All abroad august 2014

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FR

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ad.es allabro www.201 4 issue number 37 August

SPEAK SPANISH SIMPLY! See inside

Mr Grumpy

More.. Another grea t ute on the Costa Blro anca with

on life in Spain

fiscal advice, features, quizzes, puzzles, crosswords, markets, fiestas, what’s on + more!

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2


L O O C L O O C

ALL ABROAD

SUMMER

www.allabroad.es

k! eak! brea Ta a br ke a Take with

Something I love about living

across from the small chapel below

in Spain became apparent to

Gran Alacant cliffs. The evenings at

me last month when I went out

these places are second to none and

on my motorbike which turned

highlight a lot of what is just so good

out to be 100km round trip.

about being out here in Spain.

MONDAY/MONTAG/LUNES

1.Benidorm - 10€ 2. Algar/Guadalest - 13€ TUESDAY/DIENSTAG/MARTES

1.Villajoiosa / ALICANTE - 12€

But several things I did no-

MARKET, CHOCOLATE FACTORY, CASTLE

tice while I was cruising along

It’s that time of year when you see

2. Altea / Benidorm - 13€

the roads of the Costa Blanca

more dinosaurs in my town (usually

was that I didn’t see one po-

inflatable and with a Chinese shop

3.Alicante - 7€ 4.Benidorm - 10€

lice car or one accident or one

price tag) and people who arrive on

traffic jam come to that. But

the Saturday looking rather pasty and

what I did see during my two

who gradually work their way through

hour journey was 52 bars or

the Ambre Soler colour chart before

1. Cartagena - 10€

restaurants. It was then that I

arriving at a crisp mahogany before

*Mar Menor Train inc train 13€

realised that the Spanish have

leaving the place.

ALTEA MARKET

WEDNESDAY/MITTWOCH/MIERCOLES

1. Benidorm - 10€ THURSDAY/DONNERSTAG/JUEVES

*Boat trip -17€ inc boat Boat trip + Train - 20€ inc both tickets Licor 43 Experience

18€ inc drink

Licor 43 Experience + Train

got it about right (life that is) and have done for some time

Bar terraces are filling up nicely (so

now.

I’ve heard...) and on the beach the

21€ inc Drink

2. Benidorm 10€ 3. Guadalest Solar Boat Benidorm 18€ inc boat FRIDAY/FREITAG/VIERNES

RayBun sunglasses are going a storm

1. Benidorm - 10€

You’ve only got to see the summer

amongst the traders although the Rolf

apartments filling up with Spanish

Lauren tee shirts have taken a fall in

2. Condominia/Ikea/Thader - 10€ 3. Murcia - - 10€ 4. TERRA NATURA - AQUA NATURA

who are down for the summer (until

sales for some reason.

27€ Child

COACH + MEAL + SHOW = 51€ COACH + SHOW = 35€

the exodus on 31st August of course) and who will make the very most of

By the time I write to you next we’ll be

the season. I can smell the barbecues

talking about autumn and how many

as I write!

shopping days until Xmas so make the most of the next four weeks – the

Elche has outdone itself again with

31€ Adult

5. BENIDORM PALACE

6. Benidorm Night Out - 11€ 7. Alicante Night Out 9€ 8. Aguilas 30€ Inc boat trip cheese shop, lunch (Jul 11, 25 Aug 8, 22

Sep 5, 19

SATURDAY/SAMSTAG/SABADO

1.Valencia - 16€ (Jul 5, 19 Aug 2, 16, 30

beach never shuts!

Sep 13, 27)

2. Algar Waterfalls - 13€ 3. Benidorm 10€

probably the best two chiringuitos on

SUNDAY/SONNTAG/DOMINGO

the coast with the newest one ‘El Med’

1. Benidorm - 10€

sitting temporarily for the summer

FIESTAS 12

CV Mm-440-A.

Every FRIDAY

Coach + Meal + SHOW = 51€ Coach+ show = 35€

ELCHE Moors & Chris-

08 August 10€

ALTEA Fireworks in sea

09 August 12€

ELCHE Nit d’Alba

13 August 10€

CARTAGENA Carth &

26 & 27 Sept 11€

COCENTANIA Medieval

1 November 10€

MINI CRUISE 4 DAYS

8th

NOV

249€

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G.A.BENIDORM BENIDORMBUS BUS G.A.

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9.20am

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+ 17.30-20.30 Sat 9.30am-13.30

ra

NEW MARKET NEW MARKET 09:15am

Gran Alacant

CENTRO OPTICA MON-FRI: 9.30am-13.30 CENTRO OPTICA Tickets + 17.30-20.30 MON-FRI: 9.30am-13.30 Sat 9.30am-13.30

Terra T Naetrura at ra (Zoo ra +NA + Wa(Zooqu N+atAqu ter P+ua arW k) ateruPraa Natu ark)

Ticket TicketOutlets Outlets &&Benidorm Benidorm Bus Stops in Bus Stops in Gran Alacant Centro Optica

NEWNTEW RIPT! RIP !

SUENO AZUL 9:25am

Webster´s Tickets

everyQUICKSAVE day: 8.30am til 9pm day: every

8.30am til 9pm

Webster´s

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SUENO AZUL 9:25am

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NDIA

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Sezadu Tickets

STOP

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9:30am

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SEZADU CAFE BAR

Molly Malone’s Sezadu 7.30am til late

SEZADU CAFE BAR Molly Malone’s 7.30am til late

Hole in the Wall

Tickets

Times Square

MUNDOMAR

Hole in the Wall

HOLE IN THE WALL BAR Tickets Tickets (MASA SQUARE) 7 days 1pm - 2am.

(Sea World)

MUNDOMAR

RM BENIDO

HOLE IN THE WALL BAR (MASA SQUARE) 7 days 1pm - 2am.

Consum/LIDL

9:10am

(Sea World)

RM

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Consum/LIDL Tickets

9:10am

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(0034) 610 300 103 & (0034) 610 611 619.

SHAMU CAFE Tickets (UPSTAIRS @ GA CENTRE) 7 days 9am - Late. Shamu

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MANDY’S

Mike Locks S.L. Galvit

Spanish Diary

NO MORE RUST

by Mandy Tams My name is Mandy and for the past eleven years on July 23 2014 I have been holidaying in Gran Alacant and I have seen lots of changes, one being those lovely shiny marble pink paving slabs have been changed, you remember those that turned into an ice rink at the first hint of condensation on them, therefore trapping us in our accommodation until they dried. But more about me…I like me…not sure that many do lol… I am opinionated and can be bossy, but basically I am a nice person, but what I love to do is observe my surroundings and the rich tapestry of what is going on around us. Stick with me I am sure you will agree with some of the diary and things that happen to my family and friends in GA. Lots of you will know me by sight, but not necessarily by name… To one I am ‘that bloody woman driver that let a nutter run into the back of her car. ’ With his bull bars a blazing and raring to get his first kill of the holiday he got me. To others I am ‘That funny woman on crutches…’ I hope to some, I am ‘That nice person’, but each to his own. As for the crutches, yes hard to miss especially now I have had new flowery purple ones. That oversized woman on purple crutches is me, and for those that have wanted to, but think it impolite to ask I will tell you it was due to a faulty Polio Vaccine as a child… and no mums and dads DO NOT worry, this cannot happen nowadays as they don’t use a live culture anymore. Anyhow the upshot of it all is it gave me ‘Vaccine Polio, hence the crutches. But the good side of this is, as I don’t race around like a mad dog and take my time I sometimes notice more of the little things that give us amusement through the day and these are what I would like to pass on to you. A little fun and maybe you can even take advice from my diary over the next few months and see where basically we went wrong or right. Stick with it, please give me a chance and you never know you may like me. Mandy Tams xx To Be or not to Be Topless on the beach. For decades now this is a problem women of all ages come up against on their holidays, do

they free themselves from the white marks of tyranny and go strapless or topless… After spending most of their adult lives in push ups, pull ins, chicken fillets, or heaven forbid corsets, do they break free and show the world their assets or stay covered for the rest of their lives hiding their pride and joy from the world…? There is no easy answer to this, but one thing for sure is it applies to both sexes these days. After quiet observation on the beach I have come to the conclusion that a lot of men would benefit from a hold up or pull in strap, some have bigger boobs than most women and certainly not as attractive. Yes I can appreciate the female form even though I am female, but no girls, don’t ask me on a date will you….. Back to the question of to be or not to be topless…I have decided that this is obviously a personal choice thing, but a good rule of thumb for women is: Strip off your top and stand in front of a mirror, if you like what you see then go for it, if you don’t, but want revenge on the male population then go for it… If you don’t mind admiring look from either sex, and there is no woman alive that does not wish to be admired, if they tell you otherwise they are telling porkies, so in the end it is up to you. If you are a man… Strip off and look at yourself in the mirror, but remove the beer goggles first. Patting that bulge and squeezing them moobs (man boobs) together, no matter how often you tell yourself it’s your six pack and pecs, no sorry boys, my advice is go to you wife wardrobe, take out the top she has thrown to the back of the cupboard, or on the floor and try it on. Do female kind a favour and hide some of those red lumps and bumps, stand tall and proud, remove those black sock with your trainers and please, please, please stop rolling your shorts up and tucking them in like adult nappies, this is not a good look, just buy shorter shorts PLEASE. Having watching people from 18 months old to 80+ years and of both sexes and all shapes and sizes, enjoying the freedom of fresh air and sunlight on their assets my conclusion is… It’s up to you. And for the cynical amongst you I am no pin up model with an axe to grind.

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www.legal4spain.com ASPETGA - Looking after our pets in Gran Alacant & Santa Pola Legal Requirements for Drivers in Spain

10

ASPETGA was born through the efforts of several residents of Santa Pola and Gran Alacant aware of the need for regulated areas within the metropolitan area to walk our pets. The project began with a petition calling for a designated dog beach and several parks for the use and enjoyment of our dogs. Today, we have a small dog park in Santa Pola and the promise of a dog park in Gran Alacant. ASPETGA seeks to raise awareness among pet owners, especially dog owners, of the importance of compliance with municipal regulations on pet ownership, stressing in particular the collection of dog droppings. We also seek to maintain a peaceful coexistence with non-pet owning neighbours as well as with the City of Santa Pola. ASPETGA is equally committed to solidarity among pet owners, helping needy families care for their pets with the establishment of a fund to create a food bank and cover basic veterinary expenses. We plan to organize Canine Socialization and Citizenship workshops, games, competitions and other events that bring owners and pets together to live and play. Finally we do not forget pets in need especially those that have been abandoned or are living on the street. ASPETGA intends to collaborate with different associations in the municipality, such as the newly formed Protectora de Animales de Santa Pola y Gran Alacant (Santa Pola and Gran Alacant animal welfare group. ASPETGA´S GOALS The common goal of ASPETGA members is to raise awareness dog ownership and its environment, to enhance their existence and coexistence in the city as much as possible, to promote coexistence between pet owning and non-pet owning citizens and to organize activities for dogs, their owners and those who want to participate. With the above in mind, ASPETGA has set a number of goals: a) First dog park in Santa Pola: we currently have a small fenced dog park within Parque de la Cruz in Santa Pola b) First dog park in Gran Alacant: we

have been promised the construction of a 3,000 m2 dog park on the site behind the service station c) Second dog park in Gran Alacant d) An agility zone in the first Gran Alacant Park dog park e) Designated dog beach f) First Canicross Santa Pola g) Canine Socialization workshops h) Public Awareness and Good Citizenship Campaigns i) Competitions and Games j) Charitable events and fundraisers k) Public awareness campaigns about vaccinations, processionary caterpillar season, etc ... l) Demonstrations by the K-9 Unit of the Policía Local m) Pool Party “Water Dogs” n) Pet Owner Day, where we will educate the public on the local laws and regulations. ASPETGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ASPETGA´s Board of Directors is made up of seven neighbours with extensive experience in animal welfare including a veterinarian (An Amorós), a canine behaviourist (Belma Canales), members and volunteers in animal welfare. We also have a representative for cat owners and one representative of dual nationality to represent and advise expat pet owners. • President Olatz Mensua. Olatz is an animal lover and volunteer at the Protectora de Animales de Alicante. He presented the initial draft of the Gran Alacant dog park project to Santa Pola town hall. • Vice-President An Amorós. An is a veterinarian at CCV Amorós veterinary clinic in Santa Pola. She was one of the first to collect signatures calling for the creation of pet friendly spaces. • Secretary Rosa Mª García. Rosa is a

member and volunteer at several animal shelters, from the beginning has been involved in collecting signatures and the Gran Alacant dog park project alongside Olatz. • Treasurer Belma Canales. Belma volunteers with the Protectora de Animales de Alicante (local animal welfare society) and the Corazones de Oro association (service dogs group), has a extensive experience in canine behaviour. • Board Member Maribel Monllor. An animal lover, Maribel also was involved early on in the collection of signatures by the VicePresident An Amorós. • Board Member Mari Plaza. Representing cat owners, Maribel is a volunteer at the Asociacion Señor Eco, a group that works to manage feral cat colonies in Gran Alacant. • Board Member Laura Treviño. With dual citizenship, Laura is the representative of expat pet owners. In addition to ASPETGA, she works with Puppy Rescue Spain and Gran Alacant Pet Watch. GRAN ALACANT DOG PARK However in Gran Alacant there was no playground for our dogs and one year after the opening of the Santa Pola dog park it was urgent to create one. Independently of the petition drive, ASPTEGA´s president, Olatz Mensua, a resident of Gran Alacant, presented a project for a dog park and dog beach the local councillor, Loreto Cascales. Along with other neighbours in Gran Alacant, a group was created on Whatsapp for pet owners. The idea was to keep members informed of developments in negotiations and meetings with town hall. This group also was used to disseminate information on lost pets in our community. The group has a nearly 100% success rate in recovery of lost pets.

The project was presented at the end of 2013 and there were subsequent meetings with relevant councillors. Different sites were considered and analysis was made of cost, location and parking. Finally it was decided that the best site was one near the N332, behind the Repsol petrol station.

Our own contributors - experienced for expat info

7


“Get on yer bike!” by Gary Routledge www.cyclogicalcostablanca.com

Quebrantahuesos 2014 (The Bone Crusher). The “ Quebrantahuesos” marcha cicloturista or

coffee.

At 7pm we returned to the Expo area

De Los Frailes, when we started the temperature

The Bone Crusher as it is more commonly called

which by this time was manic with people every-

was approx 16 degrees but by now the sun had

is a very long, hard cyclo- sportif in the Spanish

where and hundreds queuing to registrar, we had

come out and it was starting to get quite warm.

and French Pyrenees mountains over a distance

a pasta and a beer and then retired to the car to

Right at the top was the border with France and

of 205kms with 3500 metres of vertical ascent

settle down for the night as there were no rooms

a feed/water station, I had hardly used any wa-

and is Spain’s biggest and toughest Sportif and

available for miles and anyway we needed to be

ter at this point so decided to keep going, during

usually takes place on the 3rd Saturday of June

up at 5am. At 5am we woke, prepped my bike

the climb and missing out the water stop I man-

every year . The route takes you over three main

and made our way to the start line, Martin was

aged to pass loads of people. On the descent it

climbs Col du Somport, Col du Marie Blanque

not participating but was there to assist and help

was very fast with various people unable to take

and Col du Portalet and starts and finishes in the

me prepare for the day’s race, he also shared the

the corners and crashing into the barriers, the

picturesque town of Sabinanigo at the foot of the

driving which was a great help. We were amongst

speed of my descent was approx 70k per hour

Pyrenees. Over 205kms cyclists are pushed to

the first competitors at the start line which was

and people were still passing me on all sides.

their limits as the combination of a long route

all sectioned off in categories, i.e.; the first 500

and tough Pyrenean climbs takes its toll. The

places were for the VIPS and professionals and

After the long sweeping descent with many ac-

race is steeped in cycling history as many stages

the next 1500 were previous Gold medal winners

cidents, everything seemed to settle down again

of Vuelta a Espana have finished in Sabinanigo

then there was us – the rest of the bunch ap-

and we managed to get into a good rhythm the

and the route has been used many times in the

prox 7,000 of all ages and abilities then behind

terrain had started to change, the roads became

Tour de France.

us another 3000 doing the Medio Fondo.

There

narrower and we entered woods at the beginning

were all sorts of bikes and all types of people and

of the much feared Col du Marie Blanque climb

After doing many of the local Sportifs over the

within minutes we were completely boxed in and

12 km straight up. The lower slopes were easy at

past 3 years I decided to try and get a place

unable to move for the next 90 mins.

first 7% however they soon got harder with the last 4k a relentless 13-15% gradient, there was

in the 2014 “Quebrantahuesos”. There are over 18000 people try and get one of the 8700 places

Choppers overhead at the start, the boom of the

no recovery or bends to go round the outside of,

available for the Gran Fondo (205kms) and the

starting gun at exactly 7.30am, beautiful sun-

it was more or less straight up and up. It was

3000 places for the Medio Fondo (85kms) and

shine, 12000 riders, 30 minutes to cross the

made even more difficult by the number of cy-

after a few attempts I was graced with an e-mail

start line, long hard slogs and very sharp climbs,

clists who had had enough and simply stopped in

to say that I finally had a place ten weeks before

fast descents and tight switchbacks, tired legs

the middle of the road and started to walk, there

the actual event , I was chuffed to bits however

and sweaty heads, huge Expo at the registration

was also a number of slower cyclists swerving

Lynn was not too happy as I had been racing in

area, free bike parking, free beer and pasta at

all over the road which again made it difficult for

Cieza last May and had a bad crash waking up in

the finish and a few casualties is a little of what

me to pass.

hospital on a drip with 3 broken ribs also badly

sums up this great Sportif “Quebrantahuesos”. Quite often ambulances would also try to

damaging my precious bike.

8

Off we went at the bang of the gun promptly

squeeze up at the same time which was very dif-

So early on Friday morning the 20th June my

at 7.30am; it took me approx 7 minutes just to

ficult for them and nerve wracking for me. At the

good friend Martin and I left Quesada at 7am,

pass the starting point with some people taking

top of the Marie Blanque there were hundreds

we drove the 675k to Sabinaniago. We arrived

over 30 minutes. We passed through the town of

of spectators waving flags and giving shouts of

there at approx 2pm and the town was absolute-

Sabinanaigo which seemed to take forever but

encouragement as we passed by. As we start-

ly buzzing with cyclists and cars/vans with bikes

not long after we were out in the countryside

ed the descent, there was also another water

on board. We were very lucky and managed to

riding along in a peleton of approx 1000 bikes

station just passed the top where I stopped to

find a good parking space in the town centre only

unable to go any faster or to move out of this

fill both of my water bottles as by this time we

400m from the Expo Registration area. Regis-

group. With only 15 mins gone we had already

were halfway round the course. The descent

tration started at 3pm and was very straight for-

passed numerous accidents with people’s chanc-

was more technical than the Somport and much

ward; I was given my race number and magnetic

es of finishing gone in seconds. The first 25k was

more twistier however it was a lot shorter, the

bracelet for the various timing devices set out

relatively flattish and gave me an opportunity to

road flattened out into a large lush green mead-

over the entire course.

settle down, we came to the first climb Col De

ow which was a fantastic sight with a very busy

Somport at the 37k mark, this was a reasona-

feed station located here again which I bypassed

We had a quick walk around the Expo area and

bly easy and pleasant climb of around 18k, very

as I had already filled my bottles only 5k before.

had a look for somewhere to grab lunch and a

similar to climbing up from Albatera to Hondon

The next 20k were relatively flat and I managed


CYCLING tips advice routes

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toughest sportif in Spain. (Bone Crusher) Well

to stick with a peleton of 50 bikes who were all roughly the same speed and ability as myself, I

After another long fast descent, this time not

done to everyone who completed it as I know

was with them all the way to the start of the very

particularly tricky allowing me a good chance to

there were hundreds who didn’t due to accidents,

long (27k) climb up the Col Du Portalet, again it

recover we were eventually directed onto which

fatigue and exhaustion.

started relatively easy but soon racked up to 8%

seemed a very minor road, almost a country lane

for long stretches, it would level for a few hun-

with passing places, I was in a group of only 10

My Raleigh Team Militis bike performed really

dred metres then 8% again. It wasn’t particu-

cyclists travelling at 40k per hour and unable to

well and I’m glad I changed the rear cassette for

larly hard at this stage but the temperature had

see around the corners as they came upon us so

a titanium 11/28 as it would have been really

risen to 38 degrees and was very warm.

fast, still we pressed on, the road surface grad-

tough trying to get up that climbs on a 26. The

ually deteriorated and then all of a sudden we

month before the race I had no extra time to

The scenery was fantastic and all of a sudden it

started to climb very quickly, this was the sting

train apart from our normal Thursday night and

started to get harder with each kilometer being

in the tail that everyone had spoken about – the

Sunday morning so special thanks to the guys

marked by posts which also gave you the height

Hoz de Jaca which was 2k at 13%, it was not a

whom I made climb up to the Hondon de las

already climbed and height still to climb.

This

pretty climb but very steep, it was the longest 2k

Frailes every Thursday night and Sunday morn-

climb went on and on and from about 2k out we

of the day, once I got over the top and headed

ing for 5 weeks. Cheers guys and thanks Martin

could see the summit, just as I approached the

downwards for some recovery I found that I was

you make a great Domestique.

summit there were huge crowds lining the route

cycling on my own with a very strong headwind

cheering everyone on which really motivated me

and I was trying hard to push 30k –per hour.

This was a great experience not just the race but the atmosphere and the sheer volume of people

as I sprinted over the top of the Col Du Portalet delighted to have conquered the last major climb.

All of a sudden I started to feel drained for the

and just been amongst other like minded individ-

After descending for 5k we reached a lovely little

first time in the day, I had 16k to go and just over

uals all with the same objective. Praise must go

village with ski lifts, this was approx 150k mark

an hour to get back to qualify for a Gold medal, I

to Chain Reaction who manage and organize the

and as I was very warm at this point I took ad-

decided to slow down and wait for a group to pass

event as it was brilliantly organized. They have

vantage of the next water stop to replenish my

so I could tag onto them. After about 5 minutes

had plenty previous experience as it was their

bottles and pour some water over my head, how-

a fast moving group of 20 bikes passed, I latched

24th year.

ever the girl had handed me a cup of lemonade

onto the back and cycled the last few kilometers

by mistake which resulted in me having to wash

back into Sabinanigo thinking that we were go-

my hands, face, glasses and mirror as everything

ing to follow the town bypass which was the road

was now sticky!

that we came out on we were wrong, we ended

valuable time.

This I’m sure cost me some

up on a detour around the town and entered the town at the opposite end, this was a long stretch of road and not very flat, however after a few minutes we were back in the town and there were throngs of people everywhere cheering everyone on the final stretch. Cycling together as a group through the town and across the finish line, I ended up with a time of 7 hours and 29 minutes with a Gold medal, I was absolutely delighted with this result, I found my buddy Martin who was waiting patiently for me at the finish line and we went to the food tent for some pasta and coke, we chilled around soaking in the atmosphere for approx 2 hours and then made our way back to the car, I washed and changed before loading the bike and headed home. We had a great drive home in some lovely weather and finally arrived back in Quesada at 12.30am; this was a fantastic ride but very long and hard, no wonder they call it the

9


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Positive thoughts, a great sensation Why don’t you start a brand new fashion Live your life with belief and passion Kick those doubts and fears away And you will create a brighter day For you are a shining star Act on great thoughts and you’ll go far When you know this, it’s plain to see Your thoughts suppress Or set you free! If you have any questions or need advice re this article you can email Simone. At simmac@live.co.uk Best Wishes All Abroaders!

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Eating well.... with

The home of good food, service & ambiance

Winners

2012

Best Newcomer

Cooking with Gordon

7

No.

Steak & Guinness Pie

2013

A hearty

Best Fine Dining

meal to feed those hun-

Food is our passion, service is our pleasure.

gry visitors or family and cost-effective too!

For the pie Mix 1. Put ½ onion thickly sliced into a fairly large saucepan with some olive oil and gently fry until the onion starts to soften and become

Thanks again for the many e mails that you

clear. Be Careful not to burn the onion.

are sending through to chef@vetryrestaurant.

When the onion is has softened turn the heat

com. We have now started work on a new web site and food blog. Details to come soon. I am

up and add 750g of stewing steak. Keep the

receiving many questions about food intoler-

mix moving, as the meat will try to stick to

ances and allergies. This is a massive area,

the pan. A wooden spoon is good for this as

unfortunately we do not have space here but

you can scrape any stuck pieces from the bot-

on the web site there will be a whole section

tom of the pan, this all helps with the flavour.

dedicated to special diets.

When the meat has sealed, a little darkening

I myself have type 2 diabetes which I control

on the meat is fine ,reduce the heat and add a

by diet with assistance of three small tablets

can of Guinness.

a day. By far the most important control is the diet. It is very important to eat small quantities regularly and it is very important to eat the correct things. Fruit and vegetables are the obvious things but there are many products such as wholegrain rice

2. Season with salt and pepper 2 bay leaves and 2 pinches of mixed herbs. Bubble the mix gently until the meat is tender.

and wholemeal pasta.

How long this takes depends on the meat.

There are also many very good sugar free foods that supermarkets now stock that help with this

This is an ideal recipe for using a cheaper cut

nibbling diet for diabetics. There are also many gluten free and vegan products that are now

of meat since given time it will become tender.

readily available. When my son was two the doctors thought that he was allergic to gluten, at

The liquid will reduce so when the meat is

that time you could only get bread and biscuits by prescription, and they tasted awful. By far the most important thing to do is read every label on every product. You will be surprised to find that many products whose packaging gives the impression of being health are not very healthy. My breakfast cereal of choice is wheatabix I have found it to be low in sugar and low in salt. Salt is one of the other ingredients to make sure you reduce. My tip of the month is; if you are on a special diet ad find some of the food you need to eat is lacking in taste, experiment with adding things. For example as I say my favourite cereal health

tender add more Guinness and bring back to simmer I find gravy granules creates nice thick gravy. Put to one side to cool. For the pastry 3. 250g plain flour add a pinch of salt and 125

wise is weatabix, but it is a bit cardboardy, so I add soya milk and a sliced banana, makes it

g of butter into a mixer with a beater blade (

much better.

or by hand but can be a struggle in this heat)

Opening Hours

Lunch Times Tuesday to Friday from 1.00pm

Choose from a wide range of homemade Starters, Main courses (including Roast of the day) & the full selection of Desserts from our A La Carte Menu €12.50 (Inc. Glass of wine)

Evenings 7 Nights a Week from 7.00pm

Full A La Carte and Set Menu available Traditional Sunday Lunch from 1.00 pm

Vestry Algorfa

when the mix starts to come together add on egg and about 2 tablespoons of water. The mix should be smooth and come completely away from the bowl. Wrap in greaseproof paper and put in the fridge for ½ hour. 4. When ready divide the mix into 2 and roll both on a floured cool surface until sufficient to cover a pie dish. We make individual pies in separate dishes and would be able to make three from this mix. 5. Put the pie mix into the dish wet the edges of the pastry with water and put the other rolled out pastry over the top. Press the edges together and crimp to seal and make a nice pattern.

Find us in Calle Constitución, 3 - Algorfa

Tel. 96 678 3976 - 662 691 637

6. With a small knife make a small hole in the pastry lid and then apply egg wash. In a 180 deg oven this should take about 45 minutes to cook.

info@vestryrestaurant.com www.vestryrestaurant.com 11


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I.V.A Included This festival which is held in late May every year was an early start for us with a pick

Because the festival is so popular there are

up from the coach in La Marina at seven

a few queues at the patios so don’t expect

in the morning. With two stops along the

to just turn up and find an empty table!

way, one for coffee and a lunch stop we ar-

The owners control it well though and it

rived in the small and historic town of Ba-

does allow the visitor to take a look around

nos at 4.30pm. Directly opposite our hotel

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derful place to visit and look around, especially the river and the impressive bridge

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were ready to go and arrived in the city

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at 10.30am to begin touring the wonderful

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patio courts that are private homes deco-

very nice breakfast and offering views of

rated with beautiful flowers for this festi-

the castle and lake.

val. All open to the public there are also some good bars and restaurants and we

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33

• • 2ndTerraced Townhouse Floor Apartment • • American Lounge, Utility Room kitchen • • Lounge/Diner Dining Room, A/C, Garage • Furnished • • A/CSecurity Grills. •Tiled • Large balcony Lift Terrace • • Gated Balcony, Glazed Porch community • • Communal 800 Mts To&The Beach Pool Solarium

BRO 246 A l URB. SAN LUIS

77,000 Euros

2 Build 76m2

3

1 Build 76m2

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to OC e 169 dul cLAedREGIA

R Euros 110,000 99,000 Euros 1 Build 55m2

• Ground Floor Apartment • Plot 97m2 • Build North Facing• Indep. Kitchen BRO 235 - AGUAS OC 169 l LA NUEVAS REGIA • Lounge/Diner• Part furnished • Utility Room • 5 mins drive to the beach

107,000€ 110,000 Euros 22

2 3 • • • • • •

1 1 Build Build75m2 55m2

• • Ground American Kitchen, Lounge/Diner Floor Apartment • • PlotA/C, 97m2Ceiling Fans • Balcony, Tiled Terrace • Build North Facing• Indep. Kitchen • Bbq Off Road Parking • Lounge/Diner• Part furnished • Close To AmentiesFive Mins. • Utility Room Drive To The Beach

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79,000 Euros

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2

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• Buenavista • Ground Floor Apartment • Lounge/diner• American Kitchen Balcony• Furnished • Ceiling Fans CQ•CQ 287 A l -CIUDAD SAX QUESADA 201 • Fitted Wardrobes • A/C • Tiled Terrace • Communal Pool

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• • Buenavista Plot 10000 M2 Floor Apartment • Ground • Lounge With A Fireplace • Lounge/diner• American Kitchen • Fitted Wardrobes • Balcony• Furnished • Ceiling Fans Head Office • Spiral Staircase Leading To Roof • Fitted Wardrobes • A/C • A/C, Storage Room Sales & Fiscal Departments • Tiled Terrace • Utility Room, Security Grills

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54,000 Euros 115.000€

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2

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R Euros ,950 Euros 77,000 69159,000€

1 2 Build Build75m2 76m2

• • Quad Quad House• Plot 85 M2 2 Townhouse Plot 68m • • South Lounge/Diner, facing • Indep.American Kitchen Kitchen • • Lounge/diner A/C, Balcony,, Solarium • Furnished • Off Road Parking, Security Grills • Glazed Balcony • Covered patio • Comm Pool Close To Amenties • Solarium • Off road parking • 800 Mts To The Beach

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to LUIS edSAN BROOC246 l-URB. cLOS 246 ALTOS eAdu

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o CQ 156 ed tPEPA edAul cDOÑA R Euros 130,000 124,950 Euros 3

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ENT

ANAGEM M W E N R UNDE

THE PARK INN (Next to the Chop Shop) Ciudad Quesada

The

Park Inn (In the Car Park next to the Chop Shop)

Ciudad Quesada

The friendly bar where you will get a warm welcome with a smile!

The 8th of August looks to be a

And that’s not all!

day to mark in your diary as The

Other enticing and interesting stuff

• Now Showing:

Park Inn (formerly known as The

from The Park Inn team includes a

• DAILY SKY SPORTS LIVE

George Pub) in Ciudad Quesada

Meat Raffle every Saturday. Tickets

opens its doors to officially invite

can be purchased at 2 Euro, any day

customer old and new to an even-

of the week and are drawn every Sat-

ing of fun and entertainment fea-

urday at 6 pm for a meat pack to the

turing the one and only Johnny

value of 20 Euro. They also have a

Fox.

free Buffet every Saturday afternoon from 3:30pm for all customers as well

TASTY BAR SNACKS

popular.

VARIETY HOT/COLD SANDWICHES

VARIETY HOMEMADE CAKES

& FANCY TARTS

ing there and with daily sports being shown live, quiz nights, karaoke and live entertainment coming soon there

They also have a Bonus ball lottery

is always something going on at The

every week and Cheese and Wine

Tony The Park Inn is bustling with customers and the couple would like to invite all readers to come along and enjoy the official opening

• Coming soon:

afternoon and is proving to be quite

phere with the friendly team work-

agement of Julie and

• ALL SPORTING EVENTS

FULL ENGLISH BREAKFASTS

as the live racing. This is a very fun

Now under the man-

• FREE WIFI

The Park Inn boasts a great atmos-

Park Inn.

• WIDE SCREEN TV

“The friendly bar where you will get a warm welcome with a smile!”

tasting on Monday evenings starting in September 1st and also in September a planned Coffee morning for cancer charity “Macmillan”

• Future events: •

Live entertainment

Fun Quiz Night

Karaoke

which includes homemade

cakes,

finger

sandwiches and tea and coffee in china cups – a

night to see just what a friendly and

traditional English Tea party with all

fun place the Park Inn is.

money raised to go to the charity.

Also coming soon or already under

Already popular with locals The Park

way at the pub is some tasty food in

Inn has enhanced its reputation as

the way of

Full English breakfasts,

‘your local pub’ under the new man-

tasty bar snacks plus a variety of hot

agement of Julie and Tony and as

&cold sandwiches. Also available soon

we’ve mentioned before the friendly

will be a variety of homemade cakes

team that staff the pub will show you

and some very delicious looking fancy

that this is the friendly bar where you

tarts.

will get a warm welcome with a smile!

PLAY YOUR CARDS RIGHT Sunday afternoon with our very own KEith & Sharon We are open: 8:00am tilll late EVERY DAY

Ciudad Quesada

Tel: 966 717 959

Our own contributors - experienced for expat info

19


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These vehicles sell for between £6,000-£10,000 in the U.K. 20

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COMING SOON TO

GRAN ALACANT!

l a n o i t i d a Tr

In asso ciation with: Cork n Bottle The Ho & le in th e Wall

Carvery

at The Belfry Restaurant - Plaza Mayor (MASA Square)

MIDWEEK Menus of the Day

STAFF REQUIRED: For all departments - Please leave a C.V. or your application at either the Cork n Bottle Bar or at The Hole in the Wall Bar with a contact number. Interviews will be held Mon 1st- Wed 3rd September

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21


HAIR & BEAUTY

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...IT COULD BE YOU! CALLING ALL CHEFS

– SO YOU THINK YOU CAN COOK!!! If you are a chef, you could be part of

FOR THE VISITORS:

the COSTAS COOK OFF! Show off your

If you can can guess the combination

talent and promote your restaurant!

number of the safe at the Show then

By tantalising our visitors taste buds

it could be YOU to win 500.00 euro

in the red chilli pepper or green olive

cash! Yes 500.00 euro cash

kitchens.The Homes Gardens & LIFE-

if you have any antiques you would

STYLE Show is getting ready to bloom

like valued UK TV’s Mark Stacey will

into action again with even more fun

be on hand to value them, bring them

features, information and inspiration

along and see if you have some hid-

to bring you an amazing Show once

den treasure!

again this autumn at the La Finca Golf

If you want a great, fun day out in

& Spa Resort Hotel in Algorfa on 15th

October, and an opportunity to win

& 16th October.

plenty of free prizes including a luxury weekend spa break and 32” Smart

We are growing on a daily basis and

TV........This Show could just be for

have the A – Z of everything Homes,

YOU!

Gardens, Lifestyle and Leisure at

This popular and expanding event is

this exciting event and we need you

not just homes and gardens it has

to make it happen! So COULD IT BE

something for everyone with talks

YOU?........and we are not just look-

and presentations, health and beauty,

ing for Chefs to get involved there are

FREE financial advice to cookery de-

even more opportunities to be part of

mo’s, shopping, free prize draws plus

the most successful Show concept on

lots of information and inspiration for

the Costas....... READ ON!

your Home, Garden, LIFESTYLE and Leisure– Everything you need and

If you are an artist why not enter our

want, plus more!! Come along and

Art Competition to display your pieces

enjoy a fantastic, fun day out and a

of art at the Show’s Art Gallery, win a

great Show experience with GM Pro-

cash prize and also have the opportu-

motions.

nity to sell your art work! If you are in the wedding, parties and

Don’t miss THE Event of the Year!

celebrations industry........contact us

Coming to Algorfa at the La Finca Golf

to be part of our new celebrations

& Spa Hotel. 10.00 until 17.00 on 15th

feature.

& 16th October Show entry just €2.50 per person.

If you are in a business related to

See local press and www.gmpromo-

homes, gardens, lifestyle and leisure

tions.es for more details or contact us

why not contact us to have a stand

on 634 399 125 email gina@gmpro-

and promote your products and ser-

motions.es if you would like to par-

vices.

ticipate in any aspect of the Show....... we and our main Show Sponsors Cur-

22

To get involved and participate in the

rencies Direct look forward to inviting

features above email gina@gmpromo-

you all to the Show in October. Hurry

tions.es or call 634 399 125 for more

if you would like a stand at the Show!

info.

The countdown is now on!


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ALTOMAR FINE FINISHING

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AUGUST OPEN 09:00 TO 14:00

ALL MONTH SEPTEMBER BACK TO NORMAL

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TEL: 963 865 144 663 049 258 - MOBILE: 648 786 708

24

55€ 55€


BASIC SPANISH with

la el el el

Months Meses enero febrero marzo

January February March

abril

April

mayo

May

junio

June

julio

July

agosto septiembre octubre

primavera verano otoño invierno

en en en en

1

August September October

noviembre

November

diciembre

December

Estaciones del año – Seasons

2

spring summer autumn winter

primavera verano otoño invierno

in spring in summer in autumn in winter

lunes martes miércoles jueves viernes sábado domingo

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

3 de dónde eres? - where are you from? (familiar) de dónde es usted? - where are you from? (polite) soy de ... - I’m from ... Inglaterra - England Reino Unido - the United Kingdom Gran Bretaña - Great Britain Estados Unidos - United States

en enero en febrero en marzo

in January

Canada - Canada

in February

Australia - Australia

in March

Nueva Zelanda - New Zealand Francia - France

en abril

in April

en mayo

in May

Portugal - Portugal

en junio

in June

Alemania - Germany

en julio

in July

Holanda - The Netherlands

en agosto en septiembre en octubre

in August in September in October

en noviembre

in November

en diciembre

in December

España - Spain

Italia - Italy Grecia - Greece Suecia - Sweden Noruega - Norway Dinamarca - Denmark Islandia - Iceland Estonia - Estonia

25


all BORED? all BORED? all BORED? all BORE

A BIG PAGE of

PUZZLE FUN!!

riddles

1. I am the fountain from which no one can drink. For many I am considered a necessary link. Like gold to all I am sought for, But my continued death brings wealth for all to want more. What am I? 2. Polly Perkins was after a talking parrot, so she went to the local pet shop in the hope of securing such a find. She was in luck. The shop assistant assured her that the parrot would learn and repeat any word or phrase it heard. Polly was delighted. However, a week later, the parrot still hadn’t spoken a word. Polly returned to the shop to complain, however, it appeared that the assistant was accurate in what he had said, and refused a refund. Why didn’t the parrot talk? 3. The priest in my hometown told us that on a particular day he would walk on water for 30 minutes. The lake was not dry and we all observed the priest actually walking on water. How? 4. The following sentence is false. The preceding sentence is true. Are these sentences true or false?

Across

1. Siter’s headache 5. Profound 9. Spanish mistres 14. Baby __ 15. Old Icelandic literary work 16. Of _ (periodicaly) 17. “Aha!” 18. Take _ (swim) 19. Don’t mind _ (yes) 20. 1951 Bogart/Hepburn Oscar winer 23. Director Sidney 24. Part of E.U.: Abr. 25. Skewer 28. Beautiful Girl author, Elisabeth 32. Linguist Chomsky 3. Harder to find 35. Citrus drink 36. Box that debuted in 1951 40. Wave in Juarez 41. “Either it goes _ (ultimatum) 42. _-sci 43. Polynesian painter 45. Hunt in France 47. Clasic Britsh sports car 48. Org. 50. 1951 novel that introduced Holden Caulfield (with “The”) 57. Big dos 58. Martian prefix 59. “African Quen”, for example 60. _ imports (home furnishings chain) 61. End for a gang or mob 62. “__ Karenina” 63. Pharaoh’s land 64. Peruse carefuly 65. Poverty’s wardrobe

Down

1. Londoner, e.g. 2. Charge 3. Suit o _ 4. Site of Bowie’s last stand 5. Worywart’s words 6. Dog on “Frasier” 7. Decre 8. Nickname of author who pened “The Old Man and the Sea” (1951) 9. Rum cocktail 10. Show of a flag 1. Falco of “The Sopranos” 12. Conecting point 13. Son, old style 21. Common sufix 2. Israeli desert 25. Umknown, abrev. 26. Dough 27. Island nation in the Pacific 28. Biscuit hat urned 39 in 1951 29. Some Sony products 30. They’re adored 31. _ Menie (Bieber song) 3. Bridle part 34. Math subj. 37. Lives 38. Extended family 39. It may be under your thumb 4. Big car mfg. 45. 7-Eleven, e.g., briefly 46. Sound of surprise 48. _-ground misile 49. Curl one’s lip 50. Superhero acesory 51. Not worth __ (valueles) 52. Deuce toper 53. Coarse file 54. Gosip columnisy Baret 5. Yin’s oposite 56. Flight data, briefly

1. Oil. 2. The parrot was deaf and as such couldn’t repeat a single word it had heard!. 3. It was winter and the lake was frozen. 4. Neither, it’s a paradox. If the first is true, then the second must be false, which makes the first false; it doesn’t work. SOLUTIONS:

It's a toughy! 26

It's EASY!

Across

Down

Across

Down

1 Felines (4) 4 Posterior (4) 6 Ritual (4) 8 Region (4) 11 Squabble (4) 13 Leopard (7) 14 Sprint (3) 16 Devil (5) 18 Opponent (5) 21 Integer (5) 22 Of the nose (5) 24 Permit (3) 25 Greeted (7) 28 Shack (4) 30 Edge (4) 31 Minerals (4) 32 Lout (4) 33 Crooked (4)

1 Part of a week (9) 8 Mud (5) 10 Outpouring (5) 12 Cover (3) 13 Pitch (3) 14 M East port (4) 15 Ship’s bunks (6) 16 Commence (5) 18 Heed (6) 20 Close (4) 22 Domestic fowl (3) 23 Solidify (3) 24 Derision (5) 25 Scent (5) 26 Engaged (9)

1 Fellow (4) 2 At that time (4) 3 Mentioned (5) 4 Umpire (3) 5 Chess piece (4) 7 Weary (5) 9 Canyon (6) 10 Book of maps (5) 12 Amphibian (4) 15 Merged (6) 17 Subtract (5) 19 Kegs (4) 20 Intense beam (5) 23 Loaded (5) 24 Got beaten (4) 26 Occasion (4) 27 Hollow (4) 29 Pig (3)

2 Banish (5) 3 Require (4) 4 Relation (6) 5 Separate (5) 6 Set up (9) 7 Counterpane (9) 9 Large church (7) 11 Companion (7) 15 Embargo (3) 17 Bank note? (6) 19 Coast (5) 21 Run off to marry (5) 23 Bearing (4)

Letters: used: CAPSULING

Advertising hotline! 606 540 408 - TAKE UP OUR OFFER!


27


28

Advertising hotline! 606 540 408 - TAKE UP OUR OFFER!


Local Markets MONDAY Callosa d’En Sarria, Dénia, Elche (Plaza de la fruta, Plaza de Barcelona and Plaza de Sant Josep), Ibi, Monovar, Petrer, Santa Pola, La Nucia

TUESDAY Altea (farm produce), Aspe, Benidorm (farm produce), Elda. Jijona, Orihuela, Pilar de Horardada (Mil Palmeras).

WEDNESDAY Alcoy, Banereres, Benejama, Benidorm, Callosa de Segura, Campello, Guardamar del Segura, Muchamiel, Novelda, Ondara, Petrer, Sax, Teulada, Polop de la Marina (farm produce).

FIESTAS!

Fiestas Torre de la Horadada 2014, Pilar de la Horadada from August 14 to 17 La Asunción, San Roque, Cristo del Amparo y la Virgen de la Cueva, Beniarrés from August 14 to 18

San Bartolomé, Finestrat August 24

Virgen de Castells, Castell de Castells August 15

Fiestas en Pinar de Campoverde, Pilar de la Horadada August 24

Fiestas del Barrio Plà de Sarrió, El Campello August 15 Virgen de la Asunción, El Castell de Guadalest August 15 La Purísima, El Ràfol d’Almúnia August 15 Purísima Concepción, La Nucia August 15 San Damián, San Roque y San Cosme, Llíber from August 15 to 19

THURSDAY GRAN ALACANT, Alicante, Agost, Albatera, Aspe, Castilla,

El Porrat, Polop August 15

FRIDAY Alfaz del Pi, Azafara, Crevillente, Dénia (Rastro), Delores, Finestrat, Gata de Gorgos, Moraira, Muro de Alcoy, Monforte del Cid, Pilar de Horadada, La Nucia, Onil, Vergel and Torrevieja.

SATURDAY Alcoy, Alicante, Almoradí, Benejuzar, Benejama, Benissa, Calpe, Castalla, Cocentaina, Elche (Plaza de la fruta, Plaza de Barcelona and Plaza de Sant Josep: Plaza del Raval has a handicrafts markets), Elda, Novelda, Pinoso, Pedreguer, San Juan, San Vincente, Sax, Santa Pola and Jálon (Rastro).

SUNDAY Aguas de Busot, Benidorm (Rastro), Busot, Elche (Plaza del Raval handicrafts market), La Alguena, La Matanza, La Murada de los Vicentes, La Nucia (Rastro), Pedreguer (Rastro) and Torremanzanas.

San Bartolomé, El Camp de Mirra August 24

San Roque, “Vaca”, Castalla from August 15 to 16

Fiestas en El Mojón, Pilar de la Horadada August 15

Cocentania, Jávea, Pego, Rojales, Villajoyosa, Villena.

Moros y Cristianos del barrio de José Antonio, Alicante from August 24 to 28

Banyá dels Fadrins, Torremanzanas August 15 San Roque, Agost August 16

San Vicente Ferrer, Alcoleja August 28 San Ramón, Agost August 31 San Gil, Alcocer de Planes September 1 Virgen de la Soledad, Moros y Cristianos, Castalla from September 1 to 4 Virgen de las Virtudes, Villena from September 4 to 9 Fiestas del Ravalet, Mutxamel September 6

Real Radio International

Weekly Lineup

96.7fm 102.4fm

Virgen del Rosario, Benferri August 16

Monday – Friday 08:00hrs -11 :00 hrs The Breakfast Show with DAV E BULL

Virgen de los Dolores y San Roque, Beniarbeig August 16

Monday Tuesday 11:00hrs – 14:00hrs A GIRL CALLED SOO

San Joaquín, Bigastro August 16

Monday 14.00-17.00 CAPTAIN RAI’S Time Warp

San Roque, Callosa de Segura August 16 Sant Roc, Denia August 16 San Roque, El Verger August 16 San Miguel y San Roque, Formentera del Segura August 16 Fiestas Patronales, La Romana August 16 Fiestas de Verano, Monforte del Cid August 16, Monforte del Cid San Joaquín, Benasau August 19, Benasau San Sebastián y San Bartolomé, Jijona August 20, Jijona San Bartolomé, al Santo Cristo y Virgen del Rosario, Almudaina from August 23 to 26, Almudaina

Wed, Thurs & Friday 11-.00hrs - 14.00hrs TONY CAPALDI Tuesday – Friday 14:00hrs – 17:00hrs THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SHE RIFF Tuesday & Thursday 17:00hrs – 20:00hrs SLUMMING IT WITH CAROLE JARVIS Saturdays 10:00 hrs -13:00hrs THE MANIC BREAKFAST IN BED WITH THE SHERIFF 19:00hrs SAVING THE SEVENTIES WITH MIKE WALKER Sundays 16.00 - 18.00hrs CAPTAIN RAI’S COUNTRY RO DEO 22:00hrs SAVING THE SEVENTIES WITH MIKE WALKER

29


30

ALL ABROAD! - all our own ideas.

TEL. 606 540 408


BANG IN THE MIDDLE By Malcolm Palmer We stayed in excellent lodges, which had Looking for somewhere exotic, but safe, to

verdant gardens, and hummingbird-feed-

go? Try this:-

ers everywhere, and the food was superb.

As its name implies, Ecuador straddles

There was no television, so getting up at

the equator. It is one of the Spanish ex-

very early hours was no problem, and this

colonies that make up most of South and

was necessary when we were taken to see

Central America – just about the sole ex-

the ‘lek’ of the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock,

ception being the sizeable one of Brazil,

whose males perform an amazing ‘dance’

which is the only Portuguese-speaking na-

to attract the female. Here we also found

tion there.

the Giant Ant-Pitta, surely just like my sixyear-old grandson might draw a bird.

9,95€

(18.30-19.30hs.)

A peaceful country, Ecuador has an appar-

We crossed the mighty Andean chain at

ently benevolent President and a political

a rather worrying 4,800 metres, but slow

system that doesn’t seem, at least to the

acclimatisation meant that we were all

casual observer, to cause much upheaval.

able to cope. The wonderful Torrent Ducks

Poverty undoubtedly exists, but appears to

were found in a rushing stream, and a

be largely confined to remote indigenous

lake at high altitude yielded Silvery Grebe

tribal areas.

and several other birds, but another great

Like many South American countries, you

prize came when we managed to get a

can get there very easily direct from Ma-

good look at the enormous Andean Con-

drid – Iberia have daily flights to Quito,

dor, circling close by, then landing on a

which now has a brand-new airport.

nesting-cliff.

I arrived for my ‘cloud-forest’ tour, and

LA MARINA Second Hand Furniture BEST PRICES PAID Part exchange available

found to my surprise that shortage of

It wasn’t all birds. Quito itself was worth

breath at 2,800 metres above sea-level,

a day’s exploration, with many souvenirs

was no problem.

to be bought and sights to be seen. The whole added up to a completely unforget-

A night in the clean, leafy city, then our

table experience. If you would be inter-

guide collected four Americans and myself,

ested in a visit, I’m sure Xavier will send

and off we went, higher still, over 3.000

you a brochure. Contact him by email at

metres, into a world endless, rolling, for-

nforest@q.ecua.net.ec

ested hills, , of raging torrents, of fruiting trees and amazing, unfamiliar birds. Ecuador sports a greater variety of birdlife than any nation on earth, and we logged a fantastic total of 42 species of hummingbirds, varying from the Train-bearer, carrying its exaggeratedly long tail along, to the Giant Hummingbird, the size of a thrush, down to sparkling jewels like the Glittering Emerald, and the Sword-billed Hummingbird, with its lance-like bill. But even the ‘hummers’ were outdone by

FORGET THE REST WE ARE THE BEST!

the amazing tanagers – all the colours of the rainbow, some rare and endemic to very small areas of the Andes – which fed on the ripening fruits of the huge forest trees. Our wonderful guide, Xavier Muñoz, pointed them out by means of a laserpointer, which he directed just below a

WE COLLECT

bird whose presence we hadn’t suspected.

Call: 96 644 3370 - 625 985 491 La Marina Village

Toucans and Woodpeckers, Araçaris and Warblers, Flowerpiercers and Jays, Parrots of various species, all were there.

31



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