EXPAT Lifestyle MAGAZINE
December 2021
Issue 1
Welcome! TALKING WINE
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with Moira Carmenate
FOOD & DRINK with Rik Ellerby & Michael and Faith Lindemann
Letter from the Editor – Moira Carmenate
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CELEBRITY RECIPE
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with Nigella Lawson
TALKING LEGAL
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with CostaSea
HOME & GARDEN with elipacrafts
ONLINE GIFT IDEAS TALKING PROPERTY with Stuart Markham & John Clark
CHRISTMAS COSTA BLANCA HEALTH with Apple Hearing
WELLBEING with The Elite Wellness Group
ENTERTAINMENT with Richie Sparks
CLASSIC FILM REVIEW with Simon Wade
WHAT’S ON GUIDE TALKING FINANCE with Yvonne Haughton
MOTORING with VentureFleet
10-11 12-13 14-16 17 18 19 20-21 22
experts on property, legal affairs and finance. We’ll also have great advice to help you with your health and wellbeing. We have amazing experts on food & drink and this month, being that festive time of the year, we are delighted to welcome on board the owners of Triple Brew, our very own local nano-brewery and the team at Varkk who have created a bespoke reader recipe and cocktail - I have already sampled both and I can definitely say it was a huge hit with my family and friends – so now it’s your turn! All the team would like to thank you for picking up our launch edition and look forward to you joining us again in January – which will have a mammoth section on wellbeing to kick start you into the new year.
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In the meantime, we would like to take the opportunity to wish you all a healthy, safe and happy Christmas.
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Love Moira
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Contact Us The Expat Centre, Calle de Villena 12 Dona Pepa, Ciudad Quesada, 03170 ALICANTE Tel. +34 865 668 596 | email info@expatlifestyle.es Advertising Debbie@expatlifestyle.es Design Simon@expatlifestyle.es Admin Tracy@expatlifestyle.es
Welcome to Expat Lifestyle. It is an absolute pleasure to welcome you to our new publication. Over the coming months we will provide you with advice and guidance relating to Expat Life, with reader interviews and experiences, advice from our
Our Experts Food & Drink - Varkk Bar & Kitchen and Triple Brew Legal - Costasea Legal Advisors Home & Garden - elipacrafts Property - Sapphire Properties & OP Group Spain Health - Apple Hearing & Healthcare Wellbeing – The Elite Wellness Group Finance - Yvonne Haughton Financial adviser Motors - Venture Fleet
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
JUMILLA We are so lucky to live in a country with a vast choice of incredible wines. Every month we will bring you some information regarding wines from various regions in Spain. This month we are focusing on one of my favourite wine growing regions – Jumilla (pronounced ‘who-ME-yah’) Jumilla is actually one of the oldest wine regions in Spain, created in 1966 with over 2000 winegrowers and 45 registered wineries and around 22,000 hectares of vineyards scattered between the provinces of Murcia and Albacete, around 40% of those located in the town of Jumilla.
White wines are made from varieties such as Airen, Pedro Ximenez and Macabeo, obtaining golden straw-coloured wines, with lively, fruity and fragrant aromas and balanced on the palate. NEW VARIETIES: As in other wine-growing areas, controversy has arisen in Jumilla over foreign grape varieties, specifically with Merlot and Syrah. After carefully studying its repercussion and carrying out thousands of micro-vinifications, its perfect acclimatization to the area has been demonstrated and harvesting a different, very complex wine with a great personality. Everything indicates that together with the Monastrell they will give a definitive boost to the wines of the region. The wines of Jumilla will continue to be supported by the native variety par excellence, which gives them their personality and a touch of originality.
The Jumilla Wine Route has been part of the Rutas del Vino de España since August 2005 PRODUCTION: Grape production levels range between fifty and seventy million kilos per year, and winemaking volumes, around forty million litres per season, of which approximately one third is destined for export to more than thirty countries.
Vintages to look out for are: 1982, 1996, 1998 and 2000 were classed as “Excelente” and 1981, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1997 & 1999 as “Muy Buena”
GRAPE VARIETIES: The climate and soil make the land the ideal setting for the cultivation of the most important of the grape varieties protected by the Denomination: the Monastrell, from which excellent reds of intense ruby colour are obtained, with violet tones, abundant fruit aromas, frank on the nose, warm on the palate, with an average graduation of between 12 and 14 degrees, in which oxidation has been reduced to achieve wonderful young wines and great aging and reserves.
Wine Tours: TripAdvisor lists the top five wineries and tours as: Bodega Hijos de Juan Gil Bodegas Luzón Viña Elena Museo del Vino Hacienda del Carche - Casa de la Ermita Bodegas Carchelo
Other varieties are Garnacha, Garnacha Tintorera and Cencibel, from which excellent rosés are obtained, cherry red in colour, with very lively fruit aromas, full and fresh in the mouth.
All worth a visit to enjoy some amazing wines. Check out www.jumilla.org for further history and information re amazing local fiestas.
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FOOD & DRINK with Rik Ellerby of Varkk This has been a great success and I am so glad that I pushed this forward and brought Varkk Bar & Kitchen into life ahead of schedule, serving our customers since November 2021. To celebrate the winter season and upcoming Christmas holidays, both our Head Chef and Mixologist at Varkk Bar & Kitchen have created a bespoke dish and cocktail specifically for you, the readers of the brand new Expat Lifestyle Magazine. Something to indulge in on your own on these cold winter nights, but also a perfect tasty treat for friends and family at Christmas time gatherings and dinner parties. A delicious earthy and fruity mouthful of food followed by a cocktail designed to freshen your mouth and delight the senses. The food is an explosion of taste and juxtaposition of textures and festive flavours. The cocktail, beautifully creamy yet zingy with an unexpected kick of heat and sweetness, designed to be made up in a jug and shared amongst your friends and family. We at Varkk wish you all the festive joy and cheer, glitz and dazzle and of course fun and the happiness that you deserve. Check out our recipe on the next page for you to try at home. Come back to hear from us in the next edition of Expat Lifestyle for a New Year 2022 resolution and a new food and cocktail recipe.
Festive Greetings to you all from the whole team at Varkk Bar & Kitchen - Dehesa De Campoamor . We recently opened our doors on the Costa Blanca in November 2021 with a great response from everyone to our brunch and international street food offerings, influenced by ideas and flavours that have been experienced during the extensive travels of my team and myself from around the world. As time goes on our repertoire will grow and develop into something truly amazing. Currently we have an exceptional menu offering and that's a great starting point from which Varkk Bar & Kitchen can grow and develop. Those of you who have heard the name Varkk before would expect me to be talking about our distillery and may even have already sampled a drop our experimental gin flavours at one of our popular gin tasting events. I have put the distillery project on hold while the Varkk team resolve some regulatory issues, however the distillery project is still very much alive and we hope to be able to launch this in the coming year. In the meantime I decided to bring a future project forward to bridge the gap.
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Pan-seared Scallops with Black Pudding, Apple, and a Raspberry and Dijon Reduction Created by Luke Gaffney - Head Chef at Varkk Bar & Kitchen Ingredients (for 4 people / 12 canapés) 12 scallops (coral removed) 12 slices of black pudding 1 Granny Smith Apple 300g Fresh Raspberries 8 tablespoons honey 4 tablespoons Dijon Mustard 4 teaspoons apple cider vinegar 100g non-salted butter + a little for frying Half a lemon Salt and pepper Methodology 1. In a heavy bottomed pan, melt the 100g butter and then add in the raspberries. 2. Over a low heat, stir the raspberries till they break down then stir in the Dijon mustard and honey. 3. Pass the sauce through a fine mesh sieve to remove the raspberry seeds then return to the pan. 4. Reduce the sauce over a low heat. When the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, it's ready. 5. Cut the apple into thin slices then either quarter the slices or cut them into rounds. 6. Season the scallops with salt and pepper.
Lemon Wonderland Credit to Rex Zhao - Mixologist at Varkk Bar & Kitchen Make in a jug to serve 12 or plan a boozy night on your own! Ingredients: 400ml can coconut milk 5 lemon for juicing 7 limes finely grated zest of 1 lime 60 g white sugar 80 g cane sugar 1L soda water 250ml white rum Mint leaves of 4 sprigs 1 finely chopped green jalapeno chilli without seeds Vanilla extract Crushed ice for serving
7. In a frying pan, melt the remainder of the butter on a medium heat. Make sure to take care not to brown the butter. 8. Fry the slices of black pudding in the butter. Once they're cooked through, remove them from the heat. 9. Fry the scallops in the same pan as the black pudding. Depending on the size of the scallops, they should need around 2-3 minutes on each side. Once they're cooked, squeeze in the juice of the lemon and baste the scallops with the butter and juice. Remove the scallops from the pan. 10. Build the dish by using black pudding as the base, then the apple, then the scallops. Dress each one with a spoonful of the raspberry and Dijon reduction.
4.Add the white rum, soda water and the lemon juices to the jug and stir to mix everything well. 5.Roughly chop 3/4 of the mints leaves. Crush the lime zest and the green chilli in a mortar until they are combined. Mix several drops of vanilla extract and brown sugar into the paste and mix them well. Put the mixture onto a plate for the decoration of the glass rims. 6. Squeeze 1 lime to the rim paste. Cut 1 lime in half and rub the rims of the serving glasses with the lime. Dip the rims to the paste for decoration. 7. Fill the glasses with the crush ice. Garnish it with lime and remaining mint leaves.
Methodology: 1. Add the coconut milk and white sugar to a blender and blend until the sugar dissolves. Remove it from the blender and set aside. 2.Roughly chop 5 limes and add it to the blender. Blend the limes until they break down into a puree. 3.Mix the lime puree with the coconut milk and run the mixture through a sieve into the serving pitch jug.
image: Michelle Kelly, The Cookery Shed
FOOD & DRINK
with Triple Brew in Rojales Calle San Antonio, next to Sabadell Bank
Triple Brew opened in November 2020 with owners Michael & Faith Lindemann. Michael is originally from Germany but had been living in New Zealand for 20 years, where he met native Kiwi, Faith. The logo represents where we are from - German Flag, New Zealand Flag and where we are now - Spain. During lockdown, we had been brewing our own beers, giving it to our neighbours and friends, so we thought we might as well sell them to the public! We’re a nano-brewery due to the size and the fact that we are not selling to other bars as yet. However we are hoping to get started with this in the next 3-6 months. We mainly brew New England IPAs but we have also produced a few Stouts and English Ales. Our customers regularly tell us what types of beers we should be making next and we use this as part of our scheduling. We source our wheats and hops from specially-selected suppliers within the EU. We hold monthly wine tastings, but we will be starting to incorporate regular beer tastings, too. Triple Brew is setup to be a calm and relaxing tapas and brewery place where one can come in and get quality tapas made with fresh locally sourced ingredients. Try one of the 16 different beers on tap, or one of the 100 different types of beers available in bottles & cans. Our wine list is very extensive - with over 120 different wines that are all available by the glass or bottle. We also have a unique cheese menu, with at least EIGHT different types of cheese that you won’t be able to find in supermarkets. We are open from Tuesday to Saturdays 12pm until late. See you soon! Call now to reserve your table - +34 645 331857
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CELEBRITY RECIPE with Nigella Lawson
CHOCOLATE GUINNESS CAKE This cake is magnificent in its damp blackness. I can't say that you can absolutely taste the stout in it, but there is certainly a resonant, ferrous tang which I happen to love. The best way of describing it is to say that it's like gingerbread without the spices. There is enough sugar - a certain understatement here - to counter any potential bitterness of the Guinness, and although I've eaten versions of this made up like a chocolate sandwich cake, stuffed and slathered in a rich chocolate icing, I think that can take away from its dark majesty. Besides, I wanted to make a cream cheese frosting to echo the pale head that sits on top of a glass of stout. It's unconventional to add cream but it makes it frothier and lighter which I regard as aesthetically and gastronomically desirable. But it is perfectly acceptable to leave the cake un-iced: in fact, it tastes gorgeous plain. FOR THE TOPPING FOR THE CAKE 300 grams cream cheese 250 millilitres Guinness 150 grams icing sugar 250 grams unsalted butter 2 teaspoons cornflour 75 grams cocoa powder 125 ml double or whipping cream 400 grams caster sugar 150 millilitres sour cream 2 large eggs 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 275 grams plain flour 2½ teaspoons bicarbonate of soda METHOD 1 - Preheat the oven to gas mark 4/180°C/160°C Fan/350ºF, and butter and line a 23cm / 9 inch spring-form tin. 2 - Pour the Guinness into a large wide saucepan, add the butter - in spoons or slices - and heat until the butter's melted, at which time you should whisk in the cocoa and sugar. Beat the sour cream with the eggs and vanilla and then pour into the brown, buttery, beery pan and finally whisk in the flour and bicarb. 3 - Pour the cake batter into the greased and lined tin and bake for 45 minutes to an hour. Leave to cool completely in the tin on a cooling rack, as it is quite a damp cake. 4 - When the cake's cold, sit it on a flat platter or cake stand and get on with the icing. Lightly whip the cream cheese until smooth, sieve over the icing sugar and cornflour and then beat to combine. 5 - If using double cream, add it and beat until you have a spreadable consistency. If using whipping cream, whisk first to soft peaks, add a couple of spoonfuls into the cream cheese mixture and once this is combined, fold in the rest. 6 - Ice the top of the black cake so that it resembles the frothy top of the famous pint.
image: Love ur Lens
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TALKING LEGAL with CostaSea Legal Advisers
SPANISH WILLS Choose who should inherit your assets - don’t assume it will be your wife or partner! If you own Spanish assets, then it is highly advisable to have a Spanish Will that can be used for the distribution of your assets when you pass away. The laws of succession are different in Spain to UK and other countries – so don’t get caught out. A key difference is your assets will not automatically pass to your spouse if you die without a will! The benefits of having a Spanish will are: • Choose who you want to inherit your assets • It will be quicker and easier to administer your Spanish assets • It will be cheaper to finalise the Spanish Inheritance for your heirs • It may be possible to mitigate and or reduce Spanish inheritance tax Many people make the mistake of allocating their assets via their Will, without understanding the tax implications for the heirs. Talk to our team at Costasea Legal Advisers to ensure you are making the right decisions for you and your family.
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 966 843 946 | info@costasea.com www.costasea.com
The Expat Centre - Calle de Villena 12 03170 Ciudad Quesada | 865 668 596 www.theexpatcentre.com
HOME & GARDEN with Paul & Liz from elipacrafts Having a hobby is a great way to spend your spare time and unwind from your daily routine - whether it's learning a new skill like card making, knitting, or doing something artistic … then a visit to elipacrafts is a must. Spending time on an activity that you enjoy can improve your mental health and wellbeing. People with hobbies are less likely to suffer from stress, low moods, depression and dementia, at elipacrafts we have a craft groups welcoming all crafters each day whether it’s a knit-n-natter or making cards for family and friends. Having a craft hobby can make you happier and more positive. The British Journal of Occupational Therapy found that after knitting, a huge 81% of people said they felt happier. Many of us will have a happy memory of sitting with family creating and making something. At elipacrafts, we have traditional crafts such as drawing and painting or new hobbies such as acrylic pouring or resins Crafting can both save and earn you money. You can create a high quality product to suit your own decor using chalk furniture paints. You can also make money by selling handmade items at local craft & charity fairs. At elipacrafts, there’s something for everyone and you’re sure to find what you need for a new interest or the items you need for your existing hobby. After all, elipacrafts has the largest selection of papercrafts, wools and art products in the area.
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GIFTS ONLINE
€640 fruugo.es
€63 www.westwingnow.es
€20 zarahome.com €98 elcorteingles.es
€105 abbacino.es
€21 www.lepetitemarie.com
€90 www.yoursurprise.es
€59 www.jamonpasion.com 12
Christmas shopping can be one of the more stressful elements of the festive season.
Trying to find things to please everyone, from elderly relatives to small children, along with your stylish friends, can feel like an endless task.
€174 giftbasketsspain.es
What we all need at this time of year are one-stop shops with something for everyone, and so much the better if they provide a smooth online shopping experience. So we’ve scoured the web and found the best online sites for Christmas shopping, so you can stock up on chic, unique presents while avoiding the festive crowds. The site is easy to use and full of fresh gift ideas to suit all budgets, ages, and personalities on your list. Enjoy, from the Expat Lifestyle Team
€118 kare.es
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TALKING PROPERTY BUYING with John Clark, Sapphire Properties Sapphire Properties are renowned for being a friendly, reliable and honest estate agent and have been a property specialist for over 17 years, helping clients realise their dream of owning a property in the sun. They are founder members of the AIPP (Association of International Property Professionals) of which John Clark, the owner of Sapphire Properties, is a member of the board of directors.
However, these companies are purely recommendations based on our experience and we are happy for our clients to work with other companies should they choose to.
Sapphire pride themselves on giving a first class service from start to finish and beyond. Their approach to customer service is relaxed yet informative and designed to put you at ease throughout the journey of buying a property.
Once you have chosen your property and your offer has been accepted a deposit of 10% of the agreed purchase price is payable within 30 days. The first 3,000€ is due upon signing the reservation contract. The 90% balance plus 10% transmission tax (equivalent to stamp duty in the UK) will be due at the notary upon completion.
From the moment you walk into the friendly office in Ciudad Quesada, everyone is made to feel most welcome, and there the journey begins.
Once completion has taken place and you are the proud owner of your dream property, our door remains open for any after sales advice or just a friendly cup of coffee.
First and foremost, we listen in order to gain an understanding of what your expectations are. We establish if the client knows the area and if so whether they have preferences for their location and style of property. We have established working relationships with all the necessary and major stakeholders that are required when purchasing a property. For example, solicitors to obtain NIE numbers and banks to open a non-resident bank account, both of which are legal requirements. We can also recommend currency exchange companies to ensure a competitive exchange rate.
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TALKING PROPERTY SELLING with Stuart Markham, OP Group OP Group Spain have been established in the Costa Blanca with the main office in the Gran Alacant commercial centre since 2006. The owner Stuart Markham (pictured) says that selling your property in Spain is straightforward, you just need a good agent and a trusted conveyancer to carry out the legalities.
together to find a buyer or a property to achieve quicker sales.
Stuart outlines the most important things to look out for when selling:
Choosing your legal representative: this can be a gestor, legal firm, or conveyancing company. If they are local, and office-based, communication must be both speedy and easy to understand.
A. The agent has an established office in the nearby location to your property B. They are members of an industry-recognised association such as AIPP. C. The agent comes across as being friendly, trustworthy, knowledgeable, proactive, and experienced.
They will ensure your property is prepared for sale and that it has an up-to-date Energy Performance Certificate, Habitación (licence of second occupation), title deeds (escritura), utility bills, Suma tax and personal ID of all sellers.
Over the years we have seen so many agents come and go, believing it’s easy to open an agency or even just work from home and sell property, But, there is so much more to it, and its worth agreeing to pay a little more commission to an agent who is going to achieve you a better price. There are now agents who advertise to sell your property for a very small fee, but will they sell it and how motivated are they going to be? The average agent fee is 5% which is higher than the UK, but marketing costs are so much more in Spain as clients are coming from literally all over Europe and as far away as the USA and Canada.
They will check the sales contract and make sure all is agreed between both parties and the buyers legal team. This service on average costs around 1000 euros. Taxes: there will be IVA tax on the agents fees of 21%, Plus Valia tax which is a local ‘town hall tax’ based on the increase in the value of the land over the time you have owned the property and you may be liable for capital gains tax at 24% which is either 3% of the sale price retained at the notary if you are a non resident (can be claimed back if no profit has been made) or 24% of the profit paid within 30 days if you are resident.
Commissions are also shared between agents, so it has become more common for agents to work
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DAYA VIEJA
€84,999 QUESADA
SR1134
SR1189
Tel. 965 725 478 | Mob. 600 362 843 Beautiful South facing 2 bed apartment with E. info@sapphireproperties.co.uk countryside views and communal pool www.sapphireproperties.co.uk
QUESADA
€149,999 QUESADA
SR1167 Well presented west facing 2 bed, 2 bath bungalow with disabled access
€134,999
Tastefully appointed 3 bedroom townhouse with stunning mountain views
€49,999 QUESADA
SR1233 Spacious 1 bed apartment with fabulous sea views
€125,000
SR1232 Nicely presented fortuna townhouse Overlooking two communal pools
CHRISTMAS COSTA BLANCA
ALICANTE GUARDAMAR LA ZENIA
ELCHE
TORREVIEJA 17
TALKING HEALTH with Apple Hearing We at Apple Hearing & Healthcare know how important it is to listen and hear, so we are proud to announce that we have collaborated with Samaritans in Spain so they can continue their valuable work. As Christmas is fast approaching, and especially after nearly two years of fighting through a worldwide pandemic never seen in peacetime before, one’s mental wellbeing inevitably is becoming more important. Being in a country where our language (although widely understood) is not the official language, can be very daunting for a lot of us especially when we are suddenly faced with isolation and bereavement. This is why we are proud to sponsor this worthwhile charity – SAMARITANS IN SPAIN. They provide a confidential listening service to ALL English speakers in mainland Spain and the islands totally FREE of charge. They do this because they believe in the importance of having the opportunity to explore difficult feelings and in doing so, alleviate the despair that can lead to suicidal thoughts. Samaritans in Spain want everyone to know that there is someone there who is ready to listen,
without judgement or prejudice. It is important that people understand that they do not need to be feeling suicidal to make that phone call. Their trained listeners are there to provide confidential support to anyone who is feeling distressed or in despair. They are available on FREEPHONE 900 525 100 between 10am and 10pm, 365 days a year. They can also be contacted via email to pat@samaritansinspain.com. As a self-funded charity run entirely by volunteers, they rely on donations and support from business and we at Apple Hearing & Healthcare are delighted to be in a position to sponsor this charity. They also rely donations from the general public. It costs an average of 16€ per each call taken and to hear the words “I am feeling better about things now” from the callers are their main objective. So, during this season of goodwill, why not support this fantastic charity as you never know, you might need the their services one day? Further information about Samaritans in Spain is available at www.samaritansinspain.com
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WELLBEING By Moira Carmenate
Christmas reflections … dealing with loss Everyone is planning their celebrations, parties, drinks, dancing and laughing but for you, someone is missing. You feel under pressure to put on a brave face and when you do it makes you feel worse. Whether it’s your first Christmas without a loved one or you lost someone many years ago, the festive season has a knack of highlighting your grief in neon lights. Loss is not only because of the death of someone, it may be the end of a relationship, or that you are missing family members because Covid-restricted travel. But remember it’s normal and it’s ok to feel sad.
Here are a few ways to help you cope this Christmas. • • • • • • • •
Find a special way to remember your loved one – maybe light a beautiful candle in their memory If you don’t want to be home on Christmas Day, why not volunteer at a food kitchen for the homeless Take a long walk and put some headphones on and listen to some beautiful music Buy yourself a special gift as if it was from your loved one Find a funny film and laugh – it’s ok to laugh Plan events for the coming year Create and plan a new hobby Remember it is ok to be happy – you owe it to yourself and its part of caring for yourself
Reflect on what is good in your life and what you are grateful for…you will be surprised at how many good things there are. Enjoy every moment and help others do the same. You are not alone – there’s always someone to talk to www.theelitewellnessgroup.com Helpline numbers: low cost UK Samaritans 24 hr overseas number - 0044 330 094 5717
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ENTERTAINMENT with Richie Sparks at Big FM in Quesada
count on Big FM and its sister station, Big Radio 2, to continue playing the music YOU like. Big FM will still have the fun competitions, news from near & far, and the madcap breakfast show with me and Caz! Big Radio 2 will continue playing Solid Gold hits from the 60s, 70s & 80s right around the clock. We’ll maintain our policy of being accessible, flexible and great value for our business clients. Big FM and Big Radio 2 have big ideas for next year, and we’ll be consolidating our position as the BIGgest and BEST community station in Costa Blanca South. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Richie Sparks, Manager
Well, can you believe it’s Christmas time again? It’s amazing just how quickly this time of year comes around. One week, you’re slip-sloppin’ the sun-cream all over – then you’re digging out your thermals and the hot water bottle! Like everyone else, it would be quite an understatement for us to describe this year as “challenging”, when people have struggled in so many ways. With 2022 only around the corner, it looks as if we can start making plans to get out more and see more family & friends. Whatever does come our way next year, you can
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LADY JAZZ LIVE DATES Sun 5 Dec BENIJOFAR, Bambouzza – 7.30pm Tue 7 Dec QUESADA, Hotel La Laguna - 12.30pm Wed 8 Dec BENISSA, St Andrews – 7.30pm Thu 9 Dec BENIJOFAR, Bambouzza – 7.30pm Fri 10 Dec EL RASO, The med – 8pm
Thu 16 Dec ALTEA, La Olla – 8pm Fri 17 Dec SAN JUAN, De Pasta Somos – 9pm Sat 18 Dec CALPE, El Bistro – 8pm Sun 19 Dec BENIJOFAR, Bambouzza – 7.30pm Tue 21 Dec QUESADA, Hotel La Laguna - 12.30pm Wed 22 Dec BENISSA, St Andrews – 7.30pm
Sat 11 Dec LA FINCA, Baybrooks – 8pm
Sat 25 Dec CAMPOSOL, The Clubhouse – 1.30pm BENIJOFAR, Bambouzza – 7.30pm
Sun 12 Dec CALPE, Ocean’s Club – 1.30pm
Sun 26 Dec CABO ROIG, Shrumba – 8pm
Tue 14 Dec QUESADA, Hotel La Laguna - 12.30pm
Tue 28 Dec QUESADA, Hotel La Laguna - 12.30pm
Wed 15 Dec BENISSA, St Andrews – 7.30pm
Fri 31 Dec ROJALES, The Clubhouse, Marquesa Golf – 8.30pm
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CLASSIC FILM REVIEW with Simon Wade
Redemption through decency - a lesson for us all The Shawshank Redemption (Frank Darabont, 1994) The very definition of 'evergreen’, Stephen King’s tale of deliverance and salvation (originally titled “Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption”) wasn’t a massive success on first release. However, since then, it’s grown to become a favourite for millions. And millions. Hitchcock went before him (with the theme of ‘The Wronged Man’), but Darabont’s direction adds a warmth and a substance that the Master of Suspense could never do. At 2hr 22m, it’s of epic proportions, but always seems to fly over. Especially the last hour where the pace picks up and the Shawshank redemption (itself) unravels on screen. On first viewing, you’d think that hope was all that Tim Robbin’s Andy Dufresne had, after his two month solitary incarceration for calling the warden ‘obtuse’. However, when his own footwear is found in the same warden’s shoe-box, this is when hope turns into reality. From there to the emotional ending, it’s an uplifting joyous cinematic trip. Dufresne’s tenacity is revealed, as is his patience, gall, wisdom, foresight and wit. Let’s face it, who wouldn’t want any one of those characteristics? Robbins, for a relative unknown at the time, is superb. However, Morgan Freeman’s portrayal of “Red” stands out for me. His character is genuine, warm and has a gravitas that draws the viewer straight to him. For me though, two moments stand out. The ‘beers on the roof’ scene and the time when Andy plays Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro” across the yard are my favourites. They show a compassion to his fellow man, a benevolence that belies his own suffering and a disclosure that the world can be a beautiful place, after all. No doubt, it will be on TV again over Christmas, so watch out – and be prepared to turn your phone off and put your feet up. A Hollywood classic and a slow-burner that will warm your heart. 22
WHAT’S ON GUIDE Sat 11 EL CHAPARRAL, Unity Bar, 5pm - Project Duo Sun 12 DONA PEPA, Aurora Bar, 7pm - Project Duo Mon 13 TORREVIEJA, St James Gate, 3pm – Nikki Nock, The Karaoke Queen of Torrevieja Wed 15 BENISSA, St Andrews Bar & Restaurant, 7.30pm – Lady Jazz VILLAMARTIN PLAZA, Fairways 12am Ladies of Spain Xmas Party Fundraiser
PROJECT DUO: Jude and Debbie Hutchinson
Thu 16 PLAYA FLAMENCA, Pablo’s International, 6pm – No Fences (Celtic & Country Duo) FORMENTERA, Rumours, 8pm – Mr Hyde Duo (ticket only) FORMENTERA, Sunleys, 6pm – Open Mic and Jam Session Sat 18 PLAYA FLAMENCA, The Lansdowne, 9.30pm - Melissa Jade Sun 19 FORMENTERA, Rumours, Santa Con Xmas Party with Nikki Nock LA MARQUESA GOLF El Vazos, 5pm - Melissa J
MELISSA JADE
RAIN O’CONNOR (No Fences)
MISS LEXI LEGS
NIKKI NOCK
Mon 20 BENIJOFAR, La Cosecha, 7pm – Debbie H Wed 22 TORRE PACHECO, Shamrock Lounge, 7pm – Melissa Jade FORMENTERA, Rumours, 7pm – Miss Lexi Legs (ticket only) Xmas Eve BENIJOFAR La Cosecha Restaurant, Debbie H Wednesday 29 TORRE PACHECO, Shamrock Lounge, 7pm – Melissa Jade New Years Eve FORMENTERA, Rumours, New Year’s Party with Nikki Nock (call to reserve) DONA PEPA, The Indian Ocean – Meal, DJ, fireworks and Melissa Jade (ticket only) DONA PEPA, Coopers, The Project Duo (ticket only)
Please contact The Expat Centre if you have an event to publicise in January 23
TALKING FINANCE with Yvonne Haughton
Yvonne Haughton is a Qualified Financial Advisor with over 15 years’ experience in the industry.
"The cost of living is always rising, are your savings?"
She has a direct approach, acting as a ‘one bank advisor’, meaning clients can arrange their finance without having to deal with a different person every time. And no queues! Communication is easy by phone and WhatsApp, with appointments in the client’s home or at their office. A customised financial plan is arranged, which includes personal financial goals. The plan incorporates investments, loans, mortgages and all other elements of finance. Basic banking services such as current account maintenance, debit cards, cash withdrawals and transfers are all free. NB: Clients must have monthly income of €700 or minimum investment of €3,000 with us.
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PC Repairs
Car Hire
E-Cigs
If you would like to advertise in The Expat Lifestyle magazine, please call Debbie on 865 668 596 or 711 021 899 Email Debbie@ExpatLifestyle.es 25
MOTORING with Venture Fleet
Hybrid vs Electric vehicles – A comparison of CO2 emissions and cost-effectiveness The European Commission says in its ‘Fit for 55’ package that all new cars in Europe must be zero-emissionvehicles by 2035. Many industry commentators say the main challenge is providing would-be e-motorists with enough charging points. However, car manufacturers blame the lack of infrastructure for charging One of a recurring argument from the car industry is that the infrastructure to charge electric vehicles is not sufficient to cater for their needs.
Cost difference between fossil and electric vehicles Let’s look at the cost example of taking a vehicle with the same characteristics, but in different versions, fossil-fuelled and electric. We’ve summarised the purchase price and running costs in a table below, looking at the long-term expense of owning two types of car. Overall, the electric car is more cost-effective and, of course, more environmental friendly, if and when produced under the right circumstances. They are cheaper to run, depending on how electricity prices rise in Europe, and present less maintenance costs, as long as the battery cells do not give trouble. In line with the European promise of a 55% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2035, these vehicles are our future and we hope that the infrastructure is in place when we need it.
This argument has been used in the past for concentrating their efforts still on fossil-fuelled vehicles. Reuters reported that German luxury carmaker Daimler (DAIGn.DE), for example, has refrained from stating it will produce only electric vehicles by 2030 no matter what instead it has emphasised it will be "ready to go all electric ... where market conditions allow." However, the EU is pushed to increase charging points across the states to ensure enough supply for demand. Opel Mokka (Fossil)
Opel Mokka-e (Electric)
Cost - up from 22.050 €
Cost - up from 36.150 €
Energy Consumption - 6l/100 km = (6x1,515= 9,09 €/100 km)
Energy Consumption – 14,18 kWh = 7,40€ (40 kWh = 20 € = 270 km)
10 years worth of maintenance = c. 5000€
10 years worth of maintenance = c. 3500€
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motor insurance | car transfers driving licence advice | car leasing
The Expat Centre, Calle Villena 12, Dona Pepa, Ciudad Quesada, 03170 ALICANTE Tel. 865 668 596 | email. info@TheExpatCentre.com | www.TheExpatCentre.com 27