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HERE WE GO… Well this is it. By the time you read this

girlfriend, Christel, who will be looking

we will be just a matter of days away

after our media liaison while travelling

from the Kayak Challenge on the 28th

alongside Rob in the backup car on the

of November, but we’re ready…I think!

day.

ke a break! a T with info@viajesrosatours.com www.viajesrosatours.com

Bea Cota has literally scared us to fitness and prepared us in just fourteen weeks

Taking photos and video on the day will

for what will be the biggest challenge

be snappers Shaun Burns from Gran Al-

of our lives (so far…). Weks of running,

acant and Kristoff Wright who will also

weight-lifting and various other forms of

be supplying the local press after the

torture have been endured under Bea’s

vent to show how we got on on the day. I

watchful eye and with us both consum-

must thank the local press of the region

ing enough food daily to keep a teen-

too for showing their support for what is

age Rhino satisfied we’ve gained weight,

MAY/ JUNE / JULY/ AUGUST/ SEP MAYO /JUNIO /JULIO/ AGOSTO / SEP MAI / JUNI / JULI / AUGUST / SEP

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MONDAY / LUNES / MONTAG ALGAR / GUADALEST

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she has been amazing and has led us

Howell’s Removals will be taking us along

through a strict regime but with the end

with the kayaks on the big day and the

aim of getting us ready for this event,

whole team will be at the Club Nautico

and we are. Mitch, not unaccustomed

Bar in the port of Guardamar to welcome

to the Rhino diet, has been through the

us when we finally arrive. It’d be great

process of getting (properly) in shape

to see you there too and also after in La

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did find empty Burger King wrappers in

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EARTHQUAKE PRACTICE NOT TO BE SNIFFED AT! Canine unit and specialized psychologists conduct mock disaster of earthquake.

in Lorca.

Their role is to locate wounded, dead and buried people by smell which is crucial in such situations where the effects of

An earthquake measuring 6andwith eight

the earthquake hardly leave room for the

people injured trapped or even dead.

specialist search Emergency teams with

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our inferior human senses of hearing and

fire,

the Group of Psychological Intervention

smell

Emergency and Disaster (GIPEC) tries to assist victims while a canine rescue unit

With eight rescue specialist on site and

(Echoes) is put to work trying to locate

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several psychologists from GIPEC the

ing that this is a practice for a serious

humans and animals work together – an

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at the School of Psychology in Alicante

day, the rescue teams had a successful

were there to learn about how to deal

drill and one that is essential for the re-

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gion, although we haven’t had a serious

pain endured by survivors is also mixed

tremor since 1829 when Torrevieja and

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a disaster firstly the emergency workers

But that won’t happen again will it? At

have to deal with the situation initially

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fore they can begin to take care of tragedy.

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the drama they may have to face, while for the specialized rescue dogs the drill represents real training in as close to realistic conditions as is possible.

However, the animals are not inexperienced in these situations and one of the dogs has participated in rescues in Ecuador, Colombia, and Chile and was even among the ruins searching for injured survivors following the earthquake

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Sandra in Spain www.sandrainspain.com

Around Algor fa

n! ecycled Renfe Statio Centro Rural, the R Heading from Algorfa to the bright city lights of Cuidad Quesada via Montebello, you’ll notice a quaint little hut.

That’s the old Benijofar/Rojales Renfe Station, and about 6 years ago, it was refurbished by the Ayuntament of Algorfa. The original station closed to passengers back in 1970 and to goods in 1985, but now the station has a new life as a snack bar and social centre for the residents of Montebello, Lo Crispin, and indeed anyone who wants to drop by and enjoy the warm welcome offered

by Mike and Therese. Some of the original roof timbers are incorporated in the build, and the large rocks on the terrace were part of the original station.

The Centro opened on 1 August 2015, and it’s already a resounding success with the locals.

Mike told me he expected to be finished by 6.00 pm most evenings, and maybe a bit later at weekends, but they’re lucky if they can lock the doors by 1.00 am! As well as the usual suspects, such as breakfasts, lunches and suppers – try Mike’s fabulous huevos revueltos (scrambled eggs, at just €1.50) – there’s a small shop where you can buy the English bits and pieces you’re missing from home. Think Oxo cubes, malt vinegar as opposed to wine vinegar, horseradish sauce and Tetley teabags, just for starters.

However, Mike and Therese are also very keen on encouraging integration with the locals, and providing an information point and social centre outside Algorfa, to serve the local people and publicise events in and around the town. And all nationalities use the Centro, including cyclists passing on the way to Torrevieja. The light, airy building has three large outdoor terraces, and an upstairs room that can be used for courses and functions.

Recently, the Centro has hosted a demonstration of Arab bread making, and a health and wellness presentation, as well as various fund raising events for local charities.

There are Spanish courses, as well as weekly Zumba sessions, and local residents have just helped to construct a petanca court. However, there was a setback with the first tournament, as nobody actually knew the rules, so there was a short delay while Wikipedia was consulted! The tournament was eventually won

by Peter Illsley, who is also hoping to get a fishing club going at the Centro.

Recently, Mike and some of the regulars were instrumental in capturing and re-homing a stray Podenco, whom they christened Rhonda, as she was first seen wandering in the road near the Montebello roundabout. Mike gained her trust by hanging around at 1.00 am when

the Centro was closed, and feeding her titbits while sitting on the pavement outside the Centro. The things we do for dogs in Spain! When Rhonda’s settled in her new home, she’ll be back to the Centro for a visit.

Lots of Spanish people drop in and reminisce with Mike and Therese about the days when the Centro was a functioning railway station.

Like most stations it had a bar, and the locals used to walk across the fields from Benijofar and Algorfa to enjoy a drink and a chat in the only bar in the area. One local resident dropped by with a photo of his entire family on the station platform, all dressed up in their Sunday best, waiting for a train to take them into Torrevieja to celebrate a first communion.

Mike is researching the history of the station, but it’s proving difficult, as the Spanish are not the world’s best record keepers. As he uncovers more information, it will be displayed on the walls for everyone to see. In 1907, there was visiting royalty when the Infanta Isabel, who was the granddaughter of Alfonso XII and aunt to Juan Carlos I, passed through on her way to the fiesta in Valencia.

When the line was inaugurated in 1884, a train carrying 300 dignitaries, including the Spanish Prime Minister Antonio Canevas del Castillio from Murcia to Torrevieja, derailed between Benijofar/Rojales and Los Montesinos.

The dignitaries had to shelter under local fig trees while the band played an impromptu concert and the railway engineer arranged for an engine to be despatched from Torrevieja to enable the VIPs to complete their journey.

Thankfully, there were no injuries, other than a lot of red faces at the railway company!

The story of ‘leaves on the line’ impeding services is a familiar one in Britain, and the Centro has its own version. There were so many snails on the line between the Centro and Los Montesinos that the connection between track and wheels was often compromised. The railway company had to employ workers to sweep the tracks in winter to avoid disruption to services!

Drop into the Centro soon, and catch up with Mike, Therese and the regulars who are helping to make the Recycled Renfe Station one of the busiest and most welcoming places in Algorfa.

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“Get on yer bike!”

by Gary Routledge www.cyclogicalcostablanca.com

“Trofeo Penon de Ifach” Cycle Sportif, Calpe 2015.

On Saturday 10th October 2015 twelve members of Team “Cyclogical” based in Quesada travelled to Calpe to participate in the 6th Trofeo Penon de Ifach Sportif.

Accompanied by their wives and partners they all stayed in the Diamante Beach hotel which has been the main Headquarters for the race for the past 6 years.

On arrival at the hotel it was a quick check in, register for the race, collect your commemorative sportif top and race number, park up cars, bikes and cases into the bedrooms and off to the nearest sports bar to watch the Rugby. We all met up for dinner in the hotel dining room at 8pm followed by a few drinks then an early night.

The Sportif / race is always well organised

and started just after breakfast between 8am and 9am on Sunday 11th, all participants and team’s started when they were ready as everyone was wearing a chip to register their times on completion, this was a big improvement on previous years as it meant that there was no mass start and no following the pace car, it was basically a race from start to finish against the clock and all the other riders. There were 2 food / water stops on route which were optional and plenty of beer and food at the finish.

This was the first time that I took my time on a Sportif as I always have to go as fast as I can and try and get a good place, but this year my best mate Willie came across from Elgin, Scotland especially to take part in his first ever Cycle Sportif.

Willie celebrated his 60th birthday earlier this year and is still exceptionally fit for his age. We were both in the RAF Regiment together and both taught Shotokan Karate for 25 years. He has only been on a road bike 9 times in his life, twice last year when he was over on holiday, four on his son’s bike at home, twice this week and then the actual cycle race itself, I was a bit worried when I took him out on the Wednesday night that he arrived as we only did 60k and he walked up through Benimar on the way home, on the Thursday evening it was our club training night and he managed to do 75k at quite a slow pace.

However he was looking forward to the challenge on Sunday. We started with the main group at approx 8.30am and we just took our time, up and down, up and down for about 70k and that was it, Willie decided enough was enough so

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from now on he was walking up the ups and cycling on the downs. It was great for me as I got to see the countryside and enjoys the views, we even stopped at both of the water stops to fill Willie’s water bottles, have a glass of coke and a banana, this is the first time that I have managed to do a complete Sportif using only half a bottle of water. After the second water stop Willie couldn’t get his shoes to clip in to the pedals, I adjusted the pedals but no difference, after checking again he had actually worn away the complete front of the cleats by walking up the hills and could no longer clip in. Having no choice he just got on with it and did the rest of the race unable to clip in.

After the 80k mark it became relatively flat with most of the main hills now behind us and only 500m of climbing left, we were off with Willie hard on my wheel, we cycled most of the way back until 10k out and by this time Willie had to walk once again. Once at the top of the last climb it was downhill and he was back in the saddle all the way in to Calpe, we took 5 hours 50 mins to complete the event but Willie had made it – a great achievement and even managed to beat two of our team members. We came over the finish line to cheers from fellow competitors, family and friends, all of whom had been waiting patiently for us. We quickly laid our bikes up against the wall and proceeded to the beer table for a few beers to quench our thirst, this was a great achievement for Willie who was absolutely delighted to be finished.

The first group of riders were back around the 4 hour mark with many others taking over 6 hours with some even taking

CYCLING tips

advice routes

7 hours to complete the circuit which was 126kms with approx 2500metres of climbing involved.

All of team Cyclogical performed well especially Big Dave (sniffer) who got lost and did about 20kms more than everyone else and also Alan Quearns who finished 11th overall out of a field of 168 riders which was considerably less than previous years.

The Team are pictured at the entrance to the Diamante Beach Hotel (left to right Malcky Murray, Owen Desmond, Gary Mullhall, Peter Cunningham, Richard Binns, Alan Quearns, Gary Routledge, Jamie Duffy, Willie Duncan, Dave sniffer Robertson and Martyn Stone being presented with the team trophy by Jurgen Van Hoolen of Vuelta Turistica which was a lovely chunk of glass with a 3d image of The Penon de Ifach.

Calle Los Arcos, 7 QUESADA

Mountain Bikes City Bikes Child Seats Tag-a-longs Hybrid Bikes Road Bikes

Ladies Bikes Kids Bikes Tandems Kids Trailers BMX Bikes Electric Bikes

Sales, Repairs, Hires, Accessories & Clothing Open Mon-Fri 09.30-17.30 Sat: 10.00-14.00

Call Gary or Lynn: 637 487 377 www.cyclogicalcostablanca.com

formed Improvers Group so if you are looking to improve your fitness, riding ability and speed and also have a new group of friends to train with then why not come along and give it a try or call Gary on 637487377.

Gary and Lynn are available at Cyclogical in Quesada Monday to Fridays from 9.30 am till 5.30pm and from 10am till 2pm on a Saturday to assist and advise you on all your cycling requirements.

Team “Cyclogical� meet every Thursday night at 5.30pm and Sunday mornings at 8am and cover between 90 and 100kms at a moderate to fast pace so if you fancy a challenge come along and join us. We also have a newly

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What’s On Gig Guide - Nov-Dec 2015 Sunday 8th Pablos International, Playa Flamenca – Richie Alexander – 9pm Maggie O’Briens, Campoverde – Andy Jones – 9pm Argento, Orihuela – Dougie Monroe – 8.30pm Thirsty Monk, Torrevieja – Roz McQuillan – 8.30pm Paddy’s Point, La Zenia – Showaddywaddy Legends Friday 13th Em’s Dreams, La Marina – Paul Vegas – 9pm Pablos International, Playa Flamenca – Kye Jaymes – 9pm Stephanos, La Zenia – Diverse Duo – 8.30pm Maggie O’Briens, Campoverde Jay Markwick – 9pm El Alto de Dolores, Guardamar – Charity show -Paul Christie – 7pm – 5 Euros Marina Bar, Toretta 2 – Red Strokes – 9pm Nations, Blue Lagoon – Cover Brothers – 9pm Monos, Quesada – Maria O’Hara – 9pm Emerald Isle, La Florida – Richie Alexander – 9pm Stray Sod, Campoamor – Gregg Lomas – 10pm Cardinal Belluga Theatre, San Fulgencio – Dick Whittington - 7€ - 7pm Lansdowne, Playa Flamenca – The Streeters – 10pm Saturday 14th Breakaways, La Fuente – Angie McKay – 9pm La Bodegueta, Lo Crispin – Dee – 9pm The Junction, Blue Lagoon – Cassi Kennedy – 9pm Maggie O’Briens, Campoverde – The Soundz – 9pm The Club, Quesada – Taylor comedian – 9pm Bar Med, Mazarron – Red Strokes – 9pm Rojales Theatre – Annie The Musical – 7pm Monos, Quesada – Woody – 9pm Emerald Isle, La Florida – Dan Davy and Nick Gold – 9pm Stray Sod, Campoamor – Kolted – 10pm Cardinal Belluga Theatre, San Fulgencio – Dick Whittington - 7€ 2.30pm and 7pm Lansdowne, Playa Flamenca – Richie Alexander – 10pm Sunday 15th Pablos International, Playa Flamenca – Richie Alexander – 9pm The Tavern, Catral – Red Strokes – 9pm Argento, Orihuela – Dougie Monroe – 8.30pm Friday 20th La Piedra, Gran Alacant – Cancer Fundraiser, Paula B – 7.30pm Monos, Quesada – Freddie Kool – 9pm Em’s Dreams, La Marina – Paul Vegas – 9pm Pablos International, Playa Flamenca – Kye Jaymes – 9pm Stephanos, La Zenia – Diverse Duo – 8.30pm Maggie O’Briens, Campoverde – Lynden B – 9pm Burgundy, La Marina – Darren Jones – 9.30pm Nations, Blue Lagoon – Dan Davy – 9pm Emerald Isle, La Florida – Richie Alexander – 9pm Stray Sod, Campoamor – Gregg Lomas – 10pm Lansdowne, Playa Flamenca – The

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Streeters – 10pm Saturday 21st La Bodegueta, Lo Crispin – Alison Wynne Ryder Psychic Medium – 9pm Monos, Quesada – Francis Sings – 9pm Pablos International, Playa Flamenca – Cassi Kennedy – 9pm Maggie O’Briens, Campoverde – The Soundz – 9pm Breakaways, La Fuente - Beatles Duo – 9pm Emerald Isle, La Florida – Dan Davy and Nick Gold – 9pm Stray Sod, Campoamor – Kolted – 10pm Lansdowne, Playa Flamenca – Richie Alexander – 10pm Friday 27th Em’s Dreams, La Marina – Paul Vegas – 9pm Stephanos, La Zenia – Diverse Duo – 8.30pm Maggie O’Briens, Campoverde – Dee – 9pm Nations, Blue Lagoon – Gemma Bennett – 9pm Cardinal Belluga Theatre, San Fulgencio – Sleeping Beauty – 6€– 8pm Monos, Quesada – Janelle – 9pm Emerald Isle, La Florida – Richie Alexander – 9pm Stray Sod, Campoamor – Gregg Lomas – 10pm Lansdowne, Playa Flamenca – The Streeters – 10pm Saturday 28th Maggie O’Briens, Campoverde – The Soundz – 9pm Cardinal Belluga Theatre, San Fulgencio – Sleeping Beauty – 6€ – 8pm Monos, Quesada – Keeley – 9pm Emerald Isle, La Florida – Dan Davy and Nick Gold – 9pm Stray Sod, Campoamor – Kolted – 10pm Lansdowne, Playa Flamenca – Richie Alexander – 10pm Monday 30th Emerald Isle, La Florida – Charity Christmas Fayre for HAH – 12 noon Friday 4th Em’s Dreams, La Marina – Paul Vegas – 9pm Stephanos, La Zenia – Diverse Duo – 8.30pm Stray Sod, Campoamor – Gregg Lomas – 10pm Lansdowne, Playa Flamenca – The Streeters – 10pm Marianos, Camposol – Red Strokes – 9pm Saturday 5th La Bodegueta, Lo Crispin – Debbie Slater – 8pm Carol’s Bar, Sucina – Cassi Kennedy – 9pm Pablos International Bar, Playa Flamenca – Sharni Crowson – 9pm Lansdowne, Playa Flamenca – Richie Alexander – 10pm The Inn at The Green, Entre Naranjas - Red Strokes – 9pm

Now that the Halloween season is over and people have finally gotten off the stains from too much face paint we move on to the season of plays. November is traditionally a time when amateur theatre groups put the long months of rehearsals and line learning to good use by producing plays and pantomimes.

As you will see from the guide there are several on during November and all will be raising money for charities.

Having been on all sides of the fence with these, (acting, producing and an audience member) I can tell you that a huge amount of hours go into producing a 2 hour play that will only be performed 3 or 4 times. Lines may get forgotten, things may go wrong on the night but the main object is that theatre goers and performers all have a good time. Behind the scenes there will be a hive of activity with costumes being arranged, stage managers making sure that the actors are in their correct places for entrances, actors re reading their lines and a general feeling of terror mixed with excitement.

We have so little opportunity in this area of seeing these types of performances that more often than not tickets sell out very fast. There is nothing like seeing a good play to feel like you are having a real night out. Going to a pantomime can get you in the Christmas mood and is an opportunity for the whole family to go out together. They are also part of our very British heritage and something that other nations do not understand – the lead male is a female, the dame is a male. It wouldn’t be a pantomime without the chorus of “Behind You!” and “Oh no he didn’t – oh yes he did!” They are a chance for us all to release the inner child and have a wonderful time.

Life is there for living, so get out there and support your local bars, venues and entertainers:- without you they won’t exist.

Keep on Rocking.

Jax x

Who needs M&S when there's...

Kelly McLachlan

Come & meet

Notes from small town Spain PAPERWORK It’s crazy, honestly. You take absolutley everything you think you could possibly need, PLUS photocopies, and then you’re asked to produce your auntie’s dog’s birth certificate (all right, not quite, but you know what I mean). I always seem to be missing something. (and not just between the ears!) If I know where I’m going, who and what to ask for, I’m fine. Thank Google for Maps!

We’ve never had much luck with paperwork.

You’d think we’d have it all sussed by now, Eh? But, no. Are you sitting comfortably?

Good, let me tell you a story…

Well over a year ago, I ceased to be a car owner. In a way it was a blessing, after all living right in the middle of town is handy, and I’m sure everyone knows the parking situation, as I’ve mentioned previously – once or twice. My car needed to be removed from the street, frankly, it was knackered, the bumpers were gaffa taped on, the window didn’t wind all the way up, which wound ME up, especially during gota fria and the clutch was shot. It would have cost more than what it was worth to have it fixed, so when I found a flyer for the Gold Shop around the corner under the bald, popped out rubber on the one good windscreen wiper announcing that he was buying cars I took that as rather a large hint. Anyway I went round to the the hombre and produced absolutely everything with my name on it and associated with the car.

“No pasa nada, Kelly” he said he’d sort everything with the Trafico and payment would be what was leftover. He arranged for the grua to pick the eyesore up and I waved adios, counted my 100€ and went about my daily life.

Imagine my non-surprise when I pulled a demand for road tax out of the buzon for a car that no longer existed. After calming down, (this took a good couple of weeks) I called into the the town hall, presented them with every copy of everything accosiated with the car including the previous road

The

SPECIALISTS

tax bill, paid and stamped by the bank. So as far as I was concerned everything was up to date and I was feeling rather smug.

Guess what? The nice man at the town hall said that I was indeed correct and this was no longer anything to do with me and it was up to the new owner to do the transfer at Trafico. Good. I broke the news to my buyer and he told me that he’d sold the car on to his amigo and HE was supposed to do the paperwork. It would all be sorted he said.

Again, peace was restored and all was well.

UNTIL… I received a message from my former landlady infoming me of a stack of letters from Madrid had arrived. At her house? I spent ages in the tiny post office in Gran Alacant signing for NINETEEN letters. I do aplogise if I held you up in the blazing heat, but I did feel a bit like a celeb. So these letters were indeed mutuas (surprised? No? Me, neither) and added up to about 1000€ in unpaid fines. At this point I laughed. Round to the shop again I went and politely informed señor hombre that I hd no intention of paying.

“No pasa nada,” he says. coming.

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But they kept

“Yeah, my mate has left the car parked outside his house in Madrid. He hasn’t paid the meter” Wow, oh, my. Madrid? Was he sure? I couldn’t drive it to the end of the street, and he was telling me it was in Madrid?

“Yes, the grua took it there”.

Oh, I naturally assumed that the car would be scrapped and that would have been that.

But, no, that would have been too simple, right? I reminded him again that I was not paying any fines, he agreed and said that as soon as the paperwork from Trafico in Madrid he’d let me know. I’m still waiting for that call. In fact, most of officialdom in around here have my number. They always seem to be out. You don’t think they see me coming, do you? ¡Hasta la proxima, amigos!

13

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MANDY’S

Spanish Diary

by Mandy Tams

THE “SKY WALK” CHALLENGE

We had water, ropes and tackle, phones, surrounded us as the crowds and yes, emergency flares and food, just in case. there were crowds, stood ready to emOur first surprise on turning onto the El bark on the pathway, taking it in turns

Well I’d seen it in the “All Abroad” mag-

Faro track was it had a surface of tar- to “ooh” and “arr”. mac, excellent, this will be easier we Our spirits lifted as we took our first thought only to find it was a single road, step, looking out to sea and the island no passing room for two vehicles with- of Tabarca, looking like we could touch

azine and thought this is something I’d like to see, a challenge, not for noble reasons like the “Kayak Challenge” the boys are doing for cancer (keep sharing the rowing for cancer pager), but for me a totally selfish want.

A new pathway built next to the lighthouse at El Faro and in the 12 years I have been coming to Gran Alacant (GA for those in the know) I am ashamed to admit I have never been up there.

Often I have looked at the lighthouse from the beach but it’s been a bit like the moon, I can see it in the distance but didn’t know how to get there, and with summer ending I determined this year to see it.

We had heard of others trying this in a car giving up beaten by the potholes and

the

sheer

inaccessibility

of

the

track. Other more intrepid travellers walked, taking their sherpers as guides

out running off the edge and risking tyre it in the evening sun. damage.

We began to skip and jump, well limp Not to worry there would hardly be an- along on the solid floor when suddenly yone there we thought, WRONG! Eve- it’s surface ends and a grill structure ry mother and her son and father and replaces it, obviously to give the imdaughter were out in there 4x4s, the pression of walking in the sky; trouble road was packed, people cycling, walk- was I virtually did end up in the sky. ing, running, and vehicles forcing each other off the road.

The designer and planners, although Conversely, this gave us hope there making a piece worthy, but short, very would be something to see at the end of short, for a “skywalk”, forgot about the endless straight road that just went people like myself who use walking on and on, a bit like me when I get on sticks or crutches, particularly the slim a rant. ones, (that is sticks and not people), as the ends go straight through the grill. It We had to park quite a distance from was very disconcerting to find my steel the lighthouse this didn’t put me off. My aids disappear from beneath me and I first disappointment was to realise the headed face down thinking I was about lighthouse was not open to the public to get chipped on the grill. Fortunately, and from the graffiti sign,-not a “Bank- I stopped myself hitting it by grabbing

It was evening time, the last hour be-

sy”, I could not make out if it did open, the rail in time. I utilized the joints, but still undeterred we followed the herd with their small solid plates of steel, around the rocky path on the outside of but they were very far apart and I felt

fore the sun sets when we set off up the

like lurch reaching for them for safe

and even succeeded.

n332 towards S a n t a Pola.

the lighthouse boundary wall.

footings, when they also ended and Not difficult some would think, but for the second time my crutch slipped on crutches and packing a cou- through the side where there is a gap. ple of kilo’s of steel calliper, it Once again feeling my end was nigh, is quite hard on an uneven well not exactly, but worried enough surface,

an

untouched to hang onto hubby and rail instead

wild rocky surface.

of sticks. I managed to get to the end

and dutifully wait my turn while everydid one takes their family pictures at the wonder a my sanity, end. and then I had mine taken. Okay

At

this

point

I

but in front of me, it’s not like standing on the front the winking in the sun- Titanic, but I felt I had accomplished light was the brand something. spanking

new

shiny

steel skywalk, a ran- Overall, it was well worth the effort, dom path built on the but for those who rely on walking aids, cliff

edge,

but

quite please be careful and check the diam-

beautiful...

A feeling of peace and awe

eter does not fit between the grills.

Mandy Tams

19

FOCUS ON LA MARINA A bit of local news from the ‘Urb

TIME TO OPEN THE DOORS TO THE AREA

The Instituto San Fulgencio are offering PC help and courses each

SAY LA MARINA BAR OWNERS

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for women from 5pm until 7pm which has been organised by the Association for United Women. and a special course for pensioners is also well under way and showing a good attendance from locals of all nationalities covering computers which is free and is taking plate at the San Fulgencio Driving School.

Monday and Wednesday sees the turn of the improving the memory course (for those who have put it in their diary) at four thirty in the afternoon at the Third Age centre in Calle Trafalgar. Again a good attendance is proving that locals need things like these to do and the town hall says that it has recognised the needs of the locals and the courses will be on-going throughout the year

Fed up bar owners and music lovers are once again asking the

to give people the chance to attend and carry on improving their

question as to just why, with just a phone call from a resident,

chosen skills of course.

the police will shut at bar, or at the very least tell the bar owners

Monday, Wednesday and Friday are the days for foreigners to

to stop the live entertainment when the area really does need

learn English and again a good number are making the effort to

all the help it can get in attracting people to come out and enjoy

show up, among them Germans, Spanish and Scandinavians.

themselves and of course spend their money.

With ore classes lined up for later in the year the town hall is

The more monies going around the more the area will have in

expecting many more locals to come along to the courses being

general, including the town hall, so just why, when the majority

supplied, especially as a good number of them are free. ‘Resi-

seem to enjoy live entertainment – so long as it is within reason-

dents can come and see us at the town hall or the municipal of-

able constraints (not all of us want to ‘boogie’ until the sun rises

fice and see just what courses are available and where they need

over the chip shop). Some do, and there are places for that, like

to go to sign up. Our staff are all informed of the courses so they

Ibiza. Ok, there are plenty of local late night spots too should the

will help anyone who needs some assistance or guidance,’ said a

reveller feel the need, usually out of the earshot of residents to

spokesman.

be allow those who want that sort of thing to party all night.

All along the Costa town halls are reporting a rise in subscrip-

However, it does feel at times, to many local landlords and venue

tions for courses which it is thought is another example of the

owners, that the authorities seem to take the side of one, persis-

increased number of people in the region this year.

tent, complainer when even they, the police, town hall and other being Spanish are surely up for a late night fiesta –that’s in the blood of most of our native hosts, or did I miss something?

TOWN HALL NOT INTERESTED IN URB - LA MARINA RESIDENTS

Speaking to bar owners and agents it seems that it is not only consigned to the La Marina urbanisation but happens in other

Following recent articles covering the Urbanisation at La Marina

areas too. Sometimes not though and this s the inconsistency

we had some correspondence from readers living in the area

that bar owners have no idea how to understand. Yes, you need

asking in for we perhaps cover the issues on the Urb with some

a music licence to put on live entertainment, but, and I do hope

words representing some of the residents’ views. Not a problem,

someone from the town hall reads this, what must be understood

we said and first to express their opinion was Len Allen who has

is we live on the Costa Blanca, one of the most popular holiday

lived in the area for some time and wanted to tell us and our

destinations in the world!

readers how, In his and many others opinion, the level of council

That means people come to have a good time, and spend money?

services has significantly reduced over the last few months with

It’s win, win and anyone unreasonably complaining about the

graffiti being left and not cleaned up, weeds all over the pave-

noise of people having a good time in, what is, the land of sand,

ment and street lighting not working. He also went on to add that

siesta and fiestas is surely being unreasonable or has moved

the area was becoming dangerous with road safety bollards again

to the wrong part of Spain? Although quite where in Spain they

being left and not repaired and pavements that need replacing

hope to find peace and quiet is beyond me, even our local church

and roads being left in a state of disrepair.

makes a noise having a good time!

Following on from the recent resignation of popular councillor Jeff Wiszniewski (PIPN) Len said that he didn’t wish to moan for the sake of moaning moreover that he felt The Leader would ‘give a

LOCALS ON COURSE FOR NEW SKILLS IN SAN FULGENCIO

little weight to arguments that are presented to the council of San

San Fulgencio town hall is offering up a range of courses for locals

Fulgencio’. And we’re always happy to help readers express their

looking to improve their skills in anything from using computers

opinion here.

to speaking the lingo! Many of the courses are already under way but the town hall says it’s not too late for locals to get themselves

Says Len ‘Readers may like to know that if they have a keen

a place on a one of the courses of which there are plenty to

interest in rock concerts, 10km runs and council organised coach

choose from.

trips to football matches then the Urbanisation of La Marina is for

20

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& SAN FULGENCIO them. But,’ he warns, ‘If however readers would prefer to have

ship and a strong opposition which is not currently the case in

their street lighting turned on at night, their rubbish and recy-

his opinion although Samantha Hull will continue to be the sole

cling bins emptied, pavements repaired and cleared of weeds,

remaining councillor and Jeff believes that he leaves behind a

over hanging trees to pavements and roads cut back, road safety

strong team to head into the future although he will remain as

bollards/speed bumps replaced/repaired, exposed live electricity

President of the PIPN for the foreseeable future.

cables put away, graffiti cleaned off, roads swept etc then the Urbanisation of La Marina is not for them.

WHERE CAN I GET AN OIL FILTER FOR MY CAR?’ – TRY THE TOURIST OFFICE..!

Having spoken to several locals the opinion seems to be pretty

La Marina beaches have come under praise this summer with

much the same with residents stating that the level of public ser-

holidaymakers and locals reporting that the beaches are cleaner

vices has clearly been in decline for years but they have noticed

and tidier this year and with record numbers of people enjoying

that it has significantly reduced in the past few months.

the warm sand and cool(ish) sea whilst litter and debris washed

Locals feel the money goes to the town of San Fulgencio (which

up has been reduced. A long summer has seen sand seekers

the urbanisation comes under) and that there is a definite lack of

heading for the beaches of the region and many who have been

investment on the part of the town hall where the urbanisation is

on the roads this summer will testify to that but it has been good

concerned despite the fact that most of the revenue received by

news for local traders too with shops and businesses reaping the

the town hall comes from the Urb itself.

benefits of the increased population if only for a few months.

Len appealed to local residents who are just as frustrated as he

Looked after by Elche town hall visitors have reported the beach-

is concerning the lack of investment and interest from the council

es being very clean when they have arrived early in the morning

then they should take time to go to the council office and get

following the clean up patrols hat work during the early hours.

themselves heard.

The beaches at La Marina are a popular destination of course dur-

I’ve emailed the town hall for a response to these complaints and

ing the hot months and many visitors like the beach as they can

we’ll print any response we get.

(usually) park the car not too far away and the cafes and restaurants offer reasonably priced food in what is a lovely location to

BRITISH COUNCILLOR MAKES EARLY EXIT IN SAN FULGENCIO

dine in.

Having spoken to the Tourist Office on the urbanisation of La

San Fulgencio town hall lost its only PIPN councillor this month

Marina they confirmed that they had seen many more visitors this

with the shock resignation of popular member Jeff Wiszniewski

year enquiring after services and many looking for help. While

who has left his role on the council after five years with a parting

their remit is to deal with tourism enquiries the team at the office

shot at the PP who he claims have not lived up to their promises

have to deal with all sorts of questions and requests but they are

following the last election and have even ‘lied’ to him since the

always happy to do so, and always with a smile on their faces!

coalition took over in 2010.

Tourism offices throughout out the region have also reported

That was the first elections that the newly formed PIPN had

increased numbers of visitors to their offices this summer and

contested seats and following the inconclusive results where the

with some of the strangest requests! Where can someone buy a

biggest party, the PP, did not have full control of the council, a

kettle lead was one of the questions aimed at the tourism office

pact was signed between the two parties allowing the PIPN repre-

staff along with enquiries for an oil filter for a car that was still

sentative Mr Wiszniewski to take the role.

in Germany and just a few complaints aimed at the tourist office

As stated that was five years ago and Mr Wiszniewski claims that

concerning, wait for it, the fact that many offices are shut in

the deal between the two parties as not been respected stating

Spain during august while visitors had important papers to sort

that the PP have ‘looked down on us in the PIPN’ with alleged

out. A little forward planning may have helped those but mostly

threats to lose the small town hall office on the Urbanisation. He

the patient staff at most offices deal with visitors and somehow

stated his time working alongside the PP had been ‘uncomforta-

send them back on their way satisfied.

ble’ and that the PIPN members had suffered under the council leadership of the PP. Mr Wiszniewski however had continued during this time because he felt he owed it to locals who had put him in the position and as he says, ‘I am a man of my word and all I wanted to do was to carry on helping people.’

Mr Wiszniewski added that there were also personal reasons for his departure and that after five years serving the public of San Fulgencio he had begun to feel the strain of the responsibility of trying to help people in the community adding that the job had taken its toll not only on himself but also on his family too. However he did add that he did not regret one moment of his time serving the people in the town hall.

His firm conviction is that the town hall needs strong leader-

21

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philtaz@outlook.com 23

What’s happening on the Costa..?

News in and around the region

AIRPORTS GO CYBER WITH FREE Wi-Fi

limited routes (Iberia and Air Europa are two offering the service), however, be warned prices are very expensive!

Below is a list of the 12 airports providing their passengers with the service initially.

Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Barcelona-El Prat Palma de Mallorca Málaga Vigo Santiago de Compostela La Coruña Tenerife Norte OCEANMEN AND WOMEN FACE A TEST IN BENIDORM October 25th the beaches and the island of Benidorm will be full with fit men taking part in one the most arduous sporting events around. The seaside resort will stage the Oceanman show, an international circuit of open water swimming which brings together the best swimmers in various categories over differing distances in which the competition takes place. Benidorm is the fourth stage on the circuit following events in Altea, Palamos and Lake d’Orta in Italy and Benidorm is also the headquarters delCampeonato European Swimming in open water, so the very best competitors on the circuit will be present in each category and fighting hard for their particular trophy.

Good news for travellers flying in and out of Spain as AENA recently announced free and unlimited Wi-Fi would soon be available to pas-

The race, known as Oceanman, also lays host a test of character

sengers in every airport in Spain the aim being to bring its airports

over 1.5 kilometres starting and finishing on the Mal Pas beach. This

up to date with the many others across Europe that are already

will finish off the day and will unite approximately 300 swimmers.

offering a free Wi-Fi service.

Earlier on in the day half of the Oceanman competitors gather, from

Last Tuesday the process began as twelve of Spain’s airports began

9.30 am, about 300 participants will be starting from the lovely

to offer the new service to their passengers using the services for

island of Benidorm to swim to the Mal Pas Playa.

the Internet connection of telecommunications company Eurona. So

The highlight will, however, be an early start for some when the

far no final date has been suggested as to when the process will be

showpiece event gets under way: The Oceanman 10 kilometres

completed but early next year seems to be the favourite and would

takes place on the Poniente beach, one of the most nicest in the

be good timing with an early Easter holiday period in March of 2016.

resort and they will then swim a circuit of the island before finishing

Although the offer, which is for business travellers and tourists, will

up once again on the beach at Mal Pas Playa.

be available free of charge however passenger requiring a more

This is an ideal chance for lovers of swimming and nature to enjoy a

comprehensive and faster service wil be offered the opportunity for

great day out watching these iron men of sport. highly competitive

an extra five euros to upgrade.

The plan is that over the next few months AENA will expand the free Wi-Fi service to the rest of Spain’s 46 airports.

The service being financed through advertising within the airports will be a basic service but will allow passengers to at last fulfil their basic needs (cyber-speaking), such as checking their emails and lowspeed navigation with up to 2 meg of downloads which although not much may keep business travellers happy with email access.

The premium service, offers a faster connection (approx. between 3 and 10 Meg) and with no adverts (which will be a blessed relief!) and will be ideal for browsing and even watching videos. The three available options are: basic, which will give one device a 24-hours connection across the whole network of airports for 4.90€; the family pack, valid for 4 devices for a 24-hour period for 9€; and the monthly package for 15€.

Now it is even possible to get online in the air with several airlines already offering free Wi-Fi on board the plane and there is also the chance to connect to the Internet while on a the flight on some

24

the level of the participants fitness is immense and add to that the beautiful nature in the areas through which they are competing and it is no surprise that the event is growing not only with more competitors each but also many more spectators coming along to see this test of endurance.

The Oceanwoman and Oceanman competitors vying for the championship of Europe have qualified for Benidorm after good results obtained in the events held previously. The events also will be open to swimmers that have been unclassified.

In the event Oceanman and Half Oceanman, there will be two different classifications. The first is for those who have obtained good results by the participating swimmers in the European Championship and the second swimmers is for those not previously classified.

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Elche gives a palm tree museum of Miguel Hernández A group of twenty Elche residents a poetry fans travelled last week to the town of Quesada to visit the museum “Miguel Hernandez / Josefina Manresa.” The expedition took with them a huge Elche palm measuring one meter and a half in diameter and standing over three

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meters in height. The palm was a gift to the museum. The group, Ateneo Pablo Iglesias, organized a motorcade to bring the palm to the museum, visit the facilities and to show that Elche is a proud supporter of Miguel Hernandez and boasts that it has him in its DNA. In fact, the mayor, Carlos Gonzalez, has been has visited the museum of the poet in Quesada political, and already publicly stated the town hall’s intention to recover artefacts and

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At the ceremony the mayor of Quesada, Manuel Vallejo welcomed the group, and the cere-

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mony was also attended by the councillor for Culture Juan Antonio Lopez, cultural manager and responsible Hernandiana legacy museum, Francisco Escudero, president of the Ateneo and Pablo Iglesias, Worship Roman.

After the act of planting, the group went on to recite several poems of Miguel Hernandez and subsequently they went along and visited the museum of the poet. Also on the day the Ateneo Pablo church donated a painting to the museum and the town of Quesada. Quite a

FRIGO CORBERO

gift in memory of the poet and to commemorate the 105th anniversary of his birth, Friday October 30.

Although not hugely known in the English speaking world Hernandez is revered in the Spanish speaking countries around the globe and is celebrated throughout the region; the University of Elche is proudly named after him and a quick look around the city will reveal all

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sorts of bars, businesses and streets reflecting the city’s proud claim to Senor Hernandez.

More events are planned for the big day and the weeks surrounding it and all can be fond the town hall’s website. However, if poetry is not necessarily your thing just go along and rad about the history of Miguel Hernandez, it’s quite a story in itself!

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BALEARIC BANTER By

Johnny Mahonny (The Barnsley Marinero)

our Greetings from Menorca. As I write this (October 28th) And 31st. y Saturda on y season comes to an end, officiall ely thankfully it appears to have been a good one. Relativ speaking, of course. There have certainly been more visi-

ge tors this year, due to various factors such as the exchan espespots, tourist other rate and problems in Tunisia and cially in the Eastern Mediterranean.

My little Tiki bar, coupled with my day job (tour guide), along with Mrs M’s continued labours in the restaurant at next door, ensures once again our survival, financially least, through the winter months until May when we start all over again.

Last week I took delivery of my winter logs, a mix of pine and olive wood totalling just over a tonne. Unfortunatehis ly the driver announced he couldn’ t possibly reverse

small truck up our gently-rising fifteen foot wide drive, exclaiming that it was too dangerous and he would certain t. attemp the ly crash the truck and kill himself if he made of I didn’t know the Catalan for ‘It’s not the f***ing wall tipping him for settle to had so t**t’, red death, you lily-live gave it at the bottom of the drive. The bill was 199.80 so I He . change him the two hundred and told him to keep the roared off at the usual Menorcan top speed of twenty-five kph, swearing loudly as he left. to I was feeling pretty cocky tilI I realised I would have with get the logs up the drive by wheelb arrow. Hours later, Castel, Catalan in s**t little that the job done, I cursed lano, English and Yorkshire. s Winter evenings can be cold up here at latitude 40 degree fire north, with a howling wind and lashing rain, so the log Mahon of s consist fire the of front in is a godsend. Supper

of cheese, Lurpak-smothe red Jacob’s Crackers and a glass an Menorc te red wine; if I’m flush, the wine is my favouri one, Binifadet, which is delicious. If not, it’s Soldepenas, bad from the wine cellars of Binipreu (1.25 per litre), not a at it, with decent ing table wine unless you drink someth which point it starts to taste a bit Sarsonesque. on, Around 10 pm I switch my half of the electric blanket out. lights before read a for 10.30 at ready for bedtime

I ‘Lights out’ is when the words don’t make any sense. on ebooks to books proper prefer read a lot in winter and you Kindle, a on Kindle or tablet. You can’t riffle the pages know.

I buy my books on Amazon and most of them are secte ond-hand. Some are ex-library books and come comple s with notes and underlined passag es made by previou

owners. I don’ mind as the books have character and sometimes the notes make me smile. The best one I’ve seen was written in blue biro down the margin of a book who on poker. It read ‘Tony is a c**t’. I’ve often wondered Tony was and what he’d done to deserve the comment.

I’ve just finished a book about the disastrous British attempt to control Afghanistan in the 1830’s (yes, we keep making the same mistakes over and over again). As a

, history buff I found it fascinating. My favourite bit, though Capinate, subord his with , came when Brigadier Shelton tain Mackenzie, were caught on the flat roof of a building when an earthquake struck. They dashed to safety but afterwards Shelton complained in a solemn tone ‘ Mackenzie, you went downstairs FIRST today!’ Came the reply ‘So I did, sir. I’m sorry; it’s the fashion in earthquakes, disBrigadier’. Just goes to show: you can have a military an aster, but you’d better not go down a flight of steps in Raj. the Ah, officer. r superio earthquake before your

by Another book I read recently was Bird by Bird, written Anne Lamott. It’s a tutor book for writers but a very good read even if you don’t aspire to write. My favourite story a from this one concerns a little boy having problems with

bunch of toy plastic keys. ‘Oh, shit!’ he exclaims in frussay tration. His mum hears him and tells him he shouldn’t sorry ‘I’m replies He y. naught words like that as they’re mum, but do you know why I said ‘shit’? Well it was because of the f***ing keys!’

PAY And finally: A sign seen in a restaurant in London: ‘WE LEAVBY THEM INSULT NOT DO OUR STAFF WELL; PLEASE ING TIPS’. By the till was a jar labelled ‘INSULTS’.

Mind how you go.

Johnny Mahonny (The Barnsley Marinero)

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Follow me on Twitter @Rescuemediumali thequirkymedium. blogspot.co.uk discovertheangels. com If you’d like to book a reading call me on 693 062 794

ANGEL AFFIRMATIONS

Positive thinking Affirmations are statements we make about ourselves. Those of you who already follow me on twitter or who are friends on Facebook will know that I write my own affirmations which I share with everyone as guided by the angels. An Angel Affirmation is a short positive declaration which you can keep with you, repeat to yourself and your Angels mentally, and use on a practical and emotional level right throughout the day. It can be something short and sweet which is easy for you to remember. It can be difficult sometimes to think of positive words to say about ourselves because In our society we find it acceptable to say negative things and not think twice about it. We are taught from when we are little, not to be vain, not to brag, to be modest, quiet and socially acceptable.

You know how it goes... “Oh, aren’t I silly”? “I am so forgetful”, “I’m always broke”, “I’m not very clever”, “I’m not very attractive”, “I never have any luck” and so on, and so on.... Everything you say is being taken in and stored away and in the end you believe it and bring it into your life.

Change is possible To change something, you have to work at it, believe in yourself and stop procrastinating. To have a positive life you need to start training. Reversing a negative attitude will not happen overnight, but it really is amazing how quick it can be. Start to make positive statements about yourself, make small adjustments in the way you take things on board and you will be amazed at the results.

Educate yourself and those around you Even if you have learned with the angels help to think in a positive way there is often someone around you who says “Nothing good happens to me” or, “I never have good luck”. Well of course they won’t have good luck or have something good in their life because if they are thinking in a negative way or expecting only negative things to happen then hey presto, that’s what the Universe will bring them! Ensure that you don’t let such people drag you down, ask the angels to buoy you and repeat your affirmation over and over in your mind so you are not taking their negative vibes on board.

Once you learn how to write your own positive affirmations with the help of the angels then you can shine your light out and others will follow in your footsteps.

Write your own Say your affirmation out loud every morning before you leave the house or even better, look at yourself in the mirror deep into your own eyes and say those words with love from your heart. Another tip is to make, or buy affirmation cards and put them all

over the house, read them often until you know them by heart and start to believe them. Ensure you do not use words such as ‘I won’t’, I can’t, shouldn’t, etc, and you will see then, how much potential you have, so be creative and stay positive. An example of a daily affirmation card is ‘I release the past & concentrate on my future”. Remember that the angels love you for who you are, a unique child of the Universe so another wonderful affirmation could be “I love myself for who I am”.

There are so many wonderful affirmations that you could say and/or write down. The key is to believe the words, say them over and over each day until you believe them and watch the magic happen!

Angel wings A lovely way of connecting to the angels as well as affirming positivity in your own life is to make your very own ‘angel wings’. Get some white card, draw an angel’s wing in pencil, and cut round it. Start with around 6 wings and write positive affirmations on them. Dot them around the house in places where you will see them regularly, and pop one in your car so that when you are driving to work on a Monday morning you will see your angel wing affirmation filling you with positive vibes for the day ahead.

12 magical Angel Affirmations!

1. I am a loving & unique child of the Universe 2. My Guardian Angel loves me unconditionally 3. I have freedom of choice & trust in the guidance of my heart 4. I believe in the magic of my dreams 5. I grow stronger in spirit every day 6. I live a peaceful life of love, inner strength & wisdom 7. I see the beauty in myself & every living thing 8. I trust in my ability to accomplish my goals 9. I follow the guiding light of my angel & believe 10. I exercise my own power of truth speaking lovingly from my heart 11. I feel blessed every minute of every day as my Guardian Angel shows me the way 12. I believe in the power of destiny as I move through the winds of change You can add to this list by writing your own positive affirmations to include words about getting the job you want, passing your driving test, bringing romance into your life, and so on. Enjoy reading your affirmations every day and enjoy seeing them come to fruition.

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