inVLC May/June 2012

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It's all kicking off this month WITH | Football teams - Spain versus England | parties & holidays | the best of Valencia & the Community | independent reviews | ÂĄaprende inglĂŠs con nosotros!

When you ďŹ nish with your inVLC... pass it on to a friend!

inVLC on...

...it's gonna be a bright sunshiny day...

There are few things as enjoyable to kick start your day than looking up at the Valencian sky in the mornings.

It seems to provide you with an energising start when the sun is shining and it's a blue sky day. This sky influences our attitudes to the world around us, and the birds sing passionately in the park. The palm trees stand proudly in the avenues, and Valencian life continues with a quiet determination that although we are in crisis, we are going to face each day resolutely, and make the best of the somewhat dire situation.

For those of you who are looking at June and only see football, and simultaneously smile, we offer you a full schedule of the fixtures to keep you informed about all the nail-biting games and some of the best bars to to

absorb the atmosphere and catch all the action in (page 21).

For those who don't smile at the prospect of back to back football, we invite you to enjoy the sunshine and take a breath of fresh air! Try to see the yearly bonanza of the Feria Alternativa (page 9), visit Benisanó (page 10) or pop into a shop with soul, Plou i fa sol Espai Ecologic (page 12).

No matter what you do, enjoy the blue sky!

Enjoy the read. Andy, Kelly & Sean

A lo largo de esta revista encontrarás distintos niveles de dificultad indicados en la parte superior de cada página y recuadros con vocabulario debajo del texto. Para la pronunciación hemos incluido la fonética.

inVLC is for all people in the community of Valencia: whether born here, visiting for a day, or living a new life in the sun.

We hope to guide you on what’s going on in the community, help those living in it, and support language learning with a bit of added fun.

Sales Vincenzo Translations Marina Ottaviani Contact information email invlceditor@gmail.com phone 633 822 614 - English speakers phone 628 831 400 - Spanish speakers facebook inVLC If you have any thoughts, comments or complaints or want to advertise, please email or phone us.

Important numbers & Embassies / Consulates Fire | 080 Local police | 092 Medical | 061 General | 112 French | 96 351 0359 USA | 96 351 6973 British | 96 521 60 22 Dutch | 96 341 4633 German | 96 310 62 53 Legal chat We do our very best to strive for accuracy in this magazine but we cannot accept responsibility for unintentional errors or omissions, accuracy of advertisements or contributors’ opinions. We aim at all times not to offend. depósito legal V-816-2006

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The latest It's all News keeping you up-to-date kicking off this month Hotspots Free in Valencia is fruity I heart Valencia has gone football mad Holidays and fiestas it's a green one Valencia Community we visit Benisanó Independent shop review Plou i fa sol Your photos of 'sweet' Let's talk Expat life! Eoghan uses the sound of music Talking teaching is doing summer courses Map never get lost Art & culture Music hot new musical releases Live events only the best make it to the list Sport hot news Sport UEFA EURO 2012 The cinema V.O releases in Valencia Read me Sean loves his books Lifestyle Green Declan is on the big picture Recipe A fantastic pea side dish Artist Josie McCoy Art to see knows art A day in the life Juan Nakamine Cocktails are a mother's ruin Animal is looking at the news Events & Classifieds keeps you in the know

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And so it is that we live our lives here in Valencia and the Community by embracing the fun activities, learning something new at the educational events, and doing the truly Valencian hobby of socialising, whether in the ample parks or in the cafes and bars!

WITH | Football teams Spain versus England | parties & holidays | the best of Valencia & the Community | independent reviews | ¡aprende inglés con nosotros!

We use CreatorSilk paper It’s chlorine free & the wood used is from sustainably managed forests. We do this because we’re nice & want to reduce our environmental impact.

15/05/1252 Pope Innocent IV issues the 'Ad Exstirpanda' order, authorizing the allowable level of torture of alleged heretics in the Medieval Inquisition. It stated torture which resulted in bloodshed, mutilation or death was forbidden.

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News

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ancer Awareness | In an attempt to cut down on lung cancer deaths, a new campaign is underway to make the public aware that a persistent cough is also a potential indicator of a deeper problem.

While bleeding and lumps are now relatively well known signs of cancer, a nagging cough which is still persistent after three weeks should also be checked out by a doctor.

While this is a Cancer Research UK initiative it is just as important for us living here in Spain. www.cancerresearchuk.org

ank bail out| PM Mariano Rajoy has let it be known that he is looking at options to help out the Spanish banks with public money and nationalisation has not been ruled out with banks like Bankia estimated to have €37.5 billion worth of bad credit linked to the housing market.

He has also stated that no autonomous regions currently need intervention from the Central Government but if they do need help in the future his government would look into it. He also stated that IVA (currently sitting at 18%) may need to go up.

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ity of Arts and Sciences| The total cost of the Arts and Sciences complex down in the old riverbed has been revealed recently to be a whopping €1.1bn. Of that amount the architect responsible for the design of the buildings, Santiago Calatrava, pocketed over €94m and it is likely that he is in line for some more as his fees are calculated as a percentage of the final costs of construction. There is for example more work to be done on the Agora Building before it is finished.

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uardia Civil court case Two police officers in Castellon have won a court battle against their employers after they lost a productivity bonus payment due to them after the Guardia Civil accused them of not issuing enough fines to drivers.

The magistrate ruled that it was unacceptable to consider police officers as 'money-grabbers' who focussed on finding excuses to fine the public.

The magistrate went on to say that the force was unethically encouraging officers to concentrate on clawing back money for the powers that be by stopping motorists and making them pay fines rather than for enforcing road safety and saving lives in emergencies.

16/05/1770 14-year old Marie Antoinette marries her second cousin once removed, the 15-year-old Louis-Auguste, who later becomes King Louis XVI of France. Apparently his 'shyness' meant that it was not officially consummated until 1777!

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ant to see the Valencian Community on the cheap? Every month we'll list some great spots where you can enjoy Spanish culture, nature and have some good, low-cost fun. This month we'll be: 1| wandering through the Feria Alternativa. (See page 9) It's free, and there are so many tasty treats to enjoy, great free performances to watch and information on every topic imaginable. Last year we saw a skiffle band with a washboard player that had everyone spellbound!

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2| chilling out at cheap cinema showings. The Filmoteca in Pl. Ayuntamiento offers films for only €1.50, Cine Studiodor from €2.50-4 depending on the day, and the Institut Français de Valencia has free shows.

3| heading to the markets to find May and Junes new fruit - we're going to be treated to delightfully fresh apricots, plums, peaches, nectarines, persimmons and cherries.

Skiffle is heavily influenced by jazz, blues, folk and roots, and is identifiable by distinctive homemade instruments. It originated in the States coming from Afro-American influences and its popularity spread across the waters to post-war UK. The musical instruments in this type of band include a washboard, jugs, a tea chest bass, cigar-box fiddle, musical saw and comb-and-paper kazoos which all produce unique sounds. As creating these musical instruments was accessible to all financial backgrounds, a craze for skiffle bands erupted during the 50s, especially with working class, low income males.

Previous skifflers who went on to fame include Van Morrison, Mick Jagger, Roger Daltrey, Jimmy Page and John Lennon.

Washboard

A popular instrument with a unique sound, as thimble covered fingers roll over the metal corrugated surface.

17/05/1990 The General Assembly of the World Health Organization (WHO) eliminates homosexuality from the list of psychiatric diseases.

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I heart Valencia

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very four years. That's all. It may feel way more regular to non-fans but from 8 June to 1 July the 2012 UEFA European Championship will be upon us for the first time since the summer of 2008. The best 16 football teams in Europe will be battling away in the exotic and evocative sounding lands of first-time joint hosts Poland and Ukraine. Expect days to be scheduled around the happenings over there by that football fan in your life. Don't worry too much as loving couples should then be able to get a few week's quality time together (perhaps a nice holiday away somewhere) before the couch again beckons for the start of the London Olympics on 27/07.

So what better time to pair off in an inVLC head to head than two of the favourites for the title. The lightning fast, intricate tiki-taka passing skills of the current World and European Champions, Spain and the never very interesting, brutally efficient but still pretty much the best bet for at least getting to the final - Germany. No - only kidding - this is an English language magazine in Spain so we've gone with Spain and England. Spain are almost all the bookmakers and neutral supporters' favourites to win it, while England are a great bet to get a diabolical, you could even say insane, press hounding if they don't. There's the whistle.

Round 1 | History England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first international football match in 1872. For the first 50 years there was no national stadium so the team travelled around the country playing predominantly on cricket pitches.

Since 1923 they have played their home games at Wembley Stadium in north-west London.

Spain were relatively slow starters on the international front being formed in 1909 but not playing their first competitive international game until 1920 when they beat Denmark in the Olympic Games. Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is the closest that they have to a regular stadium but games have been, and continue to be, played all around the country including Seville and Valencia, but not Barcelona interestingly enough.

England - Goal! England take the lead in the opening moments of the game.

Spain - Weak, long range shot saved.

Spain have started slowly.

Round 2 | Success England have won the World Cup once before in 1966 when they beat West Germany 4-2 in the final at Wembley Stadium. This is a source of great pride to England fans. In the European Championships they have been less successful only managing two 3rd place finishes in 1968 and 1996.

Spain have also won the World Cup once before, the last time it was held, in South Africa in 2010. This is a source of great pride to Spanish fans and perhaps an easier memory for most Spaniards to hold. Their record is also better in the European Championships having won it twice before in 1964 and 2008.

England - Goal-line clearance - unlike 1966 - they really should have done better.

Spain - Goal! This current side have real ability. Spain quickly equalise.

Round 3 | Star players historically and present day • England - Bobby Moore and Wayne Rooney • Spain - Raul Gonzales and Xavi Hernandez Ok. Maybe you disagree but assuming everyone was at the peak of their abilities which two would you choose? Not so easy is it?

England - Goal! A screamer into the top corner. First class.

Spain - Goal! Round the keeper and a roll in. Nicely taken!

Round 4| Likelihood of winning Current odds for both teams if you fancy a flutter.

To win: Spain are between 5/2 and 3/1 with leading bookies. England are between 9/1 and 11/1.

To get to the final: Spain are 1/1 England are 5/1.

Spain - Goal! Was that in any doubt?

England - Pulled down. Was that a penalty? The referee says 'No!' Maybe just as well as penalties aren't really England's thing.

18/05/1970 Under the ironically named project name of 'Smiling Buddha', India successfully detonates its first nuclear weapon becoming the sixth nation to do so.

Round 5 | Would like to forget Spain would like to forget that England refused to play in Madrid in 2009 following both the racist abuse of their black and mixed-race players and the booing of their national anthem at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium in the same 2004 friendly.

There is also the issue of the spiralling debt within the Spanish game which is leading many to now say that Spanish football is on the fast road to bankruptcy. Spain touts itself as the world's best domestic league on the back of Messi and Ronaldo, Barcelona and Madrid, but its TV licensing doesn't reflect that as it pulls in just half of the €1.27 billion of the English Premier League, and two-thirds of what Italy's Serie A makes at €915 million.

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England - Take your pick. Losing 1-0 to the USA in the 1950 World Cup in Brazil goes down as one of the greatest upsets and would have got you odds of 500/1 before the game. The England team wore blue shirts that day and as a result have never worn that colour since. No one has ever checked to see if the team in blue that was playing under the England name that day were perhaps in fact Scottish. There's also Maradona's Hand Of God moment in 1986, or the time in 1938 when the team was forcibly told by the Foreign Office that they must give a Nazi salute before playing Germany. There is also the ongoing drama that is John Terry.

First certificate

I heart Valencia

Spain - Shot way off. That's just not acceptable at this stage of the game.

England - Weak effort. Perhaps they've just not got what it takes at this level.

Final Result Spain 3. England 2.

The inVLC European Champions this time are Spain who have beaten a talented, but ultimately incohesive, England team.

Good luck to all the teams this summer and let's hope the football on show lives up to the lengthy TV adverts promoting it at every available opportunity.

19/05/1962 President JFK's birthday party takes place in New York. The highlight for the crowd is Marilyn Monroe's rendition of "Happy Birthday". Although for JFK the highlight may have been something Marilyn did in private for him later. Alledgedly.

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nother busy month in Valencia and the Community with an event for everyone.

Feria Ok Mami 2012 - I | 26-27 May, Feria Valencia, Avenida de las Ferias An exhibition of everything you could ever want related to babies and children.

Feria Alternativa 2012 | 1-3 June* The yearly event is usually set in the riverbed near the Alameda Metro*.

Every year there is a topical theme* which you can learn about there.

There are stalls packed with organic fruit and vegetables, tasty snacks and beautifully crafted items of art, jewellery, clothing and decorative items. The rules are now even stricter, and all items must be entirely hand-made.

To entertain you there will be live music and dancers throughout the days, workshops, and stalls of information. *At the time of print, this information hadn't been confirmed. Please see the website for more information. www.firaalternativa.org

Corpus Christi | 7-10 June This religious event celebrating the Eucharist will take place in Valencia city, and more than 50 towns in the community.

In Valencia the main events are: 8th 8.30pm The moving of the wooden carved chariots (Rocas) to Pl. de la Virgen for viewing.

These 11 structures, believed to have been built around 1413, carry figures from the bible, and are pulled by great workhorses.

9th 7.30pm - The recreation of bible scenes in short theatrical performances, Pl. de la Virgen.

11pm - Banda Municipal, Pl. de la Virgen.

10th - Various parades throughout the day.

12 midday - Cabalgata del Convite with traditional dancers. The route will be from Pl. de la Virgen, Mercado, Mar, Paz, Pl. de Tetuan, Pintor López, Pl. de los Fueros.

4.30pm - Paso de las Rocas.

7pm - Solemn procession, centre. www.corpusvalenciaamics.com www.jdiezarnal.com/valenciafiestacorpus.html

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Don't miss| The big heads parade through the streets during Corpus Christi

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Holidays and parties

National holidays mean fewer buses, and most shops, banks & supermarkets close.

In the community & neighbouring towns - Alicante (A), Castellon (C), Valencia (V) May

June

17| Vila-Real Festividad De San Pascual Baylón (C), Genovés San Pascual Baylón (V) 21| Petrer Fiesta De Moros Y Cristianos (A) 22| Almazora Santa Quiteria (C) 28| Cabanes Romería A La Ermita De Las Santas (C)

4| Casas Altas Santísima Trinidad (V) 8| L'alcúdia De Crespins San Onofre (V) 12| Algemesí San Onofre (V) 13 Bugarra (V), Caudete De Las Fuentes San Antonio De Padua (V), Xeresa San Antonio De Pádua(V)

13, 14| Sot De Ferrer San Antonio De Padua Y Santísimo Cristo De La Piedad (C) Courtesy of www.docv.gva.es All information correct at time of print.

Check with the local tourist information when making plans.

20/05/1927 At 07:52 Charles Lindbergh takes off from Roosevelt Field in Long Island, New York, on the world's first solo non-stop flight across the Atlantic Ocean. He touched down at Le Bourget Field in Paris at 22:22 the next day.

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Valencia Community | Benisanó

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he Castillo de Benisanó, in the Plaça de Comte se Sástago, is one of the most delightful in the region, with a central keep, small circular tower and proper crenulations, just like all toy castles have. It even has slits to shoot arrows through.

Built during the second half of the 15th century, the castle-cum-palace was the home of the CavanillesVillarrasa family, governors of Benisanó. With its stout beams, twisted pillars and beautiful stained glass windows, it has a cosier feeling than most castles, more of a grand house. On the ground floor is a ceiling designed by one of the Vatican architects (a similar one can be found in the Papal city).

A few metres walk from the castle entrance is the Iglesia de los Santos Reyes. The church looks ancient but is actually little more than eighty years old. Seriously damaged during the Civil War, it was restored in 1945 but didn’t receive its final lick of exterior paint until 1983.

Though the church is simple compared to many in the region, you are struck by the unusual black and white, Newcastle United striped marble floor as you enter, and its delightful trompe l’oeil side chapels are glorious in their own way. It houses a number of artworks from the original 15th century building, including La Adoración de los Reyes Magos attributed to Claudio de San Leocadio, set high in the retablo behind the altar, and Jesús el Nazareno by Juan de Juanes, in the sacristy. With the falling congregations experienced almost everywhere these days, services are held in a little side chapel, to the accompaniment of a strummed guitar. As you leave the church, light pours through a modern but pleasing stained-glass rose window above the entrance, depicting the Three Kings.

Benisanó fact file Population | 2,136 (2008) Km to Valencia | 27km Point of interest | Castillo de Benisanó, 15th century castle/palace on Plaça Comte de Sástago. Open Sun 11am2pm. €1.80 Iglesia Santos Reyes, Plaça Comte de Sástago. Built 80 years ago on site of a 15th century church, houses artwork from the original building.

Fiestas | 8-10 September Useful information | Ayuntamiento, Pl. del Ayuntamiento, 1.

96 278 07 01. Mon-Fri 8am-3pm. www.benisano.es

The old part of the town still holds much of the shape of the original walls that surrounded it and the narrow streets can be entered by the three arched portals of Valencia, Bétera and Llíria. Take the street leading away from the Plaça on the right and on the next corner you will see a section of corrugated wall on the side of a house. This isn’t some fancy local architectural whimsy, it was put there to stop the local lads smashing balls against it when they practice pelota, trinquet in Valenciano.

21/05/1932 Bad weather forces Amelia Earhart to land in a pasture in Derry, Northern Ireland, becoming the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She had planned to land at Paris like Lindbergh had exactly 5 years previously.

Unfortunately, Benisanó is a bit short of parks, but you are only ten minutes from Llíria, just outside of which is the lovely Parc Sant Vicent where families have picnics at the weekend. Llíria is a bustling modern town with some excellent examples of the architecture and culture of times past, but if you want to feed the inner man there is no better place to go than the Pastisería Ca Susi at Calle Sant Vicent 1, said to be the best bakery in town, and the amount of people crowding the tiny triangular shop bear witness to the fact. Sra. Susi herself presides over trays of besitos de Llíria (Kisses of Llíra, an almond biscuit), torta de mazapán (marzipan cake sprinkled with chopped almonds) and torta de aceite con sardina (long flat loaves baked with sardines on top). If you fancy something more substantial, the Porta de L’Aigua restaurant in Parc Sant Vicent is highly recommended.

Derek Workman To discover more about Spain, visit www.derekworkman-journalist.com & www.derekworkman.wordpress.com

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Valencia Community | Benisanó

Car | CV35 Valencia in the direction of Lliria. Exit 15. 35 mins.

Bus | Edetania Bus 1hr www.edetaniabus.com

22/05/1960 An earthquake measuring 9.5 on the moment magnitude scale (previously Richter scale), now known as the Great Chilean Earthquake, hits southern Chile. It is the most powerful earthquake ever recorded.

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Independent review | Plou i fa sol Espai Ecologic

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have always been one to be attracted to the classic 'shop-around-the-corner' and Plou i fa sol Espai Ecologic tops my in V L C list of those located in Valencia. Nestled in a quiet plaza in the heart of El Carmen, this organic goods shop has more to offer than your typical herbolario. Plou i fa sol (a traditional Catalan song which means “it rains and is sunny”), run by Soledad, a biologist, and Sylvia, a pharmacist, opened its doors in March 2011 and slowly but surely has made a name for itself in the neighborhood.

What initially attracted me to this lovely, recently found space is the homey feeling you get when you walk inside. The tiny but tidy shop is filled with the aromas of homemade bread (freshly made and sold each day) and an array of candle scents. Soledad or Sylvia (sometimes both) are always there to greet and happily advise you on everything from herbal supplements to detoxifying teas.

“We wanted this to be a local, very familiar place,” explained Soledad. “The idea was to open a shop and run it the way they used to in the old days when you could always rely on the products that were sold and the people that you would find when you walked in.”

Speaking of products, Plou i fa sol has all the requisite rows of bottled vitamins and supplements, but their rich displays of healthy treats and organic goodies can seduce even the most resolutely disciplined gourmand. When they can, Sylvia and Soledad prefer to sell local products.

However, as Spain has only recently jumped on the health food bandwagon, the ladies have reached out to a few neighbouring countries to include some more diverse and delicious treats. Chocolate chip cookies, chocolate bars and biscotti (either sugarless, gluten free or vegan); natural honey with flavours including thyme, rosemary, eucalyptus and chocolate cream; Valencian horchata; and snacks like chips make healthier eating hardly seem like a sacrifice.

Yogi Teas €3 -5 EcoFlor honeys ≈ €3.60 Cereals/muesli €3-5

Nut butters ≈ €5.50 Trail mix bars €1.20

There's also a plentiful selection of healthy cereals, gluten-free bread and pasta, nut butters, marmalades and ecological wines. Among non-foodstuffs are Matarrania (an organic cosmetic brand from the region of Teruel) beauty aids, plus homeopathic remedies and all-natural body care products. There's even a small book rack in the back, should you be seeking further guidance on living a healthier life.

Another thing that I find sets Plou i fa sol apart from the competing organic stores in Valencia is the variety of workshops they offer on almost a weekly basis. Ranging from artisan candle making to crochet to wool spinning, every DIY aficionado is sure to find a class that strikes their fancy.

Be sure to check out their Facebook page for more information about workshops and products or, even better, swing by and speak to Soledad or Sylvia and enjoy the ambiance.

Heather Dillon

Pl. Musico Lopez Chavarri, Valencia Mon-Fri: 9am-8:30pm, Sat: 10am-2pm 963 919 797 PlouIFaSolEspaiEcologic 24/05/1844 Samuel Morse sends the message "What hath God wrought" (Numbers 23:23) from the Old Supreme Court Chamber in Washington DC to his assistant, Alfred Vail, in Baltimore, Maryland to inaugurate the first telegraph line.

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ach month we’ll give you a topic for the following edition. Email us 1 high-resolution image with a sentence describing the photo by 31st of the month.

We’ll choose a few entries to print and the editor's favourite wins a prize. This month's favourite is by Brandy!

Jayne Jackson | Local gigs

Sidney Shepherd | I can't bear to be parted from my sweets

No Se Puede Vlc | Amor

WINNER!

Steven Sandells | Sweet tooth delight

Brandy De Roque | My Boy, Lollipop

Please send 1 photo per person & only send your own photo for copyright reasons. There are other terms and conditions - email us for them. Next month’s topic is 'green’. Look forward to seeing your pictures. invlceditor@gmail.com

03/06/1968 Valerie Solanas, author of the anarchic SCUM Manifesto (Society for Cutting Up Men) attempts to assassinate Andy Warhol. She argued that men had ruined the world and women should overthrow society & eliminate the male sex.

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Expat life | The voices of memory

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here have been a number of recent reports into the possibility that bilingualism delays the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. These reports are based on the studies of cognitive neuroscientist, Ellen Bialystok. ‘There’s a system in your brain, the executive control system. Its job is to keep you focused on what’s relevant, while ignoring distraction … bilinguals use this system more and it’s that regular use that makes the system more efficient.’ It’s this cognitive workout that she believes gives bilinguals a better chance against this terrible disease. Here in Valencia, local production company, Barret Films, recently featured a remarkable music therapy project for Alzheimer’s sufferers in a documentary.

Las Voces de la Memoria follows music therapists, Salva Fito and Patri Rosalen, on a remarkable journey, as they take music therapy all the way to a concert in Palau de la Musica, where their choir of Alzheimer’s sufferers perform to an emotional audience. Salva who led the therapy and conducted the choir calls musical therapy, ‘getting access to the backstage door’. ‘Music is the last thing to go … through music they access memories and they then share them.’

The impact of the therapy is remarkable. People who fail to recognise family members or to know what day of the week it is memorised and performed songs as a choir.

The repertoire included old songs from childhood, popular classics but also new pieces. ‘I sing to them in Spanish, Valenciano, English, even French.’ says Salva. ‘It creates a connection for them, they know where they are, they know what they are doing.’ It’s this sense of security and place, which seems to create the most profound impact. With disorientation and confusion two of the more tragic symptoms of the disease, giving them a sense of focus is huge.

The danger with this disease is that people become isolated and so the lack of social interaction and stimulus can exacerbate the symptoms. Through musical therapy the participants can be social, they are stimulated and so they are more alert and most of all they enjoy it, they are happy.

‘They know me.’ Salva smiles. ‘Maybe not my name, but if I missed a day for any reason, they would say; where were you, were you sick? It’s incredible.’

For the families the benefits were enormous too, the support provided by the therapy was very important but the emotional impact was even more profound. The role reversal of parent to child is often a very difficult one with the children becoming the caregivers, the responsible ones for the incapable parent. What the therapy achieved in allowing glimpses of the previous personality was to give the participants the opportunity to experience the personality of the person that was to a great extent lost in the disease.

Salva is now working with infants, a logical step when considering the circle of life theme that rings through this project. His passion is palpable and he believes that cognitive work out and backstage access starts young. ‘They sing my songs in their sleep, you know, the babies, they are learning to talk through song, they can’t talk yet, but they are singing.’

Eoghan Ryan You can watch Las Voces de la Memoria on www.rtve.es

25/05/1938 In the Spanish Civil War Alicante is bombed resulting in 313 deaths.

Talking Teaching with Orange Language Academy

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t's getting to that time of the year when students are looking towards the summer for both a holiday and the opportunity to get away somewhere to practice their English for a few weeks or even a couple of months (depending on their budgets of course). Where can they go? You'll find yourself having to answer this question as your student's first point of contact with the English-speaking world. The fact is it's never an easy one to answer as it's a bit like asking someone how long a piece of string is. You might pause for a moment, tell your student you'll have a think about it and get back to them and then completely forget until they ask you again.

Naturally you will have your own biased view about where would be best for the student to go. “Don't go up there! They're impossible to understand!”, “Down south! Too expensive!”, “I had a great time at Manchester University. You should go there!” Try to be objective. Living in Manchester for the summer is going to be a much more worthwhile experience for a university student rather than a more mature student who has other, more study-centered needs. Don't get me wrong, Manchester is an amazing place to be for someone wanting to pick up some English and have a good time. The majority of your students going to study English in the summer will be teenagers and young adults ranking a good experience up there alongside (if not higher than) their immediate language learning needs.

What about the internet? Just look on the internet.

Seriously, google it and you'll be overwhelmed by hits for summer academies and summer schools in the UK, the US, Malta, Canada, Ireland, and a number of other places.

Unfortunately, this is why the student has probably come to you in the first place. Nowadays we are so inundated with information on a daily basis that it is impossible to even start to sift through potential options. Telling them to do this will see them running straight back to you for advice.

“Is the accent difficult to understand?” Arguably the most difficult question you will have to answer. You might go down the road of comparing it to an equivalent Spanish accent that is particularly difficult to understand.

Murciano = Geordie, Andalucian = Glaswegian, London = Madrid, Birmingham = Albacete. An ever so hilarious task that might involve imitating people from each of the respective areas by you and your student. Good fun?

Probably for the first two times, but then it gets a bit tiresome. Everyone has an accent. Simple as that. When people from Valencia speak Spanish, they have a Valencian accent. You have probably developed a Valencian Spanish accent yourself without even realising it. It won't be until you go somewhere else in Spain and the locals tell you that you have an accent from that area. No matter where your student goes, they are going to have problems with the accent even if they speak the Queen's English. And if they go somewhere where everybody speaks the Queen's English, they will probably be bored stiff, drinking tea For those of you who really want to get down to learning the language, we'll be bringing you an expression each month. This is our job. Your job? Get out there and use it!

Then tell us how you got on... tener mucho mérito - to be very commendable e.g. tiene mucho mérito que te disculpes.

- It’s very commendable of you to apologise.

somewhere listening to a brass band in the park. The accent should be considered only when dealing with much older students, who have major comprehension problems and are unlikely to go on summer courses anyway.

Generally academies have their own summer school program set up, which they will be promoting for a small finder's fee, so it is often necessary to be careful when recommending places to go to students that attend that academy. First point of contact should be the academy where you work or an academy/ person with experience in organising summer schools. If you know someone, you've managed to hook your student up and give a friend/ colleague some work). Well done!

If you have worked back in the UK then why not recommend the place where you worked? Providing that your experience there was good and that the student fits the profile for that type of course (e.g. don't send a nineteen year old to a course packed full with business men and women looking to get down to some serious studying). Pass on the web address to your student and tell them to have a look and ask you if he/ she has any questions. However, a lot of TEFL teachers have only ever worked in Spain and countries other than the UK. It is not uncommon to find students perplexed by you telling them that you have no contacts in the teaching world in the UK/ US because you haven't worked there.

When all is said and done it might just be worth thinking about places you have lived/ studied/ visited yourself and giving your student a list of places for them to investigate. All you are capable of is thinking about these places that you have fond memories of and pushing your students in their direction in hope that the experience will be as equally as pleasant for them. Further down the line they might ask you where it would be best to look for accommodation and you could advise them on the areas they should be looking at if you know the place well. For most, it's an adventure and they'll very rarely be disappointed with where you send them if you use your common sense when making you recommendation. The majority of your students will just end up getting a beca and going to Malta for a month's holiday anyway.

Orange Language Academy has been an American run language school for the city of Valencia and its provinces since 2005 offering all types of language related services. They run language exchanges at Portland Ale House (Tues & Weds) and Sherlock Holmes* (Thurs).*new www.orangeidiomas.com

26/05/1896 Nicholas II becomes Tsar of Russia. His reign saw Imperial Russia go from being one of the foremost great powers of the world to economic and military collapse and brought about the revolution of 1917.

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Valencia map

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

La Galeria, C/ Baja, 38 KandABooks, C/ Tapineria, 18 Plou i fa sol, Pl. del Músico López Chavarri, 7b La Birra de Brian, C/ Santa Rosa, 3b Lenguas Vivas, C/ Palleter, 43 Il Genovino, Campoamor, 50 Rostro, Calle Quart, 13 Portland Ale House, C/ Salamanca, 10 Troppo Bene, Avda. del Puerto, 87 British Foods.es, Central Market Gusto Nuovo, Av/ Reino de Valencia, 9 Orange Language Academy, C/ Santo Domingo Savio, 68 Mad Hatter's Coffee Lounge, C/ Serrano Morales, 3 Anita Giro, Pintor Domingo, 7 Dhaba, Plz.Don Juan de Villarrasa, 6 British Council, Av. de Cataluña, 9 Taste Of America, Av Reino de Valenica, 6 Vesuvio, C/ Beato Nicolás Factor, 8 The Portland Cafe, Paseo de las Facultades, 2

28/05/ 28 5 1588 88 The Spa p nish Armada, comprising of 151 shiips p , 8,000 sailors, 18,000 so old l iers with some 2,5 500 llar a ge guns on bo oar a d se sets sail from Lis isbon, heading for the English Chann is nn nel e and an ultimatelyy u unsucce cessful meeting g with the Eng n lish Fleet..

Music

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very month we review the best new music out there and try to keep you up-to-date with those important goings on in the music world. Here's the selection of albums that impressed us this month. If you have heard something amazing, let us know what it is, or write a review and send it to us.

Album For Insomniacs | Kill For Love – Chromatics After ‘Tick of The Clock’ made it into 2011’s Drive starring Ryan Gosling and rising star Carey Mulligan, I can’t have been the only one awaiting Cromatics’ first album since 2007’s Night Drive. Kill For Love is wonderfully dreamy – synth-laden with guitars boasting lots of reverb, and the sublime, haunting vocals of Ruth Radelet. There are a surprising number of pop songs on the album as well as some more epic, lengthy, sprawling songs characteristic of their earlier work. They’ve cited influences such as Madonna, but remain with one foot firmly in the indie camp with the use of Neil Young lyrics on the opening track. Keep an eye out for them at this year’s Primavera Sound!

Standout Tracks: Kill for Love, Back from the Grave Album To Smoke To | Quakers – Quakers Portishead’s Geoff Barrow is responsible for this remarkable hip-hop album as part of his Stones Throw community project. The album is a beast, boasting 41 tracks, clocks in at less than 70 minutes with over 30 artists featured. Barrow’s project is ambitious and all encompassing in its scope, switching from song to song and varying in style throughout.

The only criticism would be that with such a large track listing, songs can seem frustratingly short, leaving you somehow wanting more as one catchy number leads into another.

However, what this album doesn’t lack is rapping – from beginning to end it just doesn’t let up, switching between artists throughout. Truly a must listen for all hip-hop fans.

Standout Tracks: Please, there are 41. Just listen to it!

Album To Relax To | A Wasteland Companion – M. Ward An eighth studio album for M. Ward, who has become synonymous with the indie scene since his arrival in 1999. This along with Bright Eye’s call “M. Ward for president” led to a surge of album sales in the US. His very distinctive vocal style and guitar style makes him instantly recognisable from the opening track on the album. The polished feel to the new album has been criticised by some and M. Ward has been accused of veering ever closer into the world of Daniel Johnston (a recent visitor to Valencia and American singersongwriter darling). It is when M. Ward is on his own, just voice & guitar that we find him at his best rather than with all of this hidden under strings and drowned out by the band.

Standout Tracks: Clean Slate, The First Time I Ran Away Other releases | Jack White, Death Grips, Richard Hawley, The Cribs, Spiritualized, Richard Hawley, Tenacious D and more.

Music news | Sigur Rós have released the first song from their forthcoming album Valtari, which will be released on 28/05 (UK)/ 29 (US). You can listen to Varúð via Dutch blog Over Muziek.

New Order’s ‘Blue Monday’ has been voted the top song of the eighties.

Other entries in the top ten include ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’ by Joy Division, ‘How Soon Is Now’ by The Smiths, ‘Once In A Lifetime’ by Talking Bjork has cancelled Primavera Sound Heads and ‘Ghost Town’ by Coventry’s (2/6) and Optimus Primavera Sound finest The Specials. Check out the top (9/6) due to vocal cord inflammation. 100 at www.nme.com/list/100-bestsongs-of-the-1980s/266358 Black Sabbath are reforming to play a series of shows throughout the UK, Marilyn Manson has spilt the beans the first of which will be in Birmingham about collaboration with Johnny Depp on 19/05. on Carly Simon's ‘You're So Vain’.

Thom Yorke and Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich played a number of tracks from their new project Atoms For Peace, leading to speculation that an album release may be on the cards.

The Optimus Primavera Sound (not to be confused with Primavera Sound) will take place 7-10/06. Many artists from Primavera will be staying on to play it, but notable additions include Suede, The Walkmen, and The Flaming Lips.

29/05/1985 The Heysel Stadium in Brussels sees the death of 39 Juventus fans and 600 hundred are injured when a dilapidated retaining wall collapses after fighting between the rival fans of Liverpool FC and the Italian side causes panic.

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Live events

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very month we pick out the best live music in and around the Valencian Community for those of you who want to get out and enjoy music as it should be heard. If we hear of anything else coming up, we'll Facebook it.

Café del Duende| C/ Turia, 62 (VLC) Great flamenco every Thu, Fri, Sat & Sun. www.cafedelduende.com

29/05 Lenny Kravitz Velódromo Luis Puig €45+ 21/06 Madonna - Barcelona's Palau Sant Jordi. 2nd night tickets available. €95 May & June - Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band play across Spain - but they're not coming to VLC! €65+ www.ticketmaster.es 24/06 Cuban rap singer Pitbull will be bringing his sounds to Pl. de Toros.

Sala El Loco| C/ Erudito Orellana, 12 (VLC) 15/05 American folk singer Richard Buckner visits. €10/13 25/05 Seviillano group The Village Green Experience will be playing their inimitable power pop. €8/12 02/06 inVLC favourites Emma Get Wild play for the bargain price of €5.

22/06 Swedish Hendrix-influenced The Soulmovers and Jetbone rock the mike. €free! www.lococlub.org

Music Box| C/ Pintor Zariñera, 16 (VLC) & Radio City| C/ Santa Teresa 19 (VLC) Open daily with visiting DJs and Tuesdays offer live flamenco music at Radio City 11pm €7 w. free drink. www.radiocityvalencia.com www.myspace.com/themusicboxclub

LA3| C/ del Padre Porta, 4 (VLC) The best dance music and coolest DJs. Fri & Sat nights. www.la3club.com

Excuse me| C/Tomasos 14 (VLC) Two La Caverna| C/ Cuenca, 70 (VLC) A very floors with a mix to keep you dancing. cosy venue with mad gigs!

Pop Club Deluxe| C/ Poeta Mas y Café Mercedes| C/ Sueca, 27 (VLC) A nice, Ros, 42 (VLC) Pop Club Deluxe - Intimate cheap jazz venue in the heart of Ruzafa

setting for live music.

Sala Wah Wah| C/ Campoamor, 58 with free jam sessions - Sundays 8:30 pm.

(VLC) Great venue with a lot of local and international acts visiting.

17/05 Tortoise €18/23 24/05 Javiera Mena + Pegasva €10 26/05 Joe Crepúsculo €8/12 www.wahwahclub.com

www.cafemercedes.es

Ubik| C/ Literato Azorín, 13 (VLC) Book readings, films, intercambios and music.

They’ll also be doing a percussion workshop for children on Sats in May (€5).

Mya| Popular dance club down at the Arts and Sciences buildings.

Xtra Large Playground| Av Germanias 21. New buzzing dancefloor in Ruzafa.

Festival information Sala Mirror| San Vicente Martir, 200 (VLC)

El Palau de la Musica| (VLC) Beautiful

Dance music lovers and DJs. 22/06 French-Canadian band Simple Plan 9:30pm. Tickets €tbc www.discomirror.es

classical music but not always open to non-members.

15 & 18/05 Special concert for babies featuring pieces from Satie, Mozart and Strauss, 26/05 David Bustamante €120/35/25, 08/06 Rubén Gimeno plays with the Valencia Orchestra €10-20 www.palaudevalencia.com

Jimmy Glass| C/ Baja, 28 (VLC) In celebration of the arrival of spring Jimmy Glass will have a few extra special acts on over the next few weeks.

15/05 Miguel Zenón Quartet €16 17/05 Alberto Sanz Trio €17 22/05 Honey Ear Trio €12 25/05 Piano Duo Sessions €free 30/05 Loop The Curl €13 www.jimmyglassjazz.net Black Note Valencia| Calle Polo y Peyrolon, 15 (VLC) Jazz, blues, r&b, soul, funk, acid jazz, swing and latino sounds. Mons Jam sessions, Tues - house band 2 Animales with blues/acoustic, Weds - reggae (Erasmus discounts). 15 & 22 /05 2 Animales 18/05 Danny Boy & Snakes Dancers 20/05 Patraix Blues Band Jam. www.blacknoteclub.com

Durango| C/ Llanterners 35, Poligono La Closa (Meliana) Heavier rock club with plenty on Fris & Sats.

27/05 The Fuzztones & Ultrazorras €18/20 28/05 Bob Wayne & The Outlaw Carnies & Desperate 45’s. €12/15 www.durangoclub.es Rock City| Tavernes Blancas. Rock.

18/05 Valencian hip-hop duo Los Chikos del Maiz tear the place up. €8/10 19/05 Swedish rockers Hardcore Superstar pay us a visit on their tour of Spain. €20/25 www.valenciarockcity.com

Dub Club| Calle Jesus 91, (VLC) Dub Sala Matisse| C/ Campoamor, 60 Club's motto is 'to play music and not noise'.

(VLC) Lots of great local and national music. www.salamatisse.es

And if you like reggae and ska then you will agree. www.myspace.com/dubclubvalencia

Low Cost Festival| Alicante 27-29/7 €50, VIP €125 Kasabian, Suede www.lowcostfestival.es Benicassim| 12-15/7 Bob Dylan, Stone Roses, Florence & The Machine, New Order, Noel Gallagher, Dizzee Rascal, David Guetta & www.fiberfib.com De La Soul. €165 Sonar | Barcelona 14-16/6 2 day/€100, 3 day/€130 Fatboy Slim, Laurent Garnier, The Roots, Friendly Fires, Deadmau5, Hot Chip, www.sonar.es Richie Hawtin €155 BBK Live | Bilbao 12-14/07 Radiohead, The Cure, Klaxons & Snow Patrol. 3 day incl camping €105 Primavera Sound | Barcelona 30/5-3/6 Death Cab For Cutie, Rufus Wainwright, Justice, The Cure, Beirut, Wilco & Franz Ferdinand. €80/190 www.primaverasound.com Arenal sound | Burriana 2-5/8 Two Door Cinema Club, The Kaiser Chiefs, Love of Lesbian, The TingTings, Lori Meyers & The Wombats. €30 www.arenalsound.com Azkena Music Festival | Bilbao 2325/06 Black Sabbath, Lynyrd Skynrd, The Dropkick Murphy's, Blue Oyster Cult. €102 www.azkenarockfestival.com

Rototom Sunsplash | Benicassim 1622/08 All things Reggae-tinged. €60/2 days, €150/ full week www.rototom.com

30/05/1431 During the Hundred Years' War in Rouen, France, 19-year-old Joan of Arc is burned at the stake by an Englishdominated tribunal. Because of this the Catholic Church remember this day as the celebration of Saint Joan of Arc.

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Sport

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© Valencia Basket

Intermediate

ormula 1 | 22-24/6 The noisy razzmatazz of F1 comes again to Valencia. Tickets for this race are on sale online.

If you are a fan then get along this year as next year it won't be here. Valencia will no longer host the European Grand Prix but will instead alternate the Spanish Grand Prix with Barcelona in an attempt to lower spending. www.valenciastreetcircuit.com

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alencia Basketball Club | Valencia Club de Basket have qualified for the end of season playoffs. Starting on the weekend of 17/18 May they will take part in the eight-team play off. Who they play will depend on their final league position as the set draw means that 1st plays 8th, 2nd plays 7th, etc with the winners of each game progressing to the semi-finals and final. Each game is played over a series of games with the winner being the team with the better record over the series. Buy tickets online or at the Pabellón Fuente de San Luís on the day of the game. www.valenciabasket.com Play off quarter final:

Game one.

Game two.

Game three.

17 or 18/5* 19 0r 20/5* 21 or 22/5*

Play off semi final:

Game one.

Game two.

Game three.

Game four.

Game five.

24 or 25/5* 26 or 27/5* 29 or 30/5* 31/5 or 1/6 * 2 or 3/6*

Play off final:

Game one.

Game two.

Game three.

Game four.

Game five.

7/6 9/6 12/6 14/6 16/6 *Dates to be confirmed

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WE Raw| 8/6 The Pabellón Fuente de San Luís swaps tall basketball players for big all over wrestlers. CM Punk, Chris Jericho, John Cena and The Miz go head to head for the WWE Championship with many other big name wrestlers. I don't see Giant Haystacks or Big Daddy on the bill though sadly. Now they were proper wrestlers. raic packed| 19/05 The 4th round of the Iberian Irish Gaelic Football Championships will take place here in Valencia. It's an all day affair with the men and women both in action along with an under 12 game as well. 9am6pm, Ciudad de Rugby at C/ Angel Villena. Free!

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ycling machines| 1-3/6 This weekend sees something a little different going on at Marina Real Juan Carlos I down near the Port. Fun, prizes to be won and a charity cycle ride all involving the use of gymnasium cycling machines in the great outdoors. Register online. www.desafiobestcycling.com

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addle sore| 9/6 Explore the inner iron man or woman inside you by taking part in a real cycle race of 120km through the mountainside of Valencia Community. The March Port-Serra Cicloturista 4 Tot Nature event allows you the chance to pit your skills against some of the stars of the sport. The registration fee is 25€ for federation members and 30€ for nonfederation members. www.cdpodium.com

31/05/1859 The clock tower at the Houses of Parliament in London, which houses Big Ben, starts keeping time. The design for the Clock Tower was the last Augustus Pugin would make before his descent into madness and eventual death.

Football | UEFA EURO 2012

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uro 2012 is here. Four years ago Fernando Torres became a Spanish hero when he scored the only goal in the final against Germany. This goal meant that the Spanish team had not only won the 2008 championship, their first major win in 44 years, but also helped put to bed the nagging doubt of many observers that players from Real Madrid and Barcelona could not overcome their differences and pull together as the national team.

This time around Spain are aiming for an amazing three majors in a row having also won the World Cup in South Africa in 2010 and they will be very hard to beat. Other pre-tournament favourites include Holland, England, Italy and Germany although don't rule out a great run by Portugal or France. TV's all over the world will become meeting points and the atmosphere should be great (especially here in Spain) so get yourself out and about to the best bars in the community like The Portland in Canovas, The Portland Cafe near Plaza Xúquer and Anita Giro in El Carmen. To help you plan it all we've also mapped it all out in our handy guide above.

23/05/1934 Bank robbers Bonnie & Clyde are ambushed by police and killed in Black Lake, Louisiana. They had killed 9 police officers but the media story that caught the public's attention was that they were unmarried but sleeping together.

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Read me | A. D. Miller

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nowdrops - Continuing my voracious appetite for the printed word, I stumbled upon this Booker Prize nominee whilst browsing the bookshelves for Christmas presents. A. D. Miller’s Snowdrops is his first effort at fiction after a long career as a journalist in both the UK and Russia where this novel is based.

The story is narrated by Nick Platt – an English lawyer working in Russia. One day, when riding the Russian subway, Nick comes to the aid of two sisters – Masha and Katya – against an unsuccessful purse-snatcher.

Agreeing to meet again, Nick gradually falls in love with Masha and is taken to meet their grandmother Tatiana Vladimirovna. However Nick is wary that all might not be what it seems after noticing a succession of strange encounters and inconsistencies in her story but ignores them because of his blind love for Masha. Nick finds himself part of something of a sinister plot that does not eventually unravel until the final pages of the story.

As Nick’s journalist friend Steve tells him, “there are no business stories. There are no love stories. There are only crime stories.” It’s a statement that has never seemed truer by the end of the book.

What attracted me to this book was the voice of narrator - the Englishman living in another country – making it easy for me to identify with Nick’s situation if not always his moral conviction. The life of the outsider thrown into different surroundings almost always makes for an interesting read. I found Nick’s return to England for Christmas an especially poignant piece of writing that will resonate with anyone who has lived the often-transient existence of the expat. Also well written is Nick’s mother’s visit to Russia and their short time spent together, after which she expresses her disapproval of Masha. Add to this the delusions of an intelligent, thirtysomething, and his continual refusal to take heed of the warning signs that present themselves and you have quite an entertaining read as well as an intelligent one.

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Miller’s characters are very well drawn; from his neighbour Oleg Nikolaevich to the hedonistic and ominous Cossack, he manages to bring each character to life rather than paint a broad Russian stereotype. I found the story of Tatiana Vladimirovna particularly endearing as it encapsulates the hardships brought on by the infamous Battle of Stalingrad and its effects on the city’s inhabitants.

The book is peppered with these nuggets of history throughout and the feats of bravery and hardship serve as a contrast to the bitterness and cynicism of today’s Russia and the struggle of a new generation trying to survive in a supposed boom era. The eventual consequences of Nick’s actions, both publically and privately serve as a prelude to the 2008 crisis. Reading the book now brings a whole new nuance of meaning that stretches far beyond the Russia in which it is based. The hit-andrun financial scams by the big corporations and the small-scale crimes on an individual level – are they not just the same human choices and decisions born out of necessity?

The book is a fairly easy read as it clocks in at around 300 pages and the fast pace makes it quite the page-turner. It’s atmospheric yet economical in its descriptions, however, the author favours the movement of the plot instead of paragraphs and paragraphs of details.

One imagines years and years of working with strict word limits during the author’s stint as The Economist’s Russian correspondent (Miller is now the editor of the British publication). A.D. Miller’s other publications include the non-fiction The Earl of Petticoat Lane, which is a family history set in London dealing with Jewish emigration into Britain in the aftermath of WWII – a work that he has admitted gave him the confidence to write Snowdrops.

Bikes| The monthly bike meeting of VLC will take place as usual on the first Friday of the month. This aims to promote bikes and bike safety in VLC. Place| Plaza de la Virgin, VLC Time| 7.30pm

02/06/1953 Queen Elizabeth is crowned wearing a dress adorned with a rose, a thistle, a leek, a shamrock, wattle, maple leaf, silver fern, protea, lotus flowers & wheat representing the countries over which she was about to reign.

Cinema

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very month inVLC brings you the best that cinema has to offer in Valencia. This month we’ve got a variety of Versión Original films for you to enjoy.

The Avengers| (Joss Whedon, 2011) Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Samuel L. Jackson, Stellan Skarsgard & Scarlett Johansson A mammoth, all-star cast leads the polls at both the box office and amongst critics, directed by none other than the creator of Buffy The Vampire Slayer.

This time round Whedon has at his disposal a budget big enough to draw in all the big names and deal out some pretty hefty special effects along the way.

S.H.I.E.L.D. operative Nick Fury (Jackson) puts together a team of super humans called The Avengers to fight the evil Loki (Tom Hiddleston) and his army from another dimension.

Cue The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Thor (Chris Helmsworth), Iron Man (Downey Jr.), Captain America (Evans) & The Black Widow (Johansson) to give him a good kick in the proverbial.

Yelmo - 19:30 (2D) & 22:30 (3D) Kinepolis - 20:30 & 23:30 Keep yourself upto-date with the latest films by liking us on Facebook.

Take Shelter| (Jeff Nichols, 2011) Michael Shannon, Jessica Chastain & Shea Whigham Thankfully with the success of Boardwalk Empire, Michael Shannon hasn’t neglected the big screen in favour of the “big-headed” agent Nelson Van Alden.

Having already been applauded at Cannes and Sundance, the film is now on general release and looks set to impress the public worldwide.

Young father Curtis (Shannon) has a number of dreams and visions of an apocalyptic storm that looks set to destroy his home and village. With a little help from his friend Dewart (Whigham) he goes about building an underground shelter to protect his family from the coming storm.

This causes friction with his wife Samantha (Chastain) and eventually Dewart, none of whom believe Curtis’ warnings, pleading him to seek help for a mental order that his mother suffered from all of her life.

Babel - 16:30 & 20:25

Hunger Games| (Gary Ross, 2012) Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson & Liam Hemsworth Based on the trilogy written

by Suzanne Collins, Hunger Games has already taken the box office by storm and looks set to follow in the footsteps of the Twilight series.

Set in the future, a boy or girl from each district is chosen by Capitol to fight to the death on live television.

Katniss Everdeen (Lawrence) volunteers to take her sister’s place when she is chosen to take part in the latest match. The concept itself is not that new. In fact the premise has already been worn quite thin: Battle Royale (2000), Series 7: The Contenders (2001). We could even go so far as to include The Condemned (2007) and right back to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s The Running Man (1987). So what is the bfd? I’m not quite sure, but basically if you liked Twilight, then go and see it!

Yelmo - 17:30 & 20:30

First certificate

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Martha Marcy May Marlene| (Sean Durkin, 2011) John Hawkes, Elizabeth Olsen Martha (Olsen) is trying to adjust back into normal life with her family after escaping from a cult, leaving her a number of painful memories and paranoia.

Unable to distinguish between her dreams and reality, her family start to believe that she may be beyond help.

The film has been compared to Winter’s Bone (2010) in terms of its setting and cinematography and Olsen’s performance has won her a number of awards.

We switch between Martha’s first days amongst the cult members and leader Patrick (Holmes) and the assimilation of living with her sister and brother-in-law where the extent of her indoctrination begins to manifest itself.

Yelmo - 18:10

Filmoteca, Pl. del Ayuntamiento, 17 www.filmoteca.es Yelmo Cines, Av. Tirso de Molina, 16, www.yelmocines.es Babel, C/ Vicente Sancho Tello, 10, www.cinesalbatrosbabel.com Kinepolis, Av. de Francisco Tomás y Valiente, Paterna www.kinepolis.es

01/06/1974 The Heimlich maneuver for rescuing choking victims is seen for the first time when it's published in the journal Emergency Medicine. The technique (when done properly) creates an artificial cough to expel any blockage in the windpipe.

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Green living | The big picture

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ast month I wrote about other ways we can look at economics and the state of the economy in general and we discussed some of the key issues that we will all be likely to face very shortly. This month I will address these problems and try to give some different options to allow for the creation of a sustainable economy while living on a planet with limited resources.

Infinite growth on a planet with finite resources is quite clearly a contradiction in terms. We face a stark choice between taking the risk of changing direction into an unknown future or staying on the train of what we know, then hope and pray that it won't be as bad as has been predicted. The following ideas are principally taken from the book "Prosperity Without Growth" by Tim Jackson, Professor of Sustainable Development at Surrey University in England and it is available in both English and Spanish for those who want to look into it in greater detail.

Three points to note: 1 - it's taken us a long time to get into this mess and it's going to take some time to get out of it. 2 - we have to decide which road we are going to take, we cannot just drift. We need to be decisive because future generations are going to have to live with the consequences. 3 - of course this is just a short summary of alternatives. Much more debate and discussion is required and it should be adapted to each and every situation.

There are 3 macro-economic actions we need to take. one - Establish Limits i - We need to set limits on our use of resources and our CO2 emissions. ii - We need to set a road map to allow us to achieve the reductions needed in the coming years. To support these limits we should introduce a financial reform for sustainability, the taxes will have to move away from positive economics e.g. earnings) to negative economics e.g. contamination). iii - It is also essential to transfer resources and technologies to developing countries so they can create sustainable economies. This was discussed under the Kyoto treaty. two - Reorganize the Economic Model i - We need to develop a completely new macroeconomic theory based on strict limits on emissions and our use of resources. Such an economy would behave very differently to our present one with investment in jobs and infrastructure an essential part of the new economy. ii - The jobs would be in the building and the maintenance of the infrastructures. The infrastructures (for a sustainable economy) would include the modernization of buildings making them more energy efficient, renewable energies, redesign of public networks, water, electricity, public transport, etc. iii - Our present economic system needs to have a radical overhaul if it is to bring back financial prudence and stability to the system. iv - The final part would be to correct the GNP so it reflects the true reality of an economy such as including natural resources, contamination, domestic and volunteer work etc.

three - Change the Social Logic i - Change work policy so people would have a better balance between work and home life.

This could be achieved by dividing the work load between everybody and in practice by reducing the hours worked in a week. ii - Solve the systematic inequality in our system. Many methods have been tried such as minimum/maximum wage and of course there are many others. iii - Invest in local communities helping them to become more independent and resilient to future setbacks. The 'Transition Movement' is a growing international organization with an objective to prepare local communities for the transition from an oil based economy to a new 'eco-economy'. iv - Dismantle the consumer culture. The addiction to spending and the gaining of status by having the latest toy or gadget has to be broken and there are some practical examples already in existence.

Sao Paulo in Brazil has declared itself 'publicity free' and even shop fronts can only be a specific size. Some other countries have prohibited publicity aimed at the under 12 market.

I appreciate that the description is a bit technical but it does show that there are real and well researched alternatives to the present system. As individuals or groups we can investigate the Transition Movement (www.transitionculture.org) and see if you are interested in setting something up. In Valencia there is an organization called 'Red Sostenible y Creativa' (www.sostenibleycreativa.es) and they are always looking for new members. Look them up and take a more active role in shaping a new future for everyone.

Declan Lehane Information and ideas with thanks to "Prosperity Without Growth, Economy For A Finite Planet" by Tim Jackson.

A little goes a long way What| Repair leaky toilets.

Why| You'll reduce your bills & save water.

Why not| You love watching your money flow down the loo!

Benefits| All water needs to be cleaned by using less water you'll save on energy and chemicals that are needed to do this.

Check your water footprint at www.waterfootprint.org

04/06/1939 The St. Louis, a German ship carrying 963 Jewish refugees, is denied landing in Florida, after already being turned away from Cuba. Forced to return to Europe, more than 200 of its passengers later die in Nazi concentration camps.

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his is a very Spanish recipe with a very British main ingredient: garden peas. Integrating into Spanish culture can be so easy.

I still remember the first time I ate this dish (along with a gorgeous fillet steak). It was a greyish day and my Scottish best friend and I were on the road towards Granada. Homesick and hungry, we stopped at a dull looking restaurant along an N-road. We already learned that it’s always better to leave the motorway and aim for truckers cafés when looking for some nice food. Anyway, being guiris (foreigners) we arrived at a non-Spanish dining time, like 7pm or so… The elderly couple running the place were about to close up (they mainly do lunch) but agreed to make us a quick meal. And oh, it was good….We all know garden peas, and plenty of Brits combine it with mint, but this version with Spanish ham, garlic and olive oil is very special indeed.

Of course you can make this dish with fresh peas as well. You can buy the whole pea at your local market and sometimes even in the supermarket. To use them in the recipe above, just pod the peas and throw them into the pan. No need to pre-boil them. The only difference with the frozen ones – apart from the taste (sweeter, firmer, fresher) – is that you need a bit less cooking time all in all.

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What to buy| 1 kg of frozen green peas 200g of Jamón Serrano (preferably from a happy pig that lived a farm life) One handful of fresh mint (Hierba Buena), washed One (red) onion, chopped small 3-5 cloves of garlic, thin slices Olive oil (a few good glugs) Butter (about 50g) Lots of freshly ground black pepper Pinch of salt

Wow Factor| Feels like home, but just a bit different Effort| We keep things easy again

How to make it| one Tear the leaves off the stalks into smaller bits. two Pour olive oil into a pan (about 4 or 5 tablespoons). three Add onion, sweat them on a low flame for 5 mins.

Eat it as a side dish with some meat (lamb chops or four Add black pepper and a few slices of ham for 3 mins. fillet steak) and maybe some potatoes or bread. five Throw in the garlic, and 30 seconds later add the green Cantina Marina peas. Stir and be patient. www.cantinamarinacatering.blogspot.com six When the peas are defrosted, add half the mint, a few knobs of butter and some more pepper. Stir and simmer. seven Add the rest of the ham minus 3-4 slices, more mint One serving of and an extra glug of olive oil. frozen garden peas & eight Stir and taste (add some salt if required). petit pois contains as much nine Serve with the last slices of ham on top, one or two vitamin C as two large apples extra knobs of butter and some mint leaves. and more fibre than a slice of wholemeal bread!

The less water you use when cooking peas, the less vitamin C is lost. www.peas.org

05/06/1989 The 'Unknown Rebel' armed with only two shopping bags and surely balls made of steel stands in front of a column of tanks advancing through Tiananmen Square in Beijing. He's never been officially identified.

First certificate

Recipe | Green peas with mint and Serrano ham

Artist of the month | Josie McCoy

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e want to support new and up-and-coming artistic talent in the Valencian Community. Each month we choose one artist at random and devote a page to that artist.

name | Josie McCoy location | Valencia history | Born in Plymouth. Studied MA Fine Art at Central Saint Martin´s College of Art and Design in London.

Has lived in Valencia for 6 years.

what's available | Original oil paintings on canvas.

Commissions available.

studio | Sporting Club Russafa, Calle Sevilla 5 bajo, Russafa, 46006 Valencia.

influences | Gerhard Richter, Johannes Vermeer, James Reilly and Ken Currie.

phone | 664 558 561 web| www.josiemccoy.co.uk

prices | Oil paintings from €990. style | Close up portraits, usually of film and television characters.

email| josie@josiemccoy.co.uk

Josie will be showing her paintings in the exhibition space at Sporting Club Russafa from 19th May to 8th June.

The Private View is from 8 to 10pm on the 18th May and everyone is welcome. Please see her website for more details.

If you, or anyone you know, would like to feature in our art pages, contact us at invlceditor@gmail.com

Like 'inVLC' on Facebook for more art to see

Art to see

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" All architecture is shelter, all great architecture is the design of space that contains, cuddles, exalts, or stimulates the persons in that space." (Philip Johnson) New kids on the block (IVAM until 10th June) Things have come a long way since my days studying the Built Environment. Software tools (practically nonexistent in my time), new materials and a real understanding of the principles of physics have changed the face of architecture forever. Consequently, this (r)evolution is nowhere more evident than in the creations of Joaquin Torres and fellow architect and designer, Rafael Llamazares, whose Living in Architecture A-cero embodies some of the finest examples of architectural innovation, rediscovery and reinterpretation currently around. The exhibition itself hosts a multitude of elevations, plans, perspectives and artists impressions, thus demonstrating the full extent of the work that surrounds the architectural creative process.

Models of glass, aluminium, chrome, hardwood, Perspex and stone (stunning miniature works of art in their own right) make me cringe at the thought of my early efforts with Kappa board and modelling card. Striking interiors, futuristic yet liveable, complement the space and add to the overall flow of the exhibition which sees each edifice soar or descend (or both) effortlessly within its chosen landscape. Squatting modular homes and towering iconic structures cause me to lapse momentarily into a barrage of self accusatory questioning. “Why couldn’t I have thought of that?

Wasn’t I smart enough; imaginative enough; brave enough?” Evidently not. Indeed, I have no doubt that the instruments I lacked back then are the very same which have enabled the creation of what I see before me, and what, indisputably, drove such giants as Mies van der Rohe, Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright, upon whose broad shoulders Torres and Llamazares now rightfully stand.

IVAM, C/ Quevado, Guillem de Castro 118 | 96 386 30 00 | Tues-Sun: 10am-8pm | www.ivam.es | Free!

You can’t feel the highs if you aint had the lows (IVAM until 15th July) At one point, a city was defined as having a cathedral. But what is the modern definition? Hard to say, really. Population? Geographical size?

Seeing as we all have our own thoughts on the matter, I would imagine that a city is anything you want it to be. Any size, shape, colour or creed.

Ciudad Total encapsulates all of the weird and wonderful aspects of city-loving/city-hating city dwellers, and shares with the observer a vision of reality and of the surreal by presenting all that is commonplace and proverbial in a series of unusual poses and at differing levels of significance. Brand initials emblazoned on the sides of training shoes spell out one artist’s thoughts on matters of consequence, while another reduces city status to the equivalent of a hamlet; each house, factory and office block, painstakingly fashioned from old clothing and neatly packed into suitcases.

Pasting under Chinese washing lines and turning a corner you reach a Brazilian favela with a young girl ‘fishing’ from a skip. Watch out for the rubble, but don’t worry about the litter – it’s keeping someone in a job, right? Hungry? Relax; there’s a McDonalds on every corner, and you can treat yourself to some religious bling before taking the next squalid alleyway back home. Want to buy the ‘unbuyable’? Everything’s for sale in this neighbourhood! “Hey, you.”, purrs a large, rouged mouth, seedy and seductive. “Wanna buy that special feeling?

Hey, you. Wanna buy someone to take the fall? Hey, you. Wanna buy a second chance? Hey, you…”

Hey you. Wanna see a truly phenomenal exhibition?

ML IVAM, C/ Quevado, Guillem de Castro 118 | 96 386 30 00 | Tues-Sun: 10am-8pm | www.ivam.es | Free!

06/06/1984 Tetris, one of the best-selling video games of all-time, is released. Contrary to popular belief the game was actually invented in Russia.

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Gin cocktails

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hile it may have had something of a reputation in the past - mother's ruin anyone? - is there any other alcoholic drink which has enjoyed so much of a resurgence over the last few years as this classic spirit flavoured by the berries of the juniper tree?

Bars all over the city now offer a multitude of gin brands with many claiming to serve the best gin cocktails in town - usually for a premium price. There are so many to choose from including some worldwide brands such as the blue bottled Bombay Sapphire, the classic London dry Tanqueray and the cucumber and rose infused Hendrick's so even the purchase of a bottle can be quite daunting. It appears that lots of people are now gin snobs!

Our recommendation is that you go for any premium gin, try out a cocktail or two like the ones below and then try again with a different premium gin until you settle on your favourite. That way you'll know what to order in the bar! It's going to be a long summer so there's plenty of time. Enjoy!

one Champagne Fizz Choose a nice London dry gin and a dry Champagne or Cava, and squeeze fresh lemon juice for the best Champagne Fizz.

60ml gin 30ml fresh lemon juice 1 tsp sugar chilled local Cava Pour gin, lemon juice & sugar into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

Shake well.

Strain into a glass filled with ice.

Top with Cava.

two Singapore Sling 40ml gin 20ml cherry liqueur (cherry brandy) 5ml Cointreau 5ml DOM Bénédictine 10ml grenadine 80ml pineapple juice 30ml fresh lemon juice 1 dash Angostura bitters

Serves 1 Serve in a highball glass.

Pour ingredients into cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes.

Shake well.

Strain into a glass.

Garnish with pineapple and maraschino cherry.

Serves 1 Serve in large cocktail glass.

*Tip| * Sour mix, (or sweet and sour mix or bar mix) is a mixer made of lemon or lime juice & sugar syrup. It is an important part of many cocktails.

three Long Island Iced Tea 15ml triple sec 15ml light rum 15ml gin 15ml vodka 15ml tequila 30ml sour mix* cola lemon wedge for garnish Pour the spirits and sour mix into a collins glass with ice.

Stir well or shake.

Top the glass off with cola.

Garnish with the lemon wedge.

Serves 1 Serve in a long glass.

To make sour mix, mix one part heavy sugar syrup (3 parts sugar, 2 parts water) with one part lemon juice, and add 2 egg whites per litre of mix. Egg whites are optional, but will make the drinks slightly foamy. You may want to adjust the sugar/juice ratio to give the right balance of sweetness and tartness.

A day in the life in VLC | Juan Nakamine

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iving in Valencia and the Community is surprising, varied and exciting and everyone sees something different. We thought it would be fun to see what other people see. For one day, a reader will take a photo of what they can see on the hour, every hour for 9 hours. This month, Juan shows us his Friday. Contact us if you want to have a go - invlceditor@gmail.com.

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07/06/1982 – Priscilla Presley opens Graceland to the public but the bathroom where Elvis Presley died five years earlier is kept off-limits. More than 600,000 visit every year.

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Animals | A conflict of interests

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t's been a busy few months for the Spanish Royal Family. In addition to allegations of € multi-million fraud and under-age shooting accidents, it was revealed that the latest in a long line of injuries to the King, this time hip dislocation, had been sustained while he had been out shooting (and killing) elephants in Botswana. Pictures of the King standing over the carcass of one of Africa's finest creatures has in equal measures amazed and repulsed the general public which has no doubt been compounded by the fact that the King is Honorary President of the World Wildlife Fund (Spain), which advocates the protection of this vulnerable animal.

Hunting elephants in countries such as Botswana is big business. A simple search on the internet reveals literally hundreds of companies offering the guarantee of a great two-week outdoor holiday including your very own elephant trophy in exchange for a $40,000 payment. Safari companies even boast a 100% success rate for customers meaning that every single safari kills at least one elephant.

It doesn't stop there. You can bag yourself a leopard, wildebeest, lion and even the now very rare rhino should your bank account stretch that far.

How can this be in this day and age? Well pro-hunting lobbies will tell you that these animals are not necessarily endangered, or that many of them have been bred specifically for this purpose, or that culling is a necessity to maintain the fine ecological balance of the area. They will tell you that the money that big game hunting brings in allows for the continuation of programs to allow these species to survive in the long term. On the other hand, antihunting lobbies will tell you that hunting for sport can never be justified and the hunting itself is fake, as the animals are sometimes drugged and their whereabouts known before the hunt even begins.

Foster/ permanent homes URGENTLY required Name| Lola Age| 2 Years Size| Small Personality| friendly to people, cats and other dogs Health| Sterilised.

Info| P.E.P.A - 650 304 746 www.pepaspain.com

regulations, the fox-hunting ban in the UK and the bull fighting ban in Catalonia and elsewhere. Is this current moral outrage aimed at big game hunting worthy of any more of our anger than the obscene conditions that much of the meat that we eat is kept prior to its death? Or eagle's egg snatchers? Or dog fighting?

There will always be people around who, whether we agree or not, like the thrill of the hunt. Banning the activity will only force it underground and will only have the same effect as other bans such as drug abuse or Prohibition.

It will not solve the problem but it will lower the standards of professionalism of the people involved which you would imagine can only lead to further issues of animal cruelty and loss of numbers.

And as a final thought, although we are by no means in agreement with what Juan Carlos does on his holidays, wouldn't we be more surprised if our kings didn't kill things? Is that not how they got there in the first place?

Kings I would imagine must have 'kill or be killed' mentalities so perhaps we can be thankful that he isn't shooting street protestors from the windows of his Palace in Madrid.

Mankind has hunted and killed animals since time immemorial; from the days of the caveman to the legends of big game hunters such as Buffalo Bill and Ernest Hemmingway. The public's perception of hunting and killing animals for sport has in general been changing for some time which can be evidenced by the new ivory trading

08/06/1949 War Is Peace, Freedom Is Slavery, Ignorance Is Strength. George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four is published.

By 1989 it had been translated into 65 languages, the greatest number for any English novel at that time.

Events & Classifieds

Rastros | Montroy | 3 June, 1 July (1st Sun monthly)| C/ La Pau, 625 674 906 Sagrario Masia | 19 May 16 June (3rd Sat monthly * Note day change!) Mas Pavia Restaurante, nr Monserrat. Eng 625819734/ Spa 616399372, sparklesinsunshine@gmail.com.

For sale| Ford KA, 1999, 3 door. Dark Blue, Taxed to 2013. Years ITV. Insured to Sept 12.

LHD. New clutch. Music system. Good runner, Low mileage 110,000 kms. €800 OVNO. Buyer pays transfer fees. Real. 679701179 Looking for| Looking for strong Blues/Rock vocalist for established band.

Contact: Robert Tel: 63375220 E-Mail: pladecalvo@gmail.com.

Events & networking groups| Fun day| 27 May. Animal Charity fun Day in Olocau. Loads of activities, food, fun and animal competitions in support of Naturaleza y Animales. C/ Palleter 12, Urb La Lloma, Olocau, Valencia, 606723157 & 633401381, colettemarie@hotmail.co.uk

Lliria | 9 June (2nd Sat monthly) | Bellamy's Bar, 18 Avenida Polideportivo, Domeño, Tables free. 962728708, Lyn 625217777 magpiesbar@yahoo.com Oliva| 19 May 9.30am-1.30pm, Restaurant Viva Espana. In aid of raising funds for P.E.P.A. www.Pepaspain.com

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Markets | Mon-Montroy, Tues-Monserrat & Turis, Weds-L’Eliana Piccassent & Villamarchante, Thurs-Alaquas & Lliria, Fri-Moraira, Turis, Torrente & Chiva, Sat-Real de Montroy & Torrente, Sun-Alborache

Fun day thanks| Thanks to everyone who made it to the P.E.P.A fun day in April almost 1000 was raised before the heavens opened! A fantastic day! See Facebook for the pictures!

IWC| Monthly coffee mornings. An independent organisation offering: Support, Friendship, networking... 7 June, 5 July.

HIPERCOR - C.Comercial Ademuz, Av. Pio XII, 51 VLC, top floor restaurant. www.iwc-valencia.ning.com 2nd Friday lunch| 8 June A get together group for lunch and chat. 2pm.

The venue changes regularly. Contact mm@centralpoint.es for more info.

Internations events| A monthly meet up of international people. www.internations.org In the number puzzle, each letter is represented by a number 1-26. Crack the code! 3 letters are already in place.

In Sudoku, every row & column of 9 numbers & 3x3 box must include all digits 1-9 in any order.

Finished with your inVLC ? Pass it on to a friend..!

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