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South Town
Cartagena and La Unión
North Town
Wine Region
Campoamor
Company Profile
Andalucía
Angela Restaurante Pizzeria issue 23 AUG 2018
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#Edition 23 • August 2018
Food & Drink Section
All you should know about video surveillance in communities of owners. (Final part)
Main article
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Wine Region: AndalucĂa
8&9
13 Restaurants you must visit in the Murcia Region Part 1 Spanish recipe
Caldereta (Meat Stew)
19 - 22 A life on the course...
Golf Torrequebrada
12
e l fi o r P pany
Com
36 Welcome to the August edition of ALIS.
Places to visit in a day
Archena
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As August nears its end, we can all start looking forward to cooler times, before we then complain that winter is here and its too cold. The weather man just cant win can he? This months magazine is packed, as always, with interesting articles for you to read whilst relaxing by the pool. The wine feature this month focuses on the region of Andalucia. Whilst the places to visit in a day is the spas of Archena.This months golf review is on Golf Torrequebrada. We also have the start of a new section on food and drink. This months main feature is the first part of top 13 must try restaurnts in Murcia region, supplied by Murcia Services.
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“Quebrantahuesos”
( The Bone Crusher )
Sportif 2018
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All you should know about video surveillance in communities of owners. (Final part) These are: 1. It must be proven that it is really necessary to place video surveillance camera not just being sufficient to provide any reasons but a clear and specific justification is required. In my last article I was asserting the need to deal with a professional security firm registered in the Register of Security Companies in Spain, this simple fact will avoid many unforseen problems. We also analyse the problem of guaranteeing privacy by not recordingimages in public areas. The importance of obtaining high definition quality cameras together with the necessityto register thevideo file in the General Data Protection Register of the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD). The duty to inform. We also had the duty to inform. Written signsmust be in the entrances and in various strategic places,informing that the area is been video monitored. The signs mustclearly indicate the identity of the installation and to whom and where to go to exercise the rights under the rules of data protection. The AEPD has a model application form which could be used.The Information could also be available from the concierge, reception, offices and notice boards or be accessible via the Internet. This week we will scrutinize the aspects we have to take into account if we decide to place video vigilance in a place of work. It is legal to place video surveillance cameras in a workplace? Article 20 of the Spanish Workers’ Statute empowers the employer to take “any action it deems most appropriate to watch and monitor or verify compliance by the worker of their obligations and work duties, keeping in mindthat the application of that norm must take into consideration human dignity. What does the last paragraph actually means? In view of the wording of Article 20 It has been concluded by reading Spanish jurisprudencethat, yes, it is allowed to place these surveillance systems. However, this installation does not violate the right to privacy of workers? The Spanish Constitutional Court has set a number of requirements that allow precisely the privacy of workerswhile recognizingthe powers of surveillance by the employer. What are the requirements to put a surveillance camera in a work place? The Spanish Constitutional Court has tried to weigh the supervisory power of the employer with the right to privacy and dignity of the worker. To this end, it has established circumstances or requirements that make legitimate the installation of video surveillance cameras.
2. The sole purpose of the installation of the camera must be the seeking of combating serious crimes; there must be the existence of reasonable suspicion and the placement of these systems the only mechanism capable of discovering the guilty party. 3. They must be placed in places strictly necessary to fulfil the purpose for which they have been installed. Not being allowed to place these video cameras in places where the employees do not execute the actual work, for example, in canteens, bathrooms, rest areas, changing rooms, etc. Why these places are excluded? It is precisely to preserve the privacy of workers. What happens if cameras are placed in prohibited places and a worker is fired? If the employer install these video cameras in prohibited places and someone is fired, the dismissal will be declared void, as seen countless times by the Spanishjudicial doctrine, andwill lead to the reinstatement of the worker in their job plus the payment to the worker of any lost wages. However, this is not the only regulations governing the installation of surveillance cameras in a workplace. The sounds and images are subject to protection by the Organic Law on Data Protection the (L.O.P.D.). Thus, any film that is made by the surveillance cameras recording qualifies as “data processing” so it falls squarely within this scope. If the company fails to comply with the right to inform the workerswith regards to data collection (art. 5 of Law 15/1999, Data Protection) will be considered a minor offense and may face fines ranging from 601€ to 60,101€. Worst consequences would be acquired if the video files are not register in the Spanish Data Protection Agency or the files are used with a different purpose for which they were intended. In this case, the infringement is considered as serious and the employer would face penalties between 60.101,21€ and 300.506,25€. Not a joke by any means.
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Wine Focus...
Andalucía With temperatures easily surpassing 100°F in the summer, this is an area ideal for fortified and dessert wines. Everything conspires to make a singularly successful fortified wine that comes in a plurality of styles. Although we call all of them Sherry, each of these styles—Manzanilla, Fino, Amontillado, Palo Cortado, Oloroso, and Pedro Ximénez—expresses a unique set of aromas and flavours.
BACKGROUND The ancient lands of southwestern Spain have been planted to vineyards for nearly 3,000 years. But this part of Iberia was long under the control of the Moors and Islam, and winemaking was discouraged if not outright forbidden here from 711 to 1492. To most visitors, Andalucía appears as more moonscape than landscape; hot and arid, rugged and hard, it conforms to the image many Americans have of Spain in general. But Andalucía’s mountains carry other possibilities. With abrupt shifts in elevation, fascinating dessert wines have been produced within areas in MontillaMoriles and Málaga. And Andalucía’s most famous wine area, Jerez (Sherry), receives more rainfall than most other parts of southern Spain. That rain is captured by the special limestonerich soils of the area, called albariza, that bake in the summer sun into a hard crust, trapping cool moisture for the vines’ needs. Sherry’s multiplicity is a bewildering obstacle for too many people. It’s actually simple: Sherry is fortified wine. It’s fortified after the fermentation, so unlike Port, all Sherry begins its life as a dry wine. Sherry is initially classified as one of two wines: fino or olosoro. A fino is intended to be a light, crisp, delicate wine even at its usual alcohol level of 15% or more. Yet the great finos are delicate. They are aged in barrel underneath a yeast film called flor (or “flower,” though it looks more like pond scum), and the flor protects the wine from oxygen, adding flavours and aromas as well. Great finos have the tangy aroma of the flor with its distinct almond character and aromas similar to mushroom and sometimes cheese rind. The finos aged in the bodegas of the coastal town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda take on even more of the aromas of the ocean and are given the distinct name of manzanilla. Finos that eventually lose their flor will be topped up, fortified to a higher level of alcohol (around 18 percent), and allowed to age into something called amontillado.
Amontillados contain echoes of the character of the fino from which they grew, but pecans, honey, caramel, toffee, nuts, dried fruits, and many other aromas and flavours begin to take over. The other great category of Sherry is oloroso. These are usually made sweet, although a handful of them are left dry. The term oloroso can be loosely translated into something powerfully aromatic, and the long barrel ageing required for great oloroso certainly gives it aromas, which might include toffee, walnuts, prunes, cherries, orange rind, spices, chocolate, and myriad of other delectable, dessert-like characteristics. Sherry is also defined by its solera process of ageing. Solera is a system of graduated blending whereby a portion of Sherry is drawn from an old barrel, which is subsequently filled from a barrel of younger Sherry. Barrels of younger and younger Sherries cascade downward so that old and new Sherries are gently and systematically blended together. Sherries can be designated as Twelve Year Old. Fifteen Year Old, VOS or VORS, and are Carbon-14 tested to verify their minimum average age. We know of no other similarly rigorous testing in other wine regions of the world.
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. . . e s r u o c e h t n o A life
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South Town... Cartagena & La Union
Cartagena and La Unión With the project “Cartagena, Port of Many Cultures”, this town presents its three-thousand-year-old history to invite visitors to undertake a journey back through time, starting with the Punic and Roman Age and continuing to the present day.
Cartagena.
menco Song”converting the town into a veritable forum for modern flamenco and traditional flamenco singing, known as “cantejondo”, every August. Visitors should also make a trip to the Sierra Minera, with its huge underground mines and open-cast mines, as well as the remains of various mining constructions, such as the unique “castilletes”. ln Cartagena, Holy Week, with its secular historical and religious overtones, lasts for some 10 days, starting on the Friday of Los Dolores, the day on which the town’s patron saint celebrations take place. In July the International Festival of Music of the Mediterranean takes place, as well as the Mar de Músicas Festival, which presents different types of music from around the world, accompanied by some striking stage sets and fabulous parallel activities, and the Música en Clave classical music festival.
The Visitor Centre at the Punic Wall (third century BC), the only Punic defence structure that has been discovered in Spain; the 13th century Castle of La Concepción, whose Torre del Homenaje (“Homage Tower”) houses the Town History Visitor Centre, featuring easy access via a lift-walkway. However, the most important sight of all Is the Roman Theatre, an architectural jewel dating from the first century BC, which, alongside the remains of the Old Cathedral, forms part of a unique visitor centre together with the Theatre Museum. The Spanish Civil War Shelter-Museum is quite unique, offering visitors a fascinating insight into this historical period. Various panoramic views of the town can be enjoyed from the Tourist Bus, whilst the Tourist Boat also provides visitors with an opportunity to discover Cartagena’s lively harbour. Municipal Archaeological Museums, National Maritime Archaeology Museum, the Naval Museum and the museum devoted to Carmen Conde. The town’s military heritage deserves special mention, encompassing various sections of wall and various castles, as well as the batteries along the coast, located on the hills around the bay and in the surrounding areas.
September transports us back in time to the Second Punic Wars, with the local celebrations involving staged presentations of the battles between Carthaginians and Romans. Tourists can tour the town in the Tourist Bus and observe the fortresses and batteries along the coast of the bay from the Tourist Catamaran. They will also enjoy the town’s beaches, such as Cala Cortina and El Portus, which provides the setting for a naturist camping-site in one of its coves. in La Azohia, we can learn all about fishing with tunny nets, an ancestral art of Moorish origin which is practised between March and July. There are also numerous trekking trails through natural parks, miners trails, fishermens’ trails and trails along the Roman Road of Atamaria. Why not visit Calblanque, Monte de las Cenizas and Pena del Aguila Regional Park, an exceptional expanse that runs along the Murcian coastline that is rich In animal and plant life, featuring terrain as varied as coves, extensive beaches, fossil dunes, sail-flats and mountain summits.
Campo de Cartagena.
Cartagena.
At the harbour, lsaac Peral’s prototype of the submarine, the forerunner of our modern models, and the Wall of Charles lll, dating from the 18th century. Leaving the harbour behind us, the Town Hall, a Modernist building dating from 1907, leads us to Calle Mayor, lined with Modernist buildings such as the Casa Cervantes, Casa Llagostera, the Casino and the Grand Hotel in Calle del Aire. Cartagena, Port of Cultures, presents numerous archaeological remains: everyday Roman dwellings such as La Casa de la Fortune (“The House of Fortune”), with its restored wall frescoes; civic constructions such as the Roman Road and the Thermal Baths at the Decumano and religious buildings such as the Augusteum, raised as a place of worship for the cult to the Emperor Augustus.
Typical windmills still exist, which are characterized by their triangular sails, instead of the classic arms.
La Azohia.
The Tower of Santa Elena is a beautiful polygonal tower dating from the 16th century.
La Union.
The town’s most interesting buildings were built at the height of the mining boom. The Mining Museum, the House of El Pinón, of Modernist style, and the Public Market, which is the venue for the famous International Festival of El Cante de las Minas. Mining landscape.
Things to do
The town’s superb cultural programme includes events such as the International Festival of El Cante de las Minas de La Unión, which takes place in August in the incomparable Modernist setting of the Public Market building, -now also known as the “Cathedral of Fla-
Things to Buy and Eat Local Handicrafts at the Regional Handicrafts Centre. Archaeological reproductIons and wine from the Cartagena countryside. The magnificent cuisine of Cartagena offers us dishes as enticing as la ensalada cantonal, a salad based on salted fish and fish in brine, el pulpo a la plancha (grilled octopus), rice with cod, el caldo con pelotas (broth with meatballs) and the famous caldero, a traditional fisherman’s dish, which Is made by boning rice in fish stock and adding garlic sauce. After dessert, it is essential to try an “asiatico” or “Asian coffee”: coffee, condensed milk, cognac and cinnamon, served in a special glass. in the countryside around Cartagena, visitors will find exquisite vegetables, fruits, pulses, sausage meats and dishes such as cabrito al homo (roast lamb) and patatas al ajocabanil (potatoes in garlic sauce),which can be sampled in the numerous inns dotted throughout the area
La Unión.
Regional specialities with a local touch Typical miners’ drinks. “ lalaguena” and el “reparo”.
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od k Fo rin D
D.O. Food
&
Food & Drink Section Part 1
The international prestige of Spanish gastronomy continues to grow day by day. In Spain you will enjoy healthy, imaginative and, above all, highly varied cuisine. Part of the secret lies in the ingredients - topquality products that you can take home as souvenirs too. And what is more, with the best guarantee: the Designation of Origin certification. Discover what they are and where to find them. Tapas, traditional desserts, mouth-watering dishes, the Mediterranean diet‌ Travelling in Spain means enjoying a wide range of delights when it is time to sit down to eat. Furthermore, some of these delicacies can be taken home with you too: when you try Spanish ham, cheese, wine and olive oil, you will discover that they make mouth-watering souvenirs and gifts to take back for your friends. To make sure you get the right thing, go for quality. In Spain, the Designation of Origin (D.O.) seal will guarantee this. This mark ensures that the foodstuff in question is of excellent quality, produced in a specific geographical area, with its own unique characteristics. Designations of Origin are protected by European Union directives, and include Spanish gastronomy’s most famous products.
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13 Restaurants you must visit in the Murcia Region Part 1
supplied by Murcia Services. According to a recent survey, the majority of expatriates living on some of the golf resorts and urbanisations, really aren´t getting the most out of the Murcia region´s vibrant cuisine. Murcia Services have compiled a list of restaurants (in no particular order) you absolutely have to try, hopefully most of them will be new to you. Enjoy! La Cabaña Buenavista – El Palmar, Murcia La Cabaña Buenavista. A Michelin Star wonder in El Palmar, Murcia, halfway down the main motorway into the city centre. Unlike some of the other restaurants, you will undoubtedly have heard of this restaurant already. Whilst not the cheapest of restaurants, you will leave having just had a world class experience.Their tasting menu leads you round the ground of the Finca, where you will try at least 14 different foods that can only be described as individual works of art.The isn´t much to say about La Cabaña Buenavista that will truly serve the restaurant and staff justice. You must see to believe. Recommendations – Tasting menu Address: El Palmar, Murcia Web: cabanabuenavista.com Telephone: 968 88 90 06
Los Cazadores – Corvera On the main road into Corvera, Los Cazadores is a beautifully designed restaurant with beautiful food at extremely competitive prices. Los Cazadores specialise in grilled meats but they also do offer plenty of different dishes such as marinated venison and their enormous César Salad. There are a couple of different seating areas in the restaurant. You can choose from either the bar area or the seated dining area. The bar area has tall tables and bench seating next to an incredibly well-stocked bodega. Recommendations – Gamón Masala Address: Corvera, Murcia, Spain Telephone: 968 38 02 25 Email: hola@loscazadoresdecorvera.es
La Mary – Murcia City La Mary is a beautiful restaurant on a tiny little back street between Santo Domingo and Plaza Romea in Murcia City centre. Although the restaurant doesn´t have any outdoor dining space, being in the city centre you are spoilt for choice with the wide number of cocktails and wine bars all within a 5-minute walking distance to the restaurant. Sitting in the restaurant, you could be fooled into thinking that you´re in a luxury backstreet restaurant in the south of France. The staff in La Mary are extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the food they serve and the menu has something for everyone, without being overwhelmed with too many choices. Recommendations – “Costillar” Off the bone beef rib with a hoisin sauce and beetroot puree. Address: Calle González Adalid, Murcia Telephone: 968 21 36 46
Don Lorenzo - Estrella De Mar, Los Urutias Don Lorenzo is owned and run by husband and wife team Simon and Jo. Jo is the better looking one and so she works front of house making sure you are looked after, whilst Simon is head chef, cooking melt in mouth steaks and slow cooked ribs. At Don Lorenzos they have a full menu with fabulous steaks, succulent ribs and much more. They serve vibrant seasonal dishes, Sunday carvery, home-made desserts all rounded off by great wine. Large beer gardens as well as ample of indoor space make this a great restaurant all year round. Recommendations – Steak and Ribs Address: Estrella De Mar, Los Urutias Phone: 694 49 28 83 / 968 54 30 04
Enso Sushi – Murcia City – Las Colinas – Cartagena Enso Sushi has been described as “the closest you can get to an experience of Japanese food outside of Japan” by a Japanese expat living in Murcia. Whilst not the cheapest of sushi restaurants in the area, the service and quality that they provide is absolutely spectacular. A tasting menu will set you back around 50€ per person and consists of a huge range of different dishes, with selected wines chosen by their in-house sommelier. You can find Enso Sushi in the city centre of Murcia, Las Colinas Golf & Country Club and now in Cartagena also. Recommendations – Tasting menu Address: Teresa, Murcia Phone: 968 90 66 11
Vela Beach – La Mata – Torrevieja With two restaurant sites in La Mata and Torrevieja, Vela Beach offers an extremely high quality of food and fantastically welltrained staff. Their menu is versatile and portion sizes are more than generous. Last time we visited Vela Beach, we ordered the lamb chops, expecting to be served 3 chops arranged in a fancy pyramid shape with 5 or 6 neatly stacked chips, instead, we were present with an enormous plate that would satisfy even the biggest of appetites. Situated directly next to the beach with both indoor and outdoor seating areas, you´ll be sure to have a memorable experience and some fantastic food. Recommendations – Lamb Chops & Carpaccio Address: Torrevieja, Alicante Reservations: eltenedor.es Phone: 965 05 73 17
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Spanish recipe
‘CALDERETA’ (MEAT STEW)
. . . s t n e i d e r g n I
Ingredients for 4 people: 1/4 k of lamb cut into small pieces 1 lamb’s liver 2 large onions chopped 1 chopped sweet pepper 1 slice of bread 1 spoonful of cayenne pepper or paprika (according to taste) 3 chopped cloves of garlic 2 dl of olive oil 1 dl of water 1/2 l of meat stock 2 dl of red wine Thyme, oregano, 1 bay leaf, pepper& salt
. . . t i k o o c o How t
Preparation Sauté the lamb and liver in a casserole dish with a little oil. Fry the onions, pepper, bread and garlic cloves separately in a frying pan for five to ten minutes. When it is golden, but not brown, add to the casserole dish with the lamb. Mix the liver, two of the garlic cloves, the thyme, oregano, wine, cayenne pepper and water. Mix well and add to the casserole dish with the lamb. Cover with the stock and cook slowly for forty-five minutes. Check the flavour half way through cooking.
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“Quebrantahuesos” ( The Bone Crusher ) Sportif 2018
The “Quebrantahuesos” MarchaCicloturistica or the Bone Crusher as it is more commonly called is a very long, hard cycling-sportif in the Spanish and French Pyrenees mountain range over a distance of 205kms with 3500 metres of almost vertical ascent and is Spain’s biggest and toughest sportif and usually takes place the third Saturday in June every year.The route takes you over 3 main climbs, Col Du Somport, Col Du Marie Blanque and Col Du Portalet and starts and finishes in the picturesque town of Sabinanigo in the North of Spain at the foot of the Pyrenees. For over 205km cyclists are pushed to their limits as the combination of a long route and tough Pyrenean climbs take their toll. The race is steeped in cycling history as many stages of the Vuelta De Espania have finished in Sabinanigo and the route has been used many times in the Tour De France. Four years ago in 2014 I got a Gold medal participating in this sportif as I had completed most of the local Sportifs. This year it was the time of my step-son Mathew Moth Robertson and our mechanic Harry Morrow to take on the great challenge. There are over 18,000 people who apply for one of the 12,000 places and through various contacts I managed to secure 2 places for the boys through 2 friends of ours Graeme Jordan and Paul Cherry who have both participated in this event a number of times they also sorted out their transport and accommodation and also advised them of what to do and what not to do. At 8am on Friday morning 20th June, the 4 guys left Quesada and drove 670km to Sabinanigo, after travelling 54k in the wrong direction they soon got back on track and arrived at approx. 4pm. The town was absolutely buzzing with cyclists, cars, vans all loaded up with bikes, all making their way to their accommodation, campsites and the registration area. At registration they collected their race number, timing chip, Quebrantahuesos 2018 cycling jersey and various other sponsors gifts in their goodie bags. They walked around the area looking at all the merchandising stalls and had the customary photo taken at the various points in the town. They then proceeded back to the minibus and Graeme drove them 20k to their accommodation where they prepped their bikes, had a beer and something to eat and an early night.
Upon waking up early in the morning they drove back to Sabinanigo, parked up and unloaded their bikes before heading to their designated starting points. It is an exceptionally well organized event and all riders must start at their allocated start area, the two lads were in the 9000-10000 area. There were all sorts or bikes and all sorts of people making their way to their specific staring points, where you are boxed in and unable to move until the starting time of 7.30am. With choppers and drones overhead at the start videoing the whole event, the starting gun sounded at 7.30am. The weather was overcast but the temperature was perfect, with 12000 riders on the move it took our lads over 25 minutes before they even crossed the starting line.
which again started relatively easy but soon racked up to 8% for long stretches, it would level off then back to 8% again, it wasn’t a particularly hard climb but the temperatures had risen which made it harder. The scenery was fantastic and all of a sudden it started to get harder and harder with each kilometre marked by posts which gave you the height already climbed and the height still left to climb, this was a real demotivator, however the two of them just got on with it. From 2k away they could see the summit, however that 2k seemed to take forever, just as they approached the summit once again there were huge crowds on both sides of the road shouting and cheering everyone on, which helped to motivate them to sprint across the ~Col Du Portalet finish line. After descending for 5k they reached a lovely little village with ski lifts, this was the 150k mark and by this time, Harry and Moth were getting short of water, they both decided to stop for a refill which took them approx. 5 minutes because of the crowds of cyclists doing the same. After another long descent the road levelled off and the guys got a chance to recover and get back into a descent rhythm passing hundreds of tired and weary cyclists.
After another 20k they were directed onto a minor road which was like a country lane with passing places, the road surface gradually deteriorated and all of a sudden they started to climb very quickly, this was the sting in the tail that everyone had warned them about, it was the Hozd’Jaca which was only 2k at 13%, it was not a pretty climb and very steep, it was their longest 2k of the day, many people were exhausted by the time they reached this point which They knew what was ahead of them and had been training hard all year for this event, little did they know they had long hard slogs, allowed Harry and Mathew to gain time . It was downhill from here all the way to Sabinaniago where they entered the town on a long very sharp climbs, extremely fast descents and tight switchbacks stretch of very flat road which allowed them to build up a good and it wouldn’t be long before they had tired legs and sweaty heads and that’s when the “Cyclogical” side of their training kicks pace, as they entered the town the atmosphere was incredible with in. After leaving the town of Sabinanigo which they thought went thousands of people lining the streets and cheering the cyclists as on forever they were soon in the rolling countryside, however they they crossed the final finish line. Mathew crossed the finish line in a fantastic time of 6 hours 32 and in 735th place which meant that were unable to move any faster than the group that they were he had overtaken 9000 people. stuck with. The first 20k was relatively flat and they eventually got the opportunity to settle down,at the 37km mark they came to Harry was not far behind with a time of 7 hours 10 and in 2025th the first real climb of the day, this was Col Du Somport, this is a place. They both went to the registration area to collect their Gold reasonably easy and pleasant climb of 18k, very similar to climbMedals, an excellent achievement for their very first Quebrantaing up from Albatera to Hondon De Las Frailes, the temperature was approx. 16 degrees and the sun has just started to come out huesos, next year they will be able to start in the first 2000 riders which will give them a better chance of improving their time. This which helped increase the temperature. Right at the top of this climb was the French border and the first of the large water/feed- was a great experience for them both as its not just a race but the atmosphere and the sheer volume of people and also just being ing stations but both lads kept going as they had been rationing their water in order to keep going and not lose any time. As they amongst other like minded individuals all with the same objective. This was an extremely well organized and marshalled event, passed the water stop they saw well over 1000 people waiting to refuel. They then went to the first major descent of the day which Harry and Mathew would like to thank Graeme and Paul for their assistance and advice and also everyone who was involved in their was extremely fast with lots of people not braking in time on the training. They are already looking forward to next years event. corners therefore crashing into the barriers. They were coming down at speeds of 70-80k per hour, after this descent and many accidents the race settled down again with the guys getting into a good rhythm and by now Mathew had left Harry and was well ahead of him. The terrain had started to change, the valleys were lush and the trees were green, the roads became narrower as they entered a large wooded area which marked the beginning of the much feared Coll Du Marie Blanque which is a 12k climb with the lower slopes at 7% and after 4k it was a relentless 15% gradient, there were no bends to go around the outside of, it was impossible to zigzag as the road was full of cyclists walking and Police outriders on motorbikes, marshalls on motorbikes who were all trying to get in front of the cyclists. Many of the slower cyclists were swerving all over the roads which made it extremely difficult for the other cyclists to overtake, the climbing just went on and on. As they reached the top of the Marie Blanque there were hundreds of spectators waving flags and giving shouts of encouragement, just before the descent there was another water,food station which again was full of cyclists, the descent this time was far more technical than the Somport and much more twistier but shorter. The road soon flattened out and they ended up in a massive lush green meadow which was a fantastic sight with a very busy feed station. The next main climb was the Col Du Portlaet
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.
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in accosiation with..
Åäژä Ũ w-ã¾ژO u-ژ ÞU¾O uŨ U °-¨ÝU -° ÝUkk ژ-w- ¨ kƌ¾ژȏȵȵƷژGȏǹǑ¨ژƷȽȏȵɋ 3 bedrooms - 3 Bathrooms - Private Pool & Garden. Situated on the popular La Torre Golf Resort with on-site facilities such as a supermarket, hairdressers & beauty salon 16 communal pools, bars and a clubhouse.
G¨ Åw%ژFk ¨ ژ¥ ¨¾u-w¾ kƌȽ¾ژƷȵȵƌɼƌȽژưƷژkƌ¾ژȏȵȵƷ 2 bedrooms - 1 Bathroom - Private Terrace & Lake Views. This apartment on Las Terrazas Golf Resort has its own private terrace and garden area with spectacular golf views and a stream at the bottom of the garden.
-kژÝ kk-ژG kF ژk ¨ژ -ǹژÝƌǹǹƷژGȏǹǑ¨ژƷȽȏȵɋ 3 bedrooms - 2 Bathrooms - Private Pool & Lake Views. Finished to an incredibly high standard, there are very few Aclor Villas left that are as impressive as this one. Get in touch today for more information
w-Þ ژÅUk%ژÝUkk ° kȏȽ ژǹƩƌɼƌȵƷȽ 2/3 bedrooms - 2 Bathrooms - Private Pool. With prices starting from just 219,950€, these new build
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ȏȄɋƌƩɋژɓȽژɋȏưƌɲژɋȏژȽƷƷژǚȏɬژɬƷژƩƌȄژ ȽƷǹǹژɲȏɓȵژȲȵȏȲƷȵɋɲژǠȄژƌژɬƷƷǵٍ
villas offer fantastic value for money in a great location just 5 minutes from the beach.
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North Town... Campoamor
Campoamor
Campoamor is an excellent location for people who want to appreciate an element of real Spanish culture. The stunning scenery, green woodland and beautiful beaches make Campoamor one of the most popular areas on the Costa Blanca. Located south of Alicante off the A-7 on the way down towards the Mar Menor; the nearest large city is Torrevieja, at 6 km away, 20 minutes drive will get you to the Airport at San Javier and 40 minutes to the international airport of Alicante.
Beaches The beautiful blue flag beach Playa Dehesa is just 5 minutes walk away and is still a relatively undiscovered stretch of sand. With its many amenities: showers, volleyball, climbing frame, football, bars and restaurants, families can enjoy a full day out on this lovely, safe and clean beach, which also has a first aid post with lifeguard. Puerto Deportivo The marina at the southern end of the Playa Dehesa is where you can practice water sports. Horse Riding For those who enjoy equestrian pursuits there is a riding school in Campoamor. Golf The local golf club, Real Club de Campoamor is an 18-hole championship golf course. The golf course is located on the road between Alicante and Cartagena (km 48) and is built on a large area in beautiful surroundings. As a visitor, an advanced booking is recommended, plus proof of handicap is necessary. Situated in two valleys and surrounded by small hills that protect it from the wind, the course enjoys a special micro-climate that makes it possible to practice golf at any time of year. The wonderful Restaurant and Coffee Shop Golf Campoamor offers a delicious, high quality Mediterranean menu. From its two large terraces you can enjoy panoramic views across the golf course and across the Costa Blanca. Cuisine The local cuisine in Campoamor is typically that of the Costa Blanca, which combines delicacies from both land and the Mediterranean Sea. Many civilizations have lived
in this area (Celts, Iberians, Greeks, Romans, Muslims), all of which have all left their mark on the gastronomy. The diet is a typically, healthy Mediterranean one; the Costa Blanca is rich in fish, vegetables, olive-oil, rice and fruit and the ingredients which are all used to prepare delicious, healthy dishes, such as Paella Valenciana, Arroz Negro (black rice), Arroz al horno (Oven baked rice), Arroz a banda (fish and rice stew), Arroz del Señoret (Princes rice). If you have a sweet tooth then you will enjoy the local homemade pastries and deserts that the area is famous for. Or Jijona ice-cream (Nougat), which is made with the almonds of the region. While on the Costa Blanca you can delight the palate with the wonderful regional wine selection. It’s worth giving a special mention to the local wine ‘Jalon’, due to its quality and bouquet. There are many international restaurants close by offering a wide choice of different cuisines from around the world. Climate Campoamor enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate, with cool sea breezes in summer and protection by surrounding mountains against the cold North winds in winter. The area averages nearly 3,000 hours of sunshine each year and the average temperature easily exceeds 20 degrees. In 1986 the World Health Organisation recommended the climate of the area as one of the most equitable in the world - neither too hot in the summer nor too cold in the winter. On average it can boast 325 sunny days each year making it an ideal all year round destination
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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.
www.alifeinspain.com - JAN2017 2018 31 www.alifeinspain.com - AUG 31
a n e h c
Places to visit in a day
Ar There are two Spa towns off the motorway to Albacete. The better of the two is Archena. The Spa is well marked with brown signs which will take you through the town centre to the thermal baths. It is a complex of more than 200,000 m². There are three hotels (one*** and two****) and a spa where various treatments are available including massage and beauty treatments. There are various tariffs for hotel residents and day visitors too. They are a bit complex so best to look at the website www.balneariodearchena.com There is an indoor and an outdoor pool and a children’s pool. There is something for everyone and if you just want to sunbathe there is a great area for that with ample sunbeds. It is situated under a sheer cliff face
where, if you are lucky, you may see mountain goats defying gravity. It is also recommended to go into the town, if you can get parked where there area plethora of good bars and restaurants. Archena is a fertile region whose history dates from Iberian times. The Archena museum is definitely worth a visit as is the Church of san Juan Batista, a stunning Baroque church. There is much more to find in the town as you stroll around but check out the tourist website to make sure you see the most important sites. You can certainly fill a day in Archena with the added benefit of the thermal bathing to ease those aches and pains.
902 123 070
TM
*Based on fully comprehensive. O ffer valid for new customers only. O ffer ends 31/08/18. Not valid for renewals. Subjec t to company under writing regulations. **O ffer valid for existing customers only. Discount on second polic y. Cashback paid on first premium.
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e l fi o r P y Compan Enjoy a taste of Italy on the Mar Menor “They say if you want a good Italian restaurant, then you need to find one with an Italian owner. That way you know the food is going to be cooked like Mamma used to make.” At Angelas, we have found just that. Established 18 years ago by father and daughter, Giovanni and Catia, this restaurant is one of the longest established in the Rio Nalon, Los Alcazares. With ample indoor seating in the air-conditioned restaurant, coupled with a very large outdoor terrace, there is plenty of tables all year round. However it is still advisable to book to avoid disappointment at busy times. Parties can be catered for to celebrate that special occasion and with the hotel Spa Narejos opposite, you don’t need to worry about having an extra glass of Italian wine.
All of the food is excellent and it would be wrong to try to recommend a dish. You can choose from over 30 pizzas as well as an extensive pasta menu coupled with melt in the mouth meat dishes. All served with warm bread there truly is something for everyone. If you want different potatoes, or a variation on your pizza topping, just ask and they will try to accommodate you. All dishes are cooked fresh to order so sit back, relax, and enjoy a glass or two of Italian wine. The Piccini Memoro is a particularly good red which complements the menu perfectly. The staff are friendly and attentive. They understand good service and want to make your night memorable for all the right reasons. Angelas has a colour scheme of black and white. Whether you give this restaurant a try is also black and white, if you like Italian cuisine, then you will love Angelas Restaursant and Pizzeria. See ad on page 19
Angela Restaurante Pizzeria
Tel: 968 574 288 Email: pizzeriangela2018@gmail.com Rio Nalón, Los Narejos (opposite spa hotel Narejos)
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talk radio europe
Tre_take tre with you_190x133mm - A LIFE IN SPAIN 2018.indd 1
18/6/18 18:13
ARE YOU READY TO MAKE AN OFFER? As the saying goes, “it takes a woman’s touch to make the house a home.” We often see from years of experience that when a man and woman are looking to buy a house, its almost always the woman that decides where she wants her family to live, and the man holds the purse strings, nodding or frowning behind her. I always say when you walk inside a home and you get that “feeling” (all you women know what I’m talking about!) then you know that’s the right house for you. The man will most often agree, as he wants a happy wife and of course a happy life that is until, he sees the price!
You’ve all heard the phrase “location, location, location”… these words have more effect on pricing than many people actually realize and you can use it to your advantage when making an offer, by asking yourself if the area you’re looking in are maintaining their prices or are sellers taking a hit and having to reduce, just to get it sold? Your agent should be able to advise you, but the easiest way to find out for yourself is by looking at local market inventory. If there are a lot of properties of a similar design for sale, then you know you can start with a sensible offer.
We’ve all heard the sharp intake of air when we tell any man the price, so now is the perfect time to start the difficult conversation of money. Noone likes to talk money, either because they feel they are being judged as cheap or they think they must try to act as if they can afford it, but reality is, they cannot. This conversation is a must and being able to move forward with the purchase of your dream home means starting up this dialogue as soon as possible. Lots of people don’t like negotiating but let’s face it, at some point in your life you’re going to have to, and there’s no better time to start than now. First thing to remember, don’t get carried away with these property programmes that everyone watches. They often advise in offering much lower than the asking price, but what you must take into consideration is the year in which the programme originally aired. Like any housing market in the world, it does fluctuate from year to year.
Beware! Go too low and you could offend the seller, then they won’t be open to any negotiation at all…..it’s their memories that they’re putting a price on after all, so be compassionate. And if there aren’t many houses for sale of a similar design, then this creates a demand and any offers being put forward need to be closer to the asking price. Don’t forget, your Agent will be able to guide you when making an offer. So when it comes to negotiating on that perfect price, all offers are acceptable but only a few will be considered!
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