Expat Lifestyle - Issue 5, April 2022 (interactive online version) by MCarmen

EXPAT Lifestyle MAGAZINE

April 2022

Issue 5

Happy Easter! TALKING WINE

with Moira Carmenate

ENJOY GUARDAMAR

4-5

MOIRA’S EASTER KITCHEN

6-7

with Moira Carmenate

TALKING HEALTH

& WELLBEING

with The Elite Wellness Group

TALKING LEGAL

with Costasea Legal Services

VILLAMARTIN FEATURE

16 - 17

TALKING FINANCE

with Yvonne Haughton

TALKING PROPERTY With Stuart Markham

20 - 21 24

CLASSIC FILM REVIEW with Simon Wade

ENTERTAINMENT with Chris Ashley of BIG FM

WHAT’S ON GUIDE

26 - 27

READER’S CONTRIBUTION

with The Golf Doctor

MOTORING with Venture Car Fleet

Our Experts Legal - Costasea Legal Advisors Property - Sapphire Properties & OP Group Spain Health - Apple Hearing & Healthcare Wellbeing – The Elite Wellness Group Entertainment – Big Radio Spain Finance - Yvonne Haughton, Financial adviser Motors - Venture Fleet

Letter from the Editor – Moira Carmenate Hello Everyone, April is upon us and Spring is definitely here, although with recent weather conditions here in Spain, you might question that. April is named after the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite and is the month that is associated with new beginnings and a time to bloom. In my wellbeing section this month, we look at new beginnings and I hope you will find it useful and take the opportunity to awaken your spirit and find your new or re-energized purpose in life. Whether you are religious or not, you cannot deny this month is filled with an array of holidays and observances.

Thank you to Guardamar Tourism who have shared a great article for Semana Santa (Holy week) and it will be spectacular to see the parades which mean so much to many people, especially with all the challenges currently in the world. Whatever your beliefs, be kind to yourself and kind to others and make every day a day to celebrate. Happy Easter Love Moira

Editor Moira@expatlifestyle.es Advertising Zac@expatlifestyle.es Design Simon@expatlifestyle.es Admin Tracy@expatlifestyle.es

Expat Lifestyle Magazine is published by The Expat Centre. Whilst the publisher has taken all reasonable precautions and effort to ensure the accuracy of material contained in this magazine at the time of publishing, no responsibility or liability for any loss or damage will be assumed by The Expat Centre or its employees. All conditions, rates, specifications and policies are subject to change without notice. Expressed or implied authors’ and advertisers’ opinions are not necessarily those of the editor and/or publisher. All material produced and/or published by Expat Lifestyle Magazine in electronic, printed or other format is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the express written permission of the publisher. The advertiser assumes all responsibility for attaining copyright permission for any material not produced by Expat Lifestyle Magazine.

TALKING WINE

with Moira Carmenate

Fondillón – from Alicante Those of us who are lucky to live in Spain, are spoiled for choice when it comes to good quality wines.

Although it is usually marketed as a dessert wine, Fondillón cannot be easily described or classified.

Rioja, Jumilla, Ribera del Duero are amongst a few of the finest wine producing regions, however we often overlook the smaller wine regions, including our very own - Alicante.

Some versions are dry, while others are sweeter, depending on the grapes used. It pairs nicely with a wide range of foods and flavours, including cheese, game, salted fish, chocolate and Alicante’s own turron.

Alicante isn’t Spain’s largest or most famous wine region and although fairly small, it has much to offer the wine lover. One wine unique to the region is Fondillón, made from Monastrell grapes. Sometimes Fondillón is described as a “vino rancio,” or rancid wine, not exactly what we would describe as appetizing.

For many years it was thought that the techniques for making quality Fondillón had been lost to history..

Fortunately, in the 1940s one Alicante winemaker, Salvador Poveda Luz, decided to re-establish Fondillón.

More specifically it is an unfortified wine (meaning that no additional alcohol is added) made from overripe Monastrell grapes – a noble red grape that is native to this Mediterranean region.

He rounded up a small number of old casks of Fondillón and experimented until he developed the proper production techniques.

The grapes are left to over-ripen on the vines, concentrating their sugars and resulting in a high alcohol content (minimum 16% ABV).

Today, Fondillón is one of only five wines recognized by the European Union as unique “luxury” wines. To find out more about Fondillón, get information on the local wineries including bodegas in Monover, Pinoso, Petrer and so much more, visit www.fondillon.org.

They are then aged in giant wooden casks in which different vintages are mixed together for at least ten years and frequently for many more decades, following the solera method used for Sherry wines.

Alicante’s other wines, particularly its reds, have steadily worked their way up into the ranks of Spain’s top-scorers, and the region’s award-winning moscatels are also worth trying.

As these semi-sweet wines age, their vibrant red hues slowly take on an amber tone that is accompanied by complex notes of dark, dried fruit and nuts, among other nuances.

Enjoy!

EASTER KITCHEN with Moira Carmenate, Expat Lifestyle editor

Two Salmon Pâté This is a great starter that I have been making for over 40 years! My kids, although adults now, love it. It looks impressive, but it’s quick and easy to make. You will be hooked! Ingredients 400g smoked salmon 1 200g tub cream cheese 2 tbsp horseradish Juice of 1 lemon 1 sachet of powdered gelatin 200 ml whipped cream Handful of chopped dill (if you don’t like dill, leave it out) Handful of chopped chives Ground pepper

Slow Cooked Spiced Lamb Ingredients 1 leg of lamb 1 cup coarsely chopped fresh mint 3 cloves garlic crushed 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp paprika 2 tbs olive oil 2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice 2 tsp. finely grated lemon zest (from 1 lemon) salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 cup red or white wine (you can leave this out if you wish) 1-1/2 cups chicken stock Chopped onion and carrot Mint for garnish

Method: 1. Take 200g of smoked salmon and a place it in a rectangular shape onto cling film with a bit of overlap of the cling film to help you roll it later. Make sure there are no gaps. Put in fridge whilst you are preparing the filling. 2. Dissolve the gelatin in ½ cup of cold water. Stir until dissolved. If not dissolved fully, place over a bowl of warm water to help it dissolve completely. 3. Put the remaining 200g of smoked salmon into food processor and blitz. Whip the cream until stiff peaks. Beat cream cheese, add in horseradish, lemon juice, dill and chives and season with ground pepper. 4. Bring together your cream cheese mix, blitzed salmon, whipped cream and liquid gelatin – make sure it’s cold or it will curdle your mixture. Blitz briefly in your food processor until smooth. (If you don’t have a food processor you can finely chop the salmon and beat the mixture together with wooden spoon – giving you a mixture that’s less smooth but will still taste great). Quick taste to check the balance of seasoning and adjust to your taste. 5. Remove your sheet of cling film with smoked salmon and spoon your mixture down the middle of the salmon rectangle. Using the cling film overlap, tightly roll the filled smoked salmon. Put the cling film and rolled salmon onto another sheet of cling film and roll tightly again. Twist the ends so you get a tighter roll as this will help your rolled salmon pâté keep its shape. 6. Put into fridge to set – ideally overnight.

Method: 1. Put the leg of lamb in a baking dish. 2. In a small bowl, mix the chopped mint, garlic, cumin, paprika, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Spread the mixture over the lamb and turn to coat the leg evenly. Cover with plastic and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight, turning once. 3. Remove the lamb from the refrigerator 1 hour before cooking and put it on top of the chopped onion and carrot in a roasting tin. Cover the shank bone with foil. 4. Preheat your oven to 200°C for 15 minutes. Then reduce heat to 160°C. Put lamb in oven to slow roast for around 2.5 hours (depending on size of lamb leg). 5. Cover the tin with foil. Add the wine and chicken stock to the tin after the first hour of cooking and baste your lamb. Continue cooking the lamb until the juices run clear. 6. Remove the foil and continue to roast the lamb for another 30 mins to brown your lamb. Remove the lamb from the juices and allow it to rest for 30 minutes before carving. 7. Pour juices into jug and rest to allow any fat to float to the top and then you can remove the fat and use the juice as a gravy

Tip: if you have too much mixture for the salmon roll, line some moulds with cling film and fill with your creamy salmon mixture, cover with cling film and chill. You will have a great salmon pate to nibble on with crackers - you can freeze it too.

Simnel Cake Ingredients: 225g butter, softened, plus extra to grease your tin 225g self-raising flour 2 tsp ground mixed spice 400g mixed dried fruit 150g light muscovado sugar 50g golden syrup Finely grated zest of 2 lemons 4 medium eggs, lightly beaten 2 tbsp apricot jam 500g marzipan Icing sugar for dusting

Method: 1. Preheat oven to 170°C (150°C fan) Grease a 20.5cm (8in) round cake tin with butter and line with baking parchment. 2. In a large bowl, stir together flour, mixed spice and dried fruit. 3. Put the butter, muscovado sugar, syrup and lemon zest into a separate large bowl and beat together until pale and fluffy. 4. Gradually beat in eggs, whisking well after each addition. Add flour mixture and fold everything together with a large metal spoon. 5. Empty mixture into prepared tin and bake for 1hr 25min, covering with foil after 1hr of cooking to stop it going too dark on top. A skewer inserted into the centre should come out clean, but don’t be tempted to test too early or the cake may sink. Leave to cool completely in tin 6. Take cake out of tin, peel off parchment and transfer to a serving plate. 7. To decorate, dust the work surface with icing sugar and roll out twothirds of the marzipan until large enough for a 20.5cm (8in) circle 8. Heat jam with 1tsp water in a small pan over a medium heat until runny. Brush the top of the cake with the jam, then lay the marzipan circle on top and gently press down to stick. Using a small knife, score lines on top of the cake to make a diamond pattern. Crimp the edge of the marzipan using the thumb and forefinger of one hand, and the index finger of the other. 9. Roll remaining marzipan into 11 equal-sized balls (traditionally - one ball symbolizes each of the disciples except Judas) Brush the underside of each with a little jam and stick the balls to the top of the cake. If you like, use a blowtorch to lightly brown the marzipan. 10. Serve in slices. To store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week

Easter Tiffin Ingredients: 175g Golden Syrup 125g Unsalted Butter 200g Milk Chocolate 200g Dark Chocolate 200g Digestives 100g Raisins or mix of raisins & cranberries 200g Chocolates

Mix the ingredients together thoroughly until its all coated well. Pour into the tin and press down firmly.. 4. In another bowl, melt together the next set of chocolate and pour on top of the Tiffin. Sprinkle on all of the broken chocolate mini eggs that you want. Leave to set in the fridge for 3-4 hours, or a bit longer if it still feels too soft. 5. Once set, carefully remove from the tin and cut into your pieces. I do 4×4 so I get 16 large pieces, or 5×5 for slightly smaller but still delicious sized pieces

Topping: 150g Milk Chocolate 150g Dark Chocolate 200g Chocolate mini eggs - broken

Method: 1. Line a 9×9″ square baking tray with parchment paper, leave to the side. 2. Melt the golden syrup and butter gently in a pan on a low heat – when the butter and syrup have melted fully and started to bubble slightly, turn the heat off and add the chocolate broken into chunks and stir until the chocolate has melted. If it doesn’t totally melt then turn the heat back on to a very low setting so that the chocolate doesn’t split. 3. Crumble the digestive biscuits and add raisins and chocolates (I used chopped snickers bars, Maltesers – but you can use any chocolates you have in your cupboard) into a large bowl and pour the melted chocolate/syrup mix on top.

Tip: You can use all milk or all dark chocolate or flavoured chocolate, but I wouldn’t advise using White Chocolate for the base. You can swap the Digestives for any of your other favourite biscuits e.g. Oreos. Be creative, it’s so easy and just add whatever you have in your cupboard. I drizzled the top with white chocolate. If you prefer Rocky Road, just add marshmallows.

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TALKING HEALTH ANYONE FOR TEA? Hidden health benefits in your cuppa People all over the world have been drinking tea for thousands of years, and for good reason. Research has shown that a variety of teas may boost your immune system, fight off inflammation and even ward off cancer and heart disease. While some brews provide more health advantages than others, there’s plenty of evidence that regularly drinking tea can have a lasting impact on your wellness. Tea is the second most consumed beverage on the planet – after water. It has even greater consumption than coffee. Despite coffee’s popularity in the West, much of the Middle East and Asia have tea drinking ingrained in their culture.

Herbal Tea Herbal teas, sometimes called tisanes, are very similar to white teas, but they contain a blend of herbs, spices, fruits, or other plants in addition to tea leaves. Herbal teas don’t contain caffeine, which is why they’re known for their calming properties.

There are numerous types of herbal teas, all with their unique benefits. Some of the most popular herbal teas include: Chamomile tea – Helps to reduce menstrual pain and muscle spasms, improves sleep and relaxation, and reduces stress. Peppermint – Contains menthol, which can soothe an upset stomach and serve as a cure for constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and motion sickness. This tea variety also offers pain relief from tension headaches and migraines.

Black Tea Leaves are dried and fermented, giving black tea a darker color and richer flavor. Unlike many other varieties, black tea is caffeinated, so it’s important to monitor your intake. When you do pour yourself a cup of black tea, you benefit from flavonoids that combat inflammation and support healthy immune function.

Hibiscus – Lowers blood pressure and fat levels, improves overall liver health, can starve off cravings for unhealthy sweets, and may prevent the formation of kidney stones.

Green Tea Leaves are processed with heat using a pan-firing or roasting method. It’s exceptionally high in flavonoids, helping boost your heart health by lowering bad cholesterol and reducing blood clotting.

Gastroenterologists recommend adding a pinch of turmeric, ginger, or cinnamon to your tea to boost gut health. Here’s why:

Research shows that green tea has a possible impact on liver, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers. This tea variety has also shown to be anti-inflammatory, which helps keep your skin clear and glowing.

Ginger reduces inflammation and also improves intestinal function, reduce gas and bloating because it has phenolic compounds which are known to relieve irritation in the GI tract. Ginger also helps to fight against sickness, can be used to treat chronic indigestion and helps to relieve joint pain caused by osteoarthritis

In recent years, matcha – a form of green tea – has grown in popularity. Matcha is a very fine, high-quality green tea powder made from the entire leaves of tea bushes grown in the shade. Since it is the only form of tea in which the leaves are ingested, matcha contains even more antioxidants that regular green tea. In fact, some have suggested that one cup of matcha is the equivalent to 10 cups of regular green tea. White Tea This may be the most effective tea in fighting various forms of cancer thanks to its high level of antioxidants. It is also the least processed tea. It may also be good for your teeth since it contains a high source of fluoride, catechins and tannins that can strengthen teeth, fight plaque, and make it more resistant to acid and sugar.

You may have already heard that turmeric is a powerful herb for reducing inflammation and includes inflammation in the gut too. "Turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory properties because it contains curcumin. This can help reduce inflammation in the intestines and improve intestinal barrier function. Cinnamon has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in addition to protecting against metabolic disorders, like diabetes. Adding cinnamon is a natural way to sweeten up your tea without using sugar and it sweetens up the nutritional density of your brew, too. While some brews provide more health advantages than others, there’s plenty of evidence that regularly drinking tea can have a lasting impact on your wellness. So, what are you waiting for? Put the kettle on - enjoy and keep healthy.

& WELLBEING

By Moira Carmenate

ALL ENDINGS LEAD T0 NEW BEGINNINGS There may be a period of regret or grief; think the ending of a relationship. How could this possibly be a good thing or a 'new beginning'? If you dig deep, you might realise that change and a new beginning was needed, and the Universe has stepped in and is guiding you.

Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, the end of a job or career, the change of house or location, the end of a way of life, it is a fact, if something ends, then something begins. As they say, “as one door closes, another one opens”. However even though that saying has been around forever, for many of us they are hollow words and we do not truly believe this.

“The Only Thing That Is Constant Is Change” (Greek Philosopher, Heraclitus)

Ironically, sometimes, no matter how painful, it is easier to stay in the past. Why? because it is known to us, it is habitual even when it is destructive.

Change takes time

A change of situation, maybe a relationship or a job, might feel exciting or even daunting, yet still another part of you misses the security you felt in that situation. Which emotions are stirred up in you? Anger, sadness, regret, loss, excitement?

Once you realise that those emotions won’t be with you forever and once you allow yourself to feel them, then you can move on. To make room for new habits, relationships, or jobs, then we must change the old ways.

Endings inevitably bring about change. Sometimes there might be a reluctance to change and at other times we might embrace the change.

Embrace the change and begin anew

Much of it is about acceptance. To accept change, we must try not to fight it. Allow yourself to grieve, rage, be angry... whatever it is that you feel about the ending is OK.

Embracing change implies that you don't see change as adversity, but an opportunity to improve yourself or try new things. For some it’s a big, brave step into the unknown, and sometimes a risk, but in every new beginning there is a gift waiting for you – once you open your eyes and believe in yourself, you will find it.

Perhaps how we view the change depends on the element of control we had over the ending and the new beginning. If the control has been taken away from you, then you are bound to feel that the ending is a loss.

TALKING LEGAL

with Costasea Legal Advisers

WORRIED ABOUT INHERITANCE TAX? CALL US NOW •

Let us help you understand how the inheritance process works here in Spain.

•

We can explain what you need to do if you are inheriting property or other family assets.

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What will it cost you to inherit? We can calculate your inheritance tax liability. CLEAR & SYMPATHETIC GUIDANCE BY ENGLISH SPEAKING LAWYERS

Your trusted legal service Costasea Legal Advisers is an English-speaking law firm with extensive experience in various fields of law, with professionals with more than 17 years of experience.

We are specialized in defending the interests of foreign citizens residing in Spain, as well as those who simply have a property in Spain and spend different seasons in our country.

C/ La Purisma, 22 03158 Catral +34 966 843 946 info@costasea.com www.costasea.com

The Expat Centre - Calle de Villena 12 03170 Ciudad Quesada +34 865 668 596 info@theexpatcentre.com www.theexpatcentre.com

Villamartin Plaza

The Villamartin Plaza is an incredible place to visit and is the jewel in the crown of the Orihuela Costa, Spain.

It is the only Andalusian-styled plaza in Southern Costa Blanca and features over 60 businesses made up of 5-star restaurants and bars all looking into a central plaza lined with swaying palm trees. There are two levels to explore set across the typical Spanish architecture. Wrought-iron balconies, terracotta, ceramic tiles, and stunning Spanish-style lamps add to the atmosphere, which, combined with the exotic smells and sounds of laughter are always alluring. A varied and heady mix of food is available from regional delicacies to full international menus. Varieties of English, German, Argentinian, Spanish, Italian, and American fare make Villamartin Plaza the centrifuge of the area. Above the businesses are private apartments that enjoy the ambience the plaza puts off. The Villamartin Plaza has become known as the main supporter of local charities raising to date almost €200,000. Make sure that on any Spanish holiday, you visit the Villamartin Plaza and see just what makes it so special. Casey Shaddock President of Villamartin Plaza

TALKING FINANCE Spring cleaning your finances

with Yvonne Haughton The sun is out, the rain is easing, Easter is here and everyone feels the need to create some tidiness in their homes after the dark, wet months.

Review your financial goals

Continue the spring-cleaning process with your finances after you have dusted and decluttered your wardrobe, lifting a weight from your shoulders. Regularly checking up on your finances is essential and now is the perfect time to analyse your financial status.

Do you have a clear plan? What do you want to achieve within five years or ten years? Think clearly about what you want to achieve in the short, middle, and long-term time frames, taking into consideration how much liquidity you need in your current account.

Review your Budget or Start Budgeting

Review your Retirement & Health Savings Account

Get a full-year bank statement and analyse recurrent expenses, necessary ones, and others.

Calculate how much you can expect from the Social Security System when you turn 67 and if that is in line with your lifestyle, make sure it will be.

Are you paying for a monthly subscription that you don't use anymore?

To match your current lifestyle, you can put a small amount into an individual capital accumulation plan each month.

Once you have gone through your accounts, you can calculate your average expenses per month. This helps you know how much of your monthly income is needed for your living expenses and how much money you can quickly put aside each month into a savings account.

Review your Insurance Evaluate your insurances, get better prices, see if you have too many, are not protected enough, etc.

Review your Debt

Overwhelmed?

Can you consolidate various more minor credits into one and get a better interest rate? Do you need to work on your house and wish to release some equity on your mortgage?

Don't worry. If you need professional advice on spring cleaning your finances, contact Yvonne at 645 874 793.

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CATRAL

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SR1244 A golden opportunity to buy your dream estate in the sun – 14 beds/ 12 baths / 18,000m2 plot

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Cosy, 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment on gated community with community pool

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Tel. +34 865 943 755

When is the perfect time to sell? If you purchase to renovate and sell on for a profit, or you are selling your main property or holiday home, when is the perfect time to sell for the best return?

Stuart Markham OP Group Spain

We are experiencing a low supply due to vendors not being able to travel over the last 2 years.

Buying and selling is all about timing. Anyone buying now is still purchasing at less than you would have paid for the property back in 2007, before the last recession.

Owners who may have wanted to fly over to prepare their property for sale, have been restricted from doing so. If your property is sitting empty, then now is the best time since 2007, to sell as you will be achieving the best price.

Buyers know they are getting the timing right especially now while the market is steady and prices are on the upward curve.

The property will also be for sale for the shortest period before your agent finds you a buyer.

For sellers they could take advantage of the current market conditions, as for the first time in my 16 years of Spanish real estate experience, there is a shortage of stock from all agents.

Predicting the future is less straight forward however, and while we have no reasons why the current trend won’t continue. Your property may be worth an expected 3% to 5% more this time next year however, if one thing we have all learnt over the last couple of years is there are no certainties in life

We have a number of clients who are actually waiting for specific types of property.

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CLASSIC FILM REVIEW If you don’t like THIS

with Simon Wade

“Heat”, get out of the cinema! Heat (Michael Mann, 1995) Originally, the “big thing” about this film was the fact that acting legends Robert de Niro and Al Pacino would share screen time for the very first time in film history. However, the film eventually became a cult hit for a far greater number of reasons. Namely the superb screenplay, action scenes, cinematography, bombastic sound mix and the simply superb acting skills from all involved. It’s a multi-faceted, multi-layered tale of power struggles, redemption, family confrontation, philandering, and a joint struggle between de Niro’s Neil McCauley and Pacino’s Lt. Vincent Hanna to get out of the lives in which they suffer. Their common thread is the revulsion and disgust they have for their own being, as well as each other. This familiarity with the unfamiliar draws the characters together in a complicated web of life that climaxes in a tense restaurant scene where McCauley & Hanna reveal honest feelings about their own lifestyles, as well as that of their nemesis sat opposite. They truly despise their lives, for they’ve both become part of the same spiral of self-loathing and self-destruction. Watch this scene closely and it reveals so much about the characters and yet more about the acting talent on show. Filmed without any edits, it has a tense albeit natural pace. It’s an old-fashioned stand-off akin to a John Ford western. A well-matched verbal duel that sees the two sparring and counter-sparring throughout. But look closely at the eyes. Pacino’s pair won the battle, with de Niro’s shifting away as his opponent’s verbal punches wore him down. This also set a precedent for the film’s final shoot-out. Speaking of shoot-outs, the film's other high point is the bank robbery. Visually, it’s a masterly-choreographed sequence filmed over successive weekends in LA. Aurally, the scene builds with the simplest of sonic scores. But if you have a surround sound system, crank this up to 11. Rather than dubbing in gunshots post-production, the director had microphones carefully-placed so that the bombastic audio could be captured live. This added such impact to the scene, it sounds like no other gunfight shown on the silver screen. This film has brutality and gentility, it has light and dark, it has action and pathos. There are some truly great elements to this genuine classic, but it’s STILL bigger than the sum of its parts.

ENTERTAINMENT DOWN UNDER DITTIES #1 There were times in my Down Under radio days when I found myself resting between radio stations (unemployed due to the Spanish Archer - El Bow Oh! Stop your groaning). One such time due to being Potless, I hitched West to East in search of gainful employment. Just outside Perth, a road train stopped and into the cab, I leaped with a jaunty “G'day Sport” to be met with a guttural growl, The grunt was about all the driver could manage in English (let alone Strine) because he'd just arrived from Hungary.

At the time my knowledge of things Hungarian (Mr. Rubik was yet to invent his pesky cube) amounted to Zsa Zsa Gabor & Goulash.

Chris ‘The Crocker’ Ashley, Big FM Presenter 4,000 km's, pretty much non-stop, was hardly the most appealing prospect for either of us. The Trans-Australian Highway crosses the Nullarbor Plain (which, Dear Reader, you as a Latin scholar will know means 'No Trees') and after the first couple of hours marvelling at its majesty, it becomes – well, dull. It is so flat and straight. If you stood on a beer crate, you could watch your kids & the dog run away from home for 2 days. Since you ask, no I didn't get the gig However, for their sins, Big FM, got me. Hooroo Cobbers. Chris presents his morning show from 10am-1pm every weekday on 89.9 & 91.1FM

With no such light-hearted banter the

WHAT’S ON GUIDE APRIL 2022 Wednesday 6 FORMENTERA, The Tipsy Tortoise, Charity Fun Quiz - 8pm

Wednesday 13 BENIJOFAR, La Cosecha Restaurant, Debbie H - 7pm CIUDAD QUESADA, Hotel La Laguna, Paula Molina - 7.30pm FORMENTERA, The Tipsy Tortoise, Charity Fun Quiz - 8pm

Thursday 7 LA MARINA URB', Lazy Cow Saloon, Paula Molina - 8.30pm

Thursday 14 FORMENTERA, Sunley’s, Jame Session / Open Mic. – 6pm CATRAL, Bar Como, Paula Molina - 8pm QUESADA, Chiefs On Broadway, Greg Bannis – 8pm

Friday 8 BENIMAR, El Mundo, Paula Molina - 5pm TORREVIEJA, Boston Tavern, Bee Rumble - 7pm BENIJOFAR, La Cosecha Restaurant, Debbie H - 7pm VILLAMARTIN, Chemie’s Lounge, Chloe Jones & Alex Tipping 8.30pm

Friday 15 TORREVIEJA, Rosa Leda, Chloe Jones - 2pm BENIMAR, El Mundo, Paula Molina - 5pm TORREVIEJA, Boston Tavern, Bee Rumble - 7pm FORMENTERA, Tipsy Tortoise, Charity Easter Raffle Draw– 7pm ALGORFA, Lo Crispin Tavern, Costa Blues Brothers Show - 8pm VILLAMARTIN, Chemie’s Lounge, Chloe Jones & Alex Tipping 8.30pm

Saturday 9 CIUDAD QUESADA, Coopers, Paula Molina - 8pm ROJALES, Shenanigans, Chloe Jones - 9.30pm Sunday 10 GRAN ALACANT, The Pub, The Project Duo - 6pm FORMENTERA, Rumours, Karaoke with Nikki Nock - 7pm HEREDADES, Amani, Paula Molina - 7pm TORREVIEJA, Mi Sol Bar, Karaoke with Nikki Nock - 9pm

Saturday 16 LOS ALCAZARES, La Family Bar, Bee Rumble - 4pm CIUDAD QUESADA, Chiefs on Broadway, Alfie G - 8pm ALGORFA, Lo Crispin Tavern, Chloe Jones - 8pm FORMENTERA, Rumours, Formentera WFC Charity Horse Racing Event (ticket only) – 7pm TORREVIEJA, Mi Sol Bar, Karaoke with Nikki Nock - 9pm

Monday 11 BENIJOFAR, La Cosecha Restaurant, Debbie H - 7pm CABO ROIG, Shrumba, Bee Rumble - 8pm QUESADA, Chiefs On Broadway, Adam Slater – 8pm

Sunday 17 SAN MIGUEL, Illy's Pub & Grub, Chloe Jones - 4pm FORMENTERA, Rumours, Karaoke with Nikki Nock - 7pm BENIMAR, Tommy's Bar, Costa Blues Brothers Show - 7.30pm

Tuesday 12 LA FLORIDA, The Emerald Isle, The Project Duo - 1.30pm TORREVIEJA, O’Connors By The Sea, Nikki Nock Karaoke – 8pm

Please contact Simon at The Expat Centre if you have gigs or events to publicise in May Telephone +34 865 668 596

BEE RUMBLE

PROJECT DUO: Jude and Debbie Hutchinson

Email Simon@ExpatLifestyle.es

Special rates for businesses that advertise in this section

CHLOE JONES

ALEX TIPPING 26

ALFIE G

Monday 18 FORMENTERA, Rumours, Peter Gunn – 4pm BENIJOFAR, La Cosecha Restaurant, Debbie H - 7pm QUESADA, Cheifs On Broadway, Glam Jam 70s night – 8pm

Monday 25 BENIJOFAR, La Cosecha Restaurant, Debbie H - 7pm HEREDADES, Amani, Paula Molina - 7pm CABO ROIG, Shrumba, Bee Rumble - 8pm

Tuesday 19 LA FLORIDA, The Emerald Isle, The Project Duo - 1.30pm

Tuesday 26 LA FLORIDA, The Emerald Isle, The Project Duo - 1.30pm

Wednesday 20 BENIJOFAR, La Cosecha Restaurant, Debbie H - 7pm TORREVEIJA, Bar Patricia, Karaoke with Nikki Nock - 7pm CIUDAD QUESADA, Hotel La Laguna, Paula Molina - 7.30pm FORMENTERA, The Tipsy Tortoise, Charity Fun Quiz - 8pm VILLAMARTIN, Chemie’s Lounge, Chloe Jones & Alex Tipping 8.30pm

Wednesday 27 BENIJOFAR, La Cosecha Restaurant, Debbie H - 7pm FORMENTERA, The Tipsy Tortoise, Charity Fun Quiz - 8pm Thursday 28 FORMENTERA, Sunley’s, Jam Session / Open Mic – 6pm Friday 29 TORREVIEJA, Rosa Leda, Chloe Jones & Alex Tipping - 2pm CAMPOSOL, Alley Palais, The Project Duo - 8pm TORREVIEJA, The Ship Inn, Nikki Nock Karaoke – 8pm TORREVIEJA, Boston Tavern, Bee Rumble - 7pm

Friday 22 BENIMAR, El Mundo, Paula Molina - 5pm FORMENTERA, Various bars, Three Day Tapas Trail – 6pm BENIJOFAR, La Cosecha Restaurant, Debbie H -7pm TORREVIEJA, Boston Tavern, Bee Rumble - 7pm

Saturday 30 CIUDAD QUESADA, Laurel's, Bee Rumble - 8pm CIUDAD QUESADA, Club Quesada, Funky Blinders – 8pm CAMPOSOL, Danny’s Bar, The Project Duo - 8pm VILLAMARTIN, Chemies Lounge, Chloe Jones - 8.30pm TORREVIEJA, Mi Sol Bar, Karaoke with Nikki Nock - 9pm

Saturday 23 LA ZENIA, CC's Bar, Costa Blues Brothers Show - 7.30pm SAN LUIS, Oasis San Luis, Funky Blinders – 8pm VILLAMARTIN, Chemie’s Lounge, Chloe Jones - 8.30pm ALGORFA, Lo Crispín Tavern, Debbie H - 9pm TORREVIEJA, Mi Sol Bar, Karaoke with Nikki Nock - 9pm

COMING SOON: FORMENTERA DEL SEGURA, Benny’s Cocktail Bar, Cocktail-Making Masterclass – only €15pp (minimum group size of 4, call Ben on 711 013 044 for more info and dates)

Sunday 24 FORMENTERA, Rumours, Karaoke with Nikki Nock - 7pm TORRE DE LA HORADA, The Causeway, Chloe Jones & Alex Tipping - 7.30pm

NIKKI NOCK

PAULA MOLINA 27

READER’S CONTRIBUTION Hi Fellow Golfers, One of the recurring questions is, ‘how can I hit the ball further’. Well, that is not an easy question to answer. What I can try and do is explain how to strike the ball ‘BETTER’ that way it will go further. A couple of very simple tips will help you understand ‘club head speed’. Club head speed is the speed that the club head strikes the ball, logic tells you the faster club head speed you generate the further the ball will travel, following me so far, good. The Whoosh drill.

Grab your driver, now turn it upside down and grip the shaft just below the head with your normal grip. Make a few swings, noting where you hear the loudest ‘Whooosh’. If it is in the impact zone, great. If it is before the impact zone, you are releasing too early. If it is well after the impact zone your release is too late. Continue swinging until you made a nice loud ‘Whooosh’ through impact. You’ll soon realize it is critical that you rotate your hips and shoulders on the downswing to achieve the desired results.

Another good drill, to go alongside the ‘Whooosh’ is the Two Club Drill. Start by making 10 swings with 2 irons , held by the grips, then 10 with your driver in the ‘Whooosh’ drill. The Two Club Drill helps build your strength and control, while the upside-down driver drill improves your timing and release. Another way to generate more club head speed is to slow down your takeaway, yes that is right, ‘SLOW DOWN YOUR TAKEAWAY’. Taking the club back low to the ground widens the swing plane, helps the big muscles work in sync and creates a nice smooth balanced tempo. Achieving a low steady backswing is really simple. Concentrate on using the arms and shoulders to drag the club back keeping the club head close to the ground. Don’t worry about breaking or hinging your wrists, this will happen automatically as your hands approach hip-height in the backswing. If you practice and master both of these drills, you will be striking the ball better and therefore ‘FURTHER’

Happy Golfing, stay safe and go find those elusive ‘Birdies’ The Golf Doctor

MOTORING with Venture Fleet On 21 March, the new Road Traffic Act came into force, and with it all the new rules... and the corresponding fines. The rules that must be followed now affect not only car and motorbike users but also moped and bicycle users. Here are a selection of the changes, with the rest to follow next month.

Traffic Law: new rules & new fines RADAR DETECTORS Something like what is happening with mobile phones will occur with these devices. The DGT penalises the simple fact that a radar or speed camera detection device is installed in the car, even if it is not used. This behaviour is punishable by deducting three points from the driving licence.

CARRYING A MOBILE PHONE WITH YOU: SIX POINTS DEDUCTION CHANGES IN SEVERITY OF OFFENCES One act that is punished most severely under the new traffic law is manipulating a mobile phone. If you hold your mobile phone in your hand while driving, six points will be deducted from your driving license, twice as many as before. However, there are no changes in the amount of the fine, which remains at 200 euros.

The following offences are now considered severe offences, with €500 fines: • Using unauthorized intercoms during tests to obtain or reinstate a driving licence. • Throwing objects on the road could cause fires or accidents. • Failure to comply with the rules on roadside assistance and the use of breathalysers to protect against hitting.

SAFETY BELTS, HELMETS, AND CHILD SEATS Penalties will be toughened for not wearing seat belts, helmets, and other safety features such as child seats. The number of points lost for this careless behaviour increases from three to four. Car users will have to pay much more attention when overtaking cyclists. Anyone who endangers, obstructs, or overtakes cyclists on the road without maintaining a safe distance of at least 1.5 metres will be punished with a deduction of six points. The period for regaining the original balance of 12 points without committing a criminal offence will be standardised at two years unless all points have been lost. In the latter case, a refresher course is required.

The following are considered serious offences now, meaning €200 fines: • Stopping or parking in cycle lanes or traffic lanes. • Carrying radar or speed camera detection devices in the vehicle. • Driving with a suspended licence as a precautionary measure. • Motorcyclists or cyclists use a mobile phone, holding it in one hand or trapping it between the head and helmet. These are now minor offences punishable by a fine of up to €100: • Failure to comply with the obligation to be in control of the vehicle "at all times." • Cyclists who violate road safety regulations that are not serious or very serious.

EXPAT Lifestyle EXPO Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th June

STEP INTO SUMMER Don't miss out on this amazing unique lifestyle show. You can enjoy the following, all provided by a range of Lifestyle Exhibitors:

EXPAT Lifestyle EXPO La Laguna Hotel, Doña Pepa, Ciudad Quesada Register now for free entry by calling +34 865 668 596 or emailing info@theexpatcentre.com Sponsored by

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