all abroad magazine January 2013 by Dave Bull

EE FR

www.allabroad.es

January 2013 issue number 18

EXPAT KIDS Showing the way forward

JOIN US! every weekday afternoon on

Have you got the Sense of

SPAIN? LEGAL ADVICE

FISCAL ADVCIE WE VISIT ALICANTE

Playa San Juan

BARKING!

All tthe usual great good... er... thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s jokes inside!

All the markets & Fiestas in Alicante & Murcia!

cant la A n a r G m o r f t s a o c h to: the t n o m y r e v e s ie p o c 0 beyond! d n a n o d Distributing 6,50 n o H , o s o in P iguel to M n a S m o r f d n la in & to La Zenia Water tower Murcia station

The sense of

Spain Spain by Bully

Its Sunday morning and from my balcony I take in the view

percus-

of Alicante bay while the kettle boils and the toaster begins

sion of the

its (painfully slow) relatively simple job of turning some bread

crickets

brown in readiness for my very British tradition, on what is a

below me very nicely and add to

very Spanish morning, of slapping marmite all over it but that

that the odd Spanish shout of greeting and the rare bark of a

can wait as I breathe in the salt-scented air.. Stretching along

dog and we have an orchestra playing the sound of Spain. The

the coastline I can see the beaches are starting to fill with

gypsies below the cliff have already set up ‘‘camp’ on the beach

locals and tourists all walking at varying speeds from one end

front with converted market-stalls used as sunshades and they

of the beach to the other before stopping at a convenient beach

are lined up in such numbers you can imagine what the Wild

front café for breakfast. A speedboat cuts a white scar through

West frontier camps probably looked like. And boy do they eat

the Mediterranean on its way to who knows where and the

well too, I’ve walked past before and a medieval banquet is

white sails of yachts in the distance and the seagulls, some-

made to look like a ‘Happy Meal compared to what these fami-

what closer, contrast with the beautiful blue backdrop.

lies put on the table, and it looks delicious. Talking of delicious, the smell of frying bacon and warm croissants is now reach-

San Juan at the other end of the bay juts out into the sea

ing my balcony from somewhere below me, and the aroma of

blocking my view of El Campello where the mountains meet the

freshly brewed coffee is wafting around in the air reminding me

sea as they do all the way up the coast and past Calpe. In the

that my own, somewhat less Spanish, breakfast awaits - toast-

distance I can see the rock of Benidorm stationed like a huge

er permitting.

aircraft carrier protecting Spain’s tourism crown jewels while Brits in vests (I don’t need to be able to see them) will have

Lunch is with some Spanish friends in the campo today where

enjoyed yet another evening in the town that never sleeps and

I have no doubt that some poor animal will be served up that I

all that is uniquely Benidorm. Further on the mountains again

wouldn’t have thought (or heard) of eating before or they’ll dish

intrude into the sea to form the pretty fishing town of Calpe but

up that part of the animal that you’d prefer to look at (living)

the best I can hope for today is to see Calpe’s own battleship of

than to share its final moments on the planet on a fork, with a

a rock standing proud. Driving past me the 4x4’s and VW’s of

Brussel sprout. So I always take along a jar of marmite just in

the hang-gliders who will jump off of the top of the cliff at Gran

case - touché! I think is the correct term…?

Alacant and eventually make their descent down to the Carabasi beach, landing (conveniently) next to a Chiringuito where

You can follow the adventures of Dave in Spain by following @

cool refreshment is readily supplied.

DavejBull on Twitter or on his blog, www.loadofbull.es

Not a bad soundtrack to the morning either as my neighbour has just put on some pretty good jazz that compliments the

Have a great month, read on..and enjoy!

ABOGADOS · BARRISTERS SOLICITORS · TAX ADVISORS Any legal problems?

965 480 737 / 606 056 282 info@pellicerheredia.com

WE DON’T CLAIM ANYTHING MORE THAN TO BE ’ORIGINAL’

QUALIFIED GESTORA

Fiscal help...

Est. 1991

WELCOME TO:

2013

Spanish probate / Inheritances Spanish Wills Conveyancing Notarial deeds Fiscal representation Property taxes Power of attorney Private sales contracts Change-over of utility bills Planning permissions

Welcome to the New Year. Since the

Self-Employment an option?

world did not come to an end on the

Apart from the news on taxation I also

21st of last month let us see what

wish to share with you that Santa Po-

2013 has to offer on news.

la’s Agency of Local Development has become a pioneer in the province of

Since mine is mostly taxes and alike,

Alicante and was granted an official

there will be a few changes worth

Advisory Point for the proceedings of

mentioning:

setting up a business (PAIT).

• Income tax for the non-residents’

So far it would have taken about 40

property owners will increase from

days to finish all the necessary steps

24 % to 24,75%. However, to keep it

for setting up a company or going

in perspective, this will effectively

self-employed. Instead of tedious and

be an increase of a few Euros in

time-consuming trips to the

most cases.

fice, registration office, social securi-

tax of-

ty, etc. and waiting for licences this is • Property transfer tax increases

reduced to 48 hours by going directly

from 7 to 8%.

to the PAIT of the Agency of Local Development.

• For properties bought between the 12th May 2012 and 31st December 2012 there will be generous tax benefits when resold.

My best wishes for 2013 to you all.

And these

benefits apply to residents and non-residents. As usual there are a few exceptions but it will be well

Please

visit

www.andreaburns.es

worth checking with your tax advi-

for more detailed information about

sor if this applies to you.

our services or call 96 6697824.

Avenida América, 32, GRAN ALACANT 96 669 7824 OFFICE@ANDREABURNS.ES

- BUT IT’S FLATTERING TO BE COPIED - ALL ABROAD!

Shooting

PEOPLE

Filmmaker and Editor Bradley Cullen talks to Dave Bull about an expat life behind the lens

Being in the film industry can mean a matter of splitsecond timing and being in the right place at the right time and, fortunately for us TV and film fans, Bradley Cullen works under that ethos although it wasn’t always that way… Bradley, a freelance camera operator and editor, has been in Spain since July 2002 after his family moved over along with one of his

the demand for his work).

brothers. At that time Bradley was finishing media studies at col-

He got his first break in Spain with a British TV production company

lege and was due to follow them over but he missed his flight due

that he´d seen broadcasting one night and realised that he had the

to a prior engagement; trying to extract the phone number from a

skills to help them improve their product – so once again smooth

rather lovely blonde in a Crawley night club. Always one with the

–talking Brad was soon enough employed by Sol Productions on the

gift of the gab, Bradley (from Crawley in West Sussex) managed to

Costa Blanca. .

blag himself a cheap flight a few days later. And yes, if you´re still wondering, he did get the lady´s phone number.

Looking back Bradley feels he was lucky at college to have landed a place on the Media Studies programme (instead of the dreaded

Having done some work in the film and TV Industry after leaving

English Literature) where he discovered his love for Films and TV

college, Bradley then made himself busy in the studios and on film

programmes and set about learning a whole lot more. Naturally

sets in the UK, doing various ‘runner’ jobs, which gave him an early

creative, he thrived in the new environment - coming up with new

insight into the industry that he would put his creative efforts into

ideas which he found came very easily. Now motivated to learn

in the future.

more Bradley then went on to further hone his skills by taking a three year Film & TV Production course and nowadays, due to his

Spain

experience he feels comfortable with any type of camera in his

As I said, soon enough Bradley followed his family out to Spain

hand, from an iPhone to a RED One Cam (whatever that is..!).

and once again, using his likeable banter (although this time not for phone numbers) he found work here in Spain; continuing his

Tricks

education and appetite to learn all there was to know about the film

He´s learnt a few tricks over the years too, for example I watched

industry by doing small film trade jobs for businesses (in fact at this

as he blew up (on film) a perfectly good building – with just a few

time he was travelling backwards and forwards to Spain because of

clicks of the mouse – which could come in handy one day…

During his time in the industry Bradley has spent a lot of his time being productive (rather than destructive) on film sets and he told me of his most memorable experiences when he filmed a TV programme in Villajoyosa, near Alicante. ” I was working on a short film being directed by Mark Playne, called ‘Love @ 1st sight’. It was an English production and was using a few Spaniards for various crew members. I was the Camera Assistant to the Director of Photography (DOP) Graeme Dunn; which means I’m was in charge of the camera, and had to make sure the battery was charged. I also had to make sure the lens on the camera was the right one for the shot and that it was clean, basically everything had to be correct for the Director to start filming – an important job. It was a 3 day shoot and it was great to be working up at a level where I thought I could show off my skills, plus the experience was great fun too and working in such a short time frame on a very low budget helped me appreciate and understand why you need to be good in this industry to survive, and luckily I have. I also met a lot of influential people and made some lasting contacts on that job so I remember it fondly.”

What´s he up to now? Bradley loves his adoptive country of Spain apart, he says, from the siestas and short bank-opening hours, but he has no plans to go anywhere else anytime soon. He now works as a freelance Camera Operator and Editor from his base, and home, in Altea. Most of his time these days is taken up filming and editing for a British production company but being freelance he has the opportunity to shoot the odd commercial, music video or film although he rules out doing wedding videos…except maybe one day, his own..? We´ll see.

Away from the camera and editing suite and Bradley is mad about his beloved West Ham United and spends his spare time either watching them (lose, I would imagine) or listening to music. His family are still here (all except two older brothers who are living and working back in the UK) and Bradley, who will be 30 in April (which is very young for the level´s he has reached in the film industry), keeps in touch with them all – when he has time!

What does the future hold in store for a budding Spielberg? I´ll leave that to Bradley to explain, “My goals are to get my three film ideas on the silver screen and to continue to be a success in the industry, oh yes, and I would love to win a BAFTA or an Oscar for my work as I feel us Brits have proven time and time again that we really can do a better job than most from behind the lens.”

Our own contributors - experienced for expat info

Keeping it brief... CLIVE COOMBER KEEPING IT General Builder 24 years Experience Kitchens

life here in Spain but not PELLICER & HERE-

Basements & Damp proofing All types of Tiling Double Glazing

Internal/External plastering Extensions & Alterations Terraces/Gates

Tel.

We all want&anHeredia easy (ish) Pellicer always that easy is it?

DIA is one of Spain’s Especially when it comes

most dynamic law

to the man with the rubber

firms, consisting of stamp. And let’s face it,

a multi-skilled staff, the tremendous amount of

fluent in English and paperwork currently runwith manythe years of ning through Spanish experience in dealbureaucracy system not ing only with brings Spanish (several) South American countries’ rain law. In addition, a forests down, but assursubstantial amount edly theirwork unemployment of our has an numbers too. But that’s the international aspect. system we have to work

We regularly act for with but with some expert

foreign companies

Bathrooms

help you can make sure

and private individuthat you’re not one of the

als representing their ones rushing to the bank

669 593 212

interests in Spain on on the 20th of June to pay a both tax billtransactional at the last minute, or and worselitigation still a fine. mat-

email: clive_coomber@yahoo.co.uk

ters. With the annual tax declaration (Renta) deadline

The offices taxman (Alicante Region) cometh… CIUDAD QUESADA Avenida de las Naciones 36, L.6, Ciudad Quesada, DaveRojales Bull Tel. 965 480 737 – 606 056 282 Email: info@pellicerheredia.com discovers the ALICANTE Plaza Calvo Sotelo,1, 03001 Alieasy way to live cante Below British Consulate Tel. 965 480 737 – 606 056 282 a trouble-free (as Email: info@pellicerheredia.com HONDÓN DE LAS NIEVES far as the Plaza de la Vila, 30, 03688 Hondón de las Nieves (Alicante) Tel. 965 480 737 – 606 056 Tax man is282 Email: info@pellicerheredia.com concerned) life in PETRER Avda de Madrid, 60, 03610 Petrer (Alicante) Spain. Tel. 965 480 737 – 606 056 282 PELLICER & HEREDIA

Email: info@pellicerheredia.com

coming soon, on 30th June, We have developed with an income aanyone reputation of being should be getting their independent, reliable declaration in order (if and committed to our you really want that ‘easy’

clients, and would be life) so we asked Alicante

more than happy to lawyers, Ignacio and Pedro

prove it to you. Our to once again step in and

attorneys are nationexplain just what the ‘Renta’

ally recognized lead-is and who should be geters in pens their practice ting the out to fill in a areas and carry on form or two. the Who?tradition of expeEveryoneand who has an rience innovation income whilewe’d living here and now likeinto Spain needs to to make decwelcome the ateam it is from alaration manwhether who will be a salary or from a pension

valuable to our cliin another country. Now

ents whether Spanish before you start worrying,

or foreign.

ABOGADOS · BARRISTERS SOLICITORS · TAX ADVISORS We speak English 8

STILL the cheapest advertising around- TEL. 606 540 408

SIMPLE IN SPAIN

ALICANTE’S BUSIEST EXPAT LAWYERS ANSWER YOUR LEGAL QUESTIONS

ADDING VALUE FOR EXPATS not everyone and will have pay taxes on their decla-

because your pension comes from the UK and is

ration and the odds are that if you’ve retired here in

over 11.200 euros (and it has not been tax-deducted

Spain and are receiving your pension from abroad,

in Spain) - even though you only have one pension,

you might not have to pay depending on certain

Alfonso Ortega Giménez requirements. Professor of International If you have retired to Spain and stay in the country law at the University Miguel more than 183 days then you too must declare your Hernández in Elche, D. AlAl income here and not in the UK. You will also benefit fonso Ortega Giménez joins from the special International Treaty between Spain the Academic Council of the and the UK. There still anofawful lot of and people livHeprofessional laware office Pellicer He ing in Spain but stillProfessor declaring their incomes in the UK redia Lawyers. Alfonso Ortega, whichismeans be missing on saving who verythat wellcould known in theout field of a private International lot of money just because law, will collaborate accordwith all our lawyers atcan ourdooffices accord they don’t realise that they their declaration ing to the needs for each individual case here and take advantage of the fiscal benefits such and client, and will provide advice in as inheritance tax for residents, or just paying Interless national law which is guaranteed to be of taxes, for example. the highest level when his experience and Why? knowledge is required. Obviously the Spanish government needs taxes and,

if you are receiving an income you need to be legal. International Clients Evencurrent if you know thereof willinternationalization be nothing to pay – you’ll The trend get yourself in the system (which, trust me on this and concentration of Spanish businesses one, onlyas make easier) so when thecomplex) day comes as well thelife increasing (yet, international private situations has created that someone (we’ll call him ‘Johnny Foreigner’) adies clear increase in family the national interin Spain Johnny’s will have aand simple task national clientele Pellicer Heredia dealing with the fiscalof (the Will etc.)and matters than Lawyers. The Spanish companies have someone who has never gone into the system. a clear target to expand and to diversify Exceptions their sales as well as to initiate and conTo keep it simple (remember it’s me writing this…) internasolidate the always complicated interna here are some exceptions to the rule of ‘Having to tionalization process in different countries declare’ but remember also what I said earlier about and regions. To do that they need more theremore being no harm (only benefits) in getting and sophisticated, complex andinto the system. specializing juridical services or the need If you earn lessits than 22,000€ resources annually (from to intensify juridical inone theemshort ployer term. and are already having tax deducted) or (if you have incomes from several place) that none of those

At present, individual’s international exceed 1,500€the annually. under family rights, situations are covered If you have received profits from shares or dividends - marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance of less than 1,600€ per year (this even applies if you testaments, etc. hiring, non-contractual have, for example, sold a car for a profit privately). responsibility, property, etc, and the Salaries or incomes below 11,200€ (usually penprotagonists of the XXIst century are not sioners) exempt but remember alsogroups that if you only theare legal matters. Trading are employed your employer is obliged to deduct a learnand societies take part actively learn minimum of 15% from your wage packet to withhold ing matterson the international trade, as do people needing for any the taxman here in Spain.specialist If that does advice not happen,

you must to declare your income in Spain.

on international matters, which with the Compensation from a road traffic accident is also participation of D. Alfonso Ortega Giménez exempt from the tax office but again – it’s worth at Pellicer and Heredia Lawyers, demondeclaring it anyway. strates a clear and excellent resource for Anyone receiving unemployment benefit (up to any advice on matters derived of interna15,000€ - who’s getting that much..?!) is also free tional legal matters. from deductions.

How? New Year ADVICE - start thinking Tax! To make sure you don’t need to pay tax on your

The Personal Income Taxbill (Impuesto sobre income, or indeed reduce your at the end of the fila renta deit’s las personas físicasthat / IRPF) is a nancial year, highly recommended you speak direct tax levied on the income of individuto someone who is experienced in the Spanish tax als. system – or you could end up paying more than you The individual’s income may derive either need to! of a dependent work or obtained by Pedro told me that there are often an array of options means of self-employment: development for people to reduce their tax bill (or even pay nothing of a business or professional activities. at all) if their case is looked at professionally and The taxable income is determined as the with an experienced eye.the For example, difference between income someone earned who and has their parents that living in thedeductible same house accordcan have the expenses are certain funds deducted from their end of year tax bill ing with Spanish Law. When should file your income tax as can anyone whoyou has perhaps had to adapt their return? house for disabled access. Depending ontaxthe result of are taxa little return, As ever, with any office, things moreif the taxpayer must pay, tax declarations complicated than we’d like but by dealing with shall be filed from the 1st of May to the someone in the know it often works out far simpler 20th of June. If the taxpayer is entitled (and less expensive) to have someone who knows to a tax refund, then this period will be what they are doing look after those (very) important extended up to the 30th of June. fiscal matters that can often become an expensive Where should you file the income tax nightmare in the wrong hands – ours. return? From my own the fee to make Income tax experience, returns must becharged filed before my declaration Pedro managed to the Tax Officewas of less thethan taxpayer’s address. Taxpayers have the possibility to file reduce my taxalso bill after showing me exactly what I their taxcouldn’t returnclaim before Spanish bank could and and the therefore the cost of where they have an account; provided doing it properly has cost me nothing…in fact I’ve that they are entitled to tax refund or shall made a little on the deal, now…do I declare that…? make any payment as a result of their tax If you have any questions or queries about the declaration. upcoming ‘Renta’ and whether indeed you should be It is suggested that all technical and legal declaring your income – call either Pedro or Ignacio matters pertaining to taxes be referred to and they’ll put straight. And the benefit for All a lawyer foryou advice, guidance and execuAbroad readers is that they’ll give you first consultation. Pellicer&Heredia Abogados y Consultion free – so what have to lose apart from a tores Tributarios willyou begot pleased to help you. headache from those piles of paper!

About Pedro & Ignacio The two spent a year at Southampton Institute of international law so it’s no surprise that they speak English so well. Later, having studied law together at Alicante university, Pedro and Ignacio teamed up and formed the highly successful Pellicer & Heredia Solicitors (based in the same building as the British Consulate) and using their understanding of British people have built a firm of three offices (so far) with a fourth opening in Ciudad Quesada very soon –and all the staff speak English, very handy.

ABOGADOS · BARRISTERS SOLICITORS · TAX ADVISORS Any legal problems?

Their doors are always open – even if you´re not sure if you really need a lawyer – so pop along and see them in Avda de Naciones, Ciudad Quesada – or one of their other local offices.

965 480 737 / 606 056 282 info@pellicerheredia.com

Be Original - ALL ABROAD! -TEL. 606 540 408

beauty of quality

BEAUTY BODY Enjoy your FIXED RATE over six months

BEAUTY & MEDICAL CLINIC

FOR ONLY

€31

per session (0% interest finance)

BIKINI LINE + CHEST €50 LEGS (COMPLETE) €130 LEGS (HALF) €80 ARMPITS / BACK €120

The very latest technology in hair removal & unique in the market. No pain & effective on dark skins.

MISS SPAIN

with Clinica Dasha Elche

BREAST AUGMENTATION

THE BEST PROSTHESIS AVAILABLE

€3950 LASER HAIR REMOVAL

€390

ULTRASONIC LIPOSUCTION

WITHOUT SURGERY

€295

€2950

REVITALISE YOUR SKIN WITH OUR VITAMINS

MEDICO A SPORANO

IN 4 SESSIONS

GASTRIC BALLOON

Call us now for a consultati

info@clinicadasha.com C/ ALMORADI 8, ELCHE

966 288 100

NEW!

www.clinicadasha.com

beauty of quality BEAUTY & MEDICAL CLINIC

FLAMENCOReservation SHOW AY

“STEAKHOUSE” MENU

Recommended

EVERY SATURD Flamenco Show + Dinner - 9.30pm

OPEN GRILL only

10€

MENU DEL DIA Every Day!

Tel: 966 69 53 99 OPEN EVERY DAY FROM 9.00am www.tablaolunares.com email: reservas@tablaolunares.com 10

STILL the cheapest advertising around- TEL. 606 540 408

Playa San Juan

ALICANTE

Expat Dave Bull takes a trip along the

through the middle. A broad green lawn runs

ing from the sand at various points. Old-fashioned

coast from Alicante to discover Playa

alongside the street from the bottom to the top,

styled striped beach huts randomly dot the place

with a park running parallel to that. The quaint-

blending in nicely and disguising their real use in-

ness of it is underlined with English style houses

telligently, for they are public toilets. At the end of

fronted by fruit trees. Two sets of tram rails taking

the Plays the tram heads off one way; rising up

people from the Port of Alicante to Sana Juan run

over the road and disappearing behind the apart-

through the centre of the road.

ment blocks.

At the top I finally round the peninsula and catch

I’ve reached the end of the Playa San Juan, and

a glimpse of Playa San Juan for the first time and

I’m now almost at El Campello, home to some

it doesn’t disappoint. Carpeting the shoreline for

interesting roman ruins, but just as I headed out

as far as I could see, which apparently is 15km,

I saw that there were still some of the original

was pure, clean, white sand, tracing the contours

houses that used to have the place to themselves

of the bay and heading for Campello. The attrac-

pretty much. Nowadays they are towered over by

tive promenade (not just for the amount of coffee

the flats behind them, but the two houses that re-

bars either) is lined on both sides with trees and

main sit quietly on their own looking out of place

half-filled with diners and drinkers who sat relaxed

but at the same time looking as if it is they who

between a beneath the smooth-trunked trees, and

belong there.

San Juan and finds out what he’s been missing out on for twelve years. Standing on the peninsula of San Juan at the picturesque Cabo de Fuerta and facing the bay of Alicante I can see some 25km away, across that vast expanse of Mediterranean the lighthouse at Gran Alacant but what I really wanted to know was what was on the other side of this rugged piece of rock sticking out into the sea? I don’t know, and I’ve lived in this area for twelve years but never trekked along the shoreline. Sure I’ve been up to Benidorm and further, but always on the faster and much less interesting autovias. I’ve heard a lot about Playa San Juan and using the old route of the N332, which is the main carriageway up and down the coast, it’ll give me a much better idea of the place. To see just what was around the bend at San Juan I headed up Calle La Goleta, a long straight, steady incline that would take me to Playa San Juan. This is a place for those of you, like me, who miss seeing some grass on the ground, and it really is very pretty with vast bushes of rhododendron (I asked…) lining the tram line that runs down

on top of charcoal coloured cobbles. Plenty of walkers and families enjoying the place too made a nice ambience and the lack of cars (they’re not allowed along this stretch) meant that youngsters and older folk weren’t in a rush. Africans in in differing shades and tones of colourful garb offer their traditional native wares spread in front of the on a blanket, Drums, Leather Goods, DVD’s…ok ignore the DVD’s. The tram route runs alongside the white beach

Wish you were here. .!

which is clean and tidy and has palm trees ris-

Be Original - ALL ABROAD! -TEL. 606 540 408

expat

The Kids are Dave Bull discovers

head-butting the pillow...

Europe’s youngsters are growing up

fact that their eyes and minds are wide

faster, better informed and more open

open to so much more. The children of

-minded than ever before.

expats born abroad are showing the way

The first Europeans

Dave Bull takes a look at the positive

in cultural and racial sharing and under-

These kids, this generation and their chil-

side of raising a ‘young European’ I’m

standing. They have friends from all over

dren are the first true Europeans in my

Spain.

Europe and often the world and, dare I say

opinion, the timing’s right as we enter an

it, the wonders that social networks such

(almost) federal Europe when, more than

Never in my life did I consider that there

as Twitter and Facebook offer youngsters

ever, this community has to work as one

could be country that could be half good as

is enviable...and they have so much more

to recover. At least the future bodes a little

my homeland and of course there couldn’t

time to do it all, the future is theirs. I know

brighter with these guys coming through

be an equal to my country, England/united

there are plenty of critics of these types of

the ranks, so to speak. Having a little ‘Eu-

Kingdom/Britain... you see I don’t even

social media but just think about it for a

ropean’ in the house has its down side too

know where the bloody hell I’m from! Like

minute. Think about when your child talks

though...forget about those cosy evenings

many ‘Brits’ I’m not exactly sure what to

to a farmer in Detroit to learn about his day

curled up on the sofa, just the two of you.

call myself. But I digress. You see the point

for a school essay - and he can actually talk

With these kids in the house you’ll need

I’m trying to make is that I used to think

to him, not have to read about his life from

to wait till well after the weatherman

that although my adoptive country of Spain

a book. I’m not here to convert anyone to

has gone to bed for the night,

was nice...well; it wasn’t exactly Britain

using social media but often it gets a very

I’m afraid, and forget about

now was it. And then I watched my son

bad press when an awful lot of good comes

them

grow up here.

from these areas of our kids’ lives too. One

and thank you...

saying

big lesson I did learn early on watching my

Well at least

Absorbing culture

son negotiating a new school, a new lanlan

as much

Seeing my son, who is now 20 years old

guage and friends that he couldn’t underunder

and who arrived in Spain with us when he

stand, was that he learnt so much more,

was seven, grow up and think nothing of

and so much faster, when he was play-

speaking a second language (and with am-

ing with his friends. Get him home

bition to learn Dutch; although a tall blond

from school and he’d struggle with the

possibly lies behind the in-

text books that were in Spanish but let

centive...) and switching

between

the

two idioms as if

please

him loose with his new Spanish friends in the playground and he would be nattering

as you’d

away within minutes.

like to hear be-

it’s the norm

cause after you’ve nagged

for a young

We learn when we enjoy something, and

them (a lot) to use the

lad. I find

even more so when it comes to kids and

polite (and very Brit-

it amaz-

it was confirmed for me a couple of years

ish)

i n g ,

after my son had started Spanish school

you’ll realise that

t h a t

when I saw the kids, of the (many) famifami

they just don’t do

a n d

lies that came over in the boom, who took

it in Spain, and you’re

the

much longer to pick up language purely

kids are actually right for

because they mainly played with the other

once...

expressions

fellow British kids in the playground. But

still they understood quickly, absorbing

Like most countries outside of the UK (ex-

the language rather than strictly learning

cept Japan perhaps) Spain doesn’t use

the language It’s the same with the culcul

please or thank you very often at all, but

ture and lifestyle too. The youngsters

they don’t think that everyone is being

just take it on board as if it’s the norm

rude because of it, it’s just different and

(which for them it is) and think nothnoth

the kids suss that out a whole lot quicker

ing of heading out for the ‘evening’ at

than us mum’s and dads. The youngsters

midnight, just when us normal folk are

I’ve met and worked with in Spain, no mat-

Alright! ter what age or level of education, can live,

5% of Spaniards had a passport (the King

have become almost Spanish, my son has

school and work alongside many nationali-

and Barca CF and Julio Iglesias probably).

a perfect Spanish accent and the only slight

ties which again bodes well for all our fu-

But they are now exploring more than ever

giveaway that he’s not a native is his 6’8”

tures.

(I’m ignoring south American history for

frame!

the sake of argument here), meeting with The Spanish natives, in areas that have

like-minded people in other countries - and

The opportunities for them as they grow

seen a large influx of foreigners have ben-

keeping

connections/friendships/

in a world that relies more and more on

efited too from the immigration of (mainly)

contacts going when they return home,

technology and cross-border cooperation

north Europeans, learning new languages

or move on, by using social media.

The

are immense and they are in the perfect

and cultures first hand from their new

future It doesn’t matter what age children

position to move into the commercial world

neighbours.

when they arrive in Spain but the younger

with an open mind and a n understanding

the better because the younger they are

of others that we cannot only envy, but

The Spanish youngsters are also travelling

the faster they learn, as we know. I had one

should be proud of too. Kids today live in

so much more than previous generations

friend whose son, at just three years old,

an exciting age, in a changing world that is

too, which, granted, wouldn’t be difficult,

spoke three languages, Spanish, French

seeing the shift of power move west to east

especially seeing as that up

and English because his parents came from

and a world where more and more there

until recently less

the other two countries but lived here in

are less and less social and political bor-

than

Spain, it is amazing to watch. But have

ders, and all that needs to be really asked

a good look at the youngsters that

is are they equipped to handle the ques-

have been here a while

tions asked of them come the time. From

too for they

what I’ve witnessed of youngsters growing

those

up in this foreign country, the answer is a resounding yes! I for one, as I’m sitting in my nursing

home,

thirty years’ time, boring my fellow (it

residents could

you...) with tales ending ‘I told you so...’ will be waxing lyrical about our wonderful leaders who have grown up as the first generation Europeans....I can’t wait.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

To all our customers

Special Price Reductions!!

Be Original - ALL ABROAD! -TEL. 606 540 408

‘aving a laugh... BLONDES...

. A HIGHWAY PATROLMAN PULLED UP ALONGSIDE A SPEEDING CAR ON THE FREEWAY. AS THE OFFICER PEERED THROUGH THE DRIVER’S WINDOW, HE WAS ASTOUNDED TO FIND THAT THE BLONDE BEHIND THE WHEEL WAS KNITTING. THE TROOPER CRANKED DOWN HIS WINDOW AND YELLED TO THE DRIVER, “PULL OVER!” AT THE TOP OF HIS LUNGS. “NO!” THE BLONDE YELLED BACK, “SCARF!”

A BLONDE AND A BRUNETTE ARE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY IN A CONVERTIBLE. THE BRUNETTE KNOWS THAT SHE’S SPEEDING SO SHE ASKS THE BLONDE IF THERE’S A COP BEHIND THEM. THE BLONDE LOOKS BEHIND HER AND SEES A COP AND TELLS THE BRUNETTE. THE BRUNETTE THEN ASKS IF HIS HE’S GOT HIS LIGHTS ON. THE BLONDE REPLIES “YES...NO...YES...NO... YES...NO” A BLONDE WENT TO A HAIR DRESSER’S ONE DAY, LISTENING TO A WALKMAN. THE HAIR DRESSER ASKED HER WHAT SHE WANTED, AND THE BLONDE REPLIED, “I NEED TO GET MY HAIR TRIMMED, JUST MAKE SURE THAT YOU DO NOT TAKE THESE HEADPHONES OFF.” THE WOMAN LOOKED AT THE BLONDE, SURPRISED, BUT DID AS SHE WAS TOLD. WHILE SHE WAS BRUSHING THE BLONDE’S HAIR, SHE ACCIDENTALLY BUMPED THE HEADPHONES, KNOCKING THEM TO THE GROUND. AS SHE BENT DOWN TO PICK THEM UP, THE BLONDE FELL OVER, ONTO THE FLOOR. THE HAIR DRESSER WAS VERY CONFUSED. SHE PICKED UP THE HEAD PHONES AND LISTENED. THIS IS WHAT SHE HEARD...”BREATHE IN...BREATHE OUT...BREATH IN...BREATHE OUT...”!

A POLICE OFFICER STOPS A BLONDE FOR SPEEDING AND ASKS HER VERY NICELY IF HE COULD SEE HER LICENSE. SHE REPLIED IN A HUFF, “I WISH YOU GUYS COULD GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER. JUST YESTERDAY YOU TAKE AWAY MY LICENSE AND THEN TODAY YOU EXPECT ME TO SHOW IT TO YOU.”

A YOUNG BLONDE WAS ON VACATION IN THE DEPTHS OF LOUISIANA. SHE WANTED A PAIR OF GENUINE ALLIGATOR SHOES IN THE WORST WAY, BUT WAS VERY RELUCTANT TO PAY THE HIGH PRICES THE LOCAL VENDORS WERE ASKING. AFTER BECOMING VERY FRUSTRATED WITH THE “NO HAGGLE” ATTITUDE OF ONE OF THE SHOPKEEPERS, THE BLONDE SHOUTED, “MAYBE I’LL JUST GO OUT AND CATCH MY OWN ALLIGATOR SO I CAN GET A PAIR OF SHOES AT A REASON REASONABLE PRICE!” THE SHOP SHOPKEEPER SAID, “BY ALL MEANS, BE MY GUEST. MAYBE YOU’LL LUCK OUT AND CATCH YOURSELF A BIG ONE!” DETERMINED, THE BLONDE TURNED AND HEADED FOR THE SWAMPS, SET ON CATCHING HERSELF AN ALLIGATOR. LATER IN THE DAY, THE SHOPKEEPER IS DRIVING HOME, WHEN HE SPOTS THE YOUNG WOMAN STANDING WAIST DEEP IN THE WATER, SHOTGUN IN HAND. JUST THEN, HE SEES A HUGE 9 FOOT ALLIGATOR SWIMMING QUICKLY TOWARD HER. SHE TAKES AIM, KILLS THE CREATURE AND WITH A GREAT DEAL OF EFFORT HAULS IT ON TO THE SWAMP BANK. LYING NEARBY WERE SEVERAL MORE OF THE DEAD CREATURES. THE SHOPKEEPER WATCHES IN AMAZEMENT. JUST THEN THE BLONDE FLIPS THE ALLIGATOR ON ITS BACK, AND FRUSTRATED, SHOUTS OUT, “DAMN IT, THIS ONE ISN’T WEARING ANY SHOES EITHER!” THERE WERE TWO BLONDES GOING TO CALIFORNIA FOR THE SUMMER, THEY ARE ABOUT TWO HOURS INTO THE FLIGHT AND THE PILOT GETS ON THE INTERCOM AND SAYS WE JUST LOST AN ENGINE BUT IT IS ALL RIGHT WE HAVE THREE MORE BUT IT WILL TAKE US AN HOUR LONGER. A HALF HOUR LATER HE GETS ON THE INTERCOM AGAIN AND SAYS WE JUST LOST ANOTHER ENGINE BUT ITS ALL RIGHT WE HAVE TWO MORE IT WILL TAKE US ANOTHER HALF HOUR THOUGH. ONE OF THE BLONDES SAYS “IF WE LOSE THE TWO LAST ENGINES WE WILL BE UP HERE ALL DAY”

GREAT SATELLITE TV OFFERS! ! Great Satellite TV Offers!!

Are you bored with the TV stations you receive? Free to air system: 1m Dish, Receiver installation..................229€ 1.1 m Dish, Receiver, Installation.............259€ For High definition receiver add...............50€ No Monthly fee

SKY Package: Receiver only ( HD ) ..............................249€ 1m Dish, HD Receiver, installation..........399€ 1.1m Dish, HD Receiver, Installation.......430€ Plus 15€ per month

CALL NOW:

Call Now: 966 795 552

See live demo at La Marina LIVE DEMO! Sunday Every Sunday Market

LA MARINA MARKET

696 566 940

Email ray@bigboysgadgets.com

96 679 5552 696 566 940 email: ray@bigboysgadgets.com 16

As we enter the New Year, what resolutions are you going to make? There are two things we need to remember about resolutions or setting New Years goals. The first one is: ‘Am I aiming to high in the goal that I have set myself?’ This is very common especially when we want to make a big change like not smoking or drinking.. The way around making something like this less difficult is to say ‘today I am not going to smoke or drink’, taking things like this one day at a time makes it a lot easier. The second thing is, just because this resolution has not worked out as you wished, how could you make it work? Look at your goal again. Maybe you have set yourself a harder task than you first thought. Break it down into easier stages and work at the easy areas first. If you need any support email me and we can work it out together. liziesteward@hotmail.com Good luck! Also... If you take medication for any mental health disorder and have stopped taking your medication due to the new charges in the farmacias, please, contact me, we will try and find support for you. Do not suffer with any Mental Health Issues, there is help here. Are you dependent on alcohol? Do you drink more than others? Are you living your life around your next drink? Would you like to change this? Areas of support: Depression Low self-esteem Eating disorders Addiction to Alcohol Borderline Personality disorder Schizophrenia and Bipolar disorder Individual sessions are for 1 hour, charged at 25 euro’s per hour. First session is free, Come and see how we could work together. Sessions in talking therapies to put your disorders in order, can change the way you control the Mental Health Issue that is running your life, take control of your life and put your life back in order.

Next to CAM Bank

Tel: 633 161 555 liziesteward@hotmail.com The Quesada Business Centre and Centro de Bienestar Hondon de los Frailes

ALL ABROAD! - all our own ideas...

Solar Water Heating 150 Litre

Climate control for your home & business •

Air conditioning

Technical service for:

•

Central heating

DAIKIN - MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC

•

Solar energy

was 1950€ NOW! 1450€

MITSUBISHI DAIYA - FUJITSU

GENERAL - CARRIER - DAITSU PANASONIC - SAMSUNG - HAIER TOSHIBA - LG - MTA

Equizone - Energy For Life!

Tel. 650 596 306

Solar Gas BoiIer 350€

20% OFF!

Electric & Gas Central Heating

Environment friendly Renewable energy

to be informed 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

own (generally small) renewable energy facilities (such

as wind, solar powerdevoted or home V2G Alacant electricatvehicles. company exclusively andfuel cells) office or in Gran any time"Net", and in

So what is PHOTOVOLTAIC?

experienced in property services no obligation what-so-ever. this context, is used in the sense ofunder meaning "what remains after deducwith a long running track record on

Photovoltaics (PV) is a method of generating electrical power by convert-

tions" — in this case, themarket. deductionAll of our anystaff energy from metered the Costa Blanca property haveoutflows a good knowledge of

ing solar radiation into direct current electricity using semiconductors that

the English language and we also have

energy inflows.

Over the years, Victoria Estate

show the photovoltaic effect. Photovoltaic power generation use solar

a German speaking member of staff.

Under net satisfied metering, system owner receives retail credit for at least a Agent has theaneeds

panels composed of a number of solar cells containing a photovoltaic

of all itsof clients by searching forgenerate. Although portion the electricity they

material. Solar photovoltaics is growing rapidly, albeit from a small base, to a total global capacity of 69 GW at the end of 2011. The total power output of

the last couple of years have

and acquiring their properties.

not been easy for any of us, we are

Our priority has always been the

optimistic that this year we shall start

“wellbeing” our clients Bank your of electricity!

to see some improvements in the

and

looking after their interests not

property market.

Most electricity meters accurately record in both directions, allowing a noonly at the time of buying but

the world’s PV capacity run over a calendar year is equal to some 80

cost method of effectively banking excess electricity production for future also with an excellent after-sales

billion kWh of electricity. This is sufficient to cover the annual power supis now, after hydro and wind power, the third most important renewable

Net metering (Awaiting legislation in Spain) Estate Agent Victoria, established Anyone who wishes

some 30 yearsis ago, its policy about our costs or would Net metering an offers electricity for consumers who

The PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM

ply needs of over 20 million households in the world. Solar photovoltaics

Estate Agents Victoria

service. credit. However, the rules vary significantly by country and possibly state/

province: nethelp metering is available, We offer all typeif of to our clients

if and how long you can keep your

including the arranging of inheritance banked credits, and how much

the losing one of their loved energy source in terms of globally installed capacity. More than 100 coun-tax when credits are worth (retail/wholesale). ones, making it as painless and easy as tries use solar PV! possible. arelaws far lower thana MostOur netcharges metering involve

FEEL AT HOME Inmobiliaria Cost

what one can find through other means.

Victoria Avda. Escandinavia, Driven by advances in technology and increases in manufacturing scale 72 C.C. Altomar II L.10 and sophistication, the cost of photovoltaics has declined steadily since 03130 Gran Alacant · the first solar cells were manufactured and the comparable cost of Santa Pola electricity from PV is competitive with conventional electricity sources in a Tlf. 966697779 · 966698180 growing list of geographic regions. Fax 966697378 sp@victoria.es

monthly roll over of kWh credits, a small monthly connection fee. Net metering can be implemented solely www.victoria.es as an accounting procedure, and requires no special metering, or even any prior arrangement or notification.

inmobiliaria - estate agent

ALL ABROAD! - all our own ideas.

TEL. 606 540 408

At Home Estate Agent wishes you a Happy New Year! At Home Inmobiliaria quiere desearles un м FELIZ AÑO NUEVO! С Новым годо Godt Nyttår

Bonne année

Gott Nytt År HYVÄÄ UUTTA VUOTTA

Gelukkig Nieuwjaa

The fraiegnednlty...! estate

GODT NYTÅR Tel. 96 669 5289 info@inmoathome.com www.inmoathome.com

Avda. Mediterraneo 68 Urb Sueño Azul Gran Alacant 03130 Santa Pola

STILL the cheapest advertising around- TEL. 606 540 408

Office: 96 679 5233 email:info@ipgspain.com www.ipgspain.com

Try it the IPG way!

Homes in Spain

TIBI

LA MARINA

NEW!

LA MARINA

DED! RECOMMEN Ref:602 119,500€

Ref:646 99,000€

E! GREAT PRIC Ref:603 127,500€

Ref:663 125,000€

The is a west facing 3 Bed 2 Bath Det finca. Gas fire in lounge, under build accessed from outside, with 1 Bed and shower. Pool, If you would like to live in real Spain, then this for you.

BEAUTIFUL , 3 ,bed, 2 Bath Quad style, Ex cond, solarium, Com pool, Also has private swimming pool. Conservatory on Solarium, Off road parking

3 Bed 2 Bath Det villa, Quiet loc, Solarium, 3rd Bed with shower en suite on Solarium, Off rd parking, Com pool, Ex cond throughout,

LOVELY, 2 Bed, 1 bath det villa, close to amenities, Large rear garden, room for a pool, Verde area to the rear of property, Easy maintenance garden.

DAIMES ELCHE

LA MARINA

GOOD PRIC

Ref:645 99,000€

REDUCED! Ref:488 115,000€

COMMENDE

VIEWING RE

WED!!

MUST BE VIE

Ref:662 119,500€

Ref:654 94,900€

4 Bed, 2 Bath West facing log cabin, on 2 floors, 2,000m2 plot. Quiet loc, Terrace, Easy maintenance garden. Your own little oasis in the country.

3 Bed 2 Bath Quad style property, Larger than av garden, plenty off rd parking, Com pool, solarium, Utility room, Furnished,

DELIGHTFUL 3 Bed, 2 Bath Quad style property on two floors, com pool, Large corner plot, Solarium, Views, Furnished, Walking distance to all amenities . Ex cond.

3 Bed, 1 Bath Quad style property, Com pool, Beautiful well stocked garden,Conservatory on solarium, furnished, Separate kitchen, Lounge diner, Amenities just a short walk away

LA MARINA

ALGORFA

LA MARINA

Ref:648 110,000€

ICE! BARGAIN PR Ref:608 80,000€

CHARMING, 3 Bed, 2 Bath, Extended quad style, Master bed has en suite, Larger lounge diner, Solarium with conservatory, Com pool, Furnished, Plenty of off road parking

2 Bed, 1 Bath det villa, South facing, Sep kitchen, Off road parking, under build with large storage room, Furnished

ONLY!

COMMENDE

VIEWING RE

Ref:477 45,000€

Ref:655 119,950€

2 Bed, 1 Bath, Ground floor apartment, furnished, Terrace, Air con, Great rental potential, or 1st time buy

3 Bed, 2 Bath Quad style property on two floors. Furnished, Quiet loc and very close to all amenities, Solarium with views over La Marina, Com pool, Off road parking

Avda. Londres 1-A, Local 8, Urb. La Marina San Fulgencio Office: 96 679 5233 email:info@ipgspain.com www.ipgspain.com

NEW INSTRUCTIONS FROM BUILDERS!!!!!

COMMENDE

VIEWING RE

TORREVIEJA - AGUAS NUEVAS - REF 664NG

IEWS

V FANTASTIC

FROM 99,000€ !

DORADA COUNTRY CLUB - EL

CAMPELLO

174,900€

Ref:659NG

prices from , Lounge diner, Fire place in villas ched deta 3 Bed, 2 Bath bedrooms, Master bed has size lounge, Sep kitchen, 3 good with fantastic views Com rium ,sola room bath suite an en swimming pool

Brand new Bungalows, Choose either a solarium or a garden, 2 Community swimming pools, A spa, close to all amenities

R!!!

GREAT OFFE

DORADA CLUB – CAMPELLO - REF 660N ONE REMAINING 121,900€ !

GREAT VALU

Beautiful semi detached , 3 Beds, 2 Baths corner plot, Quiet Location, Solarium with great views, Off rd parking , Under build

TORREMENDO Ref:661NG is W.C and hand basin 2 Bed, 2 Bath Town house, 1 Bath en, Solarium with kitch plan n Ope r, dine only, Lounge 2 Good size bedde, trysi great views over open coun rooms, Com swimming pool.

IEWS!

V FANTASTIC

ONE ONLY REMAINING AT

A GREAT PRICE OF ONLY

LO CRISPIN - REF: 658NG

55,000€

FROM ONLY 89,000€!!

PHONE US BEFORE THEY ARE ALL SOLD! FAN FANTAS TASTIC TIC VAL VALUE! UE! IPG PROPERTIES

IPG PROPERTIES

QUAD STYLE, 3 Bed, 2 Bath, Lounge Diner, Garden, Solarium, Com pool, Quiet Loc

IPG PROPERTIES

LA ESCUERA REF: 657: FABULOUS , 4 Bed, 3, Bath Detached property, Pool, Fireplace in lounge, Views over La Marina, Lovely spacious property VIEWING RECOMMENDED. 225,000€

La MARINA URB REF:570: 229,000 Very spacious, 1000m2 plot 2 Bed, 2 Bath, Detached villa, Double garage, Utility room, Pool, plenty of scope for more bedrooms. Sale includes 1 X Ford Fiesta Ghia. GREAT PRICE! 229,000€ WE URGENTLY NEED 3 BED, 2 BATH DETACHED PROPERTIES ON ONE LEVEL, WITH OR WITHOUT POOLS.

NEW BUILDS – NEW BUILDS - NEW BUILDS – NEW BUILDS - NEW BUILDS – NEW BUILDS – NEW BUILDS

FANTASTIC! ITERRANEO TORREVIEJA - ALTOS DEL MED

Ref:667NU

ts, Com pool in landFantastic 2 Bed, 2 Bath Apartmen en units and white goods scaped gardens, Spa access, Kitch bathrooms, Double glazed included, Under floor heating in throughout. From 122,000€.

FANTASTIC VIEWS LOS MONTESINOS

Ref:665NV

166,000€

From Vistabella Golf Homes, all vill as situated around the golf course. 3 Bed 2 Bath OR 2 Bed 2 Bath – You choose! Fan tastic views, Golfing facilities, and many oth er sports.

OMMENDED

C VIEWING RE

ORIHUELA COSTAS Ref:668NU location.in Altos de La 2 Bed, 1 Bath Bungalows, Quiet solarium. Your very or en gard Bahia. You choose with own holiday home in the sun. From

117,000€

MUST BE SEEN!

COMMENDE

VIEWING RE

ORIHUELA COSTAS Ref:669NU quiet location in Altos 3 Bed, 2 Bath villas, situated in a all white goods inand units en kitch de la Bahia. Fitted bathrooms, Com pool, cluded, Shower doors included in in beautiful gardens From

TORREVIEJA AGUAS NUEVAS Ref:666NU New build Quad style proper ties, Choose from 3 Bed, 2 Bath or 3 Bed 3 Bath. Com poo l, Fitted units in kitchen, All electrical appliances includ ed in kitchen. BeautifulFrom

180,000€

175,000€

ALL ABROAD! - all our own ideas.

TEL. 606 540 408

Welcome to our World!

A fresh new experience for Real Estate Agents, home-buyers, sellers and more!

www.1stchoicespain.com a trading division of 1st Choice World Limited. A whole new world! With an emphasis on clarity and transparency towards the customer, an exciting new website is now at the fingertips of all those interested in buying, selling or renting a property. With the initial target market being Spain - and the Costa Blanca in particular - 1stchoicespain.com is being developed to be the “1st Choice” for professionals serious about finding a portal for their clients that works.

very good time to showcase your portfolio, and be noticed on a pro-

As we all know, either from experience or through frustration, it is not

advertising, www.1stchoicespain-classifieds.com

only property information that new customers and investors seek and often need; there is a whole host of other details that are necessary and through this new website clients will find the answers they need without having to spend all day on the computer going from site to

fessional platform . Having established themselves in the world of real-estate, specialising and assisting in the selling and investment in property located in Spain, they have used their extensive experience and knowledge of the market and launched into the value-for-money Costa Blanca with www.1stchoicespain.com for property marketing and, for general

What does it cost? 1stChoiceSpain.com offers any business with ties to the Property industry the opportunity to advertise their services on the web site.

site.

Options include (space permitting) Prime spot advertising with click-

The ultimate aim of 1st Choice World is to provide a complete range

either fixed or rotating and with many options available for property

able links to your own site and other Home Page advertising slots

of property and home services to Real Estate professionals in multiple international markets and to bring related activities together to make a “one stop shop” for potential buyers and investors. That is the intention at 1st Choice World, to provide the full package of information requirements, and just by taking a look at the website you’ll see that they have thought about just what visitors to the site need. For the Agents, buyers and sellers, there are promotions to look at, also featured properties and a very handy mortgage calculator which allows you to work out monthly payments including the interest rate, a translator to give the site a truly multi-national feel and allowing potential buyers and sellers full access to the comprehensive resources available from 1st Choice World Limited.

listings – all at very economic rates. For example you can choose from the basic package, Plan No.1 – BRONZE which means you can get your property listed for just 18.85€ for 3 months while Plan No.8 – PLATINUM offers professional listings: 499.00€ for 12 months . In addition they also offer the opportunity to buy “Featured Ads“. These ads are highlighted and rank first in any given search and are very cost effective with advertising for 3 months costing just 5.00€. Advertise your business. 1st Choice Spain provides an excellent medium, to reach a wide spectrum of potential customers looking for all the associated services necessary for the property buyer. Various plans are available and 1st Choice welcomes the opportunity to discuss your needs.

For everyone For professionals the website offers an exciting, and different, opportunity to showcase their Property Portfolio or Classified Goods and Services in fact just about ANYTHING.

1stchoicespain-classifieds.com Classified ads for all purposes The new classified advertising site is aimed at the normal householder. How often do you wish you could find that elusive service or how to sell that unused article or perhaps you’re looking for a good quality

They also offer an opportunity to join them, and be among the first to offer your customers a new marketing tool, with a no obligation 90 day trial on their Property Portal, and with advertising packages that are very competitively priced ( can be

item? Maybe you’re looking for a job? A good value car? Or perhaps need repairs done? Take a look at this extensive and comprehensive listings website and find it, simply. Charities, Religious organizations, Animal rescue services, Jobs to offer – guess what? You can advertise FREE! Private sellers with goods to sell? Under 50 Euros –also FREE! Check it out for yourselves here: www.1stchoicespain-classifieds.com If you need to get in touch with 1stChoiceSpain.com for any reason here are our contact details: Telephone: +34 966790169 Mobile: Alan Hawksworth – +34 622446384 Mobile: Roy Hayes

– +34 690884979

structured

E-mail: admin@1stchoicespain.com

to individual

Post: Avenida Londres, Urb. La Marina, San Fulgencio, Alicante, Spain, 03177

needs), this could be a

See more at: www.1stchoicespain.com

Central Bar

The

Plaza De La Villa 32, Hondon De Las Nieves Tel. 96 548 0681

SUNDAY CARVERY Served 1pm-3pm

€6.95

kitchen closed Sunday evening

Daily blackboard specials

Fish nEVERY Chips €7.95 FRIDAY

EVERY THURSDAY 8PM served 6.30 - 8.00pm

Winter Opening hours

POOL LEAGUE New pool league starts 8th January NEW PLAYERS WELCOME

C.C. BENIMAR Tel. 966 713 266

SKY TV

LIVE football

Pre quiz meal €5.50

6.30pm - 9.00pm lightly battered cod, chips & either mushy or garden peas

SHOPS IN

5.50€

QUIZ NIGHT IS BACK!

No kitchen in the evenings, except Friday fish & chip night Bar closed Monday all day Tuesday, Saturday & Sunday open 10am until 7ish Wed, Thurs, Fri open 10 till late

C.C PUNTA MARINA PUNTA PRIMA Tel. 966 799 597

! K C O T S N I H C U SO M NOW IN STOCK!

NOW SELLING FLOWERS in our shops

Helium Balloons For All Occasions

Phone Cards Newspapers Internet

IN STOCK!

Celebrity Face Masks HUGELY POPULAR!

EXTRA SPECIAL OFFER!!

2 x Paperbacks = 7€

Stationery

5 FIRST CLASS

letters or cards to UK for 24

! E R O M H & MUC

3.50€

ALL ABROAD! - all our own ideas.

SUPER STORE O

pening soon!!

TEL. 606 540 408

all BORED? all BORED? all BORED? all BOR

A BIG PAGE of

PUZZLE FUN!!

riddles

Riddles - Answers below

1. Sheikh’s Inheritance An Arab sheikh tells his two sons to race their camels to a distant city to see who will inherit his fortune. The one whose camel is slower wins. After wandering aimlessly for days, the brothers ask a wise man for guidance. Upon receiving the advice, they jump on the camels and race to the city as fast as they can. What did the wise man say to them? 2. Virile Microbes A Petri dish hosts a healthy colony of bacteria. Once a minute every bacterium divides into two. The colony was founded by a single cell at noon. At exactly 12:43 (43 minutes later) the Petri dish was half full. At what time will the dish be full? 3. The Ball How can you throw a ball as hard as you can and have it come back to you, even if it doesn’t bounce off anything? There is nothing attached to it, and no one else catches or throws it back to you. 4. A Ping-Pong Ball in a Hole Your last good ping-pong ball fell down into a narrow metal pipe imbedded in concrete one foot deep. How can you get it out undamaged, if all the tools you have are your tennis paddle, your shoe-laces, and your plastic water bottle, which does not fit into the pipe?

Across

1. Philip __ (US ambassador to UK 19972001) 6. Keen 10. Joseph Alois Ratzinger 14. Conscious 15. __skirt 16. Not up 17. We cautioned monk? 20. Even though 21. __-wheeler 22. __ precedent 24. Sticky stuff 25. Adjacent to, as land 28. Come again? 30. Just open 34. Streak 35. Rounds 36. Highly ornamented style 38. Preserved pup pen? 41. Breakfast order, maybe 42. It puts the ‘pop’ in pop 43. Had a bite 44. Like a smelly cigar 45. Burn slightly 46. Garden __ 47. Behave 49. Sea weed 51. Setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet 56. Man on the Main 60. Copperplate Isis? 62. __ Denisovich (Solzhenitsyn character) 63. Occupant of 13 down 64. Like some sheets 65. Play people 66. Told where to go 67. Choose

Down

1. Dalai __ 2. Missing roll call? 3. Apply crudely 4. Part of E.M.H. 5. Lace again 6. “__ Blue”, Ethel Waters’ classic 7. Grape holder 8. __ Girls (Ray & Saliers) 9. San __ 10. Warsaw__ 11. Instrument once known as the ‘hautbois’ 12. Cute dog 13. First nudist colony? 18. Try 19. Dr. __ (Briish TV series) 23. Company name in many Roadrunner cartoons 25. Passion 26. Present day Myanmar, once 27. Let loose 29. Charley __ 30. King beater 31. He had a whale of a time 32. Severe 33. __ off (secured) 35. A close relative 36. Make amends 37. Eggs 39. They bugle 40. Lie in the tub 45. Walked briskly 46. Like some staircases 47. Wheel of Fortune purchase, perhaps 48. S.A. shrubs targeted by the DEA 50. Let slip 51. Kind of poem 52. A buck in Bulgaria 53. Evian and Eeds 54. __ She Lovely (Stevie Wonder hit) 55. Panache 57. Word on a Miller label 58. Pertaining to hearing 59. Monthly payment, perhaps 61. Quantity, abbrev.

Across

Across 1. Brown ermine 6. “Ben-Hur”, for example 10. Kid 14. ___charged (engine type) 15. Puerto ___ 16. Willy was one 17. Greek theater 18. Eddie in “Beverly Hills Cop” 19. Boys in the hood 20. Romantic stripper’s preferred reading? 22. Where a stripper keeps contact info? 24. While opening? 25. What 20 across took off 28. Puppy prattle 29. Poetic palindrome 31. Doh! nut? 33. Hidden cartoon character 36. Ambience 37. Exceeded the limit 41. Actress/director Lupino 42. Stripper with a wolfhound, say? 45. ___ de vie 46. What 42 across took off 48. Cincinatti players 49. US airport named after a war hero. 51. Senseless 53. Wildebeest 54. Because 57. Prune 59. Spoils 63. Thieving stripper’s possessions? 65. Flasher at a stripper’s disco? 67. Subs. 68. River dividing Europe and Asia 71. Gallic good-bye 72. Asian desert 73. What 65 across took off 74. Hall-of-famer Ryan 75. Sauce type 76. They’re walked on 77. What 22 across took off

Down

1. What 63 across took off 2. Henry VIII’s family name 3. Nabisco product since 1912 4. Cancelled a mission 5. Nobel prize-winning author Morrison 6. Press ‘Backspace’ perhaps 7. Photos 8. Unusual hotel type 9. Popular drink 10. Pieceworkers 11. Actor Flynn 12. Cone unit 13. Chores 21. First fruit picker 23. Color 26. Quake 27. They run in Pamplona 30. Purloin 32. West 33. Peruke 34. Fuss 35. It can be civil 36. Helper 38. It gave a princess discomfort 39. A hole in the head 40. Deserved 43. Grp. involved in ‘the troubles’ 44. Director Howard 47. Capital of Cyprus 50. Tobacco container 52. ___ Kelly (Jagger role) 53. EST+5 54. Hitches 55. Dome home 56. __ a long shot (way off) 58. Setting for “Cast Away” 60. Nimble 61. Big birds 62. Floors 64. Catch a wave 66. Touch down 69. Future fish 70. Honest guy

1. The wise man told them to switch camels. 2. The dish will be full at 12:44. 3. Throw the ball straight up in the air. 4. All the tools are random things that are not going to help you. All you have to do is pour some water into the pipe so that the ball swims up on the surface. And if you say that you don’t have any water, then think about what you drank today and if you can use that somehow :-) SOLUTIONS:

It's a toughy! It's EASY! STILL the cheapest advertising around- TEL. 606 540 408 Word: INTRODUCE

ALL ABROAD! - all our own ideas.

TEL. 606 540 408

‘aving a laugh... MEN...

HE: GO ON, DONT BE SHY. ASK ME OUT! SHE: OKAY, GET OUT!

MISSING SPOUSE

RECENTLY, A DISTRAUGHT WIFE WENT TO THE LOCAL POLICE STATION, ALONG WITH HER NEXT-DOOR NEIGHBOR, TO REPORT THAT HER HUSBAND WAS MISSING. THE POLICEMAN ASKED FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THE MISSING MAN. THE WIFE SAID, “HE IS 35 YEARS OLD, 6-FOOT 4-INCHES, HAS DARK EYES, DARK WAVY HAIR, AN ATHLETIC BUILD, WEIGHS 185 POUNDS, IS SOFT-SPOKEN, AND IS GOOD TO THE CHILDREN.”

HE: IF I COULD SEE YOU NAKED, I’D DIE HAPPY. SHE: IF I SAW YOU NAKED, I’D DIE LAUGHING. HE: WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE? SHE: WHERE I’LL BE THE REST OF YOUR LIFE - IN YOUR WILDEST DREAMS. HE: WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE? SHE: HIDING FROM YOU. HE: I THINK I COULD MAKE YOU VERY HAPPY SHE: WHY? ARE YOU LEAVING? HE: WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IF I ASKED YOU TO MARRY ME? SHE: NOTHING. I CAN’T TALK AND LAUGH AT THE SAME TIME.

THE NEXT-DOOR NEIGHBOR PROTESTED, “YOUR HUSBAND IS 5-FOOT 8-INCHES, CHUBBY, HAS A BIG MOUTH, AND IS MEAN TO YOUR CHILDREN.” THE WIFE REPLIED, “YES, BUT WHO WANTS HIM BACK?”

HE: HI, DIDN’T WE GO ON A DATE ONCE? OR WAS IT TWICE? SHE: MUST’VE BEEN ONCE. I NEVER MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE TWICE.

THE TOUCHING SPEECH

HE: CAN I BUY YOU A DRINK? SHE: ACTUALLY, I’D RATHER HAVE THE MONEY.

PERFORMANCE & DIESEL CENTRE

ELEVEN PEOPLE WERE HANGING ON A ROPE UNDER A HELICOPTER, TEN MEN AND ONE WOMAN. THE ROPE WAS NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO CARRY THEM ALL, SO THEY DECIDED THAT ONE HAD TO DROP OFF.

HE: I’M A PHOTOGRAPHER. I’VE BEEN LOOKING FOR A FACE LIKE YOURS. SHE: I’M A PLASTIC SURGEON. I’VE BEEN LOOKING FOR A FACE LIKE YOURS.

Motor Engineers of Guardamar and Santa Pola

OTHERWISE THEY WERE ALL GOING TO FALL. THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO CHOOSE THAT PERSON, BUT THEN THE WOMAN MADE A VERY TOUCHING SPEECH.

JAGUAR

HE: HOW DID YOU GET TO BE SO BEAUTIFUL? SHE: I MUST’VE BEEN GIVEN YOUR SHARE. HE: WILL YOU GO OUT WITH ME THIS SATURDAY? SHE: SORRY, I’M HAVING A HEADACHE THIS WEEKEND.

All makes, petrol and diesel, Serviced and Repaired

SHE SAID THAT SHE WOULD VOLUNTARILY LET GO OF THE ROPE, BECAUSE AS A WOMAN, SHE WAS USED TO HE: CAN I HAVE YOUR NAME? Centre specialises in mechanical and engine repairs from SHE: WHY? DONT YOU ALREADY HAVE ONE? GIVING UP EVERYTHING FOR The HERDiesel HUSBAND AND KIDS, routine servicing EVER to repairing manual gear boxes, alternators, starter motors, AND FOR MEN IN GENERAL, WITHOUT GETTING HAVEN’T I fault SEEN YOU SOMEWHERE BEFORE? Re-building complete engines, also upHE: to date diagnostic finding, ANYTHING IN RETURN. SHE: YES, THAT’S WHY Head gaskets, timing belts, clutches, brakes, welding and air con. I DONT GO THERE ANYMORE. We also carry out pre-ITV inspections and take cars for the actual ITV tests. AS SOON AS SHE FINISHED HER THEthan 25 years HE: experience IS THIS as SEAT EMPTY? Mark,SPEECH, the owner,ALL has more an Engineer, SHE: YES,Master AND Technician, THIS ONE WILL MEN STARTED CLAPPING and THEIR is joined HANDS... by Technicians Steve, who is a Ford trained and Tom, BE TOO IF YOU SIT DOWN. who is Mercedes trained, so you can be assured you are being served by the best in the area.

PICK-UP LINES AND REPLIES

HE:and HEY BABY, WHATS YOUR SIGN? HE: YOUR FACE MUST TURN A Centre’s FEW HEADS. The reputation is built on expertise quality of service, and many SHE: AND YOUR FACE MUST TURN A FEW STOMACHS. SHE: DO NOT ENTER. of its customers are referred by word of mouth recommendations.

The centre opens weekdays from 9am to 6pm (no Siesta) Saturday mornings 10.00am - 2.00 pm. Find us at C/Ferrers 90, Pol. Ind. Santa Ana, Guardamar

966107606 or 647162821

And now: C/Marineros 41, Pol. Ind. IN-2, Santa Pola

965078505 or 647162821

Or for a friendly chat or any advice you may need, please do not hesitate to give us a call:

www.englishgarage.com info@englishgarage.com

AVOID DELAYS WHEN

SENDING & RECEIVING

MAIL

with

GOT AN

ACCOUNT?

SAVE MONEY! All parcels delivered within 48 hours

NO DELAYS

POLITE NOTICE: Dear customers, please do not confuse us with a Spansih company with a similar name who sell stamps. We work directly with Royal Mail & are fully legal.

Linda Rowland Talks Insurance Drive Safely With the aim of giving our clients our best attention and service we keep our opening hours consistant and close only on official bank holidays. Over the Christmas period this is Christmas Day, New Year’s

Try us!

• You will be amazed at just how cost effective it is for our postal & courier services • No language barrier - we speak your language • No queueing • FULL worldwide postal & courier service • DISCOUNTS for bulk mail (50 letters or more) Renew your British passport FREE document check prior to sending DAILY service to the British Consulate in Madrid

OFFICE: C/San Luis 2, 03187 Los Montesinos Alicante Tel. 966 720 959 Visit our website: www.easypost.es Email: alicantesouth@easypost.es

Day and the 6th of January for the three kings festival. Don’t feel too sorry for us as we will still celebrate the many other bank holidays such as All Saints on the 1st of November, the “Puente del Pilar” on the 6th and 8th of December and many more holidays which take a lot of Northern Europeans by surprise. We soon learn the word “fiesta” and like to celebrate with friends and family. This usually involves plenty of food and a glass of sparkling cava or a good wine to toast our good health. A few glasses too many doesn’t do any harm from time to time as long as you don’t take to the road behind the wheel of your car. As well as the obvious danger to yourself and others, it’s important to understand the implications of drinking and driving with regard to motor insurance. On Christmas Day a client of ours was hit head on by a vehicle being driven by a drunken driver who had been overtaking at high speed in fog, crossing the white line and entering the oncoming lane of traffic. The insurance companies await the police report and the details of the accident along with the results of the alcohol tests of the drivers concerned. Our client was well within the legal drink driving limit but having consumed some alcohol, albeit under the limit, his policy will be rendered null and void with regards to this accident as stated in all Spanish policies. Most people do not realize that having drunk even the smallest shandy a test result showing any alcohol will make the policy worthless whether the accident is their fault or not.

FREE, NO OBLIGATION ESTIMATES!

It is difficult and costly to defend yourself in the ensuing court case so we were relieved that this particular client had the separate legal defence policy which will give him full legal representation in the lead up to the court case and also during and after court proceedings. Due to the recession and the need to cut costs, most of us have had to let things go and it’s difficult to decide where to make savings. This policy has the additional cost on top of your motor policy of less than a euro a week and is worth hanging onto where possible. Although nobody condones drinking and driving, the knowledge, help and advice that we give can help through a difficult time.

up to

15%

DISCOUNT!

We wish you a prosperous and peaceful 2013.

LINDA ROWLAND INSURANCE CORREDURIA DE SEGUROS S.L.

www.lindarowland.com Insurance for the English Speaking Community

www.toldospenalver.com C/Gaspasr Quiles Pascual, 24, ELCHE

Tel.

965 43 23 50

UK REGISTERED CARS House Policies Written in English Full Range of Medical Protection Boats - Life - Mortgage Protection - Commercial Units

MORE THAN

20 YEARS IN SANTA POLA

Visit our office in Santa Pola - Portus Illicitanus Tel. 96 541 3076 - Monday to Friday - 09.30 - 13.30pm

STILL the cheapest advertising around- TEL. 606 540 408

Coches Guardamar

A professional service you can trust

We are the Costa Blanca’s your No.1 LEADING CAR SPECIALISTS choice! All cars include a new ITV, 1 years warranty

DOCUMENT TRANSFER - IN 1 DAY

Everyone at Coches Guardamar wishes you:

A HAPPY NEW YEAR! and a prosperous one!

6,390€ Mazda 3 5/2006 67,000km 1.6 HDI 5 door Perfect Cond. alloys

TELL US WHAT YOU´RE LOOKING FOR!

WANTED! - LEFT & RIGHT HAND DRIVE CARS

AND WE´LL SOURCE THE CAR FOR

choice of 10 runarounds from 2000€-5000€

YOU!

3,290€ Peugeot 206 1.4 petrol 5/2002 103,000km Nice cleam small runaround.

4,000€ 6,999€

Coming soon!

Choice of 2 Picasso Silver Petrol & diesel Main Pic: 2005 71,000km Allloys.

Rav 4 1.8 petrol 75,000km 10/2005 Perfect Cond.

7,999€ Kia Carnaval 2.9 CRDI 7 seater Full equip. TV. Tinted windows V. nice car

5,999€ Peugeot 206 estate 1.4HDI x-line 90 58,000km 1 owner 3/2006

LOTS OF CHEAP CARS IN STOCK!! More than 30 economic runarounds available!

CALL US ON:

646 763 645

Opening Times Mon - Fri: 10.00-6.00pm Sat: 10.00-2.00pm TO

LA MARINA VILLAGE

LA M

off the N332 - Direction Alicante

A VI

ALICANTE

NEW N332 GUARDAMAR

LIDL

DISABLED MODOFICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE ON ALL CARS

Mercadona

SERVICES WE OFFER Servicing - Mechanical Repairs - Pre ITV Body Repairs Tyres - Exhausts - Batteries Air Con Regassing Document/Registration Transfers + windscreen repairs, Upholstery

HEADLAMP REFURBISHING ONLY 10€ each.

BOB’S BAR BANOS DE FORTUNA

Tel. 681 317 447 Open Every day 12.30-late

Thurdsays: quiz with roz 9pm start Fridays: BINGO from about 9.30pm Commisssion-free AUCTION 1st Tuesday every month (Lots in 12.30pm Auction starts 2pm)

lu C

l B re ob inf

ik e r r m s c o fo

Soak up the atmosphere Sky Sports / ESPN

FREE TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM THE BAR

NEW YEARS EVE FREE Premiership PARTY CELEBRATIONS & International football on WITH DJ GEORDIE PHIL HUGE PROJECTOR SCREEN

COME AND JOIN US FOR A DRINK AND RAFFLE

open XMAS day from 12-4

BITTHISBITTHAT

We Buy And Sell Second Hand Household Goods All Aspects of property Maintenance undertaken Pool Maintenance, Air Conditioning, Electrical, Plumbing, Satellite TV etc

Contact: Peter Tel. 650 788 851 Email:bitthisbitthat@terra.es

BRITISH

Comercial unit 12c, Las Kalendas, Fortuna, Murcia

The

MINI MARKET SIZZOR Comercial unit 12b, Las Kalendas, Fortuna, Murcia, 30620 Tel. 650 788851

XMAS Stockists of all your OPENING HOURS SATfavourite 22ND DEC British foods. CLOSED JOIN US FOR 23/24/25/26 Fresh Bread Daily 70c MULLED WINE Frozen Food section OPEN 27/28/29 & MINCE PIES Daily & Sunday Newspapers 10-12

CLOSED 30/31/1/2 Greeting cards OPEN 3/4/5/6 10-12 for all occasions

Opening times: Mon-Sat 10-2 & Sun 10-12 .30

SISTERS

Hair & Beauty Salon

Ladies W/C/B from 10€ Colour W/C/B from 25€ Highlights W/C/B from 30€ Manicure & Pedicure from 5€ Eyebrow waxing from 5€ Mens cut from 6€ Comercial unit 12a, Las Kalendas, Fortuna, Murcia, 30620 Open: 10-2pm Thursday, Friday, Saturday Call for appointment 679 769 670 English/Espanol

SOLAR RINGS FOR POOLS

(Keeps pool warmer)

only

€

See our advert

BITTHISBITTHAT

ALL ABROAD! - original thinking. TEL. 606 540 408

ALL the

MARKETS

on the COSTA BLANCA! Monday Markets Agres Callosa d’En Sarria Cox Denia Elche Formentera Granja de Rocamora Ibi La Nucia Llocnou de Sant Jeroni Orihuela Parcent Petrer Penaguila Monover Real de Gandia San Pedro del Pinatar Santa Pola Sax Xeraco

Tuesday Markets Alicante (Rastro) Aspe Altea Barx Bellreguard Benijofar Campo de Mirra Castalla Elda Jalon (Xalo) Orihuela Palma de Gandia Piles Rafelcofer Relleu San Fulgencio Tibi Villalonga Xeresa

Wednesday Markets Ador Albatera Alcoy Alqueries Almoines Banyeres Barx Benjema Beniaries Benidorm Benilloba Benitachell Biar Callosa de Segura Calpe (Rastro) El Campello Elda Guardamar del Segura La Font d’en Carros La Mata Muchamiel Monforte del Cid Novelda Orba Ondara Petrer Polop Potries Rotova San Miguel de Salinas Teulada

Thursday Markets Agost Agres Albatera Alguena Alicante Aspe Benidoleig Cocentaina Hondon de los Frailes

Thursday Contined... Javea (Xabia) Llocnou de Sant Jeroni Pego Playe de Bellreguard Rafelcofer Rojales San Javier Tavernes de Valldigna Villajoyosa Xixona (Jijona)

Friday Markets Albatera Alfaz del Pi Almoines Banyeres Benejuzar Beniarres Benidoleig Crevillente Daimus Denia (Rastro) El Verger Finestrat Gata de Gorgos Granja de Rocamora L’ Alfas del Pi Monforte del Cid Montesinos Moraira Muro de Alcoi Oliva Onil Petrer Pilar de la Horadada Rafol d’ Almunia Tibi Torrevieja Villalonga

Saturday Markets Alcoy Alicante Almoradi Alqueria Banyeres Bellreguard Benifairo Benissa Callosa d’En Sarria Calpe Castalla Castell de Castells Catral Elche Elda La Font d’En Carros La Romana Gaianes Hondon de las Nieves Novelda Ondara Pedreguer Playa Flamenca San Vicente del Raspeig Salinas Relleu Santa Pola Xalo (Jalon) Rastro

GIG GUIDE December

Well happy New Year to you all and I

answer to the following question :-

hope you all have had a good few weeks of fun and entertainment and that you

In the panto the Dame will be sing-

have finally finished off all the turkey lol.

ing a very well known song called ‘Man I feel like a woman’ all I want

January is always a quiet month here on

you to do is tell me who sang this

the Costa’s as everyone gets over the

song in the late 90’s was it..?

festive season but there is still quite a fair amount of great entertainment hap-

A- Madonna,

pening around the areas, but a great

B- Shania Twain

thing about January is that it hosts a

or C- Cher,

number of brilliant Pantomimes in many towns a good one to go and see is The

email answers to mandy@starsinbars.

Wizard of Oz happening on January 9th

org the closing date for this competi-

at The Careline Theatre in Alcalali.

tion is 6pm on Wednesday 16th January please don’t forget to put your name

But I think my favourite this month will

and phone number in your email to me.

be Dick Whittington performed by the Rojales pantomime Group to be held

So if you’re a bar or an entertainer and

on January 18th & 19th at the Escuela

want to appear in the gig guide then

De Musica in Los Montesinos both dates

please contact me by email on mandy@

doors open at 7pm with a Matinee also

starsinbars.org or call me on 685302529

on the 19th, this group raise a lot of

or just visit my website www.starsin-

money for charities around the local

bars.org

area and have kindly given me 2 free tickets for Friday nights performance to give away to you lucky All Abroad readers all you have to do to win this pair of tickets is to send me an email with the

Mandy x

Sunday Markets

Algorfa Benidorm Benijofar Campoverde El Campo de Guardamar Elche El Zoco La Nucia Lliber La Marina Pedreguer Verger Villajoyosa

ALL ABROAD! - original thinking. TEL. 606 540 408

FIESTAS

ALL YOUR NEW YEAR FIESTAS¬ ALICANTE REGION Cabalgata de Reyes de Alcoy, Alcoi/Alcoy January 6, Alcoi/Alcoy

HAVE YOU TRIED SHOPPING IN HONDON LATELY? - SOME GREAT SHOPS/BARS & RESTAURANTS THERE!

Carnaval, Jijona from February 10 to 11, Jijona Carnestoltes, Pego February 15, Pego

February 15, Cartagena Carnaval, Cehegín February 15, Cehegín San José, Mazarrón March 19, Mazarrón

Auto Sacramental de los Reyes Magos, Cañada from January 6 to 7, Cañada

Fiestas de Invierno, Jijona February 15, Jijona

Virgen de la Paz, Agost from January 15 to 24, Agost

Carnaval, Torrevieja February 15, Torrevieja

Porrate de San Antón, Alicante January 17, Alicante

Milagro de la Lágrima, Mutxamel March 1, Mutxamel

Rei Pàixaro, Biar January 17, Biar

Moros y Cristianos de Villafranqueza, Alicante from March 16 to 19, Alicante

Fiestas del Escudo - La Invasión, Cieza April 28, Cieza

Fallas, Denia March 19, Denia

Fiestas del Barrio San José Obrero, Cieza from April 30 to May 2, Cieza

Media Fiesta de Moros y Cristianos, Elda January 17, Elda San Antonio, Muro de Alcoy January 17, Muro de Alcoy

Fallas, Benidorm March 19, Benidorm

San Antonio Abad, Mutxamel January 17, Mutxamel

Fallas de San José, Calpe March 19, Calpe

San Antonio, Ondara January 17, Ondara

Fallas, Pego March 19, Pego

San Antón, Orihuela January 17, Orihuela

Semana Santa, Pilar de la Horadada April 5, Pilar de la Horadada

San Antón Abad, Pilar de la Horadada January 17, Pilar de la Horadada Sant Antoni del Porquet, Relleu January 17, Relleu San Antón, Salinas January 17, Salinas San Antón, Villena January 17, Villena San Canuto, Almudaina January 19, Almudaina San Sebastián, Sax from January 21 to 22, Sax Procesión del Jesuset del Miracle, Alcoi/Alcoy January 31, Alcoi/Alcoy Fiesta de La Candelaria, Pilar de la Horadada February 2, Pilar de la Horadada Sant Blai, Pedreguer February 3, Pedreguer San Blas, Sax February 3, Sax Romería de Santa Águeda, Catral from February 4 to 5, Catral Mig Any Moros y Cristianos, Elche February 6, Elche

San Vicente Ferrer, Busot April 15, Busot Mare de Déu del Miracle, Relleu April 15, Relleu San Vicente, Sant Vicent del Raspeig April 16, Sant Vicent del Raspeig

Bando de la Huerta, Murcia April 10, Murcia Fiestas de Primavera, Blanca April 10, Blanca San Marcos, Bullas April 25, Bullas

HELP Torrevieja & Vega Baja Charity Sale Every Sat On the first Saturday of every month from 09:30-13:00 at Casa Ventura. Tel:966 723 733 for more information.

MURCIA REGION

Every Mon 1 Playa Flamenca on the last Monday of the Month from 10:00 (stallholders 09:00), in aid of AECC. The restaurant is open during the market time.

San Sebastián, Ricote January 20, Ricote

trance. Tel: 966 189 375 or 636

La Candelaria, Beniel February 2, Beniel Carnaval, Águilas February 15, Águilas Carnaval, Cartagena

FRESH, HOMEMADE AND IN THE QUANTITES YOU CANT GET ANYWHERE ELSE AT OUR PRICES!

THE FABULOUS DANNI BURGER (Named after the only person who has been able to eat it all!)

Is enormous and takes some doing to eat it all. It has 4 quarter pound pure beef burgers, 4 fried eggs, fried onions, best grilled english bacon, loads of melted mature cheddar cheese, tomato (fried or raw) and lettuce served on a 35cm (diameter) super fresh bun. It stands approx 15cm high..

At Vialli’s Restaurant Via Park

San Antón, Torre Pacheco January 17, Torre Pacheco

Fiesta de las Cuadrillas - Barranda, Caravaca de la Cruz January 28, Caravaca de la Cruz

SERVING FOOD THE ONLY WAY WE KNOW: DAMN GOOD!!

CLUBS & Things to do

Charity Market in aid of AECC

San Antón, Bullas January 17, Bullas

See main ad page 4

Fiestas del Barrio de San José Obrero, Alcantarilla May 1, Alcantarilla

Fiestas Patronales, Benissa April 16, Benissa

Romería del 7 de Enero, Totana January 7, Totana

THE LEMON TREE

Cost €5 per table, free en-

All this for only 12€. Can also be ordered to eat between 4 or 5 people!

THE LEMON TREE

766 268 Football for Kids Every Sun, Tue, Thu Children’s football at Cabo Roig and Mil Palmeras every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Children aged 4 to 14 years of age wecome. Cost €3. Tel: 678 955

€179

LA MARINA Second Hand Furniture BEST PRICES PAID Part exchange available

FORGET THE REST WE ARE THE BEST! WE COLLECT

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

ALTOMAR FINE FINISHING

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE & IMPROVEMENTS SPECIALISTS IN WALK-IN SHOWERS PAINTING & DECORATING - GENERAL BUILDING TILING - BALLUSTRADES - SCREEN BLOCKS ELECTRICAL - PLUMBING - DRAINPIPES -GUTTERING LOCKS CHANGED - SHUTTER REPAIRS BOILERS - WATER FILTERS - KITCHEN WORKTOPS GALVANISED GRILLS & GATES

Michael Saliba´s

Premier League Round-up

MANCHESTER UNITED BEGIN TO PULL AWAY AS WE HEAD INTO 2013

As always, we begin with the league leaders. This year we have Manchester United, their cross-city rivals Manchester City and London side Chelsea. United have had a brilliant December, with a draw at Swansea being their solitary slip-up. They’ve managed to build a gap over City and Chelsea of 7 and 11 points respectively. Time and time again they have managed to snatch late winners that Chelsea in particular struggle to find. But that doesn’t mean that all is bad in London. Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham have all been in superb form as of late. Chelsea have now won four on the bounce which has allowed them to close the gap on both of the

Phone Eddie

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

Manchester Duo, with a game in hand too. This form has kept them within the title race, but they cannot afford anymore setbacks. Arsenal have managed to steadily rise up the table with a few brilliant results, and their North London rivals Tottenham have shot themselves into fourth place, two points behind Chelsea. But while some London sides have fared well this month, others have not. QPR. Can anybody save them? To put into perspective how poor they’ve been, League 2 side Bradford have won more games against Premier League opposition than QPR this season. They’ve accumulated more red cards this year than victories. That is impressive. They sit slap bang at the bottom of the league with a puny 10 points from 20. They look to new gaffer Harry Redknapp for help, but they need the magic of Harry Potter to get them out of this mess! And as we head into January, we see the reopening of the January transfer window. It’s fair to say a lot of clubs will be looking into signing some new players. Chelsea have been linked with pretty much every striker in world football, but the two most serious suggestions seem to be Newcastle striker Dembe Ba and Atletico Madrid superstar Radamel Falcao. Both would be brilliant and much needed additions to the Chelsea squad, especially since striker Sturridge is heading to Liverpool. Manchester City and United may stay quiet during the window, and the most likely transfer in Manchester will be Mario Balotelli’s exit. Even so, United have been linked to a few midfielders and defenders, and I personally feel their midfield is their weakest spot. A club like United shouldn’t have to rely on the aging Scholes for their central midfielder. He’s not what he once was by any stretch. United’s Nani could also be heading out of Manchester and into London as Tottenham apparently line up a bid. Wanyama of Celtic has been linked to Arsenal after an impressive display against Barcelona earlier this season. Swansea’s Michu has also been linked to both teams, although I doubt he’ll leave quite so early in the season. The headline makers, however, are the players who are arriving from abroad. Falcao aside, who was mentioned previously, there are plenty of talented players rumoured to be joining the EPL. Spaniard, Llorente has been linked to Arsenal, while Remy of Marseille is being lined up to replace Ba at Newcastle. Spurs and United are also interested in signing Portuguese star Moutinho apparently. The media are throwing up plenty more stories too. We all know that at least 90% of these rumours are false. Obviously, if you link enough players to a team they will eventually sign one of them. Even so, this should be an interesting month coming up and I’ll catch up with you once the window closes.

Classifieds

Place your FREE classified ads (up to 25 words) @

ask@allabroad.es

Please place adverts by 16th of each month - sorry no businesses

Earn some extra CASH with a clear out & raise some cash with All Abroad Free Ads! also at www.allabroad.es

GENERAL .

Usa escape mango-unsinkable2 man sailing boat exc condition hardly used ready to sail loads Of extras i.E. Oars instruction manuel €595 fortuna 650 788851

Watton wt828 interphone video intercom new in box €90 fortuna 650 788851

Frameless Mirror, Arch shape, 70cms high x 50cms across, with special fixing brackets only 5 euros. Welcome to view, Gran Alacant. Tel: 650039482

16Ft sailing boat fibre glass with wood tops wood mast 3.5 Horsepower out- Ikea Full Length Curtains, tab top, sheer fabric, 5 pairs in unopened packets. board Various colours 5 euros per pair, welEngine/oars/bouys/life jackets/ come to view. Tel 650039482 soft shoes/spare wheel/petrol can/winter cover Double action galvinised trailor for towing and for launching Made in kent uk 2007 jep marine faversham excellent condition ready to Singer Touch & Sew electric sewing masail €1,995 chine with hard carry case. Straight and Fortuna 650 788851 zigzag stitch only. Good condition, 20 euros. Viewing welcome. Gran Alacant. Tel 966697545 URBEGOSA Natural Gas Cooker v.g.c. 50 x 60 Glass Top, 4 burners, electric ignition and oven light. 50Euros o.n.o. Nr San Fulgencio Tel: 666 029666 NODOR NR300 Kitchen Extractor Fan, 287 w x 362 h. Brand new in box, with fitting and user instructions. 50 Singer Touch & Sew electric sewing Euros o.n.o. Nr San Fulgencio Tel: 666 029666 machine with hard carry case. Straight and zigzag stitch only. Good condition, 20 euros. Viewing welcome. Gran Single folding bed used once 30E. 1.4 satellite dish,stand and LNB 100E. Alacant. Tel 966697545 966979630 (pinoso area)

NEW!!!

The most economical advertising prices EVER!!

5€ ADVERTS IN ALL ABROAD

DON’T MISS OUT!! 38

ADVERTISE from just

10€ per month

Tel. 606 540 408 ask@allabroad.es brand new awning cassette toilet hot cold water shower fly screens night blinds gas fire fridge €3,495 fortuna 650 788851 Wheelchair for sale folding good condition lightweight 125euros Quesada 966717851

Gre 3.5M round by 1.2M deep brand new never been erected with upgraded pump sand filter ladders instruction manuel and dvd bargain €599 fortuna 650 788851

OFFICE SPACE LA MARINA Modern - Fully Equipped in V. Reasonable monthly rental central location. Call Steve on 660 202 002 GLASS COMPUTER DESK

Caravan 2 berth abbey lincoln approx Ikea, with sliding keyboard panel. 1990 double glazed windows hot cold v.g.c hardly used. 50€ water shower oven hob fridge 3m tel. 606 540 408 awning waste water bottle and fresh water container needs tlc inside to Breville Slow Cooker 3Ltr New €20 Tel. woodwork where the sun has lifted 693525799 laminate in places bargain €600 fortuna Oak Veneer Writing Bureau 1930’S - €20 650 788851 Caravan birstner 390tk sportiv 4/5 berth lightweight caravan galvanised chasis only covered 200kms like new includes

650 788851

27’ Tv-Built In Dvd €40 Tel. 693525799 Sky Boxes From €30.00 Tel. 650 788851 Computer Desks - Large €50 - Small - €25 - Fortuna, 650 788851 Hp Printer + 4 Colour Ink, 3 Black Ink €45 - Fortuna - 650 788851 Ikea Bookcase Light Wood - €15 - Fortuna - 650 788851 Ikea Light Wood Dvd Stand - €10- Fortuna - 650 788851 White Extendable Table/Small Drawer & 4 Whicker Effect Chairs - €60 Fortuna - 650 788851

200 BUSINESS CARDS = 35€ 24 hr turnaround Tel. 606 540 408 Electric Induction Glass Hob, Excellent Condition, €150 - Fortuna - 650 788851 4 Newell Posts For Staircase Cost €108 For €20 Tel. 693525799

SPORT

*Fibre Glass Dinghy 3 Man Fits Ib Riif Racj 4Hp Engine Or Oars €380 Tel. 693525799 Picton 4.5 Sportboat With Trailer, Needs Fairing And Engine. 650E O.N.O. La Marina Tel: 666029666

VEHICLES

for sale piaggio free 50cc 1985 first twist and go with electric start 2 seater colour yellow new tyres saddle excellent condition on italian plates new battery collectors piece €350 FORTUNA 650 788851 Ford Mondeo Estate N/S/R Light Unit Complete 30€ Tel: 633193156 Fortuna Harley Davidson. 2003 Anniversary Road King. 24,000 Klms, One Owner. F.S.H Over 2000 Pounds Of Extras.Tel. 966 699 465 11,995 Euros Ono Mazda Mx5 2.0 Litre. 6 Speed. 2005, One Owner. 26,000 Klms Only. Metalic Red. Spanish Plates. Lhd.As New 12,995 Euros Ono Tel. 639 545 694

r one roof

ing needs unde ic rv se d an ir pa re r ca ur yo LL A

DIAGNOSTICS CENTRO COMERCIAL - GRAN ALACANT TYRES NEW WORKSHOPS CLUTCHES BATTERIES SERVICING BRAKES PRE-ITV SKILLED TECHNICIANS

Using the LATEST TECHNOLOGY

CAR SALES NISSAN ALMERA

€1,800 MERCEDES

AUTOMATIC

CAR WASH

We’ll clean YOUR CAR

BY HAND!

€7,500 DAEWOO

€2,300 VACUUMS &

ed to Everything you ne good make your car as as NEW!

JET WASH

CALL US:

96 666 5201