contents
issue
38
10
costa culture
10
Cover story Summertime... and the living is easy by Mike Wilkinson
costa getaways
14
Ardales Lakes and El Chorro No longer one of the Coast’s best kept secrets...
costa companies
20
Local Business Spotlight
costa lifestyle
28 30 31 32 34 36 38
Mens Stuff What girls want to hear... What Men Want
What Women Want
Beauty Tips This Summer look... Health article Hold back time Helen Johnson Shed those pounds and get ready for Summer! Health news Skin cancer...
costa homes
44 48 50 54
Cover story Interiors Perfect Patterns Handy Home Tips
Cover story Turning a blind eye by Simon Hill Obtaining a Mortgage in Spain
costa stuff
56
57 58 60 62 64 66 67 68 70
Animal Health
50
Well another Raid is over
Not as Stingy as you think... by Erny Harrison Costa Cuisine
Spiritual Thought
Bytes and Pieces
Showbiz Whispers / Movie Review PINSAPO creates a hyman chain around ‘Turtle Lake’ Positive Attitude Never give up on your dreams Strange But True & Challenge
44
Hello and welcome... to issue 38 and it's a big Happy Birthday to Costa Life Magazine. 4 years old this month! The cover this month is one from the Lakes which is what was on the first cover fours ago, also I went back to El Chorro as it were and did a re write of the original first Costa Getaways. It’s still a beautiful part of Spain which amazingly people still don’t know about or haven’t made the hour’s trip to visit. You really should go if you have never been, especially during the summer where the lakes offer a real alternative to the beach. Whilst I was up there I bumped into a mountain climbing instructor who offered to take us across the ‘‘Camino Del Rey’’ which you can read about in the article. It is a climb up the side of the gorge which ends up at 200 metres above the water! I don’t know if it was because I was up a mountain at the time but for some reason I said yes so sharon and I are doing it in a couple of weeks. Apparently it is a big myth about the access to the climb being restricted and is done by climbers all the time. We shall see, watch this space for next month’s issue. We have also gone back to perfect bound this month, we have always wanted to do so as it does give the magazine a classier feel so we thought why not do it on our birthday. It’s been an enjoyable but hard slog to get to this point and we know we couldn’t have done it without all our clients both old and new, our contributors and writers and of course you, our readers who pick up Costa Life every month. Thank you for everything and we hope that we can continue in keeping Costa Life as your favourite magazine here on the coast. It is still tough out there for many but keep plugging away and you will get there. Everything goes in cycles which means lows as well as highs but with determination we can achieve anything. The ball this year is on September 13th and it is open to anyone who wants to come to the Tamisa Golf Hotel for a great night out. Tickets are 40 euros and there will be information on how you can reserve them in the next issue or call or email if you want to reserve some sooner. The summer is as good as here and we are looking forward to getting out and about over the next few months. It was great to be in El Chorro where I could feel that inland heat and the Spanish ambience, what Spain is really about. Make sure you get the sun cream on in the next few weeks as it is going to be hot. See you in June! JUNE!
Editor Sharon Holdsworth Consulting Editor Harvey Mann Design and Production David Philliskirk Advertising Sales Ronan Holdsworth IT Advisor Dave Howard of Alphashare Web Master Mike Wilkinson Contributors Linda Christie Erny Harrison Simon Hill Helen Johnson Jan Morley Dr J.S. Nicolas Cruella Parsons Annette Riggall Russell Vaughn Mike Wilkinson Company Director Ronan Holdsworth Partner Barrie Shearman Images courtesy of Costa del Sol Tourist Board JumpFotoArt.com 951 272 693 PR Shots Deposito Legal MA-0054-2004
For Information on distribution points, sales or any other enquiries call 952 492 250*, 600 713 028 or email: info@costalifemagazine.com or visit our website www.costalifemagazine.com *new contact number
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
952 492 250 info@costalifemagazine.com
This month we celebrate our fourth birthday and would like to say a huge thank you to all our clients both old and new who have made Costa Life possible. Also a big thank you to all our writers and contributors who over the last few years have helped to make Costa Life one of the most popular magazines on the Costa del Sol. And to you our readers who grab your copy every month, thank you. With the feed back that we get from you, our readers on a regular basis we know we have created a winning formulae that has struck a chord with our clients, writers and readers alike. With having Fours years in print Over 400,000 copies distributed Over 150 distribution points Stands in three Dunnes Stores The best writers on the coast Dozens of long term satisfied clients The only A4 magazine to distribute both along the coast and inland We believe we are one of the best and probably the most popular lifestyle magazine on the coast. Not because we say so but because YOU say so. From e-mails and phone calls to encouraging words and comments when we see you face to face out and about
we know we have established an excellent and respected publication in Costa Life Magazine. We boldly made the claim in our first issue that our desire was to be ‘‘the people’s magazine for the Costa del Sol and inland Andalucia’’ we believe we have achieved that goal. If you are in business in Andalucia and you want to reach the residential and tourist population along the coast and inland why are you not in Costa Life? Give us the opportunity to represent and work for you as part of your marketing campaign and you will not be disappointed, we promise. Anyone in business here will tell you that four years is a long time in Spain and we believe that to be true, we are here to stay and we can help you to make sure your business is here to stay also. Call us on 952 492 250 or email info@costalifemagazine.com And finally once again, a huge and unreserved thank you to all our clients, writers, contributors and of course, readers who have helped us over the last four years to keep going. Thank you, thank you and thank you again.
CED REDU ALE JUSTQUICK S FOR
MACP 248
Alhaurin el Grande
498,000€ €
JUST REDUCED FOR QUICK SALE Built Area: 215m2 Land Area: 3000m2 Bedrooms: 4 2 BATHROOMS (1 en suite). Country style villa, situated between Alhaurin de la Torre and Alhaurin el Grande with fantastic views of the Guadalhorce valley. Close to Lauro Golf, only 20 min. from Malaga airport, and 5 min. from all amenities. Sold fully furnished.
Large private pool, kidney shaped, with pergola. Landscaped and fenced garden. Many palm and some fruit trees. Automatic gate (2 entrances). Living area built on one level with garage/storage underneath. One big area for the dining room and salon. Rustic floor, open fireplace a/c hot/cold. Aluminium sliding doors leading to big covered terrace and pool area.
MACP 355 Alhaurin el Grande 599,500€ € Built Area: 150m2 Land Area: 19,000m2 Bedrooms: 3 en-suit Bathrooms: 3
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 airconditioning central heating and every thing you need for a warm home.
MACP-430
MONDA
749,000€ €
Built Area: 332.86m2, Land Area: 3.299m2, consisting of two plots of 695m2 & 2.604m2, with separate title deeds (Escritura’s) 3 en-suit, Bathrooms: 4, Andalucian Style Villa a paradise in Monda with amazing views! This beautiful and very comfortable villa was built in 2001 and is located just outside the village of Monda, only 20 minutes from Marbella and approximately 40 minutes from Malaga. The main entrance to the villa leads through a romantic courtyard with a classic lion-head fountain and a large antique front door into an astonishing entrance hall with a 5 meter high ceiling. From here you will find doors to the garage with laundry area, a large closet, and two bedrooms with spacious built-in wardrobes, a shower room and the passage to the kitchen /dining room with open fireplace. Heating Full central heating and hot water supply ‘‘Lamborghini’’, Timer controlled hot water circulation system for instant hot water supply, Oil fired, 1000 litre oil deposit, Wood burning stove ‘‘Dovre’’ in living room, Open fireplace in kitchen/dining room. Kitchen Fully equipped with dishwasher, fridge/freezer, ceramic hob, stainless steel extractor fan & stainless steel microwave/turbo oven, Hand-made wall tiles. Bathrooms All fittings from ‘‘Roca’’, Hand painted wall tiles, all taps from ‘‘Buades’’. Garden Approximately 2000 m2 of landscaped sub tropical gardens with automatic irrigation system, illumination throughout the garden with energy saving spots, various terraces and porches. Various Remote camera controlled automatic entrance gate, Automatic garage door opener, Satellite television with connection in all rooms, Mosquito nets throughout the house, Full wall and roof insulation, Air-conditioning in master bedroom, ‘‘One key’’ system for all locks, "Rejas" on all doors and windows The house was built in 2001 to the highest standards and has been very well maintained. The exterior and all the bedrooms have been fully painted in 2006. In the basement you will find a technical room with pool system, water deposit, water softener, oil deposit and central heating and a further separate storage room and wine cellar. Kitchen: In the kitchen/dining room, double doors lead to the sitting room with a high wooden ‘‘cathedral’’ ceiling and a wood burning stove. The French doors in the kitchen and sitting room lead first to a large covered terrace and further to an open terrace surrounding the swimming pool. Pool: 8 X 4 meter swimming pool, automatic filter unit in basement. Garage: Driveway with parking for 2/3 cars and a spacious garage with automatic door for one more car.
>> WHAT’S ON
Estepona Floral art Club Jean Crane, National Demonstrator, Maureen Burrows, Area Demonstrator, and Alan Smith, Area Demonstrator. Don’t miss it!! Tuesday, May 20th.The Demonstration begins at 3.00pm - 5.00pm at El Paraiso Country Club, Benavista, N340 (Km 167) Plus, we will be holding a ´Workshop´ this month, Thursday, 22nd May, at Swing Restaurant, Estepona, N340, starting at 11am – 1.00pm For further information please contact the Chairman, Anne Atkinson on 952 890 352.
SOL Classic Car Club The next SOL Classic Car Club meeting is on the 6th May 2008 at the El Chaparal Golf and Country Club in Mijas Costa at 19.30 with a run planned for the 10th May 2008. New members are always welcome, for further details of the Club’s activities visit www.solclassiccarclub.net or email the Club secretary at jean@solclassiccarclub.net
Royal British Legion – Coin The Coin Branch meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month 11.00am at the Hotel El Palomar, Urbanization Miraville, Los Llanos de Coin. www.coinrbl.info or contact Jo 952 451 671 or Den 952 453 829. Non-members most welcome. Wednesday 14th May - Games/Photography group at El Palomar Hotel. Saturday 17th May - Diner’s group day out. Meet at La Trocha at 10am to drive to Ardales/ El Chorro area for a Discovery Tour around the area, go for a walk, have lunch. For further information Tel: Jo 952 451 671. Wednesday 28th May - Day trip to Rute, calling at the Anise factory, Jamon museum, Chocolate factory and a stop at Lake Inzajar. Lunch at local restaurant. Depart La Trocha 8.30, return La Trocha 7p.m. Tickets (coach only) 13€ € members, 15€ € non-members from Wendy. Tel: 952 453 829. 8 costa life
Written By:
Mike Wilkinson mike@costalifemagazine.com
A
t the risk of sounding somewhat ‘yucky’, for want of a better word, I awoke this morning with an unusual moistness about my person… the sheets and pillows damp with sweat. I glanced at the PC monitor beside the bedside table and saw, with the help of Windows’ 3D text screensaver with its settings set to show the time in the largest font size and the boldest colour, that it was 9 o’clock on Sunday morning (although the Windows’ 3D text screensaver doesn’t actually tell you what day it is… I just knew that). And I like Sunday mornings. Get up, evict any stray cats that have taken a liking to the roof terrace overnight, go make a coffee, switch on the old goggle-box tuned into Sky News and catch up with all the thrilling events that have been taking place in the UK whilst I was doing better things the night before. It’s only for ten minutes, mind, as any longer than that on Sky News brings on those feelings of repetition and déjà vu. But today is the start of British Summer Time (well, at least it was at the time of writing). The clocks are forward, the days are longer and there’s a ‘Spring’ in my step. And I didn’t get caught out with the time-zone change last night, either. Not only did I change the time on my mobile phone, I also adjusted the PC clock. And now I’m wondering why I’m an hour in front of the time on the telly. It appears that both my mobile phone and my PC think that they’re quite capable of adjusting the time to accommodate ‘daylight saving hours’ on their own, although not quite intelligent enough to realise that I’d already done it… which explains why I’m an hour in front of everyone else and there’s another two hours before Something For the Weekend starts. Ah we ll… wh at’ s the weather like over there?
10 costa life
‘‘Thank you… good morning. Yes, I know we’re officially in British Summer Time now, but it really doesn’t feel anything like summer just yet, does it? But once the morning frost clears we will be looking at a cold, wet and windy day with…’’ I peer out of the window. The sun is pouring down. It looks and feels everything like summer to me. My morning moisture mystery suddenly becomes apparently obvious… it’s summer time now… there are too many blankets on the bed, ain’t there? Outside, the recently evicted cat is now sunning itself on the windowsill and everything’s looking good for the beach later on. I’m so glad I got up an hour earlier than normal - I should do it more often. Ha-ha… but British Summer Time, eh? Now there's an oxymoron if ever there was one. You don’t get summer in Britain - not like here. Summer time in
Spain is something altogether very different and really quite special, as I will now try to explain. Twelve hours a day. Three hundred and twenty days a year. With sunshine stats like that, Vitamin D3 deficiencies in this country are rather uncommon, and so is the need to wear much in the way of clothing, which is always a nice thing when you’re sitting on a frontline bar terrace in the sunshine watching the ladies walk down to the beach in bikinis that appear to have been either bought on or made from a shoestring. And it all seems to happen overnight. Two weeks ago I was all dressed up like Ernest Shackleton and now the goose bumps only reveal themselves in the freezer section of the supermarket because I'm already getting accustomed to the heat outside. Happy days. Salad days. And it’s not even really summer yet; it’s only just spring. In England, pinpointing the exact time of summer’s arrival is an uncertain science. There’s certainly a certain uncertainty about it… of that you can be quite sure. One day it’s spring, the next day it’s supposed to be summer - that’s about it. There is very little noticeable change, certainly not in the weather. In Spain, though, everything about the country seems to change. And they change in different ways, depending on where exactly you are on the peninsula - just like the weather in fact. In Madrid, for example, it’s freezing in the winter and blisteringly hot in the summer, whereas on the coast it’s far more temperate because of the cooling sea breezes. So your geographical location in the country will determine how you react to the summer months. But regardless of where you are, the first thing you notice when the season arrives, if you’re not permanently tuned into Sky TV that is, is that the Spanish media go into a frenzy to let you know that the season’s finally arrived. On Spanish TV, a whole host of variety shows and summer specials appear from nowhere, and the radio stations suddenly start playing their summer songs, hand picked by the media-mafia who apparently know exactly what we want to listen to now that the sun has got its hat on. Now, I’m not talking about classic summer songs here, like the title of this article or maybe the Beach Boys. No… think more along the lines of ‘‘Macarena’’ or ‘‘The Ketchup song’’ with that classic chorus line ‘‘Asereje ja de je de jebe tu de jebere seibiunouva. Mahabi an de bugi an de budidipi’’. Brilliant! And those lyrics are repeated relentlessly, not just throughout the song but throughout the whole day, every day, right through until the end of September, and so you become brainwashed into singing it in your head all the time but you don’t know the lyrics (unless you’re really sad), and that is exponentially frustrating. Another noticeable change with the arrival of summer, although it’s not really noticeable in the coastal tourist areas where we live, is the working week. In Madrid, for example, the normal work week is 43 hours: nine hours a day except Fridays, which are just seven. Then, on 15th June, Summer Hours begin and every day becomes a Friday, just 8:00 until 3:00 straight through, then straight home. This summer schedule lasts until September and, even though the hours have only been slightly reduced, not a whole lot gets done from there on. Mind you, that’s not so much to do with the reduced hours as with the holidays but, as I say, we don’t notice it on the coast because all the businesses here stay open in the summer to take advantage of all the holidaymakers coming down from Madrid and elsewhere. In Spain, literally everyone goes on holiday with 90% of the population vacationing between June and September. Businesses just shut down totally for the entire month of August and everyone flocks to their holiday homes on the
Med or their spa and sea bathing retreats up on the north coast - and most Spaniards have them. To be honest, they don't really have any choice but to go away for the summer what’s the point of hanging around town when the whole place is shut for a month? And even if certain businesses didn’t completely close down for the summer, nothing really gets done because two thirds of the staff are on holiday and the other third are in summer slowdown mode and going home early every day. But it’s a lot different if you live on the coast like us. It’s more the case that all the businesses are reopening after being shut for the winter and, as town populations begin to swell up with tourists, everything notches up a gear. Shutters start to open, carousels start to turn, water-flume pumps start pumping and the beaches and bars start filling up with beautifully tanned Spanish holiday makers looking for some fun in the sun. But it’s not necessarily all partying and dancing and frolics. It can also be relaxing. Now is the time when we can just lie out on the terrace with an iced Tinto Verano (Summer Wine) and a good book. Or just hang out on the beach with your mates all day with a cold-box full of beers, a handful of Blue Peters and a frisbee. Or sit on a café terrace until two in the morning, watching the children play in the square (and they really are up that late sometimes). Or just do nothing. It’s summertime in Spain… and the living is easy.
>> WHERE TO GO & WHAT TO DO
12 costa life
WHERE TO GO & WHAT TO DO >>
costa life 13
F
our years ago, when we first launched Costa Life, we ran our first ever Costa Getaways feature. The place we picked was at that time not so well known along the coast. Although at that time we were up there on a much more regular basis, we still get to the Lakes at Ardales when we can. We are pretty sure that at the time of writing in 2004 there were no day trips to the area of El Chorro and are confident that our original writeup on the area contributed to making aware to the people of the coast this beautiful place which is now visited by so many. So as a way of celebrating our four years in print we thought it would be a good idea to revisit the area and re-jig the original feature and bring it up to date.
The Ardales Lakes/El Chorro area is a place close to the hearts of most of the staff here at Costa Life Magazine. You are more likely to find us in this part of the country in the summer months than anywhere else and are very pleased to be able to share with our readers this extraordinary and most beautiful part of Andalucia. Whether you are a resident or a visitor, this is a must for anyone who enjoys something other than the hustle and bustle of the coast. Less than one hour from Málaga you are able to lose yourself in a truly Spanish environment and are guaranteed to be inspired by the beauty of the Lakes and all that surrounds them. This area is famous for the filming of ‘spaghetti westerns’ and in El Chorro you will find the rail track where Frank Sinatra met his demise in the 1960s war film Von Ryan’s Express. There are plenty of places to stay, from B&Bs to hotels, and there are also camping facilities for the more adventurous where you can hire paddle boats, canoes etc. This is also an area famous for hang gliding and is becoming one of the most popular centres for climbing in Europe. Cyclists, walkers, climbers,
nature and country lovers will be thrilled and pleased to have visited this area and we cannot recommend it enough. Surrounding the Lakes there are many traditional villages and towns to visit including Pizarra, Álora, Ardales, Alhaurín el Grande, Alhaurín del Torre, Coin and Cartama. Ardales Lakes and the El Chorro area are a must-see and are only one hour’s drive from the coast, situated in the heart of the Andalucian countryside. This beautiful hideaway has three artificially built lakes created by a dam built across the Guadalhorce river gorge known as the ‘Garganta del Chorro’ and is an impressive 200 metres high. The area boasts stunning views and is surrounded by vast pine forests and soaring limestone cliffs. The area has many activities on offer from rock climbing, hang gliding or mountain biking for the more active and adventurous to sunbathing, fishing, canoeing and scenic walks through breathtaking countryside if you’re more laid back. ‘Desfiladero de los Gaitanes’ with its vast richness and diversity justifies why in 1989 it was proclaimed a natural reserve by the Junta de Andalucia and, with naming it, it was hoped to preserve its incredible ecological value, extraordinary landscape and its historical and palaeontological values. It is indeed the precipices, those deep cuts created by the Guadalhorce river on the natural limestone of the mountains, over 5 kilometres long and 400 metres deep, that are the true attraction in the area. But when talking about the ‘Desfiladero de los Gaitanes,’ you cannot help but mention the manmade contributions, the river dams, which
>>
>> costaGETAWAYS in this case were built to provide the city of Málaga with a continuous water source, to water the agricultural areas at the bottom of the Guadalhorce River and to generate electricity that, without a doubt, condition the character and look of the entire area. Although, strictly speaking, the Natural Reserve only included the Gaitanejo River Dam, we would be unable to understand the dynamics and complexity of the open area without the river dams that surround it (Embalses del Conde de Guadalhorce, Guadalteba, Guadalhorce y Tajo de La Encantada), that make up, as a whole, one of the most important hydraulic complexes in Andalucia. All who choose to visit should see the Camino del Rey (the King’s Path) at El Chorro. This footpath was built to connect the ‘Salto del Chorro’ and the ‘Salto del Gaitanejo,’ both belonging to the Hydroelectric Society of El Chorro. It leads you through the Garganta de Los Gaitanes, a gorge which was used to cross between the huge rock faces that are over 400 metres high and some 200 metres above the Rio Guadalhorce. In 1901 it was obvious that the workers of the Chorro Falls and Gaitanejo Falls needed a walkway to cross between the falls, to provide transport of materials, vigilance and maintenance of the channel. Construction of the walkway lasted four years and was finished in 1905. It was once walked by King Alfonso XIII of Spain in 1921 and, at the time of writing the original piece, it was supposed to be under restoration but as yet it has not been done. The walkway has now gone many years without maintenance, and is in a highly deteriorated and dangerous state. It is one metre (3 feet) in width and is over 200 metres (700 feet) above the river. Nearly all the path has no handrail. Some parts of the walkway have completely collapsed and have been replaced by a beam and a metallic wire on the wall. Many people have lost their lives on the walkway in recent years. After four people died in two accidents in 1999 and 2000, the local government closed the entrances. However, adventurous tourists still find their way into the walkway. If you want to get a bird’s eye view of the walk then you can do so without putting your life at risk by going to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXrVG7aoizc&feature=related where you will find some lunatic not only walking the King’s Path but also filming himself as he does it! The Junta de Andalucia has made available a net of trails and a viewpoint, Mirador de los Embalses (River Dam Viewpoint), which allows you to get a true insight into this exclusive area through the best of all experiences, your own. You’ll be able to enter, surrounded by pygmy palm trees, oaks and thymes, into the heart of the reserve itself which once, over a thousand years ago, was the exclusive domain of the Moorish ‘Bandoleros-Heroes.’ (Hero-thieves that surrounded the Andalucian area, travelling by horse. They held up the carriages passing through and
sometimes shared some of their bounty with the poorer families in the area.) For a day out and something completely different this is a fantastic area to visit and, whatever your interests, there is something for everybody from swimming to natural history, and you’ll be glad to have made the journey. If a day visit is not your style and more investigation is needed then you can always stay over. Throughout the area there are bed and breakfasts, guesthouses, two campsites, hotels and hostels catering for all requirements and tastes. Parque Ardales has its own campsite with individual plots where you can pitch your tent for as little as €6 per night or you can rent a bungalow that sleeps four for only €70 euros per night. There is a restaurant, a small supermarket, toilets, shower block and plenty of barbecue areas. The area is popular in the summer season but there is no shortage of space if you’re looking for a quiet spot around the lakes to pitch a tent. (Unfortunately the park has been closed for the last two summers whilst undergoing refurbishments and we are hoping it will be reopened for this year.) Further down the road from the campsite you will find ‘El Mirador’ and ‘El Kioskoll’. These are traditional Spanish restaurants catering for around 200 people each and have wonderful views of the lakes and rolling countryside from their different viewpoints. Prices are reasonable and a wide variety of dishes are available from both menus. ‘Posada Del Conde’ is a hotel on the other side of the lake continuing on the same road after the campsite. In El Chorro you will find ‘La Garganta Hotel’ and ‘Rocabella,’ an exclusive complex of ten individual villas and there is also a hostel in El Chorro called ‘Refugio’ plus a camping and mountaineering shop for
those who fancy something more energetic. La Garganta restaurant is now under British management so you are guaranteed a great meal with the new and extensive international menu available. In Ardales and Álora you will find more accommodation to choose from and don’t worry if you get a bit lost; there are plenty of roadside maps along the way to help you find out exactly where you are. Álora itself is inhabited by a lot of Brits now and is probably one of the most popular inland towns of Andalucia with Brits who move here. Like most areas and towns there is some major development going on in Álora with a restructuring of the town centre going on and the construction of new apartment blocks and new town house developments on the outskirts of town. The property prices are still cheaper than on the coast and, with the continuing development of the main A357 from Málaga, you can get there even quicker. This area is still very popular with the
tourists and newcomers to the coast who are looking for a more peaceful place to live. With the summer weather now here you will be pleased to have made the hour trip to see the lakes and El Chorro and you won’t be disappointed. It still has the charm and attraction of four years ago when we first started going there and you can bet we will be there again this summer. Enjoy!
Getting there: Getting there is easy. Take the N340 to Malaga (coming from the Marbella direction) and, as you pass the newly built exhibition centre on your left, take the University turn off. As you take this junction you will do a full circle and join the A357 which heads off into the countryside. Stay on this road for approximately 40 minutes to an hour and then you have two alternatives. You can take the turn off for Álora and go through the village following the signs for El Chorro or you can continue on the main road and follow the sign for Ardales/El Chorro. When you come to another sign for El Chorro you can go straight ahead to Lake Ardales or turn right to El Chorro itself.
>> BUSINESSES IN ALORA & EL CHORRO
Party Night Saturday 17th May 9.00pm to 12.00pm At the beautiful
Restaurante La Garganta Set in the mountains of the Ardales Park overlooking the spectacular gorge of El Chorro Eat as much as you like including delicious home made English desserts
25.00€pp oInr cjluugdionf gbebeortptleer opferwsoinne Live entertainment with Shirley Adams available
Transport Price to be advised
Call : 679010026 to book your table PICK UP FROM ALHAURIN EL GRANDE AT 7.30pm COIN AT 8.00pm AND ALORA AT 8.30pm ARRIVE AT RESTAURANTE LA GARGANTA AT 9.00pm
specializing in
Fincas Country Villas Townhouses Cortijos Ruins Plots
952 498 454 mobile: 609 454 409
AP511: A townhouse in a prestigious area of Alora pueblo. The property has been restored but still retains its Andalucian character.The house is located on an attractive corner site having access from 2 streets. Accommodation at street level offers a lounge, kitchen with breakfast bar and a bedroom. On the upper level there is a large open plan bedroom. At lower street level there is a garden room, shower room and patio with built in seating. The property was extensively upgraded in 2005 including rewiring and plumbing. 75m2 built on a plot of 70m2.There are plans and permission for an extension. Air conditioning/heating in lounge and upstairs bedroom. Mains water and electricity. Satellite tv and all white goods are to be included in the sale.
AP516: This spacious and bright penthouse apartment is located within walking distance to all the amenities of the village of Bermejo which is located on the tourist route to El Chorro. The village has a supermarket, pharmacy, good primary school and bars. The property offers a lounge with fireplace and wood burner, well appointed kitchen, dining room, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms utility room and a glorious roof terrace. 140m2 built. Good access to this property. Mains water, electricity and telephone. An ideal family home or suitable for a Bed& Breakfast business.
Price: 119,000€ €
Price: 199,000€ €
AP506: A detached country house located on the edge of Barriada el Puente, close to Alora. The property has 2,500m2 of land and offers a lounge, kitchen 2 bedrooms and a bathroom. The property is south facing and has panoramic views over the Guadalhorce valley. 74m2 built and 16m2 of terrace. Electricity, mains water and water from a shared well.
AP500: A charming finca set in 4,000m2 of almond and olive grove near Alora. Accommodation is all on one level and offers a lounge with fireplace, a bright kitchen with original bread oven, an impressive master bedroom of 49m2 with full bathroom/shower, 2 further double bedrooms with en-suite shower rooms, a small bedroom and a dining room with French windows leading out onto the swimming pool area. The property is fully air conditioned, hot and cold. Approx 250m2 built. The pool is contained with an Andalucian courtyard and has a bathroom/changing room. There is also a pool house with a glorious roof terrace affording 360 degree views. This is truly an idyllic rural retreat secluded but not remote. Well water and electricity.
tel:
enquiries@aloraproperties.com www.aloraproperties.com
Price: 180,000€ €
Plaza Fuente Arriba s/n Alora 18 costa life
PRICE: 367,500€ €
WHERE TO GO & WHAT TO DO >>
J B Burkes Irish Bar - Fuengirola Warm friendly welcome All sky sports shown Live music Thur, Fri, Sat Bar snacks - draught beers Guinness - Heineken - Murphys Open 10 am till late 7 days Calle Antonio Sodeno near Dunnes Stores, Las Rampas
952 479 804 11.30 - 10.30 pm Closed Mondays
Front line port, Fuengirola
Paella, Fresh fried fish, Tapas Argentinian steaks Salads, pastas, lasagne, mousaka Excellent A La Carte menu Menu del dia â‚Ź 9.90
La Cortijera, La Cala de Mijas Now serving Breakfast 10am - 1pm Snacks, lite bites 3 course menu of the day only 9 euros Evening a la carte menu 7pm - 10pm Fabulous Sunday lunch 3 courses only 12.50 euros Open every day 10am till late Sun drenched terrace All sports shown on big screen t.v. Karaoke every Saturday night Birthdays, weddings, children's parties etc Call 627 041 335 for bookings and more information
Best Sunday lunch on the port Fabulous food at reasonable prices
952 468 223 or 646 726 223
New Dynasty Cantonese restaurant Special dishes aromatic crispy duck Barbecue spare ribs Authentic Cantonese cuisine Eat in or takeaway - open every day 12.30 - 4 and 7 -12 Calle del Castillo, behind Old London Pub, Fuengirola
952 199 512
fredericks Est 6 yrs
irish Bar
Open 7 days from 10am till 2am Food served every day 10am till 7pm Extensive menu - all fresh home cooked food Try our special irish sirloin steaks and homemade chips Pool table - darts - sky sports Karaoke Fri, Sat and Sun from 9pm till 11.45pm Calle Chorillo, Benalmadena Pueblo
952 568 674
costa life 19
Local Business Spotlight
At Costa Life we dedicate more space to business editorial than any other publication on the coast. It is important to us to introduce to you information about our new clients and remind you on a regular basis about existing ones. We are a free magazine and we only exist because of our clients and we therefore feel it right to dedicate a section of the magazine to promoting to you, our readers, the people, both new and old, who make Costa Life possible.
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If you need to make use of the services or products promoted in this section or indeed throughout this issue please let our clients know that you have seen them in Costa Life Magazine.
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Thank You.
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27 e l i t e
Glass Curtains SL
Happy Birthday Specsavers It has been quite an exciting year since we opened the first Specsavers on the Costa on 29th Jan 2007. We have seen over 3000 customers, most have been previous Specsaver’s customers, others welcomed new customer. The overwhelming response has been ‘‘Thank you for being here’’. We thank you all for coming to see us. The demographical spread of customers has come as a fantastic surprise. People have come to see us from Cadiz, Seville, Cordoba, Granada and even from Madrid!! . From UK ex-pats, Scandinavians, Finnish and many local Spaniards. I feel it is comforting for our patients to have an eye examination to which many are familiar with and to some, how in depth it is, rather than having a quick check of what strength is required for their glasses. We have invested in the most up to date modern equipment, to aid us to provide a professional and friendly service. A routine eye examination will consist of the following: 1. Pre- screening test; a starting prescription and the shape of the cornea are taken. The pressure of the eyes are taken for the over 40’s as well. 2. Judy or myself will then carry out the eye examination; this will consist of finding out if the patient is having any eye related problems, what specific prescription they need and to check the health of the eyes. 3.Recommendation; we will then recommend and give to the patient the appropriate advise for their visual needs. In some cases this can be a referral to their medical practitioner to review, for example, the treatment for their blood pressure rather then getting new glasses. On the subject of referrals to an ophthalmologists (a medical eye specialist), ‘‘oftalmologo’’ in Spanish. I would suggest that one should have a ‘‘Tarjeta Sanitaria Individual’’ and be registered with a medical centre or have private medical insurance. Otherwise to see an ophthalmologist would need to be private. However urgent treatment can be sought at the major hospital’s A&E. We have referred cases of cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes, hypertension and retinal detachments. Our staffs are fully trained and are continuously kept updated in the ever changing world of the optician. They will find the appropriate frame (from 840 different styles) and the appropriate lenses for you, the customer.
There are numerous promotions that we run, from the classical two for one including designers frames and varifocals to 25% off for one complete pair of glasses for the over 60's. The frames and promotions can be seen on-line on www.specsavers.es or going to www.specsavers.com and clicking on the Spanish link. Frames including single vision uncoated lenses start from the 49€ range. The two for one (including sun glass tint) or the free reaction promotion start from the 99€ range. The two for varifocals offer start from 184€. The two for one designer frames (including single vision uncoated lenses) start from 189€. The designer range include Tommy Hilfiger, Red or Dead, FCUK, Bench and our exclusive Osiris range. And now we have just introduced the Jasper Conran and Missoni range. We have also been prescribing and supplying contact lenses to many of our customers, from daily disposables to monthly disposable lenses. All the different types of contact lenses again can be seen on the web site. We would like to thank all of our customers over the past year and look forward to meeting and serving our new and old clients in the coming months here in Fuengirola.
e l i t e Glass Curtains SL SPECIALIST MANUFACTURERS AND INSTALLERS OF GLASS CURTAINS Protect your balcony from dust, wind, noise and rain
Sotogrande, before...
Create an all year round usable terrace Frameless glazing system Sotogrande, after...
Undisturbed views Specialist in manufacturing glass curtains
Elviria
Velez Malaga
Riviera del Sol
References available upon request From quotation to installation you can be sure of a first class product and service from Elite Glass Curtains
La Mairena
Sale now on, up to 20% off all orders placed before end of May For your free no obligation quotation call now on PHONE - 952 830 503 MOBILE - 630 625 085 E-MAIL - info@eliteglasscurtains.com WEB - www.eliteglasscurtains.com ELITE GLASS CURTAINS S.L., POLIGONO ELVIRIA 26, ELVIRIA 29600
Using this knowledge and experience, the engineering team has perfected the design of glass curtains: the result is the Elite Glass Curtains system.
Elite Glass Curtains are the perfect solution to those days on the Costa del Sol when your terrace, balcony or patio becomes a no go area… Days when it is too hot, too cold, too wet or too windy to use your outside living area. Although the weather in southern Spain is usually perfect, winter is inevitable! Elite Glass Curtains are the perfect solution to optimizing your terrace, balcony or patio all year round.
Glass Curtains Glass curtains are also known as terrace enclosures, balcony enclosures or, in Spanish cortinas de Cristal. Elite Glass Curtains are a totally frameless glass system specifically designed for balconies, terraces and patios. Our versatile system allows a series of frameless glass panels to be completely open, completely closed or a combination of both … the choice is yours. When closed, Elite Glass Curtains keep out the wind, rain, dust and noise. When open, your terrace is back to summer mode and because Elite Glass Curtains are totally frameless, your view is never interrupted. Elite Glass Curtains provide a completely flush internal and external appearance, they are aesthetically attractive and because glass is pleasing to the eye, Elite Glass Curtains enhance the appearance of your home. Elite Glass Curtains are crafted to your exact specifications and are manufactured from our base in Elviria, Marbella. Our production and display areas are open to the public. Elite Glass Curtains SL is a company which prides itself on its team who has many years of experience in the fields of engineering and glazing.
The individual areas of expertise of each member of the Elite team ensure that the manufacturing, assembly and installation processes are second to none. From quotation to installation, Elite Glass Curtains SL delivers a first class service and product…on time, every time. Elite Glass Curtains SL - specialist manufacturers and installers of glass curtains. Each Elite Glass Curtains installation is bespoke and since every installation is different, any type of terrace or balcony can be catered for: whether it is straight, curved, and short or tall we can design the perfect solution. Elite Glass Curtains are perfect for apartments, townhouses and villas but they are also ideal for restaurants and bars. The possibilities are endless ….. Our address Elite Glass Curtains SL Poligono Elviria Nave 26 Elviria 29600 Marbella Phone - (00 34) 952 830 503 Fax - (00 34) 952 830 503 E-Mail - info@eliteglasscurtains.com Directions to our office and showroom. We are located on the N340 on Poligono Elviria which is behind the Campsa petrol station on the carriageway towards Marbella, between the exits for Las Chapas and Elviria.
With Elite glass curtains installed on your terrace or balcony you can: Use your terrace or balcony all year round
Provide additional living space - whatever the weather
Fully open or fully close your glass curtains
Keep out the wind, rain and dust
Maintain your view - even when closed
Reduce outside noise
costa life 17
>> costa COMPANIES discipline then you will be fine but if not take a big bag and plenty of money because you might be there a while!! They are open every day Monday to Friday from 10 am - 2pm and from 5pm - 8pm.
An Aladdin’s cave of culinary treats It is said that we live in a multi cultural society pretty much everywhere these days. Well if you have a fancy for some food stuffs and treats from all over the globe then Hippocampus Delicatessen in Los Boliches will be right up your street. Apart from show you with pictures and at the same time describe some of the stock in store there is probably not much more I need to do in order to entice you down to have a look but oh, where to begin?
Chocolates Well chocolate is always a good place to start hey ladies, and at Hippocampus you will find the finest selection of Kim's Belgian chocolate and as we know Belgian chocolate is generally regarded as some of the finest in the world. From Palettes to Caramels and from Butter Creams and Pralines to a wide selection of delicious specials they have over 50 types of chocolates.
Pastries and cakes and wines There is also a selection of delicious pastries and cakes including Vanilla Slices, Strawberry tarts, Bisquit Chocolate Cake and Chocolate Éclairs, from Holland there is Peyenburg fruit cakes and you can wash all of this lot down with a wide range of popular wines from Spain and France including Jean Leon Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Mas Tinell Cava plus many more reds, Rose's and White wines to choose from.
Coffee If you prefer to give the alcohol a skip and coffee is your cup of tea! Try the various Dowe Eggberts Senseo coffees including; caramel and vanilla, crème liqueur and vanilla, mild roasted, cappuccino, Mocca and chocolate and vanilla.
Jams and marmalades Straight from the UK, Essex in fact, Wilkin and Sons famous jams and marmalades are available with some delicious flavours like; Lemon Curd, Morello Cherry, Tawny Orange, Apricot, Apricot and Armagnac and Peach plus many more.
Cheeses From all over the world you will be able to choose from some great cheeses including English Red Cheddar, Herb Cheeses, Dutch Edam, Famous Old Dutch, Camembert, and Brie and too many more to mention. This is just a sample of some of the great foods and wines, coffees and treats you will find at Hippocampus and if you are looking for some original gift ideas then you will find plenty here. If you have good
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You will find Marleen and Iris at Hippo Campus a few doors down from Mercadona and across the road from the Repsol garage on Avda Ramon y Cajal 52 Los Boliches. 952 581 064 or email info@hippocampus.biz
Hair, Nails and Beauty Kiss is leading up to its fourth anniversary! Lisa would like to thank all the salons clients for their continuing support, and all the salons stylists and therapists for continuing commitment to making the salon the leading hair, nail and beauty provider in the area. The salon is now offering Beyond Power Whitening - the teeth whitening treatment in 30 minutes. We have Dawn who visits the salon from the UK on a 6-8 weekly basis, to offer this service. The treatment is 3 sessions of 10 minutes, the product is applied to the teeth, a UV lamp is placed over for 10 minutes, the product is removed and this is repeated 3 times. The result is teeth up to 10 shades lighter! The results can last up to 2 years. We currently have a special offer of 250 euros (usually 400 euros) Give us a call for more information or to book your appointment. We also have on offer the Fantasy Tan spray tan treatment. This is the perfect treatment if you are feeling a bit pale! Or if you have a special event where you want to look evenly tanned. The treatment takes 30 minutes from consultation to finish, the therapist will discuss with you what depth of tan you would like, go through the procedure with you and after care advice. The result is an even sun kissed glow! If you fancy looking like you have just returned form the Caribbean give us a call! Quote this article and receive the treatment for 25 euros! (Usually 30 euros). Also in the salon we have a Tansun Vertical sunbed, we have special offers on block bookings, or just pop in for an individual session. We have a variety of tan enhancers and creams to ensure you will be looking golden in no time! We are the stockest for GHD straighteners in Fuengirola, offering the new IV styling iron, the newest and best GHD iron ever! For your set call us today and we can reserve you a set, don’t miss out on the Gospel according to GHD! Also in stock in the salon we have Fudge hair products, Pure slimming tablets - the new carb blocker tablets, and the Pro-col collagen tablets- all the celebs are talking about these don’t delay and start taking your collagen today! All aspects of hairdressing are on offer from colouring, highlights, perming, cutting, gents cuts and hair ups. If you have a special event or maybe you are going to be a bride this summer get in touch and let Michele give you an amazing up do! Be pampered with our beauty treatments, on offer we have manicures, pedicures,facials,eyelash and brow treatments, waxing and acrylic nails, massage, reflexology, and the d-tox foot spa treatment. Let our therapists treat you to a relaxing treatment in our comfortable therapy room. The salon is in the heart of Fuengirola in Las Rampas Commercial Centre, easy parking in Las Rampas, easy access from the train and bus station, and easy by foot. We are open 6 days a week booking is advisable as we are a busy salon. So go on give us a try for all your hair, nail and beauty needs! Bring this article for 10% off your treatment. Call Kiss today and be pampered. Because your worth it!!! Opening hours: Monday 10-5 Tues- Friday 10-6.30 Saturday 10-4 952666787 630800572
>> costa COMPANIES Stay cool this summer A shade sail provides an alternative form of shade for any outdoor area and a contemporary design that’s not only practical but can also provide an aesthetic look to any home or business. Protection from the sun’s harmful ultra violet rays is vital. With the increase of skin cancers or Melanoma and eye damage from the sun becoming prevalent, our shade sails can provide up to 97% protection and reduce the risks involved especially with children and young people. Shade sails were first introduced in Australia almost 30 years ago and are now almost standard in many open space areas there. They are versatile and can be attached to exteriors of buildings or freestanding posts. The material used in our shade sails is a very tough highdensity polyethylene and comes in 14 colours. The edges of the sails are hemmed in tough webbing to further strengthen them. With prices starting at around €600 for small residential areas and upwards of €15,000 for larger commercial projects, shade sail systems can be a very competitive solution for open spaces. Shade sails are ideal for areas such as: Children’s play areas Swimming pool and spa areas Residential patios, terraces and under pergola’s Café or restaurant terraces Outdoor leisure areas Car parks or car ports Privacy screens and windbreaks The Shade Sail Company is committed to providing shade solutions for open spaces. Our friendly, professional and prompt service can design and install shade structures that will enhance your property and protect you from the sun. For more information about our work or to arrange for a design consultation please call 952 930 959 or visit our web site on www.theshadesailcompany.com We look forward to hearing from you.
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costa COMPANIES >> cream, no honest I had to force it down! Ok, well maybe not, it was quite easy actually!
Ok, now I like to think that I know a thing or two about food because I do like to cook and the bottom line is if I didn't cook we wouldn’t eat in our house! However we can all learn and enjoy new experiences and visiting Makati Teppanyaki restaurant in Los Boliches next to Mercadona was a new and most enjoyable experience for me as I have never been to a Teppanyaki restaurant before. If you don’t know, which I didn’t, Teppanyaki is a type of Japanese cuisine that uses an iron griddle to cook food. The word ‘‘teppanyaki’’ is derived from teppan, which means iron plate, and yaki, which means grilled.
The atmosphere is great and it is an excellent place to go for big celebration with tables ranging from 6 up to 12 so if you have a big party there is plenty of room. Makati Teppanyaki Restaurant is open every day for lunch and from 7pm for dinner (closed Mondays) but be sure to book at the weekends as they are usually choc a block Thursday to Sunday. For more information call 952 580 640 or e-mail info@makatirestaurant.com
In Japan, teppanyaki may refer to any of a number of dishes cooked using a teppan, including okonomiyaki, yakisoba, and monjayaki, frequently with the hot plate located in the centre of the diners’ table. The most familiar form of teppanyaki consists of steak and other meats, along with vegetable, rice and noodle accompaniments. Typical ingredients used for teppanyaki are beef, shrimp, scallops, lobster, chicken and assorted vegetables. Soybean oil is typically used to cook the ingredients. The concept of cooking Western-influenced food on a teppan was introduced by a restaurant chain in Japan in 1945. They soon found that the cuisine was even more popular with foreigners than with the Japanese, who enjoyed both watching the skilled maneuvers of the chefs preparing the food as well as the cuisine, somewhat more familiar than more traditional Japanese dishes. As the restaurants became more popular as tourist spots with non-Japanese, the chain introduced changes increasing the performance aspect of the chef’s preparation, (the pics here are not out of focus they just show the speed at which the chef moved) such as stacking round slices of onion in the shape of Mt. Fuji and lighting oil contained within on fire, producing a flaming onion volcano. From this, the style of cooking and showmanship, is derived what we know today as a ‘‘teppanyaki restaurant’’. Makati Teppanyaki Restaurant in Los Boliches is a perfect example of this style of cuisine and the setting is most welcoming and the staff; including Asun, Cristobal and Raymond are excellent. There are two private rooms you can reserve for a more intimate dinner and the tables are at ground level so you can take your shoes off, sit down and enjoy the true Japanese style of eating including chop sticks if you are brave enough! The place is spotless and the kitchen is open plan. I have to say that I have had a look at other Teppanyaki restaurants and have found that the prices tend to be quite high but at Makati you will be pleasantly surprised, very reasonable and a wide choice of foods to choose from. There is also all your usual wines, beers and spirits available plus Saki if you fancy it. We shared to start, a Wun Tun soup and a vegetable and meat spring roll, two types of Sushi with salmon and crab, asparagus and cucumber and for main course we had chicken with teriyaki sauce with vegetable and noodles. All of which was cooked before our very own eyes on the teppan hotplate. The food was fantastic and the flavours were amazing, we really enjoyed it. For pudding I forced down a banana fritter with honey and chocolate ice
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>> costa LIFESTYLE
What girls want to hear… Give compliments The comedian Chris Rock said that women need three things: food, water and compliments. So, it’s not a matter of women just wanting to hear compliments, they actually can’t live without them. If they don’t get them, they might even shrivel up and die. If you can periodically reel off a nice compliment and genuinely mean it, don’t hesitate to do so because the benefits will come back to you in spades. However, be careful not to flood the air with empty flattery, as even the most attention-starved girl will see through your seduction strategy.
Show commitment When you include her in your future plans, you’re giving her a glimpse of the security that she probably craves. So, say something that indicates to her that you intend to be a part of her life for a long time. Invite her to something that’s six months away. It’s enough to let her know that you envisage a future together, but not so bold as to suggest marriage and the rest of it.
Be Jealous Women expect men to be the protectors in a relationship. And when we don’t act like it, they get irritated and begin to look elsewhere. We have to show them how much we care, which means that we have to get territorial once in a while. We’re by no means suggesting violent outbursts and paranoid accusations, but rather, some gentle prodding that demonstrates that you don’t want to lose her to anyone. At the end of the day, if you don’t take an interest in your girl’s well-being, someone else will come along with an offer to do so.
If women ruled the world...
Quote… Failure is not when you don’t accomplish your goals and dreams; failure is when you do not even try.
Celeb Quote… The simpler the better. You don’t need bold patterns or loud colours to make a style statement. A perfect-fitting T-shirt and a great pair of black wraparound shades will do just fine. Steve McQueen
Suite style secrets… Buy a two-button suit. It will give you a slimmer, more streamlined look, and it will better show off your shirt and tie. The days of three-button dominance are over. Chances are, you’re wearing your suit a size too large. Its shoulders should hug your shoulders (not jut out past them). And the sleeves should stop at the hinge of your wrist (not halfway down your thumb) and to size the trousers so they break once (not gather in a baggy mess at your heels).
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>> costa LIFESTYLE >> Hit the beach...
Black leaf motif flip flop H&M
>> Hit the night life...
Pink and brown striped t-shirt H&M
Pink and white stripe black label shirt Burton
White black label jeans Burton
White framed sunglasses H&M
men want Pink shorts H&M
Black label port shoe Burton
>> Hit the streets... Pink jersey crew neck t- shirt with large black front print Topman
Black and white striped cargo shorts Topman White plastic aviator sunglasses Topman
White velcro pump Topman Topman
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Store Locator A to Z
Accessorize www.accessorize.com La Cañada. Burton www.burton.co.uk Gibraltar. Dorothy Perkins www.dorothyperkins.com Miramar and La Cañada. Evans www.evans.com Miramar and La Cañada. H&M www.hm.com La Cañada. Monsoon www.monsoon.co.uk Gibraltar. Topman www.topman.co.uk La Cañada. Topshop www.topshop.co.uk La Cañada.
costa LIFESTYLE >> H&M
>> Dress to impress…
>> Step out in style…
Blue floral print maxi dress H&M
Flat sandal with diamante detail. Topshop
Jewelled Sandals Evans
Zulu Dress Monsoon
Malawi Dress Monsoon Button down full skirt H&M
Gold flat toe loop and ankle strap sandals Dorothy Perkins
women want >> Big and bold…
Pattie Necklace Monsoon
Wooden Bracelets Evans
Stud wood ring Accessorize
Sahara Necklace Accessorize Oversized wooden cube bangle Freedom at Topshop
Shell necklace H&M
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>> costa LIFESTYLE
This Summer look… Subtle tan Skin is flawless for spring/summer 2008. Gone are the days when a heavy tan was fashionable, the look, beach fresh and natural with ‘weekend-away’ tans that leave a glow rather than a deep tan. Use bronzing powder sparingly, just enough on the contours of the face to define the cheekbones and leave you looking fresh and healthy.
Loud mouth The new lip looks for spring/ summer are ‘anything but subtle’. the more wearable reds and fruity hot oranges will be a hit. A ‘slick of mascara, groomed brows and a daring attitude’ is all you need to pull off this look.
Baby blues Spring eyes are light and bright. Blue and green eyeshadows - both these colours are tipped to be the big trend for spring eyes. We suggest making your eyes the focus and keeping the rest of your make-up light. Modernise make-up bags with a couple of different shades to mix up to get different looks - a simple wash of contrasting colours on the eyelids will look fantastic - with minimal effort.
Summer ready skin… Get fruity To get a pretty summer glow, up your intake of vitamins A and C, which are found in all kinds of fruit. These vitamins help the body manufacture collagen, the substance that keeps skin supple. In addition, get a weekly dose of foods that contain essential fatty acids, such as salmon or avocado, which lubricate the skin from the inside out.
Scrub-a-dub-dub There’s no better way to rid your body of all dry, dull, flaky skin than exfoliation. Firmly rub the grainy goo in baby circles all over your body for three to four minutes, paying special attention to rough spots.
Celeb Tip… Kate Hudson gets rid of those under eye bags with a quick fix. After her son keeps her awake all night, this blonde bombshell says ‘‘just get out a bowl and fill it with ice. Wash your face with ice water and the puff is gone.’’
Don’t go overboard though - experts recommend sloughing every three days.
Slather on the SPF Daily sunscreen application is as important as brushing your teeth. You should use a facial moisturizer with SPF every single day of the year; putting on sun-protective makeup is not enough. Makeup wears off throughout the day, and you rarely sufficiently cover your whole face with it. As the weather heats up, you need to start slathering sunscreen on the rest of your exposed skin - hands, arms, legs and feet - daily. 32 costa life
Lingerie Fuengirola UK and American branded Lingerie and Swimwear
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All aspects of hairdressing - fully qualified staff Manicure - pedicure - Gel nails - waxing - beauty treatments Our business is your beauty
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Next to Hotel Artola Las Chapas tel 952 839 706 for appts Open Mon, Wed, Thur, Fri 10 - 2 and 4 - 7, Tues 3 - 7
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New year new career Train to be a fully qualified Nail Technician with Europe’s most complete nail care company. We teach all types of nail extentions including manicure, pedicure and nail art. Acrylic, gel airbrushing.
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Open Mon - Sat 10 - 2 and 4 - 8 Sunday 10 - 2 50 metres from irish card shop behind the post office Calle Marconi, Fuengirola 952 473 724 e-mail uplifted@live.co.uk
Post Office
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for as little as
Mix and match sizes Harder to find sizes available UK sizes Also nursing, sports and maternity bras, shape wear underwear and swimwear Bra sizes from 22a - 44jj and swimwear sizes from 6 - 32 We are here
X
T
hink you need a battalion of Hollywood cosmetic surgeons to help you look years younger? Not so. You can soften time’s toll yourself.
Smooth fresh skin… mix facial scrub with your cleanser, you’ll be impressed with the results. Kick start the skin… apply moisturising creams to damp skin. The creams will work immediately and will also penetrate your skin’s outer layer more easily. Plump your skin… always apply moisturisers ten minutes before your make-up. Puffy eyes… to reduce swelling put two metal spoons in the fridge and then place on the eyes for 60 seconds. Daylight… always apply your daytime make-up in natural light: either set up a mirror near the window or sit outside and you will be able to blend and shade to perfection.
WHAT CAUSES SKIN TO WRINKLE…? There are actually two kinds of wrinkles. There are dynamic wrinkles which are only present when the underlying muscle is contracting, resulting in the skin folding over itself due to the action of the contracting muscle. These can occur at any age, but are more common in more mature skin. When you hear of someone getting botox injections for wrinkles, you know they are getting treatment for dynamic wrinkles. Botox will paralyse the facial muscle beneath the wrinkle which means the skin doesn't furrow when you make facial expressions. The second type of wrinkle is a static wrinkle which is present even when the facial muscles aren’t contracting. Static wrinkles result from a loss of important skin components such as collagen and elastin that maintain the integrity of the skin. When these components diminish, the skin is unable to snap back as readily when a facial expression is made. The result is a fixed wrinkle.
TAKE OFF TEN YEARS… The hair While grey hair is a common culprit for adding years to our age, the wrong hairstyle can also add years to our true age.
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To disguise any wrinkles that are on your forehead, try adding a fringe. Today’s fringe can be versatile, giving you a variety of options without being stuck with the once simple straight across the forehead. Side swept layers can transform a face, making features look less severe. A short, graduated bob like Victoria Beckham’s accentuates the neck and gives a beautiful jaw line. To hide and soften a jaw line, try looking for a style that layers just around your neck to focus away from this area. Also try adding a few short layers on top of your crown to add volume and focus away from any sagging areas. If crows-feet are a bother for you, add layers that frame your face to help hide the lines. If you want to wear long, like Jennifer Aniston have it layered. Layering long hair will make you look refreshed and give you a facelift. When hiding the grey, don’t just colour the hair one shade; add warm tones with highlights. Grey hair
has a thicker cuticle, so it looks rougher; coating it with dye makes each strand smoother and more light reflective.
Makeup technique… Avoid working a blush brush along the cheek bones; this accentuates the hollows of the cheeks, which already become more pronounced as we get older. Instead dab a cream blush only on the apples, rounding them out and giving them a creamy glow. For camouflaging redness, a sheer yellow-toned foundation can be applied only where necessary - over the cheeks and around the nose. To open up tired eyes, line the top and bottom lids with an eye pencil, swinging it up a bit at the outer corner of the upper lash line to give the eye shape a slight upward tilt. Then curl the lashes and apply two coats of mascara, making them look more wide-eyed. Use concealer wisely. Look for a colour one shade lighter than your natural skin tone, and make sure it’s creamy enough that it won’t crease under your eyes. Dab a little over the lip line too; it's a needle-free filler for fine lines around the mouth and keeps colour from bleeding. Also dab into the lines from the nose to the edge of the mouth; this will lighten this area so they won't look as deep. Proceed carefully with powder. A soft dusting helps set makeup and absorb shine, but too much can settle into lines. Try to dust only the shiny areas; the nose chin and forehead. Always use a brush rather than a puff for a lighter application, and avoid the fine lines around the eyes. Blur the edges. Remember you are defining the eyes with the eye pencil so always smudge the line a bit afterwards for a more flattering, soft-focus effect. And whilst a lip liner is a great tool for shaping the mouth, use the liner to fill in the whole lip so there isn’t a hard edge. And remember to go light on lip colour. Dark colours can look harsh and accentuate age spots and other imperfections. A lip gloss - not too shiny - looks much fresher.
From Frump to Fab… A shapeless silhouette can make you look heavier and older than you really are. The most flattering cuts skim the body without pulling or pinching anywhere. You can have a waist. Look for belted dresses or blouses and jackets that are nipped at the middle. They’ll give form to your figure. Wearing dark and harsh colours can make you look older and accentuate the wrinkles. Keep to the whites, beiges and other pale neutrals… they reflect light off your face, brightening your complexion.
Avoid patterns: they can add weight to fuller figures. Keep skirts around knee length or just below if you’re taller; just above if you're petite, as longer can look matronly. Buy the right jeans. Dark jeans without any distressing in the finish are the most flattering and classic. Look for waistlines that hit just above the hips: too high instantly expands your hips and bottom; too low and you’d better hope you don’t drop anything. With the above tips and a healthy diet, you can help minimise and even slow down the aging process with a little patience and time. Just remember, however, that ageing can also be a beautiful thing.
>> costa LIFESTYLE
SHED THOSE POUNDS AND GET READY FOR SUMMER! Have you like many others, put on weight over the last few months? Well its time to get your trim body back - and fast! Summer is just about here!
DIETARY PLAN Eating more than you need, combined with an increase in alcohol and less exercise, can mean that you have been consuming twice the recommended number of calories. These extra calories will be stored in the body as fat - and this needs to be shifted! Remember not to cut back on calories too much, too quickly. If you confuse your body into thinking there is suddenly a shortage of food, then your body will slow down the metabolism, and cling onto the fat calories it has stored, making it more difficult to get rid of the weight.
So what to do? A reasonable guideline to calorie intake is 1800 per day. Obviously depending on your size & build. So make sure that you daily calorie intake is spread out through out the day, as evenly as possible. 6 meals of 300 calories, is far better than 3 meals of 600 calories. The more that your food is spread out, the easier it is for the body to use the regular supply of food for energy. This avoids the need of the body to store extra calories as body fat. To speed up weight loss results, you can reduce your calorie intake. But do this a little at a time. And go for smaller meals, never skipping any, and don’t leave long gaps between eating. If you don’t eat for more than 4 hours. Your metabolism could slow down, which makes it more difficult to get rid of the fat.
EXERCISE STRATEGY If you have found that you have been avoiding exercise for a while - now is the time to ease back into it. Start off gradually. Include plenty of stretching after each workout. You don’t want to be de-motivated by too many aches and pains. Get a training plan together, and get focused on what you want to achieve through exercise. To shift weight as effectively as possible, you need to incorporate cardiovascular exercises into your routine. Activities that include whole body effort are good for you, try running, rowing & swimming. Gradually increasing intensity of the cardiovascular workout, will give increased fitness and fat will be burned more effectively.
Strengthening training is a great way to boost your metabolism rate, so start including exercises into your routine that combines resistance machines and dumbbells. Choose exercise that work many body parts at once, squats, bench presses and bent over rows are good. To get great results, maximize effort, so gradually work up with the weights so that you struggle to get 15 with each set. To push the fat burning further, your work out should include a constant move between cardiovascular and strength exercises.
LIFE STYLE Set realist targets on the amount of times you will eat out each week. Plan your food intake, buy products in advance and be prepared. Always choose fresh foods, white meats and whole meal foods. Try not to eat more in any meal than you can fit in 2 cupped hands. Fit activities in when ever you can. Walk fast, clench your bottom, swing your arms, and get the calories burned when ever you get the opportunity. Be realistic about what you can achieve. Plan some rest periods also within your routine.
POSITIVITY Stay positive and focused with what you are doing. Celebrate each weight loss target you achieve, and you will soon see some rewarding results.
BURN CALORIES WITHOUT TRYING Moderate intensity activities burn 3.5 - 7 calories per minute. Walking the dog Roller skating Playing an instrument House work Vigorous activities burn over 7 calories a minute. Most sports Skipping Heavy gardening
DRINK SMARTER If you are thirsty stick to water. You will need more if it is hot and water doesn’t have calories. If you must have fizzy drinks, choose diet versions. Try not to drink any alcohol before 6pm; you don’t want your healthy eating will power to disappear.
Helen Johnson - Personal Fitness Trainer & Nutritionist - 617 453 550 - fitness@luv2btraining.com 36 costa life
Mr Alf Neuhaus
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Col. No: 9.220
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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)
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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, yoga, bums & tums, latest reebok decks new from Finland “gym stick� suitable all ages pilates room with pilates reformer beds individual spin bike room with 40 bikes individual aerobics and exercise room with sprung floor Goshin Ju Jitsu plus Capoeira
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>> costa LIFESTYLE
Breast Skin Cancer… Cancer… Half of British people do not know the signs of skin cancer and a quarter never check their skin, 85 per cent of people are unaware that a third of all cancers affect the skin, and one in eight had not realised that skin cancer is on the increase.
Women who are overweight and have high blood sugar could be at more risk of developing aggressive breast cancer.
Parkinson’s… Dance the fat away… An impaired sense of smell is known to be associated with Parkinson’s disease - and now a study in the Annals of Neurology shows that the loss of smell may predate the onset of clinical symptoms by several years.
Ballroom dancing may be the ideal workout for many people. You can do it with a partner, raise your heart rate enough to achieve aerobic conditioning, and have fun. Activities such as dancing may be good for people who have trouble sticking to a traditional exercise regimen.
Water… The belief that we need eight glasses of water a day to stay healthy is a myth, researchers say. There is no solid evidence that drinking plenty of pure water is good for the skin, wards off weight gain or helps rid the body of toxins. Instead, most of us get all the fluids we need to avoid dehydration from food and other drinks, including tea and coffee.
Coffee… A cup of coffee a day could keep Alzheimer’s disease at bay, research suggests. Scientists have shown a daily dose of caffeine helps protect the brain from the harmful effects of cholesterol, which is linked to the disease. Coffee drinkers have a lower risk of developing certain cancers, as well as Parkinson’s disease and type 2 diabetes. The drink can keep gall stones and kidney stones at bay and has a mild anti-depressant effect which could reduce the risk of suicide.
Bowel Cancer… Eating one sausage or three rashers of bacon a day can increase the danger of getting bowel cancer by a fifth, say experts. But two-thirds of people in Britain are not aware that eating processed meat raises the cancer risk. Processed meats include bacon, ham, salami, hot dogs and sausages that have been smoked, cured, salted or had preservatives added. There is also convincing evidence that red meat, such as beef, pork and lamb, can cause bowel cancer. 38 costa life
Community Mental Health Team Wound Care Clinic Health Assessments Weight Management Dyslexia Assessments Alternative Therapist Counseling service Hypertension management
Care Coordination Centre Well Women's Clinic Men's Health Clinic Asthma Clinic Diabetes Management Vaccination Clinics Nutrition
A Nurse led service providing an innovative and holistic approach to healthcare that brings the values and practices of a British Health Centre to the Costa del Sol, enabling you to access a service that is familiar
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Open 8am to 4pm Tel 952 591 053 www.splashmijas.moonfruit.com splashpools@electronbox.net We are situated at the entrance to Urb. Dona Pilar, next to the Octagon Bar & just off the Careterra de Mijas
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veryone wants their home to be stylish and reflect their personality. Simple changes can make a huge difference in a room. Something as straightforward as choosing a new paint colour can have a considerable impact. Imagine the walls in your family room going from beige to a bold, new colour such as sage, melon or navy. Patterns and textures will serve an important function in your decorating: they will add interest and character to an otherwise plain colour scheme. Your choice of patterns and textures will follow your decorating style and your personal preferences.
E
Textures and Patterns… Complex patterns that use several colours and diagonal, crisscrossing lines are busy for your eye. They can liven up a large area, but it may be overwhelming for a small room. Vertical Lines add height to a short room, or add more height to a high ceiling. Horizontal Lines add space and width to an area. Remember the size and scale of your space: the larger the space, the larger the print; the smaller the space, the smaller the print. Yet adding a large print to a small area can give you a feeling of grandeur. Texture affects colour: rough textures will absorb light whilst smooth textures will reflect light. Patterns can be used for several purposes: You can use it to create a focal point in a room; You can use it to create a theme throughout a space; It can add interest to an otherwise dull space; Or you can use it to reproduce a particular historical style. You can use some patterns on everything in a room: the walls, furnishings, floors, and accessories. However the room will be immersed in the very particular ambiance created by the pattern, so be careful to not overwhelm yourself. Traditional pattern decorating is done with a single pattern, being matched against a solid background. In this way a boring white room is given vibrant life by a series of brightly upholstered chairs.
Use soft furnishings… This is perhaps the simplest way to add pattern to any room. The idea here is to use a few featured pieces of soft furnishings to bring colour and pattern to any setting. Items such as cushions, throws and rugs can add pattern and points of interest to a room setting. These can complement the rest of the decor but be a shade lighter or darker to give it some highlighting. Or they can be more contrasting in colour if the room needs some stronger highlighting. The main consideration here is style. The style of the soft furnishing should go well with the rest of the decor. This way, it will belong, yet add a contribution of its own.
Transform… Bring the rest of the room together with coordinating accents you sew yourself, such as throw pillows, table runners and curtains. A little time and fabric can really transform a room. By making these items yourself,
you not only save money, but you’re assured of getting exactly what you want. The variety of upholstery and home decorating fabrics available to the home sewer has increased dramatically over the past few years as more and more people are finding satisfaction in decorating their home with items they’ve created themselves. Always remember to select patterns and textures that appeal to you and work well with your overall plan. Create a mood board with the fabrics and colour swatches and then leave them on the board for a couple of days, so you can see how you really react to them: feel free to experiment. When mixing patterns, start with just one or two, decide how you feel about them together, and then add more. Try to maintain one dominant pattern, and let the others act as support. Use patterns which have a single consistent colour that runs through all of them. The most important thing when using pattern is to be willing to change your mind. If a pattern doesn’t feel right, or stops feeling right after a time, then you have to get rid of it. Patterns can create powerful feelings in a space, and you have to pay attention and be aware of those feelings in order to control the ambience of the room.
Guar o REF: MAAP-115 Price: 98,000Euros Built Area: From 70m2 / 134m2, Bedrooms: 1,2,3, Pool: Spa area and great swimming pool. Guaro is located in the La Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park, a life resort in a privileged area surrounded by fantastic views of the mountains. Guaro is a beautiful inland Moorish town, only 15 minutes from Marbella and its coast, and 35 minutes from Malaga airport; a natural museum which stills preserves its traditional Andalucian charm, history and culture. The Project 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments developed into three buildings, with spacious sunny patios or terraces with panoramic views. 2 and 3 bedroom penthouses enjoy a private solarium with Jacuzzi and barbecue. Kitchens are totally equipped with all electrical appliances, and the air-conditioning system installed. The careful outdoor design is made out of a typical Spanish patio with water trails, and native plants and trees. Three lifts connect each floor with the private underground parking and storage rooms, having access to each apartment. A unique natural setting Discover a new concept of life where the pleasure of living in a terrace over the mountains converts this residential into an exceptional place to relax. Several beautiful designs to choose from.
Grupo Vestca Avda. JosĂŠ Ortega y Gasset, 152 Poligono Industrial Alameda 29006 Malaga
Protect your family, home and business Smoke and fire and CO detection Automatic extinguishing systems
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Protect the environment Solar energy system for hot water, heating and power We also install and supply ventilation and extraction systems, access control, sprinkler systems, fire hoses - dry risers and pumps, gas detection, air supplied breathing equipment, escape systems, safety masks and filters. Our Qualifications are your safety ISO 9001: 2000 Num, Certificate" ESPMDD006134 CEPREVEN Member no 564 Confederation of Fire Protection Association (CPFA) Authorisation from the Junta de Andalucia - Consejeria de Innovacion, Cienca y Empresa, Seccion de Industria: authorized installer and maintenance company no RI - 30414// 29/122 - 29/69
For Spanish helpline call 952 176 235 For English helpline call 650 016 019 E-mail: maria.jose@vestca.net
>> costa HOMES
Stains…
Top tip…
If you have an ink stain on your clothes just apply a little bit of hair spray and work out with a tooth brush
Avoid using heat and hot water on
For perspiration stains, soak the garment in white vinegar and work the stain out, then wash as normal. For the collar on a shirt, try white chalk. The chalk absorbs some of the oils in the fabric. It may not completely remove the stain, but the shirt will look a lot better.
stains,
heat, and never iron stained fabrics. Heat
Removing Coffee and Tea Stains. Vinegar is an effective treatment for coffee or tea stains. Simply mix one teaspoon of vinegar to one quart of cold water. Spray onto the stain and then blot it up. It will loosen and bring the stain out.
can make a stain impossible to remove. stain, or use a more aggressive stain remover. On white clothes, try using lemon juice and placing the garment in the sun. Both the lemon juice and the sun will work as bleaching agents. Be sure to rinse the clothing thoroughly before rewashing.
Removing Pollen Stains… Shake the stained item outdoors to remove as much pollen as possible. If the pollen has already been rubbed into the clothing, try putting sticky tape on the surface of the pollen stain, and then gently lifting. The pollen will come up with the tape. The more pollen, you can remove, the better chance you’ll have at fully removing the stain. When you have removed as much of the pollen as possible, rinse the stained area with cold water from the back of the pollen stain. If the pollen stain remains, soak in cold water for 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.
48 costa life
dry
stained articles with
For grease stains, scrape off the excess solids with a butter knife. Place the stain face-down on a plain white paper towel. Squeeze a small amount of dishwashing liquid on the underside of the stain to break up the grease (hey, it works on dishes), and wait about a minute. Pretreat the stain with detergent, and wash it on the warmest water setting that particular fabric can endure.
A dried stain can be very hard to remove, but it is possible. Try repeating the steps for the individual stain. More than likely you’ll need to soak the
don’t
Apply a spot stain remover stick, spray, or gel and wash in the hottest water safe for your clothing. Check the stained area before drying. Pollen stains may need several treatments before they fully disappear.
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Article & images by
Simon Hill
F
acing another summer of unrelenting and desiccating heat, we gardeners cannot afford to be complacent. Although the recent rainfall gladly has led to the soil being refreshed and left many of our more exotic plants looking relieved, the high winds that have accompanied this rainfall have been damaging to many gardens: blowing over trees, shredding climbers, stripping valuable blossom and, most seriously, battering and drying out the fresh new growth on trees and shrubs, to leave stunted and distorted foliage for the rest of the summer.
Over twenty-four hours I measured around thirty litres per square metre, a quantity that is gratefully received during these times of drought. But this is nowhere enough to supply the garden for even a week during the heat of summer. While provincial water authorities claim that coastal areas are well set to ride out the drought for another year and avoid water shortages, this will surely not be the case inland. To quote one coastal newspaper: ‘‘While people living in Málaga province were guaranteed water, the countryside might not be so lucky.’’ I remember a client based on the coast saying, ‘‘What drought?’’ boasting last year that they were being limited to using seventy thousand litres per month. This profligacy means that we inland don’t get any water at all. It’s alright for some! Housing development inland is also more of a problem as increasing demand puts pressure on the already scarce water supplies. It is all very well to say that the associated golf courses are irrigated with recycled water, but this water originally had to come from somewhere! Turning a blind eye to this, and ignoring the adverse effects of ever-increasing water demand, will inevitably lead to even more water-cutting measures inland, while coastal resorts continue to be given priority.
50 costa life
I have often written about how, as gardeners, we can go a long way towards saving and conserving water - primarily by choosing plants that require little or no water during summer drought, especially those plants that have their origins in climates like or similar to our own. Recently, while on the way to see a client, I once again passed by the new housing and golf developments between Coín and Alhaurín el Grande (an area I have mentioned in the past). My friend and I noted how difficult it would be to recreate such beauty and splendour in one’s own garden. The entire area of hillside was festooned with flowers and shrubs. Amongst this glory, contractors idly went about their work laying out a new street network, seemingly unaware of the unique natural flora surrounding them that they are in the process of destroying. One other friend who lives within in sight of this development now has a new vista dominated by an enormous heap of sand and gravel - surely depleting the value of her property. Five species of Sunrose; Cistus albidus , clusii , crispus, ladanifer and monspeliensis , were seen flowering as well as the Yellow Sunrose, H a l i m i u m atriplicifolium. I have Cistus growing in my garden but would be hard put to recreate such a magnificent
Linum perrene
display. A deep blue Perennial Flax, Linum perenne gracefully moved with the breeze and Aphyllanthes monspeliensis, a liliaceous rush-like perennial that sends up deep blue flowers in late spring and which, in my experience of our local flora, is increasingly uncommon. These are just a few examples of the wonderful native vegetation still to be found in this soon-to-be-doomed environment. These plants survive in harsh hill top environments because, apart from natural rainfall over the winter and spring months, they require no further support. Beware! Some of these species can be found on the Red List of endangered species and it is an offence for you to dig them up, yet destruction by bulldozer goes unremarked. They and many of their relatives can look superb mixed in with other plants in a border or set alone in a Mediterranean-style rockery. Using such plants, which require so much less water than conventional plantings, does not mean a garden that is any less beautiful. When I use this approach in designing planting schemes for my clients, I attempt not only to reduce their water bills but also to reduce the maintenance requirement compared with the conventional ‘costa-style’ garden. This new development at Alhaurín is a long way from my own home (it is just visible on the distant skyline) but I can mention many other scenarios, nearer to my doorstep, where beautiful landscapes once thrived totally free from the plethora of poorly thought out developments that suck funds away from alternative vital projects that would improve local people’s quality of life and change the current local environment for the better almost overnight! The building of proper sewage systems, especially in the upper valley of the Guadalhorce River, would be one logical step forward in protection and respect of our local environment. Lots of money is being spent on cosmetic schemes such as flashy monuments at road intersections, but not much is actually happening in the important area of basic infrastructure, and more and more domestic water use is leading to fouler and fouler watercourses. You may now believe, from my constant harping on about development and especially golf course development, that I am opposed to any change in rural areas. I am not, but the changes allowed should be more carefully planned and controlled to preserve as much as possible our wonderful but diminishing natural environment. For a variety of reasons, Spain as a whole is rapidly losing this natural environment, once amongst the least spoilt in Europe. The urbanisation projects covering many a beauty spot benefit few and do little towards stimulating local economies. In our area, how long will it be before the Costa and its hinterland start to resemble a tawdry version of Los Angeles? Development here destroys natural environments, replacing them with fake tropical landscapes with palm trees and huge expanses of unnatural green turf. Though as a gardener I appreciate the beauty of palms and lush green grass, these are just not suited for extensive use in this Mediterranean environment. I was reminded of this recently when I visited an urbanisation near to Mijas pueblo. I would not want to criticize the way this small development was landscaped several years ago, but I think that the choice of plants was inappropriate and costly for future consumption of water. As I said earlier, there are unlikely to be water cuts this year on the coast, but my clients are more than ever complaining about the growing financial costs of maintaining their water-thirsty gardens.
Sierra de Mijas Simple and, where necessary, major changes in planting schemes can reduce water consumption radically. For example, the incredibly droughttolerant Native Fan Palm, Chamaerops humilis, is just as elegant a palm as the fan palm Washingtonia, if not quite as tall! Slowly it can grow to form a clump measuring two metres in height and the same in its spread. Thirsty hedging plants can be replaced with more appropriate and less water needy natives such as Teucrium fruticans, the Tree Germander, equally amenable to clipping and shaping and very popular with nesting warblers. The Mediterranean Box, widely available for sale, is another fine replacement. Even small changes in planting give rewards and greatly increase the interest of the garden. Reduced plant diversity in our gardens, and in the landscape around us, is not only displeasing but also has a direct effect on mammals, birds, reptiles and insects, those wild fauna that are also essential components of life on earth. A problem in Britain, highlighted on the news recently, is the paving over of front gardens. It has been suggested that this has contributed to increased flooding. Owning a property gives us precious individual choice, but when some of our choices could damage the environment, we should perhaps pause and think. Not everyone can afford to employ a gardener for a few hours a week, but having no interest in gardening and simply concreting over a garden, with an odd palm tree as a concession, is not in my view the way forward. But of course it’s your decision not mine. Taking an interest in what is growing in the street or urbanisation we happen to live in, and having more of a voice about it, is a move in the right direction. Taking a greater interest in how much water we are using, and how much we are being asked to pay for it, is another.
Simon Hill is able to provide a garden design and consultation service. For further details, advice or if you have any gardening questions, contact him at: fincarosablanca@telefonica.net.
Alyssum serpyllifolium
Iris filifolia
Aphyllanthes monspeliensis
costa life 51
The professional company with the personal touch for...
...all aspects of selling or renting your property Est. 1997 Authentic Old Cottage (Álora)
Benalmadena €€229,500 1965 fre
A superb 2 bed 2 bath apartment situated in Areal Golf Phase 1 at a fantastic price to include all furniture fixtures and fittings. Spacious lounge/diner with a large west facing terrace overlooking countryside with sea views, fully fitted kitchen/breakfast room, utility area with rear terrace. 2 parking spaces, communal pools air cond. Must be seen!
Fuengirola €€225,000 1984 fre
A very nice two bedroom town house situated only 2 kms from Fuengirola Town Centre but within easy walking distance of all local shops. Lounge/diner with an open fireplace, f/f kitchen, bathroom, guest cloakroom rear patio, large terrace off the main bedroom. Communal pools and gardens. Sold fully furnished.
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 Price reduced to · 245.000 €€ Exceptional & Impeccable (Casarabonela)
Club La Costa €€395,0000 1846 fre
A very well maintained 4 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment of 136 m2 built with a terrace of 80m2 and a further 50m2 private garden. Spacious lounge diner of 50m2, brand new fully fitted kitchen with separate utility room Situated only 300 metres from the beach the property enjoys sun all day, lovely sea views and is sold fully furnished. Lock up garage. Only one of four others in the edificio.
Old Town house (habitable) (Casarabonela)
Built: 80 m² Land: 40 m² Old Town house in excellent condition with 2 beds. · Close to centre, but very quiet location ( no traffic ) · ff/kitchen Roof terrace · Priced to sell quickly · 76.000 € €
Charming Country Villa (Alozaina)
Permission: 130 m² Land: 10.000 m² 3 bedrooms · 2 bathrooms Only 1 km from village Lovely views · Mains water ECO heaters · SAT / Internet Land semi-flat · Must be seen Price reduced to 320.000 €€ Built: 250 m² Land: 40.000 m² 3 bedrooms · 2 bathrooms Perfect orientation & views Sauna · Own well · Mains Water · Aircon. in whole house + double garage · Ample terraces (260 sqm) · Must be seen · Price reduced / Bargain 490.000 €€
Mijas €€795,000 1987 fre
A truly fantastic andalucian built villa of 350m2 on a plot of 2000m2 with breathing taking views to the coast. Situated on the prestigious Voltacado development the property has 3 bedrooms 3 bathrooms 54 m2 kitchen diner, utility room , mature gardens with pool, summer house area with bbq and parking for 4 cars. Lots of exposed beams separate dinning room. Great Value!
~ 29640 FUENGIROLA, MÁLAGA 29 C/ ESPANA, TEL: (+34) 952 479 749 · FAX: 952 478 662 nick@fuengirolarealestate.com
www.fuengirolarealestate.com
RESTORED CORTIJO WITH GUEST COTTAGE & SWIMMING POOL - MONTEFRIO, GRANADA Beautifully restored, tradtional cortijo with 5 double bedrooms plus seperate 3 bedroom cottage and swimming pool. - Well presented throughout with lots of character and many original features. MAIN HOUSE: 5 Double bedrooms (some with beamed ceilings), Fitted & tiled bathrooms, Lounge has fireplace with log burner installed, & Andalucian style kitchen / diner. COTTAGE: 3 Double bedrooms (2 with patio doors to gardens & pool area), Lounge has fireplace with log burner installed, Fitted & tiled bathroom. Stone floors throughout. OUTBUILDINGS: Second fitted & tiled kitchen / diner with fireplace, Pool side fitted & tiled bathroom, Plus 3 outbuildings which could convert for further accommodation / workshop / garage etc. OUTSIDE: Swimming pool with terrace area, flat fenced gardens with numerous fruit trees (including fig, olive & nispero), shaded courtyard area, private entrance with double gates, road access. POSITION: Peaceful, coutryside location with country & mountain views
Sale Price: 249,000 €
Phone: 627 834 839 www.acefm.info
>> costa HOMES
Obtaining a Mortgage In Spain W
ho offers mortgages?
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.
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.
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?
What is the cost of arranging a mortgage?
Mostly commonly, 15 or 20 years, but up to 35 years can be arranged.
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.
What information will the bank require:
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.
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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
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.
LA536: Fuengirola: Excellent townhouse in Los Boliches with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, fully fitted kitchen, a good size living room and private terrace.The property is south facing and the community offers a lovely garden with pool. Shops, restaurants and public transport are only a few minutes walk. Great opportunity!
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LA541: Fuengirola:Excellent townhouse in Puebla Lucia with sunny 40m2 private patio. This property consists of 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a brand new modern-design kitchen and a spacious living/dining area with fireplace. This property is ideal for permanent living or as an investment. Puebla Lucia is the most beautiful residential area in Fuengirola with its lovely gardens and three pools. Great opportunity!!!
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LA554: Mijas Golf: Beautiful frontline golf garden apartment with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and southwest-facing terrace. The apartment has an underground parking and storage. All the rooms are spacious and bright! Great investment! This is a bargain!!!
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>> costaSTUFF
Considerations when Travelling with our Pet
EUROPEAN PASSPORT
send him while we are abroad or find a person we trust to take care of him.
W
e are going to explain in a few words what are the rules of travel for some countries that have some strict laws for some animals.
To travel with dogs, cats and ferrets to the United Kingdom , Ireland, Sweden, Norway and Malta, apart from the European passport, rabies vaccination, external and internal desparasitation and microchip, it will also be necessary to have a blood test to measure the rabies antibodies levels in your pet. The European passport registers the record of all vaccinations, against rabies and other illnesses, also the date and time of the last internal and external desparasitation. It also provides the number of the microchip and the implantation date. Also contains a specific place for a sign “veterinary health certificate�. The rabies antibodies levels are measured by taking a blood test from your pet at least a month after rabies vaccination. The serum is then sent to a special laboratory where they analyze it and return the results to us. This process takes between one and three months depending on the lab we’re using. Then, if the results are favourable, to enter U.K or Ireland you must wait six months from the day we took the sample of blood from your pet. To travel to Morocco we need, apart from the European passport, an official health certificate from the vet, stating the animal does not present any symptoms of illness and is also protected against external and internal parasites. The animal must also have a microchip. If you want to return from Morocco to Spain, the blood tests as previously explain must be completed. If the chosen country to go with our pet is Russia, apart from the European passport it is also necessary to vaccinate against rabies at least one day before travelling, and also a health certificate signed by a vet one or two days before the journey to stated that the animal is in healthy condition. It is important for us to realize that in order to travel with our pets to some countries we must plan at least six months before the journey. If it is not possible to take our pet with us, we can look for a good kennel to
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In order to obtain the exact information applicable to the country of your destination, it is advisable to speak to the embassy of that country. More information you can ask your vet and they will give you the best advice.
Well another Raid is over making, as he accompanied the group for at least 10 kms. !
Article by David & Betsy Borthwick photos taken by Wally Saunders
An eventful one and one that again was enjoyed by all in spite of the slightly(!) inclement weather. The horses and people at Los Frailes can settle back into normal mode again. Our thanks to the Berdaguer family for letting us use the premises and the land of Cortijo Los Frailes; and while on the subject of thanks, Betsy and David would like to thank all those who helped with the preparation, organize the parking, manned check points and did all the admin things that were necessary on the day.
The course was over much of the same ground as the previous spring event, although in the end it was decided not to use the river as the heavy rain in the winter has caused changes to the bed such as to be considered unsafe. This meant that there were some loops put in to make up the distance with riders having to go through check points more than once, as they all made it home safely it must be assumed that it was not too confusing! Class one had a new loop below the cortijo. The first riders were hot on the tails of the first check point steward as unbeknown to them the only road to the check point had been closed to allow a car rally speed trial to take place! Thanks are due again to those land owners who allowed us to go through their land either on tracks or cultivated land. It would not be possible for the event to take place without them -
The morning had started clear but a little chilly and the first horses away were in the dry. Some found it warm riding and left their life line (phone) at a check point! The forecast rain came in later and stayed with us for most of the day. The actual or forecast weather proved too much for three riders who decide not to risk getting wet and went back home - a pity we think as there was some good warm food at the end under cover in the barn - a luxury for those of us used to doing this sort of thing in more northern climes! The first riders got away about 9.45 and the last got back about 14.00. In between there was a little drama as the Guardia Civil decided to pay a visit to check that the appropriate paper work was in place. Fortunately this was at a time when almost all the horses were out on course so the Vets were able to deal with the questions. However it did make clear that it is important to take green cards and have evidence of notification of movement. (So, as we have told the competitors, their cover is now blown and the Guardia know the event is just a cover for a drink fuelled party and nothing to do with a horse ride in the countryside!) A total of 31 (34 entries) competitors took part this time and it was evident that some serious preparation had been done as the fitness levels were better. In Class 1, 10 horses achieved grade a one , no grade two, with 2 completions and 6 eliminations. In Class 2 completion rosettes were awarded to 10 competitors with 1 elimination. Thanks again to Rancho Rocinante for providing the rosettes. (Because of the conditions underfoot the adjudicator decided to lower the minimum speed allowed to obtain a Grade 1.) Some of the riders had an uninvited addition to their group, in the form of a yearling from the farm who thought life was getting boring and he needed to get out more! Obviously a potential endurance horse in the
(after the farm, Antonio Guerrero providing a large section, as well as providing the ride numbers). The next event will take place at the end of October, date very shortly to be announced. This will be a particularly important training event for the exciting new event (a three member team relay), which is to take place on 10th January 2009.
E
ver been stung by a scorpion? Admittedly it is not a very pleasant experience, but it is certainly not as deadly as so many people believe. In fact most scorpion stings are no worse than that of a bee or wasp, but if you are unfortunate enough to be allergic to their poison it can become a very serious matter.
Scorpions belong to the same family as the Tarantula spider, the family of the Arachnids. In reality they cannot be called insects as insects are six legged invertebrates (ie they have no backbone). There are between 1,500 and 2,000 known species, which range from 40mm to 127mm in length. Interestingly, the larger the scorpion, the more harmless he is. They live a very solitary existence, except during the mating season. The female (who lives longer than her male counterpart and has no qualms about eating him when there is a food shortage) gives birth to 30 or 40 live young, who immediately after birth climb on their mother’s back. Those who are not fast enough are eaten by her. Newly born scorpions are white in colour and stay that way for about two weeks, when they moult for the first time and take on their parent’s colour. It can take up to three years to reach adulthood, during which period they moult at least six times. After two weeks they will start to fall off their mother’s back as they are now old enough to fend for themselves. Scorpions mainly feed on insects, but the larger ones do like the odd mouse or small reptile.
Written by
Erny Harrison In order to eat at leisure they will first poison their prey, thereby paralyzing it. Over the two million years of their known existence scorpions have hardly changed, due to the fact that they don’t have many predators. Those who like a scorpion for their meal are wild boars, lizards and eagle owls, which are not at all affected by their poison. Spain can boast the fact that there is one sub-species of the scorpion that cannot be found anywhere else in Europe. The very rare Belisarius Xambeni is present only in Cataluña. It is a strange looking animal, totally blind and with a lack of pigmentation, which is actually quite normal for a species that is nocturnal and lives the best part of its life in a cave. The B.Xambeni has been found in altitudes as high as 1,500 metres. It is about 4cm long, of stocky build and of an almost translucent yellow colour. It is a cave dweller, although it prefers the entrance of a cave to the depths of it. It can therefore also be found in ruins, cellars or under stones. Most scorpions make their home by digging burrows, using their claws to dig down and their tails to move the earth away. Each animal has its own private burrow. Always shake your boots thoroughly before putting them on. Boots left on terraces or porches have been known to harbour scorpions! Of all the species of scorpions in Spain, the most common is the Mediterranean Scorpion (Buthus occitanus, scorpión Amarillo) commonly
costa STUFF When the scorpion feels danger or is attacked, it will contract the tissue to expel the poison which is neurotoxic, ie it affects the nervous system. The poison is strong enough to paralyze or even kill a small animal. When stung by a scorpion stay calm. Do not try to clean the wound by cutting or bleeding it. You will only make it worse. Don’t drink a fortifying glass of alcohol: it is best not to drink anything at all. As it is difficult to find the point of entry, restrict the stung area by applying a bandage over it and seek immediate medical help. In severe cases the symptoms will be clear: a large inflammation of the inflicted area which feels like severe burning and as if it could explode any moment. Headache, vomiting, fever and breathing difficulties can be part of the effects the poison has on the nervous system. In very rare cases, a temporary loss of consciousness can result.
known as Alacrán. As the Spanish name implies, it is a yellow scorpion, 8-9cm long from its head to the black tip of its tail. The Alacrán has four pairs of legs, one pair of claws (called pedipalps) and eight eyes: two central and three on each side but, in spite of all these eyes, this scorpion’s eyesight is rather poor. The underside of a scorpion’s body contains the sensory and sexual organs. There are 30 spines or combs which are used to feel the surface when walking. All scorpions have a bulbous tail with two individual sacs of poison which they empty into a duct. Each sac is surrounded by a soft muscle tissue.
In all cases, the treatment will consist of a local anaesthetic to ease the pain, followed by analgesic and anti inflammatory medication for a couple of days. When you go hiking in a rocky area always make sure that you are wearing thick socks and long, sturdy boots. Don’t sit on any rock without a close examination first and, if you lift rocks, don’t bend over them and always move them away from you. And the most fascinating bit about all scorpions? When they find themselves in such a threatening position that there is no escape from it, they will commit suicide by putting their tail into their body and expelling the poison!
>> costaSTUFF
Costa
Cuisine
by Jan Morley of FreezerMor
CHEESECAKE a delectable dessert, sure to impress... When cheese and cake unite to make a dessert, you know it makes heavenly sense. From New York-style baked cheesecakes to gelatine-set fridge creations, the cheesecake takes many guises. Fruit sauces and toppings complement soft cheese beautifully while flowery flavours such as rose water can add a delicate touch. Chocoholics will also find their fix here, with smooth milk or dark chocolate toppings adding an extra level of naughtiness. Once you've mastered the basic version of any of these recipes, try varying the type of fruit used or even the cheese. Roman style cheesecake uses honey and a ricotta-like cheese along with flour and is traditionally shaped into loaves. Some recipes use bay leaves as a preservative. It is still baked in certain areas of Rome that kept cooking traditions after the fall of Rome.
INGREDIENTS FOR RASPBERRY FILLING 300g (11 oz.) raspberries, fresh or frozen 3 medium eggs separated 140ml (5 fl oz) Whipping cream, or Elmlea 200g cream cheese 3 tablespoon castor sugar 4 leaves gelatine or powdered gelatine 2 x 11g sachet (Soak the leaf gelatine in cold water for 5 minutes before use, then squeeze water out, if using powdered, sprinkle onto a little cold water, leave 5 minutes whilst it turns spongy.)
Raspberry cheesecake Serves 8-10
French style cheesecakes are very light. They use gelatine as the main binding ingredient and are usually only about 1 to 2 inches in height. The type of cheese not only affects texture and taste but the ability to incorporate certain types of ingredients. When cheesecake batter is too thin many cheesecakes will not be structurally sound and fall apart at the table. One way to get around this is to use unflavoured gelatine (in an unbaked recipe). A common difficulty with baking cheesecakes is its tendency to ‘‘crack’’ when cooled. This is due to the coagulation of the beaten eggs in its batter. There are various methods to prevent this. One method is to bake the cheesecake in a bain marie to ensure even heating. Other methods include blending a little cornflour into the batter to prevent the coagulation of eggs or baking the cheesecake at a lower temperature and slow cooling it in the oven, turned off, with the door ajar. If these methods fail, a common practice is to cover the top of the cheesecake with toppings such as fruit, whipped cream. Uncooked fruits that contain live protein eating enzymes such as papaya, pineapple, kiwifruit or mango should be avoided for inclusion in the mixture, as cheesecakes containing them have a tendency not to set, so it is better to use them as a topping.
METHOD
This recipe has a heavenly light mousse topping, a perfect dessert for summer! Line a 23cm (9 inch) loose-base spring-form tin with baking parchment.
INGREDIENTS FOR BASE
12 digestive biscuits 75g butter, melted 2 tablespoons Demerara sugar
Crush the digestives (either in a food processor, or in a plastic bag and a rolling pin), mix in the Demerara sugar, then add the melted butter, make sure all the crumbs are coated, then press evenly into the base of the lined tin.
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Soak the gelatine, according to instructions Put a handful of raspberries to one side, (to use for decoration), and then place the remaining in a food processor, blend, then pass through a sieve to eliminate the pesky pips. Gently heat a little of the juice a pan, stir in the gelatine until completely dissolved. Meanwhile whisk (electric gives best results) together the egg yolks, with the caster sugar, and then beat in the cream cheese, add the raspberry puree, and the dissolved gelatine mixture In a separate bowl whisk the cream until soft peak stage, fold into mixture In another bowl (make sure entirely grease-free) whisk the egg whites until stiff, and then carefully stir into mixture using the cut and fold action Now pour onto biscuit base, leave in fridge for up to 4 hours, or until set. Decorate with the raspberries you put to one side.
AND ENJOY...
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D
o you have a skeleton in the cupboard that you are desperately trying to keep hidden? What guilty burden are you carrying from the past? Are you weighed down with past mistakes and failures and find it difficult to face each new day? Perhaps you have been the victim of emotional or physical abuse and the memory has become a heavy weight in your life. Are you a wife who has been rejected and cast aside and the pain is so deep you simply can’t seem to go forward in your life. As a child you may have been abused or rejected and the scars affect you in every aspect of your daily life. Is there a way out? happiness?
A way forward into a life of freedom and
People try to deal with the past in many different ways. Some manage to present a confident mask to the world around them but keep the hurt or guilt hidden deep inside. The pain never seems to go away. Some turn to drinking to drown their sorrows becoming a regular member of the bar ‘congregation’. Everyone knows there’s a problem but no-one wants to talk about it. Let’s rather have another drink and continue being the life and soul of the party. Whatever happens, don’t let me face reality! Then there’s another way to deal with the guilt or pain of the past. Do you release your frustrations by abusing someone else, make others suffer the way you have suffered. Sadly, battered and abused children very often reach adulthood and the pattern continues. They abuse and bully their children in a never-ending spiral of pain. That way of dealing with the past never brings relief to the pain and simply causes more suffering around you. If your father always told you that you were useless and would never achieve anything in life, how could it possibly help you to do the same to your own child. But unfortunately a pattern of behaviour formed at a young age will often continue throughout life affecting each generation. So is there a way of escape? Is it possible to live in freedom and make a completely fresh start? Are you desperate enough to try something different? Do you ever wish that you could simply transfer your guilt or your hurt and rejection on to someone else, hand it over to someone so you could be free. You can! Someone has already carried the guilt, accepted the punishment and paid the price so we could be free.
‘‘He was despised and rejected - a man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way when he went by. He was despised and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down……he was wounded and crushed for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped and we were healed! All of us have strayed away like sheep. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the guilt and sins of us all.’’ (Isaiah 53:3-6 (NLT) The Word of God has an answer for every problem that we may face. When we turn to God for help and admit that we cannot cope with our problems in our own strength, He will pour His love into us changing us and equipping us to cope in every situation. If you are struggling with the guilt of your past actions, come to God and ask Him to forgive you. If you are struggling with the hurt and pain of what has been done to you, bring it to God and ask Him to carry the heavy load so you can be free. Take the ghost of your past and give it to the One who loves you more than you could ever know. Annette Riggall The Evangelical Christian Fellowship ‘‘an oasis where the Word of God is preached and the love of God is shared.’’ Sundays 4.30pm Iglesia San Miguel, Calahonda Tel/Fax (0034) 952 46 73 94 E-mail: tecfellowship@gmail.com Website: www.ecfmijas.com Pastors Peter and Annette Riggall
>> costaSTUFF
By Russell Vaughan Mintmicro S.L 951160411
Where do the looky looky men get all those films and music CD’s? MP3s are in the news this month with Tesco moving into ITunes territory. The supermarket has announced that it’s opening an online website store of MP3 music, with over 3.3 million tracks (you can share with your friends) and by the end of the year. Movies and TV shows will follow, says Tesco. In the early days of the Internet you could download a 50 meg file from Australia it would take 8 hours to arrive and when you played it you got a 5 minute video which was the size of a postage stamp on your screen so things have moved on a bit since then with many users downloading MP3’s music files in seconds and the latest films in less than the time it takes to watch them. The pirate DVD’s you buy on the street come from Websites that come and go with names like PirateBay, Mininova, and the (back again) Demonoid. It is sites like these that are making the film and music companies sit up
New from America a simcard reader that is designed to spy on people.
and listen and it seems that a war is about to erupt on the music download scene as Apple is considering giving away full access to iTunes for the price of a few Euros on an iPod - apparently to beat Nokia, which will heavily subsidise access to Universal’s music catalogue on selected phones. The iTunes Store, with more than six million songs in its catalogue, has sold over four billion songs. Even the BBC are getting in on the act and sells Dr Who and other repeats through iTunes in the USA. So it looks like all this downloading is changing the way music and movie companies are getting paid but if you are downloading music or films from the Internet would you trust a High street name you know better than the Apple Corporation or Amazon.com. Where’s that credit card and do I get club points? parents to check up on their teens text messages to be aware of dangerous activities. Party-Drinking and Driving, Cheating at school, Drug Use, Sexual Activity, Lying about where they are spending their time. Executives can ensure their employees are not sending trade secrets or activity which can be harmful to the company. Most companies already have a policy of monitoring email and banning IM messages. Text messages are seen as a hole in the security. Spouses can determine if text messages contain information that suggests cheating activity. If you want one they are available in America and for only $149.
‘‘The Cell Phone Sim Card Spy’’ The inventor boasts ‘‘Have you ever wished you can spy on your wife, husband, teens, or an employer who needs to see what someone is up to? Are they being suspicious when on their mobile phone? This SIM card spy software and hardware solution can tap into all files on a mobile phone SIM card for viewing, saving or editing. Simply place the SIM card into the USB reader, and with your computer, instantly save for later or view immediately. Backup your mobile phone numbers and SMS messages to your PC, another SIM card or any removable media.’’ They recommend that the Cell Phone Sim Card Spy should be used for
Microsoft Word user? Have you got genuine Microsoft word installed in your computer if not watch out? Microsoft’s strategy of annoying folks who use illegitimate or unlicensed copies of Windows took another step last month when it revealed plans to annoy Office users as well as illegal windows users. In an upcoming pilot program in Chile, Italy, Spain, and Turkey, Microsoft will change its Office Genuine Advantage program so that users of software that fails anti-piracy checks will be peppered with pop-up dialog boxes and toolbar icons indicating that the software isn’t genuine. The alerts stop only after users follow the necessary steps to validate their copies, which usually mean buying new ones. That copy you borrowed from work or the copy you bought down the market will eventually stop. As some non genuine Windows XP users have found recently. Unfortunately just turning off updates doen’t work because many of the programs you use rely on software updates to work properly. So if your copy of MS Office stops working this month give me a call we have them in stock (in English).
Pop SIM card out of any cell phone
64 costa life
Place SIM Card into Cell Phone Spy and Plug into USB on any computer.
Instantly read and modify all information, Including Deleted Messages!
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>> costa STUFF
Katie thinks tattoos are not so posh… Tongues are still wagging in Hollywood over the feud between Posh and Katie, although a spokesman has said they are the still the best of friends Posh is said to feel betrayed by the woman she thought she’d helped to become stylish. Katie Holmes rejected Victoria's recommendation that she should get some tattoos, saying Tattoos are trashy; I wouldn’t be caught dead with one.
Only in America… A Florida plastic surgeon has written a children's book called My Beautiful Mommy to teach kids why their mother is going under the knife for cosmetic enhancements. My Beautiful Mommy is about a mother who gets a tummy tuck, breast implants and a nose job. ‘‘Parents generally tend to go into this denial thing’’ and ‘‘try to ignore the kids’ questions completely,’’ children are legitimately confused and worried.
Demi Moore Reveals Unusual Beauty Secret ... Demi Moore has shed some light on how to look stunning and land a hot young husband in the process - leeches.The 45year-old actress revealed how she recently underwent ‘‘leech therapy’’ while visiting Australia for a cleansing. The treatment involved ‘‘highly-trained medical leeches,’’ which were first inserted into her belly button. She said that you feel them bite down on you, and then you relax and watch it swell up.
Stings Roxanne battle… A guy named Roy Smith from Navada has filed a police report seeking back royalties claiming that he gave Sting the inspiration for the songs ‘‘Roxanne’’ and ‘‘Message in a Bottle.’’ during a conversation the two had. The 48-year-old claims he helped write the songs because he once told Sting about a former girlfriend who was called Roxanne and was a prostitute, and he also told him about how he once wrote a message to his mum and put it in a bottle.
>> The Great Debaters
>> Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Denzel Washington, Michael Deak, John Heard
Johnny Depp, Sacha Baron Cohen, Helena Bonham-Carter, Alan Rickman
Denzel Washington is at his most visionary; unyielding in his vision of bringing equal rights to people of the Southern States of America in the 1930’s. The film shows him inspiring a generation of black students to find their voices, to stand up and be heard in a series of intellectual debates with other universities eventually, with ‘‘anglo-saxon’’ universities; culminating in the most challenging of all. This is a true story; the uncompromising choices the students have to make to hold onto their own sense of worth and justice is riveting.
>> Rambo Sylvester Stallone, Julie Benz, Matthew Marsden Twenty years after the last film in the series, John Rambo (Sylvester Stallone) has retreated to northern Thailand, where he’s running a longboat on the Salween River. On the nearby Thai-Burma (Myanmar) border, the world’s longest-running civil war, the Burmese-Karen conflict, rages into its 60th year. But Rambo, who lives a solitary, simple life in the mountains and jungles fishing and catching poisonous snakes to sell, has long given up fighting, even as medics, mercenaries, rebels and peace workers pass by on their way to the war-torn region. That all changes when a group of human rights missionaries search out the ‘‘American river guide’’ John Rambo. 72 costa life
‘‘Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street’’ tells the story of wrongfully imprisoned Benjamin Barker (Johnny Depp) who returns to the streets of London after 15 years as Sweeney Todd, after learning that his wife has killed herself. In hope of revenge against Judge Turpin (Alan Rickman) who was responsible for his imprisonment and the suicide of his wife, Todd returns back to his home and barber shop on Fleet Street where, with the help of Mrs Lovett (Helena Bonham Carter) a pie maker in the premises downstairs, Todd begins to murder his customers by slitting their throats whist they are sitting in the chair, and then sending them to the cellar where they are used for pies.
>> No Country for Old Men Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Kelly MacDonald, Stephen Root The ‘‘old man’’ of the title is Ed Tom Bell (Tommy Lee Jones), a small town Texas sheriff who, right on the verge of retirement, has seen a depressing spike in violent crime thanks to the recent proliferation of drug-running from Mexico (the movie takes place in 1980). For this is a ‘‘new time’’ in America, one in which an all-out criminal ‘‘war’’ is being fought, as much on the open plains as in the crowded cities. It is the ‘‘old men’’ like Bell, the last in a long line of old style Texas lawmen, who can no longer recognize their country and who are left to recede into the background bewildered and frustrated by their inability to do anything about it.
costa STUFF >>
PINSAPO creates a human chain around ‘Turtle Lake’
support hibernating, mating and resting animals, so close to the city centre, the lake is also a perfect human retreat from the hustle and bustle of day to day life.
Last Saturday, 29th March, the ecological group PINSAPO from Marbella, formed a human chain at a nearby reservoir. The main aim of the day was to attract the attention of the council so that more building work is not permitted on the banks of the reservoir and that the area is respected as a public green zone as part of the new Plan General de Ordinación Urbana P.G.O.U, the official development plans for Marbella. In turn, demanding the recognition of the natural reserve before the Junta.
However, the increasing levels of construction in the area do not bode well with the future of the lake, as the landscape has already changed dramatically in the space of the last few years. As time goes by, the numbers of lorries and trucks keeps rising, the building work gets closer and closer to the banks of the reservoir. Another disturbing problem we are faced with is the ‘dumping’ of rubbish and debris being left in close by.
More than fifty people met at midday at the locally known ‘Turtle Lake’. Such public initiative expresses the wide spread unhappiness of local people towards the urbanización plans in the area, which is still taking place across the beautiful landscape, and also calls for the support of the new P.G.O.U.
The most worrying reality of the situation is potential go ahead for more construction on the left bank of the reservoir, in an area which has already reached, according to the rules of the 1986 urbanisation plan, the legal construction levels. This is not permitted by the new PGOU, and contradicts the rights of any civilised society. In the light of the new P.G.O.U guidelines, there is no doubt that this beautiful watering hole should be jeopardised.
The event brought together the district coordinator of Nueva Andalucia who explained the local cleaning initiatives taking place, and expanded upon his commitments against any kind of construction. There was also the support of Enrique Monterroso, town councillor for Marbella and Alejandro Logan, the president from the citizens advice bureau for Marbella and San Pedro. The only face missing was that of Antonio Espada, representative of the Environment agency.
For that reason the eco group PINSAPO feels that the time has come to demand that the Marbella council suspend any kind of urban development in the area, calling for the integral protection and recognition of the lake as a natural monument.
Earlier in the day, members of the group were able to take part in a bird box workshop for use trees surrounding the reservoir, and were also able to get to know the area a little better with a guided walk. Later in the afternoon, the fifty strong group formed a human chain in protest for the protection of the area. The day ended with a clean-up of some of the discarded car tyres that litter the area.
Antonio Calvo Aguilar agrupación ecologista PINSAPO telefono 656 96 04 78
Turtle Lake, also known as ‘New Dam’, has important significance for Marbellies, as it is significant in the history of the town. This living monument is part of an agricultural and industrial revolution that took place more than a century ago. Along with other similar neighbouring reservoirs, Las Medranas, La Leche, Cancelada, and ‘Old Reservoir’, they were used to irrigate the oranges groves and sugar cane plantations of San Pedro and El Angél. This once artificial construction has over time become an important environmental and ecological site of importance for our area. A sign of just how diverse the area really is, can be appreciated by the variety of animal species that frequent the area, such as the Galapagos turtle, Mediterranean tree frogs, herons, egrets, coots, mallards and wagtail. Turtle Lake is also used as a resting point by hundreds of migratory birds on the journey between Africa and Europe, including some endangered species of wild ducks, ospreys and the short toed eagle. Aside from the fact that such an area can support a huge amount of habitats together, but also that one place can
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>> costa STUFF
I
n today’s world a strong measure of determination is an absolute necessity if you are going to ride the storms of the current economic climate and achieve your goals. Not only do you have to be positive and try to see the opportunities in the problems you face each and every day but your desire and drive are paramount in whether or not you will get to where you want to be or not.
In fact, whether we are in a good economic climate or not in part is irrelevant because, if you are serious about achieving success in your life, then determination is something that you need a strong measure of at all times. Remember: the big shot is the little shot that kept shooting! The Oxford English Dictionary says determination is: ‘‘firmness of purpose; resoluteness.’’ Self determination is ‘‘the process by which a person controls their own life.’’ Self determination can be interpreted as the above but it can also be interpreted as the unrelenting pursuit of ones dreams and aspirations. How many times have you quit on a challenge only to find afterwards that you could have and should have kept going? Webster’s says about self determination, ‘‘(a) the act of deciding definitely and firmly’’ or ‘‘(b) a firm or fixed intention to achieve a desired end.’’ Drive and determination come from a desire to achieve. If you have clearly defined goals, then this will help you in building the momentum which is described as determination. Why? Because, if the reason why is strong enough and it moves you enough, then your determination is the thing that keeps you going when everybody else gives up. If you look at some of the sayings in the boxes in this piece you will find some great anecdotes about determination’s role in helping us to keep pursuing our dreams and bringing them into reality. The word vision means ‘‘mental sight’’ and this means that every goal and ambition you have first starts off as a picture in your head. When you have this picture, you then start to believe you can achieve it and then you move into action to bring it about in the physical realm, ie reality. One example could be wanting to buy a new car. The first thing you do when you see yourself driving a new car is you think about it, you VISUALIZE IT. You see yourself in the car driving round town, pulling up on the drive etc; thus the desire is created and then you start to plot how you are going to get it. The thing is keeping focused on the goal at hand so that, when you face adversity or challenges to achieving the goal, whether it be people telling you that you can’t do it or circumstances seeming to be against you, you keep going. How deep is your desire? What is your driving force? If what you do every day is hardly dragging you out of your bed then how on earth are you going to achieve anything? Commonsense would say that the first time you come up against any real obstacles you are going to quit. Colonel Sanders, who invented the Southern Fried Chicken recipe, is said to have tried to sell his recipe to over 1000 restaurants, and every time he got a ‘‘No’’ he just went to another restaurant and tried again.
His desire was not to sell his recipe but to do a deal with someone who would give him a cut from every piece of chicken sold by the restaurant, ie a percentage. He held out for this deal but it took him over 1,000 attempts to reach his goal. He believed in what he was doing. You see, he had an unrelenting desire to see it through. He never gave up. Some would say that if he'd quit at 500, ‘‘Well you couldn’t blame him, good try old boy but no cigar.’’ But he didn’t, he kept going. I always remember a story about Winston Churchill when he addressed the troops before the invasion of Normandy (don’t quote me but I think it was then). The story goes that he came and stood at the front of the troops and all he said was ‘‘Never give up.’’ He said it three times and, each time he said it, he did so in a stronger tone. He then left. I suppose if you were going to sum up what determination is, then that would be it in a nutshell. Never give up. Determination is what gets us through life: it’s what makes the difference between failure and success. If you wish to succeed in life then you need determination and a strong character, and then you will be able to achieve virtually whatever it is you want to achieve in life. However, some of us seem to have more determination than others; for some it seems to come so very easily, whilst others often feel as though they were left out when determination and willpower were handed out.
Drawing out determination: If you want to draw out your determination and be like others who are not afraid of facing anything or anyone, then it really isn’t all that hard. Setting goals and using such techniques as self-affirmations can help you get a long way in becoming more determined and more selfconfident in life. A lack of self-confidence is generally what holds many of us back when it comes to going out and doing something different or trying to learn a new skill or conquer a fear. It’s all a matter of bringing your confidence to the forefront and beating the shy side of your nature. Ask yourself what you could lose by pushing yourself that little bit harder and going for something. The worst
costa STUFF >> The difference between perseverance and obstinacy is that one comes from a strong will, and the other from a strong won’t. ~ Henry Ward Beecher The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking places. ~ Author Unknown that could happen is that you wouldn’t at first succeed. But, if you have read my other pieces, then you will know that failures are the building blocks of success. We have to careful about the ‘‘garbage in, garbage out’’ syndrome which we have discussed before. This world teaches us that failing is a bad thing, and that making mistakes is embarrassing. It’s a dreadful lie and I personally know many people who won’t try anything new because they are afraid of looking stupid or worried about what people might say. Please - it’s so sad and it’s wrong. If you don’t succeed at first, and most don’t, then don’t worry about it and try again, only this time go about it a completely different way or just try harder. There is no failure in trying something and then having to go about it a different way and change course. There can only be failure if you give in and stop trying. Always remind yourself of this fact when you think of giving up. There is no harm in failing - the harm is in not trying. When trying to bring out determination you should of course start off with an easy task, maybe something you have been putting off for a while. It could be something in your personal life or at work, or something you wish to improve about yourself such as learning a new hobby or skill. Or face someone who you are afraid of facing concerning something or other. Whatever it is, pick a time when you will start or attempt whatever it is you want and mark it off on the calendar with a big bold circle. As the time draws closer, keep repeating affirmations that you can do this, you will be successful; stay focused and determined on a positive outcome and, when the day comes, just go for it. Always remember that you have got nothing to lose by trying but everything to gain by sticking with your newfound determination. Remember the rocking chair effect we have talked about: sitting back in your rocking chair when you are 95 thinking I wish I had done that or I wish I had tried that. Not for me thank you very much: life is for living and if it doesn’t work out then, what the heck, you have given it a go. Change direction, learn from the mistakes you have made and start again. Never give up. When you look around at very successful people they all have complete belief in what they want to achieve, and this belief is what inspires their determination to conquer whatever fears they might have and reach their goals. Winners don’t whinge; winners don’t blame other people and winners keep going until the end. If what you are doing doesn’t move you enough, then sit down and revue your goals or start making goals and you will soon find the buttons that you need to press to get you off your backside and get stuck into life. I have made many mistakes here in Spain and I consider this place to be the toughest learning ground of my life but it is what we go through that makes us what we are but, more importantly, how we approach these things is what moulds and builds character. Many people quit and leave, some stay and make it work for them, no matter what it takes, The question is which are you?
When the world says, ‘‘Give up,’’ Hope whispers, ‘‘Try it one more time.’’ ~ Author Unknown Don’t be afraid to give your best to what seemingly are small jobs. Every time you conquer one it makes you that much stronger. If you do the little jobs well, the big ones will tend to take care of themselves. ~ Dale Carnegie When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt Consider the postage stamp: its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there. ~ Josh Billings Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did. ~ Newt Gingrich The race is not always to the swift, but to those who keep on running. ~ Author unknown, in reference to Ecclesiastes 9:11, ‘‘I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.’’ You can’t go through life quitting everything. If you’re going to achieve anything, you’ve got to stick with something. ~ From the television show Family Matters It’s not that I’m so smart; it’s just that I stay with problems longer. ~ Albert Einstein There is no telling how many miles you will have to run while chasing a dream. ~ Author Unknown Don’t be discouraged. It’s often the last key in the bunch that opens the lock. ~ Author Unknown I may not be there yet, but I’m closer than I was yesterday. ~ Author Unknown Keep on going, and the chances are that you will stumble on something, perhaps when you are least expecting it. I never heard of anyone ever stumbling on something sitting down. ~ Charles F. Kettering Vitality shows in not only the ability to persist but the ability to start over. ~ F. Scott Fitzgerald Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go. ~ William Feather costa life 69
>> costa STUFF
Funny true story…
Do I look like a mocha latte to you? They have landed… Scared Charles Hurden locked himself in his shed for three days after he thought asteroids landed in his garden in Sydney, Australia. They were luminous balloons from a party 16 km away.
An unidentified English woman, according to the London Sunday Express, was climbing into the bathtub one afternoon when she remembered she had left some muffins in the oven. Naked, she dashed downstairs and was removing the muffins when she heard a noise at the door. Thinking it was the baker, and knowing he would come in and leave a loaf of bread on the kitchen table if she didn’t answer his knock, the woman darted into the broom cupboard. A few moments later she heard the back door open and, to her eternal mortification, the sound of footsteps coming toward the cupboard. It was the man from the gas company, come to read the meter. ‘‘Oh,’’ stammered the woman, ‘‘I was expecting the baker.’’ The gasman blinked, excused himself and departed.
Your call… This is the transcript of an actual radio conversation of a US naval ship with Canadian authorities off the coast of Newfoundland in October, 1995. Radio conversation released by the Chief of Naval Operations 10-10-95. Americans: Please divert your course 15 degrees to the North to avoid a Collision. Canadians: Recommend you divert YOUR course 15 degrees to the South to avoid a collision. Americans: This is the Captain of a US Navy ship. I say again, divert YOUR course. Canadians: No. I say again, you divert YOUR course. Americans: THIS IS THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER USS LINCOLN, THE SECOND LARGEST SHIP IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY’S ATLANTIC FLEET. WE ARE ACCOMPANIED BY THREE DESTROYERS, THREE CRUISERS AND NUMEROUS SUPPORT VESSELS. I DEMAND THAT YOU CHANGE YOUR COURSE 15 DEGREES NORTH, THAT’S ONE FIVE DEGREES NORTH, OR COUNTERMEASURES WILL BE UNDERTAKEN TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THIS SHIP. Canadians: This is a lighthouse. Your call.
70 costa life
It pays to advertise… When Sao Paulo, Brazil, police detectives arrested Robson Augusto do Nascimiento Araujo after a string of high priced car thefts, they found his calling card - literally: he carried business cards showing the business name ‘‘Thefts and Holdups Ltd,’’ with his title reading ‘‘thief’’.
costa STUFF >> Sudoku answers for Issue 37
5
2 9
6
3
2
1 6
3 5
9 5
9
4
4
7
8
1 7
6 3 5
4 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.
Across 1. Cultivated plot (6) 4. Written musical compositions (6) 9. Film (5) 10. Refrain from voting (7) 11. Listlessness (8) 12. Meat or vegetables cooked slowly (4) 14. Shrink (6) 16. Evaded (6) 19. Part of the neck (4) 20. Resident (8) 23. Inactivity (7) 24. Play (5) 25. Excused (6) 26. Deferred payment (6)
Down 1. Risk taker (7) 2. Stud (5) 3. Panache (8) 5. Monetary value (4) 6. Responded (7) 7. Tendon (5) 8. Freight (5) 13. Flatfish (8) 15. Use up (7) 17. Take away (7) 18. Large expanse of water (5) 19. Dissonance (5) 21. Accolade (5) 22. Pace (4)
Crossword answers for Issue 37 costa life 71
>> costa GUIDE
>>
Useful numbers & information TRANSPORT >> AIRPORTS
EMERGENCIES >> LOCAL POLICE Local Police Alhaurin el Grande Alora Antequera Arroyo de la Miel Benalmádena, Málaga, Marbella & Ronda Cartama Coin Estepona Fuengirola Local Fuengirola Municipal Nerja Torremolinos
092 952 491 074 952 496 468 952 708 104 952 562 142 092 952 422 211 952 453 267 952 800 243 952 580 900 952 197 090 952 521 545 952 376 000
>> NATIONAL POLICE National Police Guardia Civil Alhaurin el Grande Alhaurin del la Torre Alora Cartama Coin
>> MEDICAL SERVICES Emergencies
>> AMBULANCE Fuengirola, Torremolinos, Málaga & Marbella
902 505 061
>> STATE HOSPITALS
062 952 595 830 952 960 067 952 496 020 952 422 639 952 450 138
Calle Mauricio Moro, Pareta, 22nd Floor, MÁLAGA. Open 08:30 - 13:30 Enquiries 952 352 300
MARKET PLACES MONDAYS >> Alora, Marbella near the football stadium
TUESDAYS >> Benamagosa, Fuengirola (Feria Ground), Nerja weekly market (Calle Chaparil)
THURSDAY >> Alhaurin el Grande, Pizara, Frigiliana, Torremolinos, Velez Malaga, San Pedro, Torre del Mar
FRIDAY >> Benalmadena Tivoli Gardens, Casares, Cartama, Aguamania, ctra Cartama, Las Chapas
SATURDAY >> Fuengirola, La Cala, Ojen Pueblo, Coin, Competa, Puerta Banus near bullring
SUNDAY >> Estation de Cartama, Fuengirola near the mosque, Malaga near the football stadium, Sabinillas, Estepona, Sotogrande, Nerja car boot sale
TOURIST INFORMATION 952 410 005 952 491 275 952 495 577 952 702 505 952 422 126 952 453 211 952 442 494 952 802 002
Portillo Customer Service Direct Line Algeciras Alhaurin Benalmádena Coin Estepona Fuengirola La Linea Málaga Marbella San Pedro Torremolinos
902 143 144 956 654 304 952 490 709 952 443 563 952 450 366 952 802 954 952 475 066 952 172 396 953 350 061 952 764 400 952 781 396 952 380 965
TRAIN STATIONS
1619516500 2890330099 2072229633 1383738866 1604230230 1252513500 1132345678 1514721110
Halifax Lloyds TSB Mastercard Nat & Provincial Nationwide Natwest Yorkshire Bank
8457203099 1702364274 1383621166 1274331522 1793543888 1132778899 1132424800
SIZE COMPARISONS >> Don’t let being unsure about sizes impare your shopping sprees...
Shoes
WEDNESDAY >> Benalmadena Parque de la Paloma, La Cala, Estepona, La Linea, Rincon de la Victoria
952 441 545 952 802 900 952 471 000 00350 70027 952 327 950 952 774 488 952 476 593
The Coastal Service stops at every major town between Fuengirola and Málaga from 06:45 and 22:30 from Málaga 902 240 202 Call
LOST/STOLEN CREDIT CARDS >> Abbey National Allied Irish American Express Bank of Scotland Barclays Bank Diners Club First Direct Girobank
TAXIS Benalmádena Estepona Fuengirola Gibraltar Málaga Marbella Mijas Costa
BUS STATIONS
061
Benalmádena & Fuengirola Emergencies only 902 505 061 Málaga 951 290 000 Marbella 951 976 669 Torremolinos 952 386 484 Torremolinos (Centro de Salud) Health Centre 951 924 100
>> BRITISH CONSULATE
Alhaurin de la Torre Alhaurin el Grande Alora Antequera Cartamar Coin Benalmádena Estepona
080 952 455 020 952 804 483 952 461 046 952 774 349 952 381 414
091
>> GUARDIA CIVIL
952 048 844 00350 73026
Malaga Gibraltar
>> FIRE BRIGADE Benalmádena, Málaga & Mijas Coin Estepona Fuengirola Marbella Torremolinos
SP 37 38 39 40 41 42 43
Men’s Wear UK 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SP 44 46 48 50/52 54 56 58
UK 34 36 38 40 42 44 46
Men’s Shirts SP 35 36/37 38 39/40 41 42/43 44
UK 14 14.5 15 15.5 16 16.5 17
Women’s Wear SP 36 38 40 42 44 46 48
UK 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
>>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 Fuengirola Gibraltar Málaga Marbella Mijas Nerja Torremolinos
952 467 457 0350 774 982 952 213 445 952 771 442 952 485 900 952 521 531 952 374 231
TOWN HALLS Coin
952 453 020
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. >>Customs allowance- importation from Gibraltar into Spain 1 litre of spirits or strong liqueurs over 22% or 2 litres of wine 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 gms tobacco Goods brought in Gibraltar may only be imported into spain between 0900 hours and 2100 hours Estepona Foreigners Dept Fuengirola Gibraltar Málaga Marbella Mijas Nerja Torremolinos
952 801 100 952 589 440 952 589 300 0350 774 902 952 135 000 952 761 100 952 485 900 952 548 449 952 379 400
Enjoy a Life in the Sun
Ref CAR583 Cártama
Ref AEG516 Alhaurín el Grande €995,000
Ref CAS398 Casarabonela
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Open to Sensible Offers!
Ref MAQ254 Nr. Malaga
€360,000
Ref VNM528 Nr. Granada
€220,000
Ref ESE605 El Sexmo
€241,500
A rural retreat made up of a charming cortijo & separate guesthouse. Over 12,000m2 land with landscaped garden, pond, many fruit trees, great views. Original features & sympathetically reformed. Reluctant sale.
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MUST SELL - part refurbished country home that could make a lovely 4 bed property with large garden when finished. 2 bathrooms, terrace, mains electricity & well water. Only 2km from El Sexmo & facilities.
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Don’t Miss Out on these Bargains
Ref AEG606 Alhaurín el Grande €199,000
Ref AEG580 Alhaurín el Grande €105,000
Beautiful country property with pool & various terraces. Many original features - stonework, bread oven, beams, thick walls all sympathetically reformed. Wonderful views. Outbuildings.
Wonderful 2 bed, 2 bath townhouse. Beautifully presented, small patio plus roof terrace, great access & parking. Some lovely original features, fitted kitchen, immaculate & ready to move into.
65m2 of refurbished townhouse is yours for a bargain price. 65m2 roof terrace provides great outdoor space with sunbathing areas & barbeque area. Fully fitted kitchen, 2 beds & bathroom.
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Ref ALA507 Álora
€245,000