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SCUBA DIVING Cabo de Palos
Introducing WEB TV
SOUTH TOWN
ALIS & UPNOW
Aguilas, Costa Calida
NEW COMPANY PROFILE
La Romana Self Storage
wine regionS Murcia
cover image: Homes 4 U see page14
find your dream property at
www.alifeinspain.com
PAGES 15
issue 12 SEPT 2017
free
#Edition12 • September 2017
Spanish recipe
The Tesla battery: the final solution for a greener home? (Part 2)
25
Estofado...
6
Wine Region MURCIA
8&9
30 & Introducing... 31 WEB TV A life on the course...
LA FINCA GOLF
13
. . . e l fi o r P y n a New Comp
34
Scuba Diving in Spain: Cabo de Palos
21
Welcome to the September edition of A Life In Spain magazine. The summer sting has now gone out of the thermometer readings and temperatures are returning to a more bearable low 30’s C. This edition is packed with great articles covering lots of different topics. These include the second part of the articles angle on the Tesla battery. A new concept in powering your home. To satisfy your taste buds, this month’s recipe is Estofado de Pollo (chicken stew Spanish style), whilst the wine focus is on the region of Murcia. This is an easy region to get to and well worth a visit.
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26th Edition Miguel Indurain Sportif 2017
contact ALIS:
enquiries@alifeinspain.com peter.clarke@alifeinspain.com
For the more-sporty, we have a focus on scuba diving in the region of Cabo de Palos whilst the golf course feature is on the La Finca golf course. Enjoy Remember – all of our articles and over 4,000 properties for sale and rent are available online at:
www.alifeinspain.com ALIS is not responsible for the accuracy or content of any articles published in the magazine or online and proffessional advice is reccomended. ALIS does not endorse any company advert or article herein. We try to make sure the content is accurate but cannot be held responsible for inaccuracy.
TEL: 660 170 355 deposito legal: MU 1390-2016
www.alifeinspain.com - SEPT 2017 05
The Tesla battery: the final solution for a greener home? (Part 2)
A long road ahead. According to Forbes reports, the US government is making serious efforts in the production of renewable energy and Tesla battery fit perfectly. Elsewhere in Europe the situation is more complex. In some countries like Germany and Holland it used what is known as a net balance. Instead of storing the energy captured by solar panels it is poured into the system and in return individuals receive a small bonus in the form of energy that can be used freely. That is, the system serves both for consumption as to reduce the final electricity bill. The power company, in return, receives energy produced by individuals. In Spain the picture is much bleaker. According to a Self consumption Royal Decree, which is not yet approved, the individual would have to pay a toll to use the grid for transporting the electricity. It sounds as absurd as it really is. In the background is simply the result of pressures from energy companies not to lose their piece of the pie. While writing this article I have connected to www. teslamotors.com and they have started advertising the Powerwall Energy Storage for a Sustainable Home!!
Powerwall bridges this gap between renewable energy supply and demand by making your home’s solar energy available to you when you need it. • Avoid Paying Peak Rates Power companies often charge a higher price for electricity during peak evening hours than overnight when demand is low. Powerwall can store electricity when rates are low and power your home when rates are high. • Energy Security Powerwall automatically switches to battery power in the event of an electric company outage, bringing peace of mind to those who live in areas prone to storms or unreliable utility grids. Powerwall comes in 10 kWh weekly cycle and 7 kWh daily cycle models. Both are guaranteed for ten years and are sufficient to power most homes during peak evening hours. Multiple batteries may be installed together for homes with greater energy need, up to 90 kWh total for the 10 kWh batteries and 63 kWh total for the 7 kWh batteries.
How it Works Home solar installations consist of a solar panel, an electrical inverter, and now a home battery to store surplus solar energy for later use. Solar panel Installed in an array on your roof, solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. Home battery Powerwall stores surplus electricity generated from solar panels during the day or from the utility grid when rates are low. This information below it has been obtained Inverter directly from their web. Converts direct current electricity from solar panels or a According to Tesla the Powerwall is a home battery home battery into the alternating current used by your that charges using electricity generated from solar home’s lights, appliances and devices. panels, or when utility rates are low, and powers Contained within Powerwall ‘s outdoor-rated enclosure is your home in the evening. It also fortifies your home a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, a liquid thermal against power outages by providing a backup management system, a battery management system and electricity supply. Automated, compact and simple to a smart DC-DC converter for controlling power flow. install, Powerwall offers independence from the utility A new beginning for self produced home electricity!! grid and the security of an emergency backup. The average home uses more electricity in the morning and evening than during the day when solar energy is plentiful. Without a home battery, excess solar energy is often sold to the power company and purchased back in the evening. This mismatch adds demand on power plants and increases carbon emissions.
e
www.alifeinspain.com - SEPT 2017 07
Wine Focus...
MURCIA Murcia is one of Spain’s smaller, lesser-known regions. Tucked away in the country’s far southeastern corner, it is bordered by Andalucia to the west, Castilla-La Mancha to the north, Valencia to the east and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. This small administrative region consists of just one province and one administrative center, both of which are also named Murcia. The classic Murcian wine is a robust, fruit-driven red made from Monastrell.
BACKGROUND Murcia city was founded in the 9th Century by the Emir of Cordoba, Abd ar-Rahman II, with the Arabic name Mursiya. The exact meaning of the name is the subject of speculation, with suggestions that it is a corruption of either Myrtea or Murtae, two Latin words meaning ‘myrtle and ‘mulberry’ respectively. Both of these plants flourish throughout the region. The Murcian landscape consists primarily of low-lying mountains and dry coastal plains. The obvious exception to this is the Mar Menor (“minor sea”), a large salty lagoon in the southeastern corner of the province, next to the Mediterranean Sea. The Segura River provides much-needed water to the inland areas. Many agricultural products are grown along the river; tomatoes and citrus fruit are popular.
In terms of wine, Murcia is home to three DO appellations – Bullas, Jumilla and Yecla. Vines are said to have been introduced to the region by the Phoenicians in ancient times. Murcia’s winemaking reputation has fluctuated down through the centuries. During Roman rule, demand and esteem were high. The region came into prominence again in the latter half of the 19th Century, when the vineyards of neighboring France were destroyed by the phylloxera louse and the growers there turned to other European producers to fill the gap for their robust red wines. Murcia was one of the natural choices – the conditions there suit the production of the Monastrell grape, which yields wines with high tannins and deep color, suitable for barrel maturation. Unfortunately, wine quality slipped after this period, as quantity became the key focus. There are some notable modern-day exceptions, however, mainly from producers who have experimented with winemaking techniques and grape varieties and have prioritized quality over bulk-produced quantity. This has catalyzed into a general movement toward modernization and a new focus on producing wines of complexity and structure.
Apart from the southern edge of Bullas, Murcia’s winegrowing zones here are all located some way inland. They still enjoy the temperature-moderating effects of a Mediterranean climate, however, although significantly less than areas located right on the coast. The climate here is divided between coastal influences of the nearby sea and the continental influences of Spain’s hot, arid interior. In the lower-lying areas of Bullas region (much of which is cooled by increased altitude), summer daytime temperatures of 113°F (45°C) are not uncommon. All these factors contribute in shaping the styles and types of wines produced in a region which, unsurprisingly, is heavily favored towards robust reds. Apart from Monastrell, other notable grape varieties grown in Murcia include Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah for reds and Macabeo, Airen and Merseguera for whites.
www.alifeinspain.com - SEPT 2017 0709
. . . e s r u o c e h t n o e A lif
LA FINCA GOLF a beautiful course, not only due to its design, also the beauty of its layout.
A golf course with generous fairways and an incredible variety of greens. The golf course has 2 putting greens and approach facilities, also a large driving range. The Club house was opened in early 2010 and it is one of the biggest club houses in Europe with superb views of the golf course. Also since july 2009 the golf course has its own 5* Hotel & Spa. La Finca Golf Course will impress you. The golf course is also used to host major competitions. Hotel La Finca Golf & Spa Resort . This resort is set in the centre of La Finca golf course in Algorfa. The views of the surrounding natural countryside and golf course are breathtaking as you sit in the heart of probably the best course in the area. - 7 nights + 5 green fees from 597€ pp
Year Built2002 Designer/sJoseGancedo ManagerD. Salvador Lucas Lozano PresidentD. Antonio Pedrera Sánchez GreenkeeperD. Antonio Campillo Golf Professional D. Víctor Andreu Layout difficulty 3 (1 easy to 5 hard) Approx. tee interval 10 min. Buggy recommended Yes Buggy allowed in fairway No Maximum Handicaps Gents: 28 Ladies: 36 Green Fee, normal price 55€. To book, Tel: 96 672 90 10
North Town...
CALPE
From whichever direction you approach Calpe, the dominating view seawards is of the PeĂąon de Ifach, a 332 metre rock that is now a nature reserve but has been used since Phoenician times as a defensive standpoint against pirates and Barbary raiders.from where you will find really spectacular views.
Calpe, Alicante - In the shadow of the imposing Rock of Ifach Calpe is located a 20 minute drive North of Benidorm, just over 1 hour from Alicante, along the N-332 (ca. 15 km). From whichever direction you approach Calpe, the dominating view seawards is of the Peñon de Ifach, a 332 metre rock that is now a nature reserve but has been used since Phoenician times as a defensive standpoint against pirates and Barbary raiders. The town itself has many contrasts, where the traditional fishing village and bustling port combine well with modern roads and architecture; it boasts a long Paseo Maritimo (seaside promenade) lined with bars and restaurants, and several kilometres of fine sandy beaches. The two main safe and sheltered beaches have excellent leisure facilities, including sailing, windsurfing and diving centres. There’s always enough to provide an interesting day out in and around the town. The old town is brightly decorated in lots of streets with huge murals and there are plenty of little shops to separate you from your holiday euros. One benefit of the internationalism here is that there are some excellent restaurants so you can dine from around the world. If you want to try local food you’ll find plenty of good rice dishes which you could sample, as a traditional paella, al horno (oven-baked), or ambfessolsi naps (with beans and turnips) or if you’re in a fish frame of mind try putxero de polp or borreta de melva (octopus or fish stew respectively).
Latter-day colonisers are firmly ensconced here, creating a spot by the sea where German bakeries rub shoulders with Scandinavian design stores and British bars where you can have a full fry-up breakfast (until late) or a pint of bitter. Some of the many German residents have set up the Calpe Carnaval Club to promote the pleasures of the oompah band during their own carnival in February. One of the town’s main industries is the fishing fleet and each morning at five the boats leave the harbour at the foot of the Peñon de Ifach. Twelve hours later they return, to a welcoming chorus of screeching seagulls, ducking and diving for scraps. As late as 1978 the catch was auctioned on the beach but now it goes under the hammer in the quayside auction house, where a public gallery allows visitors to try and make sense of the rapid-fire buying process. Having failed to do so, you can see the result of a hard days work laid out on display at the restaurants a few metres walk away. Where lesser dineries try and tempt you with photos of the delights of their kitchens, here the real McCoy lies awaiting your selection. On display in cool cabinets you will see great slices of merluza, daintily dappled salmonete, long, succulent lubina, thick steaks of atun and fat silvery dorada. If you are on a budget a plate of deep-fried boquerones will only set you back seven euros, but if you feel like splashing out the super mariscada is a great floral crustacea display of brown lobster, pink gambas, rose cigalas and deep red carabinero. The Peñon de Ifach (Rock of Ifach) is the largest single rock in the Mediterranean called the Northern Rock by the Phoenicians to distinguish it from the Southern Rock at Gibraltar. It has been a Nature reserve since 1987 and provides a shelter for a number of rare plants and home to over 300 species of animals including colonies of sea birds that use it as a nesting ground. The more lively visitor might choose to shin up the path to the peak, which is some 330 metres high, however you can also walk through the tunnel which leads to the top, from where you have breathtaking views of the surrounding villages and countryside - you can even see across to Ibiza on a clear day! The round walking trip takes about two hours and there is a nature school that provides information on the flora and fauna to be found. Expert climbers, who want the most direct route, can climb the southern face of the rock that drops sheer from summit to sea. Visit www.alifeinspain.com and watch a video of this and other towns to get a real feel of the life here. Courtesy of upnowcostablanca.com. www.alifeinspain.com - SEPT 2017 17
26th Edition Miguel Indurain Sportif 2017 On Friday 21st July2017 I left the shop at 4.30 am accompanied by our apprentice mechanic Harry Morrow, Martyn Stone and Steve Turbo Buckley to travel 700kms to Pamplona in Navarre for the 2018 Pinarello roadshow and the 26th edition Miguel Indurain Sportif. It was an early start and a long journey however without any problems and quiet roads we arrived at our Hotel safely at 12noon where we immediately noticed the change in temperature, it was 10 degrees colder up here. We unloaded our bikes and checked in to our rooms then proceeded to the exhibition room where we watched a Pinarello presentation followed by lunch.After lunch we were shown the exciting new 2018 Pinarello range, including new e-bikes and city bikes.We then got changed and went for a gentle 25k cycle around the local area with Harry using a new Pinarello Gan limited edition road bike. All dealers got to borrow a 2018 model Pinarello Gan with Ultegra groupset especially designed for the event. We returned to the hotel at 6pm, got washed and changed ready to board the bus which took us to the Don Carlos Hotel in Villava, home of Miguel Indurian. The dining room was beautifully set for our 6 course evening meal with Miguel Indurian’s Pinarello Time Trial and his Pinarello road bike on display – these were the bikes that he used when he won the Tour De France on 5 separate occasions, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995. After dinner Miguel Indurian gave an excellent presentation about his life and cycling in general (I’m glad that we had Harry to translate). At 1am we then boarded the buses to return to our hotel, it was an early rise the next morning with breakfast at 6am followed by a photo shoot with all the Pinarello dealers in Spain on Pinarello bikes in front of the Team Sky mechanics lorry which had left the Tour De France, crossing the Pyrenees especially to be there at the weekend. The lorry still had a dozen or so of the team rider’s bikes hanging up inside, all with their race numbers attached. We left the hotel at 7am and cycled en mass for 30 minutes to the centre of the town in Vallava where again we had our photos taken by Pinarello. All riders had to sign on just like the start of every stage in the tour before making their way to the start line where we got to start right at the front with Miguel as we were guests of Pinarello.
The race started promptly at 8.30am and the 2000 riders were soon underway. There were police outriders to the front and rear and at most junctions, the roads were completely closed for the first 50-60k after which the groups had thinned out considerably, the whole race was also televised by helicopter which followed us most of the way. There were many small accidents onroute, including one motorcycle carrying a cameraman which collided with and knocked off 8 cyclists. Passing through all the small towns and villages it was amazing to see all of the inhabitants out cheering us on, this has been a major event for this area for the last 26 years. There was 2 category 3 climbs and one category 2 climb on our route giving a total ascent of 1500metres with a total distance of 106kms and the temperature never rose above 20 degrees which was great for us. After 3 hours we returned to the town centre of Vallava where our group of approx. 20 riders sprinted for the line, I finished with Harry in 3 hours and 3 minutes and were 87th and 88th respectively. Steve Buckely 150th3 hours 13mins and Martin Stone was 331st3hours 25mins, we were all delighted with our times and where we finished in the field. The event was well sponsored with live music at the end, food for the competitors and many of the large sponsors had tents and were displaying bikes and accessories. There was secure parking for all bikes, free food and drink, and also massages for anyone willing to queue. The prize giving unfortunately was not until 4pm and as it was only 12 noon we decided to cycle back to the hotel to wash, shower and change before heading back to our car to start the long journey home as we were all taking part in our normal Sunday Club ride which starts at 8am. This was a fantastic weekend which was exceptionally well organized from the start to the finish, it was so nice to meet Miguel Indurain in person and also get the opportunity to cycle with him on the Saturday morning, he is a really nice guy. Pinarello did us proud with their commitment to their own road show and to the Sportif making sure everything went smooth and was a success. Looking forward to next year’s event already . Team “Cyclogical” meet every Tuesday and Thursday nights at 5.30pm and Sunday mornings at 8am and cover between 90 and 120kms at a moderate to fast pace so if you fancy a challenge come along and join us. Looking to improve your fitness,riding ability and speed and also have a new group of friends to train with then why not come along and give it a try or call Gary on 637487377.
www.alifeinspain.com - SEPT 2017 19
Scuba diving in Spain: Cabo de Palos
Cabo de Palos The Cabo de Palos marine reserve is a well established breeding ground for Mediterranean fish and wildlife , it is highly protected by the Marine authorities since 1995 and is home to an abundance of marine life such as huge Groupers, shoals of Barracuda, Octopus, Moray eels, Eagle rays as well as Nudibranch and the occasional Sunfish. This area is considered the Best place to dive in Spain and one of the Top areas in Europe for marine life abundance and this is because it is situated in open sea with nutrient rich waters hitting the dive sites that brings fish to this special area, but the marine park is vulnerable to waves and currents so its always advised that you have dived recently, have some experience of diving in currents and are in good shape.
During later September and early October the marine life is at its most active due to the small fry fish shoals such as sardines and bogas which are small fish growing bigger and bigger congregating around the underwater reefs inside the park and also the shore . This abundance of life attracts the predatory fish such as denton, barracuda, jacks, dorada , tuna and even the colourful mahimahi or otherwise known as dolphinfish gather to have a feeding frenzy which creates a bait ball effect which is spectacular to watch and one of the areas most special events within the Mediterranean waters. This can go on for weeks with different marine creatures swimming hard and fast into the shoal to grab a quick bite that makes the smaller shoaling fish swim closer together and erratically making the bait ball
Due to the area’s history we have many different and exciting wrecks, some are still very much intact to the occasion object being found such as an ancient anchor or amphora’s being overturned in a storm that have been lying hidden for hundreds if not thousands of years. There was recently a Phoenician wreckfrom 600BC discovered in a small reef called La Laja and la campana north east off of isla grosa island. Due to its age there was not much of the boat remaining as it was made ostly of wood,but there is plenty of pottery and spear heads found which lead to a more extensive excavation which was productive and 2 elephant tusks were recovered that dated back nearly 2,500 years. This makes diving much more fun and interesting
Some of the wrecks that are regularly dived are the(lsla Gomera) which sank in a violent storm in 1946 just out of the port of cabo de palos. It was carrying a cargo of oranges which lead to the ship being nicknamed the “Naranjito” which divers will be more familiar with. The wreck is 50 metres long and lies at a depth of 28m at the bow and 43m to the propeller. The Turia and Ulla which are wooden minesweepers were sunk by the navy between Isla Grosa and Cabo de Palos for training purposes and lie in approximately 28 to 35m deep. El vapour or “Sama” which is an old wreck at 50 meters deep and has not been explored much due to the depth and is broken down and flattened due to its age but has many large nudibranches (hypseldoris picta) living on it. An off shore reef called Bajo de Fuera within the “Islas Hormigas marine park” has been a fatal shipping trap due to its distance from shore and being outside of the Islas Hormaigas islands lighthouse and a huge reef system that peaks at just 3 metres below has a known 4 ship wrecks lying at the base of the reef. One was the famous Sirio passenger liner which hit the reef in 1908 and was carrying approximately 1000 immigrants from Italy when it struck the shallow reef and grounded for days until a storm broke the ship in two, the bow section slipping to the south side of the reef and the stern slipping into the
Spanish recipe
Estofado de Pollo (Chicken Stew)...
. . . s t n e i d e r g In
• 1tbsp olive oil
• 8 chicken thighs • 125g (4oz) chorizo • 1 onion, sliced • 2 garlic cloves, sliced
. . . t i k o o c o t How
Heat the oil in a large pot with lid. Cook the chicken thighs for 5 minutes on each side. Remove from the pot. Thickly slice the chorizo, then cook it for a couple of minutes until starting to brown, then tip in the onion and garlic, and cook for 5 minutes. Add the wine (if using) and simmer until nearly boiled away. Tip in the tomatoes and beans, 200ml (7fl oz) water and season. Return the meat to the pot and add the thyme. Simmer for 30-35 minutes with lid on (top the stew up with water if it looks like it’s becoming dry) until
• 100ml (3½fl oz) dry white wine (optional) • 1 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes • 1 x 400g tin cannellini beans, washed and drained • 1 sprig thyme
cooked. Cut into a thick chunk of chicken to check that it is cooked through. This recipe is perfect for making in large batches and freezing to use at a later date. In order to enjoy optimum flavour and quality, frozen items are best used within 3 months of their freezing date. Always defrost and heat thoroughly before eating. Never re-freeze food that has already been frozen; this includes raw and cooked ingredients such as meat, fish and poultry. www.alifeinspain.com - SEPT 2017 25
South Town...
AGUILAS The town of Aguilas stands on a coastal area of 35 km, under the surveillance of its beautiful castle of San Juan de las Ă guilas and on the southern-most tip of the region. This municipality has been inhabited since the Palaeolithic age, and many other cultures, including the Argaric, Phoenician, Roman and Moslem people, have left traces here. Of particular interest are the Roman remains, especially the baths, which date from the 1st to 4th century.
As a modern town, Águilas was born of the enlightened thought of Charles III and his ministers Aranda and Floridablanca, who sought a port for the export of the agricultural products of the river plain of Lorca, and Águilas was the natural departure point for the entire region. The new town, with its rectilinear layout, became a commercial center on the up, reaching its zenith in the 19th century with exploitations of silver, lead and iron and the construction of the railway line and the pier of El Hornillo by British companies. Nowadays, Aguilas conserves its seafaring tradition and its deep-rooted vocation as a tourist resort. Of the town’s monuments, the Town Hall is of particular interest; it is a neo-Mudejar building from the 19th century, located in the Plaza de España, with age-old gardens and an old fountain dominated by a swan, popularly known as “the turkey on the pond”. The square is surrounded by a few Modernist buildings, the 19th-century church of San José, which contains the statue of Our Lady of Sorrows, who is the patron saint of the town. The historical quarter still has the environment of the seafaring quarters, dedicated to fishing, and is crowned by the castle-fortress of San Juan de Águilas. This tower-fortress was built around 1579 for defence purposes and was later rebuilt in the 18th century. In the Paseo de Parra, there is a monument to the railway, proof of the importance this means of transport once had for the population. Besides its wealth of monuments and archaeology, Águilas has a coastline with many points of interest. Thirty-five coves, rocky promontories that stretch into the sea and beaches of fine sand. The coves of Playa de Calarreona, Playa la Calabardina, Playa de Calacerrada , Playa del Arroz, Playa del Hornillo, are places where the protagonist is the countryside, still untouched in places. Indeed, the town has two protected natural areas: the Regional Park of Cabo Cope and the Protected Countryside of Las Cuatro Calas. The very centre of the town has beaches, such as that of Las Delicias. And nearby, opposite the breakwater of El Hornillo, lies the Isle of El Fraile, a small island covered with rocky slope sea bottoms and seaweed colonies for the special enjoyment of divers. These are joined by the interesting sea bottoms at the foot of the Crag of Cabo Cope. East of Águilas, in the municipality of Lorca, is a coastal area of enormous interest, where we find Puntas de Calnegre - literally Blacklime Points, so-called after the dark colour of the rocks. Together with Cabo Cope, Puntas de Calnegre has been a Regional Park since 1992. This is one of the least frequented areas of the coast, with clean, sandy beaches and crystalline waters. The Points end at the sea in high cliffs, between which lie the beautiful coves of Baño de las Mujeres, Siscal and Cala Honda. The Mediterranean climate of Águilas, with almost no rainfall, 3,200 annual hours of sunlight and average temperatures of 25.2ºC make this place ideal for nautical and sub-aqua tourism. Everything the denomination of Águilas offers (Villa Náutica (sailing village)), has been designed for visitors to get the most out of their stay. Sailing cubs, diving clubs with light sailing boat courses, cruises, diving courses, hire of material, monitors and qualified teachers, tourist accommodation, apartments, hotels and camp sites, etc., all at the disposal of those who decide to pay a visit. The coastal town Águilas has even more to offer, given its wide range of choice and alternatives for the enjoyment of rural tourism, with 3 well-signposted walking routes for the more energetic types or long walks simply to take in the views of the spectacular scenery in the area. ‘Source: murciaturistica.es’
www.alifeinspain.com - SEPT 2017 27
Introducing
As announced last month , ALIS has partnered with UP NOW Costa Blanca to make TV Documentaries! They are currently filming in Quesada and surrounding areas. UP NOW Costa Blanca is a film production company specialized in making documentary style films. It’s founded by Natalia Hansson and Torben Thoger and with Torben’s 40 years of experience in making documentary style film and Natalia’s media background, a series called: “Costa Blanca – the place to live and visit” was created in early 2016. The purpose is to promote the towns as the place to enjoy and visit to the International Community living and interested in the area. These documentaries are human interest stories where we hear about the towns through the people that live and have their businesses there. Each film is between 20 and 60 minutes in length. Since early 2016 the company has been busy filming the towns of the Costa Blanca North where 10 documentary films have been made.
g WEB TV
This month they will begin filming in Quesada and surrounding area. with the help of “A Life in Spain� magazine. The next film will be on Torrevieja. If you have a company that would like to be featured in the documentary please contact us as soon as possible so we can try to include you. Space is strictly limited so call early to avoid disapointment The documentaries are being aired on International, Local TV Channels from Albir & Torrevieja reaching thousands of International residents and visitors on the Costa Blanca. The documentaries are also shown to hundreds of thousands of viewers worldwide via online channels. If you would like your town to be next, email:
peter@upnowcostablanca.com
www.alifeinspain.com - SEPT 2017 www.alifeinspain.com - AUG 2017 31 31
WE HELP PEOPLE THROUGHOUT SPAIN EVERY DAY
The Avalon team explain how diǀerent the complex funeral system is here in Spain to both non-residents and those that live here all year round. This aǀects everybody so we are committed to helping all UK, Irish and European citizens make informed choices. • We also check all types of insurance to ensure each person is covered for everything they need to be. • We oǀer a tailor made funeral plan to suit every client which is fixed at today’s cost.
Avalon Team Avalon has onjces throughout Spain
671 935 072
All our members are covered in Spain and the UK. You will automatically be covered immediately regardless of health issues or age.
Spanish Wildlife Spain is one of the countries of the European Union most dedicated to wildlife conservation. In Spain, there are many national and natural parks dedicated to the preservation of Spanish wildlife, both flora and fauna. Many species of Spanish wildlife were on the border of extinction a century ago, but the conservation efforts have proved fruitful for Spanish protected species. Some of the protected Iberian animals include: storks, several species of vultures, the Iberian wolf, Iberian wild boar, Iberian lynx, Cantabrian brown bear and Iberian fox. Other animals in Spain are still seriously endangered with only a handful of animals remaining in the wild. Among the most threatened species in Spain are the Iberian lynxes and Cantabrian brown bears.
There are currently recuperation projects underway in specialised centres dedicated to the conservation of Spanish wildlife to help restore the numbers of these endangered species in Spain. They have already had success raising these protected species in captivity. Spain remembers and pays tribute to one of the most important Spanish wildlife activists: Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente, who sadly died in a plane crash while filming an episode of his famous Spanish television show “Man and Earth” on location in Alaska. There are numerous national parks in Costa Blanca and Costa Calida all of which have national protected status all of which are excellent places to discover wildlife as well as flora and fauna
Cantabrian Brown Bear
Iberian Fox www.alifeinspain.com - SEPT 2017 33
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a p om
r P ny
You can store practically anything, almost regardless of size, from filing cabinets to fish tanks, Christmas decorations to computers, beds to bicycles, granny’s china to garden furniture - as long as it’s not flammable, perishable or illegal. You can rent your own clean, dry, private, self-contained storage room ranging from 14 m3 to 22 m3. Their storage facilities offer sophisticated 24 hour security including a personal access code system which allows you access 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Our system ensures that you have total control over who enters your storage room. Unlike traditional or containerized storage, La Romana Self-Storage gives you immediate “walk-in” access to your storage room without any additional charges, however frequently you visit. Packing materials - Care and Protection for your belongings La Romana Self-Storage also try to provide the best environment for your belongings and pride themselves on being able to offer packaging material that protect and help look after your goods both in storage and in transit.
La Romana Self Storage Colin@LaRomanaSelfStorage.com +34 965075122 +34 633 125 889
. . . e l fi o
La Romana Self-Storage provides secure do-it-yourself storage rooms for private and business customers for short or long-term requirements. Started by Colin Cribb in February 2016 in the La Romana village near Aspe. You can buy all essential packing materials through us. You will find those under the categories below. Services - To make your life easier They also offer an additional range of services which help you in the storage and moving process. You will meet highly professional personnel in the La Romana Self-Storage facility and they will advise you which services to use and how to use them. Why not let them become your local storage specialist. Pack and Store - A full “Pack and Store” service, where we will come to you and professionally pack your belongings and transport to our storage facility. Pick up and Store - They will pick up your pre-packaged items and transport to our storage facility Delivery - “Delivery” service where we will transport your belongings from our storage facility to you new home/location. Location - La Romana, Alicante, 03669
www.alifeinspain.com - SEPT 2017 35
Music in Spain Following the general introduction in our last issue, we will now look at some of the various forms of music existing in the regions of Spain. Andalucia, although most famous for the Flamenco style, also has a tradition of Gaita Rociera (tabor pipe) music in Western Andalucia and violin and a plucked string type of band music known as Panda de Verdiales found around Malaga. The popular Sevillanas is very much related to Flamenco and many Flamenco performers include at least one Sevillana in their repertoire. The associated dance, mostly for couples, is called Seguidilla which adopted the Flamenco style in the 19th century and is now popular throughout Spain. Murcia, experienced considerable Moorish colonisation and is similar to its neighbour, Andalucia. The guitar accompanied Cante Jondo style is particularly associated with Murcia as are Rondallas which are plucked string bands. This is a particularly lively musical style which has your feet tapping, wanting to join in the dancing with the couples swirling around with happy enthusiasm.
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Another lively style is the Cuadrillas which are festive songs usually played during holidays. Look out for it during Easter and Christmas. Christian songs, (Auroras), are often sung by large groups of singers, “a cappella�. Extremadura, may have been the poorest part of Spain but that does not affect its musical traditions which are heavily influenced by its neighbour, Portugal. Just like Northern Spain, the repertoire of music is very dependent on the tabor pipes, a very simple instrument like an elongated recorder. Also, much played is the Zambomba friction-drum. Jota music is common here, played with triangle, zambombas, castanets, guitars, tambourines and accordions. There are many more regions to cover with a phenomenal variety of music styles. It is sometimes difficult to buy commercially sold CDs of some of the traditional music but I have found that when you encounter regional music whilst travelling through Spain, there is always someone selling CDs of the music being played in the town square or local concert hall, park or church. Good Luck!
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Buying with friends? Protect yourself! So you’ve holidayed together many times. Hey, you even think of each other closer than friends, and more like family. Now you’ve decided you want to buy your dream home in Spain, and what could be better than including your friends in on this magical dream too? They do afterall, have the same dreams as you. You did say that’s how close you all are! Well you need to think this through very carefully…. The idea of joining funds together to buy something more substantial sounds great, and creating your own type of “timeshare” seems extremely appealing, but it’s not all a bed or roses.
You may think you have a good relationship, well maybe you really do, right now anyway, but no-one knows what’s in the future, and there’s nothing worse than having to pay off your daughter’s ex-husband, for example, to have his name removed from your Title Deeds. Again this can be a very costly experience. If you’re buying a property, and putting it in your loved one’s name, there is a *clause in Spain called “usufructo.” This directly translates into English as “usufruct.” Simply meaning, that whoever you appoint, has the right to enjoy the use and advantages of a property that doesn’t belong to them.
Over the years, I’ve had my fair share of buyers that jointly purchase property, with either their close friends or family, only to find out later, that it was one of the worst decisions they made. It all started out great, but in the end, not only couldn’t they agree on dividing their time spent in the mutual home equally, but couldn’t agree on furnishing style, or who would pay for what, when things needed replacing! If you are still keen to purchase a property with another family, try creating your own little “community fee” between you. That way, if anything needs replacing or repainting, no-one will have to begrudge putting their hand in their pocket.
Using this “usufructo” clause, will allow you to remain in the property for as long as you wish, and even though you are not the legal registered owner, no-one can force you to vacate the home until you are ready to say Adios!
One major problem that could, and I’ve seen happen, is when one party wants or needs to sell the mutual home, and the other does not. Obviously, this could be a major hurdle, as forcing someone to sell, can be very costly and very unpleasant.
So if you decide to buy a home with someone other than your immediate partner, it is a logical business deal, and make sure everything is agreed upfront and in writing. Look at it as a type of “prenuptial” agreement, before tying this deal together! And if the other party doesn’t like it, and asks why you want everything in writing, tell them, because Rebecca told you to!
If I still haven’t dissuaded you, then the absolute best way to protect yourself, is to put everything you agree on, IN WRITING with a Solicitor. The same applies if you are including family members on the Title Deeds. Think long term first, before including any “in-law’s” on your purchase.
*With any legal matters regarding property law in Spain, it is always best to seek the advice of a local Lawyer. If you need any recommendations, please feel free to contact my office. www.alifeinspain.com - SEPT 2017 39