Key to Mijas Costa #100

CONTACT Member of:

Managing Editor & Publisher: Sandy Mellule Tel: 952 934 805 Fax: 952 934 623 Mob: 666 666 996 / 8 E-mail: keymagazine@yahoo.com / keytomijascosta@gmail.com Web: www.keytomijascosta.com Address: Key to Mijas Costa, Apartado de Correos 496, 29649 La Cala, Mijas Costa.

Deposito Legal: MA/1276/00. Design and Layout: [the Room 1.0] S.C. - www.theroom10.com

EDITORIAL issue 100 8

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WOW – Key to Mijas Costa’s centennial issue – yes, we are celebrating 100 issues of your dedicated, local, top quality magazine. It has been a bit of a bumpy ride since the recession, but we see green shoots slowly starting to appear.

Firstly, I would like to extend a very special thank you to all our advertisers who have been with us along the way, some from the very beginning and of course, you, the readers without whom none of this will have been possible.

I remember in the early days when a big event in the area was the opening of McDonalds in Calahonda. We now welcome distinguished Fashion Designers and big name artists at Rock Festivals at the fairground site in La Cala!

In this issue we have a report on the run up to Paris Fashion Week presented by Marbella Beauty Academy on page 8, we welcome back Mark Bajerski, Healer of Hearts on page 22, we also have a feature on local authoress, Marion Reynolds whose book “A Soldier’s Wife” will feature in forthcoming issues of Key to Mijas Costa. We also have a re-

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the advertisements and features contained within this magazine are accurate, Your Key to Mijas Costa can take no responsibility for any possible misrepresentation. No part of this publication, including text, illustrations or photographs may be reproduced without prior written permission from your Key to Mijas Costa.

All artwork is the subject of copyright and is the property of your Key to Mijas Costa.

Editorial is placed at Key to Mijas Costa’s discretion due to space restrictions.

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HOTLINE: 666 666 996/8 Find us on Facebook: Key to Mijas Costa

17th April to 16th June 2015

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port on the Rockabilly party featuring renowned Finnish group, Mystery Train on page 33, an introduction to N332.es, a group of Spanish Policemen dedicated to providing English translations of the Spanish traffic laws on page 40, plus to round up – all the fun of the fair at the Indian Pavilion at the 21st International Feria in Fuengirola on pages 68-69.

Key to Mijas Costa is proud to boast the best restaurant guide in the area both online at http://www.keytomijascosta.com/restaurantguide/ and of course in the magazine from pages 54-70. We feature restaurants from Europe of course - traditional Spanish, English, Italian and Swiss but also from around the globe – Chinese, Indian, Japanese and Lebanese. We are also delighted to welcome not one but TWO former Michelin* chefs in this issue, Patrick Dwyer at quirky The English Garden in Calahonda – see page 71 and also Steven Saunders at soon to be open, shabby chic The Little Geranium in La Cala on page 55.

Enjoy all our regular features too and we look forward to seeing you again in June.

PAY YOUR KEY MAGAZINE BILLS TO US BY PAYPAL. MAKE CREDIT CARD OR DEBIT CARD PAYMENTS. FREE & SIMPLE.

EDITORIAL

KEY BEAUTY Hair Extensions – No Heat, No Glue

By Tracy, Hair Magic

We now have, at Hair Magic, a new type of hair extensions along with the many others that we do. MICRO BEADS. These are different as we use no heat or glue to attach them – just a small bead.

The biggest advantage of using these beads is we can reuse the hair. Every 6 to 8 weeks you come back and we re-tighten the beads so there is no great expense in buying new hair every time.

WHY HAVE EXTENSIONS Many people think hair extensions are used only to give extra length and that they are expensive, but more of my clients have extensions to THICKEN and give body to their hair than they do for length. If you have fine, limp or flat hair, why not give extensions a try. Call Tracy and Charlotte at HAIR MAGIC.

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KEY BEAUTY MARY COHR CATIO VITAL “Dual Ionisation” Deep Cleansing Skincare Treatment Much more than a traditional beauty care treatment, CatioVital “Dual Ionisation” is a fully unique and revolutionary method that leaves the skin visibly more beautiful in just over an hour.

This treatment deep cleanses the skin, thanks to the “sauna effect” of the thermal masque, which helps the skin breathe freely and effectively absorb the active ingredients.

CatioVital” Dual Ionisation” is twice as effective as classic skincare methods as it allows the penetration of high performance products such as Hyaluronic Acid, Depolymerised DNA, Vitamin C and Fruit acid enzymes. It also includes a ten minute relaxing facial massage as well as the fabulous Mary Cohr Ice Lift masque leaving the skin visibly fresh and supple.

This treatment is tailor-made, based on the client’s skincare needs and is available in 6 versions according to beauty goals. It is one of many specialist treatments performed in the salon by the proprietor Claudia, who is highly qualified in Guinot, Mary Cohr and Christina skincare treatments.

By Forum

GENIE COMPLETE NON SURGICAL LIFTING An alternative to the Mary Cohr Catiolift, this powerful lifting is available as a course of ten treatments to be taken over two weeks. A course of ten facial treatments is now 250.00 euros and a course of body treatments (2 areas) is now 375.00 euros.

We also offer a wide range of beauty treatments including waxing, spray tanning, massage, manicures and pedicures, not forgetting acrylic and gel nails, semi permanent make up and a full range of hair extensions from pre-bonded to micro loops.

For any other enquiries regarding our hair or beauty treatments, please do not hesitate to call us on 952 59 90 98 or check out our facebook page Forumhair Andbeauty.

Please see advertisement for our special offers.

These treatments are available per session for 50.00 euros or as a course of three sessions over three weeks for 140.00 euros.

MARY COHR CATIO LIFT Spectacular Lifting for your Skin Rejuvenate your facial muscles through muscle stimulation. Unlike most lifting treatments that only target the skin’s structure, CatioLift works deep down by stimulating the facial muscles which recover their tone, beautifully firming the skin. The features appear spectacularly “lifted” and the facial contour is reshaped. The face is lifted, wrinkles and fine lines are visibly diminished, the neck skin is refined and the complexion appears more youthful.

An immediate lifting effect from the first session! As soon as the CatioLift treatment is over, do a mirror test on half of your face. You will see the difference! Recommended as an intensive 3-session treatment, for a visibly more youthful you or incorporate this with the CatioVital for an extra boost.

This is available with a full facial for 50.00 euro or as a 30-minute express treatment for 36.00 euro.

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KEY FEATURE Spring into Networking All businesses need the opportunity to get the word out about their product or services. The more you tell your story, build relationships and make connections, the better the likelihood of getting clients and customers. Networking has been proven so many times to be among the best ways to do this. If you haven’t started networking yet, it’s never too late to start.

When is the best time to plant a tree? 100 years ago. When is the next best time – TODAY! Check your Business Cards Invest in some good quality business cards which include all your contact details, as well as social media links, website etc. Make sure these are always with you. Our Spanish hosts have taught us that speaking to strangers is a perfectly acceptable hobby! You never know when you might meet someone in the course of your day-to-day travels that could be interested to hear more about your services. (I once found a Client in a dentist waiting room!)

Get your story ready!

Ask your Friends and Family what they think you do for a living; you might be surprised at the answers. Image your ideal Client (or expert in your industry) who you would love to tell what you do. Tweak and hone your message and then tell it to a child – if you can’t explain what you do so that a child understands, a foreigner, or new contact might not either. And remember, your clients and customer will always tune into their favourite radio station WIIFM (What’s In It For Me?).

By Ali Meehan – Founder of costawomen.com Join a Networking Group Networking has increased in popularity in recent years, an offshoot of the online revolution. Here on the Costa there are many established networking groups, as well as new entrants into the market. Many are free to join, or offer the chance to go along for free for the first session to find out whether the group is a good fit for your business. Some offer breakfast meet ups (Business 1st, Business Breakfast, Costa Women, Marbella Networking Club, BNI). Others are evening events (Malaga Business Minds, Internation, Bites & Business, GeekBeers and more). Find out more about the group by checking Google, or Social Media. Their messages should normally give a good indication as to whether they might be a fit for your business.

Prepare to Invest for the longer term Remember that networking will very rarely produce instant results. Future Clients usually need to go through a process of getting to know YOU (not just your business!), learn to trust YOU and then liking what YOU do. You were born with 2 ears and 1 mouth – use them in that proportion whilst networking. If you listen to what your new contact is saying, you might learn how you can help with their particular need. Make your face a familiar one on the Coast and the investment will be well worth it.

“Successful networking comes from a place of abundance rather than scarcity, a place of stretching your hand first rather than looking for hands to stretch to you.”

Ali Meehan – Founder of costawomen.com

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KEY FEATURE International Women’s Day Event On a beautiful, sunny day on 6th March the Marbella Networking Club in conjunction with Marbella Social Events held their inaugural event at the spectacular Restaurante Le Papillon right on the water’s edge in Urb Marbessa, Marbella. The event started with a Cava reception followed by

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lunch, live entertainment, auction and fashion show. The event raised 2900 Euros for Cudeca Cancer Hospice. The event was fully booked and all the ladies had a great afternoon. The pictures above tell the story. For information on further events, see www.marbellasocialevents.com

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KEY HEALTH The Beach Fit Run

By Positively Pink & Blue

The Beach Fit Run is to be held at the end of May or early June 2015 in aid of Breast, Testicular and Prostate Cancer.

The Beach Fit Run is a 10Km run in the La Cala de Mijas area in aid of Positively Pink & Blue.

“Positively Pink” & “Positively Blue” are the Mijas-based charities with the sole aim to raise the necessary funds to provide education, support and a FREE breast or prostate/ testicular screening for British men and women living on the Costa del Sol. In 2014 Positively Pink & Blue offered 1000 FREE breast screenings and 300 FREE prostate and testicular screenings.... but to be able to continue they need YOU to help them by supporting events that help raise the funds to continue in their life saving work.

The run will take place on either Saturday 23rd May or 6th June (awaiting confirmation from Mijas Town Hall) and registration will be from 9.30am at the El Oceano Beach & Spa

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Hotel. The cost to take part is 10.00 euros per person and includes a Pink or Blue t-shirt. All proceeds raised will go directly to the charity and fund FREE screening appointments.

With the support of the local Town Hall and the wonderful team at the Foreigners Department, we have been able to plan a fantastic route for the runners which will be suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Numbers are limited so you need to register your interest as soon as possible by contacting us on Facebook “Positively Pink Costa del Sol or Positively Blue Costa del Sol” or email our sponsors hola@beachfit.es. The closing date for registering to take part is mid-May 2015.

A very Big Thank You to Glen at Beach Fit BootCamps for sponsoring and organising this year’s run - www.beachfit.es.

For those that would like to raise more money for their efforts, sponsorships forms are available via the Facebook pages.

Registered Charity G 92860477/1492

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KEY HEALTH Ovarian Cancer Often referred to as the silent killer, ovarian cancer presents with symptoms that can easily be confused with other health problems. The key to diagnosis is “Persistent, Frequent and New Symptoms”.

7000 women are diagnosed every year in the UK with ovarian cancer but the average GP may see one case of ovarian cancer every five years. Most tumours on the ovaries are not cancerous, but benign. They are not life threatening and can occur for a number of reasons. Only around 1 in 5 ovarian masses found in women still having their periods (menstruating) are cancerous.

That figure rises in post menopausal women - those who have gone through the ‘change’ some time ago. For women in this group it is likely that one in every two tumours will be malignant (cancerous).

Symptoms awareness currently provides the best safety net for women and early diagnosis often leads to the best outcomes.

Recent studies show that the majority of women with ovarian cancer, even those with early stage disease, do have symptoms prior to diagnosis. There is increasing evidence that symptoms may be present for a median of 12 months.

Whilst the presentation may be vague, non-specific symptoms, there is accumulating evidence that women with ovarian cancer ex-

Supplied by Clinica Medicare perience symptoms that are persistent, frequent and new to them.

What are the symptoms • Stomach and, or pelvic pain • Persistent bloating (no relief from the bloating feeling) • Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly Other symptoms may include: • Excessive tiredness and back pain • Urgency to pass urine • Change in bowel habits Remember ovarian cancer primary affects women over the age of 40, but it is important that women of all ages are aware of the disease and its symptoms. The symptoms occur for many reasons and your healthcare professional is unlikely to want to send you for unnecessary tests. But if the symptoms continue, occur on most days or started for no apparent reason, make sure ovarian cancer is considered.

The sooner ovarian cancer is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat.

Survival can be 70% for women diagnosed with early stage ovarian cancer. That means that seven out of ten women will survive for five or more years.

If you are having symptoms more than 12 times a month your Healthcare Professional should do a CA125 blood test.

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KEY HEALTH Tired Of Loose Dentures??

Click them in so they don’t move!

Are you tired of your removable dentures because of: • loose fit • discomfort while eating • food lodgement under the dentures • poor quality of chewing, poor aesthetics and phonetics Implant retained dentures are specialist dentures which are supported by 2 or 4 dental implants placed in the jaw For replacement of multiple teeth, Removable Implant Teeth (Implant-Dentures) represent an excellent option for comfort, appearance, function and cost: • They stay put. When you talk or eat they won’t budge. You can even eat Steak with them!

• More comfort in the mouth. The implant supports mean that they can be much smaller than false teeth (dentures) – the palate is left clear for proper enjoyment of your food and the absence of the classic denture-lisp.

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By Belinda Pamos, Sonrisa

• Easy to clean. Implant retained dentures are easily removed for cleaning and do not get much food trapped under them, unlike conventional dentures • They are only removed for cleaning. No more teeth in a glass by the side of the bed!

• Last over ten years. The longest surviving implants have been in place for 25 years.

This technology transforms the humble denture from a loose, food catching, great lump of uselessness to a slim, snug fitting and firmly attached set of teeth that you can eat anything with and never fear them slipping out from under your nose while chatting.

This treatment is the most effective way of replacing large amounts of teeth, even when compared to other treatments.

• Cheaper than implant bridges • Easier to clean than implant bridges • Half the price of implant bridges

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KEY HEALTH Choosing a Therapist

By Patricia Kaines

With so many therapists here on the coast, it is very difficult to know which one to choose.

Word of mouth is always a good start, but it is also important to check the Therapist’s qualifications. Do they attend regular refresher courses? Do they keep abreast of the latest developments in their field? Do they have Public Liability Insurance? Here in Spain, many therapists don’t bother with insurance. Ask yourself, what would happen if an incident occurred during your treatment or even worse, you had a bad reaction after the treatment – what rights would you have? Does your therapist belong to a professional body either here in Spain or in their home country to who they can refer for information, advice or support?

So many therapists claim to be experts – don’t be afraid to ask them questions and don’t be put off by the long words!

I have been a complementary Therapist for almost 20 years, having completed most of my training whilst work-

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ing in the National Health Service in the UK. I offer a wide range of therapies: Sports/Rehabilitation Massage, Aromatherapy, Indian Head Massage, Thai Foot Massage, Reiki and my specialist treatment, Manual Lymphatic Drainage (Vodder method).

I recently appeared on Mijas International TV alongside Sandy, Managing Editor of this magazine, where I was able to talk about myself and the different therapies I offer. If you missed the programme, take a look at my new website, www.particiakaines.com or follow me on Facebook, - Patricia Kaines Therapies, where you can stay up to date with my latest news and offers.

I am fully qualified and insured, You can contact me either through Clinica Medicare in La Cala de Mijas on 952 835 776 where you will find me on Wednesdays and Fridays. If you prefer, call me directly on 666 170 868, or message me through Facebook or my website.

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NEW! Diamond Microdermabrasion

By Anne Stark

This treatment exfoliates the skin using diamond tips of different sizes, which act through continuous movement and vacuum off the outermost layer of the skin. Treatment is pain-free and is suitable for both men and women. The skin renews every 28 days; new cells push old ones to the top of the skin. Diamond Microdermabrasion will help to get rid of old cells and accelerate cell renewal and that means youngerlooking skin, fine lines will look less visible, your skin looks more luminous and those imperfections seem to have disappeared.

Applications for use of Diamond Microdermabrasion are: • Aging skin • Wrinkles • Blackheads • Facial cleaning • Hyperkeratosis So, in plain English, a good facial with excellent exfoliation, followed by a good treatment!

We all know that every machine is only as good as the person who uses it. I guarantee you that with me your treatment will be performed to the very best. It is my ambition to provide my clients with the best possible results and the best value for money.

Genie Take 10 Non-Surgical Facelift On page 11 you will see Marijke who had Bell’s Palsy 10 years ago. See the difference! Genie Take 10 is an excellent lifting treatment.

Massage Massage can be defined as any systematic form of touch which is found to give comfort and promote good health. Touch is the first sense to develop in the human embryo and there is increasing research to show that we all benefit from it. Many people are having massage to keep their muscles flexible and relaxed before an event and to eliminate stiffness after exercise. Massage, as a therapeutic tool has throughout history been an integral part of medicine. It is being appreciated as a complement to the scientific approach to healing. I see it in my work every day – people who have never attempted to have a massage before and can’t believe the results and how great they feel! Older people can really benefit from regular massage. My advice is to find a therapist who really wants to make you feel better and with whom you can exchange energies freely and whose skills give you reassurance. You will, like me, then agree that massage enhances the lives of all of us. Remember, life may take it out of you but massage puts it back. I have been massaging for over twenty years now and still love it and I learn something every day. I still attend courses to improve my skills so that I can treat you even better! Please come and find out what massage can do for you.

Be Sun from ATACHE This is a new range of anti-aging sun creams for the face – SPF 50, SPF 50 with colour and SPF 30 oil-free. Also 200ml SPF 30 for face and body, transparent 150ml SPF 50 and 200ml SPF 15 with shimmer to make your skin look good. Remember, creams go off, so throw away last year’s sun creams. ATACHE Get Results products are excellent quality using the latest technology and I am sure you will also love them.

Regards Anne

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KEY HEALTH Bio-Glucosamine Repeated lifelong use is damaging to joints. This need not be running or severe exercise; climbing stairs or just even everyday activities gradually take their toll with time.

Most long-term damage occurs when the lubricating (synovial) fluids within the joints become thin and watery, usually due to inadequate supply of the basic materials that make up the synovial fluid.

As the fluid thins, the cartilage wears down. This contrasts with the situation in healthy joints, where the synovial fluid is jelly-like, able to offer greater support and absorb impact.

Scientific studies have revealed that glucosamine, when taken as a nutritional supplement, is well absorbed by the gut, passing to all tissues including joint cartilage, working to help normalise cartilage production and maintain structural integrity.

Bio-Glucosamine Super With 675mg glucosamine sulphate 2 KCI per capsule (equivalent to 509 mg glucosamine sulphate) it is ideal for people who want a higher intake of glucosamine.

Available in 50 and 125 capsule packs.

Bio-Glucosamine MEGA This product offers 500mg glucosamine sulphate 2 KCI Per tablet (equivalent to 375mg glucosamine sulphate) and the added advantage of 400mg chrondroitin which also has a positive effect on joints.

The chrondroitin in Bio-Glucosamine MEGA is derived from shark fin unlike many other preparations on the market which use bovine cartilage. This makes it free of BSE risk associated with cattle derived substances.

Available in 60 and 140 tablet packs.

Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding. Not suitable for children.

Both Bio-Glucosamine Super and Bio-Glucosamine MEGA are not suitable for people with an allergy to shellfish.

Bio-Glucosamine +MSM Cream Containing a blend of glucosamine and MSM (dimethyl sulfone), this product can be massaged into the required area 2-3 times a day.

Available in 75ml tubes.

By Anni’s Vital Shop As people age, the capacity of the body to manufacture glucosamine is reduced. Supplementation is the best source of additional glucosamine, since there are no accessible food sources of this substance.

Taking regular, gentle exercise is also beneficial to the joints, as it stimulates blood supply and the natural regeneration of joint surface and bone.

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KEY FEATURE Helping the World to See

National campaign to collect Glasses for Lions Clubs International Specsavers Opticas continues its campaign to collect unwanted glasses to present to the Lions Clubs at the beginning of May. There are two Specsavers Opticas stores on the Costa del Sol, in Marbella and Fuengirola, and they are calling on their local communities to get involved so that they can collect as many glasses as possible and beat their 2013 campaign which collected 4,436 pairs.

Specsavers Opticas and Lions Clubs International are committed to helping the world to see, and this collection will change lives in areas where people desperately need access to glasses. Specsavers are asking community groups, schools and clubs to help them by having a collection and bringing them into their nearest store so glasses don’t go to waste. The campaign will run until 29th April 2015. To find

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By Specsavers Opticas

your nearest store visit www.specsavers.es.

After the glasses are donated in store they are sent to the Lions Club’s recycling plant in Alicante where they are first separated into single vision, bifocals, varifocals and sunglasses. They are then graded according to prescription strength, cleaned and boxed for distribution.

Lions Club representatives are located across many developing countries including Africa and India. They test the eyes of locals and send requests for the required prescription glasses onto the fulfilment plant. Lions Clubs International collects around 70,000 pairs of glasses in their Alicante Centre to be re-dispensed every year, with each one being donated and hand selected for specific people in need. For more information on Lions Clubs International and to find your local branch visit www.lionsclubs.org.

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KEY HOLISTIC In this issue I reproduce some of the feedback from Christine’s recent training courses. If you would like to take part in future courses, details of the next events are in the advertisement below.

A blissful experience - the intensive training on Peter Hess Sound Massage Christine Heckel is a wonderful teacher and passionately dedicated to spreading the goodness of the Tibetan singing bowls. She offers wonderfully tailored courses where one can learn in depth the wonderful art and therapeutic use of the Tibetan bowls and she also provides with her loving and compassionate presence, the sacred space necessary to receive this beautiful teaching. With her, one feels at Home and in the hands of a professional and wonderful person.

The Peter Hess intensive international training held in Spain in March 2014 has been a blissful experience, very rewarding in terms of the techniques and approaches learned, also the depth of the transmission and the love and care supporting the students along their personal path of transformation through the sound of the bowls and their powerful effects. I myself had the experience of a profound healing occurring within me and I felt totally supported by Christine’s expertise and warm heart.

Christine provided a phenomenal translation from German into English, and was really careful to integrate all students from different linguistic backgrounds so they could all receive the best teaching possible. A real treat!

This course is a wonderful experience of self healing and personal

Testimonials transformation and a teaching that will be a life-long gift for whomever wishes to embrace the gentle art of massage through the singing bowls. Thank you!

Looking forward to the next level Participating in Christine’s Sound Massage class was pure joy. We had so much fun exploring the different sounds and healing properties of the Tibetan Singing Bowls. Spending 2 days completely immersed in sound was also a very profound healing experience for me which I am very grateful for. It’s now a month later and my cells are still vibrating. How does it get any better than this? The course was a great combination of theory and lots of practice. I am now very excited to start using Sound Massage in my practice. Thank you Christine; I am looking forward to the next level.

BIG Thank you - the intensive training on Peter Hess-Sound Massage It was the only course I have ever attended that allowed me to not only learn the basics of a therapy (sound massage) but to have the opportunity to work with my inner self.

An amazing course which provided a safe environment which was conducive to learning.

A beautiful life-enhancing course which was taught with passion and love from both Christine and Ingrid.

I had a little knowledge of sound therapy both in theory and practice before attending the course, on completion I now feel the energy of sound within myself and feel totally connected.

Great course, great tutors can’t wait to start practicing; looking forward to the next course!

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KEY FEATURE Buddha Call

By Mark Bajerski Healer of Hearts

One sunny morning I sat on the beach with a friend working on a new design for my business cards. I often work by the sea where I can truly still my mind and think clearly.

On this day, things weren’t going as I’d planned however. I was feeling quite distracted. Instead of focusing on the sea for inspiration, my eyes were drawn towards the mountains to the left of where I was sitting. Looking up, I was almost blinded by a sudden bright glare. It was the glorious reflection of the sun catching the golden tip of the ‘Stupa’, a beautiful Buddhist temple which stands at the top of the mountain.

“Doesn’t that steeple look amazing from here?” I remarked to my friend. I knew the temple - located just a short drive from the mountain pueblo of Benalmadena - though I’d not yet been to visit it. Looking at it elevated high on the mountain and sparkling in the sunlight, it was nothing short of majestic.

We continued our work but I truly lacked enthusiasm to focus on the designs. I decided it might be time to leave - really unusual for me as I rarely, if ever, lack enthusiasm for my work. The idea that I would leave the beach within fifteen minutes or so of arriving there is unheard of for me. Though she agreed to do so, my friend was surprised when I asked if we could call it a day – I didn’t feel I’d make any progress by staying there.

Walking up from the beach, my eyes continued to be drawn towards the Buddhist temple. I stopped for a moment, taking it all in. It truly was a beautiful sight to behold.

Back in the car, we set off home up the mountain road to my village, Mijas Pueblo. I was chatting away happily with my friend, when she suddenly realised I’d taken a wrong turning.

“Mark, where are we going?’ she queried.

“Oh dear,” I replied, a bit puzzled myself. “I’ll turn back at the next roundabout!”

Back into our conversation, of course, I forgot to turn back and instead continued straight on. My friend soon noticed we were now heading into Benalmadena.

“You’ve done it again,” she said, laughing. “Oh dear, what’s going on with you today!”

“What is up with you today, Mark?” I thought to myself.

I really wasn’t concentrating at all. Up ahead, I noticed a familiar sight – the shining gold top of the Buddhist temple.

I smiled, realising that this detour was a bit of luck after all.

We could turn round by the temple and also have a chance

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to see it up close.

As we drove nearer, we discovered what must have been a hundred or more cars, all heading the same way. A man dressed in Buddhist robes was walking along the roadside.

I stopped to ask what was going on.

“Today, my brother, four Buddhist Lamas are performing initiations at the temple,” he replied.

“Was it enjoyable?” I asked enthusiastically. He smiled and replied, “Park on the left. It begins in five minutes.”

Minutes later, I found myself walking effortlessly through a crowd of about two thousand people. I managed to walk straight up to the Lamas, until I was right in front of them. I knew without doubt that the Universe had led me there and reserved a place for me in this divine moment. I was initiated by four of the wisest living Lamas. Receiving this blessing gave me incredible joy - my body tingled from the shock of what had just happened and more so from the immense happiness I felt.

The Universe is a truly magical place, bringing people together in a divine moment in time. This was one of those divine moments.

Conclusion: Spirit has a plan for each one of us and finds a way to bring us to the right place for many reasons: an experience, a lesson or a divine encounter. These moments may be filled with great joy or, indeed, with heavy challenges. They all have a purpose to help us grow spiritually and to gain a deeper understanding of how and why we are all here.

Learning to trust in the greater plan of Spirit brings about a release and creates a deeper calmness in our lives. Whenever you find yourself at a crossroads and frozen by the fear of making the ‘wrong’ decision or choice, let go of that fear - take a leap of faith.

It doesn’t matter if you choose left or right – in the end, the light shines brightly both ways. This is now how I live my daily life. I learned a great lesson that day: to trust in the greater plan of the Universe.

Mark Bajerski International Psychic and Healer www.markbajerski.com FB Mark Bajerski Healer of Hearts Tel 649 369 009

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KEY FEATURE Dario Meets Lee Jay

By Dario Poli

On first meeting Lee Jay, one sees a strong-looking, wellbuilt, compact man with a friendly relaxed demeanour, a warm inviting smile and a man that looks you right in the eyes with a gentle confidence that is devoid of any arrogance or self-importance. He interviewed me for his popular radio programme that he presents each week. Now it was my turn, so I asked him to tell me about himself, and what a story it is; pity there’s not enough space in this article to do Lee Jay justice “Lee Jay, two questions; how did it all begin? And why did you come to Spain?”

“I grew up in an environment surrounded by alcohol and music - mainly due to my parents being publicans in my home town of Gloucester. My father was ex RAF and very much into the American Swing bands of the 40s and 50s whereas Mum had worked in the local cinema and loved the romantic British bands of the era - both loved music so that’s where my love of music originates from.

I always wanted a guitar and was given a mandolin when I was about 7 or 8 and told it was a guitar. As much as I tried, I couldn’t tune it and it didn’t sound anything like the guys with Elvis. Eventually Dad gave in and when I was 11 and after a move to Birmingham he let me buy a guitar.

Still living in pubs and having a part time job bottling up and collecting glasses I became very used to a life in the midst of cigarettes and alcohol, neither of which held any real mysteries for me. By the time I was 13 I looked a lot older, dark hair, a need to shave and smoking meant I could easily get into other bars and even Clubs which is where I became even more interested in music Groups were the thing in the mid 60’s so I learnt a bit of Blues bass guitar and had some fun in local bands, mainly just fill in Gigs, but still damn good fun. Then it occurred to me, if I played records like the DJ’s on radio I could keep all the money and more importantly, girls, to myself. So I sold the bass, bought 2 record decks and plugged them into my amp. This led to getting involved in the Club scene in Birmingham and, still only 17, lied about my age which found me DJ’ing in some of the top clubs in town under the rather dubious name of Lee-Roy Stax.

I was, as far as I know, the first DJ to play James Brown Sex Machine in Birmingham. Sadly at this time a broken relationship (marriage) and the loss of my father meant I moved back to Gloucester to be with my Mum, but the music of the night kept nagging and eventually I went back to DJ’ing in the only club at that time in Gloucester, Tracey’.

Severn Sound, the local radio station, was starting up so back into radio I went and, as well as DJ’ing in the Clubs, the life style, cost me another marriage.....

I ended up back in Birmingham at a beautiful club called Bobby Browns that was just the place to be. Two Separate Clubs, a Restaurant, Champagne bar, and lounges for chilling

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out all inside an old warehouse on the banks of the canal in the centre of Birmingham. My next move was into club management - not right for me. I wanted to run the clubs I managed from the front. The Company wanted them run from the office, profit not fun was what they wanted. Budgets Budgets Budgets - not me - I wanted fun, fun, fun, make the club a really good place to be and people will want to be there.

Sadly Management was not my forte. So after another marriage break and time running a club in Croydon it was time for a change so I moved to Brighton with a new wife and a new life. Unfortunately the company I went to work for went Bankrupt just as I started - I promise nothing to do with me - I had only been there 2 days!

Unemployed and as I was told by the Employment Office unemployable - too old, too experienced, nothing you would be suited to but living in Brighton was fun. Then came Southern Sound radio station, I got involved in OB’s for them and eventually back into DJ’ing events, parties, weddings etc. My wife and I decided if it was the only thing I could do, then let’s do it. We started PLJ Entertainments Ltd which over a few years grew to be a Million pound business supplying Conference services and entertainment to large blue chip companies like Virgin Atlantic, Cable and Wireless, Saab UK, Whitbread, the list went on, they were clients that came back time after time. The business grew and became extremely successful with our own set designers, Stunt Team, Bands, DJ’s and office staff.

After then 9/11 hit which was catastrophic to the conference industry, together with many changes in business tax allowances on entertainment; enough was enough and we left the UK for a new life in Spain For 5 years we lived on the coast and once again the call of Radio was heard and I was offered a show on Octopus radio.

A talk show, something I had never done – this could be fun.

Lee Jay’s lazy Siesta was a once a week 2 hour talk show, but it became a 5 days a week 3 hr show. The Guests were a complete mix of people from the famous to the infamous - it didn’t matter. Some of the crazy things that happened were trying to interview 2 Drag acts on the same show- bitching...wine tasting with a wine expert and the editor of a new high profile Marbella magazine. Anything and everything - live musicians, guitars, saxes, harmonicas, most of the Marbella Big Band you name it, we did it on that show.

A move inland came next and the start of Heart fm Spain.

This grew from the need to create a true inland radio station that catered for the people who lived on the other side of the mountains from the coast. Our lives are different; even the weather is different, so telling us all about Fuengirola and who’s doing what, means very little to someone in Coin.”

Our interview ended. There is so much to learn about the fascinating Lee Jay, but that will need a book.

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KEY FEATURE The Photo that inspired my Novel When I was growing up in Dublin there was a photo in my grandmother’s house that intrigued me. It was a large photo in an ornate frame of an elegant woman in a beautiful dress with her hair upswept in the Edwardian style and a dashing man in military uniform with a curled moustache. Between them was a baby in a lace dress and beside her another man in uniform.

Even as a child I knew that the photo and frame were completely at variance with the rest of the living room in the small two up two down which was my grandparents’ house.

I found it hard to believe that the old people I knew and loved were the same people in that photograph.

They seldom talked about the lives they had led before they settled in the house in Dublin. Occasionally Grandma mentioned growing up on Lord Lucan’s estate in Castlebar where her father was the lodge keeper. Once I found a shred of luminous silk in a beautiful kingfisher colour at the back of the wardrobe which she said had been part of a ball gown when they lived in India. When I asked about the baby I was told that she died on the way to India. The other man in the photo was her cousin who had also been in the Connacht Rangers Regiment.

Grandad always wore a poppy on Remembrance Sunday but nobody else in the family or even the street did. The house was in a nationalist area of Dublin. I found a tin tobacco box with his military medals in it on a rainy day when I searched the wardrobe out of boredom. One was the Military Medal which he told me he had won for bravery during WW1. Before he could tell me more, Grandma said it was time for tea and put the medals away.

I grew up and spent less time in that house. Other things occupied my mind: education, career, boyfriends, marriage, and a family. Although both grandparents lived into their nineties, I

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By Marion Reynolds

was still young when they died. A cousin inherited the photo, another cousin the medals and the house was sold.

Like many people, it was not until I got older myself that I began to research my grandparents’ lives. The dramatic changes that my grandmother had seen in the course of her life particularly interested me. She had gone from a fairly privileged upbringing in Mayo to a glamorous life as the wife of a sergeant major in the India of the Raj, with servants to do the housework and ayahs to look after the children. She returned to a very different, frugal life in Dublin. While her husband went off to fight in Flanders, she was left alone to bring up her four children in a nationalist area of the city. She and her family witnessed the Lockout, the Rising, the Civil War and the emergence of the Free State.

When he returned from the war, he could not find employment of any kind, in common with most of the Irishmen who were former British soldiers. His family had all become nationalists and were ashamed of his military service in the British army. Family lore said that our grandfather survived WW1 without being wounded. I discovered that he had been wounded, not once but twice. Most of his regiment was wiped out at the Battle of the Somme, but he survived.

I have a copy of the photo in my house now. After years of thinking about it, I decided two years ago to write about my grandparents and that tumultuous period of Irish history. I wish now that I had taken more interest in their history when they were still alive.

“A Soldier’s Wife” by Marion Reynolds is available from my website www.marionhreynolds.com from Book Depository and from Amazon.

Marion is a residential tourist who spends part of her time in the Municipality of Mijas. In the next issue of the magazine we will start to produce extracts from her novel “A Soldier’s Wife”.

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KEY ASTROLOGY Uranus, Neptune & Pluto an Evolutionary Leap

By Janet Powell

It is amazing to think that our evolutionary leap started less than 250 years ago with the discovery of three ‘outer’ planets, URANUS NEPTUNE and PLUTO... the acceleration of our evolution had begun and we couldn’t have stopped it even if we wanted! When a planet is ‘discovered’ astronomers study its structure and astrologers study its essence and behaviour, and it is from astrology that we derive each planet’s potential effect on us, the way it may affect our lives.

Since the first cosmic observer thousands of years ago right up to the 18th century, Saturn was the outermost planet known to man along with the other 6 planets, Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars and Jupiter, all of which could be seen with the naked eye. Saturn was known then and still is to some degree as the planet of boundaries, limitations and hardship, and no one can deny these would have been the order of the day for many people living during those times.

But following the discovery of Uranus in 1781 this view of life changed forever. The World entered a time of unpredictability where revolutions and inventions were smashing through mind barriers. From history books we know during this period saw the American and French Revolutions which lead to democracy in both countries, and one among many inventions at that time was James Watt’s steam engine. In astrology, Uranus represents revolution, rebellion, ingenuity, inventions, eccentricity and sudden change.

When Neptune came into our awareness in 1846, the discovery coincided with a time of great suffering and idealism.

It was the year of the Irish potato famine and the years following this brought an increased concern for the downtrodden worldwide. Lots of social changes followed with books like Uncle Tom’s Cabin and David Copperfield, both revealing the plight of the poor in England and America. Philosophers Emerson and Walt Whitman appeared on the scene, the California Gold Rush and Darwin’s work on the theory of evolution was published. Neptune represents creativity, compassion, empathy, idealism, dreams and spirituality.

So Uranus and Neptune brought us democracy and idealism creating a world of awareness previously unknown, then in 1930 Pluto was discovered! This was the planet that opened up a level of technology unheard of and brought our consciousness to the edge of space with the discovery of plutonium and the creation of machines powerful enough to destroy the world! By 1945 the atomic age

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had begun… human beings now had it in their power to destroy the world! But, here we are in the 21st Century hanging in there while gradually moving towards the creation of positive changes in our world.

Another more recent and interesting discovery was the Asteroid ‘Chiron’ in 1977. In Greek mythology, Chiron (known as the wounded healer) is abandoned by his parents. He was born half man and half horse, therefore immortal, and was adopted by the God Apollo who taught him everything he knew about healing. Later in life Chiron suffered a wound that would not heal but being immortal the wound would stay with him forever. However Chiron agrees to take the place of Prometheus who is doomed to a mortal death, and upon his (Chiron’s) death he is released from his wound.

This is an interesting concept, because when we experience a healing crisis it is often followed by some kind of transformation. Our inner wounds can be so difficult and heavy to carry around that there comes a point when we have no option but to let go of them, a symbolic death of sorts, and allow a re-birth to take place.

Like Chiron, we may find that in healing others we gain some inner insight and salvation even if we can’t fully heal ourselves.

Chiron represents wisdom and patience as well as mastery over the shadow-self and often our wounds can be seen as gifts when looked at from a different angle.They give us character, lessons in life and perseverance. Chiron teaches us these things but as always it’s up to us whether we choose to learn them!

The Chiron myth as I’ve described it above is a very abridged version (as those of you who have studied Greek mythology will know) but here’s the interesting thing about Chiron’s discovery... the late 1970’s was the start of an era when people were fast becoming interested in healing themselves by natural means. Vitamins and minerals and self-help books began pouring onto the shelves in health shops and supermarkets everywhere, and it became almost the norm to have regular sessions with a psychotherapist. Finally, the time was ripe for us to learn how to heal ourselves!

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about astrology at a Beginners Workshop, write to Janet at astrology4everyone@yahoo.co.uk for details.

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KEY SPORTS Aston Villa V Leicester City FA CUP 5th ROUND - February 15th 2015 An eagerly anticipated 5th round tie at Villa Park. Villa had all the early territorial advantage but Leicester started pushing forward. A razor-sharp 20-yard Matty James drive which deserved a goal was expertly tipped away at full stretch by Chay Given, a fantastic save. Then he dived forward to scoop away from Kramaric during a goalmouth scramble. Given is featuring in just Aston Villa’s cup ties, not the league.

Villa eventually broke the dead-lock after 67 minutes when Bacuma cut inside and curled in from 18 yards. This was just after Marius Wasilewski, who had earlier headed against the post, one of three centre backs was substituted by Leicester’s Argentine 10-goal top scorer, Leonardo Ulloa. With a minute remaining, Sinclair, a January transfer recruit from Manchester City, shot, Schwartzer fumbled and Aston Villa were 2 up.

In the second minute of stoppage time, Jeff Schlupp crossed from the left and Kramaric powered home the header at the

By Steve Billingham near post to set up a frantic finish. Aston Villa however progressed through in a tight match in front of new manager Tim Sherwood by 2-1.

‘The match was pretty poor until the last 20 minutes or so, six out of ten,’ remarked an observer.‘ Albrighton could also have possibly come on after Ulloa to put more crosses in.’

Aston Villa beat West Bromwich Albion on 6 March to progress through to the semi-finals of the FA Cup. The match was marred by two ridiculous pitch invasions by Villa fans, one with several minutes remaining following the controversial dismissal of substitute Grealish for apparently diving and the other at the end of the match. A Brom player had already been sent off.

The Aston Villa goals were scored by Fabian Delph and a fine cut inside and curl into the far corner by Scott Sinclair.

Jolean Lescott had missed a simple headed chance, heading wide earlier in the match.

KEY MUSIC Techno Top 5 Museum – AAAA - Minimal, bleepy but wicked groove bass line music Patience - A hypnotic track, played by James Ruskin Blockhead (original mix) - Bittersuite. Another wicked bass line track, got this off an excellent mix by Leicester old school house & garage dj Jeff Allen

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Protect and Survive - Billington. Produced using analogue hardware equipment, for this and more check out the soundcloud page on sbillingham888.

Love Story - Intelzz An unsigned UK rap tune, intelzz’s gamest rap and excellent backing track

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KEY FEATURE What’s on at the Salon Varietes 17th - 19th April Elvis/Tom Jones Tribute With Johnny G and Ricky Lavazza 24th - 28th April Showstoppers!

A musical revue directed by Alexandra Avery 8th - 12th May Three Tall Women A play by Edward Albee. Directed by Paul Kloegman. America’s foremost living playwright looks at personality, survival and self-deception through the eyes of three women

15th May The Four Tops Tribute 22th - 24th May and 28th - 31st May Around the World in Eighty Days A musical directed by Henrik Hagensen 6th June Echoes of the 60’s BOX OFFICE TEL: 952 474 542. OPEN 11am - 2:30 pm Mon - Sat and 1 hour before each performance. Also book on www.salonvarietestheatre.com

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KEY FEATURE Wedding Photography & Videography Genavieve Dupoix from Insatiable Gravy loves creating Music Videos, but she also loves photography, and would like to thank Key to Mijas Costa for choosing her photo for the front cover of the last edition of the magazine “Sunset at Calahonda Beach”.

Apart from this, she is a Wedding Photographer & Videographer, filming every moment of the Bride & Groom’s special day and all the preparations before and during the Ceremony, and then at the Reception.

Wedding Photography and Videography is so much more than taking pictures and video; it’s telling a story about the happy couple’s biggest moment of their lives. Capturing every little detail, editing and to be able to have those special moments, emotions and beauty they can treasure forever.

Genavieve feels that her work captures the natural portrayal of the memorable event, blending into the background to ob-

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By Genavieve Dupoix

tain a spontaneous and realistic significance of that special day two people unify an oath to each other.

The photos above are from weddings during 2014: Ben & Charlotte Cooper’s Marriage was at El Oceano with its lavish beautiful gardens and mesmerising Mediterranean Sea views. The whole day was exceptionally amazing.

Wendy & Ian’s blessing was truly intimate, unique and private, with just family and close friends in their beautiful villa in El Rosario. They had married a week previously in Gibraltar.

Emma & Mikey’s wedding was in Gibraltar - romantic, and idyllic views for the reception at The Garden Bar in Rocas del Mar. LINKS: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gens-Lens VIDEO : https://youtu.be/fYojWAG-ovo VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvTO5_ NVnx99roS3qSFT9MPIfUrxSNvSA

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KEY FEATURE Rockabilly Party On Good Friday, 3rd April, we were delighted to be invited to the Rockabilly Party that was sponsored by Costa Vapor and was held at the Mai Tai Disco on the Paseo in Fuengirola. DJ BopHop got the evening warmed up and everybody on the floor dancing. This was followed by a

great performance by Ric & the Dukes and then the star attraction, the world famous Finnish Rockabilly band, Mystery Train, who had everyone singing along and dancing to their favourite numbers. See pictures above for some of the highlights.

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KEY EVENTS Art Exhibitions AIA - Andalusian International Artists Famous People and Fantasy Two leading AIA group artists, the painter Elisabeth Bishop from the UK and figurative painter Meta Wolters from Holland, jointly exhibit a selection of their new works in the Galería Lucia, Calle Maestra Ángeles Aspiazú, Fuengirola (by the 3 horse roundabout).

The exhibition runs from Monday to Friday between 12pm and 9pm until 27th April.

New Images - An exhibition by AIA Artists Two leading AIA group artists, illustrator Anna Molak from Poland and textile artist Dolores Cummiskey from Ireland, jointly exhibit a selection of their new works in the Galería Lucia, Calle Maestra Ángeles Aspiazú, Fuengirola (by the 3 horse roundabout). The exhibition opens on 27th April and runs from Monday to Friday between 12pm and 9pm until 2nd June.

Further information is available from the AIA web site http://www.aia-artgroup.com/.

Small Artworks by Roger Thomas Cummiskey Painter, Roger Cummiskey from Ireland, exhibits a selection of small artworks in the newly reopened Golfer Sports Bar in Marbella, Calle Pablo Casals #4. The exhibition runs daily from 4pm until late up to 30th June. Further information is available from the web site http://www. rogercummiskey.com/the-golfer-marbella/ or follow the updates on Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ thegolfermarbella.

Artistas Eclecticos Shades of Spring Don Widdall, Jane Gomis, Sinikka Ahokas-Gröhn and Elaine Carlton are at Venta El Jinete until 27th April.

Sinikka Ahokas-Gröhn & Elaine Carlton are exhibiting at Barboru, El Zoco, Calahonda.

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Events Organised by the Mijas Foreign Residents Department Charity Event PAD Annual Spring Fair PAD Animal Charity Annual Spring Fair in collaboration with the Mijas Foreign Residents Department will take place on Sunday 26th April from 11am to 3pm outside the Town Hall in La Cala with Bar, BBQ, Books, Bric a Brac, DVD’s and CD’s plus entertainment by Funky Vocals.

Friendship Day with the Netherlands This will take place on Saturday 25th April. Inauguration at 12 noon at the Nations Wall beside the Tourist Office, Mijas Village. Typical products, food and drink, workshops and stage performances from the Netherlands until 6pm in the main square.

April 28th 30th Anniversary of the Foreigners Department On Tuesday April 28th the Official Act will be celebrated at the Town Hall Branch Office in La Cala.

Excursion to the International Music and Dance Festival of Granada In June/July the excursion with the Costa del Sol Culture Bus is organised by VIA Reisen in collaboration with the Foreign Residents Department. Information and Bookings on 951 881 860 or email frd@mijas.es.

Other Events 21st International Feria (La Feria Internacional de los Pueblos) This fun-filled event will take place from 29th April to 3rd May at the fairground in Fuengirola. See information on the Indian Pavilion on page 69 of this issue.

Updates Please like and follow Key to Mijas Costa Facebook page for everything that is going on in the local area. Enjoy the start of the Spring season!

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KEY PETS Doggie Delights

By Joanna, the Dog Groomer

Doggie Delights RUS are bringing to the coast something that it has been lacking - 100% natural products for dogs (our products are also wonderful for people and all animals including horses).

We aim to supply only natural and organic products all of the highest quality, oils for grooming which are completely safe for your dogs to lick, in fact will even benefit your dogs health. These oils are also great to use as carrier oils and for mixing our fresh herbs into, which brings us on to our amazing range of natural herbs, spices, flowers - organic Turmeric, Parsley, Basil, Peppermint, Pau D’Arco, St John’s Wort, Burdock, Milk Thistle, Mullein, Slippery Elm, Calendula Flowers, Aloe Vera, Devil’s Claw, Valerian, Echinacea to name but a few, all completely raw and natural. We are also offering hand-made skin balms, body sprays, tonics, all made fresh for a large number of health, skin or coat conditions.

We also stock a range of 100% raw edible coconut oils, including fair trade organic unrefined oil at great prices. We also bake a range of dog biscuits, all wheat and gluten free, free from colourings, flavourings, preservatives, or additives

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of any kind using only 100% natural ingredients. Peanut butter and banana, turmeric and coconut oil, fresh breath biscuits, diabetic, fat free, immune boosting to name but a few - all baked fresh to order.

We aim to offer full back-up support to our clients and Joanna, as a dog groomer and dietician with over 23 years’ experience really makes the difference as her knowledge of all these products and their benefits and how to use them and dosage is limitless.

We are also very excited to be producing our own highgrade colloidal liquid silver, an amazing product that everybody should have in their home. This is wonderful for dogs.

Joanna also offers deep conditioning and massage grooming packages for all short-haired dogs as well as long haired; this amazing grooming session leaves your dog feeling great and in beautiful condition as she uses wonderful products. Joanna also treats dogs suffering with skin conditions and as a dietician looks at the whole picture, helping your dog anyway she can. Simply Google Doggie Delights Rus or find us on Facebook. Our email is frenchbullrus@ gmail,com or you can call Joanna on 661 152 451.

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KEY MOTOR These are the fixtures for F1 and Moto GP for this issue: F1 19th April BAHRAIN Sakhir 10th May SPAIN Catalunya 24th May MONACO Monte Carlo 7th June CANADA Montreal

Moto GP 19th April ARGENTINA Río Hondo QATAR 3rd May SPAIN Jerez 17th May FRANCE Le Mans 31st May ITALY 14TH June SPAIN Catalunya

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KEY MOTOR Guardia Civil Trafico followed by over 6000* people The N332 driving information page on Facebook reached a new milestone on Friday, now having more than 6,000 followers. The officers behind the initiative would not only like to thank all the people who have subscribed to their information, but also the press and media who have been supportive in their campaign.

Spokesperson for the group, Francisco Morales, himself a serving officer, said, “When we first came up with the idea of providing information to the English speaking expats in our area, we hoped to get maybe a hundred or two hundred followers, we never imagined how popular the page would be”.

Now with members from all around Spain, not just the Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa area where the officers operate, it is clear that the information is being greatly received.

“We also want to thank the press, newspapers, magazines and radio stations for helping us publish our information. Many of them have started to publish our articles, many others are helping spread the word about our newsletter, website and of course our Facebook page”.

“Of course on Facebook we still receive numerous questions from our followers”, Francisco continues, “and we still try to interact and answer as much as we can, but with now 6,000 followers, wow, it´s a lot of work to keep up, but we are grateful to every single one of the followers for reading the articles and asking questions, as well as

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By n332.es

those who share the information with their friends”.

They are still in the process of cataloguing our articles on the website, n332.es, which Francisco also says is a “huge job”, especially as there are so many different topics to cover, but “by focussing on the areas and questions that come up most often, we hope that the information will continue to grow into a valuable resource for anybody driving in Spain”.

You can visit the website at www.n332.es, where you can also sign up for their periodic newsletter, and also join the ever growing group of followers on Facebook, just search for N332.

Editor’s note: The Facebook page is growing day by day and at the time of putting this information together, Facebook likes had almost reached *10,000 likes and counting. The Facebook page has a wealth of information in English and whilst it is prepared by the Guardia Civil officers in Torrevieja, the majority of the advice is relevant throughout Spain and the English is very good. The page is interactive. I know there are always several questions about motoring in Spain, so rather than be guided by your local bar room “lawyer” here you have the information straight from the horse’s mouth. Join the Facebook page, visit the website and sign up to the Newsletter.

Thank you to the Guardia Civil from Key to Mijas Costa magazine for providing these very informative platforms about motoring for the English speakers in Spain.

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KEY COMPUTERS Microsoft ‘Tech Support’ Scam?

For the uninitiated, this scam involves people in Indian call centres ringing up and saying that they are representatives from Microsoft technical support. They then tell the victim that their computer is running slowly because of viruses or because they need an additional piece of software -- at a cost, of course. It’s been floating around for almost as many years as the Nigerian money transfer scam, and is still going strong.

This week, the scammers called the wrong person: ME. Being familiar with the sting, I played along with the caller; I didn’t expect it to turn nasty at the end when the scammers became impatient and deleted a load of files from my Virtual computer. Most people know about this scam now, but we all know of less tech-savvy relatives or friends that might be drawn in. They told me “You have 100´s hacking files on your computer, you are very high risk. It’s all about social engineering.

The caller then went on to say that my software warranty had expired after three years and that she then asked him to have a look at the System Configuration Utility services tab.

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By Computer City

She explained that the reason that some of the services in that tab were marked with a “stopped” status was because a warranty had expired and only a Microsoft technician could start them again.

At this point a male “technician” takes over to get you to register for a warranty renewal that will cost “only” 300 euros.

It’s a complete, one-off payment for the whole lifetime of the computer. An absolute bargain I thought – NOT!!

Then they ask you to download TeamViewer or another remote control programme to allow a third party to control the computer. They then open up a browser and instruct you to enter in personal information, including banking information, and make a PayPal or credit card payment of 300 euros. This scam -- which has been floating around since 2008 -- is still going on. “Many older people may fall for the trick.”

We have heard of people whose entire bank accounts have been cleared out by these scammers and the Spanish banks not caring about their customers, don’t do anything about it in some cases. Please pass this along to your less techsavvy friends and relatives.

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KEY FEATURE Message in a Bottle Back in the day when AOL introduced their trademark ‘You’ve got mail’ onscreen prompt when an email arrived in your inbox, who knew where it would lead?

99 Issues ago the World Wide Web was just about to change our lives forever. Google was only 1 year old! Can you remember life without Google? And now you can use Gmail in more than 50 languages. These include: Welsh, Basque, Tagalog, Malayalam, Telugu and Cherokee.

Facebook wasn’t even a twinkle in anyone’s eye... in fact Mark Zuckerberg was only 15 years old. Twitter doesn’t reach double figures in age until next year, although its current user numbers are over 140 million. Pinterest is now only 5 years old, but already ranks as #3 in the social platform most-used rankings and in fact overtook email last year as a sharing medium.

Online Social Media gets some bad press. Whether it be complaining about people who post pictures of their breakfast, or being prompted as the scapegoat for children bullying each other!

By Fiona Catchpowle In my opinion, and you wouldn’t expect anything else from a Social Media Ninja, learning about social media services can open a whole new gate-way to a style of communicating that, at times, is beyond recognition from the basic art of putting pen to paper. In some respects social media can however emulate that simple method, especially when the message is in the form of one small photo, and the classic line of ‘a picture paints a thousand words’ suddenly reduces the online global world-of-mouth to a single solitary image that portrays a story we can all connect with.

A lot has changed since 1999, but one thing remains constant. This magazine tells “real stories about real people and places” – the secret formula to being social. So you could say that Key to Mijas Costa Magazine is our very own Social Network and long may it continue!

Follow me on Twitter @fionacatchpowle for more top tips on being social.

Join my next FREE Presentation on 20th April @AndaluciaLab with Sonia Ingriselli “SEO vs SMO”.

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KEY FINANCE Greece is in the News Again I’m sure Greece is totally fed up with constantly being in the news and all the too-ing and fro-ing with the Troika, Greece is due to pay the IMF 450 million Euros in loan repayments by Thursday April the 9th – Good Luck!!!

Greece is in a very serious situation, the banks could run out of money and there is the constant presence of capital flight from the banks, customers are withdrawing their money! The Greek government is trying to formulate a plan; they got in to power as Alex Tspiras party was all about anti-austerity. They might have to back pedal now as their arms are being twisted by the Troika. Greece is trying to float a restructuring programme that would link future payments to economic growth – no growth, no payments, reduce interest rates and allow more time for repayments, while their intention is to exclude pri-

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By Moneycorp

vate bond holders; the danger is that if the talks collapse and Greece leaves the euro, it will leave all parties facing losses.

There is a serious risk that Greece may accidently leave the euro - they are calling it a GREXIDENT, (sounds like denture glue to me). The only feasible solution in the absolute extreme would be to turn all debt into perpetual bonds, so it never gets repaid.

In the UK it’s all about the General Election which is May 7th, - let’s see who gets in.

For further information on how Moneycorp can help you achieve more on your exchange of funds and save you vast sums in bank charges when sending your funds back to the UK, call 0034 952 587 657 or call in to the local office in La Cala and please mention The Key to Mijas Costa.

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KEY FINANCE Funeral Insurance In the UK Funeral Insurance policies are very uncommon as normally pre-paid Funeral Plans or Life Insurance is offered instead. However, here in Spain almost half of the 47 million population has a Funeral Insurance policy in place for peace of mind, security and assistance when it is needed most. These are not pre-paid plans but an insurance policy that can be paid on a monthly basis, quarterly or half-yearly basis.

Most importantly, Funeral Insurance provides the following services: • Provision of the Funeral Service: - The administration and provision of the contracted funeral service when the death of an insured person occurs. This would normally include: Coffin, Funeral Car, Vigil, Preparation, Shroud, Two natural floral crowns with bow and inscription, Centerpiece of Natural Flowers, Two Taxis for family, Civil or Religious Ceremony, Civil and Parish Registration, Processing and Organisation, Medical Certification, Taxes and Fees, Burial or Cremation Costs including Urn, Morgue, Marble or Granite Tombstone, Inscription and Installation • Transfer-Free Choice of Cemetery - The cost of the preparation, burial and transfer of the deceased from the place of death to the cemetery designated by his family, freely selected in Spain.

• Repatriation - At the request of his relatives, the Insurer will take care of the administration and costs of repatriation from the place of death in Spain to the nearest international airport to the place of burial in the insured person’s country of origin. In the event of repatriation, a return ticket from the country of origin to Spain, or vice versa, for a companion is included

By Rightway Insurance • Family Care - Includes a post-mortem service to the family, with the purpose of facilitating the necessary steps for the correct provision of the service contracted. Coverage includes all the necessary administration for the obtaining and processing of the official documents required after the insured person’s death.

• Legal Assistance - Helpline staffed by a lawyer, for the prevention of any litigation, regarding the rights of the insured person in his private life. Also includes any telephone consultation for legal matters related to the death of the insured person.

• Psychological Care - This coverage aims to prevent the complications derived from the death of an insured relative in the policy, to control the risk factors, to foresee the phases of bereavement, to offer practical help adapted to the deceased’s relatives.

• Worldwide Care - This insurance policy has worldwide coverage.

The coverage of Basic World Wide Care includes the following: Transfer or repatriation for health reasons, Emergency medical expenses while abroad, Travel for a relative of the hospitalized policy holder, Accompanying relative in case of death, Extended stay in a hotel, Children’s travel, Premature return of the insured person to Spain in the event of the death of a relative, Delivery of medications, Long distance medical consultation, Information Service, Loan and/or advance of legal costs/bail and sending of urgent messages This is never an easy subject to talk about, however, having a Funeral Insurance means that your loved ones have one less thing to worry about.

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45

KEY FINANCE Anti-money Laundering and

Counter-terrorist Financing Measures Spain: Lawyers & Notaries, 2014 Extracted from: FATF (2014), “Preventive measures” in Antimoney laundering and counter-terrorist financing measures - Spain, Fourth Round Mutual Evaluation Report, FATF. www.fatf-gafi.org/topics/mutualevaluations/documents/ mer-spain-2014.html “Lawyers have a low level of awareness of ML/TF risks, do not recognise the level of risk in their profession, and feel that their AML/CFT obligations pose an unnecessary burden”.

Legal professional bodies consider the ML risks faced by non-complicit lawyers to be low, as they are not normally involved in higher-risk types of business (e.g., real estate transactions, which are done by notaries instead), but they work closely with their clients, and therefore are in a position to identify suspicious activity.

Lawyers have played a central role in establishing and operating the organised ML networks which have been at the centre of a number of high-profile ML prosecutions (e.g., Malaya and White Whale cases). However, the involvement of lawyers in these cases is not seen as representative of the risks: the lawyers involved are considered as complicit criminals (Malaya) or as acting recklessly (White Whale).

Spain had approximately 150,000 lawyers in 2006 of which about 115,000 were in active practice. There seem to be several structural and practical reasons for the low level of awareness of ML/TF risks and obligations in the legal profession. Legal professional organisations are very frag-

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By Victoria Anzola, Iberdata 21 S.L.

mented, (with 83 separate Bar Associations throughout the country) which complicates the potential availability of advice and training.

The number of lawyers per capita in Spain is one of the highest in the EU and AML/CFT supervision of the legal profession commenced very recently and remains minimal. In addition, it is not clear how many lawyers provide services that fall under the scope of the AML/CFT Law. The sector itself estimates this is as low as 400; however, no further details are available to substantiate this estimate.

Notaries are very aware of their significant gatekeeper role, as well as of the importance of the information they hold, and have actively worked with the authorities to develop systems to open up their wealth of information for the authorities. Generally, the profession seems to have a good awareness of the ML/CTF risks faced by notaries in the course of their normal business. The Notary profession has a centralised prevention body (the OCP), which has developed a comprehensive list of risk indicators which is used by all notaries. The OCP also has the function of examining potentially suspicious activity, or patterns of activity, conducted through notaries.

Because of their role in particular in relation to legal persons and real estate transactions, notaries are a critically important gatekeeper in Spain. It is therefore a concern that there have been rare cases where notaries were used in criminal money laundering operations.”

For more information please contact me, Victoria, on: 957 404 099 / 692 671 657 or visit our website: www.iberdata21.com

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KEY FEATURE Andalucia Lab Announces New Developments for 2015

By Shaw Marketing Services

The Costa del Sol’s pioneering centre for innovation in tourism and business, Andalucia Lab, has recently launched an English version of their website http://www.andalucialab.org/en/ and announced exciting plans and a packed programme of events to help small businesses in spring and summer 2015. They offer practical and innovative solutions for SMEs on the Costa del Sol using technology and innovation, as well as advice and support for improving and modernising their business and growing stronger.

One of the new developments is to increase the number of single topic training courses and the length of these sessions, due to demand. They are now holding four-hour training sessions allowing businesses to get into depth about more complex topics such as Creating an Online Shop and Creating a Wordpress Website.

They are now offering snippets from their courses which can be viewed online to supplement their offline training which cover a wide variety of important topics for business. Entrepreneurs can now view videos of Andalucia Lab’s workshops and search by keywords or categories such as Adwords, Affiliate Marketing, Online Marketing, Social Media and more to find the right topic for them. They are committed to increasing this online content with short webinar training courses in order to allow businesses to be able to develop themselves from home. http://www.andalucialab.org/recursos-formativos/ The team also reinforced their commitment to encourage and

develop innovation and knowledge sharing in the tourist sector and maintain their important role as a pioneering centre in Spain.

They intend to develop the competiveness of businesses in the local area and propel Andalucia forward as a location in the vanguard of tourist innovation.

This highly important, yet little known centre is located on the A7, Km 189.6 Marbella by the Residencia de Tiempo Libre, not only offers training and support to small businesses, but also an affordable office and event space for small businesses. Their co-working area is a business ecosystem which they say is changing the traditional way of working and how businesses interact with their work space.

Businesses have a work space within the large, light and airy coworking room, a lockable cupboard and access to the centre’s facilities including high speed Wi-Fi, printer, photocopier, meeting rooms, training and even a conference room, as well as access to their business experts. Co-working spaces are available very costeffectively, to allow even small businesses to afford to work away from home in a positive and inspirational environment. To apply for a space or find out more please email info@andalucialab.org.

Everyone is also welcome to use their Café Lab, a comfortable area with free Wi-Fi, where you can work and hold meetings without the need to book, and attend their free training courses.

To find out more visit www.andalucialab.org.

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KEY FINANCE New EU VAT Laws for Micro businesses and Sole Traders

By Annabel Kaye

The new rules will hit small digital businesses, whether run by men or women, equally hard. Though in the UK our EUVat group has found that about 80% of the affected businesses in the UK are run by women, either to fit in with childcare responsibilities, or taking care of elderly parents, or to make it through a retirement where they have, through divorce or bereavement, been left without a proper retirement income.

To give you some idea of what this means, I want to take you on a journey: Imagine you run a shop in Fuengirola. You sell your products, you pay your taxes and everything goes as you expect it to go.

One day someone in the EU passes a law that means you have to ask your customers where they come from. Not only do you have to ask them, but you need two or more documents from them to prove that they really do come from where they say they do. If they have a British credit card, but tell you they come from Spain, you have to ask them for more documents until you get two documents that agree on it all.

How many people would shop in your shop if you wouldn’t serve them unless they showed you’re their passport and their driver’s license?

And when you get that information you tell them – I know we are in Spain, but because you come from Italy I must charge you the VAT that Italians pay on this product in Italy.

VAT rates in Europe vary from 3% to 27% with some products being zero rates. It is your job to find out what the rate is in (some regions of Italy have different VAT for the same product!) and to get that right. There is no one place you can go to find out accurate rates. Even the EU published rates say they are not responsible if you get it wrong.

You must display your prices to customers in a way that includes VAT – so the variation of VAT rates is coming out of your profits.

Some of your customers are clever and they know if they say they are from Luxembourg they will only pay 3% VAT so they pay people to help them pretend to be from Luxembourg and get a better rate.

This would be a very daft thing to do – wouldn’t it?

Yet this is exactly what the EU did (and Spain did) on 1st January 2015 to anyone who sells ‘digital products’ online.

In the short term – we are seeing US sellers refusing to sell into the EU - 25% increase in ‘cart abandonment’ – e.g. people who start but do not complete an online purchase - Lack of awareness in traders in Spain - Inconsistent understanding and compliance - Products and services being taken off the market - Increased prices for consumers

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- Abandoned business launches - Expenditure on web redesign and shopping carts in excess of £1,000 for small businesses These changes mean that the full weight of EUVAT compliance fall on a business if it sells 1 euro of products to someone in the EU (outside their own home country).

Digital businesses don’t have borders. Like the shop in Fuengirola in the tourist season – anyone can walk in.

No-one minds paying a fair tax, but this is madness.

Digital businesses are for the future – the EU itself is spending millions on getting us all able to trade on line – yet it so little understands the digital world, that it has created a massive barrier.

This particularly hits the start up, the kitchen table business, often started by people with family commitments who want to keep themselves off welfare, and make a little money for the family.

Unlike the cash economy, the digital economy is hard to hide since it all goes through bank accounts and credit cards. We should be encouraging this, not weighing it down with the level of regulation that only large businesses can comply with.

This was brought in to stop companies like Amazon registering in low VAT zones like Luxembourg and selling to consumers throughout Europe – so the Spanish government didn’t get any IVA on that at all – but the net result has been to clobber the small business.

The EU had no idea how many tiny kitchen table entrepreneurs there are or were. There are no reliable estimates, but our ongoing survey indicates millions – if the UK is anything to go by.

The EU thinks only the UK are complaining about this – but we know that businesses in Spain know nothing about this – they are not agreeing, but simply have no idea.

I want people to know, and to do the anonymous survey about how it affects their Spanish business and to sign the petition.

We are campaigning for a threshold so that tiny businesses don’t have to do all this from day one.

Editor’s Note: I had the pleasure of meeting Annabel Kaye at a Costa Women Business Breakfast recently and again at the Costa Women International Women’s Day. Annabel is a director of Irenicon, an award-winning Human Resources company in the UK – www.irenicon.co.uk.

The link for more information on the new EU VAT legislation is as follows: http://costawomen.ning.com/profiles/blogs/vat-is-a-feministissue-can-you-help To sign the petition, go the following link: https://www.change.org/p/pierre-moscovici-a-unilateralsuspension-of-the-introduction-of-the-new-eu-vat-laws-formicro-businesses-and-sole-traders

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KEY RESTAURANT GUIDE Issue100 17th April to 16th June 2015 The Key to Mijas Costa magazine’s website, www.keytomijascosta.com, is fully compatible for Smart device use. For simplicity, we have also individually included a QR code on most of the adverts in the restaurant guide and in the legends of the individual restaurants so that you can click through directly to your Smart device, thus storing the details of your favourites for future use. Just a reminder that we have highlighted the USP of each venue in the Restaurant Guide and given a brief “taster”, but you will still be able to read the whole updated review either online at www.keytomijascosta. com or through the individual QR codes on the adverts.

We are delighted to report that, at the time of going to print, the majority of the restaurants in our restaurant section could be found on the first page of Google through our restaurant guide! The reviews of new restaurants will continue to be shown in full text in the magazine.

We are also proud to introduce to you two former Michelin Star chefs in the centennial issue of Key to Mijas Costa – Steven Saunders at The Little Geranium in La Cala (see pages 55 and 64) and Patrick Dwyer at The English Garden Restaurant in Calahonda (see pages 60 and 71).

Bar Tuta Ultimate Chill Out Bar in Jardin Botanico - open every day from 4.30 p.m. Large, airy terrace, fully airconditioned, comfortable seating, choice of cocktails and an impressive selection of alcoholic drinks. Easy parking.

Please check for events and music.

Cafeteria Los Olivos Top Notch Spanish Café & Restaurant in the Los Olivos Shopping Centre, Calahonda - Large terrace, spacious air conditioned interior, large car park. Ideal for

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an informal business meeting. Open 8.30 a.m. to 10.00 p.m.

Monday to Saturday serving English and continental breakfast, large selection of Tapas, plus lunch and dinner. The Rosada Skewer with Prawns, Chips and Salad is our favourite!

Everything well presented and extremely fresh, competitively priced and service is attentive. Key Recommended.

El Zoco Café The new, classy café at the Supersol, El Zoco, Calahonda, right by the supermarket. Sister café

to Cafeteria Los Olivos. Keen prices, top quality food and service, daily specials, a range of tapas, selection of breakfasts or simply a cup of coffee or refreshing drink.

Established since 1975, prides itself on attention to detail and is renowned for being spotlessly clean. Ideal venue.

Open from 9 until 9. Key Recommended.

India Lucia High class venue with plenty to choose from.

Attentive and helpful staff. Excellent choice for vegetarians.

On the roundabout at Torrenueva. Sister restaurant to Indian Ocean in Playa Marina. High class, elegant venue, from the large wooden entrance door, high ceiling, ambient lighting and small terrace for al fresco dining during the warmer months. Extensive menu of both Indian favourites and many new dishes for you to try from the wonderful specials menu.

Fantastic selection of vegetable dishes. Attentive staff are very helpful explaining all the different flavours and you can even personalize your choice for the intensity of the spice etc. Something on the menu for everyone. Fresh, tasty curry with a touch of class. First class food, service and very competitive prices. We recommend that persons with limited mobility use the rear entrance of the restaurant. A restaurant where customers return again and again.

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KEY RESTAURANT GUIDE Issue100

17th April to 16th June 2015

Indian Ocean Reasonbly priced without compromising on quality. Warm welcome. Good selection of different dishes if you fancy a change. Henry and the staff at Indian Ocean

made us extremely welcome from the offset. Henry has a great sense of humour, is mild mannered and I notice how his customers greet him fondly – a good sign as he has regulars. Indian Ocean is at Playa Marina and is the sister restaurant to India Lucia. Tastefully decorated. Prawn Puri and Chicken Tikka for starters went down very well. Bhuna enjoyed as well as the special - Galina Cafreal, a very tasty Goan curry cooked with toasted coconut, green chillies, ginger, tomato and fresh coriander. Traditional Indian favourites plus a good selection of specials. Indian Ocean also does it hot if you like to add a bit of spice to your life. Key recommended. Enjoy al fresco dining during the warmer months or air-conditioned if you prefer to sit inside.

Japanese Restaurant Ginza Wide range of authentic Japanese food including Sushi and Sashimi and Teppanyaki Show plus much more in its sophisticated surrounds. Ginza is in Jardin Botanico, La Cala. Decorated to a high standard.

Highlight is the Teppanyaki show where exotic food using the best quality ingredients is masterfully prepared on a hot steel plate right in the middle of the table. The chef will show you the unforgettable cooking display called “Teppanyaki”.

Pepper pots etc are expertly thrown in the air and you must watch the trick with the eggs. Try to catch a bit of the omelette in your mouth when cooked! This is great fun to experience something a bit different or particularly if there are a few of you. Try one of the specially selected Teppanyaki menus which are great value for money. Ginza is open from 12.00 to 24.00. Places around the Teppanyaki spectacle are limited, so it is advisable to book. Food here is consistently of the highest standard, excellent service, Teppanyaki show makes for a very entertaining night out. Japanese Restaurant Ginza was voted restaurant of issue 91.

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Le Bistrot Suisse Family-owned, fine Swiss restaurant established in 1995 situtated in the Avda de España, Calahonda. Cosmopolitan cuisine, inspired by the influence of the three official languages spoken in the different regions of Switzerland - German, French and Italian. An oasis of authentic Swiss memorabilia with traditional cuckoo clocks etc. Cosy in winter and in the warmer months, the open doors accommodate al fresco dining. The owner and chef of the restaurant worked in Switzerland for many years mastering the secrets of Swiss cuisine. Starters at Le Bistrot Suisse include traditional Swiss dishes such as Raclette, Malakoff, and Rösti plus Tartiflette. Good quality Cheese and Meat Fondues of course as well as the delicious, traditional Swiss dish of Emincé of Veal Zurich Style, Veal Escalope, Beef Stroganoff, Steaks or Grilled White Sausages plus daily specials. Children’s menu only 5 Euros. Good selection of mouth-watering desserts such as Chocolate Fondue, Crème Brulée or Crêpe Suzette. Complement your meal with a nice bottle of wine and finish with a Swiss Schnapps to round off your excellent meal at Le Bistrot Suisse. The aim of Le Bistrot Suisse is to ensure that their clients enjoy the best of Swiss cuisine and have an unforgettable evening in a relaxing and enjoyable ambience.

Ristorante Zia Lola Located in Mijas Golf opposite the Eurostars Hotel. Good quality, genuine Italian food, friendly, family service with reasonable prices, high standard of cuisine. Opened in December 2013 in Mijas Golf opposite the Eurostars Hotel, so now celebrating its 2nd year. Extensive, all-weather terrace and cosy, indoor restaurant with bar area and plenty of room for the kids to play. Open all day from Tuesday to Sunday. Good quality, genuine Italian food, friendly, family service with reasonable prices, high standard of cuisine, and extensive kids’ menu. Great Italian menu of family favourites - pastas, thin and crispy pizzas, wide selection as well of meat and seafood dishes cooked to perfection and also available as take away. Zia Lola can also ca-

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KEY RESTAURANT GUIDE Issue100

17th April to 16th June 2015

ter for events. Good selection of home-made desserts, fine wine list including Italian favourites. A very popular venue all year round with the locals for a glass of wine, a snack, great meal, celebration etc. We suggest you book as this popular restaurant gets really busy. Key Recommended. http://www. keytomijascosta.com/restaurantguide/zialola/.

Frank Sinatra Tribute on 21st April and Frank Sinatra plus Dean Martin on 28th April.

etarian dishes to eat in or take away. Open from 12.00 to 16.00 and 18.00 – Midnight every day. Selection of keenly priced menus for two or four people. Special lunchtime menu only 7.80 Euros per person and includes TWO starters, main course, rice or noodles, and dessert or tea/coffee, with plenty of choices. You can see what is on offer in the ad in this section of the magazine. Good quality food, great choice, keenly priced. Key recommended.

Sai Indian Restaurant Just off the Boulevar de la Cala in Calle Torremolinos. Chef from 5* hotel in New Delhi. Elegant Indian Dining. Daily specials (changes weekly). Live entertainment at weekends. Your host, Dani, will make you feel very welcome. Open kitchen where food is freshly cooked to order including the 5* chef’s “surprise” meal. Extensive specials board changes weekly. Chicken Achara highly recommended as are the King Prawn Bhuna and Lamb Phal.

Home-made Lassi is also recommended plus a good selection of home-made desserts on the menu including Carrot Cake. Starters include all the usual favourites plus a selection of Tandoori specials and Tikka Seekh Kebab. Main courses include Korma, Jalfrezi as well as Chicken Mango and Chicken Pineapple, Balti, Madras, Vindaloo and Phal.

Most of the chicken dishes are also served as Chicken Tikka plus lamb, prawn, king prawn, fish and vegetable dishes, Indian bread, Biriyanis and Rice. Kids menu is available.

Carefully selected wine menu includes Marques de Riscal Reserva, Cava and Champagne including Moet & Chandon Brut or Rosé for a special occasion plus extensive cocktail menu. Sai delivers within a 20km radius.

Live entertainment at weekends now includes a genuine Sitar player every other Friday plus Bollywood, Jazz and music to dance to on Saturdays. See Sai Indian Restaurant FB page for what’s on each weekend.

Snack Attack Mijas Costa’s Favourite Café - Now celebrating its 11th Anniversary! In Jardin Botanico, La Cala. Open weekdays 7.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Saturday’s 7.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. and Sundays 9.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Kitchen closes Mon-Fri 5pm and 4pm at the weekend. Breakfast from only 3.95 Euros and of course their wonderful Sunday Roast, two courses only 10 Euros! Super Saver Meals including drink only 5 Euros, changes daily. Large selection of daily specials and sandwich fillings. Healthy eating options. Everything available as take away for days out or take a baguette of your choice to the airport? Extensive menu, something for everyone. Large selection of soups and midweek roast during the winter months, plenty of choice of fresh salads during the warmer weather. Full cyber-café facilities including 4 stations of high-speed internet, faxes, photocopying and all phone top-ups. If you would like to advertise on the four screens at Snack Attack, please ask a member of staff. For more information see http://www. keytomijascosta.com/restaurantguide/snackattack/.

Sofia’s Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant In Jardin Botanico, La Cala. Fresh Mandarin Cuisine cooked to order. Extensive menu with something for everyone - you will be spoilt for choice. Fronted by Sofia, affectionately known as “Mrs Wu”

among the locals and husband, Gi, is the chef. Hong Kong is in Jardin Botanico, La Cala, next door to Henry’s. Spacious indoor restaurant with modern décor with large, covered and outdoor terraces. Hong Kong serves fresh Mandarin Cuisine cooked to order with many meat, seafood and veg-

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Ssalathai The best quality, authentic Thai food in Mijas Costa Situated at Urb Playa Marina, Mijas Costa, (see La Cala map). Special menu for two only 50 Euros giving good selection to sample this exotic cuisine. Recommended dishes - Coconut Soup with Chicken, Special Mixed Starter, all of the curries, Beef Massaman and the very best Pad Thai on the Coast! In fact we love everything on the menu! Thailand is renowned for its attentive customer service and is known as the land of smiles and you will certainly find this in abundance at Ssalathai. Please see main ad on page 51 or http:// www.keytomijascosta.com/restaurantguide/ssalathai/.

Closed Mondays. Due to family illness, Ssalathai has not reopened yet after the winter break but should be reopening soon. See Key to Mijas Costa Facebook page for updates.

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KEY TO MIJAS COSTA

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KEY RESTAURANT GUIDE Issue100

17th April to 16th June 2015

RESTAURANT REVIEWS

The English Garden Restaurant Chic, fine dining restaurant on the Avda de España, Calahonda - a little gem of a find.

Patrick Dwyer, who created his first Michelin Star restaurant in Caracas, has now joined the team at The English Garden.

Patrick has over 40 years’ experience as a top class chef around the world creating dishes for personalities including being the private chef for Elton John in London. Freshly prepared pasta, home-made bread and desserts, everything is cooked from fresh to order. The emphasis is on the service and the quality of the locally-sourced produce brought to life with a simple passion by an excellent chef. Wines to complement your meal are carefully selected and reasonably priced.

The English Garden Restaurant is open from 6pm for dinner from Tuesday to Sunday and also for their fabulous Sunday lunch with Early Bird menu 17.50 euros from 6pm to 7.15pm (2 courses). The á la Carte menu changes seasonally, approx every six weeks – these can be found on The English Garden website - www.theenglishgardenrestaurant.net.

See special feature on page 71.

Venta El Jinete Nestling in beautiful scenic countryside, the large imposing terrace has views across to the Sierra de Mijas and the Mediterranean. 4.5 kms from La Cala on golf road, just before Golf entrance. Open every day except Fridays for Lunch through to Dinner. Enjoy a long, lazy lunch on warm days, sundowners and supper or a romantic dinner in the evening. Warm and cosy interior restaurant has seating for small groups and additional areas for large parties, golfers and family gatherings etc., making it the ideal venue for events. Excellent set menu only 17 euros with a choice of starters, main course and desserts are wonderful value. A la carte reasonably priced includes various Mediterranean dishes, succulent steaks and meat from the charcoal grill. Everything beautifully presented by attentive and charming staff. Excellent wine list. Live music on Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday evenings (please enquire) when menu is priced at 22 Euros.

Scan QR code for full details. We enjoyed our evenings at El Jinete immensely during the summer. Great service, food and entertainment. Stunning views and art exhibitions held here regularly. Lovely venue to get away from the coastal area for a change. Venta El Jinete is very popular so please book in advance to avoid disappointment. Voted restaurant of issue 90. For more information visit http://www.keytomijascosta. com/restaurantguide/ventaeljinete/.

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BUTCHER’S SHOP Recently opened in the LIDL car park, Calahonda selling top quality meat from El Berzo, Leon. Open

from 9-9 Monday to Saturday inclusive selling quality meat, charcuterie and English grocery products at competitive prices. Knowledgeable and friendly service from Carlos who will recommend the best cuts. Many BBQ and other packages available plus specials of the day on both meat and charcuterie. Credit and debit cards accepted. We welcome the Butcher’s Shop to Key to Mijas Costa.

CERVECERIA TIPI TAPA A fine example of a typically Spanish bar/restaurant, but of excellent quality at affordable prices. Selection of fine meats from the BBQ plus a huge selection of Spanish tapas plus Flamenco show Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Tipi Tapa can be found at the Miramar end of Mijas Costa – come off at the first entrance to Fuengirola past the Sohail Castle. You will find the Mosque on your right and a few metres past that there is a roundabout with the Cayetano supermarket on it. Take a left there into C/Malaga and you will find Cerveceria Tipi Tapa a few metres down the road on the right. Cerveceria Tipi Tapa has a selection of fine meats from the BBQ all served with potatoes and salad, such as Mixed Grill for two people, other fine cuts of steak, pork or various meat skewers, a selection of fish etc. As the name of the restaurant suggests, it also serves a full range of the ever popular Spanish “tapas”, small portions either for a snack or to pick and mix with your friends. Tapas are served all day so Tipi Tapa is also an ideal place to eat if you are a little outside normal dining hours. A selection from the tapas menu includes favourites such as Russian Salad and other salad variations, a good variety of “embutidos”, different types of Spanish sausage, hams and Salamis from around the country, prawn and fish dishes, meatballs, croquettes, several vegetarian options such as Tortilla, Caramelised Goat’s Cheese with Crispy Almonds, Brie Blini with Cranberry Jam, Aubergine with Cane Sugar and many, many more both for meat and fish lovers and vegetarians too. Tipi Tapa is an ideal place to try Spanish favourites. We have now had the pleasure of visiting Cerveceria Tipi Tapa and have tried first hand some of the tapas

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KMG - FOR ALL YOUR PRINTING NEEDS - TEL 666 666 998 - 952 934 805

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too. We were warmly greeted, the service is outstanding but the food even more so. Everything comes beautifully presented and is of the highest quality such as the “Cinco Jotas” award winning ham which was the best we have had in a long time. Cerveceria Tipi Tapa serves the best quality Beef from Galicia which is renowned for its outstanding flavour. We have been able to sample this which was included on the Menu of the Day and I can confirm that the quality was indeed outstanding. There are also other options available on the menu del dia at a reasonable price. Regular Live Flamenco shows – see FB for details. We are delighted to recommend Cerveceria Tipi Tapa to our readers. A video can be seen on www.keytomijascosta.com/videos/tipitapa/ to whet your appetite.

EL CHANCHO BBQ & GRILL RESTAURANT Established 20 years. Possibly the best grill & BBQ restaurant on the Costa del Sol. Fresh meat and fish sourced nationally. El Chancho is situated on the middle floor of El Zoco, Calahonda and has been established for 20 years. A firm favourite with the locals and tourists alike. Specialising in nationally-sourced fresh meats and fish purchased daily. All food freshly prepared to order. Open in summer 7 days a week from 18.0023.30. There are four different set menus to choose from.

Alternatively there is an extensive selection from the á la carte menu. Starters include Crepes Gratinée with Spinach & Prawns plus plenty of choice for vegetarians too. There is also a good selection of soups and salads. For main course the fresh meat is of course the specialty with Fillet Steak in Pepper or Roquefort Sauce, Steak Diane, Stroganoff, Pork Fillet in Port or Sherry Sauce, Curry Chicken Breast or Lemon Chicken Breast plus Roast Fillet or Baby Leg of Lamb. We asked Fransisco, the owner, what the best selling dish was and he told us the delicious Tournedos Rossini with port gravy, cream, paté and wild mushrooms, of course. There is also an extensive menu from the Charcoal Grill including Mixed Grill for one or two people, plus a good selection of Fish dishes, Pasta and Pizzas as well as a children’s menu plus a well-priced wine menu. Favourites for dessert include Pears in Red Wine and either Bananas or Pineapple flambéed in Gran Marnier – simply delicious. We are sure that you will enjoy El Chancho BBQ & Grill Restaurant in El Zoco, Calahonda for the ambience, the service and cuisine and will join the many regulars who have enjoyed this restaurant over the years. More information - http://www.keytomijascosta.com/restaurantguide/elchancho/.

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HOTEL TAMISA GOLF Comfortable venue, great ambience and views over the golf course and beyond. Camino Viejo de Coin overlooking Mijas Los Lagos golf course. Fine food, fine wine, attentive service and lively entertainment make for a perfect evening. Renowned for Traditional Sunday lunch. Happy Hour Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 18.00 - 20.00 with half price drinks. Good value evening menu at 25 Euros a head. Numerous and varied events throughout the year including fund raisers, contact the hotel for more information.

Book now for Royal Ascot Ladies Day on Thursday 18th June. See page 57 for details.

IL PASHA LEBANESE RESTAURANT New, authentic Lebanese restaurant opening on Avda de España, Calahonda on 4th May. All food freshly prepared and cooked to order from extensive menu. A vegetarian’s paradise! Local delivery service available. We are delighted to tell you that Ali, former chef at Marroush next to the cinema in Puerto Banus, is now opening his very own authentic Lebanese restaurant at the top of the “Strip” in Calahonda, so you know that the quality of the food is going to be authentic, fresh and simply excellent. Most of the tasty Lebanese favourite dips will be available such as Hummos, Mutabal, Labne, Tabuleh plus other salads as well as various starters such as Falafel, Kebbeh, Musakaa, Arayes etc. A vegetarian’s paradise! At the time of going to print the full menu was not yet available, but we have had a taster of the excellent, fresh Baklava and we are really looking forward to enjoying some of the other dishes too – watch this space and Key to Mijas Costa Facebook page!

LA PLAZA BAR Lovely, relaxed venue at the entrance to the picturesque port of Cabopino where there is a full menu of exotic cocktails. Summer specials Sundowners at only 3.75 Euros, served from 17.00 – 22.00. Brian is a

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KEY RESTAURANT GUIDE Issue100

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familiar face in Cabopino as Brian’s La Plaza Bar is well established. It is in the Plaza just before you enter the port of Cabopino. This is a lovely, relaxed venue where there is a full menu of exotic cocktails to include Pimms, Sangria, Mojito, Daiquiri, Sex on the Beach etc. Beers, wine, exotic coffees, soft drinks and milk shakes are also served. Summer specials Sundowners are priced at only 3.75 Euros and are served from 17.00 – 22.00. They include Sex on the Beach, Tequila Sunrise and Sea Breeze. This is a popular place for a pre-dinner drink or to spend time chilling after you have eaten. Relax with a cocktail or a special coffee. A great place especially if you have some friends over from back home as you will be able to have a good chat and not be drowned out by loud music! Have a nice stroll viewing the boats in the port and then enjoy a great night out! Key recommended. Please see main ad.

Now serving Mixed Cheese and Cold Cuts Platter for 2 persons.

THE LITTLE GERANIUM In the pedestrian street behind the Town Hall in La Cala - a little oasis of beautiful shabby chicness plus a dollop of chef, Steven Saunders, (previous Michelin star chef) with his amazingly creative but simple and unbelievably affordable food re creating some favourites from his ever so famous restaurant... ‘The Pink Geranium’ in the UK and you surely will have a recipe for success! “Steven was the celebrity chef that launched and appeared regularly on the BBC hit TV show Ready Steady Cook in the 90’s; he has written 10 cookery books and won all sorts of awards in the UK. More recently he was the CEO of a company serving VIP Hospitality to Formula 1 events all over the World. The Little Geranium is certainly something different. It is quaint, charming and full of delightful, shabby chic trinkets”. At the time of going to print, The Little Geranium was not yet open, but we are really looking forward to trying it. Here are some items from the menus to whet your appetite: Firstly artistic tapas are served at lunchtime from 12.30 until 3.30 to give you some idea of what a treat you are in for. Starters include Crispy Duck, Coriander Salad, Oriental Dressing and Pomegranate or freshest Malaga Gambas, Guacamole and Nachos. There are some wonderful dishes on the fish kitchen menu including Tempura of Prawns, Salmon, Scallop and Asparagus with Japanese Dip, a small selection of thin and crisp Pizzas. A selection from the meat kitchen – Marinated grilled ‘hanger’ Steak, Rosemary, Sea Salt and Mushroom Juices or Steven’s Ox Burger with Japanese influences. There is also a good choice for vegetarians and a children’s menu. The dessert menu is very tempting and among the choices are Tipsi Trifle Martini steeped in Malaga Dessert wine or deep-fried Ice Cream with Almonds and Toffee Sauce or a delicious selection of Artisan Cheeses. The wine list has been carefully chosen to complement the menu. You can see all the menus on www.thelittlegeranium.com. With only 50 seats, booking is advised.

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LE PAPILLON RESTAURANT AND BEACH CLUB Eat at the Beach, Dine under the stars! Stunning sea views and glorious sunsets, it is the perfect location to set the scene for a romantic meal. Situated on the beautiful beachfront in Marbesa. Of-

fering stunning sea views and glorious sunsets, it is the perfect location to set the scene for a romantic meal, choosing from a wide selection of fresh fish and succulent meat dishes. Great Cocktail menu available in their new bar! Chill-Out beds from 25 Euros/per day. Gin Specialist. Over 60 varieties of wine. The Restaurant has recently been refurbished with comfortable, chic furniture and provides the perfect setting for lunch and dinner. The lunch time menu has light snacks and more hearty dishes such as baked sea bass, rack of lamb, paella and the delicious Le Papillon chicken curry. A two-course Menu of the Day is served from 12 until 2pm at only 15.50 Euros and includes Tempura Prawns and Chicken Caesar Salad for starters and Grilled Salmon or Jack Daniels Pork Fillets for main course.

Children are welcome at Le Papillon Restaurante & Beach Club.

There is a great play area and the beach front is fantastic for kids. The Children’s menu offers healthy starters and traditional kids’ favourites such as Spaghetti Bolognaise and Chicken Nuggets and Chips at very affordable prices. Live Music every Friday from 8pm and Sundays from 2pm. Le Papillon really is a place for all seasons and an experience not to be missed!

For further information please contact the restaurant directly on 952 834 113 or follow them on Facebook. Please see main advert on page 70.

UBAR Lively bar behind the Supersol in La Cala. Open daily from 11.00am until late. Events every day from Games Night to Salsa and everything in between! Special prices from 1pm to 8pm. As well as all beers and cocktails etc, UBar also serves sandwiches and tapas.

There is a pool table and all live spor ting events are shown. During the week events include a Games Night on Mondays from 7pm, Language Exchange from 11am on Tuesdays, Age Concern Meeting from 11.30am on Wednesday. The programme of enter tainments at the weekend include Karaoke disco on Friday nights, Free paella from 2pm on Saturdays – perfect after your visit to the nearby market plus par ty every Saturday night.

Sunday is the ever popular Salsa night from 6pm with free lessons from a professional teacher. Ubar often hosts other events too, and is available for par ties, so see their Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/ groups/ubar100/ for up to date information.

KMG - FOR ALL YOUR PRINTING NEEDS - TEL 666 666 998 - 952 934 805

KMG - FOR ALL YOUR PRINTING NEEDS - TEL 666 666 998 - 952 934 805

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KMG - FOR ALL YOUR PRINTING NEEDS - TEL 666 666 998 - 952 934 805

KMG - FOR ALL YOUR PRINTING NEEDS - TEL 666 666 998 - 952 934 805

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KMG - FOR ALL YOUR PRINTING NEEDS - TEL 666 666 998 - 952 934 805

KEY NEWS 21st International Feria, Fuengirola

This year the International Feria (La Feria Internacional de los Pueblos) will take place from Wednesday 29th April to Sunday 3rd May from 1pm to 3am at the fairground in Fuengirola.

33 countries will be participating. This is one of the most popular events in the Costa del Sol calendar for both locals and tourists alike. Delicious food and drinks from around the world, together with music and dance shows and other spectacles that take place from early afternoon until the early hours. This festival is all about fun, so make sure you pop in to join in and take your visitors too! For information on the Indian pavilion, please see the feature on page 69.

IPTV – WORLDWIDE

Due to the loss of various channels and the expense of the Satellite packages, for quite some time now there have been various alternatives on offer. Most of them are internet based and with 4G and fibre optic becoming more readily available, with IPTVWorldwide you can buy a portable IPTV box so that you can still catch all the BBC, ITV and Sports Channels as well as thousands of movies and box-sets, all on demand. This is fantastic news.

You just make a one-off payment and that is it. IPTV-Worldwide will come to your home to give you a free, no obligation demonstration and explain to you in more detail this new, cutting edge equipment. As the box is portable, you will be able to take it with you anywhere in the world where you have a suitable internet connection. This system also works with Android. For more information and to arrange your demo, please contact IPTVWorldwide direct. When you compare the cost of the one-off payment to the monthly Sky subscription, the portable IPTV box must make sense. Please see advertisement on page 32.

IRONWORKS

Established in 1989, Tony from Ironworks has been fabricating all manner of steel security products for 26 years now.

He can make anything you need to protect your home such as window and door rejas, patio rejas and drive gates direct from the factory. These can be made in a colour of your choice in any design including complementing urbanisation themes. Tony is a master craftsman in all things metal but his prices are very competitive, so much so, that he says in his ad “if you can get like for cheaper, Ironworks will refund the difference. If you own it, protect it. Give Tony a call for a competitive quote on all your security needs. Please see advertisement on page 3.

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION BY IZABELA

Meditation has been present in human history for thousands of years. It is fashionable again and it is no longer connected to religion or spirituality. It is an activity, an exercise that will improve your life bringing into it less stress, better concentration, inner calm and many equally positive qualities. Meditation is about seeing and experiencing reality as it is and usually the reality is much kinder to us than we imagine with our constant talking, criticizing and foreseeing intelligent mind. Practice of meditation allows you to pay attention to the world around you without putting any judgment on it. Because we are well trained in assessing and comparing and judging everything and everybody, it takes a bit of retraining to do this pure and simple observation without being distracted by the talking mind.

Meditation is not that difficult, everybody can learn it, but like any activity it takes repetition, practice and a good teacher.

The internet is a good supplier of apps and programmes and classes of various schools and techniques of meditation, but

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KEY NEWS if you appreciate learning directly from a teacher, then please contact me. I teach meditation, from basic to brilliance, from A to Z. Izabela L-Sletner – Tel: 610 697 379, e-mail isletner@ yahoo.com. Please see advertisement on page 16.

THE ESSENTIAL GROUP

will be open from 1st May and is situated on Paseo Costa del Sol, behind the Post Office in La Cala de Mijas, opposite the Butibamba children’s park. The Essential Group is a Real Estate Agent covering all coastal and inland areas, reaching as far as the Axarquia area through their affiliated office in Torre del Mar. The Essential Group also offers in-house Accountancy and Legal Services, and as Insurance Agents they cover all types of insurance, including medical, motor, life, pet insurance and funeral plan. Furthermore, The Essential Group is also a Travel Agent so you can book your excursions, holidays, cruises etc here. Both owners have lived on the Costa del Sol for over 10 years so have a wealth of knowledge and experience of the local area. The Essential Group prides itself on providing a professional and efficient service. If you are thinking of buying or selling a property, need a quote for insurance, would like to have more information on legal or accounting issues or just fancy a day trip, we look forward to welcoming you to our new Costa del Sol office in La Cala de Mijas. Please see advertisement on page 47.

VIDEO BIZCARDS by KMG

YOUR CASA CLEANING & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

(Key Media Group). We all hear complaints about how everyone is always on their phones nowadays. Yes, we carry them everywhere with us and they have become invaluable. It seems however, that not everyone always carries their business cards with them, and how embarrassing and unprofessional is this when you start to get someone interested in what you have to offer and when they ask for your business

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card, you have either left it in the car parked miles away, or worse still, have run out. So, we at Key Media Group, decided it would be a great idea if you carried a video biz card with you in the photo gallery of your smart phone. Thinking outside the box, we have come up with something a little bit different to make sure that you are never caught out again.

We produce for you a 20-second video animation which you can store in the photo gallery of your smart phone, which we have established you always have with you. All we need is your company name and logo, contact details, bullet points about your business service and a couple of photos. If you would like an audio Video BizCard, we will also need the sound, music or voice-over you require. We then make a personalised business card video for you to keep on you at all times, and of course this idea is also ecologically friendly.

At any time and wherever you are, you can send the card via whatsapp, email, post it on your Facebook page or upload it to YouTube. You can also, as an example, whatsapp your Video BizCard to your database clients together with a caption (i.e. if you are a restaurant, with an upcoming event) to help you to fill your venue, and also to keep your branding to the fore. So, if you have been caught out without business cards or find that your emails go unanswered, here is a solution, a new, cutting-edge way of communicating with your potential clients or customers. If you would like to see some examples or for more information, please contact us. You can see the advertisement on page 12 and also more details on http://keymediagroup.net/video-bizcards.php.

covers the whole of the Costa del Sol for all your cleaning and property maintenance requirements, both domestic and commercial and offers a truly professional service. They can accommodate all sizes of property and services include cleaning, laundry and ironing, emergency cleans, holiday lets management, guest services and key holding as well as electrical services, reforms, fitted kitchens and bathrooms etc. References are available. Why not give them a call, you will not be disappointed. Please see main advertisement on page 50.

KMG - FOR ALL YOUR PRINTING NEEDS - TEL 666 666 998 - 952 934 805