February 2023 Costa Link Magazine

FROM

• TYRES & BALANCING

• ALL TYPES OF SERVICE & GENERAL REPAIRS

• COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC

• ALL TYPES OF VEHICLES CATERED FOR

• USED CARS BOUGHT & SOLD

• CLASSIC CAR RESTORATION

• ECU REPAIRS

• AIR-CON SERVICING • OPEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY FROM 09:00 - 17:00hrs WITHOUT A BREAK

Yes, Valentine’s Day is upon us if you are single then check out our great guide how to make this Valentine’s day special on pages 24 & 25. If you are involved, then why not show your other half just how much they are loved! Are you craving the “best Sunday Roast on the on the Costa del Sol” then take a look at our restaurant review on pages 54 & 55.

The Six Nations Rugby Championship 2023 starts on February the 4th between England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France and Italy a good excuse to get to your local and have a few cheeky ones… It’s also Carnival time here in Spain look out for local parades and programmes of events in your local area. Have a fantastic month and remember, keep smiling!

5 8

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY for us Chica’s. Are men easy to decipher? We think so… In a Women’s World this month.

???

Solutions on page 82

Pit your brains against the TRIVIA QUIZ, questions for all ages from 6 -116!

8 26 3 4

One chaps luck is in this month and another is causing a monsoon, all in A Man’s World” this month...

3 5

If you are looking to buy a property or business then look no further. Check out the Property Pages from page 35…

Acer’s work-ready exercise bike, Ring’s latest doorbell and a very clever AI dash cam that predicts accidents in the Gadget & Gizmo’s pages this month...

70 76

It’s electric… All car manufacturers are producing electric vehicles now we take a look at the top five on the market in ‘All Revved Up’ on page 70.

8 0 8 4

The Business Directory... Can’t find that all important contact 84 to 87...

Solutions on page 82

Puzzle It Out... Puzzles galore challenge those little grey cells.

HOW TO CONTACT US

Call: 644 23 12 95

Email: info@costalinkmagazine.com

Website: www.costalinkmagazine.com

Facebook: facebook.com/costa.link.spain

Whatsapp: 644 23 12 95 or Tweet: @costa_link

facebook.com/Costa.Link.Spain/

No part of this publication, including layout, graphic design or pictures may be copied,

please

The Jokes Page: Laugh out loud with rib crackers on page 78!

“The Kids Page” with puzzles, jokes & lots, lots more...

MSC WORLD EUROPE

THE NEWEST, MOST TECHNICALLY ADVANCED ENVIROMENTLY FRIENDLY CRUISE SHIP

IN THE WORLD WITH MORE PASSENGER COMFORT THAN ANY OTHER CRUISE SHIP. ADD TO THAT, SIX SWIMMING POOLS, 14 HOT TUBS AND THIRTEEN DINING AREAS - INCLUDING SIX SPECIALITY RESTAURANTS & FOUR THEMED BUFFETS

MARBELLA CRUISERS HAVE SECURED 30 CABINS AT ‘GROUP PRICES’ (SAME CRUISE MUCH LOWER PRICE)

Your cabin price includes:

• Dining in a choice of restaurants,

• the ‘PREMIUM’ drinks package (your drinks in every bar & restaurant 24/7)

• ‘GRATUITIES’ Experienced cruisers know that cruise lines have got into the habit of adding 10% or more (under the heading gratuities) but not on our cruises

our ship IS the MSC WORLD EUROPE

INSIDE £1024*

OUTSIDE £1134*

BALCONy £1254*

TO WATCH A VIDEO GO TO ‘YOU TUBE’ AND TYPE IN “MSC WORLD EUROPE TOUR”

Cruise ships wait for nobody so we are all planning to stay at the Eurostar Gran Marina Hotel in Barcelona on the night of the 18th May. This hotel, pictured below, is right in the cruise terminal and if our ship is moored where the one in the picture is, we can walk to the ship. If not, there is a shuttle service from the hotel to the ship.

Your deposit is £100PP and 50€PP to Marbella Cruisers, this covers advertising to get GROUP PRICES, organization and administration fee, plus we are with you throughout the cruise. Once these are paid, your price, drinks package and no gratuities are cast in stone. Your final payment is due 90 days before we sail.

For more information contact us: EMAIL COLIN@MARBELLACRUISERS.com or see WWW.MARBELLACRUISERS.COM

*All prices shown are Per Person

OUR ‘GROUP’ cabin prices for this 7 NIGHT CRUISe

25th

22nd OCTOBER 2023 MSC DIVINA

11 NIGHTS FROM MALAGA AND BACK TO MALAGA

OUR FULL ITINERARY IS…

MARBELLA CRUISERS HAVE SECURED 50 CABINS AT ‘GROUP PRICES’ (SAME CRUISE MUCH LOWER PRICE)

Your cabin price includes:

• Dining in a choice of restaurants,

• the ‘PREMIUM’ drinks package (your drinks in every bar & restaurant 24/7)

• ‘GRATUITIES’ Experienced cruisers know that cruise lines have got into the habit of adding 10% or more (under the heading gratuities) but not on our cruises

TO WATCH A VIDEO GO TO ‘YOU

TUBE’

our ship IS the MSC DIVINA

OUR ‘GROUP’ cabin prices for this 11 NIGHT CRUISE INSIDE CABIN £923PP

WINDOW CABIN £1143PP

JUNIOR BALCONY £1253PP

PREMIUM BALCONY £1393PP

*All prices are per person and all cabins are the ‘FANTASTICA’ grade cabins. (The better grade)

AND TYPE IN “BEST THINGS ABOUT THE MSC DIVINA”

To make life easy, as this cruise sails from and returns to Malaga, we are running coaches, that will pick you up at your local bus stop on the A7 between Duquesa and Malaga and the coach will meet us at the ship on our return and take you back to the same bus stop on the other side of the A7. This is an optional extra. The return fare is 55€ P.P. TO JOIN US AT ‘YOUR PRESELECTED BUS STOP’ ON THE A7.

Your deposit is £100PP and 50€PP to Marbella Cruisers, this covers advertising to get GROUP PRICES, organization and administration fee, plus we are with you throughout the cruise. Once these are paid, your price, drinks package and no gratuities are cast in stone. Your final payment is due 90 days before we sail.

For more information contact us: EMAIL COLIN@MARBELLACRUISERS.com or see

29th DECEMBER 2023 MSC WORLD EUROPE

7 NIGHT CRUISE - INCLUDING ‘NEW YEAR’S EVE’

OUR FULL ITINERARY IS… 29th DECEMBER: BARCELONA | 30th December: MARSEILLES

31st DECEMBER: GENOA| 1st JANUARY 2024: ROME |2nd JANUARY 2024: PALERMO|3rd JANUARY 2024: MALTA

4th JANUARY 2024: AT SEA|5th JANUARY 2024: BACK TO BARCELONA

MARBELLA CRUISERS HAVE SECURED 50 CABINS AT ‘GROUP PRICES’ (SAME CRUISE MUCH LOWER PRICE)

Your cabin price includes:

• Dining in a choice of restaurants,

• the ‘PREMIUM’ drinks package (your drinks in every bar & restaurant 24/7)

• ‘GRATUITIES’ Experienced cruisers know that cruise lines have got into the habit of adding 10% or more (under the heading gratuities) but not on our cruises

our ship IS the MSC DIVINA

OUR ‘GROUP’ cabin prices for this 7 NIGHT CRUISE

INSIDE CABIN £894PP

WINDOW £1004 PP

BALCONY £1174PP

*All prices are per person and all cabins are the ‘FANTASTICA’ grade cabins. (The better grade)

TO WATCH A VIDEO GO TO ‘YOU TUBE’ AND TYPE IN “MSC WORLD EUROPE TOUR”

Cruise ships wait for nobody so we are all planning to stay at the Eurostar Gran Marina Hotel in Barcelona on the night of the 28th December. This hotel, pictured below, is right in the cruise terminal and if our ship is moored where the one in the picture is, we can walk to the ship. If not, there is a shuttle service from the hotel to the ship.

Your deposit is £100PP and 50€PP to Marbella Cruisers, this covers advertising to get GROUP PRICES, organization and administration fee, plus we are with you throughout the cruise. Once these are paid, your price, drinks package and no gratuities are cast in stone. Your final payment is due 90 days before we sail.

For more information contact us: EMAIL COLIN@MARBELLACRUISERS.com or see WWW.MARBELLACRUISERS.COM

HAPPYVALENTINESDAY...

Are men easy to decipher? We think so…

I am hungry – I am hungry

I am sleepy – I am sleepy

I am tired – I am tired

Nice dress – Nice cleavage!

I love you – Let’s have sex now

I am bored – Do you want to have sex now?

May I have this dance? – I’d like to have sex with you

Can I call you? – I’d like to have sex with you

Do you want to go to the cinema – I’d like to have sex with you

Can I take you to dinner? – I’d like to have sex with you

Those shoes don’t go with that outfit – I am gay

The Meaning of Valentines day... Valentine's Day (val*en*tinez dae) n.

A day when most women have dreams of a candlelight dinners in romantic restaurants, prince charming arriving on horseback to sweep you away, diamonds, and a thoroughly romantic day...

But at the end of the day consider yourself lucky to get a card.

Wall

Scented

Bowls,

Flowers,

CELEBRITY & TV GOSSIP...

BROOKLYN BECKHAM IN A ‘THROUPLE’… Brooklyn is telling friends he's got a second wife? Brooklyn Beckham, Nicola Peltz and Selena Gomez moved in together last month and three definitely isn’t a crowd. The trio have been inseparable, with singer and actress Selena even joking on Instagram that she is in a throuple with the eldest Beckham boy and his wife. Nicola always told him, ‘“Marry me, marry my friends and family”, and he’s done exactly that.

‘RHOSLC’ JEN SHAH’S LEGAL DRAMA… As she pleads guilty in a wire fraud case which has been so widely publicised on the RHOSLC and in the World’s press, Shah agreed to pay restitution up to $9.5 million, she pleaded guilty in July to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. She has been ordered to take medication and get mental health treatment as part of 6.5-year prison sentence. HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh claimed that Jen Shah and her assistant Stuart Smith “built their opulent lifestyle at the expense of vulnerable, often elderly, working-class people.”

GossipShowbiz HOT GOSSIP...

JENNIFER ANISTON IS READY FOR LOVE… Will 2023 be her lucky year? For almost three decades, Jennifer Aniston’s has been struggling with her journey to motherhood with IVF etc. she has also been married and divorced twice. Insiders say finally lifting the lid on her private struggles has helped put that painful chapter behind her and find peace and happiness in a future without children. Jen has remained single since her divorce from actor Justin Theroux in 2018. Her friends say Jen is very much single and excited to find love in 2023...

TEL: 952 927 245

HOT NEW TV GOSSIP...

BRIDGERTON SEASON 3: Bridgerton is a world we can all escape too. Looking ahead to a third season, which is currently filming. The following statement was released via Lady Whistledown: Esteemed members of the Ton, It seems we have a rather special announcement. Bridgerton shall return for seasons three and four. This author shall have to purchase more ink...Yours Truly, Lady Whistledown. Penelope Featherington, aka Lady Whistledown and Colin Bridgerton are set to be the focus of this season. There has been chemistry between them since season one. Colin was heard telling a group of friends that he'd 'never dream of courting' her. It’s likely Bridgerton season three could be out in spring or summer 2023.

MADE IN CHELSEA ICON TO QUIT THE SHOW: After the recent MIC trip to Bali which seemed to focus a lot on the ex-relationship of Emily Blackwell and Harvey Armstrong, Emily offered a honest response and told her followers on insta whether she was returning to the show or not she said, "Thank you - I'm not actually sure. I haven't made a decision on what I want to do." We’ll see when the new season returns this Spring…

GossipShowbiz HOT GOSSIP...

RHOCHESHIRE SEASON 16 HAS STARTED FILMING: With guests including Coleen Rooney, Ashley Stobart and Lystra's new girlfriend, Ashley. The first day of filming took place on Wednesday 11th January at Stanley House Hotel & Spa in Blackburn. ITV are yet to confirm when series 16 will air, although it's likely to be in the spring of 2023. Confirmed this season are Lystra, Seema, Lauren and Rachel Lugo there is no word as of yet as to the status of Housewives Hanna Kinsella, Nicole Sealey, Katie Alex and Sheena Lynch.

It’s a funny old world...

Proof That The World is Nuts...

Very strange laws on (cough, cough) Sex from around the globe!

Men aren’t allowed to kiss their wives’ breasts in Florida. (Don’t be a boob man in Florida, you’ll be massivly out of luck).

Muslims are banned from looking at the genitals of a corpse. This also applies to undertakers. The sex organs of the deceased must be covered with a brick or piece of wood at all times. (A brick??)

There are men in Guam whose full-time job is to travel the countryside and deflower young virgins, who pay them for the privilege of having sex for the first time Reason: under Guam law, it is expressly forbidden for virgins to marry. (Let's just think for a minute; is there any job anywhere else in the world that even comes close to this?)

In China, women are prohibited from walking around a hotel room in the nude. (The bathroom isn’t off limits though luckly...)

The penalty for masturbation in Indonesia is decapitation. (Much worse than "going blind!")

In Hong Kong, a betrayed wife is legally allowed to kill her adulterous husband, but may only do so with her bare hands. The husband's illicit lover, on the other hand, may be killed in any manner desired . (Ah! Justice!)

“He,he,he,he,he, ha,ha,ha,ha”

Continued... Proof That The World is Nuts...

Very strange laws on (cough, cough) Sex from around the globe!

In Cali, Colombia, a woman may only have sex with her husband, and the first time this happens, her mother must be in the room to witness the act. (Makes one shudder at the thought.)

In Santa Cruz, Bolivia, it is illegal for a man to have sex with a woman and her daughter at the same time (I presume this was a big enough problem that they had to pass this law?)

In Maryland, it is illegal to sell condoms from vending machines with one exception: Prophylactics may be dispensed from a vending machine only "in places where alcoholic beverages are sold for consumption on the premises." (Is this a great country or what? Well . . . not as great as Guam!)

If you couldn’t find the condoms in the first place and are now having a baby in Denmark... Citizens have to select baby names from a list of 7,000 government-approved names. If parents wish to diverge from the list, they must seek approval from the government. About 1,100 novel names are assessed every year and 15% to 20% of them are rejected. (Eccentric celebrity baby names like Apple and Saint wouldn't be aloud in Denmark.)

WHAT AM I...?

Can you work out “WHAT AM I” from questions 1 to 10

1) My construction was expected to take four years - it took 14 years

2) In total 10,000 construction workers built me

3) 6,223 m² of glass were used in my construction

4) The estimate to build me was $7 million – I actually cost $102 million

5) Eight Boeing 747s could sit wing to wing on the site

6) I am cooled using seawater taken directly from the harbour next to me

7) I was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2007

8) My Grand Organ is the largest mechanical organ in the world, with 10,154 pipes

9) I was opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 20th Oct 1973

10) More than 10.9 million people visit me every year

Answer on page 82

SUNDAY ROAST LUNCH SESSION

SERVED FROM 12PM WITH ALL THE TRIMMINGS CHOOSE FROM BEEF, PORK OR CHICKEN CLAIM YOUR FREE GLASS OF WINE OR SOFT DRINK WITH EACH ROAST HERE

“BEST ROAST EVER HAD IN SPAIN”

Beautiful lunch here, I am a very fussy eater and have never found anywhere that has pleased me totally with a roast in Spain. Beef cooked to perfection, roast potatoes crispy on the outside, fluffy in the middle, mashed potato with no lumps and rich thick gravy, served with veg, stuffing balls and Yorkshire puddings. Well worth the visit!

SUNDAY QUIZ NIGHT

Which Cocktail is made with Rum, Coconut Cream & Pineapple Juice?

CASH PRIZES AND ROLLOVERS!! FUN ENTERTAINMENT QUESTIONS ARE SUITABLE FOR ALL LEVELS

It’s a funny old world...

Continued...Proof That The World is Nuts...

Very strange laws on (cough, cough) Sex from around the globe!

In Bhutan, most of the buildings are adorned with erect penises. The small country nestled in the Himalayans is not for the prudish... Fly to Bhutan and you'll be surrounded by murals of floating phalluses. To the predominantly Buddhist population, the male organ is a symbol of fertility and wards off evil spirits. (A floating phalluse?)

Topless saleswomen are legal in Liverpool, England but only in tropical fish stores. (But of course!)

You can’t have sex on a parked motorcycle in London. Does this mean it’s ok to have sex on a moving motorcycle in London?

In Lebanon, men are legally allowed to have sex with animals, but the animals must be female. Having sexual relations with a male animal is punishable by death. (Like THAT makes sense.)

In France... An 18th century French prostitute could be spared punishment if she were willing to join the opera. This explains a lot!

In Bakersfield, California... We know it’s difficult to resist but you can not, we repeat CAN NOT, have sex with Satan unless you’re wearing a condom. So if you fancy doing the dirty to the Devil, make sure you have a condom in you’re wallet....

“He,he,he,he,he, ha,ha,ha,ha”

ATTRACTION: The act of associating horniness with a particular person.

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT: What occurs when two extremely horny, but not entirely choosy people meet.

DATING: The process of spending enormous amounts of money, time and energy to get better acquainted with a person whom you don't especially like in the present and will learn to like a lot less in the future.

EASY: A term used to describe a woman who has the sexual morals of a man.

EYE CONTACT: A method utilised by one person to indicate that they are interested in another. Despite being advised to do so, many men have difficulty looking a woman directly in the eyes, not necessarily due to shyness, but usually due to the fact that a woman's eyes are not located in her chest.

FRIEND: A person in your acquaintance who has some flaw which makes sleeping with him/her totally unappealing.

INDIFFERENCE: A woman's feeling towards a man, which is interpreted by the man to be "playing hard to get".

INTERESTING: A word a man uses to describe a woman who lets him do all the talking.

LAW OF RELATIVITY: How attractive a given person appears to be is directly proportionate to how unattractive your date is.

SOBER: A condition in which it is almost impossible to fall in love.

“THE DATE” DEFINITION: An activity between two mutually attracted people which very often ends in one or both leaving sexually frustrated.

VALENTINES DAY FOR SINGLE FRIENDS IN UNDER 10 MINUTES

Five Top Tips

by Clare St.Rheta.

Valentine's Day is traditionally a day for loved ones to celebrate their love for each other. However, not everyone is in a relationship each year when Valentine's Day rolls around. Just because you don't have a significant other on Valentine's Day does not mean you can't have a great Valentine's Day. Spending Valentine's Day with a friend can be a wonderful way to spend the day and keep both of you from feeling left out on this holiday. This article will focus on some ideas for spending Valentine's Day with a friend.

1)GO OUT TO MOVIES

We all know what “Netflix and Chill” means, so that’s not on the agenda. Instead, going out to the movies can be a great way for friends to spend Valentine's Day. Going to the movies is not one of the most popular activities on Valentine's Day so you will likely not have to worry about long queues or shows being sold out. If couples do choose to go to the movies, they are likely to flock to romantic movies so you and your friend can avoid the crowds by choosing a comedy or a science fiction movie you have been wanting to see.

2) TEN PIN BOWLING

Another fun way to spend Valentine's Day with a friend is to get dressed up and go bowling. Bowling can be a lot of fun and it is not normally an activity couples tend to favour for Valentine's Day. Try getting dressed up as if you were on a date and head to the local bowling alley. You will not only be having a lot of fun but you will also be making the activity seem more special. You can also try dressing for a specific theme such as the 50s or the 80s for your bowling outing.

3) DINNER AWAY FROM THE COUPLES

You might be spending Valentine's Day with a friend instead of a boyfriend or girlfriend but you still have to eat dinner on Valentine's Day. Just because Valentine's Day is traditionally for couples, doesn't mean you and your friend can’t go out for a great dinner together on Valentine's Day. Try a new casual dining restaurant if you want to try to avoid romance!

4) VOLUNTEER FOR A DAY

If you and your friend are looking for something to do on Valentine's Day, try volunteering your time and talents! Whether at your local hospital, nursing home or neighbourhood animal shelter, lean into what you’re passionate about and offer the gift of compassionate service. You will likely leave feeling as though you have made a difference in the lives of others which is a great way to spend Valentine's Day.

5) REPAIR THE THING THAT CHRONICALLY IRRITATES YOU

The loose hinge on your bedroom door, the hideous stain on your bathroom wall, or the anarchic clutter at your work desk. Whatever it is, as an act of self-love, you and your friend should make a list of what you have been putting off for 18 months and then go to each others house and carve out some time to remedy the annoyance and give your spaces a clean sweep this Valentine's Day.

T R I C K Y T R I V I A Q U I Z

1) What was Matthew Webb the first person to do in 1875 in a time of 21hrs 45mins?

2) Which Superhero works for The Daily Bugle?

3) What character did Leslie Ash play in Men Behaving Badly?

4) What is 5 cubed?

5) On which river is Niagara Falls?

6) In which movie does Anne Hathaway work for the Meryl Streep at the prestigious fashion magazine, Runway?

7) What colour is Euston Road on a Monopoly board?

8) In the Wild West, how was Henry McCarty better known?

9) Gala, Jonagold and Pink Lady are varieties of which fruit?

10) Which bird gave Fleetwood Mac their first UK number one?

11) Which planet is also known as ‘The Morning Star’?

12) What is traditionally served with ‘Haggis’?

13) In which city is ‘Broadway’?

14) Who had a hit with ‘My Ding-a-Ling?

15) Affenpinscher, Keeshond and Leonberger are all types of what?

16) Anthony Stark is the alter-ego of which super-hero?

17) What is South West Africa now known as?

18) ‘LOVELY’ is an anagram of which tennis word?

19) What do the initials ‘ET’ stand for in the Steven Spielberg film?

20) What is three eighths of 96?

21) Which political party did Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin represent?

22) Moving clockwise on a dartboard, which number is next to 17?

23) Mintaka, Alnilam and Alnitak are three stars that make up what?

24) Which tree can be ‘white’ or ‘weeping’?

25) How many pounds in a hundredweight?

26) How many stones did David take for his fight with Goliath? One, Five or Fifteen?

27) In a standard set of playing cards which is the only king without a moustache?

28) How many years of marriage is denoted by a ‘Diamond’ wedding anniversary?

29) In which city did rhyming slang originate?

30) Who was the Roman God of War?

Answers on page 82

SOME NOT SO ROMANTIC THOUGHTS ON LOVE & MARRIAGE!

• Getting married is very much like going to a continental restaurant with friends. You order what you want, then when you see what the other fellow has, you wish you had ordered that.

• At the cocktail party, one woman said to another, “Aren't you wearing your wedding ring on the wrong finger?” The other replied, “Yes I am, I married the wrong man.”

• Man is incomplete until he is married. Then he is really finished.

• A little boy asked his father, “Daddy, how much does it cost to get married?” And the father replied, “I don't know, son, I'm still paying for it.”

• After a quarrel, a wife said to her husband, “You know, I was a fool when I married you.” The husband replied, “Yes, dear, but I was in love and didn't notice it.”

• A man inserted an advert in the classifieds: ‘Wife wanted’. Next day he received a hundred letters. They all said the same thing: “You can have mine.”

• When a man opens the door of his car for his wife, you can be sure of one thing: either the car is new or the wife.

• When a man steals your wife, there is no better revenge than to let him keep her.

POST BREXIT NON-RESIDENT PROPERTY TAX CHANGES

In accordance with the regulation for non-EU nationals,the tax rate will change for Brits owning property in Spain this year

Contact us for more details about the changes, Assistance with inclusion of deductions and Quarterly accounts for properties let either permanently or occasionally

When Albert Einstein was making the rounds of the speaker's circuit, he usually found himself eagerly longing to get back to his laboratory work. One night as they were driving to yet another dinner, Einstein mentioned to his chauffeur (a man who somewhat resembled Einstein in looks & manner) that he was tired of speechmaking.

"I have and idea, boss," his chauffeur said. "I've heard you give this speech so many times. I'll bet I could give it for you."

Einstein laughed loudly and said, "Why not? Let's do it!"

When they arrive at the dinner, Einstein donned the chauffeur's cap and jacket and sat in the back of the room. The chauffeur gave a beautiful rendition of Einstein's speech and even answered a few questions expertly.

Then a supremely pompous professor asked an extremely esoteric question about anti-matter formation, digressing here and there to let everyone in the audience know that he was nobody's fool.

Without missing a beat, the chauffeur fixed the professor with a steely stare and said, "Sir, the answer to that question is so simple that I will let my chauffeur, who is sitting in the back, answer it for me."

"Why not? Let's do it!"

GUESS THE YEAR...

Can you work out “WHICHYEARITIS” from the following questions?

1) Tony Blair is elected for the third term as the UK Prime Minister

2) London Bombings Four explosions rock the transport network in London

3) Hurricane Katrina strikes the Louisiana, Mississippi & Alabama coastal areas

4) The marriage of The Prince of Wales & Camilla Parker Bowles takes place

5) The Live 8 benefit concerts are held during July of this year

6) Northern Ireland IRA announces end to armed conflict

7) Britain implements The Civil Partnership Act

8) Microsoft releases the Xbox 360 gaming console

9) At the movies you would have been watching: Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire or Star Wars Episode III Revenge of the Sith

10) Popular musicians included: The Killers or Green Day

Answer on page 82

What’s On Guide...

3rd & 5th February 2023: Rockin’ Race Jamboree is back in Torremolinos with its 28th edition. The festival pays homage to American roots music, specifically, blues, country, folk and rock from the 40s, 50s & the early 60s. Held at Auditorio Municipal Príncipe de Asturias for info see rockinrace.com.

3rd February 2023: Boogie Wonderland performing songs from the 70’s. For more info call: 952 47 45 42 or see www.salonvarietestheatre.com.

2nd & 16th February 2023: Areme Quiz Nights at Vice Versa GastroPub, Estepona Port at 7pm. Entrance Fees €2.00 for Members & €3.00 for Non-Members.

6th & 20th February 2023: Alzheimer’s Dementia Support Group held at Club Naranja, Calle Malaga, Calahonda 11am to 1pm for more info call 635 407 255 or 667 733 520.

10th - 14th February 2023: The Majestic Music Hall a collaborative creation of scintillating songs. For more info call: 952 47 45 42 or see www.salonvarietestheatre.com.

22nd - 26th February 2023: It Run’s in the Family... The Hilarious West End Hit Comedy. For more info call: 952 47 45 42 or see www.salonvarietestheatre.com.

Every 1st Monday: Areme Coffee Mornings at Rick’s Gin & Tonic Bar,Estepona Port 11am-1pm

1st & 3rd Mondays: Alzheimer’s Dementia Support Group held at Club Naranja, Calle Malaga, Calahonda 11am to 1pm for more info call 635 407 255 or 667 733 520

Every Monday: Arts and Crafts Fair in Benahavis at 8pm in the Main Square in Benahavis.

Every 1st Tuesday: Age Concern Coffee Morning at Ricks Gin & Tonic bar, Estepona Port 11–1:30 p.m.

Every Tuesday: Age Care Drop In Calahonda. Tuesdays: 11am – 1pm International Baptist Church, near Supersol Los Olivos , Calahonda.

Every Wednesday: The Cap Club (Charity & Please Club) now in its 29th year. Meet for coffee at the Chilli Restaurant in Benamara at 11.00am. The Club also runs monthly trips to Gibraltar, days out and monthly Sunday lunches. Please come and join us!

Every Thursday: Age Care Drop In Fuengirola, Hojar del Jubilado, Los Boliches Friday 11.00am12.30pm , Entrance Calle Fruita. 1st floor above the fruit market.

Every Thursday: Age Care Drop In Coin, La Peña, Calle Rio Guadelhorce 19, Poligono La Rosa, Alhaurin el Grande. Thursday 11am – 1pm.

Every Thursday: Picasso Museum, Malaga FREE ENTRY 5pm and 8pm.

Every Friday: The Royal British Legion, Mijas Costa Branch, welcomes visitors, new members and visiting members from other branches to their weekly social meetings that are held at Club Naranja, Calle Malaga, Calahonda from 11.00am to 2.00pm. Membership of The Royal British Legion is open to everyone, you do not need to have service background to become a member and offer support to The Royal British Legion family. For more info: 635 450 608

Every Sunday: Quiz Night at Studio 68, Nueva Andalucia from 7pm with cash prizes and rollovers, fun questions that are suitable for all levels t: 952 81 20 97 or see w: studio68.es.

Every Sunday: Craft Market in the Marbella Marina on the Teresa Zabell Pier: 12-6pm.

Every Sunday: Street Market Arena at The Marbella Arena, located in the old bullring of Puerto Banús, held every Sunday from 11am. to 5pm. and with live music and shopping you can visit more than 50 stalls with organic products, art, craft, fashion and accessories.

Every Month: Costa Women host many events on the Costa del Sol. Register for free on their website: costawomen.com or contact Ali at CLM@costawomen.com for more info. New Members welcome.

(PLEASENOTETHATALLEVENTTIMES&DATESARECONFIRMED AT THE TIME OF GOING TO PRESS, PLEASE CHECK WITH THE ORGANISERSBEFORETRAVELINGTOAVOIDAWASTEDJOURNEY.)

If you have an event, fundraiser or anything else please let us know...

email: info@costalinkmagazine.com

phone: 951 666 715 or 663 061 669

IT’s A FUNNY OLD WORLD!

A VERY FRISKY WIFE...

One day, a man came home and was greeted by his wife dressed in stunningly sexy lingerie. "Tiemeup,"shepurred,"Andyoucando anything you want." So he tied her up and went golfing.

A VERY DISTRESSED MAN...

Whilst attending a funeral of a very distant relative, Michael heard a sobbing from a nearby grave followed by the words....

“Why did you have to die? Why did you have to die?”

So Michael made his way over to the grave and said to a very distressed man

“I am sorry for your loss, was it your wife?”

“No said the man tearfully – Why did you have to die?”

Michael asked, “Was it your brother or your sister?”

“No said the man tearfully... Why did you have to die?”

Michael asked, “Was it one of your parents?”

“No said the man tearfully – Why did you have to die?”

Michael asked, “Was it a close friend?”

“No said the man tearfully – Why did you have to die?”

Michael said “forgive me for asking, but if it wasn’t your wife, it wasn’t your brother or sister and it wasn’t a friend, then who died?”

The man turned and said – “My wife’s first husband!”

PROPERTY PAGES

BORDERING THE BEACHES OF THE MEDITERRANEAN but still close to town, the Costalita area of Estepona offers residents the best of Costa del Sol living, with apartments and penthouses to suit all budgets

If you are thinking of renting, selling or buying in Costalita then make us your first port of call Costalita Properties are the current residential leader in this area!

Masterplanned by the well-respected Costa del Sol architectural firm of Melvin Villaroel, the Costalita area of Estepona is located on the beach side of the coastal road, to the east of the town and between the Arroyo Taraje and Saladillo-Benamara, conveniently close both the centre of Estepona, as well as to Marbella and Puerto Banús.

Developed by Urbis as a series of private communities centered around landscaped gardens and luxurious pools, the traditionally inspired, whitewashed Andalusian design of Costalita houses both apartments, ranging in size from one-bedroom units up to three- and four-bedroom duplex penthouses with private rooftop pools.

Costalita is home to the four-start Iberostar Costa del Sol hotel and two popular beachfront restaurants, La Antigua and Pepe Beach Restaurant.

The wonderful front line beach 5 star Villa Padierna Hotel Beach Club and water sports centre. Villacana Pony Club within a few minutes walk, one of the few stables that still do early morning beach riding. For the sports enthusiasts there is the Villa Padierna Paddle & Tennis Club. El Paraiso Golf, Los Flamingo Golf, Guadalmina & Atalaya Golf are all very local. Costalita offers the ideal combination of quiet, secure surroundings with easy access to the vast array of local services found along the N340 strip.

Properties to fall in love with

Love is in the air as Valentine’s Day rolls around once more, so what better time to find a property to fall in love with? We asked Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director at Taylor Wimpey España, to recommend properties to swoon over in the Costa del Sol and share insights into what makes them so special. Here are his top three…

Solemar, Casares Beach, Malaga

It is the stunning views that are so easy to fall in love with at Solemar. The impressive terraces will deliver stunning, unobstructed views of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. These homes will be full of light, with spacious areas for living and entertaining. The ground-floor homes come with private gardens and there are also lovely communal gardens and a communal pool for owners to enjoy.

Almazara Views, Istán, Malaga

Spain is home to such an incredible abundance of native flora and fauna and the townhouses at Almazara Views are the perfect base for enjoying it. The homes are surrounded by hundred-year-old trees, with the land sloping down to La Concepción reservoir – one of the few places in the area where you might get to spot one of Marbella’s incredibly rare otters. If you’re passionate about nature, this is the place to be!

Solana Village, La Cala Golf Resort, Mijas, Malaga

Golfers will find it hard not to fall for the charms of Solana Village, which is located at the largest golf resort in Spain: La Cala. The captivating views over the valley of La Cala de Mijas and the golf course are a standout feature of these homes. With extensive spa and dining facilities, as well as three challenging golf courses, La Cala has everything on-site that a golfer could desire. Solana Village occupies one of the most attractive positions within the resort, providing stylish apartments with top-quality interiors.

Apartments at Solemar cost from €262,000 plus VAT, while townhouses at Almazara Views are priced from €550,000 plus VAT. Apartments at Solana Village, which are selling fast, cost from €310,000 plus VAT.

To see the complete selection of Taylor Wimpey properties for sale here on the Costa del Sol please see: www.costadelsolpropertyfinder.com

Almazara Embalse Concepción, Istan

Solemar Apartments, Casares - Terrace

Solana Village Apartments - Salon

YOUR DREAM IS OUR PASSION

DETACHED VILLA IN BENALMADENA€1.049.000

DETACHED VILLA IN CALAHONDA€849.000

This elegant modern independant six bedroom, four bathroom villa has been fully renovated and it's a perfect family house. Situated in the low part of Calahonda, you can walk to all the amenities and the beach. The whole house has been renovated inside and outside to give it a modern and elegant aspect. This is a must be seen property if you are looking for a perfect family house.

DETACHED VILLA IN CALAHONDA €795.000

This spacious detached villa situated on a first line of the Siesta Golf Course of Calahonda has been fully renovated with a very good taste and attention to details. The house is built on three levels and consists of 4 bedrooms in the house and a spearate 1 bedroom apartment on the groundlevel with independant access for family and guests, wich makes a total of 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms.

Plot: 328m² Built: N/A² Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 4 Pool: Private Ref N°: R4068832

SEMI-DETACHED HOUSE, RIVIERA DEL SOL €360.000

Opportunity to buy a spacious semi-detached house in Riviera del Sol in a lovely quiet Urbanization. The house would benefit of a small renovation but it has a fantastic potential tomake a wonderful family house to live all year round or just to enjoy the holidays. The gardens are taken care by the community and the swimming-pool is communal.

Terrace: 28m² Built: 139m² Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Pool: Communal Ref N°: R4117165

This spacious villa with private pool has a fantastic location in a very quiet Urbanisation of Benalmadena Costa, only 10mn walk from the marina and the beach. Built over two levels, it's like two houses in one as you have 2 different accesses for the ground floor level and the first floor level which could make it an ideal investment if you want to use half of the house as a holiday rental for example or just use it for friend and family visitors giving them and yourself total privacy. View

YOUR FAMILY RUN REAL ESTATE AGENTS LET US FIND YOUR PERFECT, HEAVENLY HIDEOUT OR SELL WITH US

t: +34 952 669 470 / t: +34 603 227 899

e: papps@captaincosta.es

w: captaincosta.es

TWO BED APARTMENT BENAHAVIS €725.000

NEW DEVELOPMENT LA CALA GOLF from €690.000

TWO BED APARTMENT MIJAS GOLF €249.950

This newly constructed gated boutique apartment is built in very high standard with underfloor heating in all rooms among only 24 unit are available. Just beside Los Arqueros Golf Club and only 10 min from Puerto Banus. Ref: CC0068

THREE BEDROOM VILLA CARIB PLAYA, MARBESA REDUCED TO €795.000

Luxury new build Villas in La Cala Golf Resort with 3 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, Private Pool, Terraces all facing West. Elysium Golf consists of only 15 exclusive villas with double height ceilings and floor to ceiling windows. Ref: CC0061

FOUR BEDROOM VILLA MIJAS GOLF €1.100.000

A GEM IN THE MOST DESIRED DEVELOPMENT OF THE AREA. A very well presented apartment in a fantasticcomplex in the area. With two double bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large covered terrace leading to a lovely sunny private garden. Ref: CC0067

THREE BED TOWNHOUSE FUENGIROLA €225.900

This sunny Beachside villa is a perfect buy for those seeking to enjoy the glorious Mediterranean lifestyle. Due to its prime location and quality, it is also an excellent investment opportunity. Ref: CC0059

Amazing architectural show piece with four bedrooms and four bathrooms with luxury throughout this villa is in Mijas Golf. On a plot of more than a 1000m2, Built area of 660m2. Ref: CC0034

RENOVATION PROJECT - This property is ideally located in the heart of Fuengirola Centro. With 3 large bright Bedrooms, Kitchen, a large Patio and a Bathroom. It is an excellent opportunity to refurbish or convert it into 2 apartments. Ref: CC0041

299.000€

TWO BEDROOM TOWNHOUSE, LA CALA GOLF

BUILT: 134

TERRACE: 30 M²

BEDS: TWO BATHS: TWO POOL: COMMUNITY

Beautiful townhouse in a very well maintained community in La Cala Golf. On the ground floor you have a large lounge diner with fireplace, partially open kitchen with large utility area plus a guest bathroom. You also have a private covered terrace and the use of a small garden. Upstairs you have two huge bedrooms both with en-suite bathrooms + private terrace. With underground parking & storage. The quality and size of these houses is hard to beat in this price range so come and take a look REF: R3936157.

299.950€

TWO MIDDLE FLOOR APARTMENT, LA CALA GOLF

TERRACE: 30

M²

Central townhouse and at a 5 minute walk from the beach. It has three floors. Ground floor with living-dining room with views of the small private patio/garden and the backyard, kitchen and bathroom. Patio in the front and back of the house. On the first floor there are four bedrooms and another bathroom. On the second floor there are 2 small areas for office or storage and a large terrace. Ideal for family. Close to everything you need. REF: R4059640.

Set on a privileged golf front position in a quiet cul-de-sac street in the very heart of la Cala Golf resort, this superb detached villa enjoys sun all day and stunning golf views. Built in 2017 with a contemporary look, the

from great quality specifications, modern and open plan layout and the best possible natural light. The villa offers expansive open and covered terrace areas, as well as spacious indoor living space including four bedrooms and three bathrooms, REF: R4081618.

FOUR BEDROOM VILLA, NUEVA Andalucía

950.000€

Beautiful Mediterranean style four bed, three bathroom villa in Nueva Andalucia with lots of light and character. This villa is very closed to La Quinta and Los Naranjos golf areas, as well as to all amenities and a short drive to Puerto Banús. The basement area consists of an office area that could be converted into a fifth bedroom, a storage room and a covered garage for two cars. Ref: RR3551344.

THREE BEDROOM Detached Villa, Nueva Andalucía

998.000€

Renovation Project in Nueva Andalucia. a great investment opportunity located overlooking Los Naranjos Golf and next to Las Brisas Golf it is the perfect location . The house is set on one level with three bedrooms and three bathrooms with a total living area of 247m2. consistsing of a large open kitchen, dining and lounge area with fireplace, a gallery and three bedrooms of which two have an en suite bathroom.

FOUR BEDROOM SEMI Detached Villa, Nueva Andalucía

The beautifully presented Andalusian style

property comprises four bedrooms and four bathrooms recently renovated with high-level modern style. the property, with an open-plan kitchen and living room which are very spacious. In your private garden with heated swimming pool you can enjoy the sun and beautiful views towards the sea all-day. Step inside and fall in love with this stunning, high quality villa with fantastic views!

FIVE BEDROOM Detached Villa, LAS CHAPAS

2.799.995€

Luxury five bed detached villa in Hacienda Las

Chapas. This stunning property has been totally renovated recently. The property itself has been split between three levels and the highest quality materials have been used to make this wonderful home. Located 15 minutes from Marbella and with 24 hour security this property really is a stunning home. This really is a must see if you are looking in Marbella. Ref: R3943252.

2023. Lovely two bedroom two bathroom ground floor apartment located in Tobago Reserva de Marbella, in a nice quiet urbanisation but only 10 minutes drive to the centre of Marbella & Puerto Banus. Spacious living room with open fireplace. The master bedroom opens up directly onto terrace with garden & communal pool.

Three Bedroom Townhouse

Las Chapas €2.000 pcm

Beachfront complex only 100 meters to the beautiful beach and 30 meters to the amzing pool area. Three bedrooms and three bathrooms. With a private underground garage with access directly into the house. Within walking distance to restaurantes, chiringuitos, supermarkets 24h pharmacy, tennis and gym. Located in a secured beachfront Complex.

Three Bedroom Apartment

Las Mimosas de Cabopino €1.100 pcm

Lovely modern apartment in popular gated community close to the beach, ground floor, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, underground parking and small storage space. Available from November for long term rent:

Three Bedroom Apartment

Puerto Banus 2.700€ pcm

Three bedroom apartment next to the beach in closed complex located in Puerto Banus. A few mtrs. Of the best restaurants and international cuisine, exclusive fashion shops, water sports, shopping centers, cinemas and bus and taxi stops. This complex has a beautiful garden of 10,000 m2 immaculate common areas, four communal swimming pools & tennis paddle court.

Five Bedroom Detached Villa Nueva Andalucía €5.000 pcm

Fantastic five bedroom villa at walking distance to Puerto Banus and all local amenities. This large family house is situated on a plot of 500 m² with private pool and benefits from a large and bright living room that connects to a large terrace with stunning mountain views of the Concha.

WE HAVE EXCELLENT TENANTS LOOKING FOR A DETACHED VILLA IN MARBELLA, PUERTO BANUS or SAN PEDRO

PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU HAVE A VILLA IN THE AREA TO LET OUT

CALL PROPERTY RENTALS COSTA DEL SOL TODAY... SEEKING LONG TERM RENTALS IN ALL AREAS OF THE COSTA DEL SOL

WE HAVE A LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WAITING TO RENT PROPERTY OF ALL SIZES

Advertising

NO up front fees

NO hidden charges

Hairdressers & Beauty Salon in Duquesa For Rent 700pcm

Very Busy Pizzeria In Prime Position

Los Boliches, Fuengirola - 54.000€

Serving Italian style food for over 30 years: Eat in & take away

Very busy all year round - especially busy in the summer

Garage and Tyre Centre - The Costa Del Sol

Well Established - 249.950€

20 years in the same location, specialist in tyre repairs & replacement - In high profile position on the corner of a very busy road

Restaurant & Bar on Golf Course

Mijas Costa -125.000€

This is a rare opportunity to buy a restaurant and bar with an enviable position very well established with a large regular clientele

Telephone: 951 666 715 Mobile: 663 061 669

BUSINESS

BUSINESS SALES & Transfers

for sale in Spain and the UK

NO advertising fees

NO sale - NO fee

Modern Cocktail & Lounge Bar

Duquesa Port - 35.000€

In a very busy part of Duquesa Port with high foot fall

Completely renovated recently - offered in excellent order

Busy Modern Café bar - Central Fuengirola 59.950€

Located in a very central square amongst shops, bars offices and restaurants extremely busy from early morning to late in the evening 40m2 internally and there is a terrace of around 40m2 in front

Large Long Term Car Hire Company

Based near Marbella - 1.200.000€

One of the largest independent car hire companies in Spain With over 125 small & family sized cars included in sale

IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING SELLING PLEASE CONTACT US IN CONFIDENCE

WE ARE receiving so many enquiries at the moment and need more Businesses for sale

175.000€

• FANTASTIC LOCATION

• recent extensive refurbishment program

• 400m2 internally with 125m2 of outside space

This beautiful restaurant is located in a very affluent area between San Pedro and Estepona amongst bars, other restaurants, shops, offices and a large number of full time and holiday homes. It is on the ground floor of an exclusive apartment block and is the only restaurant authorised to offer private catering and room service and to the 103 apartments. Around 400m2 internally with a further 125m of outside space and currently seats 150 people in spacious surroundings, but this could easily be increased by to seat around 200 people.

www.business-sales-spain.com

Telephone: 951 666 715 Mobile: 663 061 669

info@business-sales-spain.com

BUSINESS

BUSINESS SALES & Transfers

Very Busy Restaurant & Bar

125.000€

• LOCATED In MIJAS COSTA

• fantastic views over the fairway & lake

• private parking for around 20 cars

The dining room has space for around 25 people and has lovely views directly over the golf course and the lake. There is a further dining room / function/ meeting rom with seating for around 30 people. The covered dining terrace has space for around 25 people and has the views over the golf course and the lake. The garden has a terrace which is part covered and has toldos (awnings) making it usable all year round with space for 60 people on the terrace there is a stage for live music in the garden and further seating for around 40 people.

WANT TO SELL YOUR BUSINESS?

WE URGENTLY NEED MORE BUSINESSES FOR SALE

MAKE YOUR PROPERTY OUR RESPONSIBILITY

ACP Property - Your rental Specialist on the Costa del Sol

Our aim is to provide a service that aligns with your needs, whether that is watching over your holiday home, carrying out renovations or repairs or getting rentals.

Let us find you, your home away from home; If you are looking for a relaxing worry free holiday ACP Property is there for you. With more than 15 years of experience and with apartments of every size and for every budget we will help you to find the right one for you and your family. Our apartments come fully equipped. The only you need to bring is your bathing suit and flip flops. We can arrange tours, car rentals, airport shuttles and much more.

“ACP were very professional in everything we required to help us have a great holiday in the apartment we rented in Calahonda. Especially Suzanne who is very helpful and provided us with excellent service.”

Willie Causer

Whether you want to maximize on holiday lets, long term lets or just want your own holiday retreat at ACP Property we offer a full range of services;

• Regular property checks

• Collecting mail & checking payment of utilities

• Emergency Cover & attendance 24/7

• Reporting problems immediately to the owner

• Turning on water and electric prior to arrival

• Ensuring Rubbish is collected after visits

• Electrics/water turned off, property secure

• Laundry collected & returned

• Transfers and Payment of bills

• Keyholding and Cleaning services

• Arrange long term rentals & contracts

• Changeovers for short term rentals

• Pool & Garden services arranged

• Property Maintenance & Refurbs

• General Advice & Assistance

David Monnard

“Very nice rental apartment. Everything was well organized by ACP for taking the keys and the return and lot of information before the arrival. Always in touch with the customer to know if everything was going well. Bravo and thank you for your service.”

A FRISKY NAKED CAKE FOR VALENTINE’S DAY

PINEAPPLE, COCONUT AND VANILLA ADD DREAMY TROPICAL FLAVOURS TO THIS NAKED CARROT CAKE RECIPE...

It’s bound to be the highlight of any romantic celebration or a very pleasing ending to a passionate feast!

Serves: 12

Preparation: Easy

Preparation time: Takes 30 Minutes

Cooking time: 40-45 Minutes

Plus Chilling Time

PASSION CAKE

INGREDIENTS

• 300g Plain flour

• 1 tsp Baking powder

• 2 tsp Bicarbonate of soda

• ¼ tsp Salt

• 1 tbsp Ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp Ground mixed spice

• 100g Golden caster sugar

• 150g Light soft brown sugar

• 250ml Sunflower oil

• 3 medium free-range eggs

• 435ml Pineapple canned in juice, drained and 3 tbsp juice reserved, fruit finely chopped

METHOD

• 1 tsp Vanilla bean paste

• 4 Small carrots (about 300g), grated

• 50g Desiccated coconut

• 60g Walnuts, finely chopped FOR THE ICING

• 250g Unsalted butter, softened

• 200g Icing sugar

• 280g Full-fat cream cheese

• Juice 1 lemon

Unsprayed edible flowers, such as pansies, rose petals or dahlias, to decorate (optional). You can also use rosemary sprigs and/or shaved white chocolate...

STEP 1: Heat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4. Sift the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, salt and spices into a large mixing bowl, then stir in the sugars. STEP 2: Combine the oil, eggs, 3 tbsp reserved pineapple juice and vanilla in a small bowl, then stir into the flour mixture. Add the carrots, desiccated coconut, walnuts and chopped pineapple, then mix thoroughly. STEP 3: Divide the batter equally between the prepared tins, then bake for 40-45 minutes until golden, risen and springy to the touch. Remove from the oven and leave in the tin for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and leave to cool completely. STEP 4: To make the icing, mix together the butter and icing sugar in a bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the cream cheese and lemon juice, then beat again until combined and smooth. (Alternatively, whizz everything in a food processor.)

STEP 5: Spread a third of the icing over one cooled sponge, then top with the second sponge. Spread the rest of the icing on top of the cake and all over the sides. Using the edge of a palette knife, scrape the icing around the edge of the cake until you see the sponge coming through. Leave a thick layer of icing on top of the cake. Put the cake in the fridge to firm up for at least 30 minutes or until ready to eat. Take out of the fridge 30 minutes before serving, decorate with edible flowers, if you like, then slice to serve.

A RESTAURANT CLAIMING TO BE RATED NO1.

FOR MARBELLA ROASTS?

THOUGHT WE’D INVESTIGATE….!

Built in 1985, Aloha Pueblo is a lovely urbanisation a few minutes to the north of Puerto Banus designed in the style of a classic Spanish Andalusian town. It's charming and colourful, featuring buildings, archways, water fountains and cobbled streets that really give it quite a magical feel and a wonderful setting to enjoy a social eating moment.

Within the community of apartments and town houses you will discover some hidden gems frequented by residents and “those in the know” such as, bars, restaurants, as well as a bank and a beauty salon, Well, in fact, there is no longer a bank as the old BBVA bank is now a welcoming, stylish restaurant featuring a vault acting as a wine safe, and a cash machine, so it still is, sort of, a Bank… just this one, El Banco, serves food, drink and hospitality in addition to bank notes.

El Banco, positioned on a prominent corner, boasts two terraces with sea views. As you enter, you discover a unique style of industrial bank, dressed with greenery, and decorated in a fresh, modern, yet vintage look which recalls the hallmarks of the old bank but giving it a welcoming, comfortable and cosy feel. Hospitality is provided in abundance with enthusiastic, energetic and efficient service, a big smile, a big hello and a big welcome really goes a long way and you just know you’re going to enjoy the experience from the get go.

The menu represents the best of both worlds offering a contemporary Tapas menu, although it should really be rationes due to the generous portion sizes, and also some international classics from steaks to fish and chips to roasts. Matched with a well stocked back bar and a solid selection of wines matching the dishes, on first impressions, it’s all quite well rounded and considered.

As it was a Sunday, my dining partner and I opted for a combination of a Tapas and a Roast. Pil Pil is a good test of any restaurant, as they do tend to vary in texture, flavour and spice, so we selected a Prawn Pil Pil to share, and I was drawn to the profound claims of the Argentinian Roast Beef (I’ll come back to that) whilst my comrade opted for the roasted chicken.

Music played unobtrusively, the drink order of a Hendricks Tonic, was served and properly dressed together with my choice of a cold beer. Our food order was taken, and our conversation flowed, even though the TV was showing sport, it didn’t ruin the atmosphere or the ambience.

Opting for a glass of house red to accompany our meal, which was smooth and not heavy, the Pil Pil arrived, sizzling, with some delicious bread. We dunked. The Pil Pil was perfect for two people with varying taste buds for spice… I like it very spicy, my sharer not so much… it balanced so we

were both happy, so I guess it’s perfect for flavour over chilli. The prawns were just right, not bullets of rubber as you find so many times.. So a great start…

The roasts arrived brimming on the plates, and accompanied by a surprise extra jug of gravy, Everything was cooked to perfection, beef, soft, plentiful and pink, the chicken succulent, crispy skin and a lot of it, crispy yet fluffy roast potatoes, roasted parsnips was a fave and the Yorkies & cauliflower cheese on the side were perfect too!

I also opted to add a side of mash… and I was delighted it was real, fluffy and seasoned correctly. The only disappointment was that when I finished the plate, I felt moorish!

Booking is recommended, and I can see why, it was busy with a great mix of couples, families and small tables of friends, and it was dog friendly. We shall return again and again. We would give El Banco a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

SPANISH RESIDENCY FOR ONLINE & REMOTE WORKERS

Digital Nomad Visa – Now Available

Spain's Digital Nomad Visa is now available following the passing of the new Startups Law, 'Ley de Startups'. This visa which allows the holder to live in Spain and work remotely or online, can be applied directly in Spain, or via the Spanish Consulate in the country in which you currently reside. To get Spain's Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must have sufficient funds to support themselves, proof they can work remotely from Spain, and must already have been working in their current 'remote worker' employment or self-employment prior to applying.

Holders of the Digital Nomad Visa are eligible for a special income tax rate fixed at 24% for the first 5 years, offering higher earners reduced income tax compared to normal residents.

Applying for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa

Applica琀ons for the Digital Nomad Visa are handled by the same Government Agency that processes Golden Visas. If you aren’t able to travel to Spain to apply, you submit your applica琀on at the Spanish Consulate in the country where your currently live. You can apply in person or appoint a legal representa琀ve to submit the applica琀on on your behalf.

If applying in Spain, the applica琀on can be processed online. The Digital Nomad Visa is fast track, so the applica琀on approval 琀me if all is present and correct, should be within 3 weeks.

If you apply for your Digital Nomad Visa through the Spanish Consulate in your country, you will be issued with a 1 year visa. At the end of that visa, you will be able to apply for a Digital Nomad residency permit. When you apply in Spain, you are not issued a visa, rather granted a residency permit straight away. Once Digital Nomad residency permit has been approved, you apply for a Foreigners ID Card (TIE).

For more details and informa琀on on the requirements including a comprehensive list of FAQ’s go to: www.lifestyleservices.es/digital-nomad

Call: + 34 951775544 +44 33 000 10 777

GADGETS GADGETS & &Gizmo’s Gizmo’s

The new DJI’s RS 3 Mini gimbal sheds weight for stabilisation on the go, this allows one-handed filming without sacrificing on features. You should find the RS 3 Mini is compatible with most of the mainstream cameras. You’ll be able to quickly switch to vertical filming, thanks to DJI’s redesigned quick release plates. There’s also a record button, mode button, and gimbal dial for quicker control.

Fuell’s electric bike is designed by the founder of the Buell Motorcycle Company, which was bought by Harley Davidson in the early ‘90s its been designed with short journeys in mind, but it still has a range of up to 150 miles. Its 35kW motor has enough oomph to hit 62mph in just 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of 85mph. The motor lives inside the rear wheel, meaning there’s no chain or gears to worry about.

The Lenovo Yoga Book 9i is a dual OLED stunner with two gorgeous 13in displays. You don’t have to type on the touchscreen as it comes a Bluetooth keyboard. There’s also a folio stand that’ll hold both screens either vertically or horizontally, letting you work on two documents side-by-side or one giant scrolling screen, and it’s got stylus support for sketching and note-taking too. With twin 2.8k resolution OLEDs and Dolby Vision HDR support.

The 30th anniversary edition of the G-Shock Frogman is wild. It’s solar powered, lasting a 30 months in total darkness. with the ability to survive at up to 200m depths. The crown screws into the corrosion-resistant case to guarantee water resistance. With radio control for automatic timekeeping. Bluetooth connectivity lets you automatically adjust the time for different world cities through an app.

All the latest in the World of gadget’s, tech & gaming... All the latest in the World of gadget’s, tech & gaming...

LG’s colour-changing fridge, features numerous LED-laden light panels, it can change its colours to match your mood whenever you fancy, thanks to an accompanying app. A welcome addition to any kitchen, letting you mix and match different colours whenever you fancy a change in style, without messing around with swapping out door panels.

If working from home has seen the number on your bathroom scales rapidly increase recently, Acer might have the solution. The eco-friendly Acer eKinekt BD 3 is part stationary exercise bike, part office desk, you can convert your pedal power into electricity to juice up your tech while you work out. The desk has 3 USB ports to recharge your gadgets, along with space for a laptop, a bag hook and cup holder.

Ring’s latest smart security cameras offer peace of mind wherever you are. The new Peephole Cam shrinks down the video doorbell to slot nicely over existing peepholes. Alongside a traditional doorbell button, the camera detects knocks on the door and alerts you just the same. It’s a 1080p camera with night vision, two-way talk, and motion detection. And, of course, all this gets beamed straight to your smartphone.

With the driving here on the Costa del Sol you may need eyes in the back of your head and the Nextbase iQ dash cam uses AI smarts to predict accidents. The Spatial Awareness won’t stop the crunch, but it will start recording before the shunt plays out. Thanks to Roadwatch AI smarts, the Nextbase iQ keeps track of vehicles around your own. By assessing their speeds and trajectories, it can predict the movements of other motorists.

MEDICAL & BIOLOGICAL...

FACTS & TRIVIA to make the mind boggle!

• At just 12 weeks the human foetus can scowl and squint.

• One in every 1000 babies is born with a tooth.

• More germs are transferred shaking hands than kissing.

• Each person sheds 22 kilograms of skin in his or her lifetime.

• Tooth decay has led to 60% of adults losing their upper right, middle molar.

• Our lungs inhale over two million litres of air every day, without even thinking. Their surface area is large enough to cover one side of a tennis court.

• A person will die from lack of sleep sooner than they will from starvation, which usually takes a few weeks.

• The soles of your feet contain more sweat glands and more pressure-sensitive nerve endings per square inch than any other part of your body.

• If you remove the minerals from a bone by soaking it overnight in a six percent solution of hydrochloric acid, it will become so soft, you could tie it in a knot.

• When you look at an object, the image of that object appears upside down on your retina. However, your brain automatically corrects for this, allowing you to perceive the object the right side up.

• If the lining of mucus were to disappear from your stomach, your stomach would digest itself.

supportive and nurturing environment which is safe and proactive in ensuring you never feel alone on your dementia journey

We meet the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at Club Naranja, Calle Malaga, Calahonda 11am to 1pm

We have a wonderful team of volunteers on hand at each meeting which includes: Nurses, Therapist, lawyers as well as those who provide activities suitable for all stages of dementia.

Through the work that Age Care has done locally for many years we are able to access support from all local and charitable organizations and we work closely with AFA (Asociacion de familiars de Enfermos de Alzheimer) in Los Pacos giving our members access to day care facilities and additional support from a locally based specialist organisation.

For more information call: Lesley 635 407 255 or David 667 733 520

A

Well Being GOODBYE TO GETTING OLDER

AGE CAN BE JUST A NUMBER IF YOU FOLLOW THE BRILLIANTLY SIMPLE LIFE ADVICE BELOW... SO HOW IS IT THAT WE ALL KNOW SOME PEOPLE WHO SEEM ‘OLD’ BEYOND THEIR YEARS, YET OTHERS SEEM TO HAVE A DORIAN GRAY-STYLE PORTRAIT IN THE ATTIC AND BARELY AGE AT ALL? AFTER ALL, THERE’S NO DENYING THAT THE AGEING PROCESS EXISTS. FOR MOST OF US, IT ACTUALLY STARTS IN OUR LATE 20S, AFTER OUR INITIAL BURST OF GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. ONCE WE PEAK, WE MUST ALL FACE A VERY GRADUAL PHYSICAL DECLINE.

AGE REALLY IS JUST A NUMBER:

First, let’s start by addressing how you feel about your true age, whatever it may be. Do you tend to scoff when others tell you: ‘you’re only as old as you feel’? Well, you may have to think again. Because one important element which can make us seem and feel much older than we really are is the social and psychological effect of passing a landmark birthday, such as your 60th or 70th. Some people seem to crumple and give up.

BOOST YOUR ENERGY LEVELS (IF YOU ARE OVERWEIGHT BE HONEST & ADDRESS THE ISSUE):

Your metabolism is the rate at which the body’s energy from food and oxygen is produced and used, and it is true that it slows a bit as we grow older. To know whether or not you need to lose weight, look in a mirror and BE HONEST! Some people are fortunate and lose weight after retirement as they are no longer tied to desk work, or hours of commuting by car or train, but others may find the pounds start to pile on. As a general rule, remember your weight at the age of 30 and aim for that as your target.

NO EXCUSES FOR NOT STARTING NOW...

Let’s imagine you’re in your 50s or 60s and feel perfectly OK. Even if you develop some long-term condition, fitness remains crucial because disease may reduce your ability to remain as active as you were before.

THE THREE GOLDEN RULES:

No matter what age you are, it’s seldom too late to start regaining some of your youthful energy, strength, flexibility and appearance. There are three crucial elements that will increase your chances of having a relatively trouble-free and independent old age.

• You have to become fitter... Even if you already have one or more long-term conditions.

• You must actively reduce your risk of developing disease

• You need to adopt a positive attitude to life, its problems and opportunities.

A FEW AGE RELATED FACTS YOU MAY NOT EXPECT!

• Optimists DO live longer: Looking on the bright side of life increases your life span.

• Walk 20 minutes a day to live longer: Huge study reveals the benefits of a brisk walk.

• How a couple of glasses of red could help you live longer: A substance found in grapes can protect against age-related diseases.

MedicalTips

DO YOU HAVE SCIATICA?

Sciatica is where the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back to your feet, is irritated or compressed. It usually gets better in 4 to 6 weeks but can last longer.

Check if you have sciatica...

IF YOU HAVE SCIATICA, YOUR:

• BOTTOM • BACK OF YOUR LEG • FOOT AND TOES

YOU MAY FEEL:

• PAINFUL, the pain may be stabbing, burning or shooting

• TINGLING, like pins and needles

• NUMB OR WEAK

YOUR SYMPTOMS MAY BE WORSE WHEN MOVING, SNEEZING OR COUGHING. You may also have back pain, but it's not usually as bad as the pain in your bottom, leg or foot.

How you can ease the pain yourself:

Sciatica usually gets better in 4 to 6 weeks, but it can sometimes last longer. To help relieve your pain and speed up recovery:

CARRY ON WITH YOUR NORMAL ACTIVITIES AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE

REGULAR EXERCISES FOR SCIATICA

START GENTLE EXERCISE AS SOON AS YOU CAN ANYTHING THAT GETS YOU MOVING CAN HELP

HOLD HEAT PACKS TO THE PAINFUL AREAS... YOU CAN BUY THESE FROM PHARMACIES

ASK YOUR PHARMACIST ABOUT PAINKILLERS (PARACETAMOL IS UNLIKELY TO HELP AND IT'S NOT CLEAR HOW MUCH NSAIDS HELP WITH SCIATICA)

PUT A SMALL, FIRM CUSHION BETWEEN YOUR KNEES WHEN SLEEPING ON YOUR SIDE, OR SEVERAL FIRM PILLOWS UNDERNEATH YOUR KNEES WHEN LYING ON YOUR BACK

Causes of sciatica:

SCIATICA HAPPENS WHEN SOMETHING PRESSES OR RUBS ON THE SCIATIC NERVE. CAUSES INCLUDE:

A SLIPPED DISC (THE MOST COMMON CAUSE): WHEN A SOFT CUSHION OF TISSUE BETWEEN THE BONES IN YOUR SPINE PUSHES OUT SPINAL STENOSIS: NARROWING OF THE PART OF YOUR SPINE WHERE NERVES PASS THROUGH SPONDYLOLISTHESIS: WHEN ONE OF THE BONES IN YOUR SPINE SLIPS OUT OF POSITION

A BACK INJURY

CHECK

don’t:

DO NOT SIT OR LIE DOWN FOR LONG PERIODS... EVEN IF MOVING HURTS, IT'S NOT HARMFUL AND CAN HELP YOU GET BETTER FASTER

DO NOT USE HOT WATER BOTTLES TO EASE THE PAIN...YOU COULD SCALD YOURSELF IF YOUR SKIN IS NUMB

SEE A DOCTOR IF:

IT HAS NOT IMPROVED AFTER TRYING HOME TREATMENTS FOR A FEW WEEKS IS GETTING WORSE IS STOPPING YOU DOING YOUR NORMAL ACTIVITIES

CALL 112 or go to A&E if:

HAVE SCIATICA ON BOTH SIDES HAVE WEAKNESS OR NUMBNESS IN BOTH LEGS THAT'S SEVERE OR GETTING WORSE HAVE NUMBNESS AROUND OR UNDER YOUR GENITALS, OR AROUND YOUR BOTTOM FIND IT HARD TO START PEEING, CANNOT PEE OR CANNOT CONTROL WHEN YOU PEE... AND THIS IS NOT NORMAL FOR YOU DO NOT NOTICE WHEN YOU NEED TO GO TO THE TOILET OR CANNOT CONTROL WHEN YOU GO TO THE TOILET ... AND THIS IS NOT NORMAL FOR YOU THESE COULD BE SYMPTOMS OF A SERIOUS BACK PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE TREATED IN HOSPITAL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

Inland and the Coast - We Care.

We’re Medicare.

We only choose the very best to be members of the Medicare team... Shouldn’t you do the same when it comes to deciding who delivers your care?

• A limited company since 2001

• Regulated both in Spain and the UK

• Fully professional indemnity Insurance

An established team of 30 UK trained, qualified & very experienced nurses and carers give us the resources to cope whatever your needs 24/7

Live-in packages now available at a cost lower than UK residen琀al care

STRANGE BUT TRUE Strange but true...Strange

SOME ODDLY HORRIBLE BUT INTERESTING FACTS…

HANNIBAL LECTER: In the movie Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal Lecter never blinks. Apparently, Anthony Hopkins watched a video of Charles Manson being interviewed and he didn’t blink. Acting at its finest.

WANT TO GROW A BEARD FASTER? Think about sex. Since facial hair is largely governed by the production of testosterone, even the anticipation of sex will help you grow a beard faster.

OVERDOSING ON CHOCOLATE: A lethal dose of chocolate is 22 pounds… or 40 Cadburys Dairy Milk bars!

CLEOPATRA: She lived closer in time to the moon landing than to the construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza.

GIRAFFES: A male giraffe will headbutt a female in the bladder until she urinates, then taste her urine to determine whether she is ovulating.

GOOSEBUMPS: Dead people can still get them.

HONEY: Forget the sell by date honey doesn’t go off... You could probably still eat 3000-year-old

honey if you wanted to.

MCDONALDS: McDonalds calls frequent buyers of their food “heavy users.” Ironic!

MOSQUITOS: It would take 1,200,000 mosquitoes, each sucking once, to completely drain the average human of blood.

PLASTIC SURGERY: Worldwide, the United States undergoes the most plastic surgery procedures. Next in line is Mexico then Brazil...

PORN: Surprise, surprise. For every “normal'”webpage, there are five porn pages.

SLEEPING: You burn more calories sleeping than you do watching television.

TURTLES: The Australian Fitzroy river turtle and the North American eastern painted turtle, breathe through their bottoms. Both turtles can breathe through their mouths if they so chose.

TWITTER: In the US the CIA read about 5 million tweets a day, looking for any signs of terrorism. To be honest they are probably just checking Donald Trumps! But be careful what you say!

SellDirectSpain.com

Sell Direct Spain is the first English-speaking peer-to-peer direct sales website in Spain, covering all categories of new and second-hand quality items for sale and rent in Spain.

At selldirectspain we provide an easy to use web site, providing a platform for people to market their vehicles, businesses, property, electronics and jewellery. By creating your account with selldirectspain, you are able to access seller’s details, contact them by mobile phone, chat with them using our online chat-messaging platform, or send the an email.

Best of all it's totally free!!

HELP FOR HORSES

The Andalusian Rescue Centre for Horses and Donkeys (ARCH) is open to the public on Sunday mornings from 10.00am until 2pm. Visitors can meet the current rescue cases and volunteers are happy to share their many and varied stories and talk about the work of the charity. Children (and adults) can pet and groom the gentler donkeys and ponies.

Situated between Coin and Alhaurin el Grande, the Centre was founded 13 years ago and since then has saved the lives of countless abused or abandoned equines. Volunteers come from many walks of life, all age groups and many nationalities – sharing a common passion for horses. Although ARCH works closely with the Spanish authorities (most of the animals rescued come through SEPRONA, the animal welfare arm of the Guardia Civil, or from the local Police), the charity depends on donations, fund raising and on the income from its charity shop in Alhaurin el Grande.

Being involved in rescuing animals is a never-ending and frequently a heart-rending task. As ARCH President Jill Newman-Rogers says “You grieve for the ones you cannot save and then you have to move on to the ones you can. If you lose the battle then at least you know you tried and gave them loving care for their last days.”

But there are many happy endings. Take Tormenta (Storm), for instance...

please contact us at: www.horserescuespain.org

facebook: Centro Andalusi de Rescate de Caballos

5

4

3

2

ALLREVVEDUP

IT’SELECTRIC…

take a look at the top five on the market.

BMW iX is the company's tech flagship. it features an elegant interior and premium tech integrations. This midsize SUV is spacious, comfortable, surprisingly efficient and ridiculously agile for its size. If you can get past its slightly polarizing design, you may just fall in love with this electric BMW.

The Audi e-tron GT is the sister car to the Porsche Taycan... based on the same VW Group J1 platform and containing much of the same technology – albeit wrapped in an extremely different package. It’s not the first pure-electric Audi of course, that title goes to its ever-growing line-up of e-tron SUVs, but it’s definitely very exciting.

That Hyundai is now confident enough to put a car as bold-looking as the Ioniq 5 on sale is impressive. But the fact this retro XXL hot hatch bodywork conceals one of the most complete family EVs money can buy is remarkable. If Hyundai can maintain this momentum behind the upcoming members of the Ioniq family, then the likes of VW’s ID cars and even Mercedes’s EQ clan ought to be extremely worried.

The Tesla model 3 has been in production since mid-2017, nothing on the market has yet managed to beat it on all fronts. While not without flaws, it is quite simply one of the most interesting, compelling cars in the world right now.

1

Porsche’s Taycan Cross has all the features of a estate car but with extra vava voom. Mechanically, the Cross Turismo is largely identical to the Taycan. The Cross Turismo is the most complete fast estate available today in our option. Not the biggest or most practical by a long chalk, but in terms of its breadth of ability and fulfilling the role it sets out for itself, it is brilliant.

Emergency Numbers

Transport

ocal Info

Cinemas

All the Cinemas listed below show films in English as well as Spanish. Call first to check what is showing that week.

Medical

Health Centres

Fire Brigade

Town Halls

Marbella: Cinesur Plaza del Mar 952 766 941

La Cañada 902 333 231

Puerto Banus: Gran Marbella 952 810 077

Coin: La Trocha 951 315 039

Fuengirola Cinesur Miramar 902 221 622

Chemists

24 Hour Chemist Urb. Artola, Ctra. Cadiz Km 194. Marbella. Tel: 952 83 25 89

Taxis

Marbella Taxis 952 774 488

Mijas Costa Taxis 952 476 593

Consulates

Markets

- Marbella (fairground site on east side)

Tuesday - Fuengirola (fairground near Los Boliches)

Wednesday -Estepona (Avda. Juan Carlos) La Cala - Feria ground.

Tourist Information

Thursday - San Pedro (Recinto Ferial) Calypso (Mijas Costa). Alhaurin el Grande - (La Fama)

Saturday - Coin (Calle Urbano Pineda), Nueva Andalucia (Next to Centro Plaza the Bullring) and La Cala - Feria ground

Sunday - Puerto Estepona (Marina)

Diary Dates

February 14th 2023: Valentine’s Day

February 21st 2023: Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday)

February 28th 2023: Andalucia Day (Many business are closed or have short opening hours)

1st March 2023: St David’s Day

STAR SIGNS

A look at what's in store for you during February 2023...

Capricorn

December 22nd

January 19th

Aquarius

January 20th

February 18th

Capricorn, February starts on a slightly rocky platform try to reach a compromise with your other half this should happen in the middle of the month you then rediscover the pleasure of being together. If these issues can be resolved together end up bringing you closer together. If you are single you get the chance to meet special people around February 15th, and Valentine’s Day might be an unforgettable landmark from here on out. Venus transits your house of communication and learning until February 20, 2023. As a result, during the first weeks of the month your professional activity might be marked by arguments or news that upsets or irritates you. You’re in great physical and mental shape. It wouldn’t hurt to make the most of the energy of this term in order to rest more and regain your physical and mental wellbeing.

Aquarius, In the first days of February there might be tensions on the home front but you can come up with a compromise and solve things together. If you are single, you have a special charm, to might meet someone who knows how to stimulate you physically and intellectually. In order to make professional progress, this month steer clear of overdoing it. In order to improve your odds at finding the most efficient methods professionally and in business, you should associate or collaborate with skilled people and grow fair and honest ties. It’s time to pay more attention to your health, particularly because now you have more energy for recovering and regaining the balance you seem to have lacked of late.

Pisces

February 19th

March 20th

Pisces, Venus is in your sign until February 20th, meaning you are particularly charming. It’s very likely there’ll be some flirting, maybe even a short-term affair this month, but it’s possible you’ll end up getting your fingers burnt. In the first half of February 2023 you might experience conflicts or issues related to money, particularly if you’re not careful about how you manage your budget. The energy of the stars during this term favours Pisceans who perfect their skills, and invest smartly into improving their resources or gaining material balance. You have great conditions for making progress in your professional path.m Try to be diplomatic and peaceful and not argue with everyone about everything. you have excellent energy and the inner strength this month everything you need to overcome any potential issues of health or emotional turmoil.

Aries

March 21st

April 19th

Aries, until February the 20th Venus and Mars transit your sign. As a result your love life may be a little tougher than usual. Your other half might be in a touchy state they could be more closed off than usual there's no point in troubling them Wait until after the 20th and they might surprise you with their zest for life and desire to change your relationship for the better. If you're single you tend to be more insecure about what you feel and whether you should start a new relationship again after the 20th you'll regain your thirst for adventure and flirting. professionally you're inspired and it's very likely that your ideas will be noticed by influential people you just need to put them into practice. Try to be more flexible and accept to negotiate. Don’t say things that can come across as aggressive because you risk causing conflicts that won’t serve you at all.

Taurus

April 20th

May 20th

Gemini

May 21st

June 20th

Taurus, until the 20th of February Venus and Mars are in your sign if you're contemplating your emotional future, it's very likely that your other half have a very different vision to yours and you can't get on the same page about managing money, these issues will clear up after the 20th. In the astrological context of February 2023, if you are single you get the chance to meet someone who’s fascinating and strong, who could come from a different culture and make them adopt a new perspective on life. This meeting is likely to happen around February 10-11th. But try you not to rush into changing your life or relinquishing your independence; instead, make time for understanding whether there’s a middle ground. If you try to be more sociable this month, you’ll feel better, more optimistic, and more confident. Make new friends or talk at length with your closest friends.

Gemini, in February 2023 your love life is foremost in your mind You might be attracted to someone strong but at the same time they're romantic and idealistic and you begin game of cat and mouse with them. If you don't go overboard with your emotions, you're set to win their heart over. On the work front you have ingenious ideas but be careful about your radical attitude to work. On February 15, 2023, Venus meets Neptune in your sign pushing you to dream more than ever about high professional ideals and reminding you of what you’ve always wanted to become. The New Moon of February 20, 2023, happens right in your skies. It gives you the conditions you need for starting new projects, launching a new business, or entering a new phase of your career. You’re determined to stand out and achieve your goals.

Cancer

June 21st

July 22nd

Cancer, at the beginning of February 2023 it's very unlikely that you're other half will try to make changes to your relationship, these discussions can affect you try to widen your perspective on these things and take a different attitude. Free yourself of the fears you've been carrying for a while and open up your heart and mind. Professionally you were in for a busy month it's time to let go of the past of what used to be and look towards the future and a new perspective. It's worth being mindful and looked at those around you they can inspire and guide you towards something better. Focus on your goals but don’t pressure others. Even if you’re tempted to make some investments, you should save up instead. Stress can be an aggravating factor this month try to take as much time out as possible why not take up a new sport or healthy regime.

Leo

July 23rd

August 22nd

Leo, the beginning of February can be marked by tensions in your love life particularly if you've been keeping secrets. If you admit your mistakes and try to move forward honestly you can get through this time without harm being done to your relationship. The astrological context of this term favours single Leos if you put yourself out there then your feelings will be reciprocated. In the first part of February 2023, you might be unsure about the direction you should be going into. around the middle of the month, you get the support you need to plough on. It’s time to prove you’re responsible, patient, and perseverant and willing to work hard in order to prove your skills. Strive not to provoke those around and keep in check your tendency towards undermining the authority of others.

Virgo

August 23rd

September 22nd

Virgo, if you are single, you get the chance to begin a beautiful relationship between February 10-16th, 2023. Mercury-Pluto conjunction with Venus-Neptune sees you experience that unique feeling of having found your soulmate. The energy of the New Moon favors new beginnings and encourages applying new strategies to improving your interactions with others. Professionally you can expect to run into special opportunities of earning money and you get the chance to improve your socio-professional and material situation.You might feel pressured or stressed about some events, but the opportunities coming your way are too tempting for you to say no to. The astrologic context of this term pushes and helps you to deal with your health issues, even with the minor issues that keep coming up periodically.

Libra

September 23rd

October 22nd

Libra, the beginning of February 2023 looks to be pretty hectic emotionally if you're single you might fall blindly in love, look before you leap though. If you're feeling bored with your relationship you strive to make it more of an adventure by doing this, you'll reconnect more with your partner. Until the 20th of February 2023 Venus is in your sign and on the 20th of the month there is a new moon this astrological context is favourable for new beginnings. When it comes to money, temper down your tendency towards spending away what you earn and making impulsive purchases or borrowing too much, because you risk causing conflicts. After the New Moon, try to create personal rituals to help you relax and get rid of stress. It wouldn’t hurt to start a new diet, or healthier lifestyle, working out and going outdoors more.

Scorpio

October 23rd

November 21st

Sagittarius

November 22nd

December 21st

Scorpio, the energies of the stars in February 2023 help you if you want to reconcile with someone. If you’re already involved and your partner is upset with you, now you get the chance to set things right with some romantic and surprising gesture this Valentine's Day. If you're single the odds that you are meeting that special someone are very high - your defensiveness melts away under the warmth radiating from this very special person. The Sun and Mercury help you achieve a long term goal in your personal and professional lives. When it comes to money, you might deal with some unpleasantness particularly if there’s an inheritance, a partition of goods, or if you trust someone too much. To help with the stress this month try to wear yourself out physically, why not take long hikes in nature or play a sport you enjoy.

Sagittarius, you are just too argumentative and stubborn this month you should listen to what your partner has to say instead of constantly bickering. Try to be more open to the advice that your close ones give you and don’t push people into situations! If you are single, you are very likely to meet a smart and exciting stranger who sweeps you off your feet this month. Mercury is in your sign this month and this marks the beginning of a very favorable context to negotiate and make your opinions and ideas known, including professionally. Around the middle of the month inspired and smart decisions are favored when it comes to money if you’ve strived to learn from the mistakes of the past. If you feel run down you might need to change your lifestyle, diet, work hours or so on to make you feel in tip top form again.

puzzle it out

Solutions on page82

The following are all anagrams relating to food and drink... Can you work out what they are? The word lengths are shown in brackets.

Guess The Celebrity

Anger Inducing Anagrams A B

Brain Teaser

SHERLOCK HOLMES CIPHER PUZZLE...

Sherlock, A detective who was mere days from cracking an international smuggling ring has suddenly gone missing. While inspecting his last-known location, you find a note: 710 57735 34 5508 51 7718

Currently there are 3 suspects: Bill, John, and Todd.

Can you break the detective's code and find the criminal's name?

Crossword

Across:

7. Noisy insect (6)

8. Death (6)

9. Dance move (4)

10. Ill fortune (4,4)

11. Male relative (7)

13. Pricey (5)

15. Entire range (5)

17. Protection (7)

20. Outlook for the future (8)

21. As good as a nod, so they say (4)

22. America's neighbour (6)

23. These must be obeyed (6)

Down:

1. Out of ------ means not running smoothly (6)

2. Koi is a type of this (4)

3. Bank teller (7)

4. Think the world of someone (5)

5. Egg dish (8)

6. This defines your personality (6)

12. Weekday named after Thor (8)

14. Flatten completely (7)

16. Overseas (6)

18. Hub, pivotal point (6)

19. Silver for instance (5)

21. Broad, far reaching (4)

Name The Film

B A

Stranded after a tragic plane crash, two strangers must tryto survive the extreme elements of a remote mountain. When they realise help is not coming, they embark on a perilous journey in the wilderness (2017).

Say What You See...

bye by buy bye

T T h heeJ J o o k k e e s s p paagge e

Two old ladies were in a museum looking at the statues. One of then stopped and stared at the life-size statue of a very handsome, naked, young man; She couldn’t take her eyes off the strategically placed fig leaf. Her friend got tired of waiting for her and said, “come on Flo, what are you waiting for? Christmas?”

“No,” said the old lady, “autumn.”

Two dads, Rob and John, were talking about their teenage daughters and the challenges of communicating with them.

Rob: She hardly talks to me. I hardly see her at home. She just stays in her room all day and all night. She comes out just to eat t hen goes back in. She locks her door, and I don’t really want to disturb her. I don’t know what to do. How often do you talk to your daughter?

John: We talk about ten times a day.

Rob: Wow! How do you get her to come out of her room?

John: Easy, I turn off the WiFi.

First date tip: If you go to the toilet, take long enough to make it look like you’ve washed your hands, but not long enough for a number TWO!

Warming Up... James and Milly were snogging in a nightclub toilet cubicle when things started to get a bit friskier. Milly said, “ STOP! I won’t have sex with you unless we’re in engaged.”

“Okay,” said James, reaching out and locking the door. “ Happy now?”

It was hard getting over my addition to the Hokey-Cokey. But I’ve turned myself round and that’s what it’s all about.

Doctor! Doctor!

A man goes into a doctor's surgery.

Doctor: "Good morning, what can I do for you?"

Patient: "Aaaargh!"

Doctor: "I see, that sounds very painful."

Patient (in considerable pain): "Eeeeeee!"

Doctor: "Have you taken anything for it?"

Patient (getting impatient): "Aye!"

Doctor: "Well I really don't see what I can do"

Patient (now exasperated): "Oooooh!"

Doctor: "If you can't describe any other symptoms, I may not be able to help"

Patient (reaching the end of his tether): "YOOUU!"

Doctor: "Well, I think the problem is irritable vowel syndrome"

For the past 20 years I've received a Valentines card from the same secret admirer. So I was pretty upset when I didn't get one this year.....

First my granny dies and now this.

DOES YOUR BUSINESS NEED A BOOST? then get advertisng in Costa Link

K HAPPY VALENTINE’

Monty Moose has to get his Valentines card to his

A. "I want to hold your hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand."

Q. How did the telephone propose to his girlfriend?

A. It gave her a ring!

Q. What do bunnies do when they get married?

A. Go on a bunnymoon!

Q. What do squirrels give each other for Valentine's Day?

A. Forget me nuts!

puzzle it out

Who Am I?

The Sydney Opera House

Guess the Year

2005

Trivia Quiz Answers

1) Swim the English Channel

2) Spiderman

3) Deborah (Debs)

4) 125

5) Niagara 6) The Devil Wears Prada

7) Light Blue

8) Billy The Kid 9) Apple

10) Albatros

11) Venus

12) Tatties and Neeps

(Potato and Swede)

13) New York 14) Chuck Berry

15) Dog 16) Iron-Man

17) Namibia

18) Volley 19) Extra Terrestrial 20) 36

21) Conservatives

22) 3 23)Orion’s Belt

24) Willow 25) 112 26) Five

27) The King of Hearts 28) 60

29) London

30) Mars

Sudoku Solution

Answers from 18,26,32, 76& 77

Anger Making Anagrams

1)Mushroom

2) Baked Beans

3) Black Pudding

4) Mince and Tatties

5) Cauliflower Cheese

Guess The Celeb

a) Ed Sheeran

b) Courtney Cox

Brain Teaser Answers

The answer is Bill.

If you read the message upside down, you'll notice that the numbers resemble letters and that those letters form legible sentences. The message is 'Bill is boss. He sells oil.'

Crossword Solution

Name The Film

a) Braveheart (1995)

b) The Mountain Between Us (2017)

Say What You See

1) Two by Four

2) Tennis Match

3) Eyes are Bigger Than the Stomach

Advertising

Costa Link Magazine

www.costalinkmagazine.com

info@costalinkmagazine.com

t: 644 23 12 95

BBQ’s & Outdoor Kitchens

Barbekool - Page 3

www.barbekool.com

t: 951 974 580

Building & Renovation Services

Advasol Home Reforms - Page 10

www.advasolsolution.com

info@advasolsolutions.com

t: 952 955 018

m: 664 871 133

Andalucia Windows & Doors - Page 15

www.andaluciawindows.com

andaluciawindows@gmail.com

t: 951 566 096

m: 672 504 260

Boxclever - Page 16

www.boxcleversolutions.es

boxcleversolutionsgmail.com

m: 641 203 013

Floormaster - Page 27

www.carpetspain.com

t: 951 120 024

m: 654 589 218

Unique Fires - Page 88

www.uniquefires.com

info@uniquefires.com

t: 951 277 443

m: 610 654 422

Business Sales & Rentals

Mind Your Own Business - Pages 39 & 48-51

www.business-sales-spain.com

info@business-sales-spain.com

t: 951 666 715 or m: 663 061 669

Cleaning Services

Clean Costa - Page 20

t: 629 907 476

Marble Floor Care - Page 73

www.marblefloor.info

m: 654 589 218

Computer Services

Cartridge Connection - Page 73

thecartridgeconnection.net

Costasys - Page 29

www.costasys.com or info@costasys.com

t: 952 939 592

Design Services

Designs by Mrs L - Page 32

www.designsbymrsl.com

t: 669 722 504

Flooring Specialists

Floormaster - Page 27

www.carpetspain.com

t: 951 120 024 or m: 654 589 218

Marble Floor Care - Page 73

www.marblefloor.info

m: 654 589 218

Furniture Supplier s

The Bed Warehouse - Page 17

www.bedwarehousespain.com

bedwarehousespain@hotmail.com

t: 634 187 700

Garden Centres

La Vega - Page 21 www.viveroslavega.com administracion@viveroslavega.com

t: 952 581 247

Glass Curtains

Andalucia Windows & Doors - Page 15 www.andaluciawindows.com andaluciawindows@gmail.com

t: 951 566 096 or m: 672 504 260

Health Services

Alzheimer & Dementia Support - Page 61

t: 635 407 255 or t: 667 733 520

Clinica Medicare - Pages 66 & 67 www.clinicamedicare.com info@clinicamedicare.com

t: 952 835 776

Grant Foster - Page 65 www.sportstherapymarbella.com grantsportstherapy@yahoo.com

t: 667 862 475

Holidays, Hotels & Travel

Marbella Cruisers - Pages 5,6 & 7 www.marbellacruisers.com

colin@marbellacruisers.com

t: 635 717 211

Sunborn Hotel Gibraltar - Page 13

www.sunborngibraltar.com

res@sunborngibraltar.com

t:+350 200 16000

Internet Providers

Costasys IPTV Packages - Page 29 www.costasys.com/iptv.htm info@costasys.com

t: 952 939 592

Orbit Home Entertainment - Page 18 info@orbitsl.com www.orbitsl.com

t: 952 802 457

m: 654 758 415

Law, Admin & Accounting Services

Continental Consulting - Page 26 www.lawsinspain.com

simonellison@lawinspain.com

t: 951 505 427 or m: 615 340 301

Cyclo - Page 28 www.cyclo.es

t: 952 665 055

Lifestyle Group - Page 56 & 57 lifestylegroup.es contact@lifestylegroup.es

t: 951 77 55 44

Motor Services

No1 Go Car Marbella - Page 2 go.car.mecanic.sl@gmail.com

t: 952 926 544 / 656 632 565

m: 675 530 409

Plumbers

Clearflow - Page 21 www.desatorosclearflow.es

t: 630 200 600 or t: 616 456 601

Drain & Leak Solutions - Page 31

www.drainandleak.com

facebook.com/drainandleak

m: 651 111 005

m: 647 593 341

Property Sales, Rental & Management

ACP Property Management - Page 53

www.acpproperty.com

info@acpproperty.com

t: 634 178 827

Captain Costa Real Estate - Page 41 www.captaincosta.es

papps@captaincosta.es

t: 952 669 470

m: 603 227 899

Costa del Sol Property Finder - Pages 42 & 43 www.costadelsolpropertyfinder.com info@costadelsolpropertyfinder.com

t: 711 040 764

Costalita Properties - Pages 36 & 37 www.costalitaproperties.com

costalitaproperties@outlook.com

m: 634 349 155

Mind Your Own Business - Pages 39 & 48-51 www.business-sales-spain.com

info@business-sales-spain.com

t: 951 666 715 or m: 663 061 669

Norths International - Page 40 www.norths.es

t: 951 532 829

Platinum Estates Marbella - Pages 44 & 45 platinumestatesmarbella.com

info@platinumestatesmarbella.com

t: 951 666 715 or m: 663 061 669

Property Rentals CDS - Pages 46 & 47

www.propertyrentalscostadelsol.com info@propertyrentalscostadelsol.com

t: 711 040 764

Removal & Haulage Companies

SG Haulage Ltd - Page 23

www.sghaulageltd.co.uk

info@sghaulage.com

t: +441522 702 443

Restaurants, & Bars

Sai Indian Restaurant - Page 14

www.sairestaurant.es

t: 951 254 401 or m: 600 098 369

Satellite/ IPTV Television

Costasys IPTV Packages - Page 29

www.costasys.com/iptv.htm

info@costasys.com

t: 952 939 592

Focus Home Entertainment - Page 22

m: 664 354 545

Orbit Home Entertainment - Page 18 info@orbitsl.com | www.orbitsl.com

t: 952 802 457 or m: 654 758 415

Shops, Showrooms & On-line Retail

Boutique Nicole - Page 11

t: 952 927 245

Cartridge Connection - Page 73

thecartridgeconnection.net

Curtain & Blinds.es - Page 9

www.curtainandbedding.es

thecurtainandbeddingshop@hotmail.com

t: 603 662 035

Knick Knacks Shop - Page 8

www.knickknacks.shop

info@knickknacks.online

t: 686 657 332

Sell Direct Spain.com - Page 68

selldirectspain.com

The Bed Warehouse - Page 17

www.bedwarehousespain.com

bedwarehousespain@hotmail.com

t: 634 187 700

Ski School

English Ski School - Page 12

www.englishskischool.com

georgina@englishskischool.com

t: 603 562 889

Support & Charity Groups

Alzheimer & Dementia Support - Page 61

t: 635 407 255

t: 667 733 520

ARCH - Help for Horses - Page 69 www.horserescuespain.org

Swimming Pool Services

Advasol - Page 10 www.advasolsolution.com info@advasolsolutions.com

t: 952 955 018 or m: 664 871 133

Telephone & Mobile Services

Costasys IPTV Packages - Page 29 www.costasys.com/iptv.htm info@costasys.com

t: 952 939 592

Orbit Home Entertainment - Page 18 info@orbitsl.com www.orbitsl.com

t: 952 802 457

m: 654 758 415

Superpool - Page 34

m: 629 530 233

Website Design Service

SME SEO Consulting.com - Page 30 smeseoconsulting.com/web99/ colin@smeseoconsulting.com

t: 652 264 670

Window Cleaning Service Clean Costa - Page 20 t: 629 907 476