Apartment
Duplex Apartment
Ref: 33207
Ref: 34673
Very well priced 2 bed 2 bath penthouse in the heart of Riviera Del Sol with large wrap around terrace wonderful golf & mountain views. The apartment comes with fully equipped kitchen, also offers underground garage and communal gardens and pool. This property is priced to sell as the vendors are moving back to the UK.
Stunning end of row townhouse in Marbella, great location 5 min walk to the nearest golf course, the property is set in a beautiful complex frontline beach, with beautifully done garden and pool with steps going down to the sea, as you enter the property you have your lounge on your right, the elongated kitchen straight ahead with access to the large terrace and dining room, in the midle of the lounge there is a staircase leading up to the bathroom, 3 double bedrooms with there own balcony, one of them en-suite, and if you carry on up the staircase you have a roof terrace with stunning views of the sea and mountains. Also storage and parking.
247,205€
427,773€
Duplex Apartment
Ref 33839
Ref: 32345 Location: Front line golf apartment this is a very bright and sunny 2 bed 2 bath duplex top floor apartment with wonderful views all the way down the golf course to the sea. This property has 2 terraces and sun all day long very nice complex with lovely pool area.
Lovely Spacious duplex apartment in Riviera Del Sol ,2 en suite bedrooms 3 bath, marble floors throughout, fully equipped kitchen ,designated car parking space, private garden, beautiful communal pool and gardens in a very quiet complex, sea views.
257,500€
268,701€
Apartment
Apartment
Apartment
Townhouse
Ref: 35242
Ref: 35147
Lovely apartment on a very quiet complex with huge communal pool and tennis courts, as you enter the property you have a open plan kitchen on your left a en-suite double bedroom on your right and straight ahead you have the lounge and dining area with access to the terrace. The property is south east facing with views of the communal gardens.
Lovely apartment on a quiet complex frontline beach with communal pool and gardens with access to the beach. As you enter the property you have a bathroom on your left, the kitchen straight ahead, on your right you have the bedroom and on your left hand side is the lounge which has access to the terrace with views of the sea. Walking distance to bars restaurants and supermarkets.
188,091€
166,595€
Ref: 33826 Lovely 2 bed 2 bath apartment with amazing views looking on to the Mijas golf course, really nice community pool and garden areas, garage and storage, also views of Mijas mountains.
204,213€
Golf Apartment
Ref: 33327 Beautiful brand new frontline golf apartment 2 bed 2 bath marble floors throughout large terrace looking over the golf course located in Riviera Del Sol. The Property comes with Underground Car parking and Storage also communal Pool. 225,709€
225,709€
Duplex Apartment
Apartment
Ref: 34701
Apartment
Lovely 2 bed 2 bath apartment located in a very peaceful complex next to the golf course in Riviera Del Sol. The property has lovely communal gardens, gym with Turkish bath and pool, garage, AC & heating, marble floors throughout.
236,457€
236,457€
Ref: 35426
Penthouse
Ref: 34929
Beautiful apartment with 2 bedrooms one of which en-suite, 2bath, set in a development specially designed for persons over the age of 55, it offers a clubhouse that has terraces with views of the sea, restaurant, bar, room for billiards and other games, meeting rooms, library, business centre and cinema. The facilities consist of a auditorium, outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, bowling green, occupational workshops, there is a spa with gymnasium, massage and physiotherapy room, sauna, hydro massage, Turkish bath, indoor swimming pool and dressing room. Also has 11,000 square metres of garden areas including ponds, irrigation channels and waterfalls, golf course.
Beautiful frontline beach Moroccan style penthouse with large terraces. Fully fitted kitchen, dormer en-suite master bedroom, at the other end another bedroom. Lounge with large terrace, BBQ and amazing views to the sea. Storage room to your right, to your left is a spiral staircase with access to a tower that could be used as a bedroom or just a place for entertaining guests, then theres another large square terrace with a Jacuzzi bath, also if you make your way back to the lift, go down 2 floors there is a gym with Turkish bath, sauna and Jacuzzi bath. If you go down another level you have the garage and on the bottom floor you have 2 bathrooms, access to the garden, swimming pool and the sea.
327,815€
580,395€
Townhouse
Semi Detached Villa
Ref: 33452
Ref: 33954 Brand new spacious semi detached villa in Sierrezuela 3 bed 4 bath with stunning 180º views of Mijas mountains and sea, private garden, pool and off road parking.
Lovely townhouse 3 bed 3 bath, frontline golf in Riviera Del Sol, golf & sea views, the property has a garden & a communal pool, roof terrace, and marble floors throughout. Quiet location.
591,143€
385,000€
Townhouse
Ref: 33650
First floor duplex apartment, when you enter the property you have the large kitchen straight ahead the lounge over to your left both with access to the terrace, on your left as soon as you walk through the door is the staircase that leads to the 2 double bedrooms each with there own patio, and bathroom. The property has a golf course next door, the beach which is on your doorstep and a large communal pool and garden.
Ref: 35356
Semi Detached Villa
Ref: 34037
Stunning villa on private landscaped garden with automatic irrigation areas. The property was finished in 2005, its in a great location with good views. Reception area, large lounge with fire place that has French doors leading to the swimming pool and garden, fully fitted Italian designed kitchen with views of the Mediterranean sea, 3 bedrooms the end one being the en-suite master bedroom, this property has wooden floors throughout, upstairs there is the tower bedroom with great views and a bathroom, also downstairs there is a studio, a games room and the garage which has enough room for 4 cars, also another 2 in the drive way, this property also has a alarm, safe and electric gates to plot and garage.
Stunning very spacious semi detached villa frontline golf in Riviera Del Sol, 4 bed 3 bath, fireplace, private garden and pool looking onto the golf course, large garage which could be converted into more living space, pre installed heating and air conditioning, roof terrace and video entrance.
908,211€
548,151€
contents
issue
27
costa culture
6
Ulvas grape expectations from Spain by Mike Wilkinson
costa getaways
8
COVER STORY Valencia las Fallas by Harvey Mann
costa companies
13
Local Business Spotlight
costa lifestyle
25 26 27 28 30 32 34
Mens Stuff Ways to boost self-confidence What Men Want What Women Want Hannah’s Beauty Tips Top tips to prepare your skin for Spring Helen Johnson Test your posture
COVER STORY Vitamins What do they do Health News Breathe deeper
costa homes
39 40
The House Doctor The House Doctor Alex, looks at ways to help sell that house
8 42 48 60 70
Obtaining a mortgage in Spain
COVER STORY Interiors The great escape Location Review Cartama - the hidden city Costa Business Advice Franchising as a business alternative
costa stuff
72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 87
Costa Profile Esperanza Ona Music Review Movie Review Costa Cuisine Showbiz Whispers Strange But True & Challenge
48
Animal Health Bytes & Pieces Spiritual Thought
guide to the costa
The revised Spanish tax system for dummies (part 3) Wealth tax and capital gains
90
32
94 98
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
101
All your services and business needs in our comprehensive listings Sponsored by Bars In Spain
Hello and welcome... to issue no 27 of Costa Life and a happy 3rd birthday to us and 2nd birthday for Country Life, yes, can you believe it? We are still here after three long, busy but immensely satisfying years. Any one who lives and works here on the Costa del Sol is aware that still being here after three years is a real achievement. We shall be celebrating in style with a staff bash at the Tamisa Hotel, which we are all looking forward to, already discussing what we ladies are going to wear! At last summer is here, May is one of my favourite months, you can stop swapping and changing your outfits to suit the weather, it’s just summer clothes from now on. Love it!!! It has been a funny old winter. Thank you for all the comments re our new Costa companies section which has received a round of applause from both readers and our clients. Nobody gives as much editorial and introducing new and existing business to our readers. It’s providing very interesting reading about life here in Andalucia and the many different ideas people have. In this issue Ronan and Lorraine where invited to interview the Mayoress of Fuengirola. Expats are notoriously absent when it comes to getting involved in politics here on the coast and we thought it a good idea to bring to your attention to what is going on re the up coming elections. It makes for interesting reading. Don’t forget to check out our new websites, they’re really coming together, www.ccfmradio.com www.costalifemagazine.com and www.countrylifemagazine.com. Enjoy the improved weather and see you in June.
the team
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 Web Master Mike Wilkinson Contributors Bars In Spain Casa Aymara Linda Christie Lydia Green Marion Harrington Hannah Henley Helen Johnson Jan Morley Dr J.S. Nicolas Numero Uno Cruella Parsons Annette Riggall Russell Vaughn Videonet Dave Wakelin Mike Wilkinson 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
Written By:
Mike Wilkinson
UVAS
Grape Expectations from Spain
mike@costalifemagazine.com
T
he Spanish boast that they have as many as 600 individual varieties of grape (or uva) growing throughout their land. Tempranillo, Garnacha, Airen, Bobal, Monastrell, Palomino etc. etc. So many varieties are there, in fact, that I won’t even bother to name any of them. The majority of them, oddly enough, are grown in the vineyards of wine producers for the production of wine which, as we know, is rather prolific in Spain. Just a small proportion of their harvest ends up as raisins or on the shelves of the fruterías.
Now… apparently, some hundred or so years ago, the grape farmers had a bumper crop and ended up with far more grapes than they knew what to do with at the end of the year. Rather than let them go to waste, a few shrewd farmers came up with an idea that eventually spread across the country and is now considered an ancient tradition in Spain. They claimed that if you want to ensure good luck throughout the coming New Year, eat a single grape at each chime of the midnight clock - one for each of the coming months. A glass of cava was later added to the custom to help wash away the twelve half-eaten grapes that you would end up with in your mouth after your twelve-second ritual. And, although it is only a fun ritual, most Spaniards are of the thinking that, if they don’t do it, then they will have bad luck throughout the coming year. It has become a necessity, and even theatre productions and movies are interrupted to carry out this custom.
I know these things now, but it wasn’t always that way… and my introduction to this Spanish custom actually occurred some thirty-five years or so ago. So gather round me people, and a story I shall tell. It was early of the hour of the afternoon of the eve of the new year of nineteen-seventy-two. [1:00pm 31/12/72]. I can recall it as clearly as if it were only yesterday. In fact, to be candidly honest, I can recall it an awful lot clearer than yesterday (my short term memory being prone to getting somewhat impaired when I’m out with that scoundrel Jack Daniels, if you know what I mean. At least, back then in ‘72, I knew where the cuts and bruises had come from). I was a mere 11 years of age at the time and my mother had charged me with a holy quest. Well, not ‘holy’ per se, but it was an honourable task that did not deem failure that had been placed upon my childhood shoulders, nonetheless. It was only two weeks prior that I had returned to my family home for the festive season after my first three months at ‘big boy’s boarding school’ and my mother was particularly proud of me at the time. There were plenty of years ahead of me and ample time for her to be able to reassess her feelings for me but, at this particular moment in time, she was a very proud mother. “At this particular moment, Michael,” she said to me at the time, “I am a very proud mother, what with you winning a scholarship to public school and all. All the girls at bingo keep asking after you, like ‘How are you getting on at your new school?’ and ‘Are you settling in all right?’ and ‘Do you get homesick?’ When they talk about you, they make your mother’s bosom swell with pride. Not to mention what they think of you at the WI.” “What do they think of me at the Women’s Institute?” I asked, with a potentially ego-stroking inquisitiveness. “I’ve just told you not to mention that.” she said, and continued. “With your father gone, you are the man of the house now. You are growing up so fast and I think I should start treating you as the little man that you really are. Your father and I, we used to do a thing on New Year’s Eve together that I sorely miss, and I have decided that tonight I will do it with my little man. How would you like to stay up until midnight and see the New Year in with me?” Midnight? Wow! That was lateness almost too late for my undeveloped little mind to imagine. (Yes, I know that kids nowadays are up until all hours, especially here in Spain, but I was brought up in the days when TV’s nine o’clock watershed did the job it was designed for, because all of the country’s children were all in bed by then.) So, this to me was really late. In fact, it was a full three and a half hours past normal lights-out. Three and a half hours! That’s equivalent to more than doublemaths and double-English periods, one straight after the other. That’s a long time. You don’t get two double-periods one after the other without a break in the middle... the schoolmasters wouldn’t want to overload our fragile little 11-year old minds like that. What if I fall asleep before the bewitching hour? What if I can’t hack it and let my mother down. Ohh... the pressures of being the man of the house, and my voice hasn’t even broken yet - am I ready for this? “I think you’re ready for this,” my mother continued, “but you need to pop up to the shop for me and buy us both some grapes.” “Grapes?” I asked. “What do we need grapes for?”
“For good luck.” she answered. “It’s what they do in Spain. Your father told me all about it many years ago and we used to eat one grape together each time Big Ben tolled at midnight on New Year’s Eve, which is why I need you to pop to the shop for me to buy some. But get small seedless ones though, will you, otherwise we’ll end up with a mouthfull of halfeaten grapes after our 12-second ritual.” My mother gave me a few bob (well, it was actually ‘new pence’, but decimalization of Sterling had only just occurred the year before and we still referred to a five-new-pence-piece as a shilling) so I jumped on my pushbike and set off for the village shop to fulfil my quest - only to be greeted with disappointment, though, as the village shop didn’t had no grapes in stock. “You’ll have to go into town if you want grapes,” the shopkeeper informed me, “but the last bus has just gone – and everything will be closed tomorrow, so you’re right out of luck.” “Right out of luck for the whole of next year,” I thought to myself. “Me and my mum both.” I left the shop and as I cycled back home to give my mum the bad news, my head was a myriad of thoughts. “The first time I’m asked to do something as a man and I let her down. I can’t let her down. I could cycle into town to get some, but it’s six miles away. At least we’ll have some grapes if I do, and then we’ll both have good luck all next year. How does eating grapes give you good luck anyway? Yes, I’ll cycle into town and then stay up all night because I’m the man of the house now. Maybe the luck thing only works if you’re in Spain. I hope I don’t fall asleep too early. I wonder if Mum will let me stay in bed in the morning? My bed, though. My bed’s a lot more comfortable than this one. And these sheets are cold. But that woman’s got really kind blue eyes. I wonder who she is. Hang about… what’s going on? Where the heck am I?” “He’s coming round.” said the nurse with the kind blue eyes. “It’s OK, Michael. Just lie still. You’ve had a bit of an accident.” A bit of an accident indeed. Although I had absolutely no recollection of what actually happened, there were plenty of eyewitness accounts that declared that I’d just cycled straight into the back of a parked lorry. I was obviously not paying attention to the road and was cycling at speed with my head down. A large lorry had pulled over to ask directions from someone. A large lorry that wouldn’t usually have been there… with its rear bumper standing at head height to a kid on a pushbike with his head down. And it was my head that connected with it. Hard. And that explained why I was now lying concussed in a hospital bed on New Year’s Eve with twelve stitches in my head and a fractured cheek bone. Isn’t it sometimes strange, the way things in life work out? I didn’t have to cycle into town that afternoon because I got a lift… albeit in an ambulance. I stayed awake all night purely because the pain of my injuries prevented me from sleeping, and the hospital shop had plenty of grapes (small seedless ones, to boot)… which I shared with my mum at midnight.
I had great expectations for the coming year.
H
ow would you explain to a Spanish person the subtlety of a song that goes like this? “You put your left arm in, your left arm out, in out, in out, you shake it all about. You do the Hokey-Cokey and you turn around, that’s what it’s all about. Oh Hokey-Cokey-Cokey, Oh Hokey-Cokey-Cokey, Oh HokeyCokey-Cokey, knees bend, arms stretch, rah-rah-rah.”
Alternatively, how about this other little gem of British eccentricity that goes like this… “Knees up Mother Brown, knees up Mother Brown, under the table you must go, Ee-aye, Ee-aye, Ee-aye-oh. And if I catch you bending, I’ll saw your legs right off; Knees up, knees up, don’t get the breeze up, Knees up Mother Brown.” Then you sing, “Oh my, what a rotten song, what a rotten song, what a rotten song; Oh my, what a rotten song” and then finish with a flourish, “And what a rotten singer too-oo-ooh.” Who was Mother Brown when she was at home?
Written By:
Harvey Mann
LAS FALLAS
You’ll probably get a blank dumbstruck stare and a shrug of the shoulders, as Paco, or Miguel, even Elena quite rightly exclaim: “You Briteesh are poco loco.” Hey! Hang on; after all don’t the Spanish have some of their own little eccentricities. They are the masters of getting up, clacking their heels and clicking fingers to the strains of a guitar; quite often with a man who appears to have arthritic hands and claps out a staccato rhythm as he utters high-pitched strangled sounds that, to our tender ears, sounds as if he has a serious touch of colic. Show me a Spaniard that can’t dance flamenco and I will show you a Morris Dancer who has lost his bladder. Las Fallas is a three-week extravaganza of excessive celebrations that gives the Bomberos of Valencia many nights of sleeplessness and anxiety. The legend of Las Fallas, according to historical records, is linked to St Joseph (San Jose) the patron saint of carpenters. It was thought to have started in the Middle Ages when, on the 19th of March, local carpenters would gather up all their spare wood and offcuts, piling them high in the streets and then setting them alight. The significance then, as now, is that the effigies are supposed to mirror the negative side of life and the idea is to expose and ridicule these negativities before they are incinerated, and at the same time the celebrations denote the arrival of Spring. From the beginning of March, huge sculptures, Fallas, many as tall as 15 metres or even taller, start to appear on the corner of streets and at crossroads. Many of them are grotesque caricatures; some are in cartoon style and are mostly made from wood, papiermâché and polystyrene. Directly after the fires cool down, the Falleros start to plan and build next year’s effigies. Often Fallas feature well-known personalities and international celebrities; some effigies make a political statement, and are of politicians or world leaders.
>>
>> costaGETAWAYS
Plaza del Ayuntamiento
Plaza de la Virgen
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciendas Valencia, with a population verging on 800,000, is the third largest city in Spain, founded on the banks of the Rio Turia by pensioned off Roman legionaries around 138 BC. Valentia, as it was then called, helped develop surrounding regions by supplying water through an irrigation system that the Romans had built. When the might of Rome collapsed, the Visigoths took over Valentia, until the Muslims expelled them in AD 711. The Arab leaders turned Valencia into a successful agricultural and industrial centre, with leather, paper, silks and ceramic industries; at the same time extending the irrigation system to deliver water necessary for farming in the rural regions. In 1094 during the reconquista, the legendary Castilian Knight El Cid briefly interrupted the Muslim dominance. (You may remember the 1961 film El Cid, starring Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren.) It was to be almost another 150 years after El Cid, when Jaime I retook Valencia in 1238, finally vanquishing the Muslims and incorporating the area into his growing Catalan Kingdom. Valencia’s golden age, without doubt, was the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, when it became one of the strongest trading cities of the Mediterranean. However, during the war of the Spanish Succession (1702-1713) Valencia supported the wrong side and, in retribution, the victorious Bourbon King, Felipe V, withdrew the Fueros or privileges that Valencia had previously enjoyed. Valencia once again backed the wrong horse in 1936 during the Spanish Civil War by becoming the seat of the Republican government.
10 costa life
These days Valencia is vibrant and stylish, and has plenty to offer its inhabitants and visitors alike. Bounded by the old course of the RioTuria, that was diverted in 1956 after flooding once too often, the oval shaped inner ring road of the Calles de Colón, Xátiva and Guillem de Castro traces the old city walls that were demolished to create jobs in 1865. Within the oval are three major squares: Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Plaza de la Reina (also known as the Plaza de Zaragoza) and Plaza de la Virgen. The oldest quarter of the city is the Barrio del Carmen. Southeast of the city centre is the massive Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciendas, built on 350,000 square metres of the old Turia riverbed, which claims to have more than 4 million visitors each year. Among the many places to visit is the Hemispheric, housing a Planetarium, an IMAX cinema and a laser show. The highlight of the complex is the Oceanográfic which is the largest of its kind in Europe, with polar zones, a dolphinarium, Red Sea aquarium and a Mediterranean seascape, and with an underwater tunnel that stretches 70 metres so that you are able to get close up and personal with thousands of different species of sharks, sting rays and giant eels that swim above your head. Close by is the Palau de les Artes, a multifunctional arts complex built in a style of a giant mollusc. If architecture is your passion, make your way to the Plaza del Mercado, with two magnificent buildings, each a masterpiece of its era. Go inside the fifteenth century gothic Lonja that was an early Valencian commodity exchange, with its striking colonnaded hall. For the modernist, there is the covered Mercado Central built in 1928, a mixture of colour and smells; next to it is the
costaGETAWAYS >>
Mercado Central
Torres de Serranos
Mercado de Colón, once a thriving market and now just as busy with fashionable boutiques and cafés. The Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart are imposing gates that are the final remains of the old city walls. The Torres de Serranos were built in the fourteenth century; this is the gateway to Barcelona and the north. The Torres de Quart, built in the fifteenth century, face Madrid and the setting sun. Look up and you can see the pock marks made by cannonballs during the nineteenth century invasion by the Napoleonic army. The Plaza de la Virgen is on the site that was once the forum of Roman Valencia. Here stands the Romanesque Cathedral. The dome, tower and Puerta de los Apóstoles are gothic style, while the presbytery and main entrance on Plaza de la Reina are baroque and, just to complete the architectural kaleidoscope, inside are Renaissance chapels. If you like parks and gardens, you have a choice of several good ones. The Jardines del Turia are a nine kilometre long green oasis formed in the bed of the river Turia, with playing fields, jogging paths, fountains and trimmed lawns, and close by is a giant-sized statue of Gulliver which allows the kids to practise their climbing. Then follow onto the Jardines del Real also known as Los Viveros; a stroll through here gives you a tranquillity long cherished. Lastly try the Jardín Botánico, established in 1802 and said to be Spain’s first botanic gardens and is a paradise of mature trees and plants, with an unbeatable cactus garden.
Torres de Quart
If you are a sun worshipper, Valencia’s city beaches are perfect for stripping off. The broad Playa de la Malvarrosa, running into the Playa de las Arenas, are both bordered by the Paseo Maritimo, a promenade with a good selection of restaurants. Another nice beach that skirts the south of the city is the Playa El Salér, which is shrouded by a shady forest of pine trees. For lovers of nightlife, Valencia has it all. Known locally as La Movida (the movement) that is how Valencianos call what is going on in the city between Friday evening and some time Sunday morning. The Teatro Principal is Valencia’s main venue for opera and the Palau de la Música is a huge glass domed concert hall that stands above the Jardines del Turia and hosts many classical concerts. Along with numerous nightclubs and live music venues, anyone who suffers from insomnia will be able to fill in the night time spaces with plenty of action. If football is your game then visit the Valencia Club de Fútbal. Here you can see the silverware they’ve collected over the years. If you feel that way inclined, finish off your visit with the purchase of a scarf, woolly hat, and maybe even a football shirt.
>> costa life 11
>> costaGETAWAYS The final preparations continue for the Fallas de Valencia as, from the 10th of March at 2pm every afternoon and over the next nine days, there are firework displays and something called the mascletá, that sees a stockpile of firecrackers and high explosives fireworks set off in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento in a deafening five-minute period. Quite often afterwards you will meet people wandering the streets, temporarily deafened, dazed and covered in a white powder residue given off by the explosions. The Falleros become more animated in their preparations, with rapid machine gun chatter as they put the finishing touches to their Fallas. It is not only the adults that are busy; children compete to display their entries in the Ninot Infantil exhibition. With so many poor and unfed people in the world, I have often wondered about how much money goes up in flames when Guy Fawkes is celebrated in Britain. Like the British, Valencianos do not stint on the cost of the effigies or the fireworks. It is claimed that one of the most expensive Fallas in the past cost as much as 120,000 euros, bearing in mind that sometimes as many as 370 effigies go up in flames on the final night. Around the clock, festivities heighten during the days leading up to the finale. Cafés are heaving with people, and tapas bars, restaurants and street stalls dish out the local gastronomic delights of meats, soups, cheeses, seafood and churros and, of course, one of their favourite dishes, Valencia was the birthplace of paella, the famous seafood and rice classic. There are numerous street parties with women dressed in traditional costumes, paella cooking competitions, open air concerts and firework displays, with what the locals call the Cocktail, a mixture of lights, gunpowder, flowers, music and local costumes, as Valencianos live up to what they believe themselves to be: the pyrotechnical capital of the world.
12 costa life
Finally midnight arrives on the 19th March and all hell breaks loose as the effigies are torched, and once again the night sky gives way to a multitude of explosions and a riot of colour, as a fireworks crescendo explodes above the city. This is the way Valencianos simply enjoy their version of a British knees up. However, it just doesn’t just end with that big bang; the Fallas are quickly followed by Semana Santa week in April with elaborate religious processions. Then on the Sunday after Easter another fiesta, the Fiesta de San Vincente Ferrer, when a host of colourful parades and miracle plays are performed around the city. However, it still does not finish there: this year, from 23rd June to 7th July, Valencia is hosting the world famous yachting extravaganza, the Americas Cup, when thousands of spectators, competitors and their families arrive. Valencianos will see the spectacular sights of seagoing ocean racers as they compete for one of the greatest prizes on earth. The Americas Cup will become another excuse for Valencianos to do their version of the “Rodillas Subes Madre Marrón” or, as we British know it, “Knees up Mother Brown”. For further information on the internet, try www.turisvalencia.es or www.fallas.com or www.americascup.com.
>> costa COMPANIES
Local Business Spotlight
14 17 18
Designs of Asia
20 22
>> costa COMPANIES
Designs of Asia... ...established in 2003, now find themselves one of the Costa del Sols leading manufacturers and importers of Furniture from India and Asia. Having their main warehouse ideally located at the Poligono Industrial La Rosa in Alhaurin El Grande, just 30 minutes from the city of Malaga and Marbella town, Designs of Asia are easily able to distribute throughout the Costa Del Sol. You can also find their furniture in the Vitro Glass Centre in Fuengirola, on the Mijas Fuengirola road. With over 20 years experience manufacturing and importing furniture Jerry Fettroll, owner and manager, is able to add an interesting twist to the furniture market enabling the ability to offer his products for both wholesale and retail. Having the facility to order individual pieces for retail customers and arranging containers of furniture for wholesale clients. Jerry and his family have lived on the Costa Del Sol for over 4 years. His wife Michelle works with him in the business and they have 2 daughters. The whole family love Spain and the Spanish culture. Michelle as well as being his right hand is also an avid equestrian and enjoys nothing more (on her rare few hours off) than to go trekking on her horse. This is when she is not helping in the business or taking their 2 girls too extra lessons in sport, they excel in water polo. Jerry, also employs a very able assistant by the name of Leila. She deals with both the ordering and selling as well as all admin duties. Her computing skills are invaluable to such a fast moving international trading company such as Designs of Asia. She is in constant contact with India, Indonesia and China. Specialising in individually handcrafted hard wood furniture, no pieces are completely identical. The majority of products are made from Sheesham wood from the Western Province of India known as Rajasthan. The stunning grain of the wood enhances the luxury feel and look of the item. The ranges differ from a more chunky robust “Rustic” range to a strong simple modern line of the “Solo” range. The popular “Jali” range with stunning metal lattice work integrated within doors and panelling offers style and individuality as well as complimenting the traditional feel of the Spanish home. Alongside the 14 ranges on offer clients are uniquely able to order furniture to their own design and measurements. Whether it be an extra long dining table, extra large bed or extra wide tv unit – anything is possible!
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costa COMPANIES >>
Back by popular demand as summer approaches Designs of Asia is stocking their exclusive “Woven” range. Sofa Suites manufactured and imported from Indonesia, comprising of 3 seaters, 2 seaters and armchairs as well as dining chairs made from natural materials such as Sea Grass, Rattan and Banana Leaf make them ideal for outdoor terraces or indoor living. Arriving in May 2007 is Designs of Asia’s new “Mosaic” range. Three stunning styles comprising of a table and two chairs ranging from classic to modern will compliment any terrace or patio- starting from only 150€. They are easily stored, because they all fold away and take up very little space. Luxury home and apartment packages are also available. From as little as 2900€, a one bedroom apartment package would include a double bed and mattress, 5 drawer chest of drawers, 2 bedside cabinets, tv cabinet, coffee table, dining table and 6 chairs, 2 seater sofa and two armchairs. The packages can be tailored to individual customers needs and all the furniture included is of the highest specifications.
Make your home as individual as you by contacting Designs of Asia at www.designsofasia.es or e-mailing info@designsofasia.es. Ideally visit them at Poligono Industrial La Rosa, Alhaurin el Grande, just north of Malaga. They are always happy to see you. Opening hours: 10am and 2pm or 5pm and 8pm Mon to Fri, 10am to 2pm Sat. Tel: 952597070.
Add a splash of colour to your Spanish home with Designs of Asia’s huge range of both abstract art and pop art available now! Get down to their main warehouse in Alhaurin el Grande quickly to make the most of their buy one get one free offer! They are selling fast. A free delivery service is offered for those that live locally. Designs of Asia bring the romance of the Orient to the Mediterranean, with styles that suite both rustic and modern surrounds.
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Swimming Pool Leaks Explained How do you tell if you have a leak? Topping the pool up more than once a week. Excessive use of chemicals with a self filling pool. Poor suction on hoover or skimmersAir in pre filter and in returned water. A swimming pool should only lose 1 inch of water in a week, even in summer. However factors such as the number of bathers using the pool can have a dramatic effect on water loss. Each time a person gets out of a pool, around 20 litres of water is lost. A pin hole size leak in a pressure pipe can lose up to 500 gallons of water a day! This amount of water is not only costly in money terms, but it can lead to subsidence and eventual structural problems with the pool. In most pool leaks there are no signs of the water, as it drains into the ground. The water normally drains straight down into the ground following the side of the pool. This is normally because the ground has been back filled and is unstable. It costs about 400â‚Ź to fill a 10 x 5m pool from the mains.
important when contemplating digging up a patio! It is important to record how much water is lost and over what period of time. Leak detection is expensive, so the more info you can give us on the symptoms will reduce the cost for you the client. Repairs are difficult to quote for because until the ground is excavated, we don’t know what the problem is or how long the repair will take. Once we have dug up to find the problem then we can quote for the repair. Normally the repair itself is relatively cheap as it is normally a broken joint. WHAT IS INVOLVED? Detailed inspection of the pool for problems, or areas of concern. Check integrity of the selector valve and the waste pipe. Dye test light fittings, other fittings and any
visual cracks. Pressure test all lines- skimmer, hoover, main drain and return. (done without having to drain the pool)* Pressure testing is first done with water pressure, to establish the leak, then we use compressed air. Once the source of the leak is found, we then pinpoint the exact location using state of the art electronic devices. We are often asked how long this will take. As a rough guide, it will normally take between 3 and 5 hours, although much is dependant on the pool. MOST COMMON LEAKS Leaks in the return pipe near to joints. Skimmer baskets due to chlorine corrosion, skimmer return pipe due to chlorine corrosion, light fittings, faulty multi valve.
This is a section of pipe that was part of the return feed to the pool. The damage was caused by a reinforcing bar sticking out of the concrete structure of the pool. When the ground was back filled after construction it forced the bar into the pipe, causing the leak. This pool was losing about 8 inches of water per week. This is where the problem was. The patio covered the whole run of the pipe! Imagine the scenario if we had to just dig and hope! Leaks in swimming pools are extremely difficult to pin point, as pipes often run under patios or through gardens. Matters are often complicated as there is no sign of surface water. This is because the water nearly always runs down the out side of the pool, following gravity and into the ground. Our leak detection system uses a state of the art pressure testing and listening system to be able to narrow leaks down to within a 1/2 metre radius. This is particularly
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Sue had not expected Larry to leave her forever that day. Life in Spain was too good to imagine that death would fall on that warm sunny morning. Larry was smiling though, from his place in the sky. He had prepared for that three years earlier when only 49 years old. He knew what having to deal with sudden death meant for the people left behind. Overcome by shock, sadness and grief, loved ones have to make immediate decisions, at the same time as finding the funds to carry them out. He wanted them both to be able to cope with the situation arising, and to cause them as little stress as possible. They decided the best way was to have a professional company deal with all the funeral arrangements. They initially enquired with a couple of British companies claiming to offer this kind of service, but found that what they were more or less expected to do was pay for a funeral upfront, something they could not afford to do. They then heard from a Spanish acquaintance that a policy to cover funeral arrangements is a standard thing to have amongst Spanish people. The Spanish way was very different cost-wise to what they had been offered by the British companies. Rather than pay lump sums upfront, deposits and high monthly rates, in Spain people pay the same amount monthly for the rest of their lives. It is not uncommon for couples to add a new-born child to their policy for an extra 2₏ per month, rather than risk something happening and not having the 3.500₏ to pay for it. After having established the type of service they wanted, and agreed the cost was reasonable, they took out Santalucia´s Family Assistance insurance policy.
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costa COMPANIES >> All Sue had to do on that sad sunny morning, was to call the 24 hour English-speaking SOS emergency central line to have all the arrangements taken care of from start to finish, and did not have to pay a cent. Quite a difference to the kind of day she would have had, had her husband not had the foresight a few years earlier. Santalucia´s Family Assistance policy covers not only costs and arrangements concerned with the death of a person, but has many benefits during the lifetime of the policyholder too. Larry was able to have all the medical costs for Sue reimbursed when she was taken ill on a holiday in the Far East, just weeks after taking out the policy. However, had Sue been away on business alone, as often is the case, Santalucia would have arranged and paid for Larry to fly out and be with her at her hospital bedside until she’d made a full recovery. Only 18 months ago, whilst on a skiing trip in Austria, Larry suffered from a burst ear-drum and was advised by doctors not to fly home on the intended date of return. Their return was delayed by a week, but luckily their unforeseen extra costs for accommodation and other related expenses were met by Santalucia on their return. In the three short years Larry was a policyholder, he was able to only make use of a couple of aspects of the policy’s cover. Nevertheless, Sue continues to pay her share of the policy, knowing that her son James will not be suddenly burdened with the stress of flying over from the UK at very short notice and arranging and paying for her funeral service in a country he doesn’t really know. She also feels safe in the knowledge that on future trips abroad, Santalucia will always be at her side; whether it’s to send a specialist doctor to the other side of the world for her, sending her special medication if not available in a particular country, or even arranging her early return from her holiday should any emergency arise. Should a policy holder be the parent or guardian to a minor, Santalucia also provides a nanny for ten days if any of the above mentioned situations arise. As far as bureaucracy and the paperwork to be processed in the event of the death of a person in Spain, Santalucia deals with it all, including the obtaining of documents (Certificate of Death, Certificate of Will), as well as offering extrajudicial advice on inheritance, other insurances covering the deceased, changes of ownership and claims against third parties. The cost of the policy to Sue and Larry over the past three years had been 20€ per month for both of them, and has now decreased proportionally since Larry´s passing away. It also included 12.000€ accident insurance, which can be contracted in multiples of 6.000€. The maximum age limit for Santalucia´s Family Assistance policy is 70 years or 75 years if another person is insured on the same policy and there are no medical examinations to attend. Santalucia is one of Spain’s longest established Spanish insurance companies. Established in 1922, it currently has around 600 branches nationwide and as far as assistance and claims go, is pretty much bilingual. Below are some examples of premiums for the Family Assistance policy: A 65 year old couple wishing to have a burial service in Spain…… 45€ per month A single 40 year old wishing to be repatriated to the UK and a cremation service there…... 14.76€ per month A family of four (35yr old parents, 10yr old child, 6yr old child) opting for a cremation service in Spain…… 19.17€ per month FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON COVER AND A NO OBBLIGATION QUOTE ON ANY OF SANTALUCIA´S POLICIES CALL 902 886 079 (Mon – Fri 10am to 6pm)
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S
ince Sleepwell Bedrooms has arrived here on the Costa del Sol, they are without doubt the biggest bed shop in the south of Spain. With more than 2,500 square meters spread over three locations, you will find the largest Selection of beds on display providing a one stop shop for your bedroom needs.
Bed Selection It is true that we spend one third of our lives in bed. We depend on sleep to recharge our batteries, both physically and mentally. Experience and Research have proven that a good bed makes a vast difference to our sleep quality, and in turn it is reflected in our health and wellbeing. If you do not sleep well because your bed is not providing the comfort and support that you need then you will enjoy life less, and it is you and those closest to you who will suffer. A good bed is often the solution to poor and restless sleep. A good bed is one that will give you the comfort and support that is necessary for a good sleep every night. However, we are all different and what is right for one person may not suit another, therefore it is important to “try before you buy”. Do not be embarrassed to remove outdoor clothing and lie on a selection of beds until you find the one that feels right for you, (at Sleepwell you will be encouraged to do this). Also adopt different positions because on average we turn and change position between 60 and 70 times. Sleepwell Bedrooms is not only different in respect of the variety of beds, but also they offer a range of sizes unrivalled anywhere on the coast. They offer as standard 90, 135, 140, 150,160 and 180cm wide, and lengths of 180, 190, 200, 210 and even 220cm for the taller of us, as you can expect nights of uncomfortable sleep if your bed is too narrow or too short In the showrooms you can choose from many different styles such as rustic, timeless, romantic and modern to name but a few. Also there is a wide variety of space saving beds like storage beds and kangaroo beds. There is also an ample range of children’s beds, bunk beds and single beds.
Better nights better days The most important thing to start the day feeling alive and fresh is a good nights sleep. Nothing is so unpleasant as to wake up in the morning with back ache, neck ache or to wake up feeling unrefreshed. In many cases you can improve and even solve these problems just by changing your mattress. If your bed is more than 10 years old, then it is likely that you are not getting the comfort that you need for a good and healthy nights sleep. An old bed can also be home to thousands of dust mites, which can be responsible for irritating conditions such as asthma, eczema and other such skin problems. Don`t forget that you will spend about 29,000 hours in bed during it’s lifetime and this is why your mattress is very important.
What is the price of a good nights sleep Buying a bed is one of the most important decisions in to make, so it is worth taking the time to invest your money wisely. You can pay anything from €350 to €10,000 for a double bed. As a general guide about €800 and upwards will give you a good choice from the main options. If that should sound a lot then it is worth remembering the 29,000 hours that you will expect to be spending in your bed over the course of its lifetime. Another point to consider is that a good quality double bed will only cost you about €0.15 per night throughout the average period of its life.
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Mattress Selection
Service
Because you don`t buy a mattress every day and the technology has improved so much in the last few years, it now requires a lot of research to ensure that you SLEEP WELL.
Sleepwell Bedrooms provide a local free delivery service and has a dedicated delivery team. Your beds will be assembled professionally. In the event that your property may not be ready, you can purchase with confidence that Sleepwell will store your beds for you at no extra cost, until such time as you are in a position to take delivery.
The Sleepwell Bedroom buyers have done this for you, and spent a lot of time researching and selecting a range of mattresses. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly and only too happy to help and advise you to find the mattress which best suits you. The technical area in the show rooms has the full range for you to try at your leisure. Interior spring, pocket spring, latex and memory foam mattresses, in all sizes and price ranges. For people who suffer from back problems etc, there are orthopedic mattresses like Tempur and Komfi which are supplied to the hospitals throughout Europe and recommended by the medical profession.
Sleepwell Bedrooms are aware of the all too often inconvenient shopping times in Spain where most shops close for siesta, they even open the 2 mega stores in San Pedro and in Mijas all day from 10.00 to 20.00. Don`t think of Sleepwell Bedrooms as just another bed shop they are much more than that, they make bed buying a pleasurable experience. With a reputation for both, quality and service, as well as the extensive choice, and friendly welcoming and knowledgeable staff, then it is little wonder that Sleepwell Bedrooms has become known as the leading beds specialist on the Costa Del Sol.
Sleepwell Bedrooms are very proud to have been selected as the Exclusive dealership for Komfi here in Spain. Viscoelastic (memory foam) is one of the most exciting addition to the materials used in mattress production for many years, providing an alternative to the traditional sprung mattresses. Viscoelastic was originally recognized for its properties allowing it to redistribute the “g� force suffered by astronauts during take off and re entry and it is these properties that visco elastic makes for a comfortable and supportive mattress.
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H
ydrasol Systems SL based in Alhaurin El Grande is a Spanish SL company which offers clients efficient reliable choices for there home improvement needs. Hydrasol is very much a family concern and Glenn and Lynn Clark have been building the business in Spain for 5 years
Although Glenn had his own successful engineering company for over 15 years in the UK the couple have had to learn by trial and error the best way to do things here in Spain. “At first it was very difficult to get anything done but 5 years on we have built up a number of contacts with excellent Spanish and English suppliers who we know will deliver the quality we need and won’t let us down. We also work with a very good architect and a panel of solicitors to ensure everything is done properly and legally.” “When we first came here British Builders can a very bad reputation but thankfully that is changing. We are one of a growing number of British companies here for the long term, living and working here legally and building businesses that clients can trust. We feel our success comes from listening to clients and working with them to ensure they have complete confidence and peace of mind. We concentrate on two core business areas, Swimming Pool Construction and Property Reform. For the majority of people in Southern Spain a pool is essential. A well designed pool becomes the focal point of your garden and the hub of your summer social life. It can significantly enhance your enjoyment of the Spanish lifestyle as well as increasing the value of your property. Hydrasol appreciate that a pool is a major investment and the most important considerations for clients are a high quality construction, an attractive design and excellent value for money.
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All our pools are steel reinforced concrete and come with high quality pump and filtration systems .We can also offer pool heating, solar pool covers, safety covers, and pool alarms so you can enjoy your pool with complete peace of mind. For those looking for something extra we can also provide Jet Stream systems, Hydro spas and Hot Tubs for domestic use or to enhance the facilities of small commercial properties. Many people buying in Spain fall in love with properties in idyllic locations but find that their dream home needs a little (or a lot) of upgrading to get it to the standard of comfort they were used to in the UK. Hydrasol offer a full building service for all reforms extensions and home improvements. Whether it’s a full reform, a new kitchen or bathroom, a garage or simply some outdoor terracing Hydrasol can help When you choose Hydrasol for your project you will have complete confidence and piece of mind. We provide free no obligation site visits, written quotations and full guarantees on all work and references on request. For a quality job at a sensible price call Hydrasol
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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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opens ex-pats eyes! G
lasses wearers in the Costa del Sol will be seeing even more clearly with the opening of Specsavers Opticians first store in the Costa del Sol.
As anticipated, the new store is already proving extremely popular since it opened in January with the thousands of ex-pats who live on the Costa del Sol, many of whom already buy their glasses and contact lenses from Specsavers when they return to the UK to visit friends and family. The store is led by husband and wife team Amrik Sappal and Judy Borland. Both are fully qualified optometrists who have already run their own very successful Specsavers store in Scotland for the past ten years. They had holidayed in the Costa del Sol many times and often thought that this would be the perfect location to open up a store. Now their dream has become a reality. Says Amrik: ‘The response of many of our customers has been truly amazing and we have been welcomed wholeheartedly by the large ex-pat community with people travelling to us from Torre del Mar to Gibraltar. ‘We have already been run off our feet, which is fantastic as it proves what we already knew – that our ability to passionately provide fashionable affordable eyecare for everyone is just what this area needs. ‘Because Specsavers is so well known and trusted in the UK, undoubtedly most of our early customers are British people who live in and around Fuengirola. Our
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store therefore looks and feels like the stores that they are familiar with in the UK and offers the same quality of eyecare that they are used to. We also offer the full standard British eye examination by a qualified optometrist and the same wide choice of frames and everyday low prices associated with Specsavers. ‘We also firmly believe that the Spanish will love the Specsavers concept – like specs wearers everywhere, they want low clear prices, good quality, a wide range of fashionable glasses and excellent eyecare. Whether you are British or Spanish, it’s very difficult to find that combination in the Spanish market at the moment. Three of our staff are bilingual and so we are gaining a lot of interest from the Spanish too.’ Specsavers Fuengirola has a huge selection of glasses to suit everyone’s budget with prices starting from 45 Euros to 250 Euros (for single vision complete frames and lenses) and a fantastic range of designer brands, including Monsoon, Ralph Lauren, Red or Dead, Tommy Hilfiger and Specsavers own best-selling designer brand Osiris. However, when you are having your eyes tested it’s not just about looking for new frames that is important, it is essential to have the health of the eyes examined. In our store it is standard practice for anyone over the age of 35 to have the pressure of their eyes measured. This is very useful when screening for glaucoma, which is an eye condition which produces virtually no symptoms in most patients till quite an advanced stage. We have therefore invested in the most up to date optical equipment available today to provide a full comprehensive eye examination. On site we have a lab where we can provide many single vision prescription lenses within the hour. We stock reaction and reflection free lenses which are proving to be very popular in the Costa del Sol. Reaction lenses darken with sunlight and lighten again when indoors avoiding the need to change to a different pair of sunglasses. If you buy glasses from our 99 euro range or above, then you can receive reaction lenses free of
charge in this pair, or receive a free pair of prescription sunglasses. As the sun shines here for 320 days a year, both offers are proving to be very popular. Did you know that if you drive in Spain then you should carry a spare pair of glasses in your car? Many people are taking advantage of Specsavers 2 for 1 offer and are choosing either varifocals or single vision distance glasses in their spare pair. Reflection free lenses are particularly suitable for night driving as they reduce the glare from car headlights and improve the visual performance of your glasses.
Adds Judy: ‘We are all really excited to be working and living in such a beautiful part of the world. Our staff have already shown great commitment and a passion for customer service during these first few weeks in store and we are all looking forward to living and working in Spain for many years to come.’ Located at: Ave. Ramon y Cajal,6, Fuengirola (near the bus station) Specsavers is open six days a week from 10am - 6.30pm Monday 9.30am - 6.30pm Tuesday to Friday Closed for lunch 2pm - 3pm weekdays 10am - 2pm on Saturday Please telephone 952467837 to make an appointment.
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Ways to Boost SelfConfidence… Self-image is the mental picture you have of yourself. It is not fixed, it is not objective, it can be changed and you can change it. Positive thinking is important but the way you behave is important too. Your self-image will feed off the way you behave and will affect others. Changing behaviour is often easier than changing thinking. The brain does not deal well in turning around negative thinking. For example, the moment you think, ‘I must not be nervous’ is the moment you will actually start feeling more nervous. Focusing on behaviour when you are nervous, such as breathing deeply and slowly and relaxing neck and shoulder muscles will do a great deal more than focusing on your anxiety. Breaking up big goals or tasks into smaller and more manageable chunks can help. If you have been set a task that seems impossible, take it apart, as you achieve each step your confidence will grow and you will also achieve a sense of mastery over the issue. For some people lack of confidence arises through having too little to do. Boredom and lack of confidence are associated. In such cases it is important to Consider the postage stamp; its boost energy levels by setting some goals for usefulness consists in the ability to stick yourself but allowing them to be flexible enough to one thing until it gets there.” Josh Billings to react to circumstances. If goals are too rigid the first set-back will knock you off track, so “Most of the important things in the build this into your planning. world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no help at all.” Dale Carnegie “It’s not so important who starts the game but who finishes it.” John Wooden
Motivational Quotes…
An Iron clad hairline…
Low iron intake could lead to baldness, cells use iron to turn food into energy and it takes a lot of energy to grow hair. So if Iron levels dip thinning hair can result, so eat more iron, rich turkey and T bone steaks.
Understanding a Woman… We need REALLY MEANS I want
You want REALLY MEANS You need It’s your decision REALLY MEANS The correct decision should be obvious by now We need to talk complain
REALLY MEANS
I need to
Do what you want REALLY MEANS You’ll pay for this later I’m not upset REALLY MEANS Of course I’m upset, you moron You have to learn to communicate MEANS Just agree with me
REALLY
Yes REALLY MEANS No
Stupid quotes… I get to go to lots of overseas places, like Canada Britney Spears Where the hell is Australia anyway Britney Spears
No REALLY MEANS No Maybe REALLY MEANS No I heard a noise REALLY MEANS I noticed you were almost asleep Do you love me REALLY MEANS I’m going to ask for something expensive How much do you love me REALLY MEANS I did something you’re not going to like I’ll be ready in a minute REALLY MEANS Be patient I’ll be a while All we’re going to buy is a soap dish REALLY MEANS Major shopping trip. Did you bring your checkbook
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>> costa LIFESTYLE >> Laid back and out there…
Belted Twill Stone Combats Black/stone reversible webbed casual belt. Basic red flip flop with a white toepost. Red base t-shirt with “love machine” print and embroidery Grey plastic rimmed sport sunglasses with blue mirrored lenses Burton
>> Be ahead of the crowd… Black and white trilby Pink and black check shirt Check long shorts H&M
>> Smart but casual…
>> H & M
Multicoloured jersey striped polo shirt Vintage wash jean with back pocket profile detail and authentic kimball creasing Tan Japanese print toe-post sandal Metal retro aviator sunglasses Topman
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costa LIFESTYLE >> >> Back to basics with black and white…
Miss Lucy butterfly bow shoe Large zebra shopper Mirror frame bag Summer ball earrings Smart weekender pocket bag Skinny zebra belt Accessorize
>> H & M
>> Wear red to impress...
Red smock dress Red wedge shoe Red blue yellow clutch bag H&M
Store Locator A to Z...
Accessorize - www.accessorize.com - La Cañada / Burtons - www.burtons.co.uk Gibraltar / H&M - www.hm.com - La Cañada / Topman - www.topman.co.uk - La Cañada
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Top tips to prepare your body for Spring… As the Sun is just around the corner, we now start to think about wearing our latest swimwear. This means we have to start exposing our bodies which have been hidden all Winter and therefore feeling tired, dull and dry. To prepare your skin for the Spring, start by using a Loofah or Body Brush this lifts off dead surface skin cells and helps to improve the blood and lymphatic circulation, use all over the body and try and work in the direction of the heart. This can be done daily, leaving your skin smooth and revitalized. Use a Body Polish or Body Exfoliator also to soften the skin and remove any dead skin cells but also to help nourish the skin, this will leave your skin glowing. This will prepare your skin for the sun, helping you to get a more even, fresher longer lasting tan. Just remember your sun protection.
Popping Your Pimples…
One factor that worries a lot of women is Cellulite.
You should maintain a strict hands-off policy when it comes to your spots. Messing with a pimple can extend its staying power to seven to ten days instead of the normal two to three, since the dirt from your fingers can force bacteria into your pores and cause an infection…
The Bad News Cellulite affects over 90% of women
Practice patience and apply either a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid potion twice daily - in three days, it should be clear. In the meantime, squirt a cotton swab with rednessreducing eyedrops, then place it on your pimple. Follow with a dab of concealer.
Cellulite can be treated in the following ways; Drink lots of water, Exercise, Topical Cellulite Treatments, Cellulite Creams. It is necessary to increase the blood and lymphatic circulation to break down fat cells and help eliminate toxins.
Something to remember… Health and beauty are inseparable. The healthier you are, the better you look.
Top tip…
Find effective ways to deal with stress. Don’t let it show in your face and posture.
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The Good News Cellulite is Reversible
Hitting the Sack Without Washing Your Face … Sleeping with mascara and eye makeup on can cause you to wake up with puffy bags and maybe even an infection . And layers of foundation, concealer and blush will stop your skin from breathing and clog up your pores, making your complexion acne-prone and dull-looking. Even if you didn’t wear makeup during the day, your skin accumulates oil and dirt, both of which can also lead to pimples if not washed away before you hit the sack… Keep a pack of face wipes next to your bed. This way, no matter how tired you are or how many cocktails you’ve had, you can swipe away your makeup in seconds.
>> costa LIFESTYLE
‘Sit up straight?’ – Now that was a line my mum always used!!
She certainly knew that good posture was important! Why is posture so important? Posture is the relationship between body parts relative to the type of movement being performed, whether it be lying, standing, sitting or running. Good positive results when the body parts are aligned in such a way that increase the efficiency of the movement by reducing energy cost and decreasing the amount of stress in the joint and surrounding soft tissue. Therefore correct posture is not only essential for good health in general, but particularly important during exercise when the mechanical loads placed on the body are dramatically increased.
Good posture or ‘proper form’, should include; - A straight line from your ears, shoulders, hip, knees and ankles - Head is centred - Each of your Shoulder, hips, and knees are level
Bad Posture will include; - Forward head - Rounded shoulders - Arched lower back - Sticking out your backside - Sticking out your pelvis Check out to see if you have a good posture by following these tests:
The wall Test Stand with the back of your head touching a wall and heels 6 inches from the wall. Your backside should also touch the wall. Stick your hands between your lower back and the wall, then between your neck and the wall. You should get an inch or two at the back and two inches at the neck to have great posture.
The Mirror test
Stand facing a full length mirror to see: - Your head is straight - Your shoulders are level - Your hips are level - Your knee caps face front - Your ankles are straight
Now look from the side - Your head should be straight and not slumped forwards or backwards - Chin should be parallel to the floor - Your shoulders are in line with your ears - Your knees are straight - A slight forward curve to your lower back Be aware of your posture, and take steps to improve posture through out the day, while standing, sitting working and driving. Always ask - is everything aligned? There are exercises that can help correct your posture. A good trainer or gym should help to point you in the right direction. Strengthening your core muscles and aiming for losing excess weight will help.
Try the body fat quiz.
How much do you know about body fat? Test yourself! 1. The purpose of body fat is a) Providing energy for the body b) Keep organs functioning c) To act as a cushion to protect the body d) All the above 2. A healthy body fat range for women is? a) 12-16% b) 15-20% c) 20-28% d) 25-31% 3. A healthy body fat range for men is a) 18-25% b) 6-10% c) 12-18% d) 20-26% 4. Where your body stores fat (or excess fat if you’re over weight) is determined by: a) Your genes and hormone levels b) How many calories you eat c) How much exercise you get each day d) What type of diet you follow 5. Most women tend to store fat a) around face and neck b) upper arms c) hips, breasts, butt, thighs and lower belly d) everywhere
7. Women usually have more body fat than men because a) That’s just how unfair life is! b) They eat more than men c) They don’t do enough exercise d) Their bodies need to be able to provide energy and nutrients during pregnancy and breastfeeding 8. Best way to get rid of fat around abs is to a) Do crunches every day b) Lose overall body fat through balanced diet, an exercise program and healthy eating c) Liposuction d) Do lots of cardio 9. Most accurate way to calculate body fat is with a) skin fold callipers b) bioelectrical impedance devices c) hydrostatic weights d) a scale 10. You can tell a person has a low body fat percentage by a) knowing their body fact percentage b) what size clothes they wear c) how skinny they are d) how much you hate them! 11. Your body stores and loses fat in a certain order, which means a) You’ll always lose fat from the head down b) You’ll only lose fat from the areas you target with strength training exercises c) You can choose where to lose fat d) The first place you gain is typically the last place you lose it
How did you do?
1-D 2-D 3-A 4-A 5-C 6-A 7-D 8-B 9-C 10 - A 11 - D
Test Your Posture
6. Most men tend to store fat a) around chest, abdomen and butt b) around lower back c) mostly in lower body d) everywhere
Helen Johnson - Personal Fitness Trainer & Nutritionist - 617 453 550 - fitness@luv2btraining.com 30 costa life
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
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VITAMINS What do they do? Why take Vitamins? Vitamins are substances that are found in many of the foods we eat. Your body needs vitamins to work properly, which makes them a really important substance. Your body uses vitamins to do many things, like help you grow and develop. It needs vitamins to help your blood clot when you get a cut. Some vitamins help us make energy. Vitamins are even involved in making sure you can see in colour; the world would look black and white without them. And if you’ve ever wondered what helps make your teeth healthy and strong, then you’ll be sure to smile when you find out it’s, guess what, vitamins.
A multivitamin…
Is a good way to start, because it includes most of the stuff you need in one little pill. When choosing a multivitamin, look for one that provides 100% of the RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) of the following vitamins and minerals: Vitamin A Vitamin B Vitamin B2 Niacin (Vitamin B3) Vitamin B12 Vitamin C Vitamin D Vitamin E Copper Chromium Iron Selenium Zinc The multivitamin supplement should also contain at least 10% of the RDA for magnesium. If you can’t remember all of these different items, at least try for a multivitamin that contains 20 or more vitamins and minerals.
Vitamin A...
Promotes better vision supports the immune system and aids in the growth and maintenance of bones, cells and skin. But beware of overdosing; too much vitamin A can cause dry skin, headaches, joint pain and insomnia. The RDA is 1,000 mg for men and 800 mg for women.
Vitamin B...
B1- Helps keep the appetite stable. RDA 1.5 mg men and 1.1 mg women B2- (aka) riboflavin which aids your eyes and works for a healthier skin. RDA 1.7 mg men and 1.3 mg women B3- (aka) niacin helps your metabolism, your skin, digestive and nervous system. RDA 19 mg men and 15 mg women B6- Think more clearly, supports the immune system and hormone activity. RDA 2 mg men and women 1.6 mg B12- protects your nervous system and supports both bone growth and metabolism. RDA men 2 mg and women 2 mg Folate (aka) folic acid. New cell development. RDA men 200 mg and women 180 mg 32 costa life
costa LIFESTYLE >> Vitamin C...
Helps prevent disease and infection; bones grow, strengthens blood vessels and promotes the body’s absorption of iron. Be wary of getting too much - more than 1,000 mg can cause cramps and diarrhoea. RDA men 60 mg and women 60 mg.
Vitamin D...
The RDA for this vitamin is rather low because your body is capable of making it with the help of sunlight. This vitamin fortifies the bones and plays a supporting role in the maintenance of your brain, pancreas, skin, muscles, reproductive organs and immune system. If you spend enough time in the sun, you may not need any supplement. People between ages of 19 and 24 need 10 mg every day and those 25 and older need 5 mg.
Vitamin E...
This vitamin helps give you healthy skin, can heal scars, and even protects the lungs from air pollutants. RDA men 10 mg a day and women 8 mg.
Minerals...
While the body needs only very small amount of each of these five minerals, they are essential to overall good health…
Calcium...
Keeps your bones strong and prevents them from becoming brittle. Calcium is found in milk, but one study showed that 80% of all teenage girls (who need the highest level of calcium) don’t even get half of their daily need. Prevent the hunchback syndrome by adding 1,000 mg to your diet every day.
Start regularly eating bananas and broccoli. You should also be especially careful that your multivitamin has 100% of the RDA for these specific nutrients.
Dieters...
Dieters and people who avoid entire food groups may require a multivitamin and mineral supplement to replace missing nutrients.
Daily Exercisers...
Vitamins C, E and the mineral selenium could help your body recover from the stress of working out five or more times a week. For those who are really hard-core, you may want to supplement your multivitamin with separate supplements of extra vitamins C and E.
Taking prescription medicines...
Certain medications can interfere with the absorption of nutrients. Some medications and supplements, especially herbal supplements can be extremely dangerous if combined. It is best to talk to your doctor before adding any supplements.
Heavy drinker...
Your body may need extra vitamin B6. Alcohol destroys the body’s stores of B6 and if you become deficient in this nutrient you could develop anaemia, skin conditions, kidney stones and start convulsing, your brain waves will become abnormal and you’ll become extremely irritable. Vitamins are, no doubt, absolutely critical for a healthy body and mind.
Women are in particular need of stronger bones as they age, so you should start looking into a calcium supplement. Ideally, there should be an extra 1,000 mg of calcium in your diet every day. To maximise the amount of calcium your body can absorb from the supplement, it is better to take no more than 500 mg doses at a time with food.
Copper...
Helps you absorb iron and heals wounds. Adults need 1.5 to 3.0 mg of copper each day.
Chromium...
Helps maintain the body’s balance of glucose (blood sugar) and is required for the body to release the energy from the glucose. Adults need between 50 to 200 mg a day.
Iron...
Is essential for the transport and release of oxygen throughout the body. RDA men 10 mg and women 15 mg.
Selenium...
Supports the function of vitamin E and is thought to prevent against cancer. RDA men 70 mg and women 55 mg.
Zinc...
Plays a role in your sense of taste, helps make sperm, heals wounds and aids in making genetic materials and proteins. RDA men 15 mg and women 12 mg
Smokers...
If you insist on puffing away, you are probably in need of extra vitamin C. Smokers have lower vitamin C levels in their blood than non-smokers and could benefit from supplementation of up to 500 mg a day.
Vegetarians and Vegans...
If you do not eat animal products such as meat and dairy, it is possible you are missing out on certain essential nutrients that carnivores have in abundance. Usually a multivitamin and mineral supplement will supply a plant eater with the needed vitamin B12, calcium, iron and zinc.
If you don’t eat fruit and vegetables...
If you don’t eat enough fruit and vegetables you might be deficient in vitamins B1, B6, C, calcium, magnesium and potassium, and these are the ones that serve to protect your body from cancer and heart disease.
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Breathe Deeper
You can lower your blood pressure by taking 10 breaths per minute (instead of the usual 16 to 19) for 15 minutes a day over 2 months, studies show. Researcher David Anderson, PhD, a hypertension expert at the National Institute on Aging, says shallow breathing (more beats per minute) may delay your body’s excretion of salt, a high-blood-pressure trigger.
Secrets to a healthier heart… Get milk
A new study sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute found that, among people who didn’t eat a lot of saturated fat, those who consumed more than three daily servings of milk, yogurt, or cheese had systolic blood pressure (the top number) almost four points lower than those who ate only half a serving daily. High blood pressure can damage your arteries, increasing your risk for heart attacks and stroke. Researchers say low-fat dairy is the smart choice, because it’s lower in saturated fat.
Hit the juice
Pomegranate juice seems to stave off hardening of the arteries—and may even reverse it. A recent study found that pomegranate juice reduced the rate of cholesterol plaque buildup by 30 percent. And heart cells treated with the juice showed a 50 percent increase in the production of nitric oxide, a substance that helps fight plaque. There are plenty of tasty ways to take your medicine: More than 130 pomegranate products were introduced in 2006.
Health tip …
Laugh. Let humor enter your life. One of the easiest ways of being healthier is to find a way to relax more and have more fun.
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No sleep means no New Brain Cells… A study has suggested that missing out on sleep may cause the brain to stop reproducing new cells. A team from Princeton Univercity found a lack of sleep affected the hippocampus, a brain region involved in forming memories.
Kids who get less sleep Weigh More… Children who do not get enough sleep are more likely to be overweight than those who get more. Not getting enough sleep may affect hormones that influence appetite. Getting less sleep, for example, staying up an hour later at night, may provide more opportunity to eat, she added. And not getting enough sleep may leave a person more lethargic,and then cut down on exercise. Sleep experts recommend that children ages 5 to 12 sleep for 10 to 11 hours a night and adolescents sleep for 8 to 9 hours.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome often misdiagnosed as plantar fascitis M any people may have heard about carpal tunnel syndrome, a nerve compression disease affecting one of the three main nerves (median nerve) that cross the wrist into the hand. A comparable condition can be found at the ankle known as tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS).
Behind the medial malleolus, the bony prominence that can be seen at the inner (medial) side of the ankle runs one of the two major nerves of the foot. This nerve, the tibial nerve, runs just behind and below the medial malleolus, where it has to pass under a strong ligament that stabilizes the ankle. It continues further into the region of the first to third toe as well as sending a branch beneath the medial malleolus into the heel area. It is often difficult to find out why someone starts to suffer from a tarsal tunnel syndrome. Injuries such as twisting the ankle or suffering a fracture of the calcaneus bone (the heel) can result in pressure on the tibial nerve and is the most obvious of reasons. Weakness of the midfoot ligaments causing the arch of the foot to drop can stretch the tibial nerve (a pronation deformity) can also cause TTS and TTS can even be caused by wrong shoe wear, for example when the edge of a new shoe causes external pressure on the area just below the medial malleolus resulting in an inflammation of the tibial nerve. This inflammation of the tibial nerve is the reason for the symptoms a TTS can cause. There are some classical symptoms which lead to a suspicion of a nerve inflammation that should point the examining physician towards a diagnosis of TTS. These symptoms include pins and needles in the toes (big toe to the 3rd toe), numbness in the same area and a burning sensation in the area of the sole of the foot around the heel. Another sign for a possible involvement of a nerve is night pain. TTS may also present itself with some symptoms rather a typical. These could be pain in the base joints of the toes (often misdiagnosed as arthritis), sharp pain in the heel (misdiagnosed as plantar fasciitis), ankle pain radiating into the calf (ankle sprain?) or even calf pain radiating into the area at the back of the knee (sciatica?). Any pain around the ankle should be investigated
thoroughly and the diagnosis that seems to be the most obvious has to be double checked to make sure that nothing is overlooked. The treatment of a tarsal tunnel syndrome is usually straight forward. Application of creams or gels do not penetrate deep enough to reach the nerve and tablets do not get there due to a poor local blood supply, the best option is an injection into the tarsal tunnel with cortisone, usually done under a local anaesthetic. These infiltrations have an immediate effect and therefore serve as a diagnostic tool as well, meaning that if the injection does decrease the pain, the diagnosis is correct. Most doctors do not do more than three injections into this area, and sometimes some will add an anti-inflammatory oral medication. If this set of injections does not resolve the problem and if other underlying problems such as a foot biomechanical problem can be excluded or has been treated, the next step would be resting the foot and ankle in a circular below knee plaster of Paris for six weeks. Obviously this can be very inconvenient and for that reason many decide to go for the second option if the injections have failed. This second option is the surgical decompression of the tunnel, performed in a hospital, usually under spinal anaesthetic, as a day case. The patient is discharged on the same day, mobilising full weight bearing on two crutches as pain allows and with just a sterile dressing covering the wound. Usually the main symptoms including pain and a burning sensation disappear within 24 hours, others such as pins and needles may take up to a year to disappear completely. Return to normal daily activity should be possible after three days and return to sport activity after two weeks.
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
costa HOMES >>
The House Doctor
The House Doctor Alex, looks at ways to help sell that house!
S
brought to you by Numero Uno “The Original Real Estate Café”
o you have decided to sell, now the hard work begins. Everybody is saying it’s a poor market, the doom and gloom merchants are out in force and if they are to be believed the Spanish housing market is on the brink of collapse!! Don’t panic, the doom and gloom merchants are either people who can’t sell their property or potential buyers who can’t afford what they want. But we live in the real world where diseases can be treated, ailments can be cured and things that are broke can be fixed. The first thing we have to do is a thorough examination before we ascertain what the problem is, and then prescribe the cure. Sometimes the medicine is hard to swallow, sometimes it’s a bitter pill and sometimes the cure is nothing more than a bit of TLC. Stand back and take a good long look at your property and ask yourself this question. “Would I buy this property at this price”? Put your property under the microscope starting at the curb working your way to the front door checking borders, the path, the lawn. Look at the paintwork, check window frames, iron grills (rejas pronounced rekkers). This is what we call curb appeal, it is the first impression a prospective buyer will have of your property. You have to make them say “WOW! I’ve got to have a look inside this property”. Here is an example of a property with Curb Appeal and one without.
With
hedge, worn out fence and pergola wood rotting before your eyes. The sad thing is this property could be very pretty and attractive looking for around €20 spent and an afternoons work. You would be right in thinking that the inside of this property is just as bad as the outside.
property instantly is painting those nasty iron grills the same colour as your building, they will disappear visually instead of standing out like prison bars. Wash down your door frame and door make it shine and don’t forget your windows.
Here is the kitchen of property one
So a few simple ideas and tricks to help you on your way I can see clearly now! Wouldn’t it be great if windows would wash themselves?
and here the er....um kitchen of property two
First, get a good squeegee, one with a soft, rubber blade that can be replaced when it wears out. A basic, professional squeegee will cost around €10; the cheap ones just won’t do the job as well. Wash windows on a cool or cloudy day. Avoid the sun and heat. The ridiculous thing is the owner of property 2 wants 60,000€ more for this run down 2 bedroom doer upper than the owner of this spacious beautifully kept 2 bedroom ground floor apartment otherwise known as property 1. Now ask yourself this, which one would you buy? The examples shown are typical of the huge differences that there are in how people see their homes. Both of these owners think that their homes are in demand and will sell quickly.
Without
As you can see from the two examples, one property is pristine just try and imagine what the interior must be like. If you think that the interior is as impressive as the exterior you would be absolutely right. Now take a look at property number two, very definitely in need of some TLC. Broken tiles, weeds, unkempt
A few companies have already developed glass that cleans itself. The trick is in the coating — a metallic compound of titanium dioxide permanently embedded in the surface. The sun creates a chemical reaction that disintegrates organic dirt and makes water spread out across the surface, acting like a squeegee. Sounds great but even this new glass however doesn’t leave windows sparkling. They have to be cleaned too, though not as often. That’s when these tried-and-true tricks for window washing come in handy:
Curb Appeal How can I give my home Curb Appeal without spending a fortune I hear you ask. Lets start at your curb. Often this is the entrance to an apartment block or urbanization. Whilst I recognize that you pay your community fees to maintain the common areas, it is you that is trying to sell your property, it is in your interest to go the extra mile and lead the community clean up. Tell your community president that you want to paint the graffiti away, that the rubbish bins want tidying up and scrubbing out and the rusty gate wants a scrape, red leading and painting. The native Indians of America had a saying that to understand a man you had to walk a mile in his moccasins, well we’re not in America but it is still good advice. To see what a buyer will see, walk the path to your door and if there is anything you don’t like don’t shrug your shoulders about it take action. Get a brush and pan out every morning if that is what it takes. When you have got to your front door does it sparkle and say “hey look at me”! Or is it tired and grubby. One way of sparkling up your
Add 2-3 3 tablespoons of plain ammonia to a bucket of lukewarm water. Use a sponge to scrub the window clean. Then wipe a one-inch strip at the top of the window dry with a soft paper towel. Place the squeegee at the top of the window in the dry area and pull downward. Work your way across the window, wiping the blade after each swipe. Dry the bottom of the window and you’re done. Looking for a simple and inexpensive way to make a change around the house? Colour My World Colour creates a room’s personality. A fresh coat of paint can change the mood in a room, set a style, accentuate the positives, hide the negatives. The biggest question: what colour? In general, light colours are expansive and airy, making the room seem bigger. Darker and warmer colours give large rooms a more intimate feel. Colours like blue, green and violet make a room look larger because they seem to recede. Most people paint their ceilings white because it’s tradition. If the ceiling is high, painting it a darker color will create the illusion of lowering it, making the room seem cosier. To create harmony in the room, try painting the ceiling two shades lighter than the walls. Looks great and very stylish. Try this trick if you just can’t make up your mind about a colour. Paint a piece of board with the colour you are considering. Then move it around the room easily, testing it in different lighting, against furniture or drapes.
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The Revised Spanish Tax System for Dummies Part 3: Wealth Tax and Capital Gains 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
Patrimonio (Wealth Tax) For people living permanently in Spain, this is an annual tax on worldwide assets. It includes the net values of properties (that is, after such things as outstanding mortgages are taken off), the net values of investments (with or without a life assurance wrapper) and lump sums held in interest bearing bank accounts. Assets held in a trust are normally exempt from wealth tax and any “locked” segments in a pension structure have similar treatment. Each individual has an allowance of €108,000 per annum before this tax kicks in on a sliding scale starting at 0.2%. Band (€) 0 167.129,45 334.252,88 668.499,75 1.336.999,51 2.673.999,01 5.347.998,03 10.685.996,06
Tax Rate %
Culm. Tax (€)
0.2 0.3 0.5 0.9 1.3 1.7 2.1 2.5
334.26 835.26 2.506,86 8.523,36 25.904,35 71.362,33 183.670,29 0
There are legitimate ways of reducing your Patrimonio by a little re-organising of your assets, so seek out an appropriately experienced professional if you are looking for help in doing this.
Capital Gains Taxes There are two types levied in Spain – one imposed by the Hacienda and one by the municipal town hall called Plus Valía. In simple terms both are calculated on the difference between the price declared when you bought the property and when you sold it. Allowances, called co-efficients, are applied to take into consideration the effects of inflation. If you have carried out any reform that enhances the value of your property, receipts (“recibos”) just will not do in order to offset CGT; the documentary evidence must be a proper invoice (“factura”) with a full breakdown including the IVA element. If you are living permanently in Spain, are over 65, can produce a Certificate of Fiscal Residency, are moving from main residence to another main residence and can demonstrate that you have been living in the property for 3
40 costa life
years or more there is no CGT payable to the Hacienda. Under the recent new tax legislation under certain circumstances, the habitual residence rule can be applied in retrospect i.e., after the new property has been purchased but before the old one has been sold. If you are living permanently in Spain, are under 65, can produce a Certificate of Fiscal Residency, are moving from main residence to another main residence, can demonstrate that you have been living in the property for 3 years or more there is no CGT providing that you invest the entire proceeds of the original property into the new one. Any monies NOT re-invested within a two year period e.g., if you downsize, will be taxed at 18% Should you have owned the property for one year or less, any gains will be added €/€ in full to any other income. Rates of Plus Valía depend on individual Town Halls. It is usually waived if you sell within a 12 month period.
A Short Note on the New Foreigners Register As this article is being written at the beginning of April, it is only now, nearly two months after the publication of the Real Decreto 240/2007 of 16th February that the exact process and documentary requirements in order to register on the new “Foreigners Registry” have been published by official sources. The estimated 400.000 European Citizens who live in Spain but do not have a Residencia card are obligated from 2nd April to apply for inscription on the new registry. A deadline of the end of July 2007 has been cited when all individuals should be able to demonstrate that they have “their papers in order”. An individual will be required to carry their Registration Certificate together with their in date national passport at all times. Applications can be made at provincial Foreigners Departments or selected police stations (Comisaría de Policia). For those who have already applied for a Residencia card, individuals can either opt to continue or register on the new list.
Newcomers have 3 months from the date of their arrival in Spain to register. For those who have lived in Spain on a permanent basis for more than 5 years, the concept of a “Permanent Registration Certificate has been introduced. However, a national passport will still have to be carried alongside. Residencias will no longer be renewed. They will be replaced with either a standard Registration Certificate or Permanent Registration Certificate. Individual applications can be made in person, requiring only completion of a form (EX.16) and an original passport. Special provisions apply for those without an NIE number and family groups. Further detail will be published at the end of the tax series. In the meantime, for further clarification please do not hesitate to contact us.
References: Manual Práctico Renta 2005 - Agencia Tributaria Ministerio de Hacienda Productos Financieros y de Seguros y su Fiscalidad – Centro de Estudios Técnicos Empresariales Outline Tax Information Fiscal Year 2006 Windram Miller and Company SL La Neuva Ley de IRPF… Commentarios a los Principales Cambios – Landwell (Price Waterhouse Coopers, Spain) Ley 35/2006 de 28/11 (BOE 285) – Concerning Income Tax and the partial modification of the laws pertaining to Companies and Non-Resident Taxes Ley 35/2003 de 04/11 – Concerning the Tax Treatment of Entities offering Collective Investments Ley 40/1998 de 09/12 modificando Real Decreto 03/05/2004 – Concerning the Tax Treatment of Collective Investments Real Decreto 240/2007 de 16 febrero – Concerning the Free Circulation and Residence in Spain by European Citizens
MARION HARRINGTON (FAIQ-C CII)
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Obtaining a Mortgage In Spain
W
ho offers mortgages?
Mortgages are available from most High street Spanish banks and saving banks[Caja] and International lenders in Gibraltar. Most Developers will have a loan scheme in place on ‘off-plan’ purchases, but you need to be aware that these are only available on completion and will not cover any stage payments i.e. normally 30% deposit. Resale properties are also sometimes offered for sale with a mortgage in place that can be easily transferred.
What is the cost of arranging a mortgage?
The cost of a Spanish mortgage varies greatly from lender to lender and also from broker to broker. Generally you should allow between 23% of the purchase price of the property.
Why is it so expensive?
The up-front costs on a Spanish loan are much higher than in the UK for a number of reasons. Firstly the Bank itself will charge an arrangement fee ranging from .75% - 2% of the loan depending on the loan to value and the complexity. The higher fees are generally charged for ‘non-status’ lending or bridging finance and for a normal mortgage you should not pay more than 1.25% There is also mortgage tax of 1% of the value of the loan and 1% of the interest due to be accrued over the term of the loan e.g. on a loan of €100,000 over 25 years at 3.5% the total interest payable is approx. €50,990 making the tax payable €1000 + €509.90 As a Spanish mortgage is attached to the property and not the owner it has its own title deed. You will have to pay for the deed to be produced and also land registry and notary fees. The cost of this varies from area to area and on the value of the property. Valuation fees vary depending on the value of the property and the valuation company but start at about €200 for a small apartment. Lastly you have the services of a mortgage broker and again this can vary tremendously. Some charge nothing and just rely on the commission the banks pay them whilst others charge up to 1.5% of the loan. It is recommended that a broker is used if income is hard to prove as they will know which lenders are the most flexible and can save valuable time. The break-even point for a Spanish loan as opposed to a UK loan or remortgage is approximately 5 years, so if you are considering paying the loan off in full before that time you need to think long and hard about which way to proceed as it may be cheaper to raise the funds at home. 42 costa life
How much can I borrow?
As general guide a non resident will be able to borrow 70%-80% of the valuation of a property, whilst residents can borrow up to 100% of the valuation. The key to obtaining the maximum mortgage offer is in achieving the maximum valuation, which is the job of the Tasador [valuer]. Most Banks will accept valuations from 1 or 2 Tasadors whilst a few employ their own. Your income is the other determining factor and the monthly repayments have to be covered by up to 40% of your NET salary, but most banks will only accept 35% Land purchase is limited to 60% of valuation by most lenders, as is lending on ‘Finca Rustica’ property. If you already own land and want to build then construction loans are an option. The bank will lend up to 70% of the projected completed value which in most cases will be more than enough to cover 100% of the build cost.
Which Currency should I borrow in?
Mortgages are available in most major currencies. You should be aware that if you borrow in a currency that does not have a fixed value against the euro, currency fluctuations could make your borrowing more expensive or less expensive depending on whether your chosen currency weakens or strengthens against the euro.
What Interest rate will I pay?
Interest rates again will depend on the currency you choose to borrow. Interest rates for mortgages in euros are based on the European Inter Bank Overnight Rate, or EURIBOR for short, which has largely takeover from the older MIBOR. The lenders rate will be a margin over EURIBOR generally EURIBOR +0.75% to 1.5% but individual circumstances can dictate higher or lower rates. Fixed rate mortgages are available at slightly higher interest rates. Some lenders offer a lower Start up interest rates for the first year or part interest only mortgages, ideally suited for funding new construction.
How often will interest rates be reviewed?
Usually once a year, fixed rate mortgages are available at higher interest rates.
What is the maximum repayment period?
Mostly commonly, 15 or 20 years, but up to 35 years can be arranged.
What information will the bank require:
Banks vary in the amount of information that they require, but in general the more you can provide the easier the loan is to procure. Ideally the following would be good
If you are employed:
Last 3 wage /salary slips. Latest P60. Last 6 months bank statements. Reference letter from your employer confirming date of employment, proof of income and position and prospects within the company Bank reference (The lender may have to apply for this themselves depending on who you bank with) Some lenders require an experion credit check to be carried out Copy of passport/residencia.
If you are self employed:
Last 2 years tax returns. Copies of accounts for the last 2/3 years Chartered accountants copy report, confirming your annual personal drawings from the company Copy of your passport/residencia 6 months personal bank statements Bank reference letter
You will also need:
In relation to a specific property, the nota simple from the property registry, offer letter or sales purchase contract. If you are applying for a construction loan then you must provide the Escritura for the land. The plans stamped by the College of Architects and a 10 year building guarantee. An NIE number from the local police station, which you or your lawyer can arrange. You will also need to open a Spanish bank account and it is advisable to use the same bank as your mortgage is with.
The
Great
Escape Written by
Lydia Green The space outdoors has become as important an entertaining area in the Spanish home as the living room: in fact the garden has become the new Spanish living room. Decorating your outdoor space is no different than decorating the inside of a home. Just as simple, clutter-free indoor spaces are the trend today, the same holds true for the garden, terrace and patio. So as those lazy warm nights approach, now is the time for planning and creating your little piece of heaven on earth.
costa HOMES >>
T
he terrace, patio or even a small veranda should always receive special attention this time of the year as many of the long hot summer days and lazy chilled-out evenings will be spent in this space. This space is one of the most important and most enjoyed ‘rooms’ of the home in Spain. The emphasis is on a space that is beautifully designed to enjoy every moment spent there. This area should reflect you and your way of life, as it is your great escape from the hectic lifestyles of today.
>> Reality Gardens Garden/terrace design should be kept real by reflecting the owner’s personality, just as his or her living room does. There is a fabulous range of garden furnishings, accessories and essential barbecues out there in the high street so that every taste will be satisfied. If you remove any tat or rubbish from your existing space you’re on the road to heaven. Start with choosing furnishings: they don’t need to be expensive or massively extravagant, as long as they are comfortable and reflect you. Choose something that is durable, child safe, easy to maintain and practical to suit your needs. Sit down and plan your terrace, work to a budget and see what is out there that suits your lifestyle. Designs of Asia located in Alhaurín el Grande have a beautiful range of rattan, banana leaf and sea grass furniture with gentle curves and influences from the East, and made to the highest standard to match any taste and budget. Alternatively you can go for a bistro style which is great for small spaces or, if a little more flush with cash, try traditional ornate wrought iron sets of garden furniture; although not exactly the most comfortable, they’re great for entertaining.
>> Tantalising Tiles Choosing the tiles for your outdoor space should be relatively easy and inexpensive as Spain has an abundance of marble and terracotta tiles readily available in all shapes and sizes. Terracotta gives that typical Spanish feel whereas marble can give a cooler effect. There are other types of tiles available such as ceramic which gives the marble look just as effectively and they are available in a range of colours and styles.
>> Special Touches & Accessories From wall lamps and ceramic plates to fabulous illuminated light features, there are a wide range of accessories available here on the coast or inland to create a mark of individuality in your outdoor heaven. You could start by painting your walls in ice white or maybe add a little colour with a mosaic or stencil: even in the smallest space you could stencil greenery onto your walls which will give you a real sense of the outdoors. Add wall lamps for a touch of ambience in those warm lazy evenings. You can add a combination of ceramic pots with glorious herbs or lavender for an everlasting aroma or fill with cacti or grasses for that exotic look; alternatively you can fill glass fishbowls with stones and pebbles for an oriental theme.
Images supplied by: PR. Shots
>> costa life 49
>> costa HOMES
>> Colour Cool Add trellis to conceal any eyesores that may be in view, then add climbing plants for a splash of colour. Use rich and vibrant colours for cushions, parasols and other fabrics on your terrace. You’re living in a sun-drenched country so enjoy the colours of life; add those rich blues and vibrant yellows the Spanish love but use your own interpretation. When the rain and cold weather of winter comes you will have something to remind you of where you are and why you chose Spain to live and you can look forward again to the days of everlasting sunshine.
>> Lush Lighting To add a touch of drama or an ambient feeling to your terrace, try adding lighting like outdoor fairy lights which are now available in all shapes and colours and even in the shape of dragonflies and birds. These can make a terrace feel special and a million miles away. You can add these into some foliage or around a parasol or you may even prefer miniature coloured lamps hanging in various places. Bamboo oil burners are also great for entertaining and creating mood; you can even get insect repellent ones which are great for keeping the wretched mosquitoes away. A wind chime can really add to the ambience and creates a soft song as it moves in a light breeze.
>> Barbecue Madness The best entertaining element of living in Spain is the fact that you can have a barbecue pretty much every day without having to worry about the weather. So everyone here is barbecue mad as numerous nights and beach days are spent entertaining at the barbie! There are various shapes and sizes with gadgets and gizmos for doing all sorts of things and they are available for a range of budgets. If there is a must in Spain it’s that you’ve got to have a barbecue. Have fun in your Great Escape no matter how big or small it is.
50 costa life
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.
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€
Stunning villa in Mijas Pueblo within easy walking distance of the village. Consists of 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, lounge, dining room, kitchen and delightful terrace areas all around the house. There are 250 sq metres built and the plot size is 716 sq metres. There are views to the sea and mountains, has A/C, 2 fireplaces in the reception rooms, an alarm system, swimming pool, a carport and a separate garage.
Fully furnished, 3 bedroom townhouse, on the outskirts of Mijas Pueblo with private parking. Consists of lounge / dining room, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fully fitted, modern, kitchen and separate laundry/utility room. Benefits from underfloor heating and full A/C units, satellite TV, easy to keep gardens and stunning views of the coastline. There is also a communal pool.
Delightful villa in the village of Mijas. Consists of 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, large lounge with working fireplace and split level dining area. There is a functional Spanish style kitchen with access to an outside laundry and private swimming pool. This is a lovely family home.
NV 382
NV 384
NV 380
Price: 865,000€
Price: 340,000€
Price: 688,000€
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
NV 373
Price: 375,000€
Price: 275,000€
Price: 185,000€
Ref: 232 La Cala Golf Apartment - 233,500€ Brand new apartment 2 bed, 2 bath, 85m² build and 15m² South facing terrace, “sun all day long.” A ground floor apartment with air conditioning and fitted kitchen. First line golf with communal pools and gardens. Hand in date is in September 2007.
Ref: MLSV504257 Benalmadena Costa Villa - 1.200,000€ 3bed, 3 bath, 270m² Build, 800m² Plot. Alarm System, Aluminium Carpentry, Built to High Standards, Close to all Amenities, Conveniently Situated Schools, Satellite TV, Walking Distance to Beach, Walking Distance to Restaurants, Walking Distance to Shops, Walking Distance to T. Centre.
Ref: 230 Fuengirola Apartment - 249,500€ 2 bed, 2 bath, build 92m², 12m² Terrace Beachfront, Furnished: Optional, Fitted Kitchen, Parking: Garage, Pool: Communal Pool, Garden: Community, Facing: Southeast, Views: Beach, Castle, Coastal, Hills, Mountains, Panoramic. Very close to shops.
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.
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.
First Line Beach - Fuengirola We have several apartments with 1 to 4 bedrooms and 44m²-200m².
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: 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.
Fantastic penthouse in Fuengirola - Los Pacos with panoramic sea and mountain view € 549.000 2 bed - 2 bath - living area with fire place - separate luxury kitchen with dining area - master bedroom with walk in wardrobe and en-suite bathroom - partly furnished - marble floors - alarm system - garage and storage room video entrance system - communal garden with swimming pool - private lift to roof terrace - build: 110 m2 terraces 112 m2 Ref No: 34840 1 bed 1 bath Build 65 m2 Terrace 8 m2 Communal sw.pool View: garden
2 bed 2 bath Build 78 m2 Terrace 15 m2 Fire place Air.cond. hot/cold 2 communal sw.pools
Ref. No: 33318 Ref. No: 32480
Apartment “Valle Verde” in Mijas Golf
Apartment in Puebla Tranquila in Mijas
€157.500
Apartment in Calahonda with sea view
€235.000
2 bed 2 bath Separate kitchen Fire place Build 93 m2 Terraces 25 m2 Communal sw.pool Good views
2 bed 2 bath Air conditioning Build 95 m2 Terrace 90 m2 Communal sw.pool Garage Sea view
Ref. No: 33953
Ref. No: 35593
€195.000
Apartment in El Higueron - Benalmadena
€299.000
Fincas - Country Villas - Townhouses - Cortijos - Ruins - Plots 952 498 454 mobile: 609 454 409 email: enquiries@aloraproperties.com tel:
Plaza Fuente Arriba s/n, Alora
Alora Properties are delighted to have been instructed to sell this sophisticated and individual property located in a beautiful setting on the edge of the National Park of Los Ardales, El Chorro, Andalucia. (AP420) Located within this area of Shimmering lakes, towering mountains, exciting gorges, fantastic panoramas, pine forests, intoxicating fauna and wild life is a beautifully restored country house for sale in a tranquil setting in the heart of Los Ardales Natural Park. All within an hour of Marbella and Malaga’s international airport and only 20 minutes from the town of Alora. You will have TOTAL PEACE AND QUIET and breathtaking views with secluded privacy but still with easy access to all amenities. This stylish country house is set amongst 16,700 m2 of almond and olive groves. With a large tiled pool which has an automatic water level adjuster surrounded by a natural stone terrace. 4 double bedrooms, 2 exquisite bathrooms, a 40m2 sitting room/kitchen with fireplace and ample sized log burner, dining room, additional large multi-purpose room with utility appliances, camouflaged in purpose built rustic cupboards. The property has a gorgeous central courtyard with built-in automatic irrigation system. Mains water and electricity, an automatic 17,000 litre water deposit. In addition to this, is a south facing patio and north facing terrace adjoining the property. In restoring this country house the owner has used beautiful quality rustic and antique materials. This property offers secluded privacy in an environment of character and charm. This really is the perfect country retreat and has good access along a short track.
Price: 745,000â‚Ź Please contact Alora properties to arrange a viewing appointment. check out our website for a large selection of properties
www.aloraproperties.com
CARTHA
the hidden city… Brought to you by Casa Aymara SL
O
n hearing the place names of Cártama and Cártama Estación you may not be filled with awe and wonder, but don’t discount them too quickly. A closer look will reveal ancient and important history, great fiestas, rich and diverse flora, fauna plus wildlife, as well as modern living to challenge the best known of the inland towns and villages. Cartha, the first recorded name for the town of Cártama, given by the Phoenicians, does not mean hidden city for nothing! There are currently around 17,500 inhabitants in and around the twin towns that are located in the Guadalhorce Valley, some 20 kilometres from Málaga and almost 260 metres above sea level; a location that means the sea, the city and the countryside are all within easy reach – historically great for commerce and now also perfect for business and tourism alike. Yet, it has only been in fairly recent years that many of the ‘Expat settlers’ have started to make their home in the place where, to name a few, the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and from 1485 the Christians, lived before them. Here’s just a taster of the things that more and more of us are enjoying discovering… Looking up as you enter Cártama Pueblo, whether by day or night, it is hard to miss the beautiful Chapel/Hermitage - Ermita de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios - nestled on the hillside. This apparently dates from the 18th Century but it is actually built on the site of a previous Ermita from the 16th Century. It is a steep and winding walk to here, but once you have arrived, you are not only rewarded by the sight of the beautiful Ermita but also the amazing views of the Guadalhorce Valley, the many citrus groves (that give the most wonderful scent during the blossom season) and the surrounding towns.
costa HOMES >>
It is from the Ermita, around 21st April (be sure to check these dates with the Ayuntamiento) that the Virgin de los Remedios leaves on her journey to another wonderful ‘must see’ Church in the village – San Pedro - where she stays until 26th April. Of course, this is the time of the main fiesta and a chance for locals and visitors alike to demonstrate their passion for their Saint! The Castle, located close to the Ermita, dates from the 10th Century and has been the home and stronghold of many armies and therefore, witness to many battles over the years. Its fall to the Catholic Kings in 1485 was so significant that it was recorded in bas-reliefs of the Coro in Toledo Cathedral and it is said, that the Christians prepared the conquest of both Ronda and Malaga from here. It was even used as a refuge for French soldiers during the War of Independence. Not long after it fell into disrepair but, thankfully, now is being restored by an injection of more than 600,000 euros. Now it is time to cross the green iron bridge ‘El Puente de Hierro’ that has recently been cleaned up and illuminated by 15 new street lights and enter into the more modern and developing Cártama Estación. From here you can look along the river and riverbed where many local people enjoy local nature, taking picnics, walking their dogs and horse riding. There are great plans for this to become an extensive riverside leisure and recreational area. But let’s digress a little and drive five minutes out of town into the somewhat mountainous countryside. Be sure to park the car or bike and take a walk – you will be delighted by the varying range of wild flowers and particularly bird life throughout the changing seasons. After more than four years living in these mountains, we’re still amazed by the variety and colours of the plants, flowers and shrubs including: Common Red Poppies, Iris, Sweet Alison, Daisies, Lavender, Wild Asparagus, Mint and Fennel, Fan Palms, Oleander and Narcissus – and that’s just through the eyes of a lay person; an educated botanist would be able to be more specific and encompassing! Now is a favourite time of the year for us as the Bee Eaters (noisy multicoloured birds) and even Golden Oriels (look out for a flash of incredibly bright yellow with contrasting black as the male passes by!) are back to enjoy the hotter months. Throughout the year many other birds can be spotted by the lucky or the patient and these include stonechats, finches, eagles and even vultures. There are also foxes, snakes and lizards plus many insects that you may or may not be excited about meeting. Of course these creatures are shy and get out of the way of any humans and other animals whenever possible, so don’t let that put you off. After all the fresh mountain air and exercise get yourself back to the towns. If you have really worked up an appetite you will be more than satisfied by a steak to rival any Texan Steakhouse, in size as well as
flavour, in La Liebre de Carlos on Avenida de Andalucía. Or even just kick back and have one of the best cups of coffee in town at Los Galgos. If you have a sweeter tooth, stop off at one of the bars or cafes and indulge in ‘Chocolate y Churros’ (if you live in Spain or have visited often and have never indulged in this then you should rectify the error of your ways – and diet sheet – as soon as possible!). Why not make a date for the other important fiesta that takes place in Cartama Estación in mid-May when the patron Saint of the Isidore Farmer – San Isidro Labrador – is honoured. There is a procession through the town and celebrations that carry on along the banks of the Guadalhorce River well into the early hours. Cártama Estación obviously grew up around the transport network and commerce and it is now an increasingly popular place for those that work in and around Málaga plus, for those that want the option of nightlife, bars, restaurants and local markets as well as the countryside, the international airport and beaches all close to hand. It seems to change constantly but we’re happy to see that the traditional butcher, baker and candlestick maker (okay we are not sure about the latter) plus local markets on Fridays and Sundays continue to survive alongside the more modern offerings. The local amenities really do get better year on year – the latest addition of the fountain and palm trees not only improved safety but also the overall look and feel of the towns. As horses have always been important to the people of Andalucía, it is great to see these in focus with the recent opening of local and foreign run trekking businesses as well as a Spanish owned Equestrian Centre that has some of the finest horses we have ever seen. There is an international school (Sunland) plus a planned sports centre to be located between the two towns and new a state of the art hospital close by. As we said this is only a taster (we’ve not even had time to mention Aljaima, El Sexmo, Santa Rosalia and so on) why not come and find out more for yourself – you never know – you may like it so much that you’ll never leave! Jane and Christian Blinkenberg are the owners of Casa Aymara SL (formerly Rural Estates SL).
costa life 61
Feature Property
ADT452 - Alhaurín de la Torre €849,000 This magnificent 6 bed, 4 bath, 220m2 Villa & studio apartment are not overlooked & come with all facilties including a beautiful deep L-shaped swimming pool, tennis court & fabulous outside kitchen plus washroom. Located close to all the facilities & amenities. Viewing a must! Like this? Then checkout AEG441 on our website
AMG411 - Almogía
€345,000
A wonderful home (170m2 built) on a great landscaped plot (12,963m2 in total) with one of the most spectacular, infinity swimming pools we have seen! The home comprises 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 fitted kitchens & a living room plus town water & mains electricity. Like this? Then checkout AMG399 on our website
MAQ412 - Málaga €525,000 Two fabulous homes both over 150m2 built (& listed on the escritura) with 7 beds & 3 baths. Great flat land (6,500m2) with stables, picadero, converted outbuilding, pool, terraces, good views, great access & full services. Viewing a must! Like this? Then checkout out AEG269 on our website
CAR454 - Cártama €357,000 This is a great home (3 beds, 2 baths, 108m2 built) with great views & great access plus 54m2 of outbuildings! There is a pool & beautiful landscaped gardens with many trees & even a pond. Like this? Then checkout CAR453 on our website
AEG456 - Alhaurín el Grande €364,000 With these properties you really do get 2 of everything, even 2 pools! The absolutely charming homes (total 4 beds & 2 baths) are packed full of amazing details - once here you will never want to leave. There are terraces galore, views to die for & landscaped gardens. Like this? Then checkout out EDC435 on our website
ADT458 - Alhaurín de la Torre €450,000 If you want 8 beds & 3 baths then this could be for you - this villa & separate apartment are in need of tender loving care but have great potential as a family home or even run as a business. There is a pool that is fenced and the views from the top terrace and pool area are fantastic. Like this? Then checkout AEG434 on our website
CAR405 - Cártama €279,000 New 3 storey well laid out 3/4 beds, 2 baths & WC townhouse. The build & fittings are of the highest quality and the location is fabulous - close to all amenities. It will share the planned swimming pool & communal gardens. Like this? Then checkout out AEG418 on our website
YUN457 - Yunquera €175,000 A beautifully refurbished townhouse in the centre of Yunquera yet still benefiting from views over orchards and towards the mountains. 100m2 built, 3 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms - a great buy! Like this? Then checkout YUN438 on our website
ALA439 - Álora €149,500 Wonderful 2 bed townhouse with mountain and country views plus plenty of external space in the form of two terraces, so that you can enjoy the great climate. There is a lovely fitted kitchen and separate dining room. Real value for money. Like this? Then checkout ALA407 on our website
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€ Cosy Country Cottage (Alozaina)
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: 115 m² Land: 15.000 m² 3 bedrooms · 2 bathrooms Rustic style w. special features Only 1 km from main rd. · New fitted kitchen · Privileged location with lovely views · Plunge Pool Priced to sell 299.000 €
PROPERTY OF THE MONTH MAVL-355 Alhaurin el Grande
699,500€
Beds: 3 Baths: 3 Build: 150m2 Plus 9m2 Store room. Plot: 19,000m2. A wonderful private villa in a prestigious area with spectacular views. This property has been finished to very high standards, is light and airy and the gardens are perfectly landscaped and charming. The villa has air-conditioning central heating and everything you need for a warm home.
MAVL-347 Alhaurin el Grande
Price on Application
This lovely villa is situated in a sought after area. Attractive mature garden with lovely trees, fantastic pool area and outbuildings which can easily be converted into extra accommodation. This is an enchanting villa really must be seen, new on the market and a great buy.
MACR-342 Mijas Costa
3,250,000€
Build 1,000m2, Plot 10,000m2 Beds 5, Baths 5. Situated in the heart of the Andalusian countryside, but only ten minutes from the beaches and bustle of the Costa del Sol. It has five suites, individually designed, with an ample sitting area and large terrace affording magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. It has its own swimming pool and tennis court and it is only a few minutes away from nine golf courses, three riding centres and the Costa del Sol race course. A truly beautiful property, traditionally Spanish but with that modern touch.
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.
MACR-329
900,000€
Build 275m2, Beds 5, Baths 4, and Plot 6000m 2. Fabulous restored property situated in an area of outstanding beauty, yet only a ten minute drive to Coin. The main house, which has been fully restored, comprises of a lounge with beamed ceilings, a separate sitting area and doors leading on to a covered terrace. Fully fitted kitchen/diner. Apatio, leads out to the huge master bedroom upstairs, with en-suite, a further two bedrooms, both with en-suite. From this patio you have access to the guest apartment, still in its original condition. It has a small lounge with a fireplace, a bathroom, a kitchen area and a dining room. Upstairs is the main bedroom which leads directly on to a second bedroom. The property has mature gardens and a very large swimming pool and a barbecue area.
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 362 Alhaurin El Grande MARP-354 Coin/Alhaurin El Grande Build 125, main house, Plot 500m2, Beds 4, Bath 3. A lovely property on a small plot situated within walking distance to Coin town centre. The house is tastefully decorated though out, has a wonderful pool and seating area and has separate guest accommodation.
725,000€
Beds: 6, Baths: 4, Build: TBA, Plot: 7000 m2. Just on the market a spectacular property totally secluded in tranquil setting, trees a stream and plenty of space, BBQ area, outside kitchen with well tended gardens. If it is luxurious privacy you want then this is for you. The property comprises of 4 bedrooms, lounge, sitting room and a dining room, kitchen, 2 bathrooms. This property has 2 self contained guest apartments. There is also ample parking and a garage. Superb swimming pool.
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-209
2,650,000€
Beds, 5 en-suit Baths, Build, 700m2, Plot 62,000m2. Two hundred years ago a farmhouse was built on the borders of Alhaurin and Mijas. All 5 bedrooms are en-suite with whirlpool baths or hydro/massage showers. Three of the bedrooms have walk in wardrobes and wrap around balconies. There are many reception rooms each with its own character, a tower room with panoramic views, many cloak rooms, luxury kitchen with a joining laundry room, and huge grand dining room with a charming open fireplace. The outside reception area leads on to the pool bar with a spectacular BBQ area, a heated pool and separate Jacuzzi also there are male and female changing rooms. There is separate fully self contained 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment, also there are provisions for a 2 bedroom bungalow or a recording studio. Permission and ample space for tennis courts or paddocks, there is new stable block for 4 horses and also a helicopter landing area. Other features Include, 2 Pairs of electric opening gates 20 Air conditioning/heating units, independently controlled, 2 solar heating systems, under heating. Automatically irrigated lawn. Private 100m tarmac drive to the house. Double glazing throughout, 62,000 square metres of rustic woodland envelope the house. The exclusive valley is surrounded by mountains offering fantastic views and seclusion.
MAVL- 333 Coin
299,900€
Build 115m2, Beds 2, Baths 2. Plot 10,000m2. A very beautiful property in a great sought after location close to all amenities and with in walking distance to the town centres of Coin. The property is gorgeous throughout and has the most gorgeous views of the country side. Other features, Air conditioning Hot/Cold, Fireplace, Fitted Kitchen, Fitted Wardrobe and an Independent Studio.
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
MALV 363 Coin - Rural
MAVL- 301
259,000€
Build 110m2, beds 4, Baths 2/half. A wonderful property on a very small select urbanization of only 10 houses. The property is at the top end of the urbanization, with a exquisite natural park behind and divine panoramic views of the country side. The 10 houses are on a private fenced plot, with a car park and concealed swimming pool. All the houses have the option to use another swimming pool and tennis courts on the main urbanization should they wish. The property is located next to a impressive golf course and 5 minutes to the Alhaurin town. The house is very spacious with many terraces and a beautiful private garden.
699,000€
Beds 4/5, Baths 3, build approx 300 m2, Plot 3500 m2. Fabulous country location midway between Coin and Monda. Exceptionally spacious and airy property that has been maintained by current owners to a very high standard. Recently fitted luxury kitchen with all modern appliances. Beautiful staircase and entrance hall, large bedrooms with very generous lounge and dining area. Charming property throughout with great views in a quiet and relaxing part of the countryside. Good access to property. Mains electric and water. Gas central heating, utility room and larder. Large car port and an enclosed kennel area for the dog owners. Landscaped but easy care gardens. At the bottom of the land is an area where the groundwork, footings have been done for a legal 3 bedroom property which could be used as guest accommodation.
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.
MAVL- 314 Cartama
475,000€
Build 150, Beds 3, Baths 2, Plot 3000m2. 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 Mirabella. The Finca is built in true “RUSTIC” style and also has a large garage which could be used as a workshop/study/further bedroom.
MAVL-304 Alhaurin el Grande
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 5 OF THE MONTH MACR -145 Alhaurin El Grande
749,000€
Beds: 10, Baths: 5, Build: 285m2, 42m2, 64m2. Plot: 18,500m2. A fantastic very private property with great character and potential, presently used for residential and commercial purposes. There is a main house is a huge wooden structure of only the best standard, with exquisite terraces all around, offering breath taking views over the country side and mountains. Close to the main house is a second property which comfortably accommodates families or groups, and although smaller than the main house it is of the same high standard. Moving completely away from these two properties and a short walk or drive is the third house. Set beautifully in its own grounds, with private swimming pool, BBQ area and a pleasant stream at the end of the plot, you get a real sense of tranquillity here. This house yet again is like the others, on 2 levels and can accommodate groups of people at ease. Additionally there are well constructed stables with all the facilities needed for horses, including space in which to exercise them. If you were not interested in keeping horses, there is also the alternative to convert the stables into yet more accommodation for renting out to holiday makers. All though the summer it has been continuously rented. The owners of this property benefit highly from its income, the main house allows brings in 1,500€ a week, so from a business point of view it can be extremely rewarding. There is the option and facilities to provide guests with bed and breakfast should they choose this or leave them to provide for themselves. There are many areas for guests to relax, around the two swimming pools, terraces or walk/ride through the lovely mountains. The location is truly divine, the countryside, mountains and views are spectacular, and a real place to take it all in, unwind and relax.
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.
MAVL-352
535,000€
Build, 190 plus outbuildings, Beds 5, Baths 3, Plot 5,400m2. A wonderful property with so much potential. The property is located in quite, cultivated part of the country, 20 minutes drive from the coast and 30 minutes from Malaga airport. A great villa with heavily cultivated grounds as the vendor is a professional horticulturist. Fertile irrigated land and a fully fenced plot and many good outbuildings and nice size pool house. An charming style home.
MAPR-359 Alhaurin El Grande
450,000€
Build 139 plus 40m2 outbuildings, Beds 4, Baths 2, and Plot 3,600m 2 A fantastic property in a sought after area. An urban house in the campo, with great gardens, a divine entrance and drive, also huge potential to extend. The property is with in walking distance to Alhaurin el Grande town.
>> costa HOMES
Costa Business Advice … Brought to you by David Fairweather from Bars in Spain SL
Franchising as a Business Alternative As a Franchise Organisation I am often asked to explain why I think franchising is a viable option. I can sum it up in relatively few words: “Franchising works by combining the drive and energy of the entrepreneur with the experience and expertise of the franchisor.” Worldwide, franchising is currently riding a wave of global growth unparalleled in its history. And for the right kind of person, franchise ownership can provide the perfect vehicle for achieving financial success. In other words, franchising provides the opportunity to be master of your own financial destiny, while enjoying the support of an established organization and the resources it commands. Statistics on the success/failure ratio of franchised versus non-franchised start-up businesses vary, but franchises usually come out on top. Comparing the payment of: (1) an up-front fee to buy into the support, reputation, and track record of a franchise system with (2) the research, development, and start-up costs involved in creating your own, independent business, the odds of survival clearly favour franchisees. When you add to this the unique and often unforeseen perils of setting up business in Spain, the attraction of franchising is even greater. I like to think that franchising is about being in business “for yourself, not by yourself.” For those new to the franchise business model, the notion of writing a large check at the outset (the franchise fee) and another every week or month (the royalty) may seem strange, objectionable, or even a deal-breaker. But those fees buy you reduced risk and security in the form of the experience and expertise mentioned above, including a proven business model, a system to make it work, the value of a recognized brand name, and a dedicated team of people whose only job is to help you, the franchisee, to grow and succeed. Why? Because every smart franchisor knows one essential truth: the more each franchisee succeeds, the more the brand succeeds. Despite the definite advantages and benefits offered by franchising, nothing is certain in business; success is neither automatic nor guaranteed. Assuming a solid business model, a brand that sells, and proper training and ongoing support from the franchisor, franchise ownership still requires hard work, with results accomplished over time. Franchising is not for everybody. Franchising, like anything, has its drawbacks. These include not having complete independence (no Loners, please), an existing business model (franchisees must follow the system), and the risks associated with the brand’s overall performance. For instance, if some franchisees run a sloppy operation, it reflects poorly on the entire brand. What follows are some of the major reasons to consider franchising. Remember, for both franchisee and franchisor, it’s all about fit, not only in financial goals, but in personality, style, and values. Be your own boss This ranks atop of the many good reasons to choose franchising. The desire to control your 70 costa life
own destiny, to build a business for yourself and your family has always been a powerful motivator in business and in life. Further motivation is provided by the never-ending cutbacks in corporate life, not only in job security and benefits, but in pensions and health insurance for retirees. Franchise ownership combines a sense of independence with a greater level of security. Hard work is rewarded There’s nothing better for the entrepreneurial spirit than being rewarded directly for their effort. That is not always possible in corporate life, where bonuses (if any) are based more on salary or employment level than on individual merit or performance. Hard work may be its own reward, but it’s even better when the income directly reflects the output. Proven business system New ideas are great. They’re what makes business and the world go round. Innovation is a key ingredient in success (as is consistency). But it is a fact that new businesses are prone to failure and most new ideas take time to catch on. Franchising allows entrepreneurs to plug into a proven, successful idea and operational system and focus their efforts on running the business, rather than on adjusting it in midstream. The wheel’s been invented, perfected, branded, and marketed. As a franchisee, it’s time to roll. Training and Support Franchisors want and need franchisees to succeed. That’s why intensive training is included in the franchise fee. It can take days or weeks, depending on the brand. Prior to opening for business, franchisees are trained in all the brand’s specifics, from business management to brand identity and culture, sales and marketing to finance, and everything and anything that makes that brand unique. After opening, any franchisor worth its salt will provide ongoing technical training, mentoring and career growth opportunities for its franchisees. This should include all aspects of running the franchise more effectively. Franchisees also benefit from business coaching and training, lifetime skills that are transferable to any other franchise or business. Financing To grow, franchisors must add new franchisees. If a franchisor finds a qualified candidate, it’s in their own best interest to help get them on board. Yet for a start-up, financing a new business can prove difficult, even with the weight of an established brand name and track record behind them. While few franchisors offer direct financial help, many are glad to provide referrals to known sources favourably disposed toward the brand and thus more likely to view the candidate in a favourable light. Site selection For retail concepts, finding the best site (or sites) is do-or-die. Independent business owners often think they’ve located the perfect site only to discover they’ve overlooked a key detail that a more experienced set of eyes would have spotted. Established franchisors have been through the site selection process many times before and have access to
extensive research data and experience in finding the best possible sites. Peer networking Competitive pressures are fierce in any business. Independent business owners can join local business associations or trade groups to network and discuss common problems but who knows more about your business than someone who’s also doing it? Peer support from fellow franchisees is an invaluable benefit of franchising. Since each franchisee has an exclusive territory, cooperation is not only possible, but is built into the franchising business model through conferences, regional meetings, intranet sites, and regular contact. Brands You can spend months thinking up a clever name, logo, signage, uniforms, and the exact look and feel you want to attract customers to your new business but you won’t know if it’s truly effective until you open for business. But if you hang out a sign that says McDonald’s, Burger King or Subway, everybody knows your name. The power of a well-known brand? Priceless! Marketing/advertising Co-operative advertising can mean huge savings for the franchisee in advertising costs whilst benefiting from the value of a national or international brand identity, national and regional advertising campaigns, and online access to promotional materials that can be personalised and tailored to the local markets. Bulk purchasing Franchised businesses frequently have a pricing advantage over independent, nonfranchised competitors. The greater the size of the franchisor, the greater its bulk purchasing discounts and economies of scale which creates a competitive advantage for franchisees fighting for market share within their territory. Exclusive territories Another thing your franchise fee buys you is the right to an exclusive territory. Franchisors generally are reluctant to award territories too large for a franchisee to serve adequately (and because they want to sell as many as they can, within reason), the smarter ones will err on the side of awarding territories that give their franchisees the best chance of success. The ownership factor Even within a franchise brand, units or territories owned by franchisees do better than units run by corporate managers. Having a stake in the outcome of the operation, knowing that you will be rewarded directly for your efforts and pride of ownership gives franchisees additional incentive to go that extra mile every chance they get. So there we are, some of the reasons why franchising can provide an excellent business option! As a final thought, there are many clichés in franchising but one of my favourites is: “Making it on your own doesn’t mean making it by yourself.” 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
>> costa STUFF
Costa
Profile
E
speranza OĂąa has been Mayoress of Fuengirola since 1991 and is now approaching her 5th term in office should she be re elected in this months elections. She was born in Sevilla and has lived in Fuengirola for more than 20 years. Originally a doctor, she has transformed Fuengirola into an up and coming cosmopolitan town and it has been voted one of the twenty most progressive towns in Spain. We caught up with her at the new town hall offices to see how the elections are going and to ask a few questions about local politics here in Spain.
a Ăą O a z n a r e p s E
With the elections looming next month it must be very hectic for you at the moment, how do you cope with the pressure? Well, when it comes to this time elections are always especially complicated because you have a starting date and a finishing date, moreover we have to give out many more messages but I believe that this is the same in all places and countries. Above all it is the democratic function, this is how we have to demonstrate that we are better than the opposition and it is really a natural pressure which repeats itself each time there is an election but it is true that they are especially complicated times because we also have to carry on with our daily responsibilities.
For such a busy time you appear very tranquil I feel very well, the elections shouldn’t be based on the 15 days before nor the two months previous but all the work throughout our governing, I believe that we have worked very well during all these years and I can render accounts to this town with a clear conscience and in that sense I am at ease with myself
How often are these local elections?
How easy is it for Expatriates to register to vote?
Every 4 years
European foreigners can vote but there is a small difference from the Spanish people. When a Spanish citizen reaches the age of 18 they pass on to the electoral census roll automatically however the foreigner has to request it. That is the only difference. All a European foreigner has to do is apply at the town hall to register on the census roll and then they can vote.
How many times can you be re elected? This will be the 5th time that I have stood for election since 1991, now 16 years ago.
To give our readers an idea of the politics of the Popular Party which of the UK parties would you say you are similar to and why? Conservative, Labour or Liberal? The Popular Party is a party which adds up to various parties. It is liberal but also has members from the right wing and of course royalists and those who are not. It is a very mixed party which sums up to many tendencies. I believe we could have similarities with the labour party and similarities with the conservatives, it is not a dogmatic party, we are very open and what we propose is to adapt always to the necessities of society.
Briefly what are the main principles of the Popular Party? Well, very briefly, for us, ones individual liberty and individual development are paramount and we base our politics around the person rather than the state. I believe much more in ones individual liberty than the state, I believe that this is what differentiates us from the left wing socialists. They prefer to favour the entity of the state and the people are a mere procedure and for me it is totally the opposite, I believe that we guarantee more liberty and that we are not as controlling as they are; a nanny state if you like. For us liberty is fundamental, equal opportunities for everyone and quality of life for everyone.
For the Popular party how central is the family when considering your policies and how important do you consider the continued stability of the family within Spanish society? We believe that the family is the foundation of society. It has always been and always should be that the family is the base of society. It is naturally the centre of society and wanting to break this, in my opinion is an evil interest. It is normal that a father, that a mother wants the best for their children, is it not? It is the elemental point in the party and from there on you can stimulate people and allow them to have options.
The expat community and politics in Spain How do you view the British expatriates role here in Andalucia and what positive factors have we brought to the coast and how can we contribute more? From an economic point of view tourism is a principal industry for us, of this there is no doubt. In particular, Fuengirola and a great part of Andalucia lives exclusively off tourism and everything else relating to tourism, therefore the British visitors and in fact, foreigners in general are fundamental because them being here is a fountain of income and this foreign money, particularly from the British has helped to make Andalucia what it is today. I believe that the open and welcoming society that we have enables other cultures to prosper here and I believe that the Spanish are tremendously welcoming and I think that the British have still not understood this. The Spanish are very open, very affectionate and very hospitable and the British are not taking advantage of this. I would like the British to incorporate more in the daily life of our community, not only to live amongst us on a more integrated basis but to take advantage of the openness of our multicultural society.
Last year it was claimed that out of all the British expats living in Andalucia less than 10% were registered to vote. How important do you think it is for foreigners living in Spain to exercise their right to vote and therefore influence the political arena in Andalucia? They have a right to vote in their municipality and European elections therefore they should use their right to vote, they live with us in our town so they should choose the governing person with us because everyone is going to benefit or be harmed by this decision. I believe that they should participate and many times they do not as they don’t even know how to go about it therefore they should inform themselves about all this, we try and inform as far as our possibilities allow us.
Is there a website or another source of information where the English Speaking community can get an understanding of the Popular Party and its beliefs? Unfortunately not at the moment but this will be my promise to the English speaking community here in Fuengirola. We are going to open a special department for foreign residents, for the immigrants we already have a department and now we are going to create one for the English speaking community so that they may participate in our activities.
Is it possible for British expats to become members of a political party here in Spain? Yes, all they have to do is go to the political party’s office and join We already have two English speaking members
The Future How do you see the future of Fuengirola and if re elected, what do you consider to be your main goals for the town over the next four years? From the time that the PP came into office in Fuengirola there have been many changes. Also when we arrived to govern in the municipality, unemployment was a big problem and now we have less than 5% unemployment and Fuengirola is among 20 Spanish towns that are advancing the most. I believe that this is a clear indication of what we have achieved and what I want for the future of this town. My goals are that it keeps on progressing in the same direction, that we remain amongst the most developing towns in Spain with a better way of life and that the people of Fuengirola continue like a large family prospering together. I want everybody here to enjoy the cultural activity that they want, the possibility to do the sporting activity that they want. To be able to walk the streets in safety and enjoy the improved facilities offered by the town. With the increase in car parking facilities Fuengirola can be an accessible town making available the best that Andalucia has to offer.
Finally what is your proudest achievement so far as Mayoress of Fuengirola? It is difficult to say because all that you do, you do, believing that it is necessary, that it is important but perhaps the moment that I shall never forget would be when the new constitutional square and the underground car park were done because this was a tremendous civil conflict, of course, moved by other political parties wanting to do damage to our town. However, this all turned out well in the end for everyone, the opening was attended by more than 10,000 people, I shall never forget this project, for me it was really emotional from start to finish with a lot of stress but it was worth it.
>> costa STUFF Written By
Dave Wakelin
REVIEW
>> Marillion - Somewhere Else Somewhere Else has left its mark after just two listens. Amazingly, this is Marillion’s 14th studio album! The variety is there, as ever, but there seems to be more layers and maturity than ever. Marbles (the groups 2004 release) is unbeatable, but this new offering matches it. If you enjoy beautifully rambling melodies and Fish, a singer at the height of his talents, superbly paced drumming and excellent production, then you need look nowhere else - it’s a must for any CD collection.
>> Mark Ronson - Version Version is a genre-hopping collection of covers produced by studio maestro Mark Ronson. Featuring a dazzling all-starcast that includes Lily Allen, Amy Winehouse and Robbie Williams, Ronson has taken contemporary classics by artists such as The Zutons and Kaiser Chiefs and reworked them into a funk/hip-hop style that will highlight the quality of the songs to a whole new audience. Includes the single ‘Stop Me’.
>> Life On Mars - TV Soundtrack What can you say about the greatest TV show for years? Well, how about it featured some of the finest songs from the early 70´s: David Bowie, Sweet, Slade, Thin Lizzy, David Essex, Wings, Roxy Music - to name but a few of the 23 tracks. There is also dialogue from series one of the programme. So just pop a CD into your Ford Cortina 8 track and transform yourself into 1973: is it a dream or are you mad ??
>> Manic Street Preachers - Send Away The Tigers Send Away the Tigers is meat and potatoes Manics. After spending the best part of the last decade trying to come to terms with being popular and seeking a new identity - with varying degrees of success - this sees the Manics attempting the simple yet difficult task of bettering Everything Must Go. The epic numbers (Indian Summer, The Second Great Depression, the title track) are more epic, and in Your Love Alone is Not Enough they have written their most perfect jukebox single since A Design For Life. With the new album, the Manics might have just written something that finally sends away a few of the overplayed live standards to the retirement home.
>> Patti Smith - Twelve ‘Twelve’, Patti Smith’s tenth studio album, sees her tackle a selection of cover versions while being reunited with the original Patti Smith Group line up of Lenny Kaye, Dee Daugherty and Tony Shanahan. The album features radical re-workings of original songs by the likes of Nirvana, Jim Morrison, Tears For Fears and Stevie Wonder and harks back to their legendary early live performances which would feature a mix of original material and unlikely cover versions.
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All CD’s above can be purchased online at www.ccfmradio.com
>> costa STUFF
>> The Pursuit of Happyness Starring: Will Smith, Thandie Newton, Dan Castellaneta, Rebecca Philipsen Uplifting, heartwarming and inspired by a true story, Hollywood superstar Will Smith plays Chris Gardner, a bright and talented single father, struggling to make ends meet until he lands a prestigious internship that enables him to pursue his dreams. With tremendous supporting performances from Thandie Newton and Jaden Smith (Will’s son). ‘THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS’ is a truly inspiring film.
>> Déjà vu Starring: Denzel Washington, Val Kilmer, Paula Patton, James Caviezel This dramatic American action thriller is the latest film from producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Tony Scott, and stars actors Denzel Washington, Val Kilmer, Paula Patton, Bruce Greenwood, Adam Goldberg and Jim Caviezel. The adventure takes place in New Orleans, USA where federal agent Doug Carlin (Denzel Washington) is guided through an FBI crime investigation by feelings of deja vu.
>> Babel Starring: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Mohamed Akhzam, Peter Wight In the remote sands of the Moroccan desert, a rifle shot rings out - detonating a chain of events that will link an American tourist couple’s frantic struggle to survive, two Moroccan boys involved in an accidental crime, a nanny illegally crossing into Mexico with two American children and a Japanese teen rebel whose father is sought by the police in Tokyo. Separated by clashing cultures and sprawling distances, each of these four disparate groups of people are nevertheless hurtling towards a shared destiny of isolation and grief. In the course of just a few days, they will each face the dizzying sensation of becoming profoundly lost - lost in the desert, lost to the world, lost to themselves - as they are pushed to the farthest edges of confusion and fear as well as to the very depths of connection and love.
>> The Last King Of Scotland Starring: Forest Whitaker, James McAvoy, Kerry Washington, Gillian Anderson A Scottish doctor on a Ugandan medical mission becomes irreversibly entangled with one of the world’s most barbaric figures: Idi Amin. Impressed by Dr. Garrigan’s brazen attitude in a moment of crisis, the newly selfappointed Ugandan President Amin hand picks him as his personal physician and closest confidante. Though Garrigan is at first flattered and fascinated by his new position, he soon awakens to Amin’s savagery - and his own complicity in it. Horror and betrayal ensue as Garrigan tries to right his wrongs and escape Uganda alive.
brought to you by
Forest Whitaker rightly picked up the best actor gong at the 2007 Oscars for his sensational portrayal of Idi Amin.
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Costa
Cuisine by Jan Morley of FreezerMor
PRAWNS & MONKFISH ON ROSEMARY SKEWERS with a lime and chilli salsa
The best thing about cooking is that there is always something new to try, and now that the barbequing season is in full swing, this is a delicious recipe that is easy to prepare. The monkfish must be one of the ugliest fish ever, it ranges up to about three feet in length, and its body is composed mainly of a huge, gaping mouth attached to a muscular tail. The monkfish is an anglerfish; its spine ends in a flexible, extensible cord which it dangles for use as a fishing lure. 16th century folklore suggests that the unusual name came from a noise emitted from the fish when out of the water, which sounded like the prayers heard in monasteries at the time. Its head is of enormous size, broad, flat and depressed. The wide mouth and both jaws are armed with bands of long pointed teeth, which are inclined inwards and can be depressed so as to offer no impediment to an object gliding towards the stomach but to prevent its escape from the mouth. The pectoral and ventral fins are so they act like feet, the fish being enabled to move, or rather to walk, on the bottom of the sea, where it generally hides itself in the sand or amongst sea-weed. All round its head and also along the body the skin bears fringed appendages resembling short fronds of sea-weed, a structure which,
Quick Tips to Buying and Cleaning shrimps or prawns
I would recommend buying frozen raw (grey in colour) tiger prawns for this recipe, as, when defrosted, they will take the same length of time to cook as the monkfish. Most prawns are frozen shortly after being harvested, so those on the fish counter in the supermarkets have been frozen, so NEVER re-freeze, as this could lead to tummy upsets! Most of us know how to remove the shell from a prawn but stop before it’s truly clean. Here’s how to do it! Begin at the shrimp’s legs, as it’s the weakest point of the shell, and pull it off. It will usually come off in segments. Now is your time to make a decision. Will you leave the tail on or remove it? For a dish like this one, or for a finger food, I like to leave the tail on so the guest can use it to hold onto during eating. It is a good idea to remove the intestinal vein, which is the black thread that can be found on the prawn’s spine. Using a knife, score the prawn’s spine and pull the vein out, removing any other dark spots you may find near the vein. Now rinse the shrimp under cold water to remove any remaining dirt and you’re ready to go. This also allows the flavours in the marinates to penetrate deeper into the prawns. The shells can be used to make stocks and soups and even to infuse oils. Skewers can be fashioned from metal, wood, plastic, and even porcelain. I most often use bamboo or edible skewers, such as in this recipe, where I use rosemary sprigs as skewers. As rosemary is quite a “tough, woody” herb, this is the best way to infuse its delicate fragrance into the fish, without having to eat the pungent leaves! Try and soak the stripped rosemary stems in cold water for 10 minutes, before skewering the fish on them, as its helps to prevent burning on the barbeque. Rosemary skewers are also great with pork, veal, lamb, or game. 78 costa life
combined with the extraordinary faculty of assimilating the colour of the body to its surroundings, is a perfect camouflage. The only edible portions of the monkfish are its muscular tail and its liver. The tail meat of the monkfish is delicious: dense, sweet and very similar to lobster tail meat in both flavour and texture. It is often referred to as “mock-lobster.” Like many fish, monkfish is an excellent low-fat, lowcholesterol source of protein and B vitamins. Ask the fishmonger to skin and fillet the monkfish ready for you. This is perfect for skewering as the flesh is very 500-600g monkfish tail, cut into cubes firm and quite ½ kilo raw tiger prawns “meaty”. 8 sprigs rosemary 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 ounce chopped basil
INGREDIENTS
SERVES
4
METHOD
For the Salsa
2 red chillies, deseeded, finely chopped 1 spring onion, finely chopped Finely grated zest and juice of a lime 5 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons mint leaves, chopped 2 tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped ½ teaspoon sugar As a vegetarian alternative try replacing the fish with Greek Haloumi and fresh pineapple.
1. To make the salsa, simply combine all the ingredients, and then season with freshly milled salt and black pepper. 2. Light the barbeque 3. Clean the prawns, keeping the tail on. Mix together the chopped basil and oil in a bowl, stir in the diced monkfish and prawns, marinate for 30 minutes. Remove all but the top quarter of blooms from the rosemary sprigs 4. Skewer the bare end of the stalks through the prawns, alternating with the monkfish on each 5. Place the prawn and monkfish skewers on a med hot barbeque, 2-3 minutes each side( until the prawns are pink, all the way through). Take care not to overcook as the fish will be rubbery! 6. Serve with a liberal drizzle of the piquant salsa.
Ok! You’re going to have a party, would you like an entertainer, it’s a long cry from the days when your children were entertained by a man who blew up balloons, or in a squeaky voice with Punch and Judy glove puppets, screeched “that’s the way to do it”. To hire a celebrity for your party these days would cost something like this. George Michael £1.78m, Elton John £1.5m, Destiny’s Child, £1.5m, The Rolling Stones £1m each, Robin Williams £1.m, Sir Paul McCartney £640,000, and finally Kylie Minogue £200,000. You would have to cut out the jelly and ice cream to pay for that little lot…Meanwhile Sir Paul’s soon to be divorced wife Heather Mills has been exciting American TV audiences with her dancing. In the US equivalent of Dancing with the Stars, she high kicked her false leg above her shoulders, and then spread-eagled her legs into the splits. One observer said that this was exactly what she did when she was a highly paid escort girl in her other life…You may remember the mind numbing film Titanic. Now the stars Kate Winslet will team up with Leonardo DiCaprio again in the film Revolutionary Road about the slow disintegration of a marriage. Not surprisingly, Kate’s husband Sam Mendes will direct…Seen and heard at De Stefano’s Italian Restaurant in Las Vegas. Tom Jones soon to be 67, insisted that after dinner he sang to his group of friends, sing he did for five hours, until 4am. Until someone finally threw some underwear on stage…Yet another adoption by Angelina Jolie, this time it is a three year old boy from Vietnam called Pax who will join the other two adopted kids, is Angelina starting her own agency for crowd scenes?…Rachel Weisz is being considered for the role of Emma Wedgewood, wife of Charles Darwin the man who discovered the theory of evolution. Rachel recently finished filming with Vince Vaughn the ex partner of Jennifer Aniston…Is the now rehabilitated bad boy Christian Slater making a play for Imogen, daughter of lord Andrew Lloyd Webber. Christian split from wife Ryan Haddon has been seen making gentlemanly overtures to the pert blonde…Has Sienna Miller who recently turned up at a premiere without a skirt and big pants under her tights brought the wrath of drugs charities down on her after announcing that “drugs are loads of fun” and that hallucinogenic mushrooms are her choice. Personally I prefer Brussels sprouts…I’m very happy to hear that the still lovely Farrah Fawcett has been given the all clear by after chemotherapy and surgery for rectal cancer. Farrah now 60 remains friends with her one time errant on-of boyfriend Ryan O’Neal, even though he was recently arrested for firing a gun, and fighting with his son at Farrahs birthday party… Winona Ryder knows about breaking the Ten Commandments, she was convicted of shoplifting in December 2002, now she has been cast to appear in the comedy film The Ten, she will have a head start on the other members of the cast, so keep taking the tablets…Winning by a nose, Cameron Diaz has decided enough is enough, “my nose is a disaster” Cammy has broken her nose on four occasions, “I’ve now decided to get it fixed, it’s not for cosmetic reasons, so you will not see any changes, my face is very important to me”...
So what else is new?
>> costa STUFF
STRANGE BUT TRUE
FunnyEmails This is not a scam…
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!
If women ruled the world…
After every flight, pilots fill out a form called a gripe sheet, which conveys to the mechanics any problem they had with the airplane during the flight. The mechanics read and correct the problem and then explain in writing on the lower half of the form what remedial action was taken. The pilot reviews the gripe sheets before the next flight. Never let it be said that ground crews and engineers lack a sense of humor. Here are some ‘actual’ maintenance problems submitted by Qantas pilots and the solutions recorded by maintenance engineers. By the way, Qantas is the only major airline that has never had an accident (P = The problem logged by the pilot) (S = The solution and action taken by the engineer) P: Left inside main tire almost needs replacement. S: Almost replaced left inside main tire. P: Test flight OK, except auto-land very rough. S: Auto-land not installed on this aircraft. P: Something loose in cockpit. S: Something tightened in cockpit P: Evidence of leak on right main landing gear. S: Evidence removed. P: Number 3 engine missing. S: Engine found on right wing after brief search. P: Aircraft handles funny. S: Aircraft warned to straighten up, fly right, and be serious. P: Target radar hums. S: Reprogrammed target radar with lyrics. P: Mouse in cockpit. S: Cat installed. P: Noise coming from under instrument panel. Sounds like a midget pounding on something with a hammer. S: Took hammer away from midget
Believe it or not… Donald Duck comics were banned in Finland because he doesn’t wear pants. Cats have over one hundred vocal sounds, dogs only have about ten. I am. Is the shortest complete sentence in the English language It’s impossible to sneeze with your eyes open. Stewardesses is the longest word typed with only the left hand. The average human eats eight spiders in their lifetime at night. The most common name in the world is Mohammed. The strongest muscle in the body is the tongue
82 costa life
Sudoku and Crossword answers for Issue 26
Sudoku
costa STUFF >>
4 6 7 4 1
3 5 3 8
6 7 3 8
5 7 4 7 9 9 8 6 7 8 5 2 4 4 3 7 5 6 8 1
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 Burkina __ 5 Badlands formation 9 Tennis great Arthur 13 Not written 14 Be jubilant 16 Flabbergast 17 Running late 19 Hourglass filler 20 Sage 21 Forrest Gump portrayer 23 Evils 25 Mars 26 TV host 29 Kneecap 31 Groucho-type look 32 Mensa data 33 Outcome 36 Exclude 37 Made it 39 Friend of Tigger 40 One of the Furies 42 Performed 43 Hindu scripture 44 Unification Church members 46 Felt unwell 47 Interpose 48 Breakfast staple 50 Italian noblewoman 52 Brings up 56 “I cannot tell ___” 57 “Peter Pan” fairy 59 Furnace waste 60 Stiff-upper-lip type 61 “Symphonie espagnole” composer 62 Actor MacLachlan 63 “Render ___ Caesar ...” 64 Apart from this
Down 1 Watch pockets 2 Environs 3 Humorist Mort 4 “Sleuth” co-star 5 Olympic prize 6 Office no. 7 Business attire 8 Virtually 9 Attacks 10 One of a classic comedy duo 11 Attractive guys 12 Concludes 15 Moderated 18 Africa’s longest river 22 Put in the cup 24 Standard lettering in Rome 26 Exile site for Napoleon 27 Ground grain 28 Solemn observance 30 Brief digression 32 Wry writers 34 Miner’s find 35 “The Wind in the Willows” character 37 Make amends 38 Tight gripper 41 Procession 43 Apparent 45 As originally found 46 Gelatin substitute 47 Yuletide decor 49 El ___ (painter) 50 Hogshead 51 Quotation notation 53 Make airtight 54 Angled annexes 55 Blackthorn 58 Equipment
crossword
costa life 83
>> costa STUFF
BIRD FOOD A
viculture ( the keeping and breeding of avian species in captivity) is a comparatively new science, about which we still have an awful lot to learn. Dogs and cats as companion animals, farms livestock for food, and horses and donkeys for transport and recreation have been bred in captivity for centuries. In that time we have learned much about their nutritional requirements and there exist for most groups commercially prepared diets which supposedly offer complete and balanced nutrition to these animals. The same, however, is not true with most caged and aviary birds, specifically psittacines. Most passerines and small parrakeets are naturally eaters of small seeds and grains, and this is the type of diet we provide them with in captivity. Most of the larger tropical and sub-tropical parrots are “facultative omnivores”- that is they will eat anything that comes their way .Some macaw and cockatoo species are more specific in their food sources but African greys and amazons will forage through the rainforest canopy taking in a wide variety of seeds, nuts, berries, leaves and often small grubs and insects. They may gorge themselves exclusively on one particular favourite fruit when it is available, but through the course of a year and over their home range they will take in a balanced range of nutrients. Yet in captivity, we still insist on feeding most pet parrots on “parrot mix”, a collection of seed and nuts based largely on sunflower seed. Parrots do like the taste of sunflower seed and peanuts, so they seem to be eating well, but are not taking in a good nutritional balance. Such seeds are high in fat, and low in most other essential nutrients. The problem is compounded by the fact that many birds will pick out the sunflower seeds and peanuts from the mix, and toss out or leave all the others. Birds on this diet for any length of time will show all sorts of problems including poor general health and susceptibility to infections; poor skin and feather quality, with feather plucking; poor or abnormal beak or nail growth; poor or non-existent breeding activity; obesity and specific deficiency syndromes, development of lipomata; arthritis; vitamin A deficiency, which leads to upper respiratory infections, sinus abscess formation, and nostril abnormalities; and calcium deficiency which manifests as lack of eggs, softshelled eggs, egg binding, metabolic bone disease, muscle-weakness, tremors or fits. Many of these problems ca be addressed with an appropriate improvement in diet. We now have Harrison´s Bird Diets. Dr. Greg Harrison, from Florida, a founder member of the American Association of Avian Veterinarians, set to produce a compounded diet that was not only palatable and nutritious, but was made entirely of organically-grown products and free from chemical additives and dyes. And the best thing is most parrots like it and eat it! Birds that we put on the diet have shown a rapid improvement in demeanour and well-being, appearing brighter and more active. Feather growth and colour improve dramatically and we have had more rapid and complete success with feather-plucking problems by changing birds to this food that we have ever had before with dietary supplements, sprays, behaviour modification. You can have all the different Harrison’s formulas in our Hospital waiting for the health of your Bird.
Myramar animal Hospital. Av/Santa Amalia s/n Fuengirola. 29640. 952588543 667433678 myramarhospital@hotmail.com
84 costa life
>> costa STUFF
VoIP ‘not ready for mainstream adoption’
Voice over IP (VoIP) technology is not ready for mainstream consumer adoption, says Forrester Research (an independent technology and market research company) in a report which examines VoIP service suppliers including Google, ICQ, Microsoft, Skype, and Yahoo.
The report found that more than half of European users have now heard of VoIP, here in our part of the world phone numbers that start 951 are mostly VOIP, but only 8% have tried it, and those who have tried VoIP are typical early adopters, who started to use Skype and Windows Live Messenger for free PC-2-PC phone calls. Of this small group, only 4% continued to use VoIP for some or all of their private calls, while 3% gave up for a number of reasons. Unresolved issues with VoIP include inconsistent or poor call quality, a lack of interoperability between VoIP platforms, complicated setups and interface usability problems. “Consumers choose VoIP because it offers the choice of zero or low-cost alternatives to expensive phone calls telephone companies cannot beat. Current Web-based VoIP offers have attracted tech-savvy consumers, but in order to also attract mainstream consumers, VoIP vendors have to radically improve the experience.” “Currently, 70% of Europeans don’t know about VoIP — and only 1% use it for nearly all of their calls from home. Coupled with relatively low broadband take-up, European consumer VoIP adoption will move slowly. Although take up of new Voip phone services in the campo has been fast, most Internet providers here were not originally set up to offer telephone services and the equipment they use is not always up to the job. Internet and Telephone suppliers here on the Costa del Sol are not equal and bad quality is a problem for some subscribers. With new companies setting up specifically to offer reliable telephone services it won’t be long before quality phone calls and cheap rates will be available in the campo. Without the need for a fixed phone line. With some companies offering calls for less than 1 cent per minute to most European countries I expect more people to use VoIP services as quality gets better. 86 costa life
brought to you by Russell Vaughan
Next time you get an email you may be collecting illegal software
Has the world gone mad!! With all that has been going on with windows XP lately the subject of counterfeit or pirate software is still in the press and it looks like the computer industry is getting tough. Forget about borrowed or shared software. The average computer has 300 unlicensed fonts installed on it, leaving you exposed to legal action, according to a leading typeface company. Monotype says the scale and importance of font piracy is being overlooked. Companies which did not ensure that they had licences for all fonts were opening themselves up to the same liabilities as they would if they used pirated software on their machines. “Violations occur when a person sends a font to another person who does not have a licence for it. That often happens if someone is sending a document like a Word document or PowerPoint file which needs a font that is not installed on the receiver’s machine.” So now it’s not only spam we have to watch out for.
Video on the net
TV shows and home made films on every subject imaginable are available online. You Tube is a website where 1000’s of people have uploaded their favourite video. Started only 2 years ago it has caught the imagination of the new Internet Generation and has become a site to watch and share original videos worldwide. In November 2006, within a year of its launch, You Tube was purchased by Google for US$1.65 billion. The site is praised as one the most user friendly sites on the Internet. Unregistered users can watch most videos on the site while registered users have the ability to upload an unlimited number of videos. Related videos, determined by the title and votes, appear to the right of the video. The site gave users the ability to post responses and subscribe to any registered. Go to the search box at you tube and type ANY subject in. I’m sure there will be a collection of Videos for you to download.
“See
is Believing or is
ave you ever tried to describe an amazing sunset to someone? What about the sparkling blue Mediterranean? Ever tried describing it to someone else? Have you ever thought that these amazing views on this coast that we often take for granted cannot be seen by those without sight? When you sit sipping a drink on the terrace of a ‘chiringuito’ watching fishing boats bobbing up and down in the shallow water, do you ever stop to think of those without sight who cannot enjoy that tranquil scene in the same way? For many who have escaped the grey skies of northern Europe, the sunshine on this coast seems to reveal the sea or the countryside around us in bright clarity of colour. What about the sounds of this coast? Have you ever tried to describe to a deaf person the beautiful sound of the sea lapping on the shore, or the birds singing? How would you describe the exciting sound of flamenco music or a piece of classical music, or even the latest pop song to someone who had no hearing? If you did try to describe what you are seeing or hearing and the response was “I don’t believe it, it doesn’t exist because I can’t see it or hear it” you would probably be shocked. No, the blind person believes and listens to hear a description of the beautiful scene just as the deaf person believes and enjoys the explanation of that which he cannot hear. For those who are deprived of the faculty of sight, that which is invisible to them can be described by a caring person so they can imagine the beauty around them. I once worked with a blind woman who returned from a trip to the States and began to tell us about the wonderful sights she had ‘seen’. She ‘saw’ them through her husband’s eyes as he described everything to her on their travels. On the other hand the deaf person simply cannot hear and appreciate the sound of music or the singing of birds, yet they know the sounds are real because others hear and tell them about it. The faculty of sight and hearing enable us to see and hear the world around us and we often simply take this for granted. But there is another faculty which we have been given which enables us to appreciate another realm altogether. For those who have faith in God, it is possible to be aware of another sense, the ability to believe in the supernatural. Just as the eye sees a beautiful scene and the ear hears an amazing sound, so faith in the heart can appreciate the reality of the blessing of God. Yet how many have said “I don’t believe it, I can’t see it so it doesn’t exist”? Or “I’ll believe it when I see it!” How would you react if a person without natural sight made the same statement? He would be denying what obviously exists, simply because he himself could not see it. The faculty of faith enables us to listen to God’s voice, to receive His love and encouragement and to walk in another dimension. How do we get this faith? “…Faith comes from listening to this message of good news – the Good News about Christ” (Romans 10:17 NLT) “What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot see.” (Hebrews 11:1 NLT) If you have struggled to believe anything beyond your five natural senses – sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch – you can reach out to God and simply ask Him to give you faith so that you can come to know Him. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it.” (John 3:16,17 NLT) Annette Riggall
All your local information for the costa del sol
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Useful info numbers, phrases and shopping tips that will aid your stay in Spain
90
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Indoor/outdoor activities
94
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Bars & Restaurants Sponsored by
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BENALMADENA to MARBELLA
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Business Directory All your services and business needs in our comprehensive guide Sponsored by
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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
LOST/STOLEN CREDIT CARDS >>
AIRPORTS
Malaga Gibraltar
TAXIS
Benalmádena Estepona Fuengirola Gibraltar Málaga Marbella Mijas Costa
BUS STATIONS
Algeciras Alhaurin Benalmádena Coin Estepona Fuengirola La Linea Málaga Marbella San Pedro Torremolinos
952 048 844 956 773 026 952 441 545 952 802 900 952 471 000 956 770 027 952 327 950 952 774 488 952 476 593 956 654 304 952 490 709 952 443 563 952 450 366 952 802 954 952 475 066 952 172 396 953 350 061 952 764 400 952 781 396 952 380 965
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 Girobank
1514721110
Abbey National
1619516500
Allied Irish
2890330099
Halifax
8457203099
American Express
2072229633
Lloyds TSB
1702364274
Bank of Scotland
1383738866
Mastercard
1383621166
Barclays Bank
1604230230
Nat & Provincial
1274331522
Diners Club
1252513500
Nationwide
1793543888
First Direct
1132345678
Natwest
1132778899
Yorkshire Bank
1132424800
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)
Who?
¿Qué?
(keh)
What?
¿Dónde?
(dohn-deh)
Where?
¿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.
costa GUIDE >> >> 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.
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
MARKET PLACES
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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 near the football stadium
TUESDAYS >>
Fuengirola (Feria Ground) Nerja weekly market (Calle Chaparil)
WEDNESDAY >>
Benalmadena Parque de la Paloma La Cala Estapona La Linea Rincon de la Victoria
THURSDAY >>
Torremolinos Velez Malaga San Pedro Torre del Mar
FRIDAY >>
Benalmadena Tivoli Gardens Las Chapas
SATURDAY >>
Fuengirola La Cala Puerta Banus near bullring
SUNDAY >>
Fuengirola near the mosque Malaga near the football stadium Sabinillas Estapona Sotogrande Nerja car boot sale
>> costa GUIDE your A - Z guide on
fun action &
INDOOR/OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
,
94 costalife
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.
adventure 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.
Gibraltar Dolphin Tours +34 956 680 741
GUN & COUNTRY CLUBS >>
CINEMAS >>
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.
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.
HORSE RACING >> 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.
CASINOS >>
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.
Whats on!!!
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
costa GUIDE >>
“Breast Cancer Awareness Week” 12th- 19th May Golf Day On the 12th May, the Calahonda Lions, in association with Ladies Golf Getaways, will hold a Stableford 4 competition at CalaNova Golf Club. Fees are 70.00€ including tapas and buggy, and tee-off is 9.00am. The day will be dedicated to Positively Pink, an organisation for Breast Cancer on the Coast. To book please contact Ladies Golf Getaways info@ladiesgolfgetaways.com or call Ali on 651 751 820, Elaine on 654 615 439 Riviera Gallery invites you to The Photographers Exhibition 13th April – 10th May 2007 With many brilliant photographers from all parts of the world who are now living on the Coast. Calle Meastra Angeles Aspiazu, Fuengirola tel 952 593 792. Margit Björklund shows a selection of her work at Gallery - Restaurant Gazpacho, C./ Estepona 4, La Cala de Mijas. The exhibition runs between May 2nd - 28th, open Mon to Fri 5 pm - 1 am, Sat noon - 4 pm Member of the Andalusian International Artists Group, www.aia-ggroup.net, www.my-rrasgos.com Andalusian Artists Three Day Show The Andalusian International Artists Group celebrates the arrival of Spring with a Three Day Show of members work at. The Studio of Richard Wood, Calle Colinas No. 46, Valtocado Urbanization, Mijas. 18th – 20th May 2007. Inauguration: Friday 18th May 7-9 pm. Opening hours: Saturday and Sunday 2-4 pm. For directions from the Mijas – Coin road tel: 676 662 772 or check website www.aia-ggroup.net PAD Events in May Sunday 6th May - Shelter Open Day Sunday 6th May - Last date for entries PAD Photo Competition for Dogs and Cats Monday 14th May - Monthly Scrabble Contest Dees Bar Fuengirola Monday 14th May - Monthly Quiz Carob Bar - Mijas La Nueva Friday 18th May - Concert by Andy Ross Singers - Mijas Hotel Sunday 20th May - PAD Annual Dog Show - Centro Nordico For more details on all of these call Barbara on 952 48 60 84
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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
Km202
La Cala Marbella
Blancos Restaurant
www.barsinspain.com - (0034) 952 499 400
costa life 99
BENALMADENA to MARBELLA
Calypso, Calahonda Spit Roast, Kentucky style chicken Indian Gujerati style specialities, Kebabs, wraps, pasta + special curries
DAILY MENU FROM
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Including soft drink W e 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
Ifits finger licking it s V ijays! Urb. Calypso between Barclays and Santander Bank
952 933 891 or 660 030 601 order in advance
100 costa life
www.barsinspain.com - (0034) 952 499 400