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allabroad.es wwilw. 2015 issue number 45
EE
Apr
Alicante G CITY AN INTERESTIN TO DISCOVER
IN CYCLING IN SPA with Cyclogical ID MONFOR TE delC
COSTA WOMEN 50 Shades of Grey... Ally’s Fashion Page
fusion first anniverExpat writers; sary is on the 11th of Malcolm AprilPalmer can u add it to advert, Sandrathe Piddock plus I want to add y Mandy Tams
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Cover: Sierra de Gran Alacant
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ALL ABROAD
THIS IS SPAIN By Dave Bull
www.allabroad.es
reaakk!! kkee aa bbre a T a T with
Large Coffees and Lots of Noise Another cigarette exits my packet. Then my lighter disappears. I am in Juande cafeteria in the Glorieta Square in Santa Pola. Juan, the owner and ‘when I feel like it’ waiter wanders off with a puff of smoke to chat with another customer at another table in this typically Spanish hostelry – and with my lighter. I’m here because it’s my escape. My bolthole. A place to sit and write with a large coffee amongst good people – and where else can you sit all day and have a couple of coffees to interrupt the chat without getting a piercing look from the owner. Ok it
MONDAY/MONTAG/LUNES
1.Benidorm - 10€ 2. Algar/Guadalest - 13€ TUESDAY/DIENSTAG/MARTES
1.Villajoiosa / ALICANTE - 12€ MARKET, CHOCOLATE FACTORY, CASTLE
2. Altea / Jalon Valley - 22€ ALTEA MARKET
will cost me a few ciggies during the day too (and probably a lighter) but it’s a small
3.Alicante - 7€
price to pay when you’re enveloped by what is best in Spain - the traditional and the
WEDNESDAY/MITTWOCH/MIERCOLES
cultural. Outside of the front door, the recently extended Glorieta Square leads to the
1. Benidorm - 10€ (Market Day) 2. Alicante - 7€
impressive five hundred year old castle – and Juan’s twin brother stands idly chatting with another local – with my lighter...
THURSDAY/DONNERSTAG/JUEVES
1. Cartagena - 10€ The noise inside is incredible as mostly housewives joust for their particular piece of
*Boat trip -17€ inc boat
knowledge to be heard before and above all others. The rest of us raise our voices to
*Mar Menor Train inc train 13€
be heard over the din, therefore increasing the overall volume that bit more. You’d think it’d be impossible to get any work done at all but for some reason I can get more done in a couple of hours (read six…) in there than I can all day at home. Juan and his wife Loles have run the café for the past twenty-five years having converted it from a general store in 1983. Juan’s parents had opened the General Store in 1930 and ran it for the next 53 years, supplying the town with everything from light bulbs to Goldfish, in fact the front of the building appeared in the major Spanish feature film ‘The man with the white umbrella’ in 1959.
Boat trip + Train - 20€ inc both tickets Licor 43 Experience 18€ inc drink Licor 43 Experience + Train 21€ inc Drink FRIDAY/FREITAG/VIERNES
1. SHOPPING Condominia/Ikea/Thader - 10€ 2. Murcia - - 10€ 3. TERRA NATURA
25€ Adult
23€ Child/Senior
4. BENIDORM PALACE COACH + MEAL + SHOW = 51€ COACH + SHOW = 35€
Nowadays, Juan and Loles enjoy the Brits as customers too, and says Loles; the British always have two cups of coffee with their breakfast which is very rare with the Spanish and of course they drink a lot more beer than the locals but they are always polite and friendly and we always ask them to practice their Spanish with us. Next time you are in Santa Pola – call in (offer Juan a ciggie and you will be a friend for life) and taste a bit of Spanish life and culture over a wonderfully, steaming, enormous Café con Leche – ladies, they do not come bigger than Juan’s …
CRUISES 2015 / BOOK YOUR CRUISE JUST FOR
5. Benidorm Night Out - 11€ 6. Alicante Night Out 9€ 7. Novelda + Sanctuary + Bodega 17€ SATURDAY/SAMSTAG/SABADO
1.Valencia - 16€ 2. Union (Mine Park) + Mazarron - 17€ SUNDAY/SONNTAG/DOMINGO
1. Benidorm - 10€
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3
VOLUNTEERS
Hi, my name is Christian!
WANTED
Would you like to learn something new? I would! I´ve just turned 16 and I´ve lived here in Spain from the age of nine. Since I was born I have lived with autism. As I´m from England I prefer to speak English. If I were to meet you I´d probably ask you about a film you like. Films and stories as well as surfing the internet are my biggest interests. I think everyone needs inspiration and stimulation, but perhaps I need it more because I have autism. It can be a bit hard sometimes. Things that come naturally to most people I have to learn. I just need someone to help me developing and grow. Would you like to help? Would you like to make a difference to Christian? Can you make a weekly commitment to see him develop through play? You don´t need any skills, we´ll teach you. All you need is to be positive, open minded, non-judgmental and enjoy being with Christian. We´ll provide all training. If so please contact Christina on 678 489 434 or email stinanorwood@hotmail.com Hope to hear from you.
4
Health Travel Public Liabiity -
Home
Business Motor Life Home Health
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today!
Life -
Travel
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966 731 691
Quesada Office Calle Los Arcos (Ciudad Quesada) (Next to Yorkshire Linen)
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La Zenia Office CC os Dolces, La Zenia (Next to Mercadona & Lidl - Funeral
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Health
Email: Spanish-insurance@hotmail.com Accident
Travel
Life
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Business
www.spanish-insurance.net Cutting Prices Providing Great Service
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Motor
The area is fully covered by all services these days with its own post office, town hall, local police station and doctor’s clinic. A modern primary school, a petrol station a 24 hour chemist along with spas gyms and much
Small but well endowed….with history, architecture and of course restaurants and cafes! As the great bike-maker Sir Walter Raleigh once said, ‘There are an awful lot of benefits to getting on a push bike and riding around a city…’ you can rent a bicycle in Elche city for next to nothing and take a touristic trip around the city and stopping off at the odd café for something refreshing and a bite to eat means you get to see just what there is to see in Elche – without having to slow down in the car and endure the wrath of an impatient bus/car/lorry driver.
Funeral Insurance you will be amazed at how little it costs to save the stress and expense for your loved ones.
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Facilities
Elche
from 60€ per year!
Travel
Closed urbanisations offer great security if you have little ones running around and all swimming pools have a gate to keep them in the complex and your eye safely upon them or if hitting the beach is your choice then you will be spoilt for choice as Gran Alacant has some of the best beaches available on the Coast and if you include Santa Pola in the equation it can boast around 16 kilometres of clean sand and a sparkling sea.
insurance
-
Security
Santa Pola Santa Pola quickly takes you back to Roman times. It was here where the Portus Illicitanus, the Roman ruins, were found. The Roman House of the Palmeral which was built during the Low Imperial era and the Roman factory for pickling and salting fish from the 4th century B. C. are also reminders of the era. Santa Pola extends from both side of the Renaissance Castle-Fortress built in the 16th century to defend itself from pirate attacks. Found in the city centre it has a military appearance and houses the Archaeological Museum where you can find Iberian and Roman relics. Also located here is the Fishing Museum with a wide selection of maritime objects and an interesting aquarium.
Life
Public Liabiity
Along with a good aspect from one window or another (or the terrace), most properties in the area have access to a modern swimming pool (some have tennis/football pitch too) for residents that are be well-maintained throughout the year.
Nearby
-
Good looking
Foods from around the world and around the corner (fresh Santa Pola seafood) offer the adventurous gourmet a rich menu to choose from but if all else fails to keep the little, the kids will find a McDonalds five minutes away!
Business
Although some may describe Gran Alacant as a ‘modern’ area it has some history too and established urbanisations – as well as the more recently built ones – offer fantastic views, especially at night. The bay of Alicante is like a flame to a moth for many (especially if you find yourself in one of the rooftop bars overlooking the city) and Elche and Santa Pola offer an attractive and alternative view too.
Eating out
-
Modern meets old
along with its wonderful setting on top of the cliffs of Santa Pola, Gran Alacant also boasts a close proximity to the historical sea port of Alicante and its modern airport and the quaint and charming city of Elche; both of which are just fifteen minutes away by car and with Benidorm (45 mins) not too far away the things to do list may well need to be extended a little.
Motor
In 2001 the boom started in Gran Alacant and the ‘hill’ began to fill very quickly with foreigners, Spanish residents and holiday makers ready to take their place in the sun and following on from the those early homes all of a sudden many more urbanisations were being completed, and all of them (bar none) sold out well before they were actually built.
more, Gran Alacant is modern Spain at its best – it even has its own lighthouse, proving that here old Spain really does meet the new.
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Gran Alacant is one of those few places where old Spain blends with modern Europe; the hill is home to a wide range of Europeans (other nations are well represented too amongst the populace but Europeans (especially The British) make up more than 50% of its current population meaning that the area is a cosmopolitan mix of people, shops, bars and businesses unlike most places in Spain.
Life
We CAN & WILL better any home and motor renewal on the Costa Blanca
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Where Europe Meets SHOUT IT OUT! Spain - Funeral
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6
DANGER! SARAH'S Places you’d be daft to visit. TEXTILES are made for you!
Malcolm Palmer
In the wake of all the recent terrorist ac-
go for a stroll in Central Park at night, and
tivity, you may well think that you’d be
felt safe enough. Any city with drug-re-
daft to go just about anywhere. France,
lated problems - and that means a whole
with its millions of muslims, you may not
lot of cities, has areas where you’re not
be surprised to see receiving the atten-
very safe. Some fifty years ago, I used
tion of Islamic nutters, buta very Denmark? to see a girl in the Chapeltown area of Following on from successful year Sarah’s' Curtain & Bedding Australia? Come on, Los where is safe?continues CanaLeeds, and we’d go floor for aspace walk there. Store in CC Dolses to grow.... not in but in da? Er...no, there’s been a spot of bother You’d be crazy to try that now.
the excellent variety of products available. With new stock arriving
there too. Spain?
I doubt it, we have
Africa is a lovely continent, with some
plenty of scope here for terrorists, as in-
great wildlife (what’s left of it) wonder-
every week you simply cannot beat this friendly and unique family
run shop for choice. Sarah hand picks all of the textiles which are on
deed does the whole of Europe, if not the
ful scenery, and lots of nice people, but planet.sale, ensuring best quality and value a walkfor in money. downtown Nairobi is not to be
recommended, and, apart from the obviThe recent addition an REALLY extensive range of fabrics means now have a But where are the places ofyou ous health threats posedyou by the dreaded should avoid? High on any list comes Venezuela, a real shame, because it should be a paradise, with oil, agriculture, great
either quality mosquitoes andchoice tsetse of flies, etc., some readymade bespoke countries can be alarmingly or dangerous. made to than measure texSouth Africa has more it’s share
Quality Textiles For Your Home
CURTAIN & BEDDING STORE EST. 2006
An extensive range of Ready Made lined curtains, voiles, poles, rails and accessories
LARGE SELECTION GREAT QUALITY - GREAT PRIC-
scenery, beaches, climate, natural his-
can be of violence, andtiles. all theAnything islamic states in
tory, the lot. But they kill each other at
made, cushion covers, the north are currently no-go areas, as
a rate of some 2,700 violent deaths per
curtains, bedspreads, of course, are large chunks of the Middle
year, and routinely kidnap any foreigner
East. (Jordan is loose prettycovers stable, to of name course,
they fancy. And nearby Trinidad is not a
few! Even sheets and, though notbut to a my particular taste,
New British net curtains
lot better.
to and fit those awkward so is Saudi Arabia the Gulf States)
Curtain eyeletting service available
sized beds! The team at Other South American countries are good
can also As to Asia, JapanSarah’s' is alwaysshop reckoned to be
in parts. I’ve spent some time in Brazil,
refurbish your outdoor as safe a place as any - if an earthquake
and commonsense keeps you safe there
swing or chairs and doesn’t get you!seating, In Indonesia India,
- just avoid the favelas, and you should
pergolas and can again, replace even, you can run into terrorism
stay alive. In the northern resort of Pipa,
or the repair toldos/awnings and, in the latter, dearth of vultures
I wandered around at night quite happily,
at unbeatable priceshas due to the antibiotics given to cattle
and there are parts of Alicante where I
usingrise the in best quality led to a consequent rabid dogs.
couldn’t do that.
fabrics foam. Oh, and don’t forget theand snakebites!
New York has bad reputation, but I didn’t
I think I’ll just stay at home.
Oven gloves, tea towels, table cloths & cushions
Gorgeous Duvet Covers, in all the latest styles and colours with matching curtains and accessories Custome made curtains & accessories to your own specifications All alterations & repairs undertaken in our shop
New Stock arriving WEEKLY!!!
There is currently a fantastic end of season sale on, with duvet sets 50% off as well as lots of other amazing bargains!!! Look out for new ranges coming soon.... bedding, curtains and plenty of winter warmers for when the weather cools down!
Sarah’s' Curtain & Bedding Store can be found conveniently located within CC Los Dolses, Urb Villamartin, facing the road next to the card shop near the canal.
ON! END OF SEASON SALE NOW
C/C Los Dolses, Villamartin 2 mins from La Zenia Boulevard
PROFESSIONAL SEWING SERVICE Opening Hours Monday- Friday 10am - 4pm Saturday 10am - 2pm
T: 966 848 980
www.sarahstextil.es 7
“Get on yer bike!” by Gary Routledge www.cyclogicalcostablanca.com
On Sunday22nd March 2015, fifteen members of Team “Cyclogical” based in Quesada travelled to Monforte del Cid to participate in the 2nd Valle de las Uves (valley of the grapes) Marcha. The team left from “Cyclogical’s” shop in Quesada at 6.45am and travelled in convoy along the AP7 turning onto the Madrid road at Elche following it to Monforte approx. 20kms before arriving at the Sports
8
Monforte Del Cid Cycle Sportif
centre at 7.45am. Registration started at
The course covered a total distance of
8 am so the guys were first in the queue
99kms with just under 1000 metres of
then straight to the nearest restaurant
climbing involved which was an easy route
for breakfast .The race was
well organ-
and ideal for beginners. There were 600
ised and started on time at 9.30am with
riders participating on this route and it was
a mass start and no pace car which was
not long before there were many splinter
brilliant the group soon thinned out as
group’s but everyone just found their own
many of us left the town at 46km per hour.
pace and got on with it. The first groups of
There were over 600 riders participating
riders were very quick and it was not long
and 5 of the guys representing team cyc-
before they made their mark and arrived
logical were taking part in their first event
back at 2 hrs 30mins. The first riders of
including Mickey who was also the oldest
team “Cyclogical” Owen, Big Al and Gary
competitor at 76 years young. The Route
were back at 2hr 45mins with the rest of
was well sign posted with plenty of help-
their guys back around the 3 hour mark.
ers, dispatch riders and police motorcycles
Many riders took over 4 hours to complete
assisting to marshal the route.
the circuit.
CYCLING tips
advice routes
Calle Los Arcos, 7 QUESADA
Mountain Bikes City Bikes Child Seats Tag-a-longs Hybrid Bikes Road Bikes
Ladies Bikes Kids Bikes Tandems Kids Trailers BMX Bikes Electric Bikes
Sales, Repairs, Hires, Accessories & Clothing Open Mon-Fri 09.30-17.30 Sat: 10.00-14.00
Call Gary or Lynn: 637 487 377 www.cyclogicalcostablanca.com
Five of the team have only been cycling
everyone attended with their partners and
“Cyclogical” meet every Thursday night
road bikes for 6 months and were taking
had a great finish to another great day.
at 5.30pm and Sunday mornings at 8am
part in their very first Sportif cycling event;
The guys are looking forward to return-
and cover between 90 and 120kms at a
they all performed really well with most of
ing to Monforte next year. The team would
moderate to fast pace so if you fancy a
the team finishing in the top 50% of rid-
also like to thank all their sponsors for their
challenge come along and join us. Looking
ers, which was excellent. Mickey was not
continued support, Sol-4 investment con-
to improve your fitness, riding ability and
only the oldest competitor but finished in a
sulting, Expat pensions and investments,
speed and also have a new group of friends
great time of 3hrs 50mins and was chuffed
Arrow rent a car, Shenanigans bar, Span-
to train with then why not come along and
to bits
ish insurance, Securidan, Pulse core fitness
give it a try or call Gary on 637487377.
and Ambience fires and solar. The Team are pictured on their trusted
Te a m
steads just before the start at the start and are from left to right : Peter Cunningham, Kelvin Howard, Tony Nolan, Malcky Murray,
Alan Quearns, Owen Desmond,
Robert Capel, Glyn Whiting, Richard Binns, Gary Routledge, Alan Ray, Mickey Whybrow,
Dave Robertson , Martyn Stone,
Dave Brown was unavailable for the pic. All of the Team had an excellent day’s cycling and returned to Quesada with the Ham (Jamon) presented to the largest team. On the Sunday evening after the race Peter had organised a great buffet party which
9
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 /pizzeriacocoa
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SHOWROOM: C/Gaspasr Quiles Pascual, 24, ELCHE ELCHE
Tel. 10
965 43 23 50
Eating well....
Winners
Cooking with Gordon
No.
14
One Pan Tikka Salmon
with
How about this for a fantas-
&
tic simple recipe a one pan tikka.
Two Different Styles, Same Great Quality & Service
It is perfect for those dinner parties when you want to impress or even make it on the BBQ on a nice summer evening.
Sharing platters are starting to become very popular both in Winners: 2012 Best Newcomer the UK and in Spain. The variety of foods that you can use both 2013 Best Fine Dining hot and cold, or even a mixture, are limitless. Sometimes its Finalists: unusual combinations that work well, pan fried fish on a bed 2012, 2013, 2014 of lettuce is a good one. Pan Fry any fillet of fish sea bass or Best Chef Dorado are just a couple of examples when the fish is cooked 2013 Best Front of House add a few chopped spring onions some ginger and soy sauce. 2014 Best Fine Dining Just allow the sauce to bubble for a few second and serve on a bed of mixed salad leaves. The heat and the sauce stars to wilt the lettuce and it tastes wonderful. Food and sociability go hand in hand. I think Spain is the ideal location for outside entertaining. It might not feel like it as the weather hasn’t been too great lately, but it won’t be long and the roasting nights will be back that’s when we all want to be outside. That’s definitely the time when easy food has got the order of the day. Let’s not forget that easy doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice fresh or interesting or tasty.
Make in a sturdy ceramic pot and serve it straight on to the table with a big bowl of salad. Everyone can just dive in between sips of a nice chilled wine. Good drink good weather and good friends, it doesn’t get much better than that. 3 tbsp. tikka curry paste 150ml pot natural low-fat yogurt 3 salmon fillets, skinned 2 tsp olive oil 1 large red onion, chopped 1 tsp turmeric 50g soft dried apricots, chopped 200g brown basmati rice Small pack coriander, leaves picked Method Combine 1 tbsp. of the curry paste with 2 tbsp. yogurt. Season the salmon and smear the yogurt paste all over the fil-
Lunch Times
3 courses for €12.95 Tuesday to Friday
Evening Set Menus A La Carte Traditional Sunday Lunch Afternoon Teas Medieval Nights Market Day (Wednesdays)
Lite Lunch & Snacks 637 244 866 or 966 723 485 Calle Ronda Oeste 34, San Miguel de Salinas
lets, then set aside. Heat the oil in a large pan (with a lid) and add the onion. Boil the kettle. Cook
Set Evening Menus A La Carte Traditional Sunday Lun ch Afternoon Teas
the onion for 5 mins to soften, and stir in the remaining curry paste then cook for 1 min more. Add the turmeric, apricots and rice, season well and give everything a good stir. Pour in 800ml water from the kettle. Bring to a boil, and simmer for 15 mins. Cover with a lid, lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 mins more.
662 662 691 691 637 637 or or 966 966 783 783 976 976 Calle Calle Constitucion3, Constitucion3, Algorfa Algorfa
See Seeweb website sitefor forfull fulldetails: details:
vestryrestaurant.com vestryrestaurant.com
Uncover the rice and give it a good stir. Put the salmon fillets on top of the rice and re-cover the pan. Turn the heat to its lowest setting and leave undisturbed for 15-20 mins more until the salmon and rice are perfectly cooked. Scatter over the coriander, and serve with the yogurt.
cloistersrestaurant@gmail.com
info@vestryrestaurant.com www.vestryrestaurant.com 11
BAYA BAIXA beautifully restored Spanish country home. 250m² with 4 bed, 2 bath on 7,300+m² of land with pool, orchard. Close to beach and airport, more. €360,000. AA6240
EL MORALET luxury 5 bed, 3 bath villa with pool. 2700m² plot with sea and mountain views. Huge kitchen/family room with top end appliances. Much more! €349,000. AA5515
LAS BAYAS lovely 3 bed, 2 bath country house minutes from Elche, beaches and airport. Set among beautifully landscaped gardens with pool, more. €265,000. AA6135
GRAN ALACANT 3 bed 2 bath house in Novamar. BEACHFRONT Stunning views of the Med. Garage parking, inverter aircon, security bars and more. €220,000. AA5950
GRAN ALACANT luxury 3 bed villa with garage and private swimming pool. Exclusive Isla de Izaro gated community. Fully furnished with many extras. €360,000 €325,000. AA6118
GRAN ALACANT 3 bed, 2 bath house on popular gated community of Med III with 2 pools, children’s play area, tennis court and private covered allocated parking. €176,500. AA5923
GRAN ALACANT 2 bed, 2 bath house with large garden, air con, security bars, more. Basement offers more living space or bedrooms. Communal pool. €145,000. AA6262
GRAN ALACANT sunny first floor 2 bed apartment in Upper Gran Alacant gated community with communal pool. Garden and terrace. . Stunning views of countryside. €85,000. AA5515
MONTECID spacious 5 bed, 4 bath villa with large pool and bar perfect for entertaining. Move in ready! Fully furnished with security bars, aircon, many extras. €285,000. AA1105
GRAN ALACANT jaw dropping views of the Med from this bright and airy 2 bed, 2 bath house. Guest apartment in basement. Private pool, garage, much more. €395,000. AA6499
EL ALTET country house with pool 15 min walk from the beach. 2 bed plus den, 2 bath, garden, solarium, much more on URBANO land. Plus 3 bed guest house. €685,000. AA6503
GRAN ALACANT walk to the beach! 3 bed, 2 bath house in gated community of Costa Hispania III. Communal pool, gardens, allocated parking, more. €135,000. AA5657
10
Proud sponsors of the Gran Alacant Darts League and friends of ASPETGA
Who needs M&S when there's...
Come & meet
Shops, shopping & more with Ally.
Last month I was on the presentation of
They had a cocktail outside the shop, were
the new collection of this Swedish brand.
we could see a catalogue with ALL the col-
You might think I had to go all the way
lection, which is a very big one I must say.
to Madrid or Alicante to see the collection
This brand has little sections, and each
for myself. No I didn’t. It was right here,
section is for a different type of woman.
in our mountain, in Gran Alacant, in See
You can buy something for a 15 year old
Litha (The clothes and accessories shop in
girl or for an 80 year old woman. So may
Sueño Azul).
pieces with such a different style. And then we were able to see the collection
SNÖ of Sweden is family owned and run,
on the inside, and try it on, and buy some
located in the Northern Swedish town of
with a 20% (This was the best part!).
Östersund. It is here that logistics and design are centered. Is produced in their own
This brand will remain in SEE LITHA, so
production facility and is designed by a
if you are looking for something pretty to
team lead by the founder. SNÖ of Sweden
wear just pop in and check this new ar-
design team creates each new collection
rival. And stay tuned because I have heard
combining classic, timeless materials such
they will be doing some more events when
as crystals and freshwater pearls with arti-
the good weather comes. I will be there!
ficial stones, leather, glass and fabric.
Are you going to miss it?
The
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13
Estate Agents Victoria 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
office in Gran Alacant at any time and
experienced in property services
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MANDY’S
STA BLANCA O C
M O B II T Y
Spanish Diary
RE
by Mandy Tams
MY FIRST TIME I’m sitting on the balcony; the coffee strong and dark, the croissant warm with butter melting through. The oranges freshly caught and juiced. The early sun warms the cockles of my heart and other places as I forgot to put my dressing gown on. I know it’s Sunday as I sit musing on the days gone and the days to come when I hear the familiar Sunday sound of the colourfully painted on lycra clad lovelies
I mean the Spanish guys
on bikes passing with blood pumping calves on the pedals, head down racing the wind thighs pounding and for some unknown reason I remember thinking back to my first time.
I wondered if it was the same for everyone, I mean we are all the same deep down really, all flesh and blood all sin and good, so it was probably the same for everyone reading this too.
It was difficult; an
undertaking that needed thinking about and I was quiet young. First I had to learn all the bits and then where each bit goes.
NEW & USED
go through with the act for the very first time. I look across to heart attack hill, the swallows flitting feeding on the wing on their way to England. The cuckoo is belting out his song on the clot waiting to dupe another bird to bring up his young.
All this adds to my reminiscing because my first time was in the spring at the top of a hill; admittedly not as steep as the one I’m looking at, none the less a hill. We looked around to ensure we were alone and then readied ourselves to take the
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plunge.. But how do we start?
He decided I had to get on before anything else could happen so I put one leg over and straddled, holding tight, hoping this was not going to hurt.
He held me tight and then pushed and let go. Holding my legs in the air as the pedals on the fixed wheel began to spin I set off down the hill at the speed of light or so it seemed. I screamed with pleasure and
Do you remember the trembles the fear, yes that’s right fear.
NTAL & SALES
Can I use them
without breaking or bending something? Then of course there could be real embarrassment if it all goes wrong, will anybody know, will I blush, will it put me off for ever?
Taking all these things into consideration took a little time before finally agreeing to
fear until I hit the kerb and flew through the air like a missile hitting the soft earth. I heard shouting and saw my brother running down the hill shouting that he was
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going to kill me if I’d broken his bike.
Yes I’ll never forget my first time as I watch the cyclists peddle out of view quickly followed by an English guy with his trouser leg tucked into his sock to stop it catching in the chain.
No lycra on him.
He has
what looks like a football shirt tied around his waist, aah a true Brit.
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16
Sandra Piddock talks about one of the
AESTHETIC CENTRE
fastest growing social
Skin Care
groups on the Costas In one of my random trawls through the In-
meeting new people in the flesh., and with 65
ternet a couple of years ago, I came across
members in the region – 25 in Torrevieja alone –
Costa Women. It’s a free to join online so-
I thought there would have been plenty of scope
cial and business community for women
for real time meet ups. I happened to mention
living and working in Spain, and it’s also
with Technology
•
Cosmetic Surgery
that to Ali, and before I knew it, I was in charge
•
Advanced & Laser Skin Care (IPL)
open to ladies who are preparing to move
of setting up the Costa Women, Costa Blanca
to Spain, or even just ‘Dreaming Spain.’
South Group. Ali is very keen to expand the ‘Real
•
Specialists in Anti/Premature Ageing
When I first looked at joining, I couldn’t get past
World’ reach of Costa Women, and there are al-
the business bit, and my first thought was ‘I’m
ready active groups in Almeria, East and West
•
Red Veins/Rosacea
in Spain – it’s too hot for power suits and shoul-
of Malaga, and on the Costa Tropical. Groups for
•
Electrolysis/Laser
der pads.’ I had visions of legions of empowered
Madrid and Barcelona are in the planning stages.
women in suits and killer heels, hair blow dried
The Costa Women, Costa Blanca South Group
•
Dermafrac (micro needling)
to within an inch of their lives, and network-
has been up and running since January 2015.
•
Radio Frequency (skin tightening)
ing like crazy. Definitely not for me – I was in
At the moment it’s small, but thinking big. The
Spain to get away from the rat race, although as
focus of the group is to provide a link to
•
CACI Face & Body Treatments
a freelance writer I was looking for useful con-
cal services and information, and the members
•
Laser Lipolysis
nections.
have a wealth of local knowledge and experience
The deciding factor was, it was free, so I had
to share via blog posts on expat sites and local
•
Medical Skin Peels
nothing to lose. And it was an online community
media, among other things.
•
Microdermabrasion
with local groups, so I didn’t need to run into
For instance, if someone needs a wheelchair for
•
Medical Tattooing
the power suited legions, as there wasn’t a local
hire, we can send them to the right place. And
group within 100 miles.
if life gets a bit too hot to handle, we can help
•
So then, what exactly is Costa Women? It’s the
with that too, as we have active connections with
Cambridge 800 & Weight Management
brainchild of Ali Meehan, and it has been up and
Samaritans in Spain and a local life coach.
running since 2010. Ali wanted to settle down
Costa Women, Costa Blanca South Group meets
•
Holistic Therapies
and make connections and friends, after spend-
on the last Wednesday of each month from
ing 20 years travelling the world for business
2.00pm to 4.00pm at Reflections Bar Restau-
and pleasure, and she had the idea of setting
rant, San Luis, on the CV 905 around 7 kilom-
up a group for women of all ages on the Costa
eters outside Torrevieja. We’re always happy to
del Sol. In no time at all, women from all over
welcome new members, or you can just come
Spain were asking to join, and Costa Women
along and see what you think. We’re all house
spread out from the Costas to cover most of
trained, we have a lot of fun, and there’s not a
Spain. There are even several members in my
power suit or shoulder pad in sight!
tiny home village of Algorfa!
For more information, check out the Costa Wom-
As I found out when I started to explore the
en website, or email Sandra Piddock at sandra@
website, Costa Women is open to all women with
sandrainspain.com
lo-
www.aestheticcentre.es
For more information please call:
a connection to Spain – it’s not restricted to businesswomen and networkers, although there is
Sandra Piddock is a freelance writer, editor and
certainly plenty of support for women in busi-
blogger based in Algorfa on the Costa Blanca.
ness. So, no sweating in the power suit and tot-
She writes mainly about life in Spain on various
tering around on 6 inch heels while the hairdo
expat sites and on her own website, Sandra in
wilted in the heat– what a relief!
Spain.
Members include young mothers, career women, retirees and everything else in between. I was happy to discover not just one but several
966 191 514 or
667 817 546
email: info@aestheticcentre.es
writers’ groups, and there are all sorts of special interest groups available to members. Whether you’re into reading, writing, cooking, photography, healthy living or something else altogether, one or more of Costa Women’s 87 groups is sure to be a good fit for you. And there are job boards and business and personal classifieds too – all free to members.
Head office C. C. La Campana, 1st floor C. Cartagena N-332 Orihuela Costa,
One thing that did disappoint me was that there was no local group on the Costa Blanca. Online interaction is all very well, but nothing beats
17
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MALC’S Little Corner Malcolm Palmer
A COLD CALLER Just as news was breaking about the crazy co-pilot’s dreadful deed in the Germanwings Airbus, a pretty fortyish redhead rang my doorbell, to invite me to something or other involving, as she said, ‘The lord Jesus Christ.’ When I pointed out it was a helluva day to get somebody to believe in some superior being, she sniffed and said, haughtily, ‘Oh, that was man’s work, not god’s.’ Instead of continuing the discussion – she was pretty, and the wife was out – I simply told her I wasn’t interested, and off she went. But come on, did those guys believe this god chap made man in his image, as the bible says, or not? (I’ve read big chunks of it, you see – some good tales, if often a bit gory). Because if he did, then he’d best answer for quite a few, apart from said co-pilot, like Hitler, Stalin, my ex mother-in-law and a whole lot more. Then there are the Islamic fundamentalists. Do they have the same god, or is he a bit different, assembling all those virgins for the suicide bombers? He must be pretty busy at the moment, he’d be hard-pressed to find one around here! When all’s said and done, I prefer my own beliefs. But no, Armstrong and Co. Proved that the moon isn’t made of green cheese, after all, so where does that leave me? Dunno.
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Computer
help & advice
with
27
90 Days last week or so as he enjoys one or two day trips to places like
On the 10th February Steve Hall the owner of www.ThisIsSpain.info started off on a 90 day virtual tour of Spain.
Salamanca, Toledo and Ciudad Real. Steve is famed for his staple diet of pizza (the food of the gods) and coffee (the drink of the gods) so people like Annie B and Keef will, no doubt, help him to understand the finer points of Spanish cuisine.
Yes, a virtual tour where normally he will be viewing the four
So, what is this journey? Why is he doing it?
corners of Spain through the eyes of local hosts and writers. It will be a digital tour of Spain for both Steve and the visitors to
A dozen reasons, I am told. Something of a homage to Spain, a
www.ThisIsSpain.info. He will be shown what is the very best
pilgrimage to Spain, if you like. He has lived here 15 years and
of Spain and what makes Spain unique. He will be “staying in”
is embarrassed that there are still provinces he does not “know”
favourite but modest hostels in Málaga and magnificent hotels
despite spending a lot of these years, “on the road”. Equally over
in Mallorca and Ronda. He will take a look at some of the most
that period he has met hundreds of ebuddies who he would love
exquisite properties on sale as well as the most stunning sunsets
to meet. (I wonder how many know how deaf he is!) He is active
and mountainscapes through words, images and video. He will
in a writers’ group and he would like to spotlight their work. He is
“mingle” with the tourists in Benalmádena and the locals in Ar-
also planning to walk the Camino del Norte once an injury clears
ribes. He will “catch” trains and boats and trains and, no doubt,
so this will be great preparation. Most of all he hopes that you
a few ALSA buses. His partners along the way will be the ladies
the reader of this blog enjoys this 90 day tour of the Kingdom of
of Costa Women who are “partners” for the tour. Normally he will
Spain.
be “driving” in the car kindly supplied by Coys of Torrevieja for the journey.
Please follow him as he travels his journey through Spain. The journey will be charted daily on www.thisisspain.info and will be
The Virtual Tour
shared on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, G+, Pinterest, Instagram, Empire Avenue and many other social media channels. Obviously,
The journey started on the tenth of February in Mallorca with his
this makes it a great opportunity for Tourist Information Centres,
friend Vicki McLeod and then from there to Ibiza. A few days later
town councils, travel companies and even commercial entities to
he will return to the mainland and spend time with his friend Keith
become involved. Please, shout if you have any suggestions.
Nicol in Torrevieja where he lived for many years. He will shoot down into Murcia and Andalucía before he is back to Alicante and
In 2010 Steve did a similar journey but this time on cycle and
then amble up the coast to Denia, Jávea before he arrives at
“In Real Life” as he cycled around the United Kingdom to raise
Spain’s third city, Valencia. After a few days in Barcelona it’s off
awareness for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.
to Bilbao to do a virtual Camino del Norte. That will be punishing
This was a journey of four months and 5000 kilometres. This tour
(!)so next it’s “Rest and Recreation” on the Canaries for a week
of Spain looks a little easier!
before he “returns” to Valladolid with Jennifer Riggins. She will
This month we invited Steve to take a look at our little corner of
see him on his way to Madrid where he will be “based” for the
Spain; Alicante.
Alicante
The region Now that Steve has arrived in our little corner of Spain I imagine he is going to find it hard to leave because not only is Alicante one of the prettiest and most historical around the Alicante Province boasts some of the finest beaches in Europe and history in abundance from the Province’s westerly border near Villena and along the coast from San Pedro del Pinatar in the south up to Ondarra in the north of the region. The
cosmopolitan
population
(approx.
800,000 in the Alicante Province) that call this region home are lucky (or wise) enough to reside in one of the world’s healthiest places to live (WHO April 2006)
28
STEVE HALL
On the road again yet another evening in the town that never sleeps and all that is uniquely Benidorm and just a short bus or train ride away from the perhaps more cultural city of Alicante. Further on along the coast will be the pretty fishing town of Calpe and on a clear day (which is very often the case) you can see Calpe’s own battleship of a rock standing proud – El Penon de Ifach. Driving past me the 4×4’s and VW’s of the hang-gliders heading out of town and south and who will jump off of the top of the cliff at Gran Alacant and eventually make their descent down to the Carabassi beach, landing (conveniently) next to a Chiringuito where cool refreshment is readily supplied. and in the city itself you’ll find fantastic
all budgets, although I can recommend
There’s not a bad soundtrack to the morn-
beaches, superb transportation and his-
the Monks House (casa de los Monjes)
ings usually here either as my neighbour
tory, culture and architecture and a port
which is located in the pretty part of town
puts on some pretty good jazz that com-
offering routes out and a place to dock for
just behind the town hall plaza.
pliments the percussion of the cicadas,
cruise ships exploring the Mediterranean.
doing their thing in the trees below me,
Although a relatively small city (Popula-
What it’s like to live there
very nicely and add to that the constant
tion 350, 00) it is known for its support
On any Sunday morning from my terrace
splash of the waves and the odd bark of
of the arts Alicante hosts many events in-
I take in the view of Alicante Bay while
a dog and we have a neighbourhood city
cluding jazz festivals and the many street
the kettle boils and the toaster begins its
orchestra playing the sound of Spain. I
performers in the area are products of
painfully slow but relatively simple task of
love it.
the many schools for the arts in the area
toasting some bread in readiness for one
not least the ‘Conservatorio’ school for
of my remaining British traits, on what
performing arts.
is a very Spanish morning – slapping
Overlooking the city the Castillo de Santa
You’ll like it here Alicante has something for everyone,
marmite all over it but that can wait as I
whether it’s walking off the beach and
breathe in the salt-scented air..
straight into a modern department store
Barbara dates back to the twelfth century
or strolling the beautiful port at night with
and still impresses visitors, whether ar-
Looking along the coastline you can see
its wide spectrum of restaurants and won-
riving by sea or road, and offers the best
the beaches, which will be starting to fill
derful vistas of the sun going down over
views of the town and south along the
with locals and tourists all planning on en-
yacht masts. I’ve not even mentioned the
coast as far as Gran Alacant with Calpe
joying the day and probably a speedboat
Barrio, the renowned MARQ Museum, the
in the north offering the other end of this
(or two) cutting a white scar through the
hiking or the biking. Nor have I uttered a
panoramic view,
Mediterranean on its way to who knows
word about the Volvo Ocean Race Muse-
where. The white sails of yachts and the
um or even the fabulous Central Market
seagulls contrast with the beautiful blue
that is alive and buzzing on Saturdays
Once in town it’s quickly and abundantly
backdrop and this is every day of the
with everyone from hippies to grandpar-
clear that this is a modern city too with a
year. We like it here and so will Mr Hall.
ents in their Saturday best. But I will.
bustling population filling the roads and
San Juan at the other end of the bay juts
My brief was about this amount of words
pavements on any given day, except of
out into the sea blocking the view of El
but have no fear there’s more to come
course Sunday when Alicante, along with
Campello where the mountains meet the
from Alicante that will enchant our gal-
the rest of Spain shuts for the day. We all
sea, as they do all the way up the coast
lant traveller Steve Hall and remind him
need a day off I guess.
to Calpe in the distance. The rock of Be-
of just what is best about Spain. Alicante,
nidorm stationed like a huge aircraft car-
a historically modern look at Spanish life.
In the city
The city is ready for the arriving travel-
rier protecting Spanish tourism’s crown
ler (I should know) and there are a good
jewels while Brits in vests (I don’t need
range of hotels and pensions to cater for
to be able to see them) will have enjoyed
29
by Sandra Piddock
Torrevieja traffic cops take on the Bar Stool Experts with a great new information website
Don’t you just hate it when the Bar Stool Experts get go-
on the car parks of supermarkets close to towns, villages and
ing on the traffic laws in Spain? How many times do they
beaches. The law is specific on this - there is no parking dis-
get it wrong – just like they get everything wrong, really.
crimination against any vehicle, as long as it is parked safely
And some of the motoring writers online and in the local
and legally, within parking bays if the car park is marked out.
English language press can be so full of worst case sce-
However, once anyone puts out a table and chairs or an awning,
narios you wonder whether it’s even worth taking the
they are deemed to be camping and that is illegal, although it's
risk of getting in your car!
acceptable to sleep in the vehicle as long as it is parked and there is nothing outside. And it's also an offence to dispose of
That’s a great pity, because driving in Spain can be a great ex-
waste water irresponsibly.
perience. The roads are better, and nowhere near as crowded
Eventually, the site hopes to offer translations of official doc-
as in the UK. In Algorfa, where I live, more than four cars at a
uments, but the main focus at the moment is to keep up the
junction counts as a traffic jam, and seven is gridlock. You just
interaction with the public through the Facebook Page and or-
need to get your head around the etiquette on roundabouts –
ganise the information on the website. The initiative has been
just remember it’s non-existent and that every Spanish driver
well received, and the local English language newspapers are
on the road just knows he can either beat you to it or overtake
also spreading the word.
you before your exit and you’ll be fine. The cops behind the website and Facebook Page are also happy Well, obviously those Bar Stool Experts and motoring journal-
to give presentations to expat groups, and their aim is to create
ists are getting up everyone’s noses, because in January 2015,
a useful, user-friendly resource that will cut through the red
the traffic cops of Torrevieja set up a Facebook Page called
tape and confusion and enable drivers all over Spain to trav-
N332 Education. It’s aimed at passing on information regarding
el safely and confidently. They've made a great start, as their
traffic laws, general laws and other useful information to Eng-
8,000 followers will no doubt agree!
lish speaking expats in the Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa region of the Costa Blanca, through which the scenic N332 Coast Road
Contact Francisco Morales via the website for more details
runs.
about presentations for your group, and check out the website
The cops hoped to get a couple of hundred likes from local
every day for updates.
people, but now the page has 8,000 likes from all over Spain,
Website: http://n332.es/
and a new website, n332.es has been set up, where the arti-
cles that have appeared on the Facebook Page can be indexed
ficDepartment?fref=ts
Page:
https://www.facebook.com/TorreviejaTraf-
for permanent and easy future reference. Visitors to the site can also sign up to the newsletter, which will initially be issued
A version of this article first appeared on Insiders Abroad Spain,
monthly. This will enable subscribers to keep up to speed on
an expat website for English speaking expats from all over the
new laws, changes in the law, and any scams that may be doing
world. No Bar Stool Experts, just excellent inside information
the rounds.
from people who really know how it works. Drop by today, and get the inside information on your corner of Spain.
One useful feature of both the Facebook Page and the website is that followers can ask specific questions. These will be answered within 48 hours by a cop who knows the law, rather than a so-called 'Bar Stool Expert' who may be passing on incomplete or incorrect information, or even just opinion. And one thing to remember about Bar Stool Experts is this: The bar they are called to has a Happy Hour! One recent example of the QA feature was a question regarding the difference between parking and camping, and it was sparked by the number of motor homes that regularly park up for weeks on end beachside, or
30
How the men
do it..!
I'm a bad girl,' she whispered, 'Punish me in a way only a real man can!' 'Alright,' I said and left my wet towels on the bathroom floor. 'I want it now against this wall!' she ordered, 'And keep it up as long as possible.' 'Don't worry,' I said, 'I know how to put up a shelf.' At the touch of her lips, it grew long and swollen. I sighed as she squeezed and pulled expertly. It was the best balloon giraffe I'd seen. Staring at her naked body, I asked what she wanted. She told me to go for something between a smack and a stroke. So I went for a smoke. 'How do you feel about using toys in the bedroom?' she asked. 'Fine,' I said, 'But I can't see how we're going to fit a Scalextric in here.' Her body tensed and quivered as she felt wave after wave flow through it. I probably should've told her about the new electric fence. As I lay there on the floor, my body covered in treacle and whipped cream, I heard those inevitable words . . . 'Clean up on aisle 3.' 'Are you ready to be tortured in a way only a woman can torture a man?' she asked. I nodded nervously. 'OK' she said and ate half my chips. Frantically I tore off her dress, bra and knickers. My heart was racing but I just managed to close the wardrobe door before she got home. 'Hurt me!' she begged, leaning over the dining table expectantly. 'OK,' I replied, 'Your turkey's too dry and your sprouts are overcooked.' She leant over the kitchen table. 'Smack that bottom,' she squealed, 'Smack it hard!' 'I am,' I said, 'But the ketchup just won't come out.' She wanted to try phone sex so I pretended to be an IT support guy. It turned her on. Then it turned her off. Then it turned her on again. They asked me to smear their naked bodies with the produce from my herb garden but I just couldn't do it. Too many women, not enough thyme. 'I'm your slave,' she said breathlessly, 'Make me feel completely helpless and worthless.' So I locked her in the shed and went to the pub. Her body trembled and shook.'I can't wait any longer, do it now!' she cried. 'OK,' I said and got the winter duvet from the airing cupboard. 'Harder!' she cried, gripping the workbench even tighter, 'Harder!' 'Alright,' I said, 'What's the gross national product of Nicaragua?' 'Hurt me!' she cried, pressing her body up against the shed wall. 'Alright,' I said. 'You're a terrible cook and I fancy your sister.'
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