FR
www.allabroad.es
EE
September 2013 issue number 26
MUD, MUD, GLORIOUS MUD! A trip to the salt springs & mud baths!
advice, features, quizzes, puzzles, crosswords, markets, fiestas, what’s on + more!
BUYING, SELLING, RENTING? Sharon hulbert offers some great advice!
Meet Daniel Hernández Torres (The face on this cover)
for the locals...by the locals..!
Sue Sharpe
The expat experience!
Starting SCHOOL IN SPAIN This issue:
About your health
Abrimos todos los dias a partir de 18.ooh & los Sabados y Domingos tambien a medio dia We are open every day from 6.00pm and from 12.00pm at weekends
@pizzeriacocoa
r o f e v o /pizzeriacocoa
construction
construcciones
renovations
10 Años GRAN ALACANT 10 Years
reformas
REFORMAS DE ALBAÑILERIA
RENOVATIONS
FONTANERÍA
PLUMBING
ELÉCTRICAD
ELECTRICAL WORK
MAMPARAS DE DUCHA
FLOORING
PUERTAS
BATHROOM SCREENS
VENTANAS
DOORS
ESCAYOLAS
WINDOWS
CERRAMIENTOS DE ALUMINIO
PLASTERING
PINTURA Y DECORACIÓN
ALL SEALED UNITS
MOBILIARIO DE COCINA
PAINTING & DECORATING
MOBILIARIO DE BAÑO
KITCHEN EQUIPMENT
CALENTADORES ELÉCTRICOS
BATHROOM EQUIPMENT
CALENTADORES GAS
ELECTRIC HEATERS
CLARABOLLAS
GAS HEATERS
SKYLIGHTS
96 541 4040
Avda Escandinavia 72 Altomar, 669 Gran Alacant www.refornovasantapola.com
Mobile:
607 361 253
Email: REFORNOVASANTAPOLA@GMAIL.COM
Skyefotos
. . . E N I W D D JUST A As I say to my family every time they come over – “It´s lovely having you here...” But, innit nice when they go? Life goes back to normal, you can fart when you want and walk around in those old boxers that should be, at best, used for cleaning the windscreen on the car. Or is that just me..? “Yes mum, I´d love to join you guys at the water park this morning but I have this problem, in Spain, that stops me...I have a job...” They´ll get it one day I guess, but now we´ve arrived in the month of September, a time when (generally) the kids are back in school and nans and granddads and other property owners come out to enjoy their Spanish properties once again, once they´ve cleared up and done the repairs... Parking becomes a little easier, but less fun, as the drivers from Madrid seem to have found whole new ways of getting a Seat Ibiza into the space that normally occupies a wheelie-bin. The general rule seems to be a little un-catholic in a country that is steeped in religion, but they certainly get it in there and don´t worry about getting it out ‘till later - I´m pretty sure that the Pope would not approve. I needed some time to just do nothing last month, you know – alone with my thought(s) and somewhere where I wouldn´t get disturbed, so I went and got in the usual queue in my local Sabadell bank... Joking aside; I have had so many readers and listeners complaining and asking if things are going to improve at their local branch (just name one – it´ll be on the complaints list) that I have tried my very hardest to get an appointment with my local branch manager. I have no idea who she is – only her name – as, I think, she must creep in and out under the cover of darkness – or in a Dick Turpin mask? Three times I´ve asked, and three times I´ve been ignored - not even a “no I can’t meet with you...” excuse which at least would prove that she exists. No, I have been put on to the Sabadell Press Office, but I would rather speak to my own branch manager. I don´t think it’s gonna happen so the next logical step would be to have a sit-in protest...but who the hell would notice? Especially in my branch, which is the Gran Alacant branch - just so you know. Anyway - Enough moaning and on with the show, or magazine as I should say... more from Sue Sharpe, this month, and a visit to Novelda, La Marina and loads of other info and advice to help make your life in Spain as simple and relaxing as possible - just add wine……
Real Radio International Weekly Lineup Listen online - www.realradiointernational.com Monday –Friday
08:00hrs -11:00 hrs
The Breakfast Show with Dave Bull Monday Wed Friday 11:00hrs – 14:00hrs The Lunchbox Tues & Friday 11-.00hrs - 14.00hrs AgirlcalledSoo Tuesday –Friday
14:00hrs – 17:00hrs
The other side of the sheriff (Monday Captain Rai 14.00-17.00) Friday 17:00hrs – 20:hrs An Evening In With Bernie Saturdays 10:00 hrs -13:00hrs The manic breakfast in bed with the sheriff 13:00hrs – 16:00hrs Weekend @ Bernies Part One 16:00hrs – 19:00hrs A girl Called Soo 19:00hrs Saving The Seventies With Mike Walker Sundays 10:00hrs – 13:00hrs Weekend @ Bernies Part two 13:00hrs – 16:00hrs Lazy Sunday Afternoon With Tony Moore 16:00hrs – 19:00hrs A girl Called Soo 19:00hrs Captain Rai’s Country Rodeo
www.realradiointernational.com
ABOGADOS · BARRISTERS SOLICITORS · TAX ADVISORS Any legal problems?
965 480 737 / 606 056 282 info@pellicerheredia.com
contact us on: 96 669 5160 - 606 540 408 - ask@allabroad.es
3
4
QUALIFIED GESTORA
Est. 1991
Fiscal help... ERBEN IN SPANIEN
KOSTEN FÜR EINE IMMOBILIENÜBERTRAGUNG DURCH ERBSCHAFT Die Erbschaftssteuer ist für die meisten ein ungewisser Faktor und daher etwas beängstigend. Eine Anzahl Kunden haben mich gebeten, die Erbschaftssteuer zu errechnen, die zum jetzigen Zeitpunkt fällig wäre, um eine bessere Vorstellung darüber zu haben, was im Nachlaßfall auf sie zukommen wird. Abgesehen von der Erbschaftssteuer fallen jedoch weitere Kosten an. Es handelt sich hier um eine Immobilienübertragung und als solche sind die Schritte ähnlich wie bei einem Kauf. Die Übertragung ist notariell zu beurkunden und nach Begleichung der Steuern im Grundbuch einzutragen. Nur dann ist das Eigentum rechtlich im Besitz des oder der Erben. Und nur dann kann es auch verkauft werden. Rechtliche Kosten fallen an für Notar, Grundbucheintrag, Erbschaftssteuer und Honorare für Rechtsanwalt oder Gestor. Dies gilt ebenfalls für eine Übertragung zwischen Ehepartnern. Jeder Ehepartner ist im Normalfall der eingetragene Eigentümer seines jeweils eigenen Anteils. Bei einem Verkauf muß die Urkunde von beiden Ehepartnern unterschrieben werden. Ist einer verstorben, kann der Verkauf erst erfolgen, wenn die Erbschaft vom erbberechtigten Ehepartner angetreten und in dessen Namen eingetragen ist. Wichtig zu erwähnen wäre hier noch, dass Eigentum oder Eigentumsanteile nicht automatisch übertragen werden. Auch der Besitz eines spanischen Testaments bringt keine automatische Umtragung mir sich. Die Ausstellung eines Testaments in Spanien für die spanischen Besitztümer ist sinnvoll, um eine schnellere und reibungslose Abwicklung zu ermöglichen und eventuelle Strafaufschläge durch das spanische Finanzamt zu vermeiden, die bei einer Einreichung der Erbschaftssteuererklärung nach der sechsmonatigen Frist anfallen würden.
Für weitere Informationen oder einen Termin kontaktieren Sie uns telefonisch 96 6697824 oder unter office@andreaburns. es. Web: www.andreaburns.es
Spanische Testamente
(auch BERLINER Testament)
Erbschaften/Nachlässe in Spanien Steuervertretung Nichtresidenten-Steuern Gewinnsteuer Vollmachten Notarielle Urkunden Immobilienübertragungen Übersetzungen
DECLARING INCOME FROM RENTING
Popular belief has it that the non-residents’ tax is paid on an assumed income from renting. That is not correct. Although the said tax is a so-called income tax it is a nominal tax and does not free a non-resident from the obligation to declare and pay taxes on any real income earned from renting their property. Due to the Spanish government’s plan to regulate the holiday rental industry the tax authorities in Spain are now seriously looking into any income not being declared. Please be aware that the tax authorities might check your water and electricity consumption for the past years. Regular consumption of water and electricity in a property that is owned by a non-resident is the biggest tell-tale sign for them to start an investigation. Non-residents that are letting their property are obliged to declare income from letting their Spanish home for every quarter of the running year in a separate declaration. If you have declared such income in the UK the tax you have paid will be deducted from what you owe in Spain, based on the double-taxation agreement. Residents declare any rental income in their annual income tax declaration during the months of May and June of the following year. Both residents and non residents may deduct a number of expenses. The obvious being water and electricity bills during the time of occupancy by a tenant. Furthermore, expenses such as rates, rubbish collection and sewage, insurance and community fees can be deducted. In addition you may also deduct an annual depreciation of 3 % of the purchasing price, including taxes and possible expenses for extensions or improvements of the house (always provided you have official invoices). And an annual depreciation of 10% of the expenses for white goods and furniture and fittings. I hope this has been helpful. The above is based on data issued by the tax authorities at the time of publication and meant for informative purposes only. For more information or an appointment please contact us on 96 6697824 or office@andreaburns.es. Web: www.andreaburns.es
Spanish Probate / Inheritances Spanish Wills Fiscal Representation Non-residents’ Tax Capital Gains Tax Power of Attorney Notarial Deeds Property Conveyancing * Translations
Avenida América, 32, GRAN ALACANT 96 669 7824 OFFICE@ANDREABURNS.ES
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5
La Marina Furniture t s a o C e h t g n i h s i n Fur at, browse and mull over but because the In a little Spanish village, not very far
place is busy with customers coming in and
from you is a gem of a shop that seems
out each day the stock is always on the
to be some sort of Tardis. Not because
move so what you see one day – may not
it’s blue, or even small. Nor is there a
be there the next, you have been warned.
doctor in the building but what does
Mind you that always means that there is
surprise you when you enter La Marina
always something new to go and check out
Furniture on the main road in La Marina
too which I why it has such a lot of regular
village I the sheer amount and variety of
clientele.
stock they have – and they have more
Good, and fair, prices are always offered to
elsewhere!
sellers too with Alan popping in and out of the shop from either deliveries or collections
I first met Alan (the boss) a few years
it’s a hard job to pin him down for a coffee at
ago when he began advertising with us and since then I´ve watched
the very least! Now in larger
his business grow stead-
premises (they
ily and successfully into one
used to be at the
of the coast´s busiest used
other end of the
furniture retailers.
main road through
The emphasis with LA Marina
the village) on the
Furniture is on quality and
left next to the
service, you´ll always be greeted with a smile and the helpful
traffic lights as you approach from Guardamar the team
staff will either help you discover what
at La Marina Furniture are always available
you are looking for or leave you to
to answer your questions or help you with
browse in your own time.
anything that you may need, whether that is one item or you need to furnish a whole
With, as I´ve already mentioned, a
property – perhaps ready for renting out.
huge stock and range from wardrobes and beds to office furniture and orna-
Whatever your reason, and even if you
ments La Marina Furniture is one of
don´t have one I can honestly say that a
those places that you´ll keep coming
trip to La Marina Furniture is never a wast-
back to – not only because, as you will
ed trip, and in fact quite the opposite as
see for yourself, there is plenty to look
there´s always something to catch the eye, or to enhance your home – with quality and service at the very front of the line!
6
Advertising hotline! 606 540 408 - TAKE UP OUR OFFER!
Selling your Property? Lets go fishing…
By Sharon Hulbert Images by Skyefotos How many of us love watching property shows? A Place in the Sun/Country, Home or abroad, Location Location Location, Homes under the hammer, Grand Designs… How nice is it to see inside other people’s homes, we love it…sit and admire, criticise, dream…! Now I am just a girl from Birmingham…well, no let me rephrase that…I am a middle of life female from Brum living here in Spain for over 10 years. In that time I have worked mostly in the Real Estate Industry, probably due to the fact that I worked for an estate agent in the UK and… I love it! What a great job meeting lovely people (well mostly) in their homes and helping them to
and encyclopaedia rolled into one! Notice I highlighted the words trawled and net…re the title … Let’s go fishing…! Sorry I know but it is my first attempt at this! Modern day technology is brilliant it will help you to market your property far and wide…casting your net as big as you possibly can to attract that buyer. BUT you still need that personal contact to humanise your sale or purchase! So it makes sense to use someone else’s contacts who in turn have their own contacts to find that buyer or property. We all have our own network of contacts so the more people you can get to talk about your
find a buyer for their property it’s easy! Match.com for property!
property the better and the more websites you can promote it
LOL (laugh out loud in case you don’t know!) believe me it is
it’s not just word of mouth, its word of finger too!
NOT easy! Now in my little monthly column I really want to try to educate you guys into how it really is… Start by thinking how you found your property…I am going to hedge my bets here and say that about 70% of you probably went to an exhibition in your Home country and the other 30% found it through a friend, or a friend of a friend who knew someone. Local exhibitions were the norm a few years ago, a wet Sunday afternoon out to the local hotel where a few agents from Spain
on the better. Facebook, twitter, texting are all forms of talking
I have built up, and am still building relationships with many agents over the last 10 years within an International Market and use their networks to promote my properties or to find one for my clients. The basics are still the same ‘it’s not what you know but who you know ‘, I just use technology as a tool to promote the details. And can I just say that there are many good Real Estate agents here on the Costa Blanca that do a brilliant job for
had set up a little conference room with pretty pictures of New
their clients who I work closely with, the ever changing legisla-
properties and told us about that place in the sun, we left our
tion from Notaries
contact details took away the brochures and before we knew it
and Central Govern-
we were off on a £99 inspection trip to the sunny Costa Blanca
ment keeps us on
and when we arrived…well ,you finish off your own story be-
our toes more than
cause most of us have ‘a story’, some good …some bad!
the changes in technology believe me!
Those exhibitions don’t exist anymore because the market has
So 1st rule when
changed and the way we sell properties has changed. It’s called
you are looking to
the internet! The best and worst invention from the 20th Cen-
sell…CAST YOUR NET
tury!
WIDE… Networking…
The Best…because if you have a property to sell and a lovely
works!
couple form Norway (just an example) want what you have got,
I am now off to the
you can find each other…(go back to match.com for property…I
beach! Its Summer
hope you are keeping up!) RESULT!
time and sometimes
The Worst…Too much information! You can trawl the net for
I don’t think we real-
hours, it’s mad! We can find out just about anything with the
ise how lucky we are
touch of a few keys…It is over whelming…I want to ask it (my
living here!
little pink laptop) a question, read my mind, understand what I
Next month… 1st Im-
want and give me a few choices…but it is not human so it won’t
pressions matter!
give us all the answers! ’ Really it’s a bit like a huge catalogue
Our own contributors - experienced for expat info
7
Mud, salt, art & inspiration.
Daniel Hernández Professional dancer from Alicante and the face on the cover of this issue of All Abroad.
work. It’s a very slight image. It simply suggests. It catches you. That’s what I’m pursuing. PERSONA will be touring in many different places and this space is common place for me.” You have managed to get me involved. What do you expect from PERSONA? “PERSONA is a common place for all. We are living beings with aspirations and we’re sensitive to criticism and self-criticism. Throughout our life, we face challenges that often place us in “The Getaway”, “The Spiral” and “The Abyss”. These are the three scenes that make up the work. I dance them and invite the whole world to see it and find their own answers there. I not only get inspired by mud, but I have also been fed a lot of it from authors such as Miguel de Unamuno, Friederich Nietzsche and Milán Kundera” It sounds promising. Is it usual to look for inspiration in philosophy? “It depends ... for example: I face each show differently - sometimes it comes from the music, sometimes from a written argument, and I’ve even begun to move myself, dancing the thunderous sound of silence. Then, intuition makes you improvise and your creature starts to take shape.”
ROBISCO Have you ever wondered how artists confront the creative process of their works? How to shape those ideas and especially where inspiration comes from? We, too, have asked those questions and
Our thanks Raul Armero for words and Dani for his muddy face!
Our thanks Raul Armero for words and Dani for his muddy face!
Transalation by Gemma Alonso Martin
doubt has brought us to the mud. Curious, isn’t? It’s three in the afternoon. The sun is scorching inside a lift in Alicante. Several miles from civilization is a privileged natural setting dotted with light, water, salt and medicinal mud. In the distance, we sense a figure that seems to dance. Who is it? We move a little closer and get the answer. This is Daniel Hernández. He is 33 years old; he is a dancer, and choreographer, and has extensive training in flamenco. Today, he is immersed in the process of creating his new play “PERSONA”; which he will promote through his newly established hallmark “SpinOffDanza”. Daniel, what are you doing here dancing in the mud? “It seems crazy, right? I just follow my intuition. I am in full creative development of my new show and the idea to start modelling it from mud attracts me. We artists can find inspiration in strange places, right? This environment seems perfect. Mud evokes creation and it is what I’m doing. I’m creating “PERSONA”. Also, you can’t deny that the contrast of saline soil and a mud smeared body is really aesthetic?” Right! Very aesthetic! “And neutral! I was looking for a location in which to create, but also a good stage to begin recording the images that go with the
8
ROBISCO
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Our own contributors - experienced for expat info
9
ABOUT YOUR HEALTH:
The Norwegian medical doctor who can do wonders for your health!
Dr Trond If you’re English you may not have heard of Dr
Other treatments
Trond - the specialist medical doctor who has successfully treated hundreds of patients who
And what more can the miracle doctor do for you?
could not get help from their usual doctor.
that the body cleanses itself has dominated in con-
Body cleansing that nearly all of us need. The idea ventional medicine in modern times but this in fact is
His most famous treatment, the ReBoSy treatment, is
very often not the case.
a special method used to treat lower back pain, neck
You may have never heard of leaking gut syndrome
pain, headache, muscular tension, candida infections
as it was relatively unknown until just a few years
plus many other problems. As Dr Trond explained,
ago but today we know that the colon in many of us
‘without knowing it, about half of the human race
is leaking, leading to small particles carrying toxins
suffer from instability in the pelvis leading to unequal
which pass through the colon wall and out into the
leg length which results in a deviation called scoliosis
bloodstream causing all kinds of diseases including
in the column.
cancer. It has recently been certified that the passage time through the colon (of what you have eaten
A small deviation-which you may never have noticed-
earlier) is closely related to your chances of getting
could give you all sorts of problems because of the
cancer, so constipation could be dangerous!
unequal pressure on the opposite side of your body.
At the Scandinavian Surgery in Gran Alacant Dr Trond
It can even lead to spinal prolapse leading to acute
uses both oxygen and ozone together with colon hy-
pain in the spine.
drotherapy to do the body cleansing – in addition to energy treatment.
To correct your column – ensuring that your hips are level and therefore ridding you of scoliosis, Dr Trond
Is it possible to get rid of pain?
uses the ReBoSy treatment. A method he invented
It is not an easy task but in many cases it may be
in Norway and which is explained more on his web-
possible. One of the most effective treatments comes
site: www.doctor4energy.com. It’s a painless treat-
from Germany and is called neural therapy and is to-
ment that takes between one to two hours and costs
day used in many clinics throughout the world, ‘we
€75-€160, and in many cases it is a once in a lifetime
have been successful in taking away many types of
treatment.
muscular pain, including menstrual pain, after just a few treatments,’ Dr Trond told us, ‘we are not afraid of
The success rate is very high and if not – you pay
mixing ‘old school’ medicine with ‘alternative’ medi-
nothing. But with more than 95% of his customers
cine just as long as the treatment works – the main
walking away happy and pain free after successful
aim is to make our patients lives better, he added.
treatment (if the inequality between left and right is
Dr Trond is available all week in the Alicante region
less than 2.5cm) Dr Trond is happy to offer patients
at his Gran Alacant Surgery. To contact him call, 689
their money back for them if it doesn’t work, which as
760 420 or alternatively he may well be working in
you can see is very rare.
Norway, 0047 99 11 45 00. www.doctor4energy.com www.doctor4energy.com
10
10
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Estate Agents Victoria Estate Agent Victoria, established
Anyone who wishes to be informed
some 30 years ago, offers its
about our costs or would like a quote,
clients a top quality service,
also enquire about all the other services
which can only be offered by a
we have to offer, then please call at our
company exclusively devoted and
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with a long running track record on the Costa Blanca property market.
All our staff have a good knowledge of the English language and we also have
Over the years, Victoria Estate
a German speaking member of staff.
Agent has satisfied the needs of all its clients by searching for
Although the last couple of years have
and acquiring their properties.
not been easy for any of us, we are
Our priority has always been the
optimistic that this year we shall start
“wellbeing” of our clients and
to see some improvements in the
looking after their interests not
property market.
only at the time of buying but also with an excellent after-sales service. We offer all type of help to our clients including the arranging of inheritance
FEEL AT HOME Inmobiliaria Victoria Avda. Escandinavia, 72 C.C. Altomar II L.10 03130 Gran Alacant · Santa Pola Tlf. 966697779 · 966698180 Fax 966697378 sp@victoria.es
tax when losing one of their loved ones, making it as painless and easy as possible. Our charges are far lower than what one can find through other means.
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inmobiliaria - estate agent
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Advertising hotline! 606 540 408 - TAKE UP OUR OFFER! MENU DE L DIA Eve
Benijofar Tel. 622 899 906
Ask
?
AUNTY ? CATHY (if you dare..!)
?
Cathy´s Curiosity Corner “The Best Thing Since
Sliced Bread!"
If you like to shop with a smile on your face I know of just the place, down in
Dear Cathy My wife seems a little different lately and has lost weight, bought new clothes and going out at weekends more. Do you think she is after something? I did buy her a new dishwasher just last month. Barry, San Miguel
Benijofar. A smile, a giggle and a hearty
Barry I think your wife is just having fun with her new friends...I see her diverting traffic at the roundabout near where I live. All the male drivers stop and say hi to her, I think she must work for the Tourist office secretly...xx Cathy.
From the moment you walk in the door
Dear Cathy We’ve been married 41 years and my husband says that sex is over for us. What can I do? Desperate in Torrevieja
thing you really like or just from meeting
Desperate in Torrevieja I think he is just saying that. I think he is planning a trip for you both as I see him a lot with Barry’s wife asking for directions at the roundabout. Cathy
ally is just that. Take a wander around
Dear Cathy I've just split up with the one true love of my life (since Darren), anyway he left I think because I'm a single mum of four even though I've told him who I think most of the fathers are. Should I move on? Name and address withheld cos you know me. Name and address withheld This man wasn’t right for you as he has at least 7 Children of his own, I think his problem lies within himself and he is scared that with your 4 he will become a manager, as in football, and he fears crowds. Cathy. Dear Cathy I've recently changed from a Renault Clio to a Citroen c3, what do you think to the difference in overall brake horse power? And would you have gone for the Peugeot? Nigel, Benijofar. Dear Nigel, As anyone knows the output at the final end is far higher on the Peugeot therefore in overall performance the Peugeot is the one every time! Cathy.
welcome - that’s without mentioning the incredible amount of ‘different stuff’ to be found here at Cathy’s Curiosity Corner.
and a duck quacks at you, from somewhere, you know that this will not be an ordinary shopping experience. However, one thing that is certainly guaranteed at this place is that you will leave with a smile - whether you found someCathy. Cathy´s Curiosity Corner in Benijofar reand you´ll be met by the amazing figure of Cathy who will welcome you as warmly as she does everyone and everyone who shops here is now her friend - just pay the shop and visit and I will bet you now that you come back as with a new friend in Cathy. Prices are kept realistic as Cathy says she likes the shop to be an ever-changing oasis in the heart of the Spanish village of Benijofar, and it is just that. Whether I call in daily or weekly the stock at the Curiosity Shop is always changing and there´s always plenty of new and interesting pieces to mull over while you enjoy a coffee.
If you haven´t been to this place yet, don´t miss out on what really is the best shop I’ve seen in years!
OUR STOCK CHANGES DAILY!
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17
Mud, Mud glorious m Dave Bull pays Novelda a visit and discovers a couple of tucked away places that should be on anyone´s ´must do in Spain´ list.
By Dave Bull I was invited to the wonderful and “ooh, I like that!” (that was the females by the way...) venue that is the Casa l´Art in Novelda and from there, with the guidance of Joan and Diego from the art themed restaurant to the salt springs nearby where we ironically ate peppers...but more of that to come after I’ve told you more about the Casa l´Art. A different and fascinating venue for diners whether they are art lovers (in any shape or form) or not. The place is full of fine examples of the arts from Joan your host, and former Spanish national company member in photos of some of his performances, to paintings objects and images that will have the ladies and it must be said, a good few of the fellas saying the sentence mentioned previously. Joan and Diego make visitors immediately welcome and not only offer fine foods and drinks but a guided tour of the establishment as well as accommodation for anyone looking for a late and relaxing night.
enjoy the views on the terraces or reserve a corner in the Casa l’Art to enjoy a cocktail, wine or soft drink, a snack...and just about everything about the place. Events, dinners, communions, weddings and all kinds of parties and celebrations in a creative and different way are held there; try it...it´s just nice! After our tour and delicious snacks Joan and Diego led us by car to the nearby salt pools and mud baths that are tucked away up a bumpy little track but are well worth the odd head bang on the inside of the car roof to get there. The first pool is just a short walk across salt covered earth that gives the appearance of winter and snow, although the 36 degree temperature and tasteful shorts gave me away at least... The group of us, nine in total, soon slipped into the red water that is surprisingly cool from being fed from an underground spring. The first thing to notice
The views from Casa l´Art are what most will first be attracted by and being served refreshing drinks on a relaxing terrace on cool evening on a mountain with views down to the coast is not a bad end to the day. Casa l’Art · rural · art · restaurant Offers you the chance to enjoy their signature toast, crepes and salads, custom pairings and a tasty range of desserts and
18
teas. Also on offer are dishes for vegetarians but most go and
is you´ll float so easily in the shallow pool that relaxing takes on a whole new meaning as you effortlessly float on the surface. Now, there’s a time and a place to get filthy in magazines and this is exactly it as Joan and Diego pointed out the different types of salt-soaked mud that refresh the parts...you know... The red mud to be found in the pool we were in was reputedly
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help & advice on living in Spain...
SCHOOLS IN SPAIN EXPLAINED If you are a family who wants to relocate to Spain, one of the most important decisions you will need to make is where to educate your children. Whether to choose state run Spanish schooling or one of the many private international schools is a subject much debated by those intending on moving and by those already in Spain.
THE DIFFERENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO YOU
Centro Educación Infantil y Primaria (CEIP)
are
wee International Schools in Spain
a) Educación Infantil 3 to 6 years:
There are essentially two types of international school in Spain.
Although it is not obligatory to attend school at this age, the
There are those that teach primarily in English and follow the
government will provide your child a place if required. You have
b) E
UK curriculum with Spanish taught as a second language and
to be registered (on the pardon) at the town hall. Places are
year
those that teach in English and follow the Spanish educational
allocated during a two week application period in March/April.
curriculum. Under the Spanish curriculum education is compul-
We have found that most town halls will still find a place for
Stud
sory between the ages of 12 and 16. Between the ages of 16
your child outside the application window. As in the UK, places
dem
and 18, students can opt to study the Bachillerato which then
are awarded on a points system and your first choice of school
addi
gives the opportunity for successful students to go on to uni-
is not guaranteed.
versity in Europe and the USA. Even though schools are called ‘international’, the majority of students are usually Spanish thereby your child will integrate easily and, of course, learn Spanish very quickly.
willin
to th
Som b) Educación Primaría 6 to12 years:
depe
Education in Spain is compulsory from the age of 6. Again, plac-
Art –
es are awarded via the points system during after the March/
Perf
Spanish State School System
April application period. All children are guaranteed a place in
Although the school timetable, calendar dates and languages
first choice school. The period of primary education is split in to
studied can vary depending on region, all state run schools in
3 cycles. Year 1 & 2 – Inicial, Year 3 & 4 – Media and Year 5 &
Spain follow the same format and regulations set by the central
6 – Superior. At the end of students’ time in primary education,
Ministry of Education. School is obligatory from 6 to 16 years,
each child is given a final report (Historial Academico) and a
Asse
however free schooling is provided for children from the age of
copy is sent to their secondary school.
deci
3.
a local school although there is no guarantee of a place in your
Instituto de Educación Secundaria (IES)
There are also a limited number of subsidized state nurseries for
Scie
Hum
of th the the
children aged 4 months and upwards.
a) Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (ESO) 12 to 16 years:
Here are the different elements of the Spanish state school
From the age of 12 to 16 students study to achieve the ‘Grad-
to U
uado Escolar’ which is a globally recognized certificate that
Univ
system: Guardería (Nursery) 4 months to 3 years:
demonstrates proficiency in the six core subjects plus three
lang
optional subjects. Students are continually evaluated and those
phy
who have not reached the required standard in more than two The majority of guardería/nurseries are privately operated,
subjects will be required to repeat the year again. A particular
however there are a very limited number of state nurseries too.
year can only repeated once and a student cannot ‘repeat’ more
It is best not to depend on a place in a state nursery as they are
than two times during their
quite difficult to get and are awarded via a means-tested points system.
22
Stud
Secondary education.
Form The
with
fash
ence
Like primary place allocation, the town hall is obligated to pro-
furth
vide a place for every student and places at particular schools
Grad
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SCHOOLS awarded via a points system during the March/April two
ek window. Again, we have found that most town halls are
ng to accept students ‘outside the window’ if you are moving
he area.
Educación Secundaria No obligatoria (Bachillerato) 16 to 18
rs:
dents study for two years to receive the ‘Bachiller’ which
monstrates a proficiency in seven of the core subjects plus an
itional seven/eight subjects chosen by the student.
me example Bachillers are below - (availability can differ
ending on the ‘Instituto’):
– art, image and design
forming Arts – music and dance
ence and Technology
manities and Social Sciences
essment is internal and continuous. The teaching staff
ide if each student has reached the required level in each
heir subjects and has the required maturity to be awarded ‘Bachiller’ title. Students considered to have not acquired necessary level or maturity are required to repeat a year.
dents who have been awarded the Bachiller can then apply
University by sitting an external entrance exam, set by the
versity board for that region, in which they are examined in
guage and literature, a foreign language, history or philosoand other subjects of their choice.
mación Profesional 16 years upwards Formacion Professional is another type of further education
h emphasis on vocational study such as catering, design,
hion, I.T. etc. Usually some form of extended work experi-
e/placement is made with a relevant company. This form of
her education is available to students who have achieved
duado Escolar or Bachiller level.
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23
Calendar girls
SEPT
Fiestas Moros y Cristianos, Santa Pola from September 1 to 8, Moros y Cristianos, Redován from September 6 to 8, Redován
of
The Central bar
Hondon De Las Nieves
Mare de Déu de Loreto, Mutxamel September 8, Mutxamel Virgen de las Virtudes, Villena
the Hillside in La Marina on Monday 7th Oct
What are we up to? We have a permanent charity tin at
September 8, Villena
the bar for Sienna. She is the grand-
Mare de Deu, Agres
when she was a few months old they
daughter of some friends of ours, &
September 8, Agres
found out she has Hurlers syndrome.
Virgen del Rosario, Aigües
We do charity pool knockouts raffles
September 8, Aigües Moros y Cristianos, Ibi September 10, Ibi Fallas de Elda September 14, Elda Santísimo Cristo de la Paz, San Juan de Alicante September 14, San Juan de
Stars in Bars is hosting a Charity Night at
etc. and myself & the staff & some regular customers thought it might be a good idea to get naked for a calendar, like the film, so eleven 50+ ladies have done just that! Another two of our friends (Shutterbliss) are professional wedding photographers back in England & they came on a busman’s holiday as a favour to do the shoot for us. We had a ball, eleven naked ladies,
Alicante
copious amounts of cava & wine +
Virgen de los Dolores
the way, Ciara) at a secret location.
starting at 8pm, there is going to be an absolutely fantastic line-up of entertainers on the night with lots of fun & games and a few surprise guests!! It all kicks off at 8pm to reserve a table contact the Hillside direct on 966797673 Plans are in full swing now for the charity night for the Homeless and Needy of San Fulgencio and La Marina, we raised loads at the last one back in March so we are doing it all again on the 7th Oct so if anyone would like to help us with raffle prizes that would be absolutely fantastic these people live on the streets with their kids it’s heart-breaking, I also need just a couple more entertainers to join the fantastic line up that have already volunteered their services. Tel. 685 30 25 29 Facebook: Stars-in-Bars-EntertainmentAgency
1proffesional photographer (a she by
September 15, Dolores Feria del ganado, Orihuela
Something we probably will never do again, (unless there is a big demand for naked old ladies)
September 15, Orihuela Fiestas de Villafranqueza 2013, Alicante from September 20 to 22, Alicante
What do we need? We are looking for sponsors €50.00 per month of the calendar. We need business logos for the ad-
Moros y Cristianos, Altea September 24, Altea Fiestas Patronales, Orxeta September 25, Orxeta Santos Cosme y Damián, Relleu September 27, Relleu San Miguel, Agres
verts, & all sponsors will be listed on the back as a directory The more sponsors, the more money for Sienna & The great Ormond street hospital Any printers or publishers want to get involved? We are aiming to put them on sale at the end of October Thanks! Yvonne (Central Bar – see advert)
September 29, Agres
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WE SHALL BE HOLDING FISCAL RESIDENCE AND NON-RESIDENT TAX SEMINARS
These seminars will be delivered by fully qualified, professional international lawyers. PELLICER&HEREDIA are a solicitors company that you can trust, having a wealth of experience in dealing with Spanish law, and representing international clients. We will be joined by Nick Venn of AES International and SOS Insurance. Dates&Places 24th Sep | Hondon De Las Nieves | Restaurant La Font 30th Sep | Gran Alacant | Cafetería Huginn & Muninn 8th Oct | Castalla | Glenns Restaurant 15th Oct | Ciudad Quesada | Centro Municipal
To avoid disappoint, and to reserve your place at one of the seminars, please contact us on: 965 480 737 | 606 056 282 | info@pellicerheredia.com
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All BORED? All BORED? All BORED? All BORE
s e l ridd 1. I have two arms, but fingers none. I have two feet, but cannot run. I carry well, but I have found I carry best with my feet off the ground. What am I? 2. A man was pushed out of an airplane, without a parachute. How was he able to survive? 3. What do you throw out when you want to use it, but take in when you don’t want to use it? 4. You hear it speak, for it has a hard tongue. But it cannot breathe, for it has not a lung. What is it? 5. What is big and yellow and comes in the morning to brighten mom’s day? 6. What is that which goes with a car, comes with a car, is of no use to a car, and yet the car cannot go without it? 7. There are four brothers in this world that were all born together. The first runs and never wearies. The second eats and is never full. The third drinks and is always thirsty. The fourth sings a song that is never good. Who are they? 8. A man walks into a pub and simply orders a water. The bar tender simply looks at the man, grabs a shotgun, and points it at the man’s face. The man says, “Thank you” gets up, and walks out of the pub. Why did they behave this way?
Answers!
Across 1. Wept 3. Not hollow 6. Egyptian river 7. Violin 9. Beyond what is usual 10. All time 11. Long-tailed rodent 13. Floating ice 15. Indian tent 18. Marked with rings 19. Timber 20. Eyeglasses 21. Line of people Down 1. Ember 2. Very small island 3. Short dagger 4. Flat shelf 5. Animal 8. Heedless 12. Interfere 14. Sudden forward thrust 16. Examine thoroughly 17. Weapons
Across 1. Wages 6. Mixed school 8. Fester 9. Second day of the week 10. Game resembling ice hockey 11. Supposed 13. Stroll 15. Make fat 17. Irrigated 19. Lanterns 22. Calls on 23. About 24. Unit of computer memory 25. Distance across a circle Down 2. State of USA 3. Unadorned 4. Russian no 5. Make less complex 6. Link 7. Elude 12. Freed 14. Dwelling place for bees 16. Expenditure 18. Friendship 20. Make amends 21. Father
8. He had the Hic-ups. 7. Water, fire, earth, wind.
L A
E N A E
L R T E
6. Noise.
I YN T C T L I N YA T E C E N A T E
5. The school bus. 4. A bell. 3. An anchor. 2. The airplane was on the runway.
The THOUGH one
The EASY one
Mix it up!
1. A wheelbarrow.
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