FR
EE
allabroad.es www. ber 2014 issue number 38
Septem
TAX IN SPAIN
Mr Grumpy
Frequently asked questions
he’s at it again..!
Check out our ad rates - the BEST VALUE around! fiscal advice, features, quizzes, puzzles, crosswords, markets, fiestas, what’s on + more!
Visit Fortuna by bicycle with
HOME & GARDENS EXPO
PETS IN THE HOUSE? News from Gran Alacant’s pet association
Lebanese & International Cuisine LIVE
Entertainment
AVOID DELAYS
A World of Flavours Diagnostics Clinic
Full Body Diagnostics Clinic Diagnostics Scan Full +Body FREE Checkup Diagnostics withScan the year
+ FREE Checkup CALL 965071745 WWW.MEDB.ES with the year
SENDING & RECEIVING
AL
NT IE ND R E O OPEN - Every Day from 11.00am & HOWEEK R S W E Avda. Escandinavia, 72 - Urb. Altomar 2 IN Y D VER GRAN ALACANT Tel. 96 669 9553 E 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
Try us!
1
oice o. Ch The N ats! for Exp
• COST effective postal & courier services • NO language barrier - we speak your language • NO queueing • FULL worldwide postal & courier service • DISCOUNTS for bulk mail (50 letters or more) GOT AN
SAVE MONEY! All parcels delivered within 48 hours
ACCOUNT?
NO DELAYS! Tracking Service
Renew your British passport
FINAL document check prior to sending DAILY service to the Passport office in Belfast.
OFFICE: C/San Luis 2, 03187 Los Montesinos Alicante Tel. 966 720 959 Visit our website: www.easypost.es Email: alicantesouth@easypost.es
the locals...by the locals..! for CALL 965071745
Abrimos todos los dias a partir de 18.ooh & los Sabados y Domingos tambien a medio dia We are open every day from 6.00pm and from 12.00pm at weekends
@pizzeriacocoa /pizzeriacocoa
2
SMART PHONES..?
ALL ABROAD
www.allabroad.es
br k! a eak! ke brea Ta a ke Ta with
Take a tablet too!
you are out with friends (yes I did see
We have got to ban the Smartphone!
it on Facebook but it suits my argu-
Have you noticed that everyone in the
ment so I’m using it...!)And that was
street, bar, bus, doctor’s waiting room
for everyone present to stack their
and bank (and I’m talking about the
Smart phones in the middle of the
staff in my local branch...) has got their
table and the first to answer a mes-
head down and is tapping away with
sage etc is the one who pays! Worth a
1.Villajoiosa / ALICANTE - 12€
one or two fingers making sure that
try? Or will we just end up turning that message from mum into some sort of
2. Altea / Benidorm - 13€
they have ‘Whatsupped’, ‘Tweeted’, of ‘Faced’ with someone they possibly
‘emergency’ so we can go outside and
saw ten minutes ago. I’m as bad as
pace the pavement trying to look im-
the next man (unless that man is Ian
portant while we ‘deal’ with the most
in our local bar who still uses a pigeon
recent update about a cat stuck in a
to get his message across) and its all
sock on our timeline?
getting rather anti-social isn’t it? How
Having said all that where would we be
many times can you watch someone
without them and SatNav applications
getting water poured over their head
and such-like? We’d be back to ask-
*Mar Menor Train inc train 13€
or a cat playing with a dog or some-
ing locals for directions and if you’ve
Boat trip + Train - 20€ inc both tickets
one’s mum falling off their motorcycle
ever done that in Spain you’ll know
in the back garden? There were even
what I mean because once they’ve
two local coppers at a bush fire the
understood your pronunciation of ‘Ji-
other day and instead of standing duty
jona’ and finally realise what on earth
and guiding nosey people (like me)
you are on about they give you direc-
away they were far too busy looking at
tions...to the end of the road, and tell
the four inch tool that they held in their
you to ask again when you get there,
hand to notice. Consequently I got too
and that’s just the police!
MONDAY/MONTAG/LUNES
1.Benidorm - 10€ 2. Algar/Guadalest - 13€ TUESDAY/DIENSTAG/MARTES
MARKET, CHOCOLATE FACTORY, CASTLE ALTEA MARKET
3.Alicante - 7€ 4.Benidorm - 10€ WEDNESDAY/MITTWOCH/MIERCOLES
1. Benidorm - 10€ THURSDAY/DONNERSTAG/JUEVES
1. Cartagena - 10€ *Boat trip -17€ inc boat
Licor 43 Experience
18€ inc drink
Licor 43 Experience + Train
21€ inc Drink
2. Benidorm 10€ 3. Guadalest Solar Boat Benidorm 18€ inc boat FRIDAY/FREITAG/VIERNES
1. Benidorm - 10€ 2. Condominia/Ikea/Thader - 10€ 3. Murcia - - 10€ 4. TERRA NATURA - AQUA NATURA
31€ Adult
27€ Child
5. BENIDORM PALACE
close and ended up getting engulfed in
COACH + MEAL + SHOW = 51€
smoke when the wind changed direc-
No, the Smartphone has to stay I’m
tion and was last seen teary-eyed and
afraid folks but it does seem to me
coughing as I struggled back down the
to be a bit of an oxymoron to call it
hill and past them on my hands and
‘Social Networking’ when all you do is
knees. But not a flicker from them as
keep your head down and don’t talk
they began filming said fire behind me.
to anyone! Still, as my mum said the
Still that’s my fault really for trying to
other day when she called me while
get some decent pics I guess!
I was at work...’I called your mobile because I tried to call you at home but
There was a great idea the other day
you’re not there...’
to deal with all this – especially when
Thank goodness for mums.
COACH + SHOW = 35€
6. Benidorm Night Out - 11€ 7. Alicante Night Out 9€ 8. Aguilas 30€ Inc boat trip cheese shop, lunch (Jul 11, 25 Aug 8, 22
Sep 5, 19
SATURDAY/SAMSTAG/SABADO
1.Valencia - 16€ (Jul 5, 19 Aug 2, 16, 30
Sep 13, 27)
2. Algar Waterfalls - 13€ 3. Benidorm 10€
SUNDAY/SONNTAG/DOMINGO
1. Benidorm - 10€
Every FRIDAY
12
CV Mm-440-A.
Coach + Meal + SHOW = 51€ Coach+ show = 35€ ANDALUCIA COSTA TROPICAL 5 DAYS 5TH OCT 225€ HB BARCELONA 4 DAYS 12 OCT 225€ B&B PEÑÍSCOLA 3 DAYS 17 OCT 139€ HB
FIESTAS
CARTAGENA Carth &
26 & 27 Sept 11€
COCENTANIA Medieval
1 November 10€
MINI CRUISE 4 DAYS
8th
NOV
249€
ALL INCLUSIVE
VALENCIA-MARSEILLE-PALMA DE MALLORCA- VALENCIA. +TRANSFERS+ PORT TAXES
(+34) 96 671 7783 - 675 956 059 info@viajesrosatours.com www.viajesrosatours.com NOBODY OFFERS YOU MORE
Rosa tours has selected their favourite day trips and city break destinations for you to explore the areas! Whether you are booking a short break, weekend stay, holiday or cruises, we have some great offers available for you!
contact us on: 96 669 5160 - 606 540 408 - ask@allabroad.es
3
4
BAYA BAIXA traditional Spanish country home. 250m² with 4 bed, 2 bath. Close to Elche, airport, beaches, more. Has been beautifully restored by the owner. 7,300+m² of land with pool, orchard, more. €360,000. AA6240
EL MORALET luxury 5 bed, 3 bath villa with pool. 2700m² plot Enjoy sea and mountain views from terraces and porch. Huge kitchen/family room with granite countertops and top end appliances. Double gallery staircase. €349,000. AA5515
LAS BAYAS lovely 3 bed, 2 bath country house located minutes from Elche, beaches and airport. Set among beautifully landscaped gardens with pool, more. €265,000. AA6135
GRAN ALACANT luxury 3 bed villa with garage and private swimming pool. Exclusive Isla de Izaro gated community. Move in ready! Fully furnished with many extras. €360,000. AA6118
GRAN ALACANT 3 bed, 2 bath corner house on popular gated community of Med III with 2 pools, children’s play area, tennis court and private covered allocated parking. €176,500. AA5923
GRAN ALACANT 2 bed, 2 bath corner house with large garden, glazed in porch, air con, security bars, more. Basement offers more living space or bedrooms. Communal pool. €145,000. AA5923
LET´S INFORM YOU How often here in Spain do you have a question about Tax and you get 4 DIFFERENT ANSWERS? Do I need a Spanish will? - and another 3 CONFLICTING ANSWERS confuse everybody? The event will begin at
12 NOON ON WEDNESDAY 17th SEPTEMBER and lunch will be served at 1.30pm
To qualify for your free lunch e-mail: freelunchspain@gmail.com with your name address and telephone number or call:
Well here is the solution. Local experts from 4 companies will be answering your questions on Tax, Pensions, Investments, Currency Exchange, Spanish Law, Wills and Funeral Plans. EVERY QUESTION WILL BE ANSWERED ON THE DAY. NO SUCH THING AS A FREE LUNCH? Well there is now! Once all the questions have been answered then everybody will get a FREE lunch at Maritao´s Kitchen in Gran Alacant Commercial Centre (above Mercadona).
966 799 070 or 685 733 278
Spaces are limited so reserve your lunch today.
Advertising hotline! 606 540 408 - TAKE UP OUR OFFER!
5
Looking to sell? We've got people looking to buy. Quality properties needed in Gran Alacant and surrounding areas for our buyers. Call us today at +34 966 699 441 or visit our office on Calle Monte de Santa Pola. NO SALE, NO FEE. www.granalacantproperties.com
CURTAIN & BEDDING STORE Quality Textiles aFor Your Home EST. 2006
An extensive range of Ready Made lined curtains, voiles, poles, rails and accessories
LARGE SELECTION - GREAT QUALITY - GREAT PRICES
New Stock arriving WEEKLY!!!
Oven gloves, tea towels, table cloths & cushions New British net curtains Curtain eyeletting service available Gorgeous Duvet Covers, in all the latest styles and colours with matching curtains and accessories Custome made curtains & accessories to your own specifications All alterations & repairs undertaken in our shop
PROFESSIONAL SEWING SERVICE Opening Hours Monday- Friday 10am - 4pm Saturday 10am - 2pm
6
C/C Los Dolses, Villamartin 2 mins from La Zenia Boulevard
T: 966 848 980
www.sarahstextil.es
Advertising hotline! 606 540 408 - TAKE UP OUR OFFER!
www.legal4spain.com ASPETGA - Looking after our pets in Gran Alacant & Santa Pola Legal Requirements for Drivers in Spain
10
SANTA POLA DOG PARK: Our Mediterranean coast is a prime location as well as the chosen place of residence for many due the quality of life offered by this community. Santa Pola and Gran Alacant have seen their census figures increase in a short time. And many of these new residents bring pets as well as children. Most of us participating in this project come from other associations, animal shelters, and veterinary clinics and contribute as volunteers or by providing foster homes. We know that to found and run a non-profit organization takes a lot of commitment and effort. We are part of this community and our pets are also part of it. ASPETGA was created with no political or religious affiliation, only with a dedication to
Usage: the park is for the exclusive use of dogs, a space where dogs can be walked, answer the call of nature, train, socialize with other dogs, and even physically train for competition. Description: the park will feature 3000 m2 of land and will consist of two parts: A promenade designed to allow the animals to run, to play, to train and to socialize with other dogs.
An agility zone designed for more intensive training for dogs with agility equipment. Agility is a sport widely used by pet owners for the exercise and amusement of their dogs.
A notice board to display park regulations is needed. Due to the large number of international residents, the regulations must be posted in English. The park will include an extensive green space including a lawn and trees (except for small palm trees and pine trees that attract the pine processionary caterpillar.) The town hall will maintain water and periodically disinfect these areas. ASPETGA will run a public awareness campaign to help keep the park clean. b) DOG PARK RULES: In all dog parks created within Santa Pola town limits, the rules of the park must be prominently displayed. We provide an example of the dog park in San Juan. 1. Every dog must be vaccinated, chipped and wormed and must be accompanied by a person of legal age who must supervise and remain in control of the animal at all times.
the animal world. First Steps After a successful petition drive, we presented a petition with over 600 signatures to Santa Pola Town Hall requesting dog friendly facilities as well as access to a designated beach. The result of this petition was the creation of a dog park in the de la Cruz neighbourhood. The park is fenced and equipped with bins and plastic bag dispensers.
entrance and perimeter fencing of the area with a minimum height of 1.80 m.
2. If your dog falls into the dangerous animal category as defined by Spanish law 50/1999 of the 23rd of December or you cannot maintain control of your dog, the dog must be muzzled and kept on a lead. 3. Do not leave dog droppings or food within the enclosure. 4. The person accompanying the animal, notwithstanding the responsibility of the owner, will be responsible for the damage caused by the dog.
More about GRAN ALACANT DOG PARK... For the Gran Alacant project, the following is proposed:
OTHER FACILITIES In addition to the above described equipment for canine use, there will also be a number of: Benches, lampposts, bins, plastic bag dispensers, a water source and a double door
5. It is forbidden to use the area for anything other than its intended use for animals. 6. - ASPETGA will use the dog park for events and for information booths on proper use of the facilities and town regulations.
Our own contributors - experienced for expat info
7
“Get on yer bike!� by Gary Routledge www.cyclogicalcostablanca.com
Quesada to Los Banos De Fortuna. This was a great cycle trip, we left
After our break we continued through
Abanilla you follow the signs for Banos
Quesada at 2pm (4 couples, bikes
Albatera until we came to the traf-
de Fortuna and head for the campsite
loaded with overnight kit) on a lovely
fic lights where we turned right and
La Fuente. The total distance to the
sunny Saturday afternoon and head-
headed up towards Hondon De Las
banos was 65kms and we arrived at
ed for Benijofar, Rojales, Daya Nueva,
Frailes for 5kms until we came to the
5-30pm which was a great effort.
Dolores and Catral where we picked
canal.
up the CV90 by passing El Realengo
8
We stayed at La Fuente campsite
and over the bridge over the AP7,
We turned left onto the canal and
(www.campingfuente.com
turn left at the first roundabout and
followed it for about another 5kms
there are many chalets a hotel and
follow this camino road all the way
crossing over the first road and turn-
beautiful spa swimming pool complex.
into Albatera where we stopped for a
ing right on the second road just past
Los Banos de Fortuna is famous for
coffee and Magdelana.
La Murada .This is the CV870 which
its thermal waters. The thermal and
you follow all the way into Abanilla. At
healing baths date back to the Roman
)
where
�
CYCLING tips advice routes
Calle Los Arcos, 7 QUESADA
Mountain Bikes City Bikes Child Seats Tag-a-longs Hybrid Bikes Road Bikes
Ladies Bikes Kids Bikes Tandems Kids Trailers BMX Bikes Electric Bikes
Sales, Repairs, Hires, Accessories & Clothing Open Mon-Fri 09.30-17.30 Sat: 10.00-14.00
Call Gary or Lynn: 637 487 377 www.cyclogicalcostablanca.com
and Arab times. Its waters arise from
for the town of Fortuna. We passed
the earth at a temperature of 53 de-
through Fortuna then cycled past
grees Celsius and are ideal for people
the beautiful Embalsa de Santomera
We went left round the reservoir and
with rheumatic illnesses and chronic
where there are many good mountain
stopped at La Fortaleza restaurant in
respiratory problems and also ideal for
bike routes and headed for Monteagu-
Vistabella where we enjoyed one of
a leisurely swim after a long ride.
do (where the angel on the rock statue
the best Paellas that we have ever
After a lovely long soak in the spas we
is) we stopped here for a coffee and
had. After lunch we followed the canal
had an excellent meal in the restau-
then proceeded to bypass Murcia on
all the way back to Quesada and ar-
rant followed by a few vinos.
the RM303 passing through Alquerias
rived home 6pm this was a great ride
then we picked up the RM301 and fol-
and everyone enjoyed it.
In the morning we rose and had break-
lowed this road to Canadas de San Pe-
fast, checked out of our accommoda-
dro where we turned left and followed
tion (which was great) and headed
the signs for Torremendo and Embalsa
de la Pedrera.
The total distance was 137kms.
9
FREE, NO OBLIGATION ESTIMATES!
FREE 15% Estimates! up to
DISCOUNT!
WALK THE WALK To live the life you desire is about creating yourself into becoming the person you want to be. It’s about acting the part, and being that person who consciously draws you towards all your goals in life, day in and day out.
Simone Segal
When negative thoughts come into your head Switch on your habit and knock them out dead It’s hard, it’s laborious, and it’s difficult to do
Positive thought opens up awareness to you on how to obtain ones goals. To achieve positive thought consistently you
www.toldospenalver.com www.toldospenalver.com C/Senija 8 Pol. Ind Carrus
SHOWROOM: C/Gaspasr Quiles Pascual, 24, ELCHE ELCHE
Tel.
965 43 23 50
must obtain a habitual habit of positive thinking. This means you must constantly kick out those fears and doubts that turn up in your mind, they only appear to slow you down or stop you all together from reaching your goals. The more you kick negative thoughts out, the more you master your habit, bit by bit they will seem to fade away. Habitual positive thinking is the key
There must not be any room in your head for doubt When it wants to reside, shove it straight out Positive thinking every hour every day Master this action and the results will pay
to turn your goals into your reality!
Any habit is hard to stop
I won’t lie, it’s not easy mastering this habit, it takes a lot of effort, and how much effort are you prepared to put into having
When you form this habit you’ll shoot to the top
all you desire? It’s like losing weight, how much effort you put in determines how much weight you lose! It’s always hard in the beginning, but once you’re on your way it becomes easier and easier and oh so exciting!
Positive thoughts rule ok
We can think the thoughts; we can talk the talk, but can we act the part, day in day out, and walk the walk? If you just got a job you really wanted, you would be on your best behaviour and do you’re very best to prove what you are capable of, could you have the same drive for yourself? Show yourself what you are capable of, Get into The Habit and Walk the Walk!
When your habit takes over, you’ll absolutely succeed
THE HABIT Form a habit of controlled thinking Positive thoughts will stop you from sinking
10
But the results are amazing; you see your dreams coming true
You must keep thinking in this way It takes will, it takes power in the beginning believe
Positive thinking is the habit straight USE IT, USE IT, it’s never too late!!! If you have any questions or need advice re this article you can email Simone. At simmac@live.co.uk Best Wishes All Abroaders!
Simone Segal. Change Your Thoughts & You’ll Change your Life! Get INSPIRED! Get your copy of “The Gift…if only you knew!” At www.thegiftifonlyyouknew.com
Eating well.... with
The home of good food, service & ambiance
Winners
2012
Cooking with Gordon
7
No.
Spicy Oil
Best Newcomer
2013
This is a
Best Fine Dining
fabulous oil and can
Food is our passion, service is our pleasure.
be varied according to taste.
My recipe this week is for the spicy oil that we use for our spicy shark. It’s great for all sorts of dishes. We use it for shark it can also be
After two years of successful operation at
used for swordfish, prawns, sea bass or Dora-
The Vestry we have decided to spread our
do. The techniques are all very similar.
wings and open a second restaurant. In July we reopened Frissan Restaurant in San Miguel de Salinas. Frissan is a more modern style of restaurant
1. To make the oil take approx... 250 ml of
and we have a more modern style menu but
olive oil in a measuring jug or bowl. Add to
we still operate with the same ethos of quality
this 4 pealed cloves of garlic a pealed piece
service and food.
of ginger, about half the size of your thumb,
It’s funny how the two restaurants are relative-
chilli flakes about a tablespoon, a tablespoon
ly close and yet the most popular meals are
of dried ground coriander and a teaspoon of
quite different.
paprika.
At The VESTRY the most consistently popular meal is the Pie of the day. I have already let you have my recipe for our Guinness pie. We vary our pies between Guinness and Steak and Ale. The same recipe applies but just replace the Guinness with Ale. It does surprise me that the pie is popular even in the summer. Chicken and
2. Blitz this all together with a stick blender. If you are not a fan of really spicy food then add a little of the ingredients at a time and taste.
mushroom is sometimes popular. I will let you have my recipe soon.
You can use fresh chilli but be very careful as
At Frisson we are finding Spicy shark is very popular. This is a very easy dish to prepare and
some can be very hot.
uses a spicy oil. Olive oil is used in a lot of cooking but also adds another dimension to salads.
3. To use the oil I use a very similar technique, I do not want the spices to burn so in a frying pan I put a small amount of plain olive oil and heat until starting to smoke. 4. I then add the swordfish or prawns, after about a minute add the spicy oil and the turn the fish a couple of times. This only take approx... 4 minutes in total for a lightly cooked fish depending on its size. If you prefer your fish to be more well cooked then cook for a bit longer in the plain oil.
Choose from a wide range of homemade Starters, Main courses (including Roast of the day) & the full selection of Desserts from our A La Carte Menu €12.50 (Inc. Glass of wine)
Full A La Carte and Set Menu available Traditional Sunday Lunch from 1.00 pm
Vestry Algorfa
5. But do not cook prawns any longer in fact once I have turned the prawns I take of the heat and leave in the pan for approx. a minute. If you cook prawns too long they become very tough. I hope you enjoy experimenting with the oil and enjoy your results.
My tip of the day is to enhance olive oil with the herbs of your choice to make a fabulous salad dressing or to be used to cook with. We use plastic squeeze bottles filled with olive
Find us in Calle Constitución, 3 - Algorfa
Tel. 96 678 3976 - 662 691 637
oil with herbs added. The herbs are best left soaking in the oil for a few days before use to allow the flavours to infuse.
info@vestryrestaurant.com www.vestryrestaurant.com 11
RESTAURANTE Kitchen Open All Day Cocina Abierta Todo el Día 9.00am - Late/Tarde
u o N rcos A
30
Years in Alicante
Playa
Mediterranean Cuisine Cocina Mediterránea All types of rice dishes Todo tipo de arroces Fresh local fish Pesca de la bahía Local Seafood Mariscos Santa Pola Meat specialties Carnes
¡Rabo de toro y mucho más!
! s e h s i d e c i r l a i c e Sp ! s e c o r r a n e d Especialida MENÚ DEL DíA - 15€
NOCHE DE TAPEO
MENÚS PARA GRUPOS PARTIES CATERED
C/ Islas Canarias 2
LOS ARENALES DEL SOL Tel. 966 91 00 43
Email: rtenouarcos@hotmail.com 10
• Salon de fiestas • Function room • Terraza grande • Large terrace • Bodega de vinos • Wine cellar • WIFI • Internet
ONE MUST NEITHER PRESUME NOR ASSUME!! *There comes a time when a woman just has to trust her husband.* The wife comes home late at night and quietly opens the door to her bedroom. From under the sheets she sees four legs instead of two. She reaches for a baseball bat and starts hitting the sheet as hard as she can. Leaving the covered bodies groaning, she goes to the kitchen to have a drink. As she enters, she sees her husband there, reading a magazine. “Hi, sweetheart,” he says. “Your parents have come to visit us, so l let them stay in our bedroom. Did you say hello?”
Why I Like Retirement... Question: How many days in a week? Answer: 6 Saturdays, 1 Sunday
Question: When is a pensioner’s bedtime? Answer: Three hours after falling asleep on the couch.
Question: How many pensioners does it take to change a lightbulb? Answer: Only one, but it might take all day.
Question: What’s the biggest gripe of pensioners? Answer: There is not enough time to get everything done.
Question: Why don’t pensioners mind being called Seniors? Answer: The term comes with a 10% discount.
Who needs M&S when there's...
Come & meet The
SPECIALISTS
Question: Amongst pensioners, what is considered formal attire? Answer: Lace-up shoes.
Question: Why do pensioners count pennies? Answer: Because they are the only ones who have the time.
Question: What is the common term for someone who enjoys work and refuses to retire? Answer: NUTCASE!
Question: Why are pensioners so slow to clear out their cellar, attic or garage? Answer: Because they know that as soon as they do, one of their adult children will want to store stuff there.
Question: What do pensioners call a long lunch? Answer: Normal .
• Expert assessment of bra size & type
• Get the RIGHT look for the RIGHT outfit • QUALITY stock of: • Lingerie • Dresses All stock from UK • Swimwear manufacturers Main brands: Daywear by Adini & Casamia Lingerie and swimwear by Panache & Naturana
Question: What is the best way to describe retirement? Answer: One long holiday. Question: What’s the biggest advantage of going back to school as a pensioner? Answer: If you scive off, no one rings your parents.
Question: Why do pensioners often say they don’t actually miss work, but the people they used to work with? Answer: They’re too polite to tell the whole truth.
13
Estate Agents Victoria Anyone who wishes to be informed
some 30 years ago, offers its
about our costs or would like a quote,
clients a top quality service,
also enquire about all the other services
which can only be offered by a
we have to offer, then please call at our
company exclusively devoted and
office in Gran Alacant at any time and
experienced in property services
under no obligation what-so-ever.
with a long running track record on the Costa Blanca property market.
All our staff have a good knowledge of the English language and we also have
Over the years, Victoria Estate
a German speaking member of staff.
Agent has satisfied the needs of all its clients by searching for
Although the last couple of years have
and acquiring their properties.
not been easy for any of us, we are
Our priority has always been the
optimistic that this year we shall start
“wellbeing” of our clients and
to see some improvements in the
looking after their interests not
property market.
only at the time of buying but also with an excellent after-sales service. We offer all type of help to our clients including the arranging of inheritance
FEEL AT HOME Inmobiliaria Victoria Avda. Escandinavia, 72 C.C. Altomar II L.10 03130 Gran Alacant · Santa Pola Tlf. 966697779 · 966698180 Fax 966697378 sp@victoria.es
tax when losing one of their loved ones, making it as painless and easy as possible. Our charges are far lower than what one can find through other means.
www.victoria.es
inmobiliaria - estate agent EVERY SATURDAY Flamenco show + Dinner 9.30pm
vation
mended
DAY ow 0pm
y!
Estate Agent Victoria, established
Try our
FLAMENCO SHOW
Reservation Recommended
“STEAKHOUSE” New MENU! FLAMENCO NEW!
from only 10€
“STEAKHOUSE” MENU
DIA
Reservation
SHOWY SATURDAY Recommended
EVER Flamenco Show + Dinner - 9.30pm
OPEN GRILL only
53 99
10€
tablaolunares.com
om email: reservas@
A IIA UL DED MENUMEDNE LD EvD erya Day y!! EveryTel: 966 69 53 99 OPEN EVERY DAY FROM 9.00am www.tablaolunares.com email: reservas@tablaolunares.com
OPEN EVERY DAY FROM 9.00am www.tablaolunares.com email: reservas@tablaolunares.com Tel. 966 69 53 99 14
Be Original - ALL ABROAD! -TEL. 606 540 408
SERENITY Senility...
SAMSUNG
I’ve really become old! I’ve had two by-pass operations, a hip replacement, new knees, fought prostate cancer and diabetes. I’m half blind, can’t hear anything quieter than a jet engine, take 40 different medicines that make me dizzy, winded, and subject to blackouts. Have bouts with dementia. Have poor circulation; can hardly feel my hands and feet anymore. Can’t remember if I’m 82 or 92. Have lost all my friends; but – thank God – I still have my driving licence.
I feel like my body has gone right out of shape, so my doctor advised me to join a fitness club, to start exercising. I decided to take an aerobics class for seniors. I bent, twisted, gyrated, jumped up and down and sweated for an hour. However, by the time I got my leotard on, the class was over.
My memory’s not quite as sharp as it used to be. Also, my memory’s not as sharp as it used to be.
It’s startling when you start hearing yourself making the same noises as your coffee-maker.
32
UE32H4003
Just before the funeral service An elderly woman decided to precommenced, the undertaker went pare her will and told her priest she had two final requests. up to the Firstly, she wanted to be crematelderly widow and enquired: ed and, secondly, she wanted her ‘How old was your husband?’ ‘98,’ she replied... ‘two years old: 339 € ashes scattered over Tescos supermarket. er than myself’ ‘So you’re 96,’ the undertaker ‘Tescos?!!’ the priest exclaimed. : 199 € ‘Why Tescos?’ commented. ‘Yes – hardly worth going home, ‘Because then I’ll be certain my BEKO A++will 6KG : 279 € visit me children come and is it? she responded. twice a week’ Reporters interviewing a 104 year-old lady asked: ‘So, what do you think the best thing is about being 104?’ ‘No peer pressure,’ she replied simply.
LED
ONLY
I.V.A Included
UFESA VACUUM
1800W AS2201
ONLY
259€
THE BEST DEALS!
49.90€
THE SENILITY PRAYER Grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway, the good fortune to run into the ones I do, and the eyesight to tell the difference.
Now, I think you’re supposed to share this with 5 or 6, or perhaps 10 others. Oh heck, just give it to a bunch of your friends – if you can remember who they are!
Always remember these words of wisdom: You don’t stop laughing because you grow old, – You grow old because you stop laughing!
THE BEST PRICES!
I.V.A Included
PANASONIC AIR CONDITIONING frigorías/12000BTU
Instalation Included
from 779€
15 15
Premier Real Estate Agents Fiscal & Financial Services
www.spcspain.com Premier Real Estate Agents E-mail: info@spcspain.com l fiscal@spcspain.com
Fiscal & Financial Services
to Reduced ros www.spcspain.com ,950 Eu
to Reduced ros u 95,000 E
69
E-mail: info@spcspain.com l fiscal@spcspain.com
BRO274 300A l-JARDIN LA SIESTA BRO DEL MAR VII
280,000€ 130,000 Euros 33
R Euros 50 Euros 77,000 69,9 67,000€
3 2 Build Build157m2 76m2
• • Quad Plot 1100 M2, Townhouse • Plot 68m2 • • South Lounge/Diner, Kitchen facing • Indep.Ind Kitchen • • Lounge/diner Second Lounge With A Fireplace • Furnished • Central Heating, Air Cond • Glazed Balcony • Covered patio • Private Pool, Outdoor Kitchen • Solarium • Off road parking • Electric Gates, Off Road Parking
BRO 274 A l JARDIN DEL MAR VII
130,000 Euros
• Communal Pool
3
toLUIS BRO 246 lDURB. SAN LUIS c-edSAN BRO 107 eAdu 13
11 Build Build59m2 76m2
• • 2ndInd Kitchen, Store Room FloorModern Apartment • • American Solarium With Storage kitchen • • Lounge/Diner Air Conditioning • Furnished • • A/CTiled Terrace • Large balcony • Lift • • Gated Lounge / Dinning Room community • • Communal Partly Furnished Pool & Solarium
BRO 246 A l URB. SAN LUIS
77,000 Euros
2 Build 76m2
3
1 Build 76m2
0034 966 785 279
to OC e 169 dul cLAedREGIA
R Euros 110,000 99,000 Euros 2
1 Build 55m2
• Ground Floor Apartment • Plot 97m2 • Build North Facing• Indep. Kitchen CQ 182OC- 169 CIUDAD l LAQUESADA REGIA • Lounge/Diner• Part furnished • Utility Room 85.000€ Reduced To 74.000€ • 5 mins drive to the beach
110,000 Euros 22
54,000 Euros 23,950€ 2 1
1 1 Build Build65m2 55m2
• • Ground Ground Apartment Floor Floor Apartment • • PlotSouth 97m2 Facing • Lounge/Diner, Ind Kitchen • Build North Facing• Indep. Kitchen • Communal Pool, Tiled Terrace • Lounge/Diner• Part furnished • Close To Amenties • Utility Room • Close to golf
• 5 mins drive to the beach
BRO 267 C l URB. SAN LUIS
54,000 Euros
1 Build 55m2
• End of terrace Bungalow • South Facing • American Kitchen • Lounge/Diner • Underbuild • Tiled Terrace • Glazed Patio • Covered Gallery • Part Furnished
33 • • • • • •
2 1 Build Build154m2 97m2
2 Semi Detached House • Semi detached villa • Town Plot 74m Ind Kitchen Kitchen, Lounge/Diner • Indep. • Lounge/Diner Glazed Patio,Garage Glazed • Part Furnished BRO•• 172 A Patio l •LATiled HERRADA, MONTESINOS Balcony, Solarium Storage Terrace Part Furnished. • Solarium • Off Road Parking Munciple • Communal PoolPool Near
119.000 Euros 3
1 Build 97m2
• Semi detached villa • Plot 74m2 • Indep. Kitchen • Lounge/Diner • Glazed Patio • Part Furnished • Storage • Tiled Terrace • Solarium • Off Road Parking • Communal Pool
info@spcspain.com E-mail: spcspain.com fiscal@spcspain.com
• Communal Pool & Solarium
OC 182 A l VILLAMARTIN
CQ 201 l CIUDAD QUESADA
139,000 Euros
79,000 Euros
3
2 Build 110m2
• Semi Detached Villa • Plot 135 m2 • South west facing • Lounge/Diner OC l VILLAMARTIN OC 130182 A -ALA FLORIDA • Indep. Kitchen• Furnished • A/C• Balcony• Solarium • Private Pool
69,000€ 139,000 Euros 2 3
Build110m 50m22 21 Build
•• Semi Top Floor Villa Apartment Detached • Plot 135 m2 •• South American Kitchen,Lounge/Diner, west facing •• Lounge/Diner Large Solarium •• Indep. Fitted Wadrobes Kitchen• Furnished •• A/C• Furnished, Tiled Terrace Balcony• Solarium • Close Amenties
• Private Pool
2
1 Build 60m2
• Buenavista • Ground Floor Apartment • Lounge/diner• American Kitchen Balcony• Furnished • Ceiling Fans OC•CQ 136 201- l COSTA CIUDADCAMPOAMOR QUESADA • Fitted Wardrobes • A/C • Tiled Terrace 189.000€ Reduced To 156,500€ • Communal Pool
79,000 Euros 32
1 1 Build Build350m2 60m2
• • Buenavista Detached Villa Floor Apartment • Ground • Lounge/Diner • Lounge/diner• American Kitchen • American Kitchen • Balcony• Furnished • Ceiling Fans Head Office • Glazed Patio, Tiled Terrace • Fitted Wardrobes • A/C • Off Road Parking Sales Fiscal Departments • Tiled&Terrace • Close To Amenties
• Communal Pool Centro Comercial La Siesta C/ Bizet, local 9 • Torrevieja
Tel: 0034 966 785 907 0034 966 785 279
Head Office Sales & Fiscal Departments Centro Comercial La Siesta C/ Bizet, local 9 • Torrevieja Tel: 0034 966 785 907 0034 966 785 279
16
R uros 119.000 Euros 95,000 E
149.000€ Reduced To 135.000€
11 Build Build 45m2 55m2
of terrace Bungalow • • End Ground Floor Studio Apartmen Facing • American • • South South East Facing Kitchen • • Lounge/Diner Open Plan•Kitchen/Lounge/DinerUnderbuild Communal Solarium • Tiled Terrace • Glazed Patio • • Covered Close Gallery To Amenties • • Part Views Of The Salt Lakes Furnished
2
to BRO A l LA CQ172 245 AeHERRADA, -dBENIJOFAR ucedMONTESINOS
to Much more than an estate agent Reduceduros 4,950 E
• 2nd Floor Apartment to • American kitchen Reduced ros • Lounge/Diner • Furnished u E 0 • A/C • Large balcony • Lift 99,000034 966 785 907 • Gated community
• Quad Townhouse • Plot 68m • South facing • Indep. Kitchen • Lounge/diner • Furnished • Glazed Balcony • Covered patio • Solarium • Off road parking • Communal Pool 2
Tel:
BRO 178 267 B C l -URB. BRO URB SAN SANLUIS LUIS
12
o CQ 156 ed tPEPA edAul cDOÑA R Euros 130,000 124,950 Euros 3
2 Build 73m2
• Ciudad Quesada • Terraced Townhouse • Indep. Kitchen• Lounge/Diner • Covered Porch• Glazed Rear Patio OC 156 145 MIGUEL CQ A- SAN l DOÑA PEPA • Front & Rear Gardens • BBQ • Storage 550.000€ Reduced To 275,000€ • Communal Pool
130,000 Euros 33
2 2 Build Build116m2 73m2
• Ind Kitchen,Utility Room • Ciudad Quesada • Terraced Townhouse • Lounge/Diner With A Fireplace • Indep. Kitchen• Lounge/Diner •Punta Floor Heating In Bathrooms, Prima • Covered Porch• Glazed Rear Patio • Fitted Wardrobes C/ Dorada, Orihuela Costa • Front & Rear 27, Gardens • Private Pool 9 X 5 • BBQ • Storage 966Parking 821 072 •Tel: 0034 Off Road
• Communal Pool
Ciudad Quesada Office Centro Comercial La Marquesa, Local 6B, Calle Quesada Ballester Tel: 0034 966 111 511 Punta Prima C/ Dorada, 27, Orihuela Costa Tel: 0034 966 821 072
Ciudad Quesada Office Centro Comercial La Marquesa, Local 6B, Calle Quesada Ballester Tel: 0034 966 111 511
Advertising hotline! 606 540 408 - TAKE UP OUR OFFER!
FREE & LEGAL TV 1.2 Metre Dish
€179
With no monthly payments and no
1.4 Metre Dish
€300
more expensive installations
2 YEARS WARRANTY CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED
Reliable and offering a great service, DIGINOVA has been operating succesfully in the region for 10 years and offers a superb after-sales service.
1.4HD Receiver
€349
*Price can vary depending on type of installation required
Repair your 1.1 metre dish from
€30
Great DISCOUNT to upgrade to 1.4 metre dish
NO MORE MONTHLY PAYMENTS!
Finally... British TV made simple! Call:
966 695 714 Mobile: 691 470 629 email: diginova@live.com
www.diginova.tv
17
18
Advertising hotline! 606 540 408 - TAKE UP OUR OFFER!
Be different! Custom made jewellery & accessories
Mist
Handmade bridal accessories and costume jewellery
One visit to Mist handmade bridal accessories and costume jewellery in Calle Los Arcos in Ciudad Quesada and you will be hooked ladies! Costume jewellery and handmade bridal tiaras and accessories are just a fraction of what you will find there and there is something to suit every budget.
Designers of bridal tiaras & accessories
With a vast range of accessories ranging from crystal bodices to earrings to feather fascinators there is plenty to choose from, or, if you prefer jewellery and accessories can be custom made to your requirements to match the occasion or perhaps as a gift. Having worked for over twenty years in the industry Christine is full of advice, tips
Custom made costume jewellery
and of course the standard of her work is second to none using the finest quality crystals including Preciosa and Cubic Zirconia and cultured pearls to provide customers with just what they want. They also have a stock of nickel-free costume jewellery including a wide range from Swarovski crystal elements. Communion and little maids’ dresses are also made to order and Christine also offers an alteration service for anything from take ups to wedding dresses. As I said before Christine can provide whatever is needed for that special day or that one-off gift and at a price that will suit your pocket by discussing exactly what you need in a relaxed chat before she begins work on providing you with that unique piece that will set you apart from everyone else! Open from 12-5pm Monday and from 10am-5pm Tuesday to Friday Christine is on hand to give you advice and ideas for whatever you may require and you can also
20 years experience Finest quality crystals Feather fascinators (Dyed to match your attire)
Crystal Bodices
contact Christine to make an appointment if that would suit your schedule better. Call in and see Christine at her shop for a no obligation chat and experience the friendly and helpful service that is Mist handmade jewellery and accessories and find yourself something a little different from the high street!
Alteration Service Nickel-free Costume Jewellery Quality products:
SWAROVSKI, PRECIOSA, CUBIC ZIRCONIA, CULTURED PEARLS
Call in for a no-obligation chat! Calle Los Arcos 9 (Above the Discount Depot) CIUDAD QUESADA
Mon 12-5pm Tues-Fri 10am-5pm (Or by appointment)
Tel. 966 782 785 & 636 246 045
19
Open EVERY DAY! 5.00pm 12.00pm
CHECK OUT THE
SPECIALS BOARD!
YOGI’S
FISH & CHIPS KEBABS
& Much, much more!!
Eat in or Take away! TAKE THE
YOGI BURGER CHALLENGE!
Avda Londres (Next to Aqua Car)
Urb. LA MARINA Tel.
688 242 315
Try one of our GREAT WINES from our Bodega + COLD BEERS
LA MARINA Second Hand Furniture BEST PRICES PAID Part exchange available
FORGET THE REST WE ARE THE BEST!
9,95€
(18.30-19.30hs.)
WE COLLECT
Call: 96 644 3370 - 625 985 491 La Marina Village
20
Advertising hotline! 606 540 408 - TAKE UP OUR OFFER!
Mr Grumpy is BACK! thanks to www.Tumbit.com
LAST OF THE SPANISH TRENDSETTERS It might not come any great surprise, but I have never been spotted on the red carpet with Jean Paul Gaultier. Nor have I exchanged Christmas cards with Posh Spice, and I dare say that I am not in Gok Wan’s i-Phone.
FOR WHOM THE ROAD TOLLS I think it was Sir Isaac Newton who famously concluded in his detailed study on the Spanish Toll-Road system, that two opposing forces meant that any private operator of the country’s highways were destined for ruin.
To be honest, if anyone asks me “who I am wearing” I am
Apparently, one such force means that capitalism insisted that
most likely to answer George at Asda than I am Dolce & Gab-
a profit was made at all costs, and as such this deters many
bana, and I have rarely been known to venture the top side of
road users from parting with their hard-earned cash in return
a crisp fiver when shopping at Primark.
for a few extra congestion-free miles.
So, certainly as far as style is concerned, I would usually laugh in the face of anybody mad enough to call me a trendsetter.
Meanwhile, another force dictates that when the majority of motorists voted with their wheels - and that weekly takings
However, over the course of the last 12 months it seems that I
plummet - the toll companies usually do the decent thing and
have become exactly that.
put their prices up further still.
Just not as far as the rags that I am generally seen wearing are concerned. That said, it is almost 12 months to the day that I blogged
Therefore, fewer motorists are using the country’s toll roads, yet the creative geniuses and marketing gurus employed by the operators increasingly turn to the oldest trick in the book
about the imminent arrival of my daughter. As Mrs Grumpy
to attract motorists back to the high-speed network. They put
was packing the overnight bag, I was packing my bag for a
the prices up further still.
business trip away from home and took the opportunity to rattle off a quick Blog - “Too many clichés to mention ” – Similarly, she did her own Blog lamenting the fact that we were struggling to decide upon a name for our new arrival – “39 Weeks pregnant : Still no name ”. Literally a few hours before the birth we finally decided upon
My wallet had the shock of its short, miserable and pretty much empty life the other week when I took a trip up the A7 and almost needed a mortgage after making a journey of about 90km – about half of which was on the “free” bit which circumnavigates most cities anyway !
our choice of his & hers names, as we still wasn’t sure of the sex at that time, and chose the name that my daughter was eventually given : Lucia. With the seseo, if possible, but still acceptable if not.
So last month’s news that the Ministry of Public Transport is considering taking over the 9 privately-owned Toll roads – in debt to the tune of 3.5 Billion Euros – didn’t come as too much of a surprise.
And now, just last week the Spain’s National Institute of Statistics (INE) have reported how the name Lucia was the No.1
My only concern is that the Spanish Government don’t have a
most popular name for Baby Girls in Spain during the whole of
much better track-record when it comes to successfully turning
2012. Apparently during 2012 a total of 6’363 more baby girls
a profit – what makes them think that they can do any better?
were given the name Lucia than during the whole of 2011. All this at a time when the birth rate is falling. So just as the UK has hundreds of 24 year old Kylies staggering around Wetherspoons at the moment, I am sure that the popularity of the name Lucia will become more and more apparent over the course of the next few years.
See you next month... SMILE! (If you want to...) 21
HAIR & BEAUTY
Did you KNOW..?
avda mediterraneo 72 - GRAN ALACANT BEHIND CENTRO OPTICA 96 669 5031 avda escandinavia 72 - GRAN ALACANT
100M BEFORE QUICKSAVE
96 669 8418
In George Washington’s days, there
chase 51 cards instead. Yet, since most
were no cameras. One’s image was ei-
games require 52 cards, these people
ther sculpted or painted. Some paint-
were thought to be stupid or dumb be-
ings of George Washington showed him
cause they weren’t ‘playing with a full
standing behind a desk with one arm be-
deck.’
hind his back while others showed both legs and both arms. Prices charged by
At local taverns, pubs, and bars, people
painters were not based on how many
drank from pint and quart-sized contain-
people were to be painted, but by how
ers. A bar maid’s job was to keep an eye
many limbs were to be painted. Arms
on the customers and keep the drinks
and legs are ‘limbs,’ therefore painting
coming. She had to pay close atten-
them would cost the buyer more. Hence
tion and remember who was drinking in
the expression, ‘Okay, but it’ll cost you
‘pints’ and who was drinking in ‘quarts,’
an arm and a leg.’ (Artists know hands
hence the phrase ‘minding your ‘P’s and
and arms are more difficult to paint.)
Q’s’.
As incredible as it sounds, men and wom-
One more: bet you didn’t know this!
en took baths only twice a year (May and
In the heyday of sailing ships, all war
October). Women kept their hair cov-
ships and many freighters carried iron
ered, while men shaved their heads (be-
cannons. Those cannons fired round iron
cause of lice and bugs) and wore wigs.
cannon balls. It was necessary to keep a
Wealthy men could afford good wigs
good supply near the cannon. However,
made from wool. They couldn’t wash the
how to prevent them from rolling about
wigs, so to clean them they would carve
the deck? The best storage method de-
out a loaf of bread, put the wig in the
vised was a square-based pyramid with
shell, and bake it for 30 minutes. The
one ball on top, resting on four rest-
heat would make the wig big and fluffy,
ing on nine, which rested on sixteen.
hence the term ‘big wig’. Today we often
Thus, a supply of 30 cannon balls could
use the term ‘here comes the Big Wig’
be stacked in a small area right next to
because someone appears to be or is
the cannon. There was only one prob-
powerful and wealthy.
lem....how to prevent the bottom layer from sliding or rolling from under the
In the late 1700’s, many houses consist-
others. The solution was a metal plate
ed of a large room with only one chair.
called a ‘Monkey’ with 16 round indenta-
Commonly, a long wide board folded
tions. However, if this plate were made
down from the wall, and was used for
of iron, the iron balls would quickly rust
dining. The ‘head of the household’ al-
to it. The solution to the rusting prob-
ways sat in the chair while everyone else
lem was to make ‘Brass Monkeys.’ Few
ate sitting on the floor. Occasionally a
landlubbers realize that brass contracts
guest, who was usually a man, would be
much more and much faster than iron
invited to sit in this chair during a meal.
when chilled.. Consequently, when the
To sit in the chair meant you were im-
temperature dropped too far, the brass
portant and in charge. They called the
indentations would shrink so much that
one sitting in the chair the ‘chair man.’
the iron cannonballs would come right
Today in business, we use the expres-
off the monkey; Thus, it was quite lit-
sion or title ‘Chairman’ or ‘Chairman of
erally, ‘Cold enough to freeze the balls
the Board.’
off a brass monkey.’ (All this time, you thought that was an improper expres-
Common entertainment included playing cards. However, there was a tax levied when purchasing playing cards but only applicable to the ‘Ace of Spades.’ To avoid paying the tax, people would pur-
22
sion, didn’t you.)
Doing it in style
Hairdressing at its best in Quesada! London trained, Karen and David have been in the hairdressing business a good number of years and for ten of those they’ve been here on the Costa Blanca looking after clients’ hair for the past ten years. Both are well known in the area for their precision cutting for both ladies and gents with David having built up a reputation as a superb barber and Karen for the way she not only looks after her client’s hair but for looking after the client while they are in the salon, and after they have left!
Hair & Beauty at its best!
KAREN & DAVE LONDON TRAINED
The popular couple were formerly favourites at Medaesthetics and now are in new premises in Ciudad Quesada where they have a busy salon in the Quesada Business Centre in Calle Los Arcos where they provide
Ladies & Gents
great haircutting and styling and also a superb after sales service; taking a lot of interest in their clients and showing them just how to recreate that ‘salon’ look at home because let’s face it, it is great coming out
Precision Cutting
of the salon with great looking hair but if it’s only going to look like that once..? Well, it seems a bit of a shame doesn’t it? That’s where Karen and David excel; providing advice and tips so that their clients can go
Top Quality Italian Products
away and do exactly the same style and treatment to their hair as they have received in the salon.
10 Years In The Area
New premises In the new premises they have started afresh and are busy with customers old and new and use top quality Italian hair products which
Professionalstylists
include beeswax and which offer the client vibrancy and great conditioning for their hair. The couple are always jovial too and make the experience of having hair cut or styled a fun and interesting one, and as I’ve already said they take a good deal of notice of what their clients have to say to provide a top quality service. Why not change the way you look? Karen and David specialise in giving clients just what they want – even if the client is not sure themselves – and offer to give them a new fresh look using their experience and skill in the trade to produce that new style and feel that you’ve been looking
Experienced Barber Manicures Pedicures Rejuvinating facials
for. Sheen and Debbie
Change the way you look!
Supported ably by Debbie who is in the salon Mondays and Thursdays cutting and styling which she has done for the past ten years also in the region and Sheene who compliments the services offered at the salon with superb beauty treatment including manicures, pedicures and wonderfully rejuvenating facials. Open Tuesday to Friday from 10am-4pm(other times can be booked by appointment)at the Quesada Business Centre Karen, David and the team will make you more than welcome and treat you and your hair to a professional and rewarding experience from two of the best hairdressers around! Check out their advert on the right hand side of this page and have an informal chant about exactly what you want - Karen and David will be more than happy to have an informal chat about your hair with you!
Find us at: Quesada Business Centre C/ Los Arcos
Tues-Fri 10am-4pm
(Or later by appointment)
Tel. 648 879 654 & 699 409 433
23
ALTOMAR FINE FINISHING
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE & IMPROVEMENTS SPECIALISTS IN WALK-IN SHOWERS PAINTING & DECORATING - GENERAL BUILDING TILING - BALLUSTRADES - SCREEN BLOCKS ELECTRICAL - PLUMBING - DRAINPIPES -GUTTERING LOCKS CHANGED - SHUTTER REPAIRS BOILERS - WATER FILTERS - KITCHEN WORKTOPS GALVANISED GRILLS & GATES Phone Eddie
TEL: 963 865 144 663 049 258 - MOBILE: 648 786 708
24
55€ 55€
BASIC SPANISH with
2
Getting Around What time does: A qué hora sale/llega el .? the . leave/arrive? Bus: Autobús
1
Train: tren Pronunciation
Underground: metro
Vowels
Next: próximo
A: as in the ‘u’ in ‘nut, or a shorter sound than the ‘a’ in ‘art’
First: primer
E: as in ‘et’ I: between the ‘i’ in ‘marine’ and the
Last: ultimo
‘i’ in ‘flip’ O: similar to the ‘o’ in ‘hot’ U: as the ‘oo’ in ‘fool’ Consonants B: soft, as the ‘v’ in ‘van C: as in ‘cat’ before ‘a’, ‘o’, ‘u’ or a consonant; as the ‘th’ in ‘thin’ before
3
‘e’ and ‘i’
Signs
Ch: as in ‘choose’
Entrance: entrada
D: as ‘dog’ when word initial; elsewhere as the ‘th’ in ‘thin’
Exit: salida
G: as in ‘go’ when initial and followed
No vacancies: completo
by ‘a’, ‘o’ or ‘u’, elsewhere softer.
Information: información
Before ‘e’ or ‘i’ it’s a harsh, breathy sound, a bit like the ‘h’ in ‘hit’ H: always silent
Open: abierto Closed: cerrado
J: a harsh, glutteral sound similar to
Police station: comisaría
the ‘ch’ in Scottish loch
Toilets: servicios
Ll: between the ‘lli’ in ‘million’ and then ‘y’ in ‘yell’
Men: hombres Women: mujeres
Q: always followed by a silent ‘u’ and either ‘e’ (as in que) and ‘i’ (as in aqui), the combined sound of qu is like the ‘k’ in ‘kick’
Around Town I’m looking for .: Estoy buscando .
R: a rolled ‘r’ sound; longer and
A bank: un banco
stronger when word-initial or dou-
The city centre: el centro de la cuidad
bled
The embassy: la embajado
S: as in ‘send’ V: same sound as Spanish b
My hotel: mi hotel
X: as the ‘x’ in ‘taxi’ when between
The market: el mercado
two vowels; as the ‘s’ in ‘say’ before
The police: la policía
a consonant Z: as the ‘th’ in ‘thin’
The post office: los correos Public toilets: los aseos públicos A telephone: un teléfono
25
D? all BORED? all BORED? all BORED? all BORE
A BIG PAGE of
PUZZLE FUN!!
riddles
1. A woman proves in court that her husband was murdered by her sister, but the judge decides that the sister cannot be punished. Why? 2. A man is lying drowned in a dead forest, far from water. How did this happen? 3. A man was just doing his job when his suit was torn. Why did he die three minutes later? 4. What year comes next in this sequence: 1973 1979 1987 1993 1997 1999?
Across
Down
Across
Down
Across
Down
Across
Down
1. Eager involvement (10) 8. Stream of water (5) 9. Take as one’s own (5) 10. Ball game (4) 12. Guard (6) 14. Language communication (6) 17. Fruit (4) 21. In addition (5) 22. Boundary (5) 23. Executives (10)
5. You are in a room where there are no metal objects except for two iron rods. Only one of them is a magnet. How can you identify this magnet?
2. Pertaining to warships (5) 3. Solid (4) 4. Apportion (5) 5. Concerning (5) 6. Friendly (5) 7. Boast (4) 11. Enemy (3) 13. Doze (3) 14. Water vapour (5) 15. Consumed (5) 16. Loud, resonant sound (5) 18. Yellowish citrus fruit (5) 19. Mongrel dog (4) 20. Shut with force (4)
1. Abandoned town (5,4) 8. Electromagnetic telecommunication (5) 9. Flat surface (5) 10. Female parent (6) 12. Portable shelter (4) 14. One of the Channel Islands (4) 15. Subject to death (6) 17. Sound (5) 18. Storage centre (5) 20. Soon (9)
2. Did possess (3) 3. Oral (6) 4. Outstanding (4) 5. Most feeble (7) 6. Likely to turn out well (9) 7. Provide with fresh air (9) 11. Small dog (7) 13. Made of wood (6) 16. Chief god of ancient Greece (4) 19. Comrade (3)
6. Daniel, my son, is exactly one fifth of my age. In 21 years time, I will be exactly twice his age. My wife is exactly seven times older than my daughter, Jessica. In 8 years time, my wife will be three times older then Jessica. How old are Daniel and Jessica now?
1. Mathematics (5) 6. Camera stands (7) 8. Public disgrace (7) 9. Minor falsehood (3) 10. Frolic (4) 12. Encounter (4) 15. Wager (3) 16. Shield (7) 18. Something unpleasant to look at (7) 19. Flavour (5)
1. Capable of being measured (10) 2. Brass wind instrument (4) 3. Investigate closely (5) 4. Paddock (5) 5. Sweetmeat (6) 7. Replace (10) 11. Hand covering (6) 13. Ghost (5) 14. Celestial body (5) 17. Long fish (4)
1. The sisters are Siamese twins. 2. A firefighting plane filled its tanks with water from a lake, sucking a scuba-diver in (Is this an urban legend, or did I see this on the news?). He drown while the plane was in flight and was dumped onto a burning forest with the water. 3.He was an astronaut on a space walk, doing repairs. 4. They are prime years - 2003. 5. You have the misfortune to own an unreliable clock. This one loses exactly 24 minutes every hour. It is now showing 3:00am and you know that is was correct at midnight, when you set it. The clock stopped 1 hour ago, what is the correct time now? 6. Daniel is 7 years old and Jessica is 4 years old. SOLUTIONS:
It's a toughy! 26
It's EASY!
1. Biased (10) 8. Vacant (5) 9. Sharp-pointed plant outgrowth (5) 10. Hoodlum (4) 12. Bookmaker (6) 14. Move slowly (6) 17. Move along in a stream (4) 21. Garment (5) 22. Rings of a chain (5) 23. Stiffness in the joints (10)
2. Become ripe (5) 3. Delights (4) 4. As before (5) 5. Earthenware pot (5) 6. Move rhythmically (5) 7. Shed tears (4) 11. Young goat (3) 13. Idiot (3) 14. Prevent (5) 15. Flinch (5) 16. Doctor’s replacement (5) 18. Makes a loan (5) 19. Insect (4) 20. Narrow opening (4)
Letters: used: DEVOURING
Advertising hotline! 606 540 408 - TAKE UP OUR OFFER!
COMING SOON TO
GRAN ALACANT!
l a n o i t i d a Tr
In asso ciation with: Cork n Bottle The Ho & le in th e Wall
Carvery
at The Belfry Restaurant - Plaza Mayor (MASA Square)
MIDWEEK Menus of the Day
STAFF REQUIRED: For all departments - Please leave a C.V. or your application at either the Cork n Bottle Bar or at The Hole in the Wall Bar with a contact number. Interviews will be held Mon 1st- Wed 3rd September
ONLY THE BEST QUALITY ONLY FRESH PRODUCE only at:
The Belfry Restaurant
27
28
Advertising hotline! 606 540 408 - TAKE UP OUR OFFER!
MANDY’S
Mike Locks S.L. Galvit
Spanish Diary
NO MORE RUST
by Mandy Tams
Market Day The day begins with rustlings that can be heard throughout the area. No one rises with the lark, just when the ducks finally sleep, it’s like living with an extended version of the Walton family next door, they begin to say goodnight to each other as the sun sets, but being so many as the last one quacks it’s goodnight, the sun rises again. The heat is magnified through one side of the open window burning our feet unprotected by even a sheet, tanning them before we even rise. The clatter of rollers being dug out of the cupboards begins early, the ubiquitous heavy floral print smocks are dug out of the wardrobe and each middle aged Spanish lady dresses with care in her smock dress looking like a sack of Maris pipers not tied up in the middle… today is Market Day. She prepares her roller shopping trolley, greases the wheels and makes sure the bull bars are up to scratch so she can run into the ankles of any unsuspecting tourist who gets in between her and her bargains… BUT, remember, these are the ones to follow; she will sniff out a bargain at 200 meters and make sure she is first in the queue to get it. My advice is get behind her and follow in her wake of bruised shins and damaged Achilles tendons, stick close and she will get you to the best deals.
breeze on hangers surrounding the market or the delicately filigreed Spanish fans or pretty painted castanets? We are disappointed to find we have missed out on the straw donkeys by about 25 years, but the huge sombreros are still available. What to do? What to buy? How do we get there? Do we stand and catch the Noddy train that takes us right to the jaws of this weekly event ready to swallow us and our hard earned cash? Do we catch the bus that circles every half an hour, or is this another myth like Pan the Spanish fawn, or… Do we drive our hire car that we have been forced to buy excess waver insurance on, and prepare to be shunted by the Lesser Spotted Spanish parker. Of course this is up to the individual, but I certainly recommend that you do not miss this wonderful spectacle.
Dear everyone at All Abroad, I have just read the article in your magazine written by Mandy Tams. Mandy is our neighbour in Gran Alacant and through the years, has become a very dear friend. She is a kind person, caring and so very funny.
Do we join the herd for the ten ‘a penny’ pieces of tat hanging under sweaty canopies, or chunks of melon covered in flies?
She has the talent of being able to reflect her joyful spirit in writing and you will be a
Do we queue to pass through the yappy dog toys doing somersaults for all the adults to pick up and play with while telling their offspring not to touch?
tions.
Do we tempt a look at the bling on the counters, only to be followed by the looky looky man who says his name is Del boy and he has the best bargains in Spain… a Rolax for €7 Do we take a chance it and believe him, it seems such a good deal or perhaps some ‘Ray Bens’ sunglasses for €5… almost too good to miss? We quickly calculate the resale value in our homelands. What if we fill our hand luggage with these treasures, could we make enough to buy return tickets and pay to bring a suitcase out to cram full of these bargains? Thinking nest year we could be millionaires? Then presents for home, is it the delightful flamenco dresses dancing in the
Re-install grilles
We remove your existing grilles Shot-blast grilles back to white steel
richer publication by having her contribuMandy has the ability to bring a smile to people’s faces, be it in person or through her writing and I shall now very much look forward to reading her monthly instalments in your magazine. Mandy goes beyond bringing a smile…she can bring laughter because she is able to convey her observations of human behaviour in such a vivid way. She is blessed because of this but more importantly, because she is able to share her talent, she is also a blessing to others Thank you for giving us Mandy! Best regards, Cecilia Cole Mediterraneo I Gran Alacant
Hot zinc galvanise them for extra protection
Re-powder coat grilles
Mobile: 694 442 777 Office: 966 848 965
Email: galvit.sl@gmail.com
Contact Michael
29
30
ALL ABROAD! - all our own ideas.
TEL. 606 540 408
31