EXPAT Lifestyle MAGAZINE
June 2022
Issue 7
Step into summer! TALKING WINE
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Letter from the Editor – Moira Carmenate
with Moira Carmenate
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MOIRA’S KITCHEN THE KASHROUTE TO QUESADA
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Hello everyone, If you hadn’t already noticed, summer is here and it’s great to see everyone enjoying the fiestas again.
with Paprika Fusion Restaurant
TALKING HEALTH
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TALKING WELLBEING
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For the Brits amongst us, a big celebration takes place this month in the UK and no doubt around the world. HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee marks Her Majesty’s incredible seventy years on the throne.
with The Elite Wellness Group
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TALKING LEGAL with Costasea Legal Services
BEAUTIFUL BLANCA BEACHES
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with Lola Culsan & John Weller
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SPOTLIGHT ON GUARDAMAR
with Turisme Guardamar
TALKING PROPERTY
20 - 21
with Stuart Markham, OP Group Spain
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CLASSIC FILM REVIEW with Simon Wade
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ENTERTAINMENT with Richie Sparks of BIG FM
WHAT’S ON GUIDE
with The Tipsy Tortoise, Formentera
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READER’S CONTRIBUTION
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with The Golf Doctor
EXPAT LIFESTYLE EXHIBITION
With that in mind, I thought I would add a few Great British recipes in Moira’s Kitchen including my adapted version of Jubilee Chicken. According to Wikipedia, the first version of Jubilee Chicken was created for the Silver Jubilee of George V in 1935 and was superseded by Coronation Chicken created for the Queen’s Coronation in 1953. Mind you, I have also added a not so British Pavlova – who can resist that luscious marshmallow centered meringue dessert, no matter what time of the year? Thank you as always to all of this month’s contributors. It’s great to have Chiropodist/Podiatrist, Nuria on board to give you great advice on foot health. We often forget that our feet support our whole bodies, so take care of them. We here at The Expat Centre are getting excited about our forthcoming Summer Lifestyle Show which is going to be at La Laguna Hotel for three days in July – 15th, 16th and 17th. We are looking forward to meeting all our lovely readers there, see our advert on page 31. Time to step into summer. Stay safe, stay hydrated and stay well.
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Love Moira
Our Experts
Contact Us The Expat Centre, Calle de Villena 12 Dona Pepa, Ciudad Quesada, 03170 ALICANTE Tel. +34 865 668 596
Legal - Costasea Legal Advisors Health - Apple Hearing & Healthcare Wellbeing – The Elite Wellness Group Property - Sapphire Properties & OP Group Spain Gastronomy – Ari & Rose Stein, Paprika Restaurant Entertainment – Richie Sparks, Big Radio Spain Classic Films – Simon Wade
Editor Moira@expatlifestyle.es Advertising Simon@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.
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TALKING WINE
with Moira Carmenate
Albariño – a shining star of Spanish white wines Now that summer is here, there is nothing better than to kick back and enjoy a glass of chilled white wine.
These characteristics are:
We are so fortunate to live in Spain where there is a history of great wines dating back centuries.
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Often focusing on the great Spanish reds, white wines were mostly in the shadows. Now Spanish white wines have come out fighting to take their place on the world’s stage of spectacular wines. One shining star whose popularity is seemingly unstoppable is Albariño from Rías Baixas, Galicia. Galicia’s tourist information indicates that the farming of the vines in the Rías Baixas is due to the monks of the Cistercian monastery of Armenteira (Meis). Science reveals that wine production already existed much before the monks arrived and the grape varieties like Albariño are originally from this area. According to Pazo Baion, one of the highly acclaimed vineyards in Rías Baixas, the Albariño grape, the best possible raw material for making white wines with great personality and structure have certain characteristics.
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It’s small, circular, uniform and white. It’s also grouped in small clusters. It’s skin is very smooth but thick. It ripens late since its vegetative cycle is longer than other varieties. During ripening, it acquires a pale yellow color with some green hints of its previous stages. It’s flesh is soft. It gives greenish musts and these generate yellow wines with green tones. It stands out for its intense floral aromas, which lead to wines that stand out for their floral and fruity aroma.
Albariño wines are dry in style, embracing the variety's aromatic scent and its moderate to high acidity. While acidity often compliments residual sugar on the palate of a wine, Albariños are traditionally made in a dry, sometimes less-aged style, similar to the coastal wines of Vino Verde in Portugal. Their dryness works well when pairing with fish and seafood dishes. If you’d like to find out more about
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Albariño, why not take a trip to the slightly cooler climes of Galicia, visit some of their amazing vineyards and sample their culinary delights. If you just fancy staying home, chill a nice bottle of Albariño, put your feet up and enjoy in the summer sun.
MOIRA’S KITCHEN with Moira Carmenate, Expat Lifestyle editor To celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, it seems fitting to include a few recipes that we all know and love and associate with street parties and British fetes. Recipe below for “Poulet Reine Elizabeth” now knows as Coronation Chicken which was created for the Queen’s Coronation in 1953 by Le Cordon Bleu London. I have created my own Jubilee Chicken recipe following the colonial feel of Coronation Chicken. I even remembered I had some Royal Albert China stored away, for that extra touch of home. Hope you enjoy.
Coronation Chicken Method:
Ingredients:
1 cooked breast of chicken 6 tbsp mayonnaise 2 tbsp mango chutney 2 tbsp sultanas Chopped coriander or parsley
3 tsp curry powder 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp cumin 2 tbsp chopped apricots
Dice cooked chicken (this is great for using left over chicken). Mix the mayonnaise, and all the spices together – check it’s to your taste, I like to taste the curry in mine. Add in the sultanas and apricots (or leave out if you don’t like them). Bring together & garnish with chopped coriander or parsley if you prefer and serve.
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Moira’s Jubilee Chicken Salad Ingredients:
2 chicken breasts tsp cumin tsp garam masala tsp garlic powder tsp curry powder tsp turmeric
Salt & pepper Chopped coriander Cherry Tomatoes & cucumber Dash of olive oil 1 large mango 1 red onion
Juice of 2 or 3 limes 1 tbsp mango chutney 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp red wine vinegar Mixed salad leaves Toasted almonds for garnish
Method: Give it a good shake to bring the flavours together. Remove chicken from fridge and let it stand for few minutes to bring to room temperature. Grill each chicken fillet making sure they are thoroughly cooked, drizzle with lime juice and put on plate to rest and allow the juices to settle for lovely moist chicken. Cut into small pieces. Assemble your salad – put your salad leaves onto your serving plate, together with halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber, marinated mango & onion slices, sliced grilled chicken. Add salad dressing and gently toss everything together. Top with chopped coriander and toasted almonds.
Mix cumin, garam masala, garlic powder, turmeric, salt and pepper in bowl. Dust the chicken fillets with the spice mix and dash of olive oil. Rub into the chicken making sure the fillets are coated. Cover with cling film and leave in fridge whilst you prepare rest of ingredients (the longer you can leave the chicken to marinade the more intense the flavour. Peel and dice mango and finely slice red onion. Soak in the juice of 1 lime (sometimes you need more limes, depending on how juicy they are). Make salad dressing in small jar by bringing together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lime juice and mango chutney. I used the mango chutney jar to get the most out of the chutney that was left in it.
Hassleback Potatoes 4/5 similar sized potatoes (Maris Pipers or similar) Oil for spraying Sea salt This is the quickest and easy accompaniment to any meal. You can add garlic or rosemary if you wish. Heat Oven – 180 degrees Cut into the potatoes without cutting right through. Place on baking tray. Spray with oil and roast for 40/50 minutes Baste part way through cooking When ready, serve with a sprinkling of sea salt
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MOIRA’S KITCHEN Summer Pavlova A luscious marshmallow centered meringue – a true taste of summer
Gently whisk in a couple of tablespoons of sugar at a time followed by the corn-flour, vinegar and vanilla extract.
Ingredients:
Finally whisk for about another 3 minutes until everything is combined and mixture is glossy.
6 egg whites at room temperature 1 +1/4 cups castor sugar 2 tsp cornflour 1 tsp white vinegar ½ tsp vanilla extract
Take your spatula and drop the mixture onto your lined baking parchment to form a circle. Gently move it into shape and make a little dent in the top.
Whipped Double cream Strawberries or Mixed berries Method: Heat oven to 150 degrees centigrade. Line a large baking sheet with baking parchment. Whisk egg whites in clean dry bowl until mixture is stiff.
Put into the oven and reduce the temperature to 120 degrees. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes. Don’t be tempted to open the oven door when baking or your meringue will crack. When baking time finished, open the oven door slightly and leave meringue in oven for three hours.
Remove from oven and when cool add your double cream and top with fruit.
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Victoria Sandwich Ingredients: 225g softened butter 225g caster sugar 4 large eggs 225g self-raising flour 2 level tsp baking powder 2 x 20cm greased and lined sandwich tins For The Filling and Topping: 4tbsp raspberry jam A little castor sugar for dusting top (or non-traditional – fill with jam and whipped cream & dust with icing sugar) Method: Preheat the oven to 180°C/Fan 160°C/gas 4. Grease and line two sandwich tins with baking parchment. Measure the butter, sugar, eggs, flour and baking powder into a large bowl and beat until thoroughly blended. Divide the mixture evenly between the tins and level out. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until well risen and the tops of the cakes spring back when lightly pressed with a finger. Leave to cool in the tins for a few minutes then turn out, peel off the parchment and finish cooling on a wire rack When completely cold, sandwich the cakes together with the jam (or jam and cream if non-traditional) Sprinkle with sugar to serve.
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Welcome to The Animated Forest An open space, in contact with nature, where you can enjoy our facilities, sports, fishing and activities with your friends or family. Organize your private event, birthday, farewells, communions or company dinners with us. Enjoy a delightful range of meals with us, or enjoy your favourite cocktail in our Chill Out area.
@elbosqueanimadoguardamar
Departure Lomas del Polo 190, 03140 Guardamar del Segura
Tel. 689 842 381 8
/elbosqueanimadoguardamar
Shalom shalom, and welcome to Paprika, the Costa Blanca’s first Sephardic Kashrut-style fusion restaurant. Tradition and heritage - in the present. Kashrut fusion comes from the medieval world of Sepharad, or al Andalus, from where our ancestors came and live in many parts of the world to this day. As they travelled, recipes were learned from each area, which mixed with their own traditions, took them further and further along the ’Kash-route’. Paprika wants to revisit this path – connecting the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Continent. We conenct west and east, north and south, sea and land, just like blending vegan, fish and carnivore lifestyles. This is the road to KASHROUTE. Harmony in variety is the essence of Kashroute fusion. We make our meals from the recipes of our predecessors, in the form of a family restaurant where several generations work together for different generations of guests. This journey is a cavalcade of vegan, fish, fried, grilled and steamed meats, oven-baked food with unique flavors, natural and fresh ingredients, vegetables, fruits, and magical oriental spices.
As you enjoy our food, you can feel this fizzling feeling of being on the road like champagne in your blood, this colorful unique adventure that we sweeten with our locally made cakes. In our traditions, every meal is a holiday that should be accompanied by good quality wine, which we source from great wineries on the ’Kashroute’ and offer them to you in a traditional relaxed ambience. "The world can change, but before that ... let’s eat and drink!"
Avenida de las Naciones 1C, Ciudad Quesada call 635 299 626 or email book.paprika@gmail.com
Ari and Rose
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TALKING HEALTH
HEALTH STARTS AT THE FEET The feet are one of the most sensitive areas of our body, and in turn one of the ones that need the most care.
The most common problems in the feet are pain in the heel, in the sole of the foot and the metatarsal support area.
However, we hardly ever pay them the attention they deserve, which is why it is common for various health problems related to improper footcare to appear.
Therefore, a complete study of the footprint helps us to see what types of problems may occur.
Many of the back, hip, knee or ankle problems that we can suffer from are caused by improper foot care.
We can carry out a personalized treatment. One of the main treatments for foot ailments is the use of custom-made insoles.
Therefore, the way of walking, running or the weight they bear has a great influence on problems that may arise. Choosing good footwear and visiting the podiatrist at least once a year is essential to prevent injuries.
They are totally personalized after carrying out a complete study of the feet, adapting them to our daily footwear. They’re very comfortable too, alleviating and better distributing the loads of our feet and body.
Call Nuria & Pilar now, the expert podiatrist and chiropodist in Costa Blanca South
Tel. 966 715 547 or 660 697 934
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TALKING WELLBEING Tips for dealing with Summer Depression Why do some people feel more depressed in summer? After all, it is summer, we are meant to be enjoying the sun and having a good time – aren’t we?
Heat – We crave the sun and heat in the winter, but when the summer comes it can get unbearably hot and humid in some areas. We get sticky and grumpy and may avoid open spaces that don’t have air con.
People are having fun, relaxing, going to the beach, swimming, playing beach games – it’s great – isn’t it? Not if you suffer from summer depression or anxiety!
We may not want to cook and rely on take away meals as it’s too hot to be sweating over a hot stove. All these things can contribute to feelings of depression.
But why might you be suffering from summer depression? Here are some reasons:
These are just a few of many reasons why you might have summer depression, but you are not alone. As Eddie Cochrane wrote and sang back in the 50’s – “there ain’t no cure for the summertime blues”.
S.A.D. - You might be suffering from SAD or MDD which is Seasonal Affective Disorder with a seasonal pattern.
We associate SAD with the dark, gloomy winter nights when people are often indoors and not getting enough sunlight.
But fear not – here are some tips to get you through •
This causes a drop in serotonin levels which in turn negatively affects mood. In winter, people with SAD have feelings of sadness and lethargy.
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MDD works in a similar way in summer, caused by too much brightness, especially with the longer light nights, which can cause insomnia, anxiousness, and feelings of agitation.
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Financial concerns – Summer can be expensive. Extra costs if you have children or grandchildren to entertain. Especially challenging this year as costs have rocketed after Covid, BREXIT and the general increased living costs around the world. With a day out, even to the beach, you are going to be spending more than you normally would and those financial pressures can lead to depression and anxiety.
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Body Image concerns – As temperatures soar, we show off more of our bodies than we do in winter. You might feel selfconscious in shorts or a swimsuit or even showing off your arms.
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Feelings of embarrassment or awkwardness can create anxieties. It’s not helped when magazines show super skinny celebrities in skimpy outfits indicating that to be glamorous you need to be skinny.
Don’t feel that you’re supposed to be happy just because it’s summer. Don’t kick off the summer with crazy dieting and exercise to fit into last year’s summer clothes. Instead, exercise sensibly and eat healthy foods that make you feel good. Sleep! Holidays, summer barbecues, warm nights – they can all encourage you to stay up later than usual. However, not enough sleep can trigger depression. So, get to bed on time. Do you associate summer with a difficult time in the past – the death of a loved one or the break-up of a relationship? Without even realizing it, you may have started to associate the summer with sadness or loss. Talk to someone, a friend, or a therapist, to help you break the cycle. Cut yourself some slack. Allow yourself some down time. You don’t need to be busy all the time. It’s ok to stop, read a book and enjoy the freedom to do what you want. Stop negative self-talk. While you still may not like what you see in the mirror, and we can all be self-critical, find and focus on the things you like about your looks. Peace of mind doesn’t need peace and quiet. Find your happy place in your heart and in your mind. You could be in a bustling market, walking along a beach or anywhere. Once you are happy within you, that inner peace will go with you, wherever you go.
Find your happy place and ENJOY the summer!
Contact The Elite Wellness Group on +34 865 668596 or www.TheEliteWellnessGroup.com Samaritans in Spain can be contacted on +34 900 525 100
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TALKING LEGAL
with Costasea Legal Advisers
Your trusted legal service ● Do you have to sue a third party in Spain or certain countries in Europe for a breach of contract? ● Have you been sued and need judicial defense in a civil, commercial process? ● Have you been cheated in a business, contract or investment and want to ask for damages? ● Have you been charged with a crime and need a judicial defense? Here at Costasea Legal Advisers, we advise and defend you in any court and judicial instance in Spain. We defend of your legitimate interests, guaranteeing the most appropriate result for your needs. We will offer you options in the judicial process and the consequences thereof, advising you whether or not to reach agreements and litigate. At Costasea Legal Advisers we have extensive experience in the Spanish Courts in all legal areas, providing you a premier judicial defence, protecting your interests and those of your family. This includes analysing the solvency of the opponent and the cost of the approach and judicial process, indicating the prospects and its viability. Would you leave your private interests in inexperienced hands? Ask us and we will carry out a study that covers the best defence of your interests without obligation.
The Expat Centre - Calle de Villena 12 03170 Ciudad Quesada +34 865 668 596 info@theexpatcentre.com www.theexpatcentre.com
C/ La Purisma, 22 03158 Catral +34 966 843 946 info@costasea.com www.costasea.com
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BEAUTIFUL beaches Fine sand or white-pebble beaches with clear intense-blue water, nature parks with flamingos feeding in salt marshes, ancient castles, watchtowers and fortresses – find them all along Spain’s White Coast
Dunes de Pinet – Elche This 2km long strip of golden sand is bordered by sand dunes and wetlands where you’ll see flamingos. Pink sea rocket, saltwort and yellow bird’s foot trefoil flourish on the dunes where long grasses sway in the warm summer breeze. In the shade of a pine wood planted 100 years ago to protect the salt flats, mastic bushes and Phoenician juniper grow. Nearby Restaurante Galicia on Playa de Pinet has one of best verandas (and tapas!) on the Costa.
Cala Llobella - Benissa A pristine beach with smooth flat rocky shelves to lie on. Clear water makes for great snorkelling, and superb views of the vast Penyal D’Ifach rock. A pleasant uncomplicated footpath along the Paseo Ecologico tales you to Cala Pinets.
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of Costa BLANCA
Cala del Xarco, Villajoyosa A wild, rocky bay popular with locals, tucked away between Alicante and Benidorm. The ancient watchtower Torre de Xarco sits proudly on the hill above the palm-tree inhabited beach. Another cove sits just around the headland. Enjoy the historical and charming Villajoyosa promenade with plentiful cafes and seafood restaurants lining its multi-coloured front.
Platja Racó del Conill Intriguingly-named Rabbit Corner Beach near Benidorm is semi-ga and semi-nudist with a relaxed vibe. Good for swimming, rock-jumping and diving. Although busy in summer, it’s still great fun. Recommended is Hotel Abaco, a beautifully-decorated boutique hotel with friendly staff, a roof terrace and quality breakfast.
Words by Lola Culsan and John Weller (from their book, “Hidden Beaches Spain”) Pictures by Simon Wade and Wikipedia
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Guardamar welcomes the summer solstice with the celebration of the Bonfires of San Juan. This celebration has its origin in the ancestral rite of burning old and useless wooden objects with the arrival of summer.
On June 23, the "Nit Màgica" is celebrated, the night of the magical rite of fire, where a show of dance, music, fire and water takes us back to ancient times of our existence.
The fiesta features a giant cardboard and wood figure made by the group "Els Milotxes" since 1994. This bonfire, loaded with social criticism of the local and world events of the year, which is burned on the Night of San Juan is a MUST in your agenda.
In this same act, a "Queimada" is prepared. According to tradition, this drink taken after the spell is cast. It works as protection against curses and to keep spirits and other evil beings away from the thirsty reveller.
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It takes place on Guardamar’s Center Beach and ends with a spectacular firework display, music and dancing until the wee hours of the morning.
There will also be parades where you can enjoy the charm of the typical costumes of “Alicantina” and “Zaragüell” and, in turn, the typical music of this festival.
On June 24 we can enjoy a “Mascletá” in the town hall square at 2:00 p.m.
That night the traditional “Cremà” arrives and, with the purifying fire, at 1am the monumental “Foguera” planted next to the Church is burned.
This is a very powerful firework that is based more on sound than site. It is quite a rumble!
Viva Guardmar!
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TALKING PROPERTY With Stuart Markham – OP Group We are a family run business established here on the Costa Blanca South since 2006.
Stuart Markham OP Group Spain
WHERE TO BUY? You can’t go too far wrong when purchasing on the Costa Blanca, however the type of property that suits you best depends on how much time and the times of year you will spend most of your time here. Other factors are how close or distance to where you are going to be spending most of your time like favourite beaches, bars and restaurants, built-up area, rustic finca, golf course resort or tranquil small town? The most popular searches are for property on the Orihuela Costa but many clients discover and fall in love with small little villages like Algorfa, Almoradi, Daya Vieja (to name just a few) or more busy areas like Quesada, La Marina and Gran Alacant.
People do arrange viewing trips lasting just a few days but our advice is spend at least a week here discovering new places to find out the places that suit you best. Many people advise renting first but this is very difficult as there is too much demand for long term rentals and finding your ideal property in the perfect location is very difficult. Our agency currently have a few hundred properties rented, with zero availability and a very long waiting list so while its great for landlords its not easy for renters. Our job is to help you find the perfect location and then the property in that area to fast track the process for you.
Ref: OPGA058 GROUND FLOOR APARTMENT 2 BED 1 BATH
ARENALES €139,840
Ref: OPGA057 BEAUTIFUL VILLA 6 BED 3 BATH
Ref: OPGA35 AMAZING VILLA & POOL 7 BED 5 BATH
VALVERDE €980,000
GRAN ALACANT €465,000
Ref: OPGA055 NEW APARTMENT 1 BED 1 BATH
+34 865 943 755 20
LOS MONTESINOS €71,200
SAPPHIRE PROPERTIES John Clark Sapphire Properties
Tel. 965 725 478 | Mob. 600 362 843 E. info@sapphireproperties.co.uk
www.sapphireproperties.co.uk
€68,000 CIUDAD QUESADA
ROJALES
SR613
SR1257 2nd
Spacious 3 bed 2 bath floor fullyfurnished apartment close to amenities
PUEBLO BRAVO
Stunning 3 bed detached villa with private pool & off-road parking
€125,000 CIUDAD QUESADA
SR1256
€190,000
SR1251
Superb 2 bed corner bungalow, fully –furnished in gated community
QUESADA
€279,500
Well-presented 3 bed 2.5 bath villa with communal pool in La Marquesa Golf area
€84,999 CIUDAD QUESADA
SR1238
€134,999
SR1134
2 bed 1 bath apartment with nice views & lovely communal pool
Tastefully-appointed 3 bed townhouse with stunning mountain views
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Nothing is certain but death and taxes and this serves as a poignant reminder that we cannot avoid the inevitable no matter how uncomfortable it is to think about the former (and the latter, if we are being honest!).
That is why we make a promise to you that we will do our upmost to support your loved ones and provide them with as much peace of mind as we can when the time comes.
Living the life of an expat can have many rewards but it does mean that some things are a little more complicated than perhaps they might have been, funerals being one of them.
“Everything happens so quickly here and I feel relieved that everything is now sorted.” – John Edwards
Thankfully we have made it our business to understand how it all works so that you don’t have to. This also means that we are perfectly placed to support your loved ones and hold their hands through a sad and often confusing time.
Our friendly team are on hand to answer any questions that you might have and allay any fears or concerns that may be troubling you. It is important to us that you walk away with a plan that is right for you, your pocket, and your own personal circumstances.
“I am so relieved that he took out a plan with you… I honestly would not have known where to start.” – Alison Mackenzie
Speaking of your pocket, our simple cremation can be put in place for the extremely low sum of €2,595. Whilst we appreciate that cost isn’t everything, we thought you might like to know that this is currently the lowest priced funeral plan available in Spain.
White Doves Funeral Planning offers more than a plan that removes the burden of cost from those that are left behind. Having one of our plans in place means knowing that no-one is left to second guess your wishes. It means that no-one is left wondering if they have made the right choices on your behalf, because you will have already made them.
We appreciate that this is a difficult subject, and nobody really wants to think about their own mortality. Let’s face it, we are far too busy living our lives in sunny Spain than we are thinking about the alternative.
We fully understand that taking out a plan is as much about protecting those that are saying their final goodbyes, as it is about the person who is putting it in place.
But, if we do stop and think about it… and then take action, it very quickly becomes something we never have to think about again. Now, how does that sound?
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CLASSIC FILM REVIEW
with Simon Wade
A ‘Cathy Come Home’ for the 21st century I, Daniel Blake (Ken Loach, 2016) Ken Loach made the TV drama ‘Cathy Come Home’ in 1966, revealing the inflexibility of the British welfare system. Five decades later, he’s still producing social commentary, and winning independent film awards by the bucket-load. When you watch “I, Daniel Blake”, it will come as no surprise. Filmed entirely on location in the North East of England, it's a bleak & honest portrayal of modern-day life for those living on (and below) the breadline. There’s no music, no compromise ... and no punches pulled. Paths of the two main characters cross when Daniel helps out Katie, an out-of-luck out-of-work single mother displaced from London through a lack of social housing. By giving up his place in the Job Centre queue for her, they become friends and comrades in their battle for fairness. Daniel lends his knowledge and experience to help Katie, also making wooden toys for her children. She provides welcome company to the ex-carpenter, recently widowed and deemed unfit for work by his own doctor (and yet not gaining enough ‘points’ to qualify for sickness benefit). The soul-searching heart-breaking ‘highlight’ of the film is an emotional food-bank scene that’s filmed with dignity, empathy and compassion. There are many levels to this film, it needs watching a few times. But it’s tough going, a brutally honest film exposing ‘the system’ for what it is. Unfair, soul-destroying and ‘digital-by-default’. For many, it’s a tragic reminder of poor times past & present. For others, it will have viewers counting their blessings. For a few more, it will be a proverbial kick up the backside. It's over half a century now since Loach’s “Cathy Come Home”, but has anything really changed? Or, are the systems there to help actually DESIGNED to expose, humiliate and grind down the most vulnerable in society? You may think you know the answer already. If you don’t, this film will help you make up your mind.
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ENTERTAINMENT
WE’RE GONG PLACES!
Richie Sparks, Big FM Station Manager
2022 continues to be a massive year Not only is the station ten years old this year, we’re delighted to announce that we made it through the pandemic and lockdown! The main reason for that is our thousands of dedicated listeners, our loyal clients and our barmy presenters. As a genuine community station, I honestly feel that we are part of this region’s rich tapestry of people, business, culture and MUSIC. Without music, we wouldn’t have the two brilliant stations that broadcast 24/7, but Big FM is more than that. We provide a focal point for charities, we help people find jobs, we promote local businesses and we provide great outside broadcasts! Speaking of broadcasts, you can still enjoy Big FM and Big Radio 2 even if the reception in your area is poor. Just download the free app on to your Android phone from our main website at BigRadioSpain.com With the fiestas starting up again and our own Tenth Anniversary Charity Ball, we’re expecting 2022 to be the year that 2020 and 2021 should have been. Enjoy the sun and keep listening, we’re not called BIG for nothing! Richie Sparks - Manager
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WHAT’S ON GUIDE
JUNE 2022 Friday 3
Wednesday 8
FORMENTERA, Rumours & Floyds, Queen's Jubilee Party - 7pm EL RASO, Legends, Lorna Michelle - 8pm CABO ROIG, Laughing Leprechaun, Outlaw Troubador - 8pm ROJALES, EL Vazo's, Holly Hepburn - vocalist - 8pm PLAYA FLAMENCA, Darbys, Rain O'Connor - 8.30pm
LA FLORIDA, Bar Arianaz, Rain O'Connor - 4pm DONA PEPA, La Laguna Hotel, Paula Molina - 7.30pm HONDON, Finca La Montanosa, Outlaw Troubador - 8pm LA FUENTE, Fuego's, Holly Hepburn - vocalist - 8.30pm Friday 10
Saturday 4 PLAYA FLAMENCA, Seaview Cafe, Alfie G - 2pm BENIMAR, El Mundo, Paula Molina - 5pm LA MARQUESA GOLF, Stevie's Lounge, Lorna Michelle - 7pm CABO ROIG, McCafferty's, Rain O'Connor - 8pm LOS DOLSES, Leeson St Rioja Centre, Chloe Jones - 8pm TORRE PACHECO, El Rey, The Costa Blues Brothers - 8pm PLAYA FLAMENCA, Darby's, Holly Hepburn - vocalist - 8.30pm
SANTA POLA, Dunbar's, Holly Hepburn - vocalist - 3pm CABO ROIG, Horrigan's, Rain O'Connor - 4pm MAZARRON, Cat's & Tel's Bar, Chloe Leigh is Cher - TBC LA ZENIA, CC's Bar, Chris Nutty Boy Packett - 6pm CABO ROIG, Shrumba, Alfie G - 6pm BENIMAR, Tommy's Bar, The Project Duo - 7pm LO CRISPIN, La Hacienda, Lorna Michelle Karaoke - 7.30pm GRAN ALACANT, The Pub, Deja Nielsen - 8pm DONA PEPA, Cooper's Bar, Paula Molina - 8.30pm
Saturday 11 CABO ROIG, Horrigan's, Rain O'Connor - 4pm SAN LUIS, Oasis San Luis, Chris Nutty Boy Packett - 8pm LA FUENTE, The Royal Oak, Alfie G's Best of British Show - 8pm LA FLORIDA, Emerald Isle, Deja Nielsen - 8.30pm DONA PEPA, Cooper's Bar, Paula Molina - 8.30pm CAMPOVERDE, Danny's Bar, The Project Duo - 9pm ROJALES, Shenanigan's Irish Bar, Outlaw Troubador - 9pm VILLAMARTIN, Chemie's Lounge, Chloe Jones - 9pm
Sunday 5 LA FUENTE, Evolution Bar, Outlaw Troubador - 1.30pm TORREVIEJA, JB's, Holly Hepburn - vocalist - 2.30pm LA MARQUESA GOLF, El Vazos, Lorna Michelle Karaoke - 4pm LO CRISPIN, La Hacienda, Rob Roberts - 5pm SAN MIGUEL, Illy's Pub, Chloe Jones - 5pm GRAN ALACANT, The Pub, The Project Duo - 6pm FORMENTERA, Rumour's Bar, Nikki Nock karaoke - 7pm LA ZENIA, CC's Bar, Chloe Leigh through the decades - 7pm LA HERADADES, Amani, Paula Molina - 7.30pm LA MANGA, The Last Drop, Rain O'Connor - 10.30pm
Sunday 12 TORREVIEJA, Misol Bar, Debbie H - 3pm QUESADA, Vista Lounge, Chloe Jones - 3pm EL GALAN, That's Life, Lorna Michelle - 4pm LA FLORIDA, Bar Arianaz, Outlaw Troubador - 5pm FORMENTERA, Rumour's Bar, Nikki Nock karaoke - 7pm
Monday 6 LA FUENTE, Evolution Bar, Chris Nutty Boy Packett - 8pm
Monday 13 Tuesday 7 BENIJOFAR, La Cosecha, Debbie H - 7pm CABO ROIG, Shrumba, Rain O'Connor - 8pm
LA FUENTE, Tradewinds Bar, Outlaw Troubador - 9.30pm
Tuesday 14 LA FLORIDA, Ariana's, Vortex (80s duo) - 8pm VILLA PARK III, Bar 6, Lorna Michelle - 9pm LA FUENTE, Tradewinds Bar, Outlaw Troubador - 9.30pm Wednesday 15 BENIJOFAR, La Cosecha, Debbie H - 7pm DONA PEPA, La Laguna Hotel, Paula Molina - 7.30pm
PROJECT DUO: Jude and Debbie Hutchinson 26
Thursday 16
Friday 24
FORMENTERA DEL SEGURA, Tipsy Tortoise, Ladies Day - 1pm HONDON, The Hondon Hub, Debbie H at Ascot Ladies Day - 3pm LA MARINA, Lazy Cow, Paula Molina - 8pm QUESADA, Chiefs on Broadway, 'Cher' & Friends - 8pm
LO CRISPIN, La Hacienda, Lorna Michelle - 7.30pm DONA PEPA, Cooper's Bar, Rob Roberts - 8pm LOS ALCAZARES, Celtic Irish Bar, Holly Hepburn - vocalist - 9.30pm QUESADA, Los Amigos, It Takes Two (vocal harmony duo) - 9pm
Friday 17
Saturday 25
TORREVIEJA, Rosa Leda, Chloe Jones - 2pm QUESADA, Chiefs On Broadway, Rob Roberts - 8pm DONA PEPA, Cooper's Bar, Lorna Michelle - 8pm QUESADA, Vista Lounge, Deja Nielsen - 9pm VILLA PARK III, Bar 6, Alfie G - 9pm
LA ZENIA, CC's Bar, The Costa Blues Brothers - 7pm BENIMAR, Tommy's Bar, Debbie H - 7pm QUESADA, Laurel's Restaurant, Chris Nutty Boy Packett - 8pm LA FINCA, Corner Flag, Lorna Michelle - 8.30pm VILLAMARTIN, Chemie's Lounge, Chloe Jones - 9pm
Saturday 18
Sunday 26
BENIMAR, Tommy's Bar, Chloe through the decades - 6pm LO CRISPIN, La Hacienda, Lorna Michelle Karaoke - 7.30pm EL RASO, Legends, Outlaw Troubador - 8pm PLAYA FLAMENCA, Kacey's, Rain O'Connor - 8pm VILLA PARK III, Bar 6, Chris Nutty Boy Packett - 8pm DONA PEPA, Cooper's Bar, Paula Molina - 8.30pm VILLAMARTIN, Chemie's Lounge, Chloe Jones - 9pm
LA FLORIDA, Bar Arianaz, Outlaw Troubador - 5pm LO CRISPIN, La Hacienda, Debbie H - 5pm LA FUENTE CC, Tradewinds, Chloe Jones with Vitaliy Sax - 9pm Monday 27 BENIJOFAR, La Cosecha, Debbie H - 7pm CABO ROIG, Shrumba, Rain O'Connor - 8pm DONA PEPA, Cooper's Bar, Lorna Michelle Karaoke - 8pm
Sunday 19
LA MARQUESA GOLF, El Vazos, Lorna Michelle Karaoke - 4pm SAN MIGUEL, Illy's Bar, Holly Hepburn - vocalist - 4pm LA FUENTE, Royal Oak, Rain O'Connor - 5pm LO CRISPIN, La Hacienda, Paul Schrager - 5pm FORMENTERA, Rumour's Bar, Nikki Nock karaoke - 7pm LA HERADADES, Amani, Paula Molina - 7.30pm LA FUENTE CC, Tradewinds, Chloe Jones with Vitaliy Sax - 9pm
Tuesday 28 BENIMAR, Tommy's Bar, Big FM Charity Event - 1pm start LA FUENTE, Tradewinds Bar, Outlaw Troubador - 9.30pm Wednesday 29
Monday 20
BENIJOFAR, La Cosecha, Debbie H - 7pm DONA PEPA, La Laguna Hotel, Paula Molina - 7.30pm
BENIJOFAR, La Cosecha, Debbie H - 7pm
Thursday 30
Tuesday 21
LA FUENTE, Evolution, Chris Nutty Boy Packett - 8pm LA MARINA, Lazy Cow, Paula Molina - 8pm
QUESADA, Vista Lounge, Vortex (80s duo) - 9pm LA FUENTE, Tradewinds Bar, Outlaw Troubador - 9.30pm Wednesday 22
Please contact Simon at The Expat Centre if you have gigs or events to promote in July
LA FLORIDA, Bar Arianaz, Rain O'Connor - 4pm DONA PEPA, La Laguna Hotel, Paula Molina - 7.30pm LA FUENTE, Fuego's, Holly Hepburn - vocalist - 8.30pm VILLAMARTIN, Chemie's Lounge, Chloe Jones & Dan Davy - 9pm Thursday 23 LOS ALCAZARES, BT15, Chloe Jones - 6pm CATRAL, Cafe Uno, The Costa Blues Brothers - 8pm VILLAMARTIN, Chemie’s, Legends Show w/ Chloe Leigh - TBC
CHLOE LEIGH
Telephone +34 865 668 596 Email Simon@ExpatLifestyle.es
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PAULA MOLINA
READER’S CONTRIBUTION Hi Fellow golfers! This month, let’s have a look at your tee shot. Through all my years of teaching I have found that 95% of the time pupils, when asked what club will you take off the first tee, the answer is DRIVER. Well let’s analyze that statement and apply a little ‘course management’.
Typical scenario, you have turned up, had a coffee with your Buddies, head straight to the 1st Tee, take the Big Boy out, no practice, no warmup, take an almighty swipe at the ball, there it goes another ball in the water on the right of the fairway or Out of Bounds on the left. Did you ever consider taking a more measured approach; let’s take a more user-friendly option, 3 wood, 5 wood, rescue club or even an iron. Nice easy swing and keep the ball on the short grass. Most amateur golfers want to be ‘macho men/women and be able to tell their mates at the 19th, I hit my tee shot, must have been at least 300 yards, really!!!! The real way to manage your way round the course is to keep the ball on the short grass. If that means taking an iron or rescue off the tee, I suggest you give it some serious consideration. For long distance clubs, driver through to 7 iron there are some basics that MUST be applied. It is imperative that your feet, hips and shoulders are parallel to the target line, and your club face is also pointing down the target line. This is where you do need a friend to help. Take your set up, having advised your ‘assistant’ what you are aiming at. Once you are happy that you are set up correctly, get your ‘assistant’ to put a club across the front of your feet and put another club on the ground behind your club at 90 degrees to the club face. These 2 clubs should be parallel to the target line. I can guarantee you that 9 out of 10 players will NOT be parallel!!!!!!! I now want you to apply some logic to the situation, if your feet, hips and shoulders are NOT all pointing at your target how is it possible to form an arc or swing plane. If your shoulders are pointing left of target and your feet are pointing right of target, it is IMPOSSIBLE to create a correct swing plane. Check your alignment out in the garden or on the driving range and let me know how it was, bet you will be amazed how ‘off line’ you are!!!!! The Golf Doctor
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thepostroom
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All your tax questions answered at FREE professional talks in a friendly safe environment on all aspects of Expat life here in Spain Subjects covered include:
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