m² of Basement, private garden, Fitted Kitchen; Hand in date is summer 2007. Come and see our developments all over the coast, there is something for every budged, perfect for investments. Give us a call for more information.
PROPERTY OF THE MONTH MAVL-335 Monda
376,500€ €
Beds: 4 Baths: 3 Build: 170m2 Plot: 233m2. The lovely houses are situated on the ONLY urbanization in Monda which has only about 24 different houses which makes this property very unique in deed. Anyone who lives in monad or visits its modest village will agree that it really is very beautiful and pleasant place to be. The houses itself is split into two level each with 2 bedrooms and a kitchen, 2 lounges, very spacious and has great views over the countryside the village and Monda castle, There is a lovely petite garden and terrace area so very easy to manage and again a nice area to enjoy gorgeous views. The house is only a short drive from the Marbella Gun and Country club, 15 minutes to Marbella and 20minute to Malaga airport. A really exceptional property. (MUST BE SEEN)
MAVL-347 Alhaurin el Grande
Price on Application
Beds: 4 Baths: 3. The lovely houses are situated in a sought after area. Attractive garden with lovely trees nice pool area and outbuildings. The villa is a grand size and truly charming throughout
MATH-229 Alhaurin el Grande
378,000€ €
Bed: 5 Baths: 2 Built Area: 165m2 Plot: 280m2. Area built 165 m², 280 m² surface area, 5 bedrooms (1 en-suite, 4 double rooms), 2 bathrooms, kitchen (fitted/equipped), dining room (+ lounge), terrace, floor (tiles), garage (parking), built-in wardrobes, heating, furniture, double glazing, year of construction (2000), water, electricity, gas, fireplace, interior carpentry (wood), exterior carpentry (lacquered aluminum), air conditioning, telephone.
MARP-350 Alhaurin el Grande
299,000€ €
Beds: 3 Baths: 1 Build: 100M2 Plot: 3,000M2 Great little house with lovely views, nice swimming pool and excellent location, Bargain.
MAVL-349 Alhaurin el Grande
385,000€ €
Bed: 4 Baths: 3 Built Area: 190m2 Plot 6,400m2. Perfect house with spectacular views in a sought after area. A separate self contained apartment and huge garage or work shop. The property has electric gates and is fully fenced, a perfect for property for keeping horses.
MAAP-305 Alhaurin el Grande
239,000€ €
Beds: 2 Baths: 2 Build: 105.37 Terrace: 15,12m2. A lovely first floor apartment with a lift on Lauren golf course. The apartment is on a select urbanization of 27 apartments with private community swimming pool, there is also the option to use another swimming pool which is for the whole community. The apartment is lovely decorated right though and has a great covered terrace, air-con hot and cold, alarmed and photo intercom. A lovely roomy apartment. Outside storage room.
MACR-303 Alhaurin el Grande
899,000€ €
Beds:4 Bath: 3Plot: 10,000m2 BuildArea: : 150m2 main+ 60m2 guest house+6+4m2 office 12x14 Stables.An exquisite equestrian property new on the market this property is located in a sought after area, There are good size stables, tack room, a hay barn, Sand arena 20 x 40m2, post and railed and a big exercise area. The property is set back off a good road, great for hacking; there is ample parking, big enough for a lorry, easily accessible for vehicles, and close to amenities. There is also a separate one bed roomed self-contained guest apartment or groom’s accommodation, Both properties have satellite television air-conditioning hot/cold, the main house also has a log burning fire and a nice separate area for pets. There is also a wooden house used as the office.
PROPERTY 2 OF THE MONTH
MAVL-306 Alhaurin el Grande
795,000€ €
Beds:6Bath:4/halfBuild:315m2Plot10,000m2.Acharmingpropertyinasought afterpartofAlhaurinelGrande.Therearetwopropertiesonthissuperbplot;themain vilahas4bed2bathandaprivatepool.Thesecondhouseisveryprivate andhas1 bedwithen-suite,a20m2storageroomwithniceviews,couldbe2ndbed,1bath, kitchen/lounge,lovelyterracesandagorgeousSwimmingpool.Bothpropertieshave Air-conditioninghotandcold,independentsatelliteTV,internetandinthemainvilaa telephone.Thepropertiesareinaperfectpositionwithmagnificentviewsofthecountry sideandmountains,theentranceleadinguptothevilasisquiteprivateandthetrackis tarmackedThesespropertiesarefullofcharacter,beautifullydecoratedthroughout andhavesuperbgardenswithoutsidekitchenandBBQareaandlovelyterraces.
MAVL-304 Alhaurin el Grande MARB-227 Alhaurin el Grande
295,000€ €
Beds: 2 Baths: 1 Build: 75m2(116m2 on deeds) Plot: 5,000m2. A wonderful little urban property, (ONLY JUST BACK ON THE MARKET) with room to extend to 125m2 builds (at the moment it has 116m2 on the title deeds.) A nice flat plot with great views and in a wonderful location. A perfect buy for the investor this house has so much potential.
385,000€ €
Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Build: 120M2 Plot: 4,900M2. A wonderful property is located next to Lauro Golf. The house is situated in a position which offers pamaramic breathtaking views which sets the property aside from others. The beautiful terrace and bar area is a perfect setting for relaxing and enjoying the surroundings of the wonderful countryside and stunning mountains. The garden is mature and very pretty, and surrounds the lovely swimming pool area. A great property for complete privacy with gorgeous views.
PROPERTY 3 OF THE MONTH
MANL-195 Mijas
1, 260,000€ €
Beds: 3 could be more Bath: 3 Bullid 450m2 Plot 1,200m2. A FAIRYTALE CASTLE OF A VILLA! IMPRESSIVE LUXURY VILLA IN AN ELEVATED POSITION WITH PANORAMIC SEA VIEWS IN A QUIET, SELECT AREA OF MIJAS The price includes all the quality furnishings. All this and wall to wall sunshine.
MAVL- 351 Alhaurin de la Torre
849,000€ €
Beds: 6 Baths: 4 Build: 356m2 Plot: 2,500m2. A fantastic villa with so much opportunity. The villa is o two double plots and can legally divides into two and has the permission to build another villa with a swimming pool. The property has many extras, a tennis court, huge workshop, 17 x 7 swimming pools, out side shower, changing room’s toilets, and fantastic bar and entertaining area. A wonderful property with bags of potential.
MAVL - 196 REDUCED PRICE OF 888,000€ € Alhaurin el Grande
1,200,000€ €
Bed: 6, Baths: 6 en-suite, Build: 360m2, Plot: 18,000m2 A beautiful villa decorated with style and warmth and offering spectacular views of the country side. The property is surrounded by a gorgeous garden, swimming and coved resting area for afternoon siestas. Further on the plot of land there are a variety of delightful fruit tree’s to enjoy. A delightful villa.
PROPERTY 4 OF THE MONTH
MACR-309 Alhaurin el Grande
From 50,000€ €
A perfect opportunity to purchase or rent luxury offices in a sought after part of Alhaurin el Grande. All offices can complete with kitchens and toilet, light and airy and a beautiful court yard with a water fountain. Perfect for the investor. Also 4 apartments prices from 130,000€ € Perfect for the investor
MAVL- 311 Alora MAVL-314 Cartama
475,000€ €
Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Build: 150m2 Plot: 3,000m2 This is a beautiful newly built Finca, located on the hills overlooking Cartama Estacion. The beamed interior has a working open fire in the living area. This property boasts one of the best views in the area with amazing uninterrupted views to the south looking towards the bay of Malaga and to the west towards the mountains behind Marbella. The Finca is built in true “RUSTIC” style and also has a large garage which could be used as a workshop/study/further bedroom. Located only 15 mins from Malaga. This property is being sold fully furnished.
699,000€ €
Beds: 3 Baths: 3 Build: 180m2 Plot: 32,000m2. An entirely magnificent property in the wonderful country side of alora. This elegant villa is situated superbly within its own surroundings and overlooking the most lovely scenery possible. 3 Phase electricity, a plethora of power points throughout the house, under floor heating, air-conditioning throughout, solar panels, wireless internet, Reception area and workshop. Gorgeous views.
MAVL - 268 Alhaurin el Grande
541,000€ €
Beds: 4, Bath: 2, Build: 214m2, Plot: 2,000m2 A lovely villa in a fantastic area, with gorgeous views the property has great potential and would make a lovely family home.
M AVL-276 Alora
157,250€ €
Beds: 3 Baths2 Build: 80m2 outside Terraces. Traditional village house tastefully restored to a very high standard but retaining much of its character. 90 m2 built plus 12 m2 terraces. Accommodation is on three floors. On the street level it has a sitting room, dining area, fully fitted kitchen and a patio leading to guest accommodation which comprises one bedroom and a bathroom. On the first floor it provides 2 bedrooms and a sunny terrace. The upper floor consists of a large bathroom and walk-in linen cupboard. Very charming property and offers great flexibility of accommodation. Excellent access.
MAVL-149 Alora
89,000€ €
Beds: 1 Baths: 1 Build: 70m2. An entirely magnificent property in the wonderful country side of Alora. This elegant villa is situated superbly within its own surroundings and overlooking the most lovely scenery possible. 3 Phase electricity, a plethora of power points throughout the house, under floor heating, air-conditioning throughout, solar panels and wireless internet.
PROPERTY 5 OF THE MONTH MA1P-346 Alora
650,000€ € as seen or 850,000€ € totally finished
Build: 702m2 many bedrooms and Bathrooms, 3, Kitchens, bar and restaurant An excellent opportunity to purchases this great project in a fantastic location for tourists. This charming 702m2 building is full of charter and consists of 8 studio apartments, each 25m2plus, on the top floor with Hugh terraces and 7 people Jacuzzi. The second level there is yet more accommodation and the main residence which is very spacious and comfortable. The ground floor is 280m2 and the work is well underway to turn these 2 locals into a bar and a restaurant which can be separately rented out to earn an income. There is Hugh demand for a small hotel or B&B in this area as there is a wide variety of activities for tourists to do such as, walking, cycling, bird watching, and fishing, rock climbing, horse tracking and many more. This is a great business opportunity for the right people, the studios all own rent out for a minimum of 2,000€ € per week. .
MARP-344 Alora
365,000€ €
Beds: 3 Baths: 3 Build: 140m2 Plot 13,000m2. Casa La Paz lies nestled in a tranquil valley on the edge of the famous El Chorro natural park. Built only 18 months ago it offers every modern facility you could wish for. The views from every angle of the property are stupendous. Backed by the El Chorro Mountains and facing down the valley to the town ofAlora, a twenty-minute drive away, Casa La Paz offers you a haven of peace. The property consists of 3 bed rooms all on suite, 2 of theses are self contained making the perfect place for friends to visit or even to let without disturbing your peaceful existence.Also a well decorated living and dining room and a modern fully fitted kitchen. This home has been designed and built to the highest standards.
MAIP-345 Alora
260,000€ €
A wonderful property on the edge of the town with spectacular views. This house has so much potential for an investor to increase the size or turn it into apartments. An excellent price for a magnificent investment opportunity.
MAVL-307 Alhaurin el Grande
335,000€ €
Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Build: 168.24m2/ plus 14 x 5 outbuildings Plot: 3,200m2 Great villa with a lovely garden and beautiful swimming pool. A good property at a very good price.
>> costa HOMES
Brought to you by NV Mijas
he village of Mijas can be found high on the hillside, some 8 kilometres inland from Fuengirola and 500 metres above sea level. It sits on the lower slopes of the Sierra de Mijas Mountain and is surrounded by pine trees and wonderful countryside. Tourists discovered Mijas in the 1960s and it is now the expatriate home of over 60 different nationalities. The population of the Mijas municipality is actually around 55,000 but this is made up of three regions, Mijas Pueblo, Las Lagunas and Mijas Costa. Mijas Pueblo itself has a population of around 7,500 people. Mijas is one of the finest examples of the typical Andalucian ‘white villages’ which, despite the impact of tourism, has maintained its traditional charm. It has an annual rainfall of 660 litres per square metre and an average temperature of 17 degrees Celsius. Popular all year round, with a good variety of cafés, restaurants and gift shops, shady plazas and numerous vantage points called ‘miradors’ which have spectacular views to the sea and the surrounding countryside. As you make your way up the winding road from Fuengirola to Mijas, you can see the whitewashed houses arranged in terraces above on the hillside. This village, built on the lower slopes of a mountain, has many levels to
60 costa life
costa HOMES >> explore and its steep winding steps are not for the faint-hearted. However, the views are well worth the effort exerted by the numerous holidaymakers and give a lasting memory of this beautiful white Spanish village. The village has so many attractive streets and the tiny tourist
village in days gone by, have been artistically designed and planted with flowers which bloom all year round. The rock faces in this particular area are well used by rock climbers to practise their skills, and the crevices are inhabited by many nesting pigeons and birds of prey. Perched high on the hillside, well above the village of Mijas, is the ‘Shrine of the Calvario’ which was built in 1710. It can be seen for miles, and from the shrine can be seen panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. At night it can be seen from afar as it brightly lights up the night sky. Access is by means of a steep winding path through thick woodland, following the iron crosses, from the upper by-pass road of the village. The shrine is only open once a year, on Easter Friday, but many make the journey uphill on foot, to experience the breathtaking view. The folk museum, which is housed in the old town hall building, tells the history of Mijas and the trades of yesteryears. There are two antique olive mills, a wine ‘bodega’, a bakery and examples of traditional Mijas houses. There is also a miniature museum in the village, established in 1972 by a world famous hypnotist called Juan Elegido Miranda, which is located in a caravan. This miniature museum has pieces on display from over 50 different countries.
shops are all filled with local wares such as ceramics and leather, jewellery and a variety of art work by the many local artists who have settled here over the years. The best way to view the village is on foot, since the distance from the western side to the eastern edge takes approximately 15 minutes from start to finish and parking is not the easiest thing in a village built with donkeys and horses as the main mode of transport. Of course, an alternative, more leisurely way, to see the village is by means of the local ‘burro taxi’, or by horse and carriage. The village is split into numerous levels, each connected by narrow roads or walkways and steps. The Plaza de la Constitucion is in the heart of the village with a central bird fountain carved by Galiano, a marble cutter, with rocks left by the flood of the 2nd November 1884. This plaza is surrounded by cafes and shops where the local atmosphere can be experienced at ones leisure. The bullring in Mijas, built in 1900 and inaugurated on the 8th September the same year, still hosts a weekly bullfight and also various equestrian shows in the summer months. It is unique in that it is oval in shape and one of the smallest bullrings in Spain. There is also a bullfighting museum at the same location, dedicated to the history of bullfighting. There is a tiny 16th century church ‘Virgen de la Pena’, which is carved from the rock and is a tribute to the patron saint of Mijas whose delicate statuette is housed here. The shrine dates back to 1586 and holds an image of the Virgen in the rock, which was found by two shepherd boys who were led to the hidden location by a dove. At various times of the year, including Semana Santa (Holy Week) the ‘Virgen de la Pena’ is taken from her resting place and the local men carry her through the streets on a gilt throne adorned with beautiful flowers. The procession, led by local brass bands, goes through the whole village and takes a number of hours before returning the statue to her resting place. The men take great pride in carrying her and consider the task an honour to execute. The parish church known as the ‘Immaculate Conception’ was built in 1541 to 1565 on the site of the ruins of an ancient Moorish castle, one of whose towers was used as the church bell tower. During its restoration in 1991, a series of frescos of the Apostles were discovered on the marble columns of the naves and it is said that they date back to 1632. The remaining walls of the fortress, which protected the
The most photographed street in the village, San Sebastian, is normally brightly decorated all summer long, by numerous pot plants of geraniums on either side. At the top of the street is a village house with the same pot plants and it is locally known as ‘the flower pot house’. At the bottom of the street sits the church of San Sebastian, which was founded at the end of the 17th century. In 1674, the church was rebuilt from ruin, enabled by donations from local charities. The town hall, which sits in an imposing situation in the centre of the village, was designed by the architect Antonio Herrezuelo and inaugurated in 1987. It has a beautiful marble patio with fountains. Today, on a practical note, the foreigner’s department is located here. A variety of languages are spoken by the staff and help is guaranteed to all the foreign residents and non-residents alike in matters to do with property taxes, health and a variety of other issues that might come up. Each week the town hall puts on a display of Flamenco dancing in the square for the tourists and a lively atmosphere is experienced, giving just a taste of how the Spanish people like to party. The town hall also exhibits work of local artists and musical recitals are also frequently held there. There are also free guided walks, also organised by the town hall, in the Mijas countryside, twice weekly, where the beautiful scenery, flora and fauna of the area can be appreciated. So, Mijas is a typical example of the best the region has to offer, a place where time has almost stood still for the past 50 years.
Come and see for yourself!
costa life 61
Renovated, completely modernised, detached villa, providing a tasteful living environment. The open-plan lounge has a gas fireplace. There is extensive use of natural wooden beams and doors throughout the house. On the ground floor is a large, newly constructed room used at present as a dining room. The upper floor has two bedrooms, a large dressing area with fitted wardrobes and a bathroom with spa bath, shower, toilet and natural rock wall. Lots of terraced areas, barbecue and further storage room on the roof. The property is fully fenced, gated with secure parking.
This is a 1st floor apartment, within easy walk of the centre of Mijas village, with good views of the coastline. The property, which is fully furnished, consists of 1 bedroom, open plan living/dining/ kitchen, bathroom and terrace. The small development, which has only 10 apartments, has a communal swimming pool.
Spacious, 1st floor apartment, with lift, in Mijas Pueblo, in the centre of village life. Has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fully fitted kitchen with a separate laundry off, a lounge/dining room and large terrace with views to the sea. The apartment has marble flooring throughout and all bedrooms have fitted wardrobes. The property has A/C, Sky television, telephone point and is approx. 142sq. metres built, with a terrace of 15sq. metres.
NV 330
NV 260
NV 378
Price: 350,000€ €
Price: 158,000€ €
Price: 360,000€ €
Spacious, 3 bedroom townhouse in Mijas La Nueva. The property has a large open plan lounge dining room, with wood burning stove. There are 3 bedrooms with fitted wardrobes and 2 bathrooms, which have recently been renovated. The modern kitchen is fully fitted with the appliances included in the sale. In excellent repair and is being sold furnished. A/C in both upstairs bedrooms and a ceiling fan in the lounge. Community has 2 swimming pools, tennis courts and a restaurant.
First floor 2 bedroom apartment in a small, tidy development in Mijas Pueblo with lounge dining room, bathroom, kitchen and large covered terrace which has been enclosed to form extra living space. Has good views over the communal gardens to the sea. The development is mature with pools and parking nearby.
Stunning detached villa in Las Lomas de Mijas, close to all local amenities and major road networks. The villa has 2 large bedrooms, (could be 3 - current project and licence in place) both with en-suite bathrooms, a separate guest toilet, a large lounge dining room and a family kitchen. Fully furnished and equipped, has an alarm system and pre-installed A/C. The plot is approximately 1000 sq. m. and the house, including porches, is approx 140 sq. m. Well tended gardens with private pool and views of the sea.
NV 349
NV 372
NV 275
Price: 325,000€ €
Price: 260,000€ €
Price: 525,000€ €
Restored, village townhouse in Mijas Pueblo, with great views. Renovated and lovingly improved into a spacious family home consisting of 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a living-room and well designed, newly fitted, kitchen leading onto a breakfast patio with feature rock and staircase to the next level. There is more external space here and a further roof terrace, which has a covered area with seating, and is accessed by using the outside spiral staircase. There is street parking close by.
Interesting project near completion. In Valtocado, near the main Fuengirola to Alhaurin road. The house consists of 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, lounge, with fireplace, and fully fitted kitchen and there is a separate detached garage. The house is 96 sq meters built and is on a plot of 1200 sq meters. There is room for a pool.
Delightful apartment in Mijas village close to all the amenities.This fully furnished and equipped property has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, kitchen and a lounge/dining room with feature open fireplace. The apartment is spacious and the bedrooms have fitted wardrobes. The flooring throughout is stylish, fitted when the property was renovated some years ago. There is a communal swimming pool, communal terrace areas making this a great holiday hideaway.
NV 184
NV 370V Price: 275,000€ €
NV 373
Price: 375,000€ €
Price: 195,000€ €
REF132 Location: Altos de Marbella 1700€ € per month A simply stunning fully furnished apartment available for long term rentals on the prestigous Bahia de Marbella. This wonderful apartment has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, air con/heating, parking, storage, glass curtains and many other features.
REF49 Location: El Paraiso/Guadalmina 4000€ € per month Great villa for rent in El Paraiso. The villa has 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, gym, office room, integral garage, bodega, pool, build size of 494 metres, plot of 1000 metres. Price includes pool and garden maintanance.
Authentic, Old Farmhouse (Álora)
Built: 135 m² Land: 20.000 m² 3 bedrooms · 1 bathrooms Restored with great care Pool · Own well · Nice views Ample kitchen + living room Storage room with 30 sqm Priced to sell · 275.000€ € Country Villa (Tolox)
Country House (Alozaina)
Built: 132 m² Land: 6.400 m² 3 bedroom · New Construction Living room with 40 sqm + chimney + genuine wood · Rich in water · Magnificent views 1.5 km to main road 200.000€ €
Old Authentic Farm House (Yunquera)
Built: 95 m² Land: 60.000 m² Very charming Riverside Property with private access Renovated · 2 bedrooms · 1 bath · Abundant water · Pool 4,6 km from main road 245.000 €€ Built: 480 m² Land: 10.000 m² 8 bedrooms · 5 bathrooms Used for rural tourism 3 independent dwellings Ample terraces w.magnificent views · A Retreat with old, mature trees 950.000€ €
specializing in
Fincas Country Villas Townhouses Cortijos Ruins Plots
952 498 454 mobile: 609 454 409
AP275: Four adjoining plots of land providing approx 50,000 m2 of non-irrigated land planted out with almonds. The plots are situated approx 4kms from the main road on the outskirts of Alora with stunning views. There is permission for a 60 m2 almacen. Good access by track. Electricity and well water.
AP374: Renovated townhouse in Alora within walking distance to all shops and amenities. Accommodation is on 2 levels plus a good size patio and a small orchard with some fruit trees at the rear of the property. At street level there are two sitting areas, dining room, small kitchen, bathroom and terrace. The upper level offers 2 bedrooms and an office area. 95 m2 built. Water, electricity and telephone connected.
€ 68,500 €
€ 142,000 €
AP401: Very tastefully decorated semi-detached house in walk in condition within walking distance to the village of Bermejo which has a supermarket, pharmacy, bars and primary school and is also on the tourist route to El Chorro. The property offers a lounge, dining room, fully fitted kitchen, 2 bedrooms, bathroom and an outside storeroom. There are various sunny and shady outside areas including a glorious roof terrace. 70 m2 built with 80 m2 of patio/terraces. Mains water, electricity, air conditioning both hot and cold and telephone. This property is ideal as either a holiday or permanent home.
AP402: Fully legal property set on a secluded orange grove within walking distance to the village of Pizarra. Plot of 6.400 m of land.. The wooden house is 75 m2 built and provides one large en-suite bedroom, lounge, open plan kitchen/ dining area, a separate bathroom and a large hall. Small legal almacen and BBQ area. Mains water, electricity and radio telephone. Septic tank. Good access only 200 mts from the main road. Nice views.
€€165,000
€€210,000
tel:
enquiries@aloraproperties.com www.aloraproperties.com Plaza Fuente Arriba s/n Alora
€€1.085.000 Top quality villa between Mijas and Fuengirola with panoramic sea view 4 bed - 4 bath - 1 tower room - double garage - guest apartment - private pool - build 447 m2 - plot 6700 m2 - marble floors with floor heating - triple glazed windows - air conditioning hot/cold - fire place - 100 m2 basement Ref nr: 33831
Villa close to Fuengirola with sea views
Apartment in Los Boliches Fuengirola
3 bed 2 bath build 185 m2 plot 803 m2 garage glazed terrace private pool fire place
2 bed 2 bath build 103 m2 terrace 130 m2 garage for 2 cars heated pool fire place air-con. hot/cold
Ref nr: 32227
Ref nr: 32217
€€555.000
Penthouse in Miraflores with sea view
€€390.000
1 bed 1 bath build 55 m2 terrace 40 m2 communal pool lift furnished
2 bed 1 bath build 72 m2 terrace 10 m2 communal pool comm. parking furnished
Ref nr: 33357
Ref nr: 31940
€ € 180.000
Apartment in Rancho de Miraflores
€€179.000
>> costa STUFF
Life Profile By:
Harvey Mann
My
Brush Law! with the
I
’ve always had a weakness for some nice brush strokes, and not the type that local tradesmen splash on the walls and ceilings of our homes in the sun. I’m a lover of art with a capital A. Some of the great painters that I admire are people like Cezanne, Monet, Manet, Lautrec, Constable and Van Gogh. These are just a few that I believe, without them, we would not have any incisive idea about how our ancestors lived or conducted their lives. Most painters have an extraordinary talent and I believe, after being a photojournalist for more than 50 years, are the equivalent of the photographers of our time. Portrait and landscape artists were able to capture on canvas the different moods of their subjects, their style of clothes, jewellery, cooking utensils, food and modes of transport. If you are ever able to visit the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam, you will see thousands of paintings and drawings that Van Gogh produced and, just like a photographer, he would paint or sketch his subjects as they went about their daily lives. So what does art have to do with the police? Unless it is a robbery or a fraud squad raid, well here’s the link. Do you remember those cold dark nights back home, as we huddled around our little TV sets, watching actor Jack Warner standing in front of the police station and the flashing blue lamp (although we could only see it in black and white as our TV pictures in those days were not in colour). Warner, as Dixon of Dock Green, would greet the viewers with the familiar greeting “Evenin’ all” at the start of each programme. With those calm reassuring words from the affable TV cop, we would immediately know that Dixon would triumph over adversity.
As Dixon trod the dank streets and alleys in the ’50s, Police Constable 784 Don Widdall was pounding his beat, doing it for real. Don Widdall, now retired, is a very good artist and I’m sure from the way he talks he was equally a very good cop. I think he may have come from the Dixon mould; just as friendly, trustworthy, with a smile, a wink and a little jaunty salute for those of us law abiding citizens. However, underneath Don’s affable demeanour, he like Dixon would have had a withering look and a terse reprimand for any person who flouted the law on his watch. Today Don shows me around his studio in Villa Luisa that is the HQ for the British Society in Andalucia (who have just celebrated their 40th Anniversary) perched high on a hill just below Benalmadena Pueblo. The view across the Mediterranean would inspire any person who could weald a brush or crayon, but to Don this is the place where he not only creates his works of art, but where he also teaches the art of art to his students from the community. Don started his working career as a copy boy in the editorial department of the Yorkshire Post, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Barbra Taylor Bradford who was a writer with the paper before she went south to London’s Fleet Street and onto untold wealth and fame after writing the book A Women of Substance. Don became enamoured with the work of the newspaper’s cartoonist Charles Thackery and took lessons at the local art college, hoping that one day he would be able to join the art department of the paper or more. However, after being in the army for three years, the only opportunity for him when he returned to the Yorkshire Post was a job in the accounts department so in 1956 Don then decided to follow his grandfather and his uncle by joining the police force. After several promotions he was a sergeant in the vice squad and a detective sergeant in the criminal investigation department (now known to us as the CID). He finally retired as a Chief Inspector after being on the periphery of the now famous case of the Yorkshire Ripper, Peter Sutcliffe. Don looks back to those early days when he first started to walk the beat. “We got £9.50 a week and a rent allowance. Being a copper in those days was far safer then than now; there does not seem to be any respect for the police today. In some cases that is their own fault, and in other ways the public and the police have lost contact and understanding with each other”. After Don retired, he and his wife Tricia set up a security consultant business for insurance companies which involved Hilton Hotels. However he has now returned to his first love and nothing makes him happier than being in front of an easel. “Art is a cultural thing. If I’m down at the marina sketching or painting, the Spanish stand and look, and often give praise; however some English people are critical and sometimes make disparaging remarks, or tut in disapproval” said Don. “Criticism is okay but only criticise if you know what you are talking about.” Personally I know what I like: I think his work is very good, and I am quite sure that Don’s expertise is passed on to his pupils which they receive with grateful acceptance. “Andalucian light is wonderful, the light, colour, sunsets and sunrises are breathtaking; at night the moon hangs like on a thread.” Don and his wife firstly settled in Arroyo in the late ’80s and for the last seven years have lived in the pretty Tio Charles urbanisation close to Benalmadena Pueblo. Don is a member of the AIA, Artistas Internacionales de Andalucia, and has been involved in exhibitions in Malaga, Marbella and later this year in exhibitions in Mijas and Fuengirola. Don Widdall can be contacted at the British Society on 952 448 105.
>> costa STUFF Written By
Dave Wakelin
REVIEW
>> Simply Red - Stay The opening track, The World and You Tonight is a song for you and that special someone, sang with ease and soulful tones there is no doubt in my mind that this track will be ranked amongst Simply Reds all time classics. All songs on the album have an edge that many artists would find difficult to beat. Fantastic melodies and musical arrangements with some very meaningful lyrics, a must for any music lovers collection. The musicians excel as much as Hucknall. Oh and it sounds great in the car with the sunshine gazing down and the windows open!!
>> Joss Stone - Introducing Joss Stone The third album from the West Country’s favourite soulstress is the long-awaited follow up to 2004’s ‘Mind Body And Soul’. ‘Introducing Joss Stone’ is a deeply personal album, which features more of Stone’s trademark mix of soul, jazz and Motown with a 21st century twist. Recorded in the Bahamas and produced by Raphael Saadiq (The Roots, Macy Gray), the album also features guest appearances from Common and Lauren Hill and includes the single ‘Tell Me ‘Bout It.’
>> Neil Young - Massey Hall 1971- Performance Series Success never sat comfortably on Neil’s shoulders and this live release showcases a solo Neil in between the brilliant After the Goldrush record and the career high (in terms of sales) Harvest. This is quite simply a stunning live show featuring some well known songs and those not so familiar (Love In Mind, Bad Fog of Loneliness). With Neil’s first batch of archives due in the autumn (1966-1972 8 cds - 2 dvds) this live release showcases Neil’s superb songwriting during one of his creative peaks. Quite simply an essential purchase.
>> Arctic Monkeys - Favourite Worst Nightmare What I’ve heard of this album, is quite, lets say, staggering! Follows on perfectly to the sensational ‘Whatever They Say I Am, Thats What I Am Not.’ Their 1st single off it, ‘Brianstorm’ was first broadcasted over the radio last night, and I thought it was real catchy with the lyrics, like the first album! ‘This House Is A Circus’ is as described by lead singer, Alex Turner as, ‘[...],’ and he isn’t lying! I can’t describe the whole of the album, due to illegal causes but, i assure you, the release date, 23rd of April, will be one for the diary!
>> Jean Michel Jarre - Teo & Tea It seems that after some time spent on gigs around the world J.M.J finally hit the need to produce another memorable record. At least the single track ‘Teo and Tea’ (avilable online at myspace.com) seems to suggest that. It is like a magnet. The beat, the electronic sounds, the impression I remember from the co-operation with Tetsuya TK Komuro. If the rest of the tracks are in similar mood - well done. And even if not - the Jarre fans would appreciate the new album.
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All CD’s above can be purchased online at www.ccfmradio.com
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>> Miss Potter Starring: Renee Zellweger ; Ewan McGregor ; Bill Paterson ; Emily Watson A remarkable film about the extraordinary life of British children’s writer Beatrix Potter, following her rise to being the most successful children’s author of all time. Despite delighting generations of children with her books, she kept her own story locked carefully away. The film reveals how she developed her artistic and story-telling abilities from a young age and rebelled against the conventions of the time by refusing to marry for the sake of it. Her first book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, was a publishing phenomenon and led to a captivating romance with her publisher Norman Warne. Miss Potter is an absolute diamond of a movie – a perfect picture starring Renee Zellwegger and Ewan McGreggor in their first film together since Down With Love.
>> The Holiday Starring: Cameron Diaz ; Kate Winslet ; Jude Law ; Jack Black ; Edward Burns Iris is in love with a man who is about to marry another woman. Across the globe, Amanda realizes the man she lives with has been unfaithful. Two women who have never met and live 6000 miles apart, find themselves in the exact same place. They meet online at a home exchange website and impulsively switch homes for the holiday. Iris moves into Amanda’s L.A. house in sunny California as Amanda arrives in the snow covered English countryside. Shortly after arriving at their destinations, both women find the last thing either wants or expects: a new romance. Amanda is charmed by Iris’ handsome brother Graham and Iris, with inspiration provided by legendary screenwriter Arthur, mends her heart when she meets film composer Miles.
>> Happy Feet Voiced by: Robin Williams ; Hugh Jackman ; Elijah Wood ; Nicole Kidman ; Brittany Murphy ; Hugo Weaving In the great nation of Emperor Penguins, deep in Antarctica, you’re nobody unless you can sing-which is unfortunate for Mumble (Elijah Wood), who is the worst singer in the world. He is born dancing to his own tune...tap dancing. Though Mumble’s mum, Norma Jean (Nicole Kidman), thinks this little habit is cute, his dad, Memphis (Hugh Jackman), says it ‘just ain’t penguin.’ Besides, they both know that, without a Heartsong, Mumble may never find true love. As fate would have it, his one friend, Gloria (Brittany Murphy), happens to be the best singer around. Mumble and Gloria have a connection from the moment they hatch, but she struggles with his strange ‘hippityhoppity’ ways. Mumble is just too different-especially for Noah the Elder (Hugo Weaving), the stern leader of Emperor Land, who ultimately casts him out of the community. Away from home for the first time, Mumble meets a posse of decidedly un-Emperor-like penguins-the Adelie Amigos. Led by Ramon (Robin Williams), the Adelies instantly embrace Mumble’s cool dance moves and invite him to party with them. In Adelie Land, Mumble seeks the counsel of Lovelace the Guru (also voiced by Robin Williams), a crazy-feathered Rockhopper penguin who will answer any of life’s questions for the price of a pebble. Together with Lovelace and the Amigos, Mumble sets out across vast landscapes and, after some epic encounters, proves that by being true to yourself, you can make all the difference in the world.
>> A Night At The Museum Starring: Ben Stiller ; Dick Van Dyke ; Ricky Gervais ; Robin Williams ; Steve Coogan Ben Stiller leads an all-star cast including Robin Williams and Dick Van Dyke in this hilarious comedy hit. When good-hearted dreamer Larry Daley (Stiller) is hired as night watchman at the Museum of Natural History, he soon discovers that an ancient curse brings all the exhibits to life after the sun sets. Suddenly, Larry finds himself face-to-face with a frisky T. rex skeleton, tiny armies of Romans and cowboys and a mischievous monkey who taunts him to the breaking point. But with the help of President Teddy Roosevelt (Williams), Larry may just figure out a way to control the chaos and become a hero in his son’s eyes. Boasting jawdropping special effects and laugh-out-loud moments, Night At The Museum is your ticket to non-stop fun!
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Costa
Cuisine by Jan Morley of FreezerMor
Semana Santa While the annual celebration of Semana Santa is a national tradition throughout the whole of Spain, the “Andalucians” arguably “feel” the Holy Week more than the other regions. The whole area is surrounded by a spiritual halo, a time when the devout and the curious join together to converge on the streets and absorb the mystique of an open air temple. The processions are well worth watching even if you are not religious, as it is difficult not to be moved, the atmosphere is so vital and poignant. For some it is a fun filled fiesta time, and others regard it as a week of
a great time for family get-together
ritual and reflection. The largest and most spectacular parades take part in Malaga and Seville, where up to two thousand people march in the processions. These are followed by the “nazarenos” (people of Nazareth), in their tall hooded costumes and women dressed in beautiful traditional attire. Without a doubt, Holy Week in Andalucia is the most revered tradition that reflects the culture and spirit of the people. Here is a delicious recipe, ideal for a big family celebration.
ROAST LOIN OF PORK with apricot and thyme stuffing, Hasselback-style potatoes and seasonal greens When cooking for a crowd, allow 4-6 ozs (100-175g) of meat per person, depending on size of appetite. When roasting pork at 180°c, gas 4, 350°f, the cooking times are approximately 30 minutes per 1lb (454g),in weight, plus 30 minutes over. Prep time 30 minutes, cooking time 2- 2 ½ hours
SERVES
8-10 METHOD 1. Heat the oven, 180°c 2. Make the fresh breadcrumbs, in a food processor, tip into a bowl 3. To make the stuffing, place the onion and apricots in a food processor, chop finely, add the sausages, then the thyme, egg and breadcrumbs and seasoning, blend together. This just takes a few pulses 4. Pat the skin dry, on the pork, then score at 1cm intervals, sprinkle with salt and pepper, to ensure a tasty, crispy crackling 5. Make a slit to the inside of joint of pork, where there is a line of fat, (not in the “eye” of the meat), cut nearly all the way through 6. Insert the stuffing, tuck the flap of meat back over, secure with string, if needed 7. Place pork in a roasting tray, use a rack if you prefer, pour stock in the bottom of the roasting tray, until about 1cm deep, transfer to oven 8. Allow 2-2 ½ hours cooking time
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INGREDIENTS 4.51lb (2kg) boneless pork loin, with skin on 1-2 pints chicken stock
For the Stuffing 1 onion 3 pork sausages, skinned 4 oz (115g) fresh breadcrumbs 1 dessertspoon chopped fresh thyme 1 egg Salt and pepper 8 dried apricots finely chopped
9. Peel the potatoes, then place on a Allow 2-3 medium potatoes per person spoon, make slits, Seasonal greens at ½ cm intervals, but not all the way through, so the base is still intact. Cook as you would a roast potato, in lard or oil. Approx. 45-1 hour depending on size 10. When the pork is cooked, remove from roasting tray, cover with tin foil and allow to rest for 10 minutes. 11. Put seasonal greens on to cook 12. Meanwhile, pour off the excess fat, de-glace the roasting tray with some chicken stock, add a little gravy thickening 13. Serve and enjoy!
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With the US Presidential elections looming, the candidates are calling on the support of the stars of Hollywood. The Democratic party celebrities who will back candidate Barack Obama, are Steven Spielberg who has thrown a party for Barack who’s name in Arabic means blessings, those who will readily attend are George Clooney, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Oprah Winfrey and Oliver Stone. Another Democratic candidate is Hillary Clinton; supporters that have declared their allegiance for her are Martin Scorsese, Sharon Stone, Tom Hanks, Billy Crystal and Barbra Streisand. Hollywood comedian Jerry Seinfeld asked if he could remember what Hollywood stars had backed President George W. Bush, “it was Mickey Mouse” said Jerry, “and George Dubya and his administration is still behaving like that squeaky rodents”… Hair today? Gone tomorrow? Britney Spears looks as she has finally flipped, snatching clippers from the hands of a hair dresser, she shaved off all the hair on her head. In a catalogue of mad moments like dancing on the tables in night clubs without her panties on, and releasing herself after only 24 hours in a rehab clinic Britney now clings on to sanity by her fingernails, last seen she was wearing a Marilyn Monroe wig. Friends and family hope that she does not end up, as Monroe did;...Another actor who has developed a penchant for shaving is Ewan McGregor. he has had to strip in nearly all his film roles, at 35 Ewan believes that shaving off all his body hair makes him look young, “I’ve found ways to cheat the ageing process” he said. Now he has a baby’s bottom… Will they? Won’t they? Well now they won’t, Hugh Grant has finally broken up with his girlfriend socialite Jemima Khan. Insiders say that Hugh was paying too much attention recently to Drew Barrymore. Jemima’s face froze in anger, as Drew and Hugh cuddled and pawed each other at two recent functions…Soon to take control of the 18million pounds that he has been paid, for the Harry Potter films Daniel Radcliffe aged 17, is starring naked on stage in Equus opposite 24-yearold Joanna Christie. Both actors seemed to be unmoved by the familiarity of the nakedness in front of the 1,000 audience. “I hope his magic wand behaves properly” said Joanna…Aged Hollywood actor Faye Dunaway 66, star of Chinatown and Bonnie and Clyde is making a film in Pontypool South Wales called Flick. She plays the part of a one armed detective, for a fraction of her normal fee, that goes to prove she isn’t a one armed Hollywood bandit herself…Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt will marry at the end of the year. Angelina promised her very sick mother, since that promise Marcheline aged 56 died. Angelina’s deathbed promise to her mother will be kept…What was Sylvester Stallone carrying? After being stopped by customs officers at Sydney airport, whatever it was it was confiscated “after x-raying his luggage a number of prohibited articles were taken away” said a customs officer. Maybe they could not understand his customs declaration… Sacre bleu Clint Eastwood has been awarded the Legion d’Honneur for his immense talent. Clint 76, can look forward to being kissed on both cheeks by French President Jacques Chirac, I hope he takes the antidote first …and finally another French award this time it is the Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres to the man with the sexiest bottom in Hollywood, Jude Law. C’est La vie… So what else is new?
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TRUE OR FALSE? It’s a
Strange World R Written By:
Harvey Mann
afael walks with a stoop. Slowly he picks his way along the dusty uneven dirt track, past several dilapidated shacks. Some have no windows – a blessing I would have thought in this extreme heat. Most of the shacks have corrugated metal roofs that would make the homes as hot as baking ovens.
We arrive at Rafael’s home. Most of the plaster has come away from the ancient brickwork with two broken windows that provide the only light in a room that can only be described as squalid. The door that was once painted green now hangs by one hinge. Rafael invites me in but the smell is too overbearing. On the wall is an old faded picture in a broken frame. The photograph is of a former President of the Dominican Republic, Rafael Leonidas Trujillo Molina. Rafael points to the picture. “That was my father,” wheezes Rafael through broken black teeth. I had been looking in a shop window in Samaná when the old man touched me on the shoulder, and this is how I came to be with Rafael. He says he is 82, and has long unkempt hair and a deep weathered tan. Rafael’s breath smelled as bad as his home. “Have you come off the ship?” Rafael enquired with a heavy Spanish accent. “Do you have any small change?” he said, holding out a dirty hand. Between his fingers was a cigarette with a black soggy end. I had a few pesos that I gave him. Rafael smiled, “Only the British give this little; the Americans give me more,” he told me.
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As I started to walk away, he called after me. “That is no way to treat the son of a president”. This stopped me in my tracks. “Who is your father?” Rafael took out a small bottle of rum and gulped at the contents, his protruding Adam’s apple jerking up and down as he drank. “Was Senor, was,” he replied with a wide-open look in his eyes, knowing that he had me hooked. “Come to my home and I will tell you more.” 20 minutes from Samaná is this little collection of dwellings. Rafael sits outside his shack on an upturned broken bucket; I have uncomfortably perched on a pile of bricks and rubble. With the sun hot on my back I listen to Rafael’s story. “My father was born in 1891 at San Cristóbal; his family was not poor, average I suppose. He joined the Dominican army as a cadet in 1918 to 1921. It was while my father was a cadet he met a farm girl, my mother. He was very handsome and persuasive so she soon succumbed to his advances, and I was born in 1920. My mother died soon after, and her sister brought me up. That was when the Dominican Republic was under occupation by the USA. My father was a good soldier and a disciplinarian.” Rafael coughs and clears his throat giving the impression he is making a speech. “In 1927 Trujillo became a brigadier general and commander in chief of the Dominican army” Rafael was now speaking about his father in third person terms. “Then in 1930, when things were very bad in the Republic, he led his men in a military coup, overthrowing the President Horacia Vasquez. I did not see Trujillo too often as he was a busy man. Sometimes he would come and visit me, but it was kept very quiet by him and the family. Politics can be very dirty and he had as many enemies as supporters.” Rafael wipes his glistening brow with his shirt tail, and moves into the shade of a tree. “My father started a political party called the Partido Dominican (Dominican Party). He ruled for the next 30 years, but all the time I was kept in the background and my late mother’s family were threatened not to say a word about me. During those 30 years Trujillo was an absolute dictator and ruled with an iron fist. Although he brought economic stability to the country he used tough methods to get results, and any opposition was crushed. As well as Generalissimo of the army, he was President from 1930 to 1938 and from 1942 to 1952. He then was foreign minister from 1953 until 1961. He remarried but also had many girlfriends, and it was said that he once had a relationship with the actress Ava Gardner. Yes, he had other children but I was the first,” Rafael boasts.
Rafael looks down at his shoe, the sole is coming away from the uppers, and he shrugs his shoulders as if to say what the hell. “Trujillo alienated other South American countries that had communistic ties, but he encouraged diplomatic relations with America who gave him money and military armaments. In 1937 he was told that Haiti was planning a takeover of the Dominican Republic so he invaded them. History says that my father was responsible for the massacre of 15,000 Haitians. Eventually he fell out with the Americans because of his regime and in 1960 America instituted economic sanctions. This was to be the end for my father. He lost the support of the army and on May 30th 1961 some of his men from the military shot him dead. “I had not seen my Father for some months before he was killed and all his friends had deserted him. He knew what his end would be and it would only be a matter of time.” Rafael’s story had ended, mainly because the rum bottle he had been drinking from was now empty. I parted with some more pesos and walked back down the dusty road to the taxi. Had Rafael been telling me the truth? Was he really the son of the Dictator? Just as I got into the taxi to return to the cruise ship docked in Samaná Bay, an old woman looked through the window of the cab, grinning toothlessly. She then gave me a sideways look, turned towards Raphael who was now urinating in a bucket, and saluted him.
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STRANGE BUT TRUE One for the VS. General Motors For all of us who feel only the deepest love and affection for the way computers have enhanced our lives, read on. At a recent computer expo (COMDEX), Bill Gates reportedly compared the computer industry with the auto industry and stated, “If GM had kept up with technology like the computer industry has, we would all be driving $25.00 cars that got 1,000 miles to the gallon.”
Girls…... There are 3 people and a £20 note on the floor, an intelligent man, a woman and Father Christmas, which one picks up the £20? The woman, the other two don’t exist!!
In response to Bill’s comments, General Motors issued a press release stating: If GM had developed technology like Microsoft, we would all be driving cars with the following characteristics:1. For no reason whatsoever, your car would crash twice a day. 2. Every time they repainted the lines in the road, you would have to buy a new car. 3. Occasionally your car would die on the freeway for no reason. You would have to pull to the side of the road, close all of the windows, shut off the car, restart it, and reopen the windows before you could continue. For some reason you would simply accept this. 4. Occasionally, executing a manoeuvre such as a left turn would cause your car to shut down and refuse to restart, in which case you would have to reinstall the engine. 5. Macintosh! would make a car that was powered by the sun, was reliable, five times as fast and twice as easy to drive — but would run on only five percent of the roads. 6. The oil, water temperature, and alternator warning lights would all be replaced by a single “This Car Has Performed An Illegal Operation” warning light. 7. The airbag system would ask “Are you sure?” before deploying. 8. Occasionally, for no reason whatsoever, your car would lock you out and refuse to let you in until you simultaneously lifted the door handle, turned the key and grabbed hold of the radio antenna. 9. Every time a new car was introduced car buyers would have to learn how to drive all over again because none of the controls would operate in the same manner as the old car. 10. You’d have to press the “Start” button to turn the engine off.
GOT STOPPED FOR SPEEDING THE OTHER DAY. I THOUGHT I COULD TALK MY WAY OUT OF IT UNTIL THE POLICEMAN LOOKED AT MY DOG IN THE BACK SEAT
Actual call centre conversations… Customer: “I’ve been ringing 0700 2300 for two days and can’t get through to enquiries, can you help?” Operator: “Where did you get that number from, sir?” Customer: “It was on the door to the Travel Centre”. Operator: “Sir, they are our opening hours”. 80 costa life
Sudoku and Crossword answers for Issue 25
Sudoku
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2
8
6
4 3 6 9
1 6 3 8 2 6 3 1 3 4 1 9 7 9 7 2 6 9 5 8 2 8 7 6 3 2 5 9 The rules of Sudoku: place a digit from 1-9 in each empty cell, so every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1-9.
CHALLENGE Across 1 Lake in N. Italy 6 Cicatrix 10 Handle the situation 14 Live, in a TV studio 15 Frequent song subject 16 Billfold contents 17 Anxious feeling 18 Land in Genesis 19 Faucet flaw 20 Break in Bristol? 22 “Ben-Hur” author 24 Honshu seaport 26 Trader 27 City north of Lisbon 30 Trickster 32 Say again 34 Again take up weapons 38 News station 39 Of a hipbone 41 Old French coin 42 Posed a question 45 Drivers 48 Month after Adar 50 Scot’s cap 51 Spots for speakers 54 Chases away 56 “The ___ File” (Deighton title) 58 Heavy coats 62 Bird bill part 63 ___ de combat 65 Holy scroll 66 Pennsylvania port 67 Many millennia 68 Muse of poetry 69 Hip-hop repertory 70 Don’t move 71 Adjust, as a timer
Down 1 Billy or Nanny 2 One of the Brontes 3 Eastern air 4 Misrepresent 5 Theatrical professional 6 Aerodynamically designed 7 Atlantic catch 8 Acknowledge 9 Completely new – again 10 Arrange the sheets 11 Ryan or Tatum 12 Quiet partner? 13 Geological ridge 21 Indigenous New Zealander 23 Shakespearean king 25 Conduct 27 Killer whale 28 Animal quarters 29 Babe’s sound 31 Greenhouse effect? 33 ___ mater 35 Professional org. 36 Mechanical learning 37 Something vital 40 Computer language 43 Menu section 44 Dreadful 46 Farm alarm 47 Coming up 49 They take panes 51 Kitchen gadget 52 “Lohengrin,” e.g. 53 Temporary currency 55 Brazen one 57 Chimney accumulation 59 Chapters in history 60 Charge per unit 61 Photographed 64 Genetic material: Abbr.
crossword
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CHARLIE The little dog that broke his elbow
C
harlie, a cute little cocker spaniel came to the hospital in a critical situation after a car crash. The owner was quite nervous and said that something was broken in the arm and that the breathing was very poorly. After some x-rays, the diagnosis was a severe haemorrhage in the caudal part of the thorax and a bad fracture of the distal part of the Humerus. The staff at our hospital started working first on the thorax haemorrhage, which was really dangerous but after some medical treatments and two days of intensive care in the hospital we overcame that problem. On the third day, Charlie went into surgery to repair the humerus fracture. This type of fracture is one of the most challenging to repair in veterinary traumatology. Any errors in reduction and fixation, lead to decreased range of movement, abnormal wear, and joint degenerative changes. The conservative methods such as application of splint, result in an unreduced fracture, marked decrease in range of movement following healing and abnormal wear, giving rise to secondary osteoarthritis changes. Dr. Nicolas did the fixation with two bone plates that gives the highest percentage of successful results. One, larger (2,7mm), in the medial side of the humerus with 6 2.7 mm screws, and another small reconstruction plate 2.0 mm in the lateral part with 4 2.0 mm screws. The picture of Charlie was done just 7 days after the car crash. At that time he was able to walk properly and the range of movement was perfect. Now, several months after surgery, Charlie has a normal life and the owners have almost forgotten Charlie’s accident.
Myramar animal Hospital. Av/Santa Amalia s/n Fuengirola. 29640. 952588543 667433678 myramarhospital@hotmail.com
82 costa life
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>> costa STUFF
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SPAMFILTERS Have you noticed how much more spam arrives in your email these days. I spend too much time each day looking through an ever increasing amount of spam emails. If you have the same problem, I think you will just love the new anti spam filters in the new Microsoft Mail program. Microsoft mail is the email program that will replace Outlook Express. Having set up my new email program I am surprised how much more time I have on my hands. Most of the spam and junk mail (95%) gets automatically routed to a junk folder inside my email program so I can check if any real emails have been misrouted and junk that does go into my inbox just needs right clicking and the email address added to my spam list to stop it getting to my inbox next time. After two weeks of using Microsoft mail I hardly look at the spam folder and I have nearly an extra hour in the day. Look out for Microsoft Mail you will love it.
Is it time to upgrade your printer? We have just tested the new 5 in 1 multifunction printer from brother and it really is a space saver. It represents a high quality affordable colour all-in-one solution ideally suited to any home or home office. The Brother MFC-240C is a printer, photocopier, fax machine, scanner, digital camera interface and card reader. It prints photo quality prints direct from your PC or Digital camera. It has fast colour printing and speeds up to 25ppm black and 20ppm colour. The MFC-240C allows you to print rich vibrant borderless photos, with resolutions up to 6000 x 1200 dpi which will really show the fine detail of your photographs. Send and receive faxes, the built-in fax/modem allows black and white or colour faxing without your computer having to be left on and with the supplied automatic document feeder it holds up to 10 pages for unattended fax, scan or copy of multi-page documents. This printer has various Media card slots and prints photos directly from your digital camera’s media card or from your camera again without the need for a computer. The 4-cartridge ink system has separate cartridges for each ink colour which means you only need to replace the colour that’s empty. If you are replacing your printer, photo copier or scanner you must take a look at this printer it offers excellent quality, value and incredible space savings all at a reasonable price. 84 costa life
Is your computer still running slow? We may live in a fine climate but your computer needs special attention at this time of the year. Coast or Countryside there is dust everywhere. Your computer has several fans that are designed to keep things cool, but over the year these fans get clogged up by this fine dust. As this fine dust settles on the fans the harder they have to work to keep your computer processor cool. The harder the fan works the hotter the computer gets. As your computer gets hotter this can cause your processor run slower. So before the really hot weather it is an idea to blow out as much dust as possible either using a tin of air spray cleaner or get a professional to give your computer a spring clean. Clean out all the fans including the power supply fan and take special care when you clean the processor heat sink. One tin of compressed air spray is usually enough for one computer or laptop, although I would recommend that if you have a laptop that is running slow see a specialist.
WINDOWS DEFENDER ERROR In a recent article I advised you to download and install Windows defender from the Microsoft site. In a recent update some users experienced a Windows Defender error when starting their computers. You must deal with this or your computer will be vulnerable to an attack of spam. The solution is very simple. Just go back to the download site at Microsoft and download Windows Defender again then reinstall it. This should fix both the program and the error message that was displayed when you start your computer.
costa STUFF >>
Age Care Association - Costa del Sol Age Care Association is a fully registered non – profit making charitable organisation (recognised by the Junta de Andalucia) and is run entirely by volunteers. The majority of our work is dealing with older English speaking people living in the Province of Malaga. We offer welfare information and advice, practical support and emergency help and back up when needed (emergency telephone hotline 691 761 088 ). The Association also has a hospital and home visiting team. The telephone helpline is available to give advice, help and information on support services, homecare services, residential and nursing homes and any other problems concerning living on the Costa del Sol. All our clients can be assured that your problems will be discussed in absolute confidence. Many of our volunteers have had careers in the caring professions and therefore they are accustomed to being individuals who listen and give considered advice in a sympathetic and kind manner. Our volunteers can be contacted at Lux Mundi, Fuengirola-Tuesday and Thursday –10.00 to 12.30p.m. and at the Manila Bar Los Boliches – Wednesday 10.30 to 12.30. Also at the Bonanza Entertainment Centre Benalmadena – Tuesdays – 11.00 to 12.30 p.m. We also have a nine seater mini bus kindly donated by the Mijas La Cala international Lions Club which is used to convey housebound people on outings to widen their horizons. Like any other voluntary organisation we always need dedicated volunteers who are interested in and willing to spend time in helping older people. If any reader would like to volunteer please contact 952 447 637. At the present time we have three priorities. First, we are raising money so that we can increase our Nursing coverage.
Age Care Association recently held a Fashion Show at The Hotel Tamisa Golf in Mijas Costa. This was run in association with Hair @ Aztec and Karen’s Fashions .Prior to a superb Lunch an introductory talk was eloquently given by President Dr. Charles Betty concerning the current activities of A.C.A. A total of 140 people including models, hair and make up artists, dressers, M.C. and general helpers. Special mention must be made of Helen and her Staff from Hair @ Aztec who gave us their professional help and time to support the Charity. Also Judith from La Cala Lions who was caller for the models, and congratulations to Beverley for yet again a great job on selling the raffle tickets. It was a terrific effort by all those concerned.
La Cala Golf Resort, El Patio del Faro Restaurant, Inspirations of La Cala and last but not least the Hotel Tamisa Golf. We thank them all for their generosity and co-operation. Don Cameron Events and Social Organiser A.C.A.
Lesley Cameron Welfare Coordinator A.C.A.
We are delighted to report that the above Event raised a total of 2.087 Euros and was a hugely enjoyable day helped by the organisational skills of John Peach and his professional staff at the Hotel Tamisa. The amount raised would not have been possible without our sponsors and donors of raffle prizes and we would like to publicly thank them, namely , Dunnes Stores in Las Rampas, Hair @ Aztec, Karens Fashions, Alficasa Properties & Rentals, Boutique Yusra Leather Factory in Las Rampas, La Barella Café in La Cala, Suzanna’s Beauty Spot at the Centro Nordico, Crumps Restaurant in Fuengirola,
Our second priority is to establish a charity shop to supplement our income-any potential available premises out there please contact us ! Thirdly we are in the process of completing a comprehensive information guide and booklet as an advice and help tool. It is abundantly clear that people are living longer with possible health, social, emotional and community problems and needs. Age Care Association is doing as much as we can and with your help we can do much more.
costa life 85
Spring has Arrived! THE WINTER IS OVER AND A NEW SEASON HAS BEGUN!
T
he cold months of winter are gone and memories of sitting in front of a fire or venturing out with overcoats and scarves into the biting wind are fading. Those of us living on the Costa del Sol are enjoying again the wonderful warm weather, blue skies and the opportunity to gaze out at the Mediterranean Sea while we sip a refreshing drink.
Visitors from the grey shores of northern Europe try to make the most of every moment of their holiday, whether it is a brief visit or a longer stay. To wake up in the morning and see the sun shining seems to lift the spirits and the day ahead beckons us to enjoy its pleasures. But once we have lived in this climate for a while, we realise how precious the rain is. Sunshine day after day is marvellous but without the rain, plants die, animals suffer and the landscape becomes dry and barren. We need to be able to drink fresh water and, as natural wells start to dry up and water levels drop drastically in our reservoirs, we begin to understand the value of pure uncontaminated water. Having lived through some years of severe drought in this country, how wonderful it is to have a heavy downpour of rain that continues instead of drying up after a few minutes. We desperately need the life-giving water to fill the rivers, lakes and reservoirs. Having lived in Africa for most of our lives, we have often experienced severe droughts, dry cracked earth, seen animals dying in their thousands, crops failing and people suffering extreme hardship. When the rains come and the rivers start to flood, life is restored to villages and communities and the celebrations begin. Sometimes our lives can become dry and empty even when we spend every day enjoying the pleasures of life, having a good time, indulging
86 costa life
every desire we have and living it up with the good life. One day we suddenly realise that we are thirsting for something that will refresh us yet we don’t know what that is. We don’t really understand why we feel that way. Everything still seems to be great. We are still partying, meeting up at the bar for drinks with friends, discussing the affairs of life but it doesn’t seem to be as satisfying as before. To convince ourselves that life is still as full of fun as ever, we increase our efforts to have a good time. More parties, more drinks, more friends, but when we stop to think, that dry, parched feeling is still there. What’s happening? Why do we feel that way? We need the rain! We need to be refreshed with the water of life! You might be asking “What’s all that about?” if you have read up to this point. Well, there is a fountain of life-giving water, a river of living water available to everyone who is thirsty and dry. Jesus said, “….the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life ……..If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” (John 4:14 & 7:37,38) Just as the rivers here on the Costa del Sol begin to fill with water from the rain, bringing life to the country and its people, so this river of life will bring refreshing to your soul. As the brown countryside turns green and the spring flowers form a carpet of beauty, so the life of God can flood your soul, refreshing you and creating new hope within you.
Annette Riggall
All your local information for the costa del sol
>>
Useful info numbers, phrases and shopping tips that will aid your stay in Spain
88
>>
Indoor/outdoor activities
92
>>
Bars & Restaurants Sponsored by
95
Business Directory All your services and business needs in our comprehensive guide Sponsored by
99
BENALMADENA to MARBELLA
>>
Check it all out online at
>> costa GUIDE
Costa info is sponsored by
Useful numbers EMERGENCIES >> LOCAL POLICE Antequera Arroyo de la Miel Benalmádena, Málaga, Marbella & Ronda Coin Estepona Fuengirola Nerja Torremolinos
952 708 104 952 708 104 092 952 453 267 952 800 243 952 589 324 952 521 545 952 381 422
>> NATIONAL POLICE National Police
TRANSPORT >> 080 952 804 483 952 461 046 952 774 349 952 383 939
>> MEDICAL SERVICES Emergencies
061
>> AMBULANCE Fuengirola, Torremolinos, Málaga & Marbella
902 505 061
>> STATE HOSPITALS 091
>> GUARDIA CIVIL Guardia Civil
>> FIRE BRIGADE Benalmádena, Málaga & Mijas Estepona Fuengirola Marbella Torremolinos
062
Benalmádena Fuengirola Málaga Marbella Torremolinos
902 505 061 902 505 061 951 030 300 952 769 946 952 386 484
>> EMERGENCY LOCKSMITHS CostaLocks
>> BRITISH CONSULATE Calle Mauricio Moro, Pareta, 22nd Floor, MÁLAGA. Open 08:30 - 13:30 Enquiries 952 352 300
TOURIST INFORMATION Benalmádena Estepona Fuengirola Gibraltar Málaga Marbella Mijas Nerja Torremolinos
952 442 494 952 802 002 952 467 457 956 774 982 952 213 445 952 771 442 952 485 900 952 521 531 952 379 512
TOWN HALLS Estepona Fuengirola Gibraltar Málaga
952 801 100 952 467 625 952 774 902 952 135 000
Marbella Mijas Nerja Torremolinos
952 476 013
952 761 100 952 485 900 952 520 404 952 379 400
TOUR OPERATORS Airtours Cosmos Direct Holidays First Choice JMC Thomson
971 900 100 952 386 012 952 382 035 952 384 827 952 384 470 952 812 132
AIRPORTS Malaga Gibraltar
952 048 844 956 773 026
TAXIS Benalmádena Estepona Fuengirola Gibraltar Málaga Marbella Mijas Costa
952 441 545 952 802 900 952 471 000 956 770 027 952 327 950 952 774 488 952 476 593
BUS STATIONS Algeciras Alhaurin Benalmádena Coin Estepona Fuengirola La Linea Málaga Marbella San Pedro Torremolinos
956 654 304 952 490 709 952 443 563 952 450 366 952 802 954 952 475 066 952 172 396 953 350 061 952 764 400 952 781 396 952 380 965
TRAIN STATIONS The Coastal Service stops at every major town between Fuengirola and Málaga from 06:45 and 22:30 from Málaga 902 240 202 Call
LOST/STOLEN CREDIT CARDS >> Abbey National
1619516500
Halifax
8457203099
Allied Irish
2890330099
Lloyds TSB
1702364274
American Express
2072229633
Mastercard
1383621166
Bank of Scotland
1383738866
Nat & Provincial
1274331522
Barclays Bank
1604230230
Nationwide
1793543888
Diners Club
1252513500
Natwest
1132778899
First Direct
1132345678
Yorkshire Bank
1132424800
Girobank
1514721110
costa GUIDE >>
Qué ?...
?
>> Some phrases in Spanish to help you get by: Hola Hola, diga Adiós ¿Cómo estás? ¿Cómo está? Muy bien, gracias Buenos días Buenas tardes Buenas noches ¿Cómo te va? ¿Cómo le va? ¿Qué tal? ¿Qué hay? ¿Qué pasa? ¿Cómo te llamas? ¿Cómo se llama usted? Me llamo Chris Mucho gusto. Encantado Bienvenido, bienvenida, bienvenidos, bienvenidas ¿Dónde está ... ? ¿Dónde están ... ? ¿Por dónde se va a ... ? or ¿Cómo puedo llegar a ... ? ¿Está lejos? ¿Está por aquí? Estoy perdido (perdida if you're female) ¿Dónde puedo coger un taxi (un autobús)? Escríbalo, por favor. Hágame el favor de hablar más despacio. No entiendo bien el español. ¿Hay alguien que hable inglés?
Hello, hi Hello (on the telephone) Goodbye How are you? Very well, thank you Good day, good morning Good afternoon Good night How's it going? What's happening? What's happening? What's your name? My name is Chris It's a pleasure to meet you Welcome Where is ... ? Where are ... ? How do you go to ... ? Is it far away? Is it near here? I'm lost. Where can I catch a taxi (a bus)? Write it down, please. Speak more slowly, please. I don't understand Spanish well. Is there anyone who speaks English?
>> QUESTIONS ¿Quién?
(keeehn)
¿Qué?
(keh)
What?
¿Dónde?
(dohn-deh)
Where?
Who?
¿Cuándo? (kooahn-doh) When? ¿Por qué? (pohr keh)
Why? How?
¿Cómo?
(koh-moh)
¿Cuánto?
(kooahn-toh) How much?
¿Cuál?
(kooahl)
Which?
>>Spanish Facts >> Telephone: to make an international call from Spain, dial 00 and then add the country code (UK 44; USA 1; Australia 61; Canada 1; Irish Republic 353; New Zealand 64) and the rest of the telephone number minus the first zero if there is one. To call Spain from abroad, the country code is 00 34. >> Business hours: the normal opening hours for shops are Monday to Saturday from
around 10am until about 1.30 / 2pm. After siesta they reopen from around 5.30pm until 8pm or 9pm. Large stores usually stay open all day. Most places are closed on Sundays. >> Banks: generally open from 9am to 2pm from Monday to Friday, and from 9am to midday or 1pm on Saturday. Hours may vary in summer.
>>NUMBERS 12345678910 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 500 1000 -
uno dos tres cuatro cinco seis siete ocho nueve diez once doce trece catorce quince dieciséis diecisiete dieciocho diecinueve veinte treinta cuarenta cincuenta sesenta setenta ochenta noventa cien quinientos mil -
oo-noh dohs Trehs kooah-troh seen-koh sehees see-eh-teh oh-choh nooeh-bveh dee-ehs ohn-seh doh-seh treh-seh kah-tohr-seh keen-seh deeeh-see-sehees deeeh-see-seeeh-teh deeeh-seeoh-choh deeeh-see-nooeh-bveh bveheen-teh treheen-tah kooah-rehn-tah seen-kooehn-tah seh-sehn-tah seh-tehn-tah oh-chehn-tah noh-bvehn-tah seeehn kee-neeehn-tohs meel
... Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, with over 330 million people speaking it. ...
>> costa GUIDE
Costa Shopping
I
f you can drag yourself away from the beach long enough to venture out shopping, the Costa del Sol offers a wide selection of retail outlets catering for all tastes and budgets. From shopping malls such as La Cañada shopping centre in Marbella, La Colonia shopping centre in San Pedro de Alcantara and the new Myramar centre in Fuengirola to small boutiques and markets, there’s something for everyone. Along with those favourites from home, United Colors of Benetton and Dunnes Stores, Spain offers its own chain stores such as El Corte Ingles, Zara, Bershka and Oysho. El Corte Ingles is one of Spain’s leading department stores, featuring Spanish aswell as International designers. Zara and Bershka offer a wide selection of up to theminute fashions for men and women at high street prices. Oysho, one of my favourites, sells the best sexy/sporty underwear and nightwear. Marbella and Puerto Banus are where you’ll get the chance to really flash your cash, featuring stores selling Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, Gianni Versace and Gucci to name but a few as well as smaller boutiques selling lesser known designer wear. Most large stores open 10am till 9pm but many of the smaller boutiques will shut for siesta. Credit cards are accepted in all department stores and most shopping outlets. Proof of identity may be requested to complete a credit card transaction.
MARKET PLACES
L
ooking for a bargain? Try one of the open-air markets that most towns on the Costa feature. Leather goods, linen and ceramics are particularly good value but there’s always a very varied selection of goods on sale. Many of the markets combine antiques and new goods aswell as local fresh produce. On a Saturday, Fuengirola hosts the biggest flea market on the Costa.
MONDAYS >> Marbella weekly market (recinto ferial) Álora weekly market (village centre) Torrox (Plaza Almedina)
TUESDAYS >> Fuengirola (Feria Ground) Nerja weekly market (Calle Chaparil)
WEDNESDAYS >> La Cala market Estepona weekly market (Avda. Juan Carlos)
THURSDAYS >> Alhaurin el Grande weekly market (La Fama) Torre del Mar weekly market (town centre) Torremolinos weekly market (El Calvarío)
FRIDAYS >> Arroyo de la Miel weekly market (Tivoli World) Elviria weekly market (Banco Atlantico)
SATURDAYS >> Puerto Banus (Centro Comercial Plaza) La Cala market
SUNDAYS >>
SIZE COMPARISONS >> Don’t let being unsure about sizes impare your shopping sprees...
Shoes
Men’s Wear
Men’s Shirts
Women’s Wear
SP
UK
SP
UK
SP
UK
SP
UK
37
4
44
34
35
14
36
8
38
5
46
36
36/37
14.5
38
10
39
6
48
38
38
15
40
12
40
7
50/52
40
39/40
15.5
42
14
41
8
54
42
41
16
44
16
42
9
56
44
42/43
16.5
46
18
43
10
58
46
44
17
48
20
Estepona's second weekly market (Marina) Fuengirola (Mosque near Myramar) Málaga rastro (near the football stadium) Nerja car boot sale Sotogrande antique market (marina)
>> costa GUIDE your A - Z guide on
fun action &
INDOOR/OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
,
92 costalife
adventure
ADVENTURE TRIPS >> Natural Ronda Ronda +34 952 873 496 In the Natural Park of Grazalema, feautures walking, trekking, horseriding, mountain biking, canoeing, archery, cycling routes and all adventure sports. Fuengirola Jeep Safari Fuengirola +34 616 337 996 Paisajes Andaluces Malaga +34 952 060 656 / 659 266 333 Features Jeep safaris, Canyoning, Hiking, Walking and Mountain biking.
ANIMAL THEME PARKS >> Selwo Marina Benalmádena +34 902 190 482 Enjoy all the fun of the deep at Selwo's fantastic Marina. Fun and interesting.
also catered for with tasty flame grilled meats and a delicious selection of salads.
CABLE CARS >> Telecabina Benalmádena cable car +34 952 575 038 These cable cars leave from the Tivoli esplanade, crossing high over the motorway to the peak of the Carramolo mountain, from where one can view the entire Costa del Sol and the mountains of Africa across the Mediterranean on a clear day.
CASINOS >> Casino Marbella Marbella +34 952 814 000 Open everyday from seven til late, Casino Marbella features a wide choice of games such as Bingo, Keno, Roulette, Black-Jack and different kinds of poker.
CINEMAS >>
Gibraltar Dolphin Tours +34 956 680 741
GUN & COUNTRY CLUBS >> Marbella Gun & Country Club Monda +34 952 112 161 Features clay pigeon shooting, archery, air rifle target shooting, quad bikes, go-carts and jeep safaris.
The Hipodromo Fuengirola +34 952 592 700 Racing fans can enjoy the horse races at Mijas Costa from October to May on Sunday mornings from 10.30h/From June to September on Saturday from 23.00h. Racing lasts around approx. 5 hours.
Crocodile Park Torremolinos +34 952 051 782 With over 300 crocodiles, and featuring the largest crocodile in Europe.
HORSE RIDING >> Horsin’ Around Nerja +34 625 809 875 Situated in the National Park in Nerja, Horsin’ Around offers happy, healthy horses for all ages & abilities. Lessons are also given.
Selwo Adventure Park Estepona +34 952 792 150 At Selwo Adventure Park you’ll witness the wildest animals closer than ever, such as lions, Bengal tigers, elephants, giraffes and rhinoceroses.
QUAD & BIKE RENTAL >> Quad Rental Fuengirola +34 687 727 074
Fuengirola Zoo Fuengirola +34 952 666 301 Open from 10.00h to midnight during July and August, giving a chance to see nocturnal animals by moonlight. Otherwise open from 10.00h to sunset.
Rentaquad Fuengirola +34 676 771 120 Rentaquad tours will take you over the breathtaking views from the mountain tops down to the Mediterranean coast of the Costa del Sol.
BOAT TRIPS >>
Dawn Approach Fishing/Boat Trips Fuengirola +34 952 668 052 Based in the port of Fuengirola, Dawn Approach allows you to search for dolphins or simply relax and enjoy the view. A wonderful Sunset Cruise & BBQ is
Dolphin Safari Gibraltar +34 956 690 702 Dolphin Safari Spain specialise in dolphin trips in the Bay of Algeciras, to suit all age groups and tastes. They guarantee dolphins on every trip and cater for fun and educational trips alike.
HORSE RACING >>
Tivoli World Benalmádena +34 952 577 016 Tivoli world. Fun packed day or night out for the whole family at one of the coast's best theme parks and childrens fun fairs. open all year round.
Aqua Vista Fuengirola +34 952 666 601 Boat trip with submarine vision and dolphin trip.
DOLPHIN TOURS >>
Yelmo Cineplex Cinema 20 Ultramodern cinema screens, With a 20 screen cimema (showing some English films in English everyday), Times, 15.00h - Last session at 1am Malaga Highway E15
BCT Torremolinos Quad Rental Torremolinos +34 676 299 155 Active Adventure +34 952 599 164 / 687 727 697 Guided quad bike tours from 50 euros, all equipment provided.
costa GUIDE >> SCUBA DIVING >> Scuba Med Fuengirola Scuba +34 660 719 233 Scuba Tours Fuengirola +34 639 676174 Simply Diving Torremolinos +34 600 506 526
TENNIS CLUBS >> Marco Tennis Academy Marbella +34 952 83 17 39 Tennis Club del Sol Calahonda +34 952 939 595 El Madro +34 952 778 580 Lew Hoad Tennis Club Mijas +34 952 474 858
THEATRES >> Salon Varietes Theatre Fuengirola +34 952 474 542 Teatro Cervantes Málaga +34 952 224 109 Salla Marbella Marbella +34 952 825 035 Sala del Encuentro Marbella +34 952 825 035
WATERPARKS >> Parque Aquatico Mijas Fuengirola +34 952 460 404 Family friendly waterpark at the heart of the Costa del Sol. Open May through September. The park offers everything for a full day of sun and exciting water adventures. Great value. Aqualand Aqua Park Torremolinos +34 95 238 88 88
MUSEUMS >> Archaeological Museum Málaga +34 952 216 005 Archaeological Museum Nerja Caves +34 952 529 520 Located just outside the caves it contains artifacts found within the caves. Bullfighting Museum Mijas +34 952 485 248 This museum has received donations of costumes and capes etc. from famous bullfighters such as El Soro and Joselito. Cathedral Museum Málaga +34 952 220 345 Open Mondays-Fridays from 9.00h to 19.00h, Saturdays from 9.00h to 18.00h. Contemporary Spanish Sketching Museum Marbella +34 952 825 035 Engravings and sketches from different movements and artists of the 20th century. Miniatures Museum Mijas +34 952 485 900 Features a copy of The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci painted on a grain of rice. Museum of Fine Arts Málaga +34 952 218 382 Features an extensive collections of paintings, furniture and sculptures from the 13th century onwards. Includes a large collection of work by artists from Málaga. Pablo Ruiz Picasso Public Foundation Málaga +34 952 060 215 Situated in the house where Pablo Picasso was born. Pablo Picasso Museum Málaga +34 902 443 377 Open Tuesdays -Thursdays: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, Fridays - Saturdays: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, Sundays and Holidays: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. d.
costalife 93
ACTIVITIES The Activities available include Archery, Clay Shooting, Quad Biking, Air Pistols, Horse Riding and Scuba Diving -and you don’t have to have a go at all the activities in one day, you can carry on where you left off the next day.
CLUB RESTAURANT The Restaurant offers an innovative menu, featuring fresh fish, the finest quality meats, a good selection of vegetarian options and, if a full meal isn’t to your fancy, there is also a wide choice of light meals and snacks to be enjoyed in the bar area or out on the poolside terrace. The first of ten new superbly appointed Scandinavian log cabins is now ready for viewing. This first phase will be located close to the pool, patio, restaurant and boasts some of the finest views the club has to offer. Anyone interested in a viewing please contact the club to make an appointment. Opening Hours Activities - 10am to 6pm Club House - 10am to 7pm Restaurant - 11am to 5pm (open 7 days per week) Please call for further details Cuesta de la Herrera, s/n 29110 Monda, Málaga, Spain tel: 0034 952 112161 fax: 0034 952 112162
www.marbellagunandcountryclub.com
BARS
& restaurants Where to eat and drink along the coast.... Sponsored by
Photo courtesy of Aroma Restaurant - Fuengirola
BENALMADENA to MARBELLA
Beach
El Faro Fuengirola
Captains Bar
96 costa life
Km202
La Cala Marbella
Blancos Restaurant
www.barsinspain.com - (0034) 952 499 400
BENALMADENA to MARBELLA
Calypso, Calahonda Spit Roast, Kentucky style chicken Indian Gujerati style specialities, Kebabs, wraps, pasta + special curries
DAILY MENU FROM €4
Including soft drink We cater for vegetarians, parties and supply indian snacks to bars and cafes! Opening hours Mon - Fri 12 noon till 3.30pm and 6.30 pm till late Sat - Sun 6.30pm till late
If its finger licking it’s V ijays! Urb. Calypso between Barclays and Santander Bank
952 933 891 or 660 030 601 order in advance
www.barsinspain.com - (0034) 952 499 400
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Costa del Sol Business Directory
Welcome to the Costa del Sol Business Directory, your comprehensive source for all your business needs on the Costa del Sol...
AIR CONDITIONING >>
BATHROOMS & KITCHENS >>
ENVIROCARE Cooling, heating & dehumidifying. Quality installations. Service contracts available. Envirocare SL 952 663 141
TIM HART-W WOODS Kitchens & bedrooms. Free planning and design service, free quotations without obligation. Deal with the professionals. Camino Viejo de Coin, FUENGIROLA, call 952 667 370 or Local 31/32 Dona Lola CALAHONDA, (N340 KM 197 beach side) Call 952 935 159. info@thwkb.com
VILLASLOMAS AIR-C CONDITIONING All aspects of air-conditioing. Full installations/Pre-installations. Repairs and servicing. 952 453 917/652 558 454
ANIMALS & PETS >> MYRAMAR ANIMAL HOSPITAL Are you looking for the best animal care for your pet? For an appointment call 952 588 543 or emergency number call 667 433 678. www.myramarhospital.com
BRITISH FOOD SUPPLIERS >> COSTALESS For all your favourite groceries, Fresh, frozen, chilled and dry. Brands include Heinz, Birds Eye, Tetley, Youngs, Muller, Princes and Many More! Three great stores at Arroyo de la Miel, Centro Comercial Benavista and Calahonda. FREEZERMOR Your favourite British chilled and frozen foods now available in
Alhaurin el Grande. Plus a wide selections of mugs, dinner services, Kitchen utensils, tin openers, baking trays, potato peelers, acrylic glasses, dishes, gift ideas and much, much MOR‌.! Tel 677838830 Find us on: Avenida Blas Infante
CAR PARTS >> THE PARTSFINDERS.COM All vehicle international parts sourcing and supply. LandRover, Rnage Rover, Japanese & Korean, Prestige German brands, 4X4 and all terrain vehicles and much much more. Poligono Industrial La Rosa, Alhaurin el Grande 951 047 358 info@thepartsfinders.com www.thepartsfinders.com
CARTRIDGES (PRINTER) >> CARTRIDGE CONNECTION Refilling and remanufacturing of inkjet and laser cartridges. Refill while you wait. Inkjet & Photo paper. 952 494 360
CONSTRUCTION >> CONSTRUCCIONES DORADO DOG S.L. New builds, extensions, renovations, swimming pools, terracing, driveways, garden walls, advice on design. Fully legal and insured. 952 414 068 www.doradodog.com
COURIER & MAIL SERVICES >> OFFEX COURIER OFFEX COURIER,EASIMAIL, need a parcel collected in the UK? OFFEX offer a choice of services to suit your individual requirements. First and second class mail, royal mail parcel service, recorded delivery, courier and freight service, UK courier and parcel service and Worldwide courier. TEL: (0034) 952577816 FAX: (0034) 952561298 Email: mail@offexspain.com
www.barsinspain.com - (0034) 952 499 400
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DENTISTS & DOCTORS >> ARCO IDEAL D.r. Joachim Stickel, Orthodontist, 25 years experience.Choice of systems for that perfect smile. Individual assessments, personally optimised treatments, beautifully aligned teeth in the quickest time. Ceramic brackets, Invisalign and lingual brackets. First consultation free, easy payment plans available. Calle Ramon Gomez de la Serna, 22, Edificio King Edward(behind the needle on the golden mile) Oficina 409, 29600 Marbella. 952 866 571 fax 952 776 690 e-m mail: joachim.stickel@web.de CLINICA EUROPA DENTAL D.r. Kirstin Brorson and D.r. Lars Brorson. Established family dental practice. All the latest equipment and technology. All types of dental work carried out. Swedish dentists speaking English, Spanish, German and Scandinavian. open Monday to Friday, 10-8pm. Avda Gerald Brenan 37-2D, Alhaurin el Grande. Above Solbank, 2ND Floor next to Manzanares. 952 499 366 or 654 454 860
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CLINICA SANDALF Mr Alf Neuhaus Orthopedic Surgeon and Sandra Vincenti Chartered Physiotherapist. Treatment of arthritis and rheumatism. Joint replacements - Hip, Knee, Ankle, Shoulder, Diagnostic Ultrasound, Back and neck problems, Keyhole surgery, Hand and foot surgery and rehabilitation. 24hr Emergency service 656 313 293. Calle Pepa Guerra Valdenebros, 29631, Benalmadena 952 577 766 MARBELLA CLINIC World famous clinic for Plastic and aesthetic surgery, Breast augmentation, cosmetic surgery, Orthodontic treatment, lipo suction, sports traumatology, laser therapy. Calle Gladiolas, Urb Royal Garden, Marbella. 952 816 981 www.marbellaclinic.es
EXHIBITION & PUBLICITY MATERIAL >> EXPOSOLUCIONES SL Pop Ups, Roll Ups, Banners, Brochure holders, A boards, Expoline display system for windows and walls. Large format printing, Vehicle sign writing. CALL 952 963 597 www.exposoluciones.com
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HAIR AND BEAUTY >> THE RETREAT HEALTH AND BEAUTY Decleor facial and body treatments, massage, hot stone therapy, St Tropex tanning and waxing, Jessica manicures and pedicures, reflexology, Reiki and Indian head massage to make an appointment call Hannah Henley CIBTAC/CIDESCO 952 595 846 or 666 143 901 e-m mail theretreat_alhaurin@hotmail.com located at Apt 1B Vista Valle 3, Calle Charlot 14, Alhaurin el Grande
HEATING >> ENVIROCARE Gas Fires and central heating. Quality installations. Envirocare SL 952 663 141
INSURANCE >> CAMEWITH INSURANCE SL The expat specialists in Motor/Motorcycle, Home, Contents, Life/Health, Business, Travel, Marine & Pet insurances. Avda. Ricardo Soriano No35, Bloque A ID, 29600, Marbella. 952 765 079 or 637 442 215 Email: camewithinsurance@hotmail.com
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SANTALUCIA INSURANCE Specialists in Home, Business & Offices, Communties, Public Liability, Life, Funeral and Pet insurance For further information on coverage and a no obligation quote on any of Santalucia policies call 902 886 079 Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm
JEWELLERS >> CHIRINE AYOUBI JEWELLERY Bespoke jeweller and all your jewellery requirements. 952 897 266 or 647 154 077
PETS SERVICES >> POSH-P PETS-S SPAIN incorporating “Hair off the dog II” The English canine grooming salon & canine beautician training centre, pedigree pooches to Heinz 57’s. Also pet relocation specialists by land, small doggie hotel, English pet feed stockist & on-line designer pet wear. Call Rachel on 952 597 035 or 676 249 782 www.poshpets-sspain.com & click on links you require or email hairoffthedog2004@yahoo.co.uk
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You could advertise your business here for as little as â‚Ź180 per issue
VI-P PET WORLD SERVICES Kennels and Cattery, Worldwide pet travel, Vet service, Grooming parlour, Collection and delivery, Pet homecare. 902 301 002 www.vi-p pet.com
POOL HEATING PUMPS >> ENVIROCARE Swim all year round. Very low running costs. Envirocare SL 952 663 141
POOL ACCESSORIES & MAINTENANCE >>
TRANSPORT, REMOVALS & STORAGE >>
DEEP BLUE POOLS Katchakid pool safety net, is you kid safe? Katchakid has 100% safety record, 3 year guarantee. Deep Blue Pools, pool heaters/covers, pool tools,chemicals, springboards, slides, regualr cleaning pumps, filters. Prompt reliable service. Call 952 594 393 or 657 081 514. Email info@deep-b blue-p pools.com www.deep-b blue-p pools.com
WARM HORIZONS Ltd Local, National, European and international removals, storage and distribution. No job to big or to small Call (00 34) 952 499 337 or (00 34) 628 003 358 or email warmhorizonsltd@msn.com
GREEN DRAGON pool maintenance, chlorine free systems, repairs and problem solving, garden maintenance service also available. Call Ian on 650 200 040 or 952 455 282 SPLASH SWIMMING POOLS S.professional pool maintenance, new pool construction, renovations and repairs, quality pool furniture, great water games, inflatable rafts and islands, part packs, solar showers and more. Call 952 591 053
T-SHIRT PRINTING >> KESTRAL PROMOTIONS QUALITY PRINTING onto Polo Shirts, T-Shirts, Caps and other promotional items. Vinyl signs and A-Boards. +34 952 499 208/660 941 578
The Evangelical Christian Fellowship An oasis where the Word of God is preached and the love of God is shared
We welcome you to visit us and meet new friends! Sundays at 4.30pm Ermita San Miguel, Calahonda
www.ecfmijas.com tel: (0034) 952 467 394 or e-mail: fef@tele1.org Pastors Peter and Annette Riggall
www.barsinspain.com - (0034) 952 499 400
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La Cala Hills Apartment
La Cala de Mijas Apartment
Ref: 28262
Ref: 26024 Well located 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom apartment in Torreblanca walking distance to train station and beach, wonderful sea and mountain views, property also comes with 2 garage spaces. Very well priced property. Viewing recommended!! Built: 70m2 Terrace 15m2. Total 85m2
265.392€
188.680€
Ref: 28506
Mijas Golf
Ref 30258
Apartment
Fantastic offer for a large 2 bed 2 bath luxury front line apartment overlooking the new Golf Valley. Hot & cold Air-con, fully fitted kitchen. Communal pools & gardens. First quality materials & design. South West facing. Cheaper than from the Developer. Built: 93m2 Terrace 24m2. Total 117m2
Nice apartment on the Mijas Golf area. The property could do with some small renovation work but is in structurally sound, Communal Pool and Garden, Private terrace overlooking the pool. Orientation South. This property is sold fully furnished. Call for more information. 55m2 built, 7.5m2 terrace.
220.335€
161.220€
Ref: 30972
Apartment
Villa
Apartment
This 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom well groomed apartment is situated in the up and coming area just next door to Mijas Golf. The apartment comes with air conditioning hot/cold, satellite t.v, internet access, storage, underground parking, video entry, THIS PROPERTY FOR THE PRICE WILL NOT BE AROUND FOR LONG. IT ALSO COMES FULLY FURNISHED!!!! Built: 96m2. Terrace 20m2
Fuengirola
Francisco Lojilla
Torreblanca
Los Pacos
Apartment
Ref: 28744
Brilliant rental property in the heart of Fuengirola you are 150m walk from the beach and a 1 min walk to the famous fish ally, this property comprises of 3 good size bedrooms. The master bedroom has onsuite bathroom. This property is on the 2nd floor and has a sea view (just) from the terrace.
Beautiful new development in Los Pacos with fantastic sea and mountain views. The property has installed air-con in all rooms, communal pool and gardens, also there is a gym , sauna on the complex, the property has marble floors through out, Fitted kitchen, with bosh electrical goods, double glazing and a laundry room, alarm Includes parking. Built: 75m2 Terrace 20m2. Total 95m2
255.000€
241.831€
Ref: 30603
Lew Hoads Apartment
Ref: 30932
150m2 two storey Cortijo, quiet village, 9km from Montefrio. It needs only a little renovation. A typical style rural Spanish property with 4000sq mtr of land.
This elegant south facing 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom Apartment right next door to the Lew Hoad Tennis Complex is on the ground floor and leads straight onto the community swimming pool. The lounge area and bedroom are very spacious and it comes with communal satellite TV. This property is in a great location for holiday rentals.
126.000€
165.000€
Calahonda Duplex Apartment
Ref: 26962
185.775€
237.000€
Ref: 27115
Mijas Pueblo
Ref: 29672
Townhouse
End of terrace townhouse 3 bedrooms 1.1/2 bathrooms on small complex situated in a great location only 300 meters from the beach and just 75 meters from the shops and bars. This property does need a new kitchen and bathroom and a good paint all over, once done, this property would make a great holiday home with very high all year round rental potential. 118m2 built 15m2 terrace.
214.961€
257.953€
Ref: 29921
Apartment
Townhouse
Miraflores
This 2 bed, 2 bath penthouse has wonderful sea, Golf and mountain views, the property has two terraces, one of which is south facing and benefits from sun all day. It is difficult to find a property of this quality in the area. There is a bank valuation of €275.000 so obtaining a 100% finance should not be a problem. This property is being sold fully furnished. Built: 85m2. Terrace 15m2 Total 100m2
La Cala De Mijas
Re
Ref: 29941 This 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom Apartment comes with Communal Satelite t.v air Conditioning Hot/Cold Video Entry and is in a great location for rental potential. Its also just around the corner from Miraflores Golf Course. This Apartment is priced to sell!!! 83M2 BUILT. 12M2 TERRACE
Apartment
ed
Apartment
Very well priced duplex apartment. As you walk through the front door you come into the lounge to your right is the kitchen with an arch, also down stairs there is a toilet with shower room and storage cupboard. Up stairs consists of 2 double bedrooms and 1 bathroom. Front of the house is a small terrace with awning which has the sun on it for most of the day also has a little private garden for sun-bathing/BBQs. Nice community pool, very close to bars and restaurants and the beach, also very quite.
Riviera del Sol
c du
Miraflores
Miraflores Apartment
Ref: 30180
This 2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment is not only in the best phase at La Cala Hills but is also in the best block. The apartment has satellite t.v, internet service (free),air conditioning hot/cold, parking and storage, and also this apartment comes fully furnished. 100m2 built. 22m2 terrace.
Beautifull spacious apartment in Miraflores. The complex has immaculate gardens and two pools one of which is heated in the winter. Property is south facing and includes Store room, Garage and totally furnished to high quality. Alarm and Aircon fitted. 98m2 built. 30m2 Terrace
270,000€
284.823€
Ref: 27769 This lovely townhouse is part of a small well kept community sharing manicured communal gardens and large pool area. The house it self has been updated and extended by the present owners and makes a perfect home for younger families as well as a great vacation retreat. The +50 m2 terrace enjoys spectacular sunsets and views over the white village of Mijas, the breakfast terrace has the morning sun! Lock up garage and off road parking. Nearby access to public transport and minutes from Mijas , Fuengirola and Benalmadena. Bank Valuation 404.000,€ 100% Mortgage Available! Built: 125m2. Terrace 63m2 Total 188m2
349.314€
Riviera Del Sol Villa
Ref: 30186 Fantastic opportunity to purchase a front line golf Villa on Miraflores Golf Course, 3 bedrooms 3 ½ bathrooms., Lovely manicured gardens with private pool and garage. Aircon, large modern kitchen, 500m2 plot 280m2 built excellent views. 280m2 built, 500m2 plot
445.000€