Expat Lifestyle Magazine March 2023

Spring is on its way!

Le�er from the Editor – Moira Carmenate

MOIRA’S KITCHEN

4 - 9

SPRING CLEAN YOUR GUT 10 - 11

with Moira Carmenate with Elite Wellness Group

POWER OF HYPNOSIS

14 - 15

Hello Everyone

MOTHER’S DAY GIFT IDEAS

16 - 17

SPOTLIGHT ON GIRONA 20 - 21

TALKING LEGAL - INHERITANCE 22

with Elite Wellness Group with David’s Coachtrips with Costa Sea Legal

WHAT’S ON

26 - 27

Welcome to March - it’s great to know that Spring is on its way. One of the longest months of the year, we celebrate International Women’s Day on the 8th of March, Saint Patrick’s Day on 17th March and UK Mother’s Day on Sunday 19th. At the end of the month the clocks go forward one hour making the days lighter reinforcing the change of season.

For our Irish readers, this month in Moira’s kitchen I have included a few recipes to remind you of home on Saint Patrick’s Day. There are some easy cake recipes if you fancy surprising Mum on Mother’s Day and some gift suggestions if you are struggling for ideas.

Past Issues

if you missed any of our magazines, read our back issues online at: www.theexpatcentre.com/expat-lifestyle-magazine

Contact Us

The Expat Centre, Calle de Villena 12

Doña Pepa, Ciudad Quesada, 03170 ALICANTE

Tel. +34 865 668 596

Editor Moira@expatlifestyle.es

Adver�sing Tracy@expatlifestyle.es

Here at The Expat Centre, we are delighted to welcome Debbie and Charlie Travel Managers to the team. They have some amazing travel offers and it’s great to have them on board to help our clients with their travel planning whether it be short haul, long haul, or the cruise of a lifetime.

As we say goodbye to Winter, remember that Spring represents new beginnings and rebirth. The birth flower of March is a yellow daffodil which ancient Greeks associated with self-love and in Victorian England it was regarded as a symbol of love and hope. It’s also the national flower of Wales and the main symbol for many cancer charities.

If you are feeling down at any time, or know someone who is feeling down, find a daffodil and feel the positivity from this beautiful yellow symbol of hope.

Happy March, Love Moira

Expat Lifestyle Magazine is published by The Expat Centre. Whilst the publisher has taken all reasonable precau�ons and effort to ensure the accuracy of material contained in this magazine at the �me of publishing, no responsibility or liability for any loss or damage will be assumed by The Expat Centre or its employees. All condi�ons, rates, specifica�ons and policies are subject to change without no�ce. Expressed or implied authors’ and adver�sers’ 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 wri�en permission of the publisher. The adver�ser assumes all responsibility for a�aining copyright permission for any material not produced by Expat Lifestyle Magazine.

with Frank from Hondon Embroideryand Print

Talking Wine

with Moira Carmenate, Expat Lifestyle Editor

Empordà Wines from the province of Girona

Girona is an iconic city full of medieval architecture, based in the north-eastern part of Catalonia.

The province of Girona, known for its medieval traditions and Roman remains, has a viticulture that is centuries old. Known as “the orchard of Spain”, it’s heritage of wine production dates back more than three thousand years.

Catalonia has a number of wine regions, one of those regions, Empordà, carries the DOP (Denominación de Origen Protegida). Empordà, located in the province of Girona, has several nature reserves and a stunning coastline. Close to the border with France, the terrain combines sea and mountains, and with more wet and windy weather conditions, creates a soil diversity of clay and sandy slate that contributes to the creation of distinctive grape blends. Stretching from the French border, including the French wine making region of Côtes du Roussillon to the Mediterranean Sea, the DOP is crossed by various rivers including Muga, Llobregat and Manol. The area is known for producing award winning dry red and dry white wines, sweet reds and rosé wines.

Like other parts of Spain, the Phoenicians brought vines to the region in the 5th century BC. The wine making processes continued to improve with techniques introduced by the Carthaginians, but it was the ancient Romans who made the biggest improvements and are credited for the excellent viticulture in Girona. Over the centuries, the wine production faced many challenges especially after wine production was halted following invasion by the Moors. However, once they were driven out, wine production resumed.

In recent years, Empordà enjoys a renaissance with new grape varieties, improved production and cellar techniques and a worldwide export market.

If you are visiting Girona, why not take in a visit to one of their beautiful wineries. One of the wineries, with its own hotel is Masia Serra - masiaserra.com. You can enjoy wine tours in English, and a series of events, as well of course the option to sample their beautiful wines.

Another winery is Mas Molla – www.masmolla.com a family owned vineyard traditionally run since 1338.

There are so many vineyards to visit. Here is a useful website (www.doemporda.cat) if you fancy a getaway to this beautiful part of Spain, especially if you love food and wine.

8. Chop onion and carrot and put into roasting tin with glass of red wine and beef or lamb stock. Place lamb on top of the carrots and onions and roast for about 1.5 hours depending on how you like lamb cooked. (turn lamb half way through the Cooking time).

Roast Leg of Lamb with

Rosemary & Garlic

Ingredients

Leg of lamb (approx. 2 kilos)

1 garlic bulb

1 bunch of rosemary (or dried if you can’t get fresh)

1 tbsp oil

1 onion & 1 carrot

1 glass red wine

2 pints beef or lamb stock

Method

1. Make small incisions all over leg of lamb with sharp knife.

2. Peel garlic and cut into slithers and put them into the incisions.

3. Push rosemary pieces into the incisions or sprinkle with dried rosemary.

4. Cover lamb and refrigerate until ready to use.

5. Remove lamb from fridge at least 1 hour before roasting.

6. Heat your oven to 190 degrees.

7. Heat the oil and brown the lamb before putting into roasting tin.

When cooked to your liking, rest lamb for fifteen minutes before serving.

Irish Champ Stuffed Potato Croquettes

and although similar to Colcannon, the difference is champ is made with spring onions whilst Colcannon is made using cabbage.

Ingredients

6-8 White potatoes peeled and quartered (Maris pipers)

1 cup of sliced spring onions

1 cup milk

150 g butter

Dash of cream

Salt and pepper

Method

1. Boil potatoes until tender enough to mash.

2. Whilst potatoes are boiling, chop spring onions and separate white and dark green parts. Melt butter in small pan, add white bits of spring onions and soften slightly. Add milk and cream and warm through.

3. Drain and mash potatoes and add the warmed milk, cream, butter and white spring onions. When all combined, add in the green bits of the spring onions and serve. (if you like add more butter).

A great way to use left-over mash, or Irish Champ. In fact, it’s worth making more than you need so you can make the croquettes.

Ingredients

Left over mash or Irish Champ

Flour

Egg

Breadcrumbs

Grated cheddar cheese

Oil for frying

Method

1. Set out 3 bowls ready to coat your mashed potato one bowl each with breadcrumbs, flour and beaten egg.

2. Either using an ice cream scoop or your hands, take some mashed potatoes and make a dent and fill with grated cheese. Make sure the cheese is in the middle of the mashed potato ball and then dip in flour, then egg and then breadcrumbs. Place on a tray until you have finished coating all the potato balls.

3. Heat the oil until a small piece of bread dropped in the oil quickly turns golden.

4. Gently fry the potato croquettes a few at a time, turning over as they turn golden. Don’t overfill the pan or the oil temperature will drop, and they will be soggy.

5. If you wish you can bake in oven at 190 degrees until golden brown for 12-15 minutes.

You can stuff the potatoes, with anything you fancy –chorizo, ham, different cheeses, left over lamb.

Leftover Stir Fried Lamb Spiced Red Cabbage

Quick and easy supper dish using left over lamb. You can add any veg, I have used peppers, onions and herbs. This works well with any spice combination you prefer, e.g. Indian, Moroccan, Thai or Chinese.

Ingredients

Leftover lamb roughly chopped

Sliced peppers

Sliced spring onions

Sliced red onion

Grated clove of garlic

Grated ginger

1 tbsp soy sauce

Your choice of spices / I used, 1 tsp of ground cumin, coriander, chilli and paprika

1 tbsp oil

1 tbsp sesame oil

Chopped coriander

Method

1. Gently fry red onion, peppers in 1 tbsp of oil. Add the lamb, grated ginger, grated garlic, soy sauce and bring together.

2. Add spices, sesame oil and fry for a couple of minutes to combine all the flavours.

3. Finish with chopped coriander and spring onions and serve with your choice of rice or noodles.

Red cabbage is a quick and easy accompaniment to roast lamb. You can adapt the spices to suit your taste or what you have in your cupboard.

Ingredients

1 Red cabbage, cored and shredded

1 red onion sliced

1 tbsp butter

1 tbsp oil

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp grated ginger

1 tsp grated garlic

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tbsp brown sugar

2 tsp red wine vinegar

1 cup of vegetable or chicken stock

Salt & pepper

Method

1. In a large pan, melt the butter and add the oil.

2. Add the sliced onion and cook until the onions are golden but not brown.

3. Add spices, grated ginger and garlic and wine vinegar and stir for 30 seconds.

4. Add the shredded cabbage and combine with the spiced onion. Add the stock and cook in pan with lid on for 20-30 minutes until cabbage is soft.

5. Season with salt and pepper.

Chocolate Pavlova With Baileys Irish Cream

Ingredients

4 egg whites

225g castor sugar

1 tsp cornflour

1 tbsp cocoa powder

1 tsp white vinegar

50g melted milk chocolate

Cream filling

285 ml double cream

2 tbsp Baileys Irish Cream

Grated chocolate garnish

Method

1. Heat oven to 180 degrees C/160 degrees fan.

2. Place a sheet of baking paper on a flat baking sheet.

3. In clean bowl, whisk the egg whites until they form stiff peaks.

4. Gradually add the sugar, whisking well between each addition.

5. Add the cornflour and cocoa powder and continue whisking until glossy and stiff.

6. Add the vinegar and cornflour and whisk together.

7. Pile the mixture onto lined baking sheet.

8. Place in oven and reduce temperature to 120 degrees – 100 degrees fan, and Cook for 1.5 hours. Don’t open oven door. Switch off oven and leave the pavlova to completely cool…ideally overnight.

9. Remove the pavlova from baking sheet and place on your serving dish.

10. Melt milk chocolate and when cool, brush over the inside of the pavlova and allow chocolate to cool and harden.

11. Whisk cream until soft peaks and add in the Baileys.

12. Pile the cream onto the chocolate covered pavlova.

Sticky Toffee Cake

Ingredients

250g large dates without stones

1.5 tsp bicarb of soda

180ml boiling water

125g butter

225g dark brown sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

4 medium eggs

250g self-raising flour

125g treacle

1 tsp vanilla

Method

Sticky toffee sauce

150 ml double cream

50g butter

75g dark brown sugar

1 tbsp treacle

Buttercream

200g butter

200g icing sugar

85g sticky toffee sauce

1. Chop dates and add to pan with boiling water and bicarbonate of soda.

2. Place pan over low heat for 5 minutes and smash down the dates in the water and bicarb. Remove from heat and cool for 10 minutes then blitz with blender until smooth.

3. Preheat oven to 180C/160 fan and line a 20cm deep baking tin.

4. In mixing bowl, add butter and dark brown sugar and beat together until smooth.

5. Add the eggs and combine well.

6. Add flour, treacle, vanilla, and date mixture and combine until you have a smooth batter.

7. Pour batter into lined baking tin and bake for 40 minutes or until skewer comes out dry. Place on a cooling rack.

8. Whilst cake is baking make sauce by combining cream, butter, sugar and treacle in a small pan and melting together. Bring to boil for one minute and then remove from heat and set aside.

9. Make the buttercream by beating together butter, icing sugar and sticky toffee sauce. Keep some sauce back to serve with the cake.

10. Slice the cake in the middle and fill with buttercream. Spread remaining butter cream on top of cake and drizzle a little of the toffee sauce. I chopped a Caramac chocolate bar and sprinkled on top.

11. Serve with toffee sauce.

Mother’s Day Cake

Ingredients

225g Castor sugar

225g Softened butter

225g Self-raising flour

1 tsp Baking powder

4 eggs

1 tbsp milk

Buttercream icing

125g Softened butter

250g Icing sugar

Grated zest of orange

1 bar white chocolate

Food colouring

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180c/160fan.

2. Grease and line 2 x 20cm sandwich tins.

3. Cream together castor sugar and butter until soft and pale in colour.

4. Combine flour and baking powder.

5. Add eggs to butter and sugar mix and gradually add the flour and then milk.

6. Divide batter into two baking tins and bake for 20-25 minutes.

7. Cool in tin for 10 minutes before placing on cooling rack.

8. Make buttercream by beating sugar, icing sugar and orange zest together. Melt chocolate in microwave or in a bowl over a pan of simmering water. Add to buttercream. Add drops of food colouring - I used pink.

9. Sandwich the two cakes with butter cream and spread remainder on top of cake and decorate.

10. I trimmed and wrapped the stems of roses and placed on top of cake.

Talking Health with

Moira Carmenate, The Elite Wellness Group

SPRING IS HERE - IT’S TIME TO SPRING CLEAN YOUR GUT!

Benefits of Colon Hydrotherapy

As Spring arrives, a lot of us will feel the need to spring clean our homes. It’s that time of year when we give our homes a deep clean to clear dust and grime that has built up over the winter months from heating systems and wood and coal burners. With the hopes of warmer weather on the way, many of us feel the need to make a fresh start ready for summer and think about changes to our appearance and maybe our weight.

But what about lifestyle changes and deep cleaning our gut and digestive system?

Cleansing and eliminating toxins and waste from our body will help improve energy and overall wellbeing.

One important organ in the digestive system is the colon, also known as the large bowel or intestine. The colon plays a very important role in how our bodies use the food we eat.

• The food we eat is generally chewed, swal lowed, and then enters the oesophagus and travels to our stomach.

• From the stomach, food is broken into liquid and then passes into the small intestine.

• Food is then broken down further with the help of the pancreas, liver and gallbladder who all play important roles in distribution and absorp tion of vitamins and nutrients that are derived from our food.

• Food in its now liquid form moves into the colon (large bowel) and the bacteria breaks down the remaining material and removes waste from foods that cannot be digested and this waste is sent to the rectum.

• The rectum can store waste but most of the time it is empty as the muscles remove the waste through the anus.

• In short, an effective digestive system absorbs the goodness and nutrients from the food we eat into our blood stream and gets rid of the waste that isn’t needed. This process can take between 24 and 72 hours.

With modern day unhealthy lifestyles and diets, toxins build up in our system. Food left undigested in the colon can cause poor health and manifest in symptoms such as weight gain, low energy, arthritis, headaches, fatigue, skin complaints, IBS, Crohn’s disease, allergies, back pain.

Colon cleansing has been performed for centuries.

Many people think that colonic irrigation or colonic hydrotherapy is a fairly new therapy. In fact, it has been used for centuries and is one of the oldest forms of natural healing that was practiced around 1500 BC by the Egyptians. Over the centuries, it continued around the world with enemas being used to maintain general health and wellbeing, including eliminating fever and even anxiety.

In modern times, radical improvements were achieved, and colon hydrotherapy machines were developed. Ongoing developments in technology and medical research have ensured that colon hydrotherapy is a completely safe and convenient procedure.

What is Colonic Hydrotherapy?

Also known as colonic irrigation, it is a naturopathic treatment that involves flushing the colon with warm filtered water to help hydrate, stimulate and dissolve and remove impacted faecal waste that otherwise leads to fermentation or putrefaction.

Treatment will generally be performed by a qualified colonic therapist while you rest on a therapy table. A tube is inserted into your rectum and water is gently flushed through, whilst the therapist controls the water flow to ensure the irrigation is enabling peristalsis (muscle contraction) to help the muscles in your colon work effectively. In addition to removing faecal waste, the colonic will remove mucous, gas, parasites, and bacterial toxins which in turn will improve your immune system and help re-hydrate the large intestine.

Tips For Safe Colon Hydrotherapy

If you have any underlying health conditions such as heart disease or high blood pressure, this type of therapy may not be suitable for you. However, you should always speak with your doctor or medical practitioner to check.

Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration before and after your colonic.

Choose your therapist carefully to ensure they are qualified and experienced.

What are the Benefits?

• Improve digestion

• Boost your immune system

• Re-hydrate your body

• Improve skin and complexion

• Increase energy and mood

• Improve bowel regularity

• Help with weight management

• Improve sleep

A Healthy Colon is Key to a Healthy Body and Mind

PLANS

FROM ONLY 2595 EUROS

MORE THAN JUST A FUNERAL PLAN

Talking Wellbeing

with Moira Carmenate, The Elite Wellness Group

THE POWER OF HYPNOSIS

Hypnosis, the very mention of the word can conjure up images of people clucking like chickens or dancing around a stage or stuck to a chair or any other daft things that have been “staged” to entertain audiences.

However, hypnosis or hypnotherapy, when used in a non-theatrical manner, is a serious and effective form of clinical therapy that can help many people overcome challenges in their lives.

What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis, also known as Hypnotherapy, carried out under the guidance of a qualified Hypnotherapist, is a changed state of awareness that allows people to feel calm and relaxed.

This fascinating phenomenon of the human mind helps you become open to suggestion and can help you gain control over behaviours you want to change. Although you're more open to suggestion during hypnosis, you don't lose control over your behaviour during a hypnosis session.

Hypnosis has been recognised for thousands of years and used for the treatment of pain, anxiety, depression, stress, habit disorders and psychological and medical problems.

Despite being an extremely powerful form of therapy and its success in helping people move their lives forward and recover from traumas, or move on from addiction, it can still seem a bit scary to people and they worry that its some form of black magic and they are going to have their minds controlled.

Some of the most successful people in the world swear by hypnotherapy and how it helped them overcome addiction, anxiety, stress, pain or generally refocus their lives. The list is endless, from actors like Bruce Willis, Sylvester Stallone, to sports people like Tiger Woods and even includes Sir Winston Churchill who used post-hypnotic suggestions to enable him to stay away and carry out his ministerial duties during the war.

How can Hypnotherapy Help?

Often people underestimate how much damage stress does to their physical and emotional health. Many times, stress, anxiety, and worries are deep routed in their past with traumatic incidents they may have thought they had forgotten about.

Our physical health is impacted by our mental health and vice versa. Changing negative thought patterns is achievable and the key is in your hand to unlock the past doors and pave a way forward that enables improved health and happiness. Working closely with the correct therapist you can reprogramme your brain and create new habits.

Results

Hypnotherapy can help with the following:

Control Anxiety

Calm anxiety and create confidence

Stop Smoking

Stop cravings, improve health

Weight Loss

No diets, no deprivation

Anxiety/Depression

Stop feeling hopeless, start feeling better

Alcohol/Drug Addiction/Gambling Addiction

Stop/regain control of your life

Love

Self-worth/learn to love

Pain Management

Manage chronic pain

What are the costs?

What can You Expect?

When you have your first session, your therapist will explain the process and establish your goals, what you are trying to achieve and why. The environment should be soothing and calm, giving you a feeling of security and relaxation. Your therapist will guide you, in a relaxed trance state, on a journey towards your goals and may help you visualize strong mental images of you achieving your goals. You are fully in control during the whole session.

When the session ends, you will slowly come out of the relaxed trance state, gradually achieving full alertness.

Sports Performance

Always a winner/overcome mental blocks

Confidence

Stand tall/be you

Phobias

Overcome fears and phobias

Sales & Business Performance

Create a winning mindset

Reduce Stress

Learn to relax

Insomnia

Switch off and sleep soundly

At The Elite Wellness Group, our costs are 100 euros per session which is usually between 1 & 1.5 hours

Interested in becoming a hypnotherapist? Classes coming soon. Register your interest online

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Some gift ideas provided by our expat lifestyle team

Álvaro Asensio García and its physio team from NordicFysio have surprised many a british patients with their revolutionary methods, of which POLD or SCENAR are some of them.

It is with an energetic smile that Álvaro welcomes us as we enter his clinic, which is located on the rst oor of the same building as the Costa Blanca Supermarket in Punta Prima, Orihuela Costa. Before we enter his o ce, we meet Marika, an american/ swedish girl who is sitting at the reception. She is busy with a patient on the phone, but greets us with her hand.

"She's good to have here" Álvaro said in uent english. She has everything in order, and the patients really appreciate her. “Nordicfysio is an international clinic, we have many british patients but also from scandinavia, and rest of Europe. The patients value much to have someone that can speak in their own language”, he says. “Marika came to me rst as a patient. Once I had solved her back pain problem, she was hired as a receptionist”.

An International Team

Then Álvaro introduced us to Dirk, a German physiotherapist, “he is a well trained physio and ostheopath as well.” “He is very professional and dedicated to the patient”, Álvaro said. Joseph and Pedro weren’t in that day, but he said they are very good as well.

Perfectionist

He describes himself as a perfectionist who is always looking for ways to improve, both privately and at work. In addition, he has always enjoyed helping others. “In the beginning, I followed in my father's footsteps and became a banker. I remember working for a bank in Alicante and Benidorm and having the opportunity to help many British and Scandinavians with their nances. They appreciated it so much. I loved coming up with good advice and o ers that could improve their everyday life in Spain.

"But one day a physiotherapist came to the o ce and I was curious to know what his job was like. I devoured everything he said, and in my spare time I researched the topic of physical therapy. I was intrigued. A friend recommended that I take a chiromassage course. I discovered that I was good at it, there was a kind of talent in me.

In this way, I developed both the sense of touch and intuition, which are important elements in this industry. Afterwards, I took several courses, and in the end I decided to study physiotherapy at university.

Advanced physiotherapy methods

He remembers his time at university fondly. His whole world changed. He quickly realized that he had come "home", and was completely fascinated by everything that could be achieved with the right methods.

OFFER: We are o ering a TESTER SESSION (free) for the rst 10 patients to call us Now!

Physical therapy uses physical methods with scienti c evidence to help people solve their physical problems and pains. It's about improving people's lives, and there's so much that can be done. At NordicFysio, we mainly use advanced physiotherapy methods that are based on the regeneration and acceleration of the pain recovery processes and musculoskeletal injuries, that reverse the pathological processes in the body, so the patient can get back to do the things they love!

Within these techniques we nd, for example, POLD or the SCENAR neuroadaptative therapy.

With these thechniques, Álvaro and his team have xed chronic problems from patiens that were su ering pain for more than 15 years.

Revolutionary POLD and SCENAR therapies

When asked if he can give a couple of examples of patients to whom he has used the POLD method, his face lights up. "You can see a lot of positive comments from patients on the internet. They say they feel much better after each session, and the results last longer than is the case with most conventional techniques. But I can tell you about two cases that I know will make a big impression. The patients themselves describe it as a miracle, but this is science.

One day, an 82-year-old man came in. He couldn't bend the rst three ngers of one hand and he couldn't feel them. Which made it impossible for him to safely pick up a glass or stick the buttons on his shirt.

"He had su ered from this for 20 years. I used two di erent techniques. On the one hand Scenar, to diagnose and locate the problem, and neuromodulate the nerve signal. On the other hand, I used the POLD technique to decompress the nerve root and relax the central nervous system. The result came immediately, and very surprising to the patient. Suddenly, he could move his ngers, bend them. He said to me, "Álvaro, what have you done to me? This is amazing, I can move my ngers!" Later that night, he wrote me an email saying that I had performed a miracle and that he wanted to experience more miracles," smiles the physiotherapist.

Another impressive case Álvaro tell us was a man, 68 years old, with sciatica, laid in a wheelchair since 15 years ago. It was amazing to see how after the 3 sessions he came walking (with crutches, but without whellchair!), and by the sixt time he was wolking normally. He looked like 10 years younger! His testimonial can be found on it’s google page.

All Are Advantages

Álvaro says: “We specialize in people over 50. We have been working with elderly for more than 20 years, who have low back pain, knee, neck & shoulder pain and sport injuries that want to get xed de netively avoiding surgery and painkillers. And we know how to do it”.

“Another good thing is that the patient doesn’t need a doctor referral to come to see us”, Álvaro says. “We do our own evaluations and we will tell you what’s wrong, and how can we help you to x the pain.

“You don't need to wait weeks to get an appointment, making your injury get worse and worse; you just give us a call and we will get booked preety quickly. We open from 10 to 17.00pm; we dont' close in the afternoon as many spanish shops and clinics do.” When asking what is the di erences that makes Álvaro and his team unique, he says: “We transform people’s lives”. Perhaps the most powerful e ect of the work we do is our ability to help people experience the change they long for: to give them con dence to try something that’s been experienced as useless or too painful or frightening in the past; to take control of their lives; to come back to play golf, to walk, dance; to move more freely; to be happier…We do this every day, and many people can con rm this by checking on our google site's reviews”.

Talking Travel

with David’s Coach Trips

Today's adventure starts amongst the rugged cliffs and hidden coves of the Costa Brava which is Spain's most northerly Costa. The town of Tossa de Mar, situated as it is within close proximity of both Barcelona and the French border, and with its long stretches of golden sandy beaches, wonderful panoramic views of the Mediterranean and charismatic fortified medieval village is the perfect location to set out from.

The nearest City to Tossa is the City of Girona. A sturdy historical city which sits on the banks of the river Onar. Girona successively changed hands from the indigenous Iberian and Celtic tribes to the Romans, then Visigoths , the Moors and even for a short time to the Francs. (Modern day France) led by Charlemagne. A great time to visit is early May, when the distinctive medieval character of this ancient city is suddenly brought to life in a blaze of colour during their annual flower festival. In Catalan known as "Flor de Temps", thousands of flowers flood down the steep steps of the ancient cathedral into the narrow cobbled streets of one of the best preserved ancient Jewish quarters in the country. Whole streets become art installations, accompanied by music, lights and fountains.

Over a hundred flower displays carpet the streets, squares and even the river of this wonderfully historic city, while the exotic scents of the flowers add to the pleasure of just being there.

Also close to Tossa de Mar are the two very different but equally attractive coastal villages of Pals and Cadeques.

Ninth century Pals is one of the loveliest villages on the Costa Brava. Like Girona it takes us back to an earlier era. Picturesque archways, ornate doors which are often adorned with a multitude of floral displays, lead through narrow streets lined with medieval walls to the remains of the 15th century castle and the quaintly named Torre de Horas(tower of time). At the high point of the town, Josef Pla, (Pla is catalan for square) the visitor is rewarded with an incredibly beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding sea and mountains. Making your way through the town takes you past art galleries, artisan shops and leads to the traditional meeting place of the locals, the town square. Here in one of the many street cafes is a chance to try the local cuisine. If you want to eat like the locals, then you should try dishes made from locally grown rice which are very popular here.

Cadeques on the other hand has a more of a modern Spanish feel. Rows of white painted buildings tumble down to a charmingly restful bay with dozens of little boats bobbing up and down on the gently rippling sea. In the early 20th century, something like one third of the village's population emigrated to Cuba. Many of these emigrants became wealthy in Cuba and quite a few later returned to Cadaques, where they used their wealth to build large ornate houses which still can be seen around the village.

Many of the well-known Spanish artists that lived in and around Barcelona in the early 20th century loved to spend time here. These included, amongst many others, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, and the somewhat eccentric Salavador Dali who often visited as a child and later bought a home in nearby Lligat. Look out by the seafront for the statue of this famous son of Spain with his trademark moustache. Relaxing on the Cadeques seafront with its wonderful atmosphere, it is easy to see why so many residents of Barcelona have holiday homes here.

It would be a shame to be on the Costa Brava without venturing across the border into nearby France. An excellent choice for this is a visit to the picture postcard seaside village of Collioure. Especially on market day. This wonderful ancient fishing village with its well-maintained, colourful houses and perfectly preserved ancient city walls lining the coastline is just so wonderfully "French", yet enjoys the same Catalan roots as their Spanish counterparts on the Costa Brava.

The good news is that you can visit everywhere described above on one excellent 7 day excursion with "David's Coachtrips" 15-21st May – staying in a 4 star spa hotel on a half board basis for only 439€.pp For details visit www.coachtripsonline.com Or call the office on 966785910

Talking Legal with Costasea Legal Advisers

Inheritance Tax Planning

Making plans for when you die isn’t easy however it Is important to ensure that your property and assets pass to those you care about.

There are many differences in the laws of succession and inheritance tax here in Spain than those of your home country.

A key difference in Spain is that all beneficiaries must declare their inheritance and surprisingly to many inheritors, especially where property is concerned, the tax must be paid before a property can be sold.

However, it is not just the property that’s taxed, it’s also monies held in bank accounts, motor vehicles and any other assets. A main reason to plan ahead is to avoid additional charges to the inheritance tax calculation.

The inheritance tax declaration must be made within six months and if not a levy of 5% is charged for every three months up to a maximum of 20% on top of the bill.

In Spain the taxes vary depending on which autonomous community your property is located. Another factor on tax levels is your relationship to the deceased.

In short, if you have assets in Spain, you need to plan ahead to make sure your plans are tax efficient for your beneficiaries. Here at Costasea, we are more than happy to help you make those plans.

SPECIAL OFFERS FOR EXPATS

WILLS FOR SPAIN OR THE UK FROM 99€ including IVA and notary fee

ALL LEGAL & TAX ADVICE FROM GABRIEL OUR FLUENT ENGLISHSPEAKING SOLICITOR 1-hour consultation JUST 99€ inc IVA

Fees for further work agreed with you before being undertaken + this fee then deducted.

POWERS OF ATTORNEY VALID IN SPAIN OR ENGLAND AND WALES FROM 99€ including IVA and notary fee

ONE OF THE LOWEST PRICED FUNERAL PLANS IN SPAIN JUST 2595€

through FUNERAL PLANS EUROPE

Call Paul on: 865 756 058 or complete the contact form on our website at: www.thywill.es

We share 5€ from each sale between these 3 charities

We cover the whole of mainland Spain, the Balearics and the Canaries

(Gabriel’s Spanish Bar Assc Reg No. is ICAE 1265)

What’s On

March 2023

March 11th 2023 7pm

Night of the Divas - Amy Whinehouse Vs Lady Gaga Lakeview Bar & Restaurant

Europes 2 top tribute shows combined in one spectacular show- Amy Winehouse Vs Lady Gaga tribute concert followed by a disco to dance the night away..

facebook.com/events/810629240005752

March 11th 2023 at 6pm.

6th Annual HOLISTIC HEALTH FAIR

We invite the entire Community of San Carlos, Guaymas, Hermosillo, and surrounding communities to this Holistic experience, to join us to get to know each other and to enjoy a day dedicated to Health and Well-being, both Physical, Emotional, Spiritual and Energetic.

www.facebook.com/events/695647135267172

March 25th and 26th

LEGENDS CHARITY FIESTA

Two Days Of Musical Legends 12 - 6pm each day

Tickets €10 pp per day (children under 12 free)

VIP Tickets €15 pp per day (Front Of Stage )

Optional BBQ - must be pre booked Stalls and much more

facebook.com/events/477190634585857

9th March Fun Darts – Anyone welcome to come and see or join in the dart throwing (Bar and restaurant open from 1.30pm)

10th March Roberto Knight – amazing singer!

15th March Jam session – Starts at 2pm – 4pm Come, listen enjoy!

24th March Marsy (Dream Girls) - amazing singer!

Sunday lunches now available, please call 747 464 278

March 10th, 11th and 12th 2023

Outlet fair Murcia

The most brands from the urban scene at our Urban Outlet. We're back with the best prices!

At Feria Outlet Murcia we are experts in Streetwear with mind blowing discounts. Sneakers and sneakers, clothes, accessories, backpacks... with unique outlet prices and up to -80%

https://www.facebook.com/feriaoutletmurcia2023

March 11th and 12th 2023

Classic Car Show

The ANTIC AUTO ALICANTE is held at IFA - Fira Alacant , the International Automobile, Motorcycle and Antique and Classic Spare Show in which the Hon. Provincial Council of Alicante. At ANTIC AUTO ALICANTE 2023 we will be able to appreciate vehicles contributed by individuals, private collections of models and toys and spare parts and collector's items can also be purchased, in the area set up for this purpose.

feria-alicante.com/ferias

March 17th 2023

St.Patrick's Day Parade Cabo Roig

a lot of great acts already booked and the committee working every day to make it the largest parade in Europe. This year the parade will start at 15.00pm with the bikers and the vintage cars leading the parade and at 15.30pm the main parade will commence. Come and join in the fun!

Local Markets

Monday

Santa Pola

Market Square

Tuesday

San Fulgencio

Calle Gabriel Moro

Wednesday

Guardamar

Main Street

Thursday

Rojales

Av. Juso Quesada

Friday Torrevieja

Behind the Water Park

Saturday

Playa Flamenca

Calle Nicolas de Bossi

Sunday

Zocco Market

Behind BP garge at the AP7

roundabout

Lemon Tree Road Market

Success Stories

with Frank from Hondon Embroidery and Print

After a life changing event my partner (now wife) and I came to Hondon de los Frailes for a weekend of house hunting in March 2016. We purchased our first house on 31st March, my birthday, eventually moving here in October 2016.

Why Hondon de los Frailes?

We have friends that live close by. They helped with the transition of the move and it gave us comfort knowing we had someone close by we could rely on.

After a few months of enjoying the feeling of being on holiday in Spain, the relaxed way of life, the sunshine and of course no shortage of wine, we fell in love with the village but we knew that we should work and hopefully provide the village with something it didn’t have.

Coming from a background in merchandising, I had been a licence brand manager for Manchester United, I decided to utilise my skills and a gift merchandise business seemed a good idea. There was nothing locally in this field.

I had print knowledge of shirts and merchandise. I came to the idea of adding merchandise embroidery ( never done so ) I purchased a machine and spent 2 months learning to digitize logos by practicing on old bits of t-shirt. Yes we broke a few needles learning. Then we bought a vinyl plotter cutter and heat press, more things for me to learn. We signed our first shop lease in the village at Enrique pastor 6a. From concept to store, Hondon Embroidery and Print was born.

We were fortunate that the business flourished, orders coming both locally and further afield. People like the fact that we were local and prepared to take on any challenge presented. We now have an order book of repeat clients adding new clients daily. We are delighted to be merchandise partners for JEC Costa Blanca and also IUM motorbike team and HSU.

For some time now we have sponsored Bigfm breakfast shows fastest finger first competition, providing prizes for the competition winners, and also supply BigFm printed shirts. We supply businesses as far as Barcelona and have recently sent orders to the USA. In April 2019 Dee and I married in Gibraltar it was a great few days and a fabulous small wedding in a lovely venue.

Av. del Mar, 1 Quesada 747 46 42 78

New to the 2023 Menu

Fish, chips and Garden Old Favorite of Ribeye Streak, Chips and Peas

Great news our Sunday Lunches are back! Please call to book your reservation!

All meat and fish are fresh on the day it is recommended that you pre order to avoid disappointment of availability.

Entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays from 8pm to 11.00pm latest then extended hours from March

Amazing Entertainers booked for this year are Marsy from Dream Girls, Carolynn May, Margaret MacDonald, Dani, Carla Stone, Chloe Leigh, Roberto Knight, Andy Winwood, Ben Valentine, Paul Christie, Holy Hepburn, Alex Tipping, Danny Fisher as Elvis and many more...