FR
EE
www.allabroad.es
October 2015 issue number 51
Gointg to the ends of the earth for expats!
THE KAYAK CHALLENGE!
28th Nov. Murcia - Guardamar Dave & Mitch Bull...& two oars... Coming..? STOP PRESS! FASHION SHOW at La Piedra - Gran ALacant 15th Oct - 5€ (for Rowing for Cancer)
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Cover: Gran Alacant, ‘Skywalk’
for the locals...by the locals..!
2 guys, 2 kayaks, 1 mission... Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/Rowing for Cancer
& LIVE on the day via GPS!
The Kayak Challenge for Cancer
28th Nov
MURCIA to GUARDAMAR
Raising funds for the AECC & highlightng the Samaritans in Spain.
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COSTA BUSINESSES SHOW SUPPORT FOR CANCER CHALLENGE By Susan Reader
Organisers are ‘overwhelmed’ by the response to the Kayak Challenge With just 90 days to prepare for their challenge right from Day One father and son have stood side by side and trained hard. The countdown is on and Monday 21st September signifies that they will have just 61 days to go! During a recent scouting trip, and after looking at certain parts of the 52km course, Mitch looked at his dad and said “We’re gonna do WHAT?” However training really is full steam ahead and the lovely Bea Cota has progressed from lovely lady to slave driver and she is now on her way to Cruella Deville status but without the dogs! Dave chipped in: “We are the dogs I guess and Bea is a lovely lady but we feel she is working us like whippets!”
you’s next time but the guys do want to say thank you to everyone out there that is helping, they really appreciate your continued support and Likes and Shares on the “Rowing for Cancer” Facebook. Next up is a Fabulous Fashion Show with Jewellery Handbags and Shoes at La Piedra at 12.30p.m. on Thursday 15th October -VIP tickets are now on sale at La Piedra and are just €5 - VIP’s are invited to arrive at 11.30a.m. as there will be a sale rail so come early and bag a bargain and some freebies. VIP’s will also be invited to enjoy a glass of Cava and a selection of canapes just as the show starts at 12.30.
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All joking aside both Bulls said they really do appreciate what Bea and so many others are doing for them to raise money and to help with this challenge. A few recently signed up supporters include Specsavers of Torrevieja and Guardamar who have been extremely generous, Dave Diggle from Blacktower Financial Management who is sponsoring some of the team’s t shirts, La Piedra the host Restaurant Bar for the ‘after’ party and Coys Cars for 2 helmets and an extra oar plus MASA International. More thank
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3
Glass half full, or is it? by MANDY TAMS I haven’t lost it at least, so that is my glass half full moment. I am
carrying a load of dosh wherever you are, but he ordered his
too old to have a sugar daddy, and too old to be an old man’s dar-
coffee indicating he would like to buy me one, showing me once
ling but not too old it seems to get chatted up by a local Spanish
again the wallet, and he called me his ‘amiga’.
lothario.
Nice, I thought, I only let him use my arm to steady himself. His
There was I sitting by invitation at a la Piedra bar just waiting my
hand patted my leg and it was only then did my suspicions begin
time to go into the DJ booth and say hello to the editor of the All
arousing…
Abroad magazine and DJ on radio 96.7 FM Dave Bull, for whom I
Okay it’s hot in Spain and I was wearing shorts. Again, the
write my column.
comforting smile only now it began to tell me there was a differ-
First of all I was under whelmed, no not true, but I did walk past
ent side to this harmless looking, almost toothless old man aged
the booth not seeing it, even knowing it is local radio I was not
about 133. I asked Rachael in a sort of “stop me from hitting
expecting anything like the BBC studios but small, well no man
him” voice, if she would translate what he was saying and told her
likes being told it’s small, but, well go and have a look for your-
he seemed to be taking liberties with my leg, in fact I have had
selves, everybody is welcome in La Piedra. And as they say it is
randy dogs give it less attention. Holding his finger to his lips, he
not the size it’s how you use it.
indicated he did not want her to translate and again squeezed my
My husband, bless him, did not want to
thigh. I quickly removed his hand
come with me in case I made a mess of
and showed him my wedding ring
things, which is usual so I settled myself
and like training a puppy to sit, I
comfortably on the hydraulic bar stool. Ra-
used a firm NO. Now, there are
chael poured me a coffee whilst I admired
some out there who will ask why
the décor and listened to two British guys
I didn’t move, or just hit him? If
walk in thanking her for the excellent meal
you had listened to the radio on
they had the previous evening.
96.7FM it would have answered
I was thinking my husband would have
the former part of the question
enjoyed the experience given the chance,
of not moving, as for the latter
but he was dreading I may freeze on mic
part about hitting him, I do retain
or maybe not…!
some respect for the elderly and
A Spanish man walks through the door and
I did believe if you have reached
it did cross my mind, maybe my husband is
133 you have the right to behave
doing an Anselmo on me, to see if I could
badly… I am now quickly rethinking
be tempted into the arms of Lothario, as
that one.
without any preamble this man began to
Rachael rescued me, or she could
speak to me while trying to ascend onto the stool next to mine.
have rescued my ‘would be lover’ from losing his last few teeth,
I admit to understanding some Spanish and ashamed to admit
by asking Dave to call me into the booth for our chat on air. He
not a great deal, but I couldn’t understand a single word he said.
made me feel very welcome as though I had done this sort of
Through gestures I realised he was talking about the lighting in
thing many times before, and by that I mean, talk on air and not
the bar; very fetching light shades with changing colours giving
squeeze into a small place with a man. He asked me what my
a peaceful ambiance. At first, willing to chat, as I am that sort
next story would be and I told him it may be my experience of
of person and figured he looked harmless and there were people
meeting him and after he made me promise not to give anything
about.
away and sign the official secrets act this is what I have done.
His first touch of my arm, I did not object to, as it appeared he
My would be lothario left, I presume chuntering his Spanish dis-
was steadying himself on his elevated seat looking around as
appointments that the look of his wallet did nothing for me, never
though fearful of the height. He smiled a comforting smile and
mind his toothless grin, his sticky hands, or his trousers fastened
patted my arm affectionately in thanks. My good deed for the day
under his armpits by his belt. So beware out there, spring has ar-
I thought smiling back.
rived and it seems the sap never stops flowing until you’re dead,
Producing his wallet he wasn’t shy in letting me see the contents,
in men anyhow.
which I admit I thought foolish, I mean you don’t walk around
4
BLACK AND WHITE NIGHT WITH A TOUCH OF BLUE - TAKE 2! Black and White Night now in it’s 6th year
knows we may even see a pair of blue
has always been popular and PDQ have
suede shoes!
been with us every year! This year Black and White Night with a touch of Blue has
Take II will be Saturday 12th March at
been sponsored by DeVere Wealth Man-
THE CLUB in Quesada and it will be called
agement Spain and we have had such a
A Touch of Blue Take II - tickets will be
great response that Michael Lewis Exec-
€15 for a 3 course meal with wine and
utive Wealth Manager for DeVere said:
we hope to have a suprise guest singer
“I am delighted to say this event is al-
who is a favourite for Michael Lewis who
most at SELL OUT with more enquiries
told me he and his friends actually look
for tickets coming in every day we are
up where this singer is on and follow her
now looking at a second event!” The few
- it that a born again groupie? All joking
tickets left for Friday November 6th are
aside these events are tailored for the
€15 this is for a 3 course meal with wine
3A’s with an early start at 7.30p.m. but
at THE CLUB in Quesada
as a much younger friend 30!! once com-
please email
sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk
Get your business noticed by advertising in
mented you slightly older people certainly know how to party!!
Black and White Night has had various themes and different colours through
DeVere Wealth Management Spain will be
the years - this is the first time we have
supporting The Children’s Home in Elche
had a touch of DeVere blue. Black and
in 2016 and Michael Lewis will also be
White is quite easy for the ladies as most
promoting THE SMARTIE PROJECT along
of us have a LBD and we can just add
with Julie Pritchard from The Park Inn,
something blue and we are sure to see
Kellie Callaghan from Spanish Life Prop-
some of the men take up the challenge
erties and Natasha Moon from Hair OTT.
with blue trousers or blue shirts and who
Is YOUR Business working for YOU? with prices starting at just 25€/month it’s the best value advertising around! From Gran Alacant to La Zenia 6,500 copies FREE! Every Month Contact your local rep on: 96 669 5160 606 540 408 ask@allabroad.es
5
Abrimos todos los dias a partir de 18.ooh & los Sabados y Domingos tambien a medio dia We are open every day from 6.00pm Summer Hours and from 12.00pm at weekends From 1pm every day
@pizzeriacocoa /pizzeriacocoa
6
Sandra in Spain www.sandrainspain.com
Around Algor fa
t! h the great big hear The ittle pueblo wit When I wrote my first article about my home village back in 2008, I called Algorfa ‘The little pueblo with the great big heart.’ That was because everyone we met was so friendly and welcoming, and this pretty little town nestling in the foothills of the Sierra de Callosa mountains seemed to wrap itself around us, making us feel at home from the moment we arrived. Now, after living here for almost 8 very happy years, I’m realising the true, deeper meaning of those words. Algorfa has a permanent population of just under 4,000, and around 70% of those are foreign nationals from 27 of the 28 nationalities registered in Alicante Province. However, the vast majority of the residents are British. The Spanish residents of Algorfa couldn’t be more welcoming if they tried – in fact they got quite worried about the sudden influx of new residents during the property boom of the early years of the 21st century. They were worried because the old Town Square would never accommodate all these new people when fiesta time came around, so it was completely redesigned and rebuilt, and the new Plaza de Espana was still under construction when we first visited and fell in love with Algorfa in 2007. The Plaza is put to good use on numerous occasions through the year. There’s a big party on Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) with fireworks and free party packs for everyone, and in Fiesta Week in mid July there’s entertainment every night and some afternoons too. Most recently, the annual International Festival of Gastronomy took place on 26 September. All the international residents’ associations and the local ladies put on food from their own countries, and there’s entertainment too. This costs just €2 for a drink and a plate of food, and all the money raised goes to AECC - the Spanish cancer research charity. The event has been a feature of the Algorfa social calendar for the last 11 years now, and it gets better every year. This year, around €1700 was raised for this magnificent cause, which our Editor Dave Bull and his son Mitch are also supporting with the Kayak Challenge in November. Dave and Mitch will be stepping ashore from the River Segura in Algorfa on the afternoon of 28 November, and they will be assured of a warm welcome, as well as donations from the generous people of Algorfa.
Raising money to fight cancer is close to our hearts here, because one of our residents – Amparo – has lost both legs as a result of cancer. She doesn’t let it stop her taking a full part in village life though – despite the fact that she lives in an upstairs apartment. The ladies of the village are organising fund raising events so that Amparo can have a stair lift fitted, and buy some equipment to make life easier for her when she comes home from hospital. The main fundraiser will be a big flea market in the Plaza de Espana on Sunday 18 October at 5.00 pm. If you’re in the area, come along and grab a bargain, and meet some or our lovely Algorfa people. As I said, cancer has touched many of us here in Algorfa, so when Linda Woodward’s father died back in the UK from cancer earlier this year, she wanted to do something to help the MacMillan Nurses who made his last days comfortable and supported the family. With the help of the Algorfa Ladies’ Club, she organised a coffee morning on Friday 25 September as part of The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, who donated some fabulous raffle prizes, including a Spa Day and lunch at the 5 star La Finca Golf Resort Hotel, €1600 was raised from the event at Bar La Vista, La Finca. It’s rather humbling to think that a village with a population of less than 4,000 can raise €3300 in a single weekend, but it’s not surprising to those of us who live here, and know just how generous the people of Algorfa – Spanish and expats alike – can be. It’s not just one-off initiatives we do either, there’s a Facebook group – Algorfa Helps Algorfa – where Andrea Vattes and Samantha Biddles let us all know when help is needed. And we have our own fundraising mugs, with views of Algorfa printed on them, for just €5 each. Currently, we’re raising funds for books and stationery for the local school. It’s not all work though – our fundraising is fun-raising as well, because it’s all centred around social activities. It all helps to bring the community together, while help those who need it most. And people get something for their money too. Where else could you pay €2 a head for food, drink and entertainmentand help a good cause at the same time? Like I said – Algorfa is the little pueblo with the great big heart!
7
“Get on yer bike!” by Gary Routledge www.cyclogicalcostablanca.com
Quebrantahuesos (The Bone Crusher). The “ Quebrantahuesos” marcha cicloturista or
coffee.
At 7pm we returned to the Expo area
De Los Frailes, when we started the temperature
The Bone Crusher as it is more commonly called
which by this time was manic with people every-
was approx 16 degrees but by now the sun had
is a very long, hard cyclo- sportif in the Spanish
where and hundreds queuing to registrar, we had
come out and it was starting to get quite warm.
and French Pyrenees mountains over a distance
a pasta and a beer and then retired to the car to
Right at the top was the border with France and
of 205kms with 3500 metres of vertical ascent
settle down for the night as there were no rooms
a feed/water station, I had hardly used any wa-
and is Spain’s biggest and toughest Sportif and
available for miles and anyway we needed to be
ter at this point so decided to keep going, during
usually takes place on the 3rd Saturday of June
up at 5am. At 5am we woke, prepped my bike
the climb and missing out the water stop I man-
every year . The route takes you over three main
and made our way to the start line, Martin was
aged to pass loads of people. On the descent it
climbs Col du Somport, Col du Marie Blanque
not participating but was there to assist and help
was very fast with various people unable to take
and Col du Portalet and starts and finishes in the
me prepare for the day’s race, he also shared the
the corners and crashing into the barriers, the
picturesque town of Sabinanigo at the foot of the
driving which was a great help. We were amongst
speed of my descent was approx 70k per hour
Pyrenees. Over 205kms cyclists are pushed to
the first competitors at the start line which was
and people were still passing me on all sides.
their limits as the combination of a long route
all sectioned off in categories, i.e.; the first 500
and tough Pyrenean climbs takes its toll. The
places were for the VIPS and professionals and
After the long sweeping descent with many ac-
race is steeped in cycling history as many stages
the next 1500 were previous Gold medal winners
cidents, everything seemed to settle down again
of Vuelta a Espana have finished in Sabinanigo
then there was us – the rest of the bunch ap-
and we managed to get into a good rhythm the
and the route has been used many times in the
prox 7,000 of all ages and abilities then behind
terrain had started to change, the roads became
Tour de France.
us another 3000 doing the Medio Fondo.
There
narrower and we entered woods at the beginning
were all sorts of bikes and all types of people and
of the much feared Col du Marie Blanque climb
After doing many of the local Sportifs over the
within minutes we were completely boxed in and
12 km straight up. The lower slopes were easy at
past 3 years I decided to try and get a place
unable to move for the next 90 mins.
first 7% however they soon got harder with the last 4k a relentless 13-15% gradient, there was
in the 2014 “Quebrantahuesos”. There are over 18000 people try and get one of the 8700 places
Choppers overhead at the start, the boom of the
no recovery or bends to go round the outside of,
available for the Gran Fondo (205kms) and the
starting gun at exactly 7.30am, beautiful sun-
it was more or less straight up and up. It was
3000 places for the Medio Fondo (85kms) and
shine, 12000 riders, 30 minutes to cross the
made even more difficult by the number of cy-
after a few attempts I was graced with an e-mail
start line, long hard slogs and very sharp climbs,
clists who had had enough and simply stopped in
to say that I finally had a place ten weeks before
fast descents and tight switchbacks, tired legs
the middle of the road and started to walk, there
the actual event , I was chuffed to bits however
and sweaty heads, huge Expo at the registration
was also a number of slower cyclists swerving
Lynn was not too happy as I had been racing in
area, free bike parking, free beer and pasta at
all over the road which again made it difficult for
Cieza last May and had a bad crash waking up in
the finish and a few casualties is a little of what
me to pass.
hospital on a drip with 3 broken ribs also badly
sums up this great Sportif “Quebrantahuesos”. Quite often ambulances would also try to
damaging my precious bike. Off we went at the bang of the gun promptly
squeeze up at the same time which was very dif-
So early on Friday morning the 20th June my
at 7.30am; it took me approx 7 minutes just to
ficult for them and nerve wracking for me. At the
good friend Martin and I left Quesada at 7am,
pass the starting point with some people taking
top of the Marie Blanque there were hundreds
we drove the 675k to Sabinaniago. We arrived
over 30 minutes. We passed through the town of
of spectators waving flags and giving shouts of
there at approx 2pm and the town was absolute-
Sabinanaigo which seemed to take forever but
encouragement as we passed by. As we start-
ly buzzing with cyclists and cars/vans with bikes
not long after we were out in the countryside
ed the descent, there was also another water
on board. We were very lucky and managed to
riding along in a peleton of approx 1000 bikes
station just passed the top where I stopped to
find a good parking space in the town centre only
unable to go any faster or to move out of this
fill both of my water bottles as by this time we
400m from the Expo Registration area. Regis-
group. With only 15 mins gone we had already
were halfway round the course. The descent
tration started at 3pm and was very straight for-
passed numerous accidents with people’s chanc-
was more technical than the Somport and much
ward; I was given my race number and magnetic
es of finishing gone in seconds. The first 25k was
more twistier however it was a lot shorter, the
bracelet for the various timing devices set out
relatively flattish and gave me an opportunity to
road flattened out into a large lush green mead-
over the entire course.
settle down, we came to the first climb Col De
ow which was a fantastic sight with a very busy
Somport at the 37k mark, this was a reasona-
feed station located here again which I bypassed
We had a quick walk around the Expo area and
bly easy and pleasant climb of around 18k, very
as I had already filled my bottles only 5k before.
had a look for somewhere to grab lunch and a
similar to climbing up from Albatera to Hondon
The next 20k were relatively flat and I managed
8
CYCLING tips advice routes
toughest sportif in Spain. (Bone Crusher) Well
to stick with a peleton of 50 bikes who were all roughly the same speed and ability as myself, I
After another long fast descent, this time not
done to everyone who completed it as I know
was with them all the way to the start of the very
particularly tricky allowing me a good chance to
there were hundreds who didn’t due to accidents,
long (27k) climb up the Col Du Portalet, again it
recover we were eventually directed onto which
fatigue and exhaustion.
started relatively easy but soon racked up to 8%
seemed a very minor road, almost a country lane
for long stretches, it would level for a few hun-
with passing places, I was in a group of only 10
My Raleigh Team Militis bike performed really
dred metres then 8% again. It wasn’t particu-
cyclists travelling at 40k per hour and unable to
well and I’m glad I changed the rear cassette for
larly hard at this stage but the temperature had
see around the corners as they came upon us so
a titanium 11/28 as it would have been really
risen to 38 degrees and was very warm.
fast, still we pressed on, the road surface grad-
tough trying to get up that climbs on a 26. The
ually deteriorated and then all of a sudden we
month before the race I had no extra time to
The scenery was fantastic and all of a sudden it
started to climb very quickly, this was the sting
train apart from our normal Thursday night and
started to get harder with each kilometer being
in the tail that everyone had spoken about – the
Sunday morning so special thanks to the guys
marked by posts which also gave you the height
Hoz de Jaca which was 2k at 13%, it was not a
whom I made climb up to the Hondon de las
already climbed and height still to climb.
This
pretty climb but very steep, it was the longest 2k
Frailes every Thursday night and Sunday morn-
climb went on and on and from about 2k out we
of the day, once I got over the top and headed
ing for 5 weeks. Cheers guys and thanks Martin
could see the summit, just as I approached the
downwards for some recovery I found that I was
you make a great Domestique.
summit there were huge crowds lining the route
cycling on my own with a very strong headwind
cheering everyone on which really motivated me
and I was trying hard to push 30k –per hour.
This was a great experience not just the race but the atmosphere and the sheer volume of people
as I sprinted over the top of the Col Du Portalet delighted to have conquered the last major climb.
All of a sudden I started to feel drained for the
and just been amongst other like minded individ-
After descending for 5k we reached a lovely little
first time in the day, I had 16k to go and just over
uals all with the same objective. Praise must go
village with ski lifts, this was approx 150k mark
an hour to get back to qualify for a Gold medal, I
to Chain Reaction who manage and organize the
and as I was very warm at this point I took ad-
decided to slow down and wait for a group to pass
event as it was brilliantly organized. They have
vantage of the next water stop to replenish my
so I could tag onto them. After about 5 minutes
had plenty previous experience as it was their
bottles and pour some water over my head, how-
a fast moving group of 20 bikes passed, I latched
24th year.
ever the girl had handed me a cup of lemonade
onto the back and cycled the last few kilometers
by mistake which resulted in me having to wash
back into Sabinanigo thinking that we were go-
my hands, face, glasses and mirror as everything
ing to follow the town bypass which was the road
was now sticky!
that we came out on we were wrong, we ended
valuable time.
This I’m sure cost me some
up on a detour around the town and entered the town at the opposite end, this was a long stretch of road and not very flat, however after a few minutes we were back in the town and there were throngs of people everywhere cheering everyone on the final stretch. Cycling together as a group through the town and across the finish line, I ended up with a time of 7 hours and 29 minutes with a Gold medal, I was absolutely delighted with this result, I found my buddy Martin who was waiting patiently for me at the finish line and we went to the food tent for some pasta and coke, we chilled around soaking in the atmosphere for approx 2 hours and then made our way back to the car, I washed and changed before loading the bike and headed home. We had a great drive home in some lovely weather and finally arrived back in Quesada at 12.30am; this was a fantastic ride but very long and hard, no wonder they call it the
9
Mitch Bull
The Virgin Rower challenging cancer! By Sandra Piddock
If you don’t know about the Kayak
is finding it hard adjusting to the discipline of
Challenge by now, you must have been
training. ‘Who’s stupid idea was this?’ is a fre-
away from the Costa Blanca for the
quent refrain when Dave tries to get him out
last 9 weeks, because everyone is talk-
of bed for their thrice-weekly training!
ing about it. Father and son Dave and Mitch Bull will row the Segura River
Thanks to the generosity of sponsors Club
from Murcia City to Guardamar – around
Cars, La Marina and La Piedra, Mitch now has
52kilometres or 31 miles in old money
his own kayak for the challenge. Unlike Dave,
– to raise funds for cancer research and
who has been kayaking since he was a spotty
highlight the work of the Samaritans in
youth at secondary school, Mitch had never
Spain. Dave Bull – published author, ra-
even been in a kayak until Monday, 21st Sep-
dio station owner and presenter, maga-
tember! He spent 30 minutes in the sea with
zine owner and editor and patron of the
Dave and Woopy, Dave’s six-year-old black
Samaritans – is well known in these
Labrador who swam alongside to ensure that
parts – some might even say notorious!
all was well.
But what about Mitch Bull? Who is he, and why is he doing this?
The Kayak Challenge takes place on Saturday 28 November, beginning at 8.00 am and
Mitch is 23 and stands 6 foot 7 inches in his flip flops. Not many people can look down on 6’ 3” Dave in the literal sense, but Mitch can! He arrived in Spain in 1999 at the age of 7, and loves the life, food and culture of the country. He’s inherited his father’s ‘cando’ attitude, and is already a success as head chef at La Piedra Bar and Grill, Gran Alacant. He’s only been there since March, but when the head chef left the building recently, the owners of La Piedra had no hesitation in promoting him. Mitch shares his father’s love of motor bikes and racing, but he’s not exactly the sporty type. While Dave has trained and worked out regularly for most of his life – he was a semiprofessional footballer for Sleaford Town back in England and has played for Alicante Airport’s team since arriving in Spain – Mitch
10
finishing at approximately 6.00 pm. It’s a remarkable initiative, and the boys’ response to the news that a close relative had cancer. Check out the Facebook Page Rowing For Cancer for updates on the challenge. Like I said, these are ‘Can-Do Guys.’ And the challenge is all the more remarkable considering Mitch is a Virgin Rower! If you’d like to support the challenge contact the guys at: ask@allabroad.es or sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk
UPCOMING EVENTS 15th October Fashion Show at La Piedra - Gran Alacant Tickets 5€ 6th November Opening of Samaritans Centre in Punta Prima Commercial Centre 20th November Raffle, Live Music and Meal at La Piedra 28th November KAYAK CHALLENGE 7.00am Murcia City Evening: After Party at La Piedra and a fun auction with some great offers!
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10
Proud sponsors of the Gran Alacant Darts League and friends of ASPETGA
Who needs M&S when there's...
Kelly McLachlan
Come & meet
Notes from small town Spain
The
SPECIALISTS
Ah, another summer over. A good excuse
I have to start planning healthy meals
to start eating ‘proper’ meals again. Who
for the evenings for the kids and just not
will be making strews and cottage pie over
tell them what’s lurking inside.
the next few weeks as the cooler weather
been accused of hiding a shred of onion
sets in?
in cheese before as a ‘trick’ to get them to
A nice warming bowl of home-
made soup in your onesie curled up in
(I have
eat more veggies!)
front of the gas fire watching the soaps? After a few weeks of living on salad it may
Being married to a top chef helps as well,
sound welcome.
(Dunno about you, but
as anybody who knows me will be able to
I can’t eat much more than that in the
tell you I’m certainly no Delia. But I have
height of summer).
been practising and improving.
But I have noticed
I have
that throughout the summer the good ol’
never been one for ‘entertaining’ (always
Sunday Roast is still as popular as ever,
left hubby to spark up the barbie and get
after all these years! Even in soaring tem-
on with it and I used to serve the drinks
peratures of summer! Home comforts in
back in the day when we would have a few
a home from home. Mine is PG Tips tea-
friends over. That suited me right down to
bags. Hubby loves his UK TV. Others like
the ground, thank you very much). But
to shop at Iceland.
now I have started cooking, I’ve realised
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that it was just a lack of confidence in the My girls are back at school and straight
kitchen that held me back. I have a whole
back in to the dining room. They’re not
world of recipes to try out, now that eve-
overly keen, to be honest.
We have a
rybody’s on about this “clean eating” ma-
copy of the menu on the fridge so they
larkey. Cooking from scratch, you know,
can mentally prepare themselves for the
and now the kids are back at school this is
forthcoming horrors of lunchtime. I have
a great time to start because I do actually
a couple of fussy eaters, and fruit and veg
have the time.
is not on their list of favourites. At school fruit and veg is on the menu every day.
How about Spanish dishes? Paella? Ma-
My niece, meanwhile, back in Blighty, has
gra?
a choice from a menu in her school can-
and the girls WILL eat them! They do at
teen. The red menu, for meateaters and
school…
Longanizas?
They will be made
the green menu for vegetarians. And yes, this is a junior school. The choice ours are
Anyone for a tapa??
given is ‘take it or leave it’. Hasta la proxima...
Kelly
13
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16
MANDY’S
Spanish Diary
by Mandy Tams
THE DELIGHTS OF FLYING First one has to be there 2 hours before your expected flight which is not a problem especially when one is only 10 minutes from the airport, but then comes the interesting bits… I travel in style because I am basically lazy and use the wheelchair service, this gives us separate customs control to get all our bits and pieces inspected, sometimes every little bit and every piece. This also is not a problem if somebody has something stuffed up their knicker leg that may explode on the flight, I personally do not want to get on. My objection is, nice though they are, when they come around with their surgical gloves and ask permission to search one, why cannot one ask for whom so ever they want to do the search, I mean if I have to have hands run round my body in delicate places, I am not really wanting a failed female prison officer sporting a moustache when there is a handsome young male officer stood with nothing to do. Having finally managed to traverse the inspection without too much embarrassment; knicker legs clear of explosives. Good job I wasn’t searched last night after eating chicken.!!!! We sit and wait with the crowd, time goes quickly watching the hustle and bustle of airport life pass by, the gate is called and
the herd rushes forward desperate to get to the gate first and stand their ground waving priority boarding passes in the air to secure their place in the queue even though their seats are booked and they will not get on any faster as half the plane has booked priority boarding. We wait patiently, almost smugly, knowing we will be boarded first or last it makes no odds our seats are reserved. Then the mutterings begin the shuffling of feet and questions passed from one to the other like Chinese whispers: Is the plane here? Is it the right gate, where is the priority gate, we are first...? The herd are jittery ready to stampede at the first look of an official, but none appear, the experienced ones know within a very short time that the plane has not even arrived, the inexperienced and the stupid moan believing the louder they moan the quicker the plane will arrive. One after the other mobile phones start ringing, people rustle through bags containing tissues, sweets, boarding passes, miniature bottles of vodka - because they are too expensive to buy on the plane. They spy others standing close with suspicion as their phones begin playing a variety of message signals, each wondering who
could be calling them at the airport. They examine their screen closely to find it is the offending airline telling them of a delay of two hours, children cry, parents cry, and people sit down on the floor determined to keep their place in the queue. The more astute spy out comfortable chairs at a bar and plant themselves firmly awaiting more announcements…Everybody that can texts home to bemoan their delay, still in the misguided belief that the angrier they sound and the louder they moan the quicker the whole problem will be solved, alas no. Mobiles begin again with a variety of calls like mating season in the spring each calling out desperately waiting to be answered, an update is there begging to be looked at. The flight is delayed another two hours; half past midnight is the ETA so many are not going to be home until the early hours of Sunday morning, Will vouchers be given, what about accommodation? No this is a Ryan Air flight; it’s a bed down on the floor night. Crew come along and impart the bad news to the people who have planted themselves on the floor, they have to move, as the gate is lost to Bristol. Moans and laments are heard throughout the terminal, it’s going to be a long, long night… It was...5am before we rested our weary heads on our anti allergen bounce back pillows...Bliss BUT remember any delay over two hours and you are entitled to claim back your food expenses...not alcohol... even if no vouchers are given out and now crew are availale get recipets and send them in on yopur return. These are your rights and we need to stand for them, claim back your sausage rolls your cups of tea and bottles of water...
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Advertising hotline! 606 540 408 - TAKE UP OUR OFFER!
PETTASTIC TIMES AHEAD! On Saturday 14th November in Torrevieja! Would you like YOUR dog to be A STAR at the Town Meets Country
DOG SHOW and/
Event’s DOG SHOW? Now is the time to enter into one or more
or the FUN PET SHOW CHALLENGE! with some super prizes for
of the following categories! To enter your dog into our Pet Dog
your doggies! Not quite Crufts, but on a similar style! For this one
Show! and Pet Dog Show Challenge! emailgina@gmpromotions.es
day we will be going animal quakers!! With everything for your
for an entry form and further information.
pet’s…….. vets, groomers, dog trainers, pet supplies, and many
The Dog Show! Categories are: Showing in the Show Arena from
animal attractions will all be at the TOWN MEETS COUNTRY Event
1.00 – 2.00 pm
which has a village fate, county show style atmosphere with all
Class 1 Best Rescue - dogs and bitches of all ages who have been
the fun of the fair! So you can try your hand at Hook the Duck!
rescued
Rings! Win your breakfast or something on the lucky dip, guess
Class 2 Puppy - dogs and bitches under the age of 6 months
the weight of the cake and many other good old fashioned British
Class 3 Sprightly Pensioners - dogs and bitches over the age of 7
fete attractions!……
years Class 4 Most Handsomest dog - open to all male dogs
But it’s not just all about animals! With over 50 local businesses,
Class 5 Prettiest Bitch - open to all bitches
traders and exhibitors on hand with products and services to see,
Class 6 Children Handling - open to children under 16 who take
taste, touch, try and buy plus a wonderful line up of fun, feature
their dog into the ring and present it to the judge
concepts, and an animal themed line up of entertainment to ensure you have a great day out, with lots of special
. The FUN DOG Show Challenges! – Our 2 fun challenges for your clever doggies to
offers, and prizes to be won!………. So for more information see www.gmpromotions.es and keep your eye out for more details in the
participate in, in the Show Arena from
local press in the coming weeks! …… This
3.00 – 4.00 pm
will be a fabulous outdoor event for every-
If you have a Talented Terrier, a Cute
one, for all the fun of a village fete, with a
Colley, Delightful Doblaman, or a Hin-
country fayre atmosphere where TOWN will
ez 57 bread of pooch who likes to play, then why not enter them into these fun doggie challenges! To win some wonderful doggie prizes and treats! The Teddy Bear Retrieve! Musical Mats!
MEET COUNTRY! With stalls, and stands, services, pet show challenges, a professional dog agility display to a fantastic trick pony and a performing horse display! In the events animal arena! We will even be covering fishing to falconry, yes we really are going animal orientated for the day………Information, education and the opportunity to
ROLL UP ROLL UP ROLL up! To The TOWN MEETS COUNTRY
find out more on how to adopt a pet, dogs and cats, you can even
Event, this is the purrrrrrrfect event for all the animal lovers out
sponsor a dog, horse or a chicken!
there, and for those looking for a fun day out!…….. On Saturday 14 th November Torrevieja is playing host to a fantastic new style
This event is in aid of the local animal sanctuary/pound in Tor-
animal orientated event……..being staged on the Cortes Valencia-
revieja, the Albergue which is going through some very positive
nas main road in Torrevieja the location is in between the ‘Needle’
changes. The entry into to the event is 1.00 euro, all being donat-
and the Iceland Supermarket on the plot of land behind the U 2
ed to the protection of the animals in the Albergue.
Garage……easy to find and lots of parking too. Get ready as the latest event is coming to town! The TOWN MEETS COUNTRY Event is being launched right here in Torrevieja!…….For ONE day only! On Saturday 14th November from 10.00 am – 5.00 pm, GM Promotions, Grupo Rubio and sponsors SKODA will be staging the first animal orientated event right here on the Costa Blanca! So if you have the perfect pooch, the prettiest
So put the date in your diary Saturday 14th November from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. We look forward to seeing you there! And if you would like to participate in this FUN DAY book a pitch or a stall contact Gina now on 695 399 841 or emailgina@gmpromotions.es
bitch or a talented terror, then why not enter your dog into our
19
SPIRIT GUIDES (u The only way I can describe the difference is that our Guardian Angels have never been incarnated on the Earth plane and have therefore never inhabited a human body.
Within the book ‘Spiritual Unfold-
ment’ by White Eagle, he calls the Guardian Angel ‘Custodian of the Karmic Law’ which rules all life. They record all our deeds, and help us to work out our own karma. It is my belief that our Guardian Angel & our main Spirit Guide work together for our highest good. All we need to do is to believe...... Ascended Spirits Our Spirit Guides are different to the Angels as they have lived in a human body. They are ascended spirit from the human line of evolution and have had spiritual experiences themselves similar to those that we encounter in our own lifetime. Our Spirit Guides are here to help to guide us on our spiritual path, and who best to guide us than someone who understands what it is like to have lived on earth? Our Spirit Guides are now pure spirit and have no ego and our main guide is known as our ‘doorkeeper’ or ‘gatekeeper’. This powerful ascended guide, who loves us unconditionally, is assigned to us before we are born, to help guide us in understanding life’s many lessons. These lessons could be experiences that have not been resolved from a previous life and we are given the chance to be re-born and find a solution to those problems in this life-time. Your main spirit guide will stay with you throughout your entire life and helps you to fulfil your earth mission. Other guides may make themselves known to you at different intervals on your life’s path. I have had different guides ‘popping in and out’ of my life dependant on what I have been going through at that time. How do I meet my Spirit Guide? The first thing to do before anything else, is to believe in the presence of your personal spirit guide - that way, you are setting your intent to work with them. How you meet your Spirit Guide is a personal experience and is unique to you. For example, some people prefer to join a Spiritualist Church or Psychic Circle with other like minded people, whereas others will prefer to find out about their spirit guide on their own through reading books, or watching u-tube videos etc. In an ideal world once you’ve set your intent, it’s a good idea to be in a quiet environment. Turn off your phone; make sure you are not going to be disturbed. If you are part of a psychic circle, your teacher will have already set the intent by blessing the room & ensuring the class won’t be disturbed. Meditation is the key to all spiritual work so most of you will meet your guide through meditation, although like me, they may appear in another way.
20
My Spirit Guides I met my main spirit guide Zamil in a vivid dream. When I woke up, I felt loved and comforted in a way I couldn’t explain. I knew without a doubt that I had met my spirit guide and a few months later I had confirmation of this whilst sitting in the garden where, when I asked, he gave me his name and also told me where he had lived when he had inhabited his human body on the earthplane. I have since met my other Spirit guides Ruby – who is my psychic art Spirit Guide and has a wonderful sense of humour, Star, who brings with her a nature spirit quality and is often accompanied by woodland animals, and Amy, who is a little girl spirit that works with me when I am working in Canada on the show Rescue Mediums. More recently a new guide came forward. He was a strong First Nation’s Chief who, I called ‘The Wise One’. I speak to my Spirit Guides every day either through meditation or thought process called ‘telepathy’. Our spirit guides don’t have a voice-box so the voice we ‘hear’ will sound like our own, although the messages are coming direct from the spirit world. It is much the same when I am doing clairvoyant readings for a client. I know that any messages I receive either in word form or pictorial form are given to me by spirit and I love the confirmation I receive from a client about personal messages given direct from spirit no matter how bizarre the message appears to me! Our Spirit Guides never let us down. To err is human People will meet their Spirit Guides through different forms of communication such as meditation or in a group situation such as a psychic circle or through their local Spiritualist Church. Whichever way you choose to develop your spirituality please don’t give up if you don’t see your Spirit Guide at first. Your guide will develop you at a pace he or she feels is right for you and it is something that cannot be rushed. Everyone develops at a different pace and never compare yourself to others. I remember when I was in my psychic development class; I couldn’t understand why others said they could see their spirit guide and all I could see of mine were long sleeves. However, looking back now, all the signs were there – I knew it was my guide even though I couldn’t see all of him. Yes, I felt my Guide was male! - I could actually feel him beside me even though I couldn’t ‘see’ all of him in my meditation. Of course, he appeared to me (all of him!) in my dream, and after that, he appeared in meditations whether I was alone or part of a group and I have seen him many times since!. Never be disheartened, and never feel that you have disappointed your guide as they are here to help us to learn from any mistakes we make in life. After all, we are only human and our Spirit Guides will always be by our side in love and forgiveness. As the saying goes, ‘to err is human’. Get digging!
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Everyone has a Spirit Guide – but
updated)
who are they? Well, one of the questions I get asked a lot is “what’s the difference between a Spirit Guide and a Guardian Angel”?
Our Spirit Guide’s love for us is unconditional and to meet
mind subsides and you are open to working with higher
and communicate with them, is a very special and humbling experience. When we take a wrong turn in life, our guides
energies. 5. Don’t give up; remember that God loves a trier! and more
will sometimes intervene to ensure we are guided back on
than anything, trust and have faith in their guidance. They
the right path. If you are really stuck and need an answer,
will come forward when they feel you are ready and in a way
ask your guide to assist you and he or she will give you a way of resolving the problem. You may have to do some ‘digging’ yourself to find a solution, but if you want confirmation that you are on the right path, ask for a specific sign. These signs are often in the form of ‘coincidences’ or synchronistic events that your Spirit Guide has put on your path to make you sit up and take notice! Look out for the clues – they are out there. Once you have recognised them for what they are, remember to acknowledge this by thanking your Spirit Guide.
that is the best way to communicate with you. Your Spirit Guide knows you as much as, if not more, than you know yourself. 6. Practice meditating or sitting quietly every day even if it’s only for 10 minutes. After a while, your body and mind will start to relax and if you ask a question, your guide will answer either through an idea or thought that pops into your head - you may hear your voice being called, or feel your ears buzzing as they fine tune you to their higher vibrational energy. 7. Once you are no longer worrying about what the day will bring your mind will quieten down and during these gaps in thought process, you can start to ask questions of your guide. First of all, tell them you are happy to work with them, and ask them a simple question such as “What is your name”? If a name comes to mind instantly, that is the name they are happy for you to call them. It may not have been exactly the same as their name when they were on the earth
How to connect with your Spirit Guide 1. Believe in their presence! If you don’t believe, why are you even here? It is imperative to have an open mind even if you are not sure exactly what or who you believe in 2. Set your intent. Be mindful of finding out about your Spirit Guide - how they can help you along your spiritual path, how they work with your Guardian Angel to bring you the peace that you deserve in your life. 3. If you are part of a psychic circle, listen to what your teacher is saying, be willing to learn all you can about higher dimensions and don’t try too hard! Keep it simple. 4. Find your quiet space - somewhere you won’t be disturbed - a place where you feel totally comfortable and at ease. This will make it much easier for your Spirit Guide to communicate with you. The best way to relax your mind is through
plane but it doesn’t matter! If you get nothing to start with don’t worry, all spiritual communication comes with experience and perseverance. The main thing when communicating with spirit, the angels, and other ascended beings, is to enjoy the experience. If you worry or give yourself a hard time it will take much longer for you to connect with your guide
meditation but if you feel this is too much to start with, go for a nature walk, or sit in your favourite place in the garden. This will help you to ‘simply be’ as the chattering of your
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What’s On Gig Guide - Weekends Oct Sunday 4th The Local, El Raso – Kevin All Abroad gig guide Paddys Point, La Zenia – Showaddywaddy Legend – 10.30pm Pablo’s International Bar, Playa Flamenca – Richie Alexander – 9pm Yolo, Cabo Roig – The Cages – 10.30pm La Taberna, Entre Naranjas - Lynden B - 9pm The Hole in the Wall, Gran Alacant – Mr Bojangles – 4pm Chillies, El Raso – Frank the Singer – 7.30pm La Vida Sunset Bar, Doña Pepa – Daz – 8pm Friday 9th Pablo’s International Bar, Playa Flamenca – Paul Christie – 9pm Lansdowne, Playa Flamenca – The Streeters – 10.30pm El Rincon de Tio Cali - Austin Sweet 16 – 2pm Torre Asian Restaurant, Torreblanca - Peter G – 9pm Maggie OBrians, Campoverde Dee - 9pm The Final Whistle, La Marina – Nikki G – 9pm Saturday 10th La Bodegueta, Lo Crispin – Bella Luna – 9pm Pablo’s International Bar, Playa Flamenca – Vinny Mack – 9pm Bar Horacios, Las Mimosas – Tribute Night, Elvis, Bono and Meatloaf – 9.00pm – 15 Euros with 3 course meal Hens Teeth, Villamartin Plaza – The Streeters – 10pm Bar Carlos, Torrevieja – PDQ – 9pm PALS Club in La Siesta - Richie C - 9pm Inn at the Green, Entre Naranjas Cherry K - 9pm Posh Club, La Marina – The Beatles Story – 9pm Chillies International, La Fuente – Martin McInerney – 7.30pm Sunday 11th Pablo’s International Bar, Playa Flamenca – Richie Alexander – 9pm The Hole in the Wall, Gran Alacant – Mr Bojangles – 4pm El Campello – Moors and Christians Cuevas Del Rodeo, Rojales – Sense of Africa Festival – 7pm Friday 16th Torre Asian Restaurant, Torreblanca - Peter G – 9pm Pablo’s International Bar, Playa Flamenca – Kye Jaymes – 9pm Maggie OBrians, Campoverde Woody - 9pm The Final Whistle, La Marina – Paul Christie – 9pm Nations, Blue Lagoon – Jeff Allen – 9pm Saturday 17th Restaurante Los Rosales, Guardamar – Il Divo Delight – 17.50€ with 3 course meal. Bookings www.lrshows.com Pablo’s International Bar, Playa Flamenca – Vinny Mack – 9pm Laurel and Hardys, Quesada – Randall Cain – 8pm Final Whistle, Urb La Marina – Stevie Spit – 9pm – 10 Euros Foxys Bar in Via Park V - Lynden B - 9pm
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PALS Club, La Siesta - Danny Ray - 9pm Cultural Art Centre, Alicante – Free Classic Music Concert – 8pm The Club, Quesada - The Beatles Story – 9pm Chillies International, La Fuente – Martin McInerney – 7.30pm Sunday 18th Pablo’s International Bar, Playa Flamenca – Richie Alexander – 9pm La Taberna, Entre Naranjas - Lynden B - 9pm The Hole in the Wall, Gran Alacant – Mr Bojangles – 4pm Friday 23rd Pablo’s International Bar, Playa Flamenca – Vinny Mack – 9pm Torre Asian Restaurant, Torreblanca - Peter G – 9pm The Final Whistle, La Marina – live entertainment – 9pm Nations, Blue Lagoon – Dan Davy – 9pm Saturday 24th La Bodegueta, Lo Crispin – Ed Temple Comedy Hypnotist – 9pm Pablo’s International Bar, Playa Flamenca – Timewarp Duo – 9pm Imanyos, Daya Nueva – Francis Sings – 9.30pm Bar Carlos, Torrevieja – PDQ – 9pm The Olde 9th, La Marquesa - Debbie Slater - 9pm Market Tavern, La Romana - Fun Race Night - 9pm Chillies International, La Fuente – Martin McInerney – 7.30pm Sunday 25th La Taberna, Entre Naranjas - Lynden B - 9pm Pablos International Bar, Playa Flamenca – Richie Alexander – 9pm The Hole in the Wall, Gran Alacant – Mr Bojangles – 4pm La Vida Sunset Bar, Doña Pepa – Daz – 8pm Friday 30th Torre Asian Restaurant, Torreblanca - Peter G – 9pm Pablos International Bar, Playa Flamenca – Kye Jaymes – 9pm Maggie O’Brians, Campoverde - JJ Soulman – 9pm The Final Whistle, La Marina – Dee – 9pm Nations, Blue Lagoon – Richie C – 9pm Saturday 31st The Firm, Los Dolses CC – Alison Wynne Ryder Medium – 5 Euros – 9pm La Bodegueta, Lo Crispin – Cherry K – 9pm Em’s Dreams, Urb La Marina – Scary Soul Party with JJ – 9pm Imanyos, Daya Nueva – Nilo – 9pm Pablo’s International Bar, Playa Flamenca – Red Strokes – 9pm Laurel and Hardys, Quesada – Randall Cain – 8pm Bar Carlos, Torrevieja – PDQ – 9pm Tavern in Lo Crispin - Lynden B 9pm El Gallego Beach, Pinet – The Beatles Story – 9pm Chillies International, La Fuente – Martin McInerney – 7.30pm
There is a new kid in town that is growing in popularity and its name is Stage Hypnotism. Once thought of by audiences as a way to see your friends totally embarrassed, it has taken on a whole new style. I have been talking to one of my acts Ed Temple about what it is like to be on this specialised and mysterious side of the entertainment business. As one of the top Comedy Hypnotist in our area Ed has perfected his art over the past 10 years. He tells me his show is “Las Vegas Style” with the induction (what we would call being put under) being part of the show. He takes his work very seriously and as a trained hypnotherapist is well aware of the power of the mind. What makes these sorts of shows unique is that they will never be the same because of the individuality of people. Our minds are a powerful tool that in the right hands can release tremendous potential for positivity and this is what the shows are all about. Sure, there is a lot of fun to be had too with volunteers speaking to each other in a language they don’t know, smelling nasty smells seeing something that isn’t there, or forgetting a number or letter of the alphabet. We all love to see our friends being silly and as a volunteer you can always blame the hypnotist! There is a sense of fascination and excitement that draws us to the unexplained and given the chance who wouldn’t want to escape from the everyday stresses of life and be a child again? After all that is why we drink alcohol – to put our minds into an altered state. Ed stresses that he never asks his volunteers to do what he wouldn’t ask his own mother to do. And as he points out, nobody is going to do what it is not in their nature to do. There is a sense of high moral responsibility that goes with the job. As a respected professional, Ed likes to “gift” his audience with positive thoughts. So powerful are these gifts that many people have come back to thank him for having lost weight or stopped smoking after a show.
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It seems like our minds and hearts are now ready to accept something different as part of our need for entertainment. Ed has been getting rave reviews from his audiences and volunteers alike as the phenomena is now starting to sweep across the Costa Blanca, as it already has in the USA. If you would like your event posted on my website www.lrshows.com or in the next Gig Guide, please email me at letsrockshowslive@gmail.com Love your life. Love live music and Keep on Rocking! Jax Lawson x
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BALEARIC BANTER By Johnny Mahonny
(The Barnsley Marinero) Greetings from Menorca. Mr Dave Bull, the Ayatollah of the Airwaves, the Prince of Print, the Crown Prince of the Costa, has dangled the golden carrot (not to be sniffed at) and commissioned another pageful of nonsense from the Marinero.
Greetings from Menorca. Strolling along the beach a couple of days ago I noticed a lady (of a certain age) sunbathing topless. What caught my attention were her boobs They were obviously surgically enhanced, too large for
the her frame and not very well made.Also, they stayed at I down. same angle whether she was sitting up or lying the reckon the lady either bought them on special offer or but g surgeon had an off day because they were anythin
ed asymmetrical and the nipples were wonky. They remind looked she me of two badly-packed parachutes. I’m sure better before than after. this On the subject of fashion (were we?) I have also noted young so not summer the propensity for ladies young and with for wearing tiny little shorts (‘Daisy Dukes’ if you will) e. possibl as the rear cut away to reveal as much buttock I love a nicely-turned bottom but ladies should note that after the age of thirtyish, everything starts to head south,
including bum cheeks. Also the, ahem, crotch area resembles the logo of a well-known German car manufacturer. at Not an edifying sight although I had to tear myself away times. On the subject of cars (really?) Mrs M recently took our ancient Nissan Almera through the car wash. Usually I
wash the old girl (car, not wife) by hand to minimise the in risk of more bits falling off (car, not wife) but the missus The go. a e her wisdom thought she would give the machin car came out very clean and shiny so all was well... until . yesterday, when I noticed the bonnet badge was missing In its place were two rusty holes and an area of discoloured paint. We went back and searched the car wash reand surroundings to no avail, so I looked online for a
visit placement. The cheapest was £22.00 so it looks like a to the scrapyard is called for. I don’t want people looking
down their noses at me as I drive past with a newly-f oryou aged carful of wood and no badge. We have standards, know.
a Besides running my little bar every evening I also work rs operato tour the couple of times each week for one of as a guide on their coach excursions. The last two outings have been particularly enjoyable because my clients
have all been adults. I have nothing against children and of understand that we need them but I don’t think it’s fair
with parents to expect babies and small children to put up which of all stops, n being cooped up on a coach in betwee
involve quite a lot of walking in hot weather. They become n of fractious and, in turn, spoil the day for others. Childre
beall ages, when on holiday, should be allowed to enjoy into d strappe not ing outdoors, either at the pool or beach, a coach being bored stiff. Rant over. On the subject of coach excursions (yes we were) I must tell you of a short conversation I had last Tuesday with
one of my passengers. The chap was one of those people who attempt to sound posh by accentuating their aitches
there when speaking. Unfortunately he added the ‘h’ where been have should wasn’t one and dropped it where there one. His opening sentence was therefore: hout “’Ow are yew? ‘Ave yew lived ‘ere long? Hi love being
hew in the fresh hair, don’t hew? Hi hused to be ha sailor, tames.’ Height have. know. ‘Ave hew been to Hameri ca? Hi
I had I couldn’ t laugh, of course, but after excusing myself tears streaming down my cheeks. And finally....in a couple of days I fly to the UK for the funeral of a young relative. My niece died in her sleep,
suddenly and unexpectedly, at the age of thirty five, leavn ing two school-age children. I mention this sad occasio out getting is us of because I want to make a point: None of here alive, so make the most of every day. See you next month.
Johnny Mahonny (The Barnsley Marinero)
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Lovely Terraces Kids & Families welcome Cocktails Evening Set Menu 11.95€ 3 Course Sunday Roast 9.95€ All fresh homemade produce Daily Special
OPEN 8.00am until Late 7 Days a week Pool, Darts, TV Sports and more! Come and make friends at
the friendly bar & grill! Great menu choice including:
English Breakfast
RASPBERRY DUCK BREAST Finest breast of duck, pan-fried & served on a bed of chive mash & drizzled with a raspberry reduction. 13.95€
2.95€ Spanish Breakfast Coffee & Tostada
ARGENTINIAN FILET Argentinian fillet steak perfectly sealed by our chefs and served a la piedra with a garnish of mushrooms & onions. 220g/9oz 17.95€ 500g/12oz 34.50€ LA PIEDRA SHARING STONE Select three meats, a sauce and two sides from the list and we will serve them a la piedra for you to indulge upon or to share between two people. Fillet of beef, Fillet of pork Duck breast, Chicken breast Peppercorn sauce, Mushroom sauce Red wine sauce, Cheese sauce Barbecue sauce
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Corn on the cob, Garlic mushrooms Fried onions, Grilled tomato 59€ (Min 2 people)
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All SPORTS SHOWN - Over 50 channels! Tel. 865 669 799 Email: info@lapiedra.es Facebook: facebook.com/lapiedrabargrill 30
ALICANTE AIRPORT
From airfield to international airport
Rabassa 1978
by Dave Bull The original Long before what is known today as Alicante Airport was built, extended and then rebuilt and renamed there was the original airport that served the region not so very far away and of which only the control tower still remains. Before the sixties and the arrival of tourism to these shores which brought about the need for a bigger airport (at El Altet) Rabassa Airport (built in 1919) based on the outskirts of Alicante, where the University now stands, was a small stopover mainly for flights heading from Toulouse to Morocco and served the region well until it
Rabassa 1953 was closed in 1927 when air traffic began to use the bigger airfield at El Altet. However, with a civil war in the country it was reopened in 1936 to help defend Alicante from the Republicans and was bombed soon after but recovered to see out the end of the war in 1939 when it became a base for the Spanish Air Force - Ejército del Aire – literally the ‘Army of the Air.’ Things began to settle down at Rabassa and it began to see large passenger craft for the first time and its first proper international fight was established in 1944 when Air France began landing there. Gradually its military use was reduced and by the 1960’s it was clear that with the influx of tourists from northern Europe to Alicante’s sunny beaches that the region was in desperate need of a new airport.
By 1967 the decision had been finalised and a new airport was outlined for El Altet where the current airport stands today. Rabassa continued as a base for the Aero Club but by 1978 even they had moved on to the new airport just a few kilometres away. All that remains today is the tower – which is a wonderful art-deco design and one of the original hangars which was converted to a Palmetum (botanic gardens) several years after. The new Airport In 1964 the land had been bought in preparation for the new airport at El Altet and a new 2.7km runway was constructed to cope with the ever increasing air traffic bringing tourists to the region that preferred Alicante as it was closer to the tourist spots than Valencia airport. In a very short time the new airport was busy with passengers seeking the sunshine and by 1970 it had reached one million passengers per year prompting a new terminal building that was finished in 1974. Such was the demand for flights to Alicante that just eight years later Alicante Airport had reached 2 million passengers per year and a longer runway was needed to cope with the increase which was completed 1978 taking the runway up to three kilometres in length. Things haven’t changed for Alicante Airport much since those early days – give or take a few blips while we suffered a couple of recessions - and it has continued to grow rapidly with over nine million passengers heading through the airport in 1996 prompting more changes with new walkways, a new terminal building and new access as well as new parking all on the design table.
now cope with (an optimistic) 20 million passengers per year, which broken down means 6,000 people per hour! Another change came in 2013 when the airport (following years of complaints from Elche City on whose land it stands) was renamed Alicante-Elche. Unfortunately the old terminal building and new car park stand quiet and empty as the planners don’t seem to have come up with a use for over 50,000 square metres of prime real estate! Still the new terminal is very nice and a lot less crowded… If you find yourself in San Vicente take a drive into the University and check out the old tower of Rabassa airport where it all started - tourism wise - for this region, it’s a beautiful building…and there’s a café opposite! The old airport in 2015
New airport…again. By 2011 all that work had been completed and the new terminal building could
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