Expat Lifestyle - Issue 6, May 2022 (interactive online version) by MCarmen

EXPAT Lifestyle MAGAZINE

May 2022

Issue 6

Step into summer! TALKING WINE

with Moira Carmenate

MOIRA’S KITCHEN

4-5

with Moira Carmenate

ENJOY GUARDAMAR

TALKING HEALTH

TALKING LEGAL

with Costasea Legal Services

TALKING WELLBEING

with The Elite Wellness Group

SPOTLIGHT ON GUADALEST TALKING PROPERTY With John Clark, Sapphire Properties

17 20 - 21 24

CLASSIC FILM REVIEW with Simon Wade

ENTERTAINMENT with Caz Miller-Matthews of BIG FM

WHAT’S ON GUIDE

26 - 27

with The Tipsy Tortoise, Formentera

READER’S CONTRIBUTION

with The Golf Doctor

MOTORING with Venture Car Fleet

Letter from the Editor – Moira Carmenate Summer is on its way! At last, the rains have gone and the weather is behaving, which means one thing – summer is on its way. Time for us to get our inner radiance on and add colour to our lives, whether it be with what we are wearing, in our homes and on our terraces and even what we put on our plates. With that in mind, the health and wellbeing articles and Moira’s kitchen are all about colour this month. Do you realise the significance of the colour you are wearing when you get dressed? Read our Wellbeing article and you may be surprised. Do you consider which colours you put on your plate when you make your dinner? Surprisingly, your choices could prolong your life. It’s nearly show time and look out for lots of ads for our Expat Lifestyle show coming to La La Laguna Hotel in July. We as a team are so excited to be bringing this to you. Register your interest for free attendance by emailing tracy@theexpatcentre.com Lots of activities this month in our What’s On guide kindly sponsored by the Tipsy Tortoise in Formentera del Segura. Have a great month and enjoy the summer sun. Love Moira

Our Experts

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

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.

TALKING WINE A taste of summer wine – it has to be Rosé

with Moira Carmenate

Rosé wines are perhaps the most misunderstood wines and have struggled to achieve respect compared to the bolder reds and whites.

There are two distinct styles when it comes to rosé wines. Crisp and dry or rich and fruity.

However, the roots of rosé winemaking can be traced back to ancient Greece, when much of the red wine produced was watered down to become a pale red.

Crisp and dry has flavours of delicate summer berries and herbs. Often a salmon pink hue, combining soft strawberry fruit with minerals and herbaceous tones. Characteristics: dry, herbal, strawberry, cherry, grapefruit.

Back in those days, it was considered civilized to dilute wine, but these early examples were a far cry from the vast array of rosé wines available today.

Rich and fruity has flavours of candied summer fruit. Ranging from vivid pink to a deep raspberry colour, these fruitdriven wines are often typical of rosés made in warmer climates, like here in Spain. Characteristics: berries, vanilla, cherry, bonbons, spice.

Some of us, of a certain age, may recall our early inauguration into wine drinking with nostalgic recollections of Mateus Rosé and the white wine Blue Nun whose empty bottles generally were used as receptables for flowers or candles. Be honest, did you have an empty Mateus Rosé bottle with a candle in it? I did!

In Spain there are hundreds of rosé options to choose from, with something to suit every taste and budget. Here are a few:

Mateus Rosé, produced in Portugal, was launched in 1942 and introduced to the UK in the early 1950s. As production grew in the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s it accounted for almost 40% of Portugal’s total wine export.

Sierra Cantabria Rosado – around 18 euros. A rosé with exquisite freshness, intensity and fruitiness with aromas of red berries, pomegranates, blueberries and watermelon. On the palate, it is light, while remaining broad and with great volume. It is tasty, perfectly balanced and with a pleasant acidity.

In subsequent years, its popularity declined, possibly as the average person’s knowledge and tastes of wine developed and became more sophisticated leaving Mateus as a not so cool tipple.

Viña Tondonia Rosado from Bodegas R. López de Heredia – push the boat out with this wine at around 45 euros. A dry wine with good complexity and volume, dried flowers, spicy notes and nutty flavours. Good acidity and freshness marked by a long and persistent finish

Although still produced in Portugal by owners Sogrape, more recently, a new variety of the wine has been marketed as "Mateus Rosé Tempranillo" produced in Valencia, Spain. It is a deeper shade of pink than the original, but in a clear bottle with a silver foil, aimed at younger wine drinkers, especially women. Not to confuse the two, the original is still marketed and says “original” on the label.

Chivite Las Fincas Rosado 2021 – around 9 euros. A light, delicate and fruity wine. Fruit aromas, red fruit, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, pomegranates and floral scents. These red fruits with light floral notes make it fresh and elegant.

Summer is here at last, so it’s time to relax and enjoy the sun with a lovely glass of rosé.

Rosé wines are now made all over the world and enjoyed for their flavour, their quality and above all for their characteristic pink tones. .

MOIRA’S KITCHEN with Moira Carmenate, Expat Lifestyle editor This month it’s all about colour, speed and giving you renewed enthusiasm to try light and interesting summer dishes whilst not having to slave over a hot stove.

Quick and Easy Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps Ingredients: • • • • •

Diced Cooked Chicken Diced Peppers Chopped Spring Onions Crushed Garlic Iceberg lettuce leaves

• • • • •

Grated fresh ginger Dash Soy Sauce Dash Teryaki Sauce (or Hoi Sin) Dash Chilli Sauce or Siravcha Sal & Pepper

Method: Heat frying pan or wok and add dash of oil When oil is hot, add diced red onion and peppers & fry until softened Add diced cooked chicken garlic, ginger and cook till warmed through Add chopped spring onions Add your sauces and a final warm through. You can be flexible and add flavours of your choice if you don’t like any of the ones listed or not got them all in your cupboard. Season with salt and pepper and add to your lettuce leaves I like to squeeze juice of a lime and sprinkle with coriander…but that is optional - try the lime tho’..it always gives your dish such a lift. (Vegetarians can make this with either soya or tofu or a mix of veg)

Watermelon & Feta Salad Ingredients: • • •

¼ watermelon 200g pack of feta cheese 1 small red onion

• • • • •

Bunch fresh parsley Bunch of fresh mint Black pepper 2 limes 2 tbsp light olive oil

Method: Finely slice red onion and put into bowl with the juice of 2 limes and let soak whilst you prepare the rest. Remove skin and seeds, if any, from watermelon and cut into triangles or chunks and add to your serving bowl. Cut the feta cheese into chunks and add to bowl along with sprigs of parsley & mint. Add the olive oil, sliced onions and lime juice and bring it all together. Grind black pepper over the top. Tip: the longer you let this salad sit and allow the flavours to come together, the more yummy it tastes.

Quick and easy Thai style fish kebabs with roasted garlic and coriander rice

Method:

Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • •

Put spring onions and coriander in food processor and blitz until finely chopped. Add coconut milk, Thai curry paste, fish sauce, lemon grass, sugar and salt and blitz again. Dice your fish into good sized cubes and put into a plastic food bag. Add half of the coconut marinade to the fish, being careful not to break the fish. Seal the bag (removing any air) and put in the fridge for about an hour. Whilst your fish is in fridge, soak the wooden skewers in water (stops them burning later) Remove fish from marinade and carefully thread onto your skewers. Put onto a lined baking tray and grill for around 3 or 4 minutes each side. Warm the remaining sauce and add lime juice. Test to adjust seasoning. (You can also grill this on your BBQ)

1 can coconut milk 2 fillets of white fish (or you can also use salmon) 1 tbsp Thai green curry paste (if you don’t like green, use red – no rules!) 4 spring onions chopped Bunch coriander chopped 1 tbsp Thai fish sauce 1 tsp lemon grass 1 tsp sugar (I like to use light brown) Lime juice & salt to season Wooden skewers

Roasted garlic and coriander rice. Pull garlic bulb open, like a flower, and put into a baking

dish. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt and roast in oven at about 180 degrees while you make the rice. Boil rice – two times water to one rice, add salt to season. Bring to boil and then simmer (lid on) for 15 mins. Fluff up cooked rice with fork and add the now softly roasted garlic cloves (squeeze garlic out of their skins). Add chopped coriander or parsley if you prefer. If you fancy being a bit chef like, spoon rice into a tea cup, press it into cup tightly and turn upside down onto your serving plate.

Lemon Posset

Method:

Ingredients: (makes 6 glasses - if you want to make less, just half the amounts – although be warned –it’s so good, you will always want more)

Put double cream and caster sugar into a pan, deep enough to let it rise up when it boils. Place over low heat and melt the sugar and cream together and let it come to boil. Boil for three minutes and remove from heat and leave to cool. Add the zest and juice of the lemons to the cooled mixture. Whisk well and pour into glasses. Leave to set for 3 hours.

• • •

600 ml double cream 150g caster sugar 2 large lemons

Shortbread Rounds Ingredients: • • • • •

225g plain flour 100 g semolina 225g butter (room temperature) 100g caster sugar 25g demerara sugar

Method: Heat your oven to 160 degrees (150 fan) In food processor, blitz together plain flour and semolina (if you haven’t got food processor all of this can be done by hand) Add the butter – must be soft so that it easily combines with the other ingredients Add the caster sugar and blitz together until you see it starting to stick together.

Place a piece of clingfilm on your worksurface and roll dough into a sausage shape. Cover with the clingfilm and chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Line your baking sheets with greaseproof paper. Remove the biscuit dough from the fridge and slice into rounds. Place the rounds – well spaced out – on your baking sheet. Prick them lightly with a fork. Put them back in the fridge to chill for another 15 minutes. I bake a tray at a time as I don’t trust my oven! Remove and bake in oven for about 12 minutes until you see the base turning light brown (depending on thickness – don’t make them too thick). Remove tray from oven, dust with sprinkling of demerara sugar and leave to cool on the tray for about 10 minutes before transferring to cooling rack….if you can stop yourself eating them!

ENJOY GUARDAMAR DAMA DE GUARDAMAR (THE LADY OF GUARDAMAR) ‘La Dama de Guardamar’ was discovered on September 22, 1987 in the nearby archaeological site of Cabeço Lucero, a few km from the town’s centre. A large piece of a stone wheel was the first fragment found of an Iberian lady’s bust, with clothing similar to the one worn by the Dama d’Elx or Elche. The excavation provided many more items, including a large fragment comprising the headdress, face and neck. Unfortunately, the sculpture was found in pieces since it had been hammered and even had suffered from fire. It was taken to the laboratory of the Archaeological Museum of Alicante where restorer Vicente Bernabeu began washing and identifying the remains. A piece appeared with its chin, the other with the lips, although the lower right one had been eroded. Pieces were also found of the breast and collars, and many other pieces of stone belonging to the work, that did not fit with each other nor did they have any carved surface.

The task was a delicate and painstaking restoration, lasting from October 1987 to June 1988, when it was completed. Vicente Bernabeu’s restorer expertise and artistic ability managed to bring back to life a piece of extremely difficult recovery. Now, even with what it lacks, it shows us its beauty as it must have been straight out of the sculptor’s hands 2,500 years ago. Every year since 1989, the Dama is represented by a woman and her court in an event which takes place in the month of July. This event is called L´Encanta and is also the opening ceremony for the Fiestas of San Jaime. On May 7 2022 is the election for this year’s Dama de Guardamar. Visit GuardamarDelSegura.es

thepostroom

BENIJOFAR

Calle San Jaime, 5 – 03178 Benijofar

Tel: 966 712 382 info@postroombenijofar.com www.postroombenijofar.com • • • • • •

Hassle-free private mailbox service Photo Printing Service for TIE etc UK Passport renewal & replacements Flight Booking Packages DHL Service Point Mobile Top-Ups Mon – Fri 8.30am – 2pm Sat 10am – 1pm 8

TALKING HEALTH EAT THE RAINBOW Did you know that adding color to your meals will help you live a longer, healthier life? Somewhere in the world, somebody made up the phrase “eat the rainbow”. Not sure who, when or where, but it certainly makes sense when combined with a balanced diet, and there is no doubt about it, it is more appealing to look at a colourful plate of food than a plate of food that is dull and boring.

Because each phytochemical provides different health benefits, we can maximize our health by getting a variety of colorful phytochemicals each day just by eating different colours of fruit and vegetable – i.e. EATING THE RAINBOW What are the benefits by colour?

RED

Getting a balance of nutrients from our diet is something many people have forgotten about. Our ancestors were hunters-gatherers and didn’t have the same illnesses as we do today. Could this have been to do with “clean eating” – i.e. foods not tampered with, or additives added to brighten the colour to make the food more “shelf appealing”? Foods are stored for a long time and preserved with whatever chemicals needed to keep their shelf life before they even reach the supermarkets. But are they doing us any good? Prepacked convenience foods, full of additives and salts – fast food or fatal food? We are living in the same bodies as our hunter-gatherer ancestors, but we are seeing an explosion in gut-related health conditions whether it’s digestive issues, cancers, or autoimmunity.

In the past, people ate what was seasonally available and depending on which country you lived in, you ate what was either custom or simply ate what was available. Nowadays, produce is shipped around the world, and it looks nothing like it did years ago. One thing is for sure, getting some common sense back into our diets, taking control of what we eat and being mindful of what we eat, will help our wellbeing, our guts and digestive systems and our overall health.

Properties: Contain antioxidants including lycopene (in tomatoes), anthocyanins (red berries, including strawberries), ellagic acid (strawberries, raspberries and pomegranate) and astaxanthin (crab, salmon and prawns). Health benefits: Lycopene gives red fruits their colour. It is thought to have antioxidant properties that may help protect against cardiovascular disease and has been reported to help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol. Lycopene is more easily absorbed in the body when it’s cooked (such as in a homemade tomato sauce). Suggestions: Cherries, cranberries, radishes, red apples, red grapes, red peppers, tomatoes, strawberries, watermelon.

ORANGE

Simple changes – that’s all it takes! Eat the Rainbow - let’s look at the benefits. Simply put, eating the rainbow involves eating fruits and vegetables of different colors every day. So, what’s the big deal with fruit and vegetables? Well, it’s about the phytochemicals that are naturally occurring in plants and are responsible for the smell, colour and taste of each plant. They are also responsible for the health benefits we get from eating plant foods (includes fruit, vegetables, nuts/seeds, whole grains, beans, herbs, spices). Each plant-food contains many phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that work to improve our health and protect us from chronic diseases. Some of the most potent health benefits come from the phytochemicals responsible for the colour of the plant. Getting the most phytonutrients also means eating the colorful skins which contain the richest sources of the phytonutrients, along with the flesh. Try to avoid peeling foods like apples, peaches and eggplant, or you lose their most concentrated source of beneficial chemicals.

Properties: High in carotenoids, such as alpha-carotene and betacarotene. Health benefits: Beta-carotene gives yellow and orange fruits and vegetables their colour and is converted to vitamin A in the body, where it helps us make hormones and keeps our eyes healthy. Carrots, butternut squash, pumpkin and sweet potato are all good sources of this vitamin – hence the saying that carrots will help you to see in the dark. In the past, population studies suggested vitamin A (along with vitamins C and E) could help prevent heart attacks. Citrus fruits like oranges are low in vitamin A but high in vitamin C. Dried apricots are a great source of fibre, iron, potassium and calcium too Suggestions: Cantaloupe melon, mangoes, nectarines, orange peppers, pumpkin, carrots, sweet potatoes.

YELLOW

BLUE / PURPLE

Properties: Anthocyanins give blue and purple foods their rich colours. Health benefits: Anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants, which may have a role in protecting cells from damage. Purple beetroot is rich in nitrates, which may help reduce blood pressure. As well as beetroot, purple lettuce, carrots, green beans, spinach, cabbage and radishes are high in nitrates. Suggestions: Aubergines, blackberries, blackcurrants, purple grapes, red cabbage.

Properties: Contain carotenoids including beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin. Health benefits: As with orange fruit and vegetables, betacarotene gives yellow varieties their colour. Foods like sweetcorn, peach, papaya and egg yolk are also rich in the antioxidant betacryptoxanthin. Like beta-carotene, our bodies can convert beta-cryptoxanthin into vitamin A. Suggestions: Butternut squash, honeydew melon, lemons, papaya, peaches, persimmons, swede, yellow peppers.

WHITE / BEIGE

GREEN

Properties: Anthoxanthins are the pigments that create white or cream colours. Health benefits: Some studies have suggested that anthoxanthins may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. The humble potato – a starchy carbohydrate – gets a lot of bad press, but potatoes are one of the biggest sources of vitamin C in our diets and are full of potassium too. Eat the skins for extra fibre and avoid adding fat when you cook them. Bananas (which have creamy flesh under that yellow skin), parsnips and mushrooms are also good sources of potassium – an important mineral for normal heart and muscle function. Suggestions: Bananas, celeriac, garlic, Jerusalem artichokes, mushrooms, onions, turnips, white peaches.

Properties: The pigment chlorophyll gives green fruits and vegetables their colour, but many green vegetables are rich in other nutrients too. Broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale and pak choi are all sources of sulforaphane and glycosylate. These vegetables also contain lutein and zeaxanthin, as do peas, sweetcorn, yellow peppers and eggs. Health benefits: Studies suggest that sulforaphane may help protect against blood-vessel damage and certain cancers. There is evidence to suggest lutein and zeaxanthin-rich vegetables, like kale, spinach, broccoli and peas, may help prevent and slow the progression of an eye disease, age-related macular degeneration. Rather than focusing on a particular fruit or vegetable, aim to increase the total amount in your diet, and don’t forget leafy green vegetables. Suggestions: Apples, asparagus, avocados, celery, courgettes, cucumbers, green grapes, leeks, lettuce, limes, mange tout, sugar snap peas.

Reach your goal • • • • •

Disclaimer: This information is for guidance on healthy eating and should never be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor.

Five cups of fruit and vegetables per day is a great goal for a powerful plate. Two servings in morning, two servings at lunch time and two servings at dinner Feeling hungry – reach for a piece of fruit Have a look in your shopping trolley and if you have too many of same-coloured vegetables swap a few for different colours. Although it is always best to eat in season, frozen fruits and vegetables are ok and just as nutritious.

TALKING LEGAL

with Costasea Legal Advisers

Your trusted legal service QUICK QUESTIONS ON TAXES ● Are you up to date with your tax obligations as a non-resident in Spain? ● Do you know the penalties for not paying your annual taxes? ● Are you making your Model 600, Model 210, Model 211 ANNUALLY? At Costasea Legal Advisers we guarantee a reliable service to deal with your taxes if you do not reside in Spain and only come to your Spanish home on vacation. You can rest easy knowing your tax situation in Spain is up to date, and avoid any fines or interest due to non-payment or not meeting deadlines required by the Spanish authority. We are experts in taxation before the Spanish Authority, providing you with the best tax advice whilst accompanying you throughout the year. You can find answers to all your concerns through direct contact with us with our “Quick Question” service. Ask us and we will inform you. You can hire our services for a price of 120 (VAT included) and if you have an additional property, garages, storage rooms, an additional 20 euros per property will be added. From Costasea Legal Advisers we assure you the presentation of the mandatory models that the Spanish Authority requires, providing you with a prior calculation. We are your best option, with an expert professional team that will provide you with the best solution to all the obligatory tax aspects.

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

TALKING WELLBEING HOW COLOUR AFFECTS THE WAY WE FEEL Why does colour have such an impact in our lives and how we feel? What effects can it have on our bodies and minds? "Colours, like features, follow the changes of the emotions," the artist Pablo Picasso once remarked.

Colours on the blue side of the spectrum are known as cool colours and include blue, purple, and green. These are often described as calm but can also bring feelings of sadness or indifference – think of the saying “he has the blues”.

Colors can make us feel happy or sad and they can make us feel hungry or relaxed. Your feelings about colour can often be deeply personal and rooted in your own experiences. In general, colours in the red area of the colour spectrum are known as warm colors and include red, orange, and yellow.

Interior designers have long believed that colour can dramatically affect moods, feelings, and emotions and it is not a coincidence that certain colours are used when they are designing shops, supermarkets etc. Let’s look at individual colours and what they mean and represent, although interestingly depending on our culture and country, the meanings change.

These warm colors can bring on emotions ranging from feelings of warmth and comfort to feelings of anger and hostility.

Yellow makes you feel happy and vibrant. Liveliness, comfort, energy, happiness, summer, comfort, intellect, optimism, hunger. In Eastern culture it represents wisdom and is imperial and sacred.

Orange makes you feel energized and happy. Creativity, stimulation, enthusiasm, affordability, cheerfulness, food, aggression and of course Halloween. In Eastern countries – happiness and spirituality.

Red makes you feel passionate and energized. Warmth, love, danger, excitement, speed, energy, desire, passion, courage. In Eastern culture it means luck, prosperity, happiness, power, long life and fertility. In some African countries it represents mourning.

Pink makes you feel romantic and feminine. Caring, feminine, love, nurturing. In Eastern cultures it varies - in Korea, it’s trust. In other countries, it is considered feminine –maybe why for years the Chinese did not recognize pink as a colour.

Blue makes you feel calm. Trust, honour, reliability, professionalism, peace, calm, stability, loyalty, coldness, melancholia (got the blues) In the East, it relates to wealth, privilege but also mourning.

Purple makes you feel elegant and creative. Regal, royal, elegance, sophistication, luxury, mystery, magic. In Eastern countries it also relates to wealth and privilege but also mourning.

Green makes you feel optimistic. Reliability, optimism, environmental, healing, wellbeing, calm, relaxation, safety, harmony, freshness. In the Far East, it relates to hope, new beginnings, fertility and birth. In the Middle East, it represents strength, luck and fertility. But in South America, it represents death.

Brown makes you feel grounded and secure. Casual, confident, earthy, reliable, genuine, reassuring, nature and not surprisingly Autumn In Eastern countries it relates to the earth and also mourning

Black makes you feel protected and sophisticated. Power, sophistication, strength, elegance but also depression, morbidity, death and night. In Easter countries, it relates to wealth and prosperity but in Thailand it means bad luck.

White makes you feel confident and optimistic. Purity, peace, innocence, simplicity, newness, cold and snow. In Eastern regions, it relates to death, funerals and sadness. You can see why supermarkets and most businesses think carefully about the colours they use. It’s not without reason and a well-documented fact, that MacDonald’s colours have been chosen for good reason. Yellow = hunger and red = speed, i.e. fast food. Knowledge is useful. You won’t want to turn up for a funeral in the Middle East wearing black, which although represents wealth, it also represents mystery and evil. The colour for mourning there is white so you could make a big mistake. Overall, colours and emotions are linked and now you know how they are linked, you can choose the colour of your outfit, or your business, depending on how you feel and what result you are looking for.

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 16

/elbosqueanimadoguardamar

Spotlight on

GUADALEST Spain at its beautiful best - the jewel in Alicante’s crown! Guadalest has everything you would want from Spain – history, art, culture, great vistas, and fantastic restaurants. There is so much to offer, you’ll want to visit, and you’ll want to stay! Balanced on a rocky mountainside overlooking a lake with piercing blue waters, El Castell de Guadalest is the go-to destination for millions every year. The village surrounding the medieval castle is equally delightful, with charming streets packed with bustling artisan shops, selling local produce and quality souvenirs. Normally only reached by tourist bus from larger Costa Blanca towns and cities, the village comes alive during the day, with the hustle and bustle of keen travellers and lovers of old Spain. But once the last coach has gone, Guadalest has an entirely different appeal – that of calm, serenity, and peace. With stunning vistas everywhere you look, Guadalest itself has so many attractions to suit every taste. If you haven’t been yet – TREAT YOURSELF!

TALKING PROPERTY

SAPPHIRE PROPERTIES

Tel. 965 725 478 | Mob. 600 362 843 E. info@sapphireproperties.co.uk

With John Clark – Sapphire Properties

www.sapphireproperties.co.uk

Can you REALLY sell for less than €1000? Are 0% or low-commission sales agents the best option when selling your property?

•

They appear to be a great option but be mindful to ensure that you are getting the best value for money. Here are a few things to consider when making your choice. •

•

Vendors should ensure that no additional or unexpected costs will be added later under a different heading. With traditional estate agents, all these additional fees are included in the 'commission. A typical advertising slogan for these low cost sites is that “5-6% or even 8% can be charged by typical estate agent's for commission”, when most agents in this area charge 3% + IVA.

These days most enquiries originate via the internet. Wellknown portals such as Think Spain, Kyero and the like, are used by both types of agents. However, traditional agents will also collaborate with a wide network of other local agents, at no additional cost to the vendor, to maximise the search for the right buyer.

Most traditional estate agents work on a ‘no-sale no-fee’ basis and will never ask for any upfront payment. After all, what is the incentive to market and sell your property if the agent has already been paid? Vendors should check that any upfront fees are a one-off charge and there is no expiry date and/or a repeat fee becoming payable. Also, what happens if you change your mind and want to withdraw the property from the market? Traditional agents only receive their commission from the vendor upon completion.

QUESADA

Estate agents’ commission includes the cost of visiting the property personally, taking photographs and giving help and advice if requested about how to best to present and market the property. They will also accompany the prospective buyers to the property and will be fully conversant with its best features and location in order to best promote it. No charges will be payable by the prospective buyers when viewing via a traditional agent. Vendors should ensure that this is the case with no/low commission agents.

•

Once a buyer is found, one final thing to check is that there is transparency regarding the buyers/sellers’ contract to ensure there is no misunderstanding regarding the agreed sales price, etc.

Choose your agent with care.

John Clark – Sapphire Properties

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ORHUELA COSTA LARGE APARTMENT & PATIO €55,000 3 BED 2 BATH

BENEJUZAR €64,950

CLASSIC FILM REVIEW

with Simon Wade

Into the heart, Into the soul Into The Wild (Sean Penn, 2007) Some films come along and stop you dead in your tracks. Sean Penn's epic interpretation of this true story is one of my all-time favourites. Emile Hirsch plays Chris McCandless. He's bored with the momentum of maintaining mundane middle-class modernity and seeks an escape from it all. Not just his job or family or locale ... but escape from everything. With his mission to travel Into The Wild, he dumps his car, gives his life savings to Oxfam and heads north to Alaska. The film journeys through the ups and downs of life on the road. Hitch-hiking, canoeing and lots of walking - meeting up with plenty of characters (many real life non-thespian cameos) along that way. The token love interest comes courtesy of a 17-year old Kristen Stewart. The film has a gentle pace but consistently reinforces the fairminded liberal attitude of a young man with beliefs. A man with charisma, with fortitude, determination and compassion. For a man living on a subsistence level, this film has a substance to match. There are many thoughtful and considerate quotes in the film, all of which were gleaned from Chris's journals and the books he took along. (Thoreau, Kerouac, Byron & more) There is a pleasure in the pathless woods There is a rapture on the lonely shore There is society, where none intrudes By the deep sea, and music in its roar I love not man the less, but Nature more For me, the star of the film is the visual aesthetic. Watching it on Blu Ray or in 4K, mountainous vistas leap from the screen, a raging torrent has a dynamic that has you reaching for your arm-bands. Director Sean Penn knows he has a beautiful canvas with which to work, and lingers on a number of shots knowingly. Hirsch seems made for the part. His devotion to the role saw him lose almost 3 stone in weight. It's celluloid testament to a greatly influential character. Not only do the people he meets on his journey shape his life, but - more than anything - the unforgiving wilderness affects his life (and his physique!) too. The journeyman's voyage is a long, winding and beautiful road full of joyful character, and joyous characters. The film is no different. This adaptation of his story stopped me dead in my tracks. See what the real thing did for Chris McCandless.

ENTERTAINMENT

WE’RE HAVING A BALL!

Caz Miller-Matthews, Big FM Presenter

BIG RADIO SPAIN is 10 years old WOW!! When Richie Sparks started the station back in his shed (yes, in his shed) he would never have thought for a minute that we would still be going TEN years later! It’s been a hard slog, especially through the floods of 2019 and then the pandemic hitting us in early 2020 and lasting for over two years. Few would have thought BIG RADIO SPAIN would still be a success. The main reason is because we are a community station and that’s what we do.

Richie & Caz at Big FM

We try our very best to keep the community together through good times and bad. Supporting each other is our motto. What better way to celebrate than to HAVE A BALL! And of course it’s all for charity. Elche Children’s Care Home to be precise. So, come and join us at the BIGgest Event of the year on Friday 30th September 2022 at La Finca Golf Resort Dig out those ball gowns, black ties and smart dresses that we’ve all been dying to wear after being locked up for two years and get your tickets now. Go to our website for you to get all the information you need or email us on events@bigradiospain.com SEE YOU THERE!!!

WHAT’S ON GUIDE

MAY 2022

Wednesday 4 FORMENTERA, The Tipsy Tortoise, Charity Fun Quiz - 8pm BENIJOFAR, La Cosecha Restaurant, Debbie H – 8pm

Tuesday 10 LA FLORIDA, The Emerald Isle, The Project Duo – 1.30pm TORREVIEJA, O’Connor’s By The Sea, Nikki Nock – 8pm

Thursday 5 FORMENTERA, Sunley’s, Jam Session / Open Mic – 6pm LA MARINA, Lazy Cow Saloon, Paula Molina – 8.30pm DEHESA DE CAMPOAMAR, Stray Sod Irish Bar, Alex Tipping

Wednesday 11 FORMENTERA, The Tipsy Tortoise, Charity Fun Quiz - 8pm BENIJOFAR, La Cosecha Restaurant, Debbie H – 8pm TORREVIEJA, Bar Patricia (La Toretta), Nikki Nock – 7pm CIUDAD QUESADA, La Laguna Hotel (Doña Pepa), Paula Molina – 7.30pm

Friday 6 BENIMAR, El Mundo, Paula Molina – 5pm TORREVIEJA, The Ship Inn, Nikki Nock Karaoke – 8pm TORREVIEJA, Boston Tavern, Bee Rumble – 7pm CIUDAD QUESADA, Chiefs On Broadway, No Fences – 8pm Saturday 7 CABO ROIG, Horrigans, Rain O’Connor – 4pm LOS ALCAZARES, La Zona, Project Duo – 5pm VILLAMARTIN, Chemie’s Bar, Chloe Jones – 8.30pm CIUDAD QUESADA, Coopers Arms, Paula Molina – 8.30pm Sunday 8 CIUDAD QUESADA, Quesada Mini Golf, Help Vega Baja Charity Mini Golf Championship – 4pm FORMENTERA, Rumours Bar, Nikki Nock – 7pm HERADADES, Amani, Paula Molina – 7.30pm VILLAMARTIN, Tradewinds, Chloe Jones & Vitaliy Sax – 9pm TORRE DE LA HORADA, The Causeway, Bee Rumble – 8.30pm Monday 9 BENIJOFAR, La Cosecha Restaurant, Debbie H – 8pm CABO ROIG, Shrumba, Bee Rumble – 8pm

Thursday 12 FORMENTERA, Sunley’s, Jam Session / Open Mic – 6pm LA MANGA, The Last Drop, Rain O’Connor – 10pm Friday 13 BENIMAR, El Mundo, Paula Molina – 5pm TORREVIEJA, The Ship Inn, Nikki Nock Karaoke – 8pm TORREVIEJA, Boston Tavern, Bee Rumble – 7pm Saturday 14 LOS ALCAZARES, La Zona, Project Duo – 7pm PUNTA MARINA, Captain’s Table, Rain O’Connor – 8pm CIUDAD QUESADA, Coopers Arms, Paula Molina – 8.30pm VILLAMARTIN, Chemie’s Bar, Chloe Jones – 8.30pm Sunday 15 VILLAMARTIN, TJ’s Bar Café (La Fuente), Alfie G – 2pm LO CRISPIN, La Hacienda, Debbie H – 5pm FORMENTERA, Rumours Bar, Nikki Nock – 7pm CIUDAD QUESADA, Vista Lounge, Chloe Jones – 3pm

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

NIKKI NOCK

PAULA MOLINA

BEE RUMBLE

Email Simon@ExpatLifestyle.es

Special rates for businesses that advertise in this section

PROJECT DUO: Jude and Debbie Hutchinson 26

ALFIE G

Monday 16 BENIJOFAR, La Cosecha Restaurant, Debbie H – 8pm CABO ROIG, Shrumba, Rain O’Connor – 8pm

Thursday 26 FORMENTERA, Sunley’s, Jam Session / Open Mic – 6pm CATRAL, Como Como, Paula Molina – 8pm

Tuesday 17 LA FLORIDA, The Emerald Isle, The Project Duo – 1.30pm TORREVIEJA, O’Connor’s By The Sea, Nikki Nock – 8pm

Friday 27 BENIMAR, El Mundo, Paula Molina – 5pm TORREVIEJA, The Ship Inn, Nikki Nock Karaoke – 8pm LOMAS DE CABO ROIG, The Last Drop, Rain O’Connor – 8pm

Wednesday 18 FORMENTERA, The Tipsy Tortoise, Charity Fun Quiz - 8pm CIUDAD QUESADA, La Laguna Hotel, Paula Molina – 7.30pm CAMPOVERDE, The Tipsy Cow, Bee Rumle – 8pm

Saturday 28 LA ZENIA, CC’s Bar, The Costa Blues Brothers Show - 7.30pm CIUDAD QUESADA, Coopers Arms, Paula Molina – 8.30pm

Thursday 19 FORMENTERA, Sunley’s, Jam Session / Open Mic – 6pm LA MARINA, Lazy Cow Saloon, Paula Molina – 8.30pm

Sunday 29 PINAR DE CAMPOVERDE, Bar 5, Paula Molina – 8pm FORMENTERA, Rumours Bar, Nikki Nock – 7pm

Friday 20 BENIJOFAR, La Cosecha Restaurant, Debbie H – 8pm BENIMAR, El Mundo, Paula Molina – 5pm TORREVIEJA, Boston Tavern, Bee Rumble – 7pm TORREVIEJA, The Ship Inn, Nikki Nock Karaoke – 8pm ROJALES, Shenanigans (La Marquesa), Chloe Jones – 10pm

Monday 30 BENIJOFAR, La Cosecha Restaurant, Debbie H – 8pm

Saturday 21 FORMENTERA DEL SEGURA, Rumours, Summer Fayre – 3pm ALGORFA, Local 42 (La Finca), Alfie G’s “One Step Beyond” Mod/Ska Show – 3pm ENTRE NARANJOS, Flannigans, Bee Rumble – 9.30pm

Tuesday 31 LA FLORIDA, The Emerald Isle, The Project Duo – 1.30pm COMING SOON: FORMENTERA DEL SEGURA, Benny’s Cocktail Bar, Cocktail-Making Masterclass – only €15pp (minimum group size of 4, call Ben on 711 013 044 for more info and dates)

Sunday 22 FORMENTERA, Rumours, Karaoke with Nikki Nock - 7pm HERADADES, Amani, Paula Molina – 7.30pm LA MATA, La Sonrisa, Debbie H – 8pm VILLAMARTIN, Tradewinds, Chloe Jones & Vitaliy Sax – 9pm Monday 23 BENIJOFAR, La Cosecha Restaurant, Debbie H – 8pm CABO ROIG, Shrumba, Bee Rumble – time 8pm Tuesday 24 LA FLORIDA, The Emerald Isle, The Project Duo – 1.30pm TORREVIEJA, O’Connor’s By The Sea, Nikki Nock – 8pm Wednesday 25 FORMENTERA, The Tipsy Tortoise, Charity Fun Quiz - 8pm BENIJOFAR, La Cosecha Restaurant, Debbie H – 8pm TORREVIEJA, Bar Patricia (La Toretta), Nikki Nock – 7pm

CHLOE JONES

RAIN O’CONNOR

The What’s On Guide is sponsored by The Tipsy Tortoise in Formentera del Segura

READER’S CONTRIBUTION

Hi Fellow golfers! Hopefully some of the tips are showing some improvement in your game now that the weather has settled, and you are playing more golf. As I have emphasized in previous articles the biggest single flaw I see in the average golfer is poor posture. The majority of amateur golfers will bend from the waist instead of bending from the hips, this causes major problems with your swing plane. Bending from the waist puts the back in a curved or ‘C’ shaped position that stresses the spine and muscles, at the same time restricting rotation and forcing the arms to become too involved. Bending from the hips, on the other hand, straightens the spine and allows your body to rotate comfortably. You will be able to achieve a full shoulder turn with much less effort and to maintain your posture from set-up to finish, THE key to consistent ball-striking. A brilliant way to check whether you are bending from the hips instead of the waist!!!!!!!! AT THIS POINT, REMEMBER YOU ARE NOT A TEENAGER! (1) Standing upright with your knees slightly flexed, hold your driver vertically along your spine, touching the back of your head and the entirety of your spine. The only space should be at your neck. (2) Bend gently forward, keeping the club in contact with your spine and head until you reach a point that approximates your golf address position. (3) If you feel gaps between the driver and spine at any point, straighten your back to eliminate the space and continue. If you normally bend from the waist the correct posture WILL feel strange. To be honest this change will not be easy BUT your health and golf swing will be much better for the effort. Always remember, NO PAIN NO GAIN. Stay safe and PLEASE follow the guide lines and we will get through this together.’

The Golf Doctor

Now open in Urb. La Marina!

Dental Implants - Children treated Complex surgery - Same-day repairs Full & partial dentures Periodontal treatments

Tel. 966 796 996 Calle Amsterdam (next to DialPrix), La Marina San Fulgencio 03177

MOTORING with Venture Fleet On 21 March, the new Road Traffic Act came into force, and with it all the new rules... and the corresponding fines. The rules that must be followed now affect not only car and motorbike users but also moped and bicycle users. Here is the second part of my feature outlining some of the new rules.. FAREWELL TO THE 20 KM/H OVERTAKING BAN This was one of the most controversial measures in the new Traffic Act, as became apparent when the amendments were being processed. The exemption that has been in force for decades, according to which 20 km/h may be exceeded when overtaking conventional roads (with only one lane per direction), is abolished. The proponents of this measure (DGT, victims' associations, and experts) defend it with the argument that "speed kills." Opponents (automobile clubs and associations) believe that overtaking will become more dangerous. It will take three times as long and up to 120 metres to overtake a truck. Another important consequence of abolishing this margin is that it will no longer be possible to appeal against fines imposed by speed cameras. HELMETS FOR SCOOTERS AND BICYCLES Personal mobility vehicles (PMVs) have received special attention in the new Traffic and Road Safety Act. It requires users of these vehicles to wear helmets, bans scooters from pavements and other pedestrian areas, and stipulates that PMVs do not have priority at pedestrian crossings - which is already regulated but also do not have a focus on pavements and pedestrian areas.

Traffic Law: more rules, more fines Another much-discussed regulation is the one that requires motorists to change lanes completely when overtaking cyclists if the road has more than one lane in each direction. As for the cyclists themselves, it is now mandatory that they are allowed to ride in the middle of urban roads for safety reasons. Finally, motorcyclists will be allowed to wear intercoms built into their helmets, which has long been demanded by this group. ALCOHOL TESTING DEVICES AGAINST SNIFFING AND ZERO TARIFF FOR YOUNG PEOPLE In alcohol and drugs, the new regulation opens the possibility of regulating checks on professional drivers. However, the chance of making breathalysers mandatory in lorries (not coaches) from 6 July 2022 has attracted the most attention. Zero alcohol limit for minors behind the wheel of a vehicle. Another significant change is that a zero-alcohol limit will apply to minors driving a vehicle (motorbike, bicycle, or scooter). SAFE DRIVING COURSES TO REDUCE POINTS The law creates a framework for the definition and regulation of safe driving courses, for which two points are awarded for passing. Finally, the Road Traffic Act reform will allow online training in the form of awareness courses. Still, there is no theoretical instruction to obtain a driving licence, which will continue to occur only in driving schools. It also leaves open the possibility of introducing a minimum number of face-to-face events in the future to be able to take the theoretical test for the driving licence.

EXPAT Lifestyle EXPO

Friday 15th to Sunday 17th July

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

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

FOR COMPETITIVE QUOTES, CONTACT US NOW

Tel. +34 865 668 596