A life in Spain Edition 25 – October 2018

buying & selling your next property in spain

SPAIN A Life in

magazine • portal • webtv

.COM

inside...

issue 25 OCT 2018

South Town

free

Mazarrón and Águilas

North Town

Wine Region

Gran Alacant

Company Profile

The Med. Coast

intasun homes

Cover picture by Intasun, see advert on page 07

find your dream property at

www.alifeinspain.com

PAGE 38

PAGE 25

#Edition 25 โ ข October 2018

Food & Drink Section

Why Spain has the most expensive electricity bill in Europe.

(Part 2)

Main article

Micro Breweries in Murcia

6

Part 1

Wine Region: The Med. Coast

8&9

Spanish recipe

SPARE RIBS WITH ALETRIAS

19 - 22

Go Plastic free to save the sea Nยบ1 - Supermarket Shopping

12

Agent Profile

34 Welcome to the October edition of ALIS.

Places to visit in a day Caravaca de la Cruz

39

32

As I write this, it was exactly 2 years ago that Paul and I launched the first edition of ALIS. Sadly we parted company, but everything happens for a reason as they say, and it has helped our magazine to become what you see today.

The section on food and drink is becoming very popular and I am getting some positive feedback from both readers and advertisers.

This months main feature is on the micro breweries of Murcia. Until recently I did not realise that Brewing and in particular Micro Breweries were so popular in Spain. These breweries produce some interesting beers and are well worth a visit.

The wine region this month focuses on the Mediterranean coast. This fascinating region is producing some of the best wines in Spain at the moment, and is on our doorstep.

24

Cresta De Gallo

Marcha on E-Bike 2018

contact ALIS:

enquiries@alifeinspain.com peter.clarke@alifeinspain.com

Remember – all of our articles and over 10,000 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

05

Why Spain has the most expensive electricity bill in Europe. (Part 2)

On the first part of this article we saw that we pay one of the highest bill on electricity in Europe.

We also analysed how the famous debt of the 30,000 million Euros in favour of the electricity companies was created and why we have a unique system for the electricity industry in the world.

We also discovered that the electric deficit is an example of how the confusion of public and private interests and an apprehensive double set of regulations misguided planning and a failed market can produce some disastrous results. Companies benefited at the expense of widespread over remunerations that has had the effect that now, consumers have to pay extremely expensive electricity which not so long ago had a reasonable price.

This article will centre on the history of why we are where we are…paying the most expensive electricity in Europe.

A brilliant idea!!

It all started when the Prime Minister Aznar in the year 2000 decided that the Spanish electricity user should not pay the electric companies the cost of electric production and accumulated a recognized debt, the difference between the amount invoiced and the real costs of electricity production.

At the time we Spaniards had to meet the Maastricht criteria for joining the Euro, and Spain could not allow inflation to rise more than the allowed rate. So all started as a mere accounting exercise adding the difference between what the electricity that consumers used and the amount that they paid.The difference was awarded to the electric companies, that amount would gradually be charged to the public in the future. The invention worked: between 1997 and 2004 the electricity bill dropped 12%. In return, in 2002 there was more than 1,500 million Euros debt to the electrical system account.

Now you see it now you don’t…

Until 1997, the electricity price was set by the government and was set out with a differentiated cost for each type of electric power generated. But the Electricity Act which was adopted at the dawn of the first Aznar government created a wholesale market (“The pool”) which set the price of electricity for for all types of electric production. But other types of electricity generation technology joined the pool with rising costs so it was decided that the price of all electricity will be that marked by the latest type of technology i.e. the most expensive!!

That is, the cheaper production of some plants could charge much more expensive electricity and be compensated well above their actual costs. And this is exactly what happens to nuclear power plants and hydroelectric plants, which have already paid their facilities and whose production costs had been amortized but their owners receive millions of Euros above their costs. Is what is called “profits from heaven”, which according to different sources would be between 1,400 million and 4,000 million euros a year.

The monster they created.

Nevertheless this is just one of the extra costs as result of regulatory failures that assume the Spanish electricity system there is also at least 3,600 million euros more that the large companies received for the costs of “transition to the competition market”.Adding to that there is the 4,400 million that the users have paid since the eighties until last year.The so called nuclear moratorium, the inflationary effect on the money owed,and there is the quarterly price auction now in use.

The big deficit (or monster) grew and grew as electricity costs increased as it did… too much too quickly, and I am talking about “recognized costs” by the government, which does not mean they are necessarily the actual costs!!

The electrical industry has been characterized by the rapid development of new infrastructure or the compulsory inclusion of all kinds of items to the accepted rates.

And here is a funny one…

The electricity bill is composed of a component of energy production, which includes the costs of generating electricity at a price set on the wholesale market; and a second component which is the fees paid to have access to the grid system. Adding to that there is an aid for burning domestic coal rather than importing cheaper coal from abroad (about 600 million of Euros per year), the costs of subsidising electricity to all the Spanish islands (about 1,800 million), The “Interruption fee”.And here is a funny one… an aid of about 750 million per year to the large industries in case they have to stop production in a peak of electricity demand, something that has never happened; the financial costs of the debt itself (about 2.700 million) ...

And there’s even more…

Someone has to subsidise the electrical industry on the orgy of investment (about 70,000 million Euros) which served to double the installed capacity in Spain with the construction of dozens of new combined cycle plants which use natural gas and renewable energy in just a decade.

Today Spain has an installed capacity close to 100,000 MW, quite an excess considering that the peak demand stands at about 48,000 MW. But this crazy investments charade encouraged by the governments of José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero must also be paid. And that is what we do my friend, (you and I) every time we pay our electricity bill.

07

Wine Focus...

The Med. Coast The warmth of the coast from the French border to Almería can be mitigated by high altitudes, whether in Cataluña or in Valencia.

Throughout most of this area, world–class wines are appearing in places such as Priorat and Montsant, as well as established areas such as Penedés. Cava, the most famous sparkling wine in the world after Champagne

BACKGROUND

This massive area includes much of present day Cataluña; there is a DO by that name as well that encompasses many of the top areas. These vineyard areas, whether near or far from the coast, share exposure to the warm winds of the Mediterranean. Many of the vineyards can be fairly moderate in climate and coastal, as in Alella, or remote and mountainous, as in Priorat. In Cataluña, elevation and proximity to the sea are crucial to understanding what is made there and why.

Alella offers some delicious whites from the Pansa Blanca grape (known as Xarel-lo in Cava country); it can be aromatic and expressive.

White wines prosper in a number of sites along the Mediterranean, though not as frequently as the reds. Empordá makes some generous and textured Garnacha Blanca based wines, as do Montsant and Priorat. The Penedés region, home of 95% of the country’s Cava, is awash in white grapes: Parellada, Macabeo (or Viura) and Xarel-lo (or Pansa Blanca).

As throughout most of Spain, the greater number of prized wines are reds. DO’s such as Conca de Barbera, Costers del Segre, Empordá, Pla de Bages and Terra Alta have a dizzying array of wines from both international and indigenous grapes. Garnacha is far more planted than is Tempranillo; heat is a stronger factor in these regions and Garnacha a more forgiving grape.

Syrah and the Bordeaux varieties show up in more elevated and protected sites.

The great success story in recent years is in and around the Tarragona region where some vines end up as Cava and some harbor red grapes.

Priorat and its baby brother Montsant have unquestionably changed Spain’s wine landscape; these craggy hills and mountains allow Garnacha, Cariñena, along with small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah to bake into powerful, heady wine, especially when coaxed from the old vines found throughout.

For some, Montsant is “poor man’s Priorat,” but that does a disservice to the area’s burgeoning reputation. Its elevations and terrains are not as extreme as Priorat, and Priorat’s famed licorella soils give way most often to limestone. But the quality/value ratios are absurdly stacked in the drinker’s favour.

The prices charged for some Priorat wines are as lofty as the stark pinnacles above these mountainous vineyards. Twenty years ago this entire area and its wines were nearly forgotten.

In the early 1980s, a group of mavericks—René Barbier, Rioja’s Alvaro Palacios, Carlos Pastrana, Dafne Glorian, and José Luis Pérez—moved to Priorat. They created fantastic wines almost from the beginning, and they continue to improve the wines of the region.

The fame and pricing have attracted some to the region, but a quick buck is unlikely. As Alvaro Palacios of L’Ermita is quick to point out, the region itself is so difficult to work that only small amounts of very high-quality wine can be made.

Anyone seeking to make wine through compromise will likely fail. The quality in Priorat, and the prices, shall remain high.

These wines are powerful and warm, if not occasionally hot, but they carry a fresh and even slightly racy core that gives them shape and complexity. The landscape too is distinct; the licorella soil mix of granite and slate adds a firmly mineral note that underpins every wine, regardless of the grapes.

Closer to the coast, Penedés is home to more than Cava, but sparkling wine is the 800-pound gorilla among the vines.

The region is broken into the Alt-Penedés, Mitja-Penedés, and Baix-Penedés, reflecting the disparities in elevation within Penedés, with some vineyards planted in sites higher than 2,500 feet.

All the grapes (especially the dominant three—Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and Parellada) at those altitudes can be intensely tart, akin to the raciness of Champagne.

Many American consumers see Cava as limited to the wildly successful grocery-store brands. But there are complex and layered versions of Cava, as well as rich rosado styles to be discovered. Nine months of ageing on the lees is required for standard Cava; Reservas must stay 18 months on the lees, and Gran Reservas require 30 months.

Farther southwest down the coast, the average temperatures go higher, and the opportunity to make light wines is baked away. Instead the Levante, an area around Valencia and Murcia, is wholly dependent upon water, and the grapevines suffer without it. Areas such as Alicante, Bullas, Utiel-Requena, Valencia and Yecla do good work where the producers are dedicated to quality, and where the vineyards are elevated enough to provide cooling nighttime temperatures.

One of the stars here is Jumilla, which is not so different from its neighbours except in its track record. The last two decades Jumilla has crafted delightful wines, whether from Monastrell (or Mourvèdre, as the French call it), Garnacha or blends with other grapes. But most wines are very reasonably priced and are often rich and delicious. The Bobal grape is exciting too but prospers more often in Utiel-Requena.

09

A Hearing Problem About a third of adults older than 65 – and half of those older than 85 – have some hearing problem. It is the third most common chronic disease among older adults.

Common Signs of Hearing Loss - Playing the radio or TV too loudly - Saying “what?” a lot during conversations, frequently asking people to repeat themselves, or say “speak up a bit you must be mumbling” - Having trouble hearing in noisy or busy places - Not hearing something if the person is out of your range of vision

If this sounds like you or someone you know book your FREE appointment now:

Call 965 020 813

Apple Hearing & Healthcare are having open days in Benidorm 18/19 October & Quesada 22/23 October.

We have a special guest, Hearing Aid Expert, Paul Lamb at all the events offering FREE Advice & Demonstrations. (see our ad on page 36).

Apple Hearing & Healthcare offer: >> Free hearing tests >> Free 30-day trials with money back guarantee >> Free advice & demonstrations Free home visits >> Instead of hearing loss, think about what you gain when you hear. Let us at Apple Hearing & Healthcare help you.

BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT NOW !!!

Tel: 965 020 813 Email: info@applecares.eu See advert on page 36

Now available at:

11

Go Plastic free to save the sea

ing

Nº1 - Supermarket Shopp

Try to choose No Plasic Products. Today was my first attempt at trying to cut back on plastic waste whilst shopping in Mercadona, one of the most popular supermarkets in Spain. Apparently glass and paper and even tin wrapping is better than plastic.

I bought fruit and veg without plastic bags, choose glass over plastic. I bought handcream in a cute little tin which I will try and reuse. To the left hair gel was the one that had no alternative to plastic. I was astonished about the sheer volume of plastic on every aisle, literally nearly everything is covered in plastic.

I refused the plastic covered cheese and ham to buy it tomorrow, fresh from the counter at Lesco in Sucina with my own container. It’s a funny process of change, simple little things like a paper wrapped bar of soap with a natural sponge rather than shower gel in a big plastic bottle has become the new way, life is somehow simpler, and less stressful already.

I’ve noticed less clutter in the bathroom as the last of my bottles of shampoo, conditioner and gels are being used up. Looking forward to trying Lush shampoo bar and conditioner, awaiting it’s arrival by mail with much excitement.

By, Hilary from Murcia Golf Homes

The more you take out, the higher your refund.

Ck a b h s a C

Cash baCk

Until .

20th Dec 2018

Existing customer?

+ 60 60€ €

€ 120 = CASHBACK

with 2 new policies

New client?

+ 30 60€ €

€ 90 =

CASHBACK

with 2 new policies

Are you already a Liberty Seguros customer?

Take out an additional Car or Home policy and get 60€ Cashback.

For new clients [OL ÄYZ[ WVSPJ` ^PSS NP]L `V\ 30€ Cashback and 60€ for the second policy onwards.

No limit on policies! No limit on Cashback!

The Expats’ No.1 Choice

Visit your agent, call 91 342 25 49 or go to www.libertyexpatriates.es 6ќLY ]HSPK MYVT [O :LW[LTILY [V [O +LJLTILY 7VSPJPLZ T\Z[ IL WHPK I` KPYLJ[ KLIP[ 5V[ MVY YLUL^HSZ VY YLWSHJLTLU[Z (WWSPLZ VUS` [V UL^ JVTWYLOLUZP]L JHY HUK OVTL WVSPJPLZ *VUKP[PVUZ HUK TPUPT\T WYLTP\TZ ^PSS IL HWWSPLK PU HSS JHZLZ =PZP[ V\Y ^LIZP[L VY HZR `V\Y IYVRLY HNLU[ MVY M\SS KL[HPSZ

13

South Town...

Murcia

Murcia Located on the banks of the River Segura and flanked by the Carrascoy and Cresta del Gallo mountain ranges to the south. the regional capital Murcia offers a wide variety of cultural and leisure activities throughout the year. accompanied by year-round spring-like weather. ,

Things to see Murcia. The town’s most important sight is undoubtedly the Cathedral (14th century-18th century), with its marvellous Baroque facade, where sculpture and architecture combine to offer us a truly astonishing work of art. The Cathedral tower is ninety-two metres high and the Chapel of Los Vélez is a veritable jewel dating from the Gothic Period. Inside the Cathedral we will find the Museum of Holy Art and, opposite, on the other side of the square, the Bishop’s Palace. Other Baroque delights include the Church of San Juan de Dios, which houses a museum of religious imagery, and the Churches of San Nicolas and San Miguel, whose altar pieces perfectly encapsulate the unique style of the Spanish Golden Age in Murcia. The Convent of San Esteban (16th century), today the seat of the Regional Government, was the first Jesuit school in Spain, and its church, which serves as a secular building today, houses magnificent temporary exhibitions within a unique setting. Alongside the Palace of Almudi, which serves as an Art Centre and the town’s Historical Archive, featuring an impressive hall of columns, we can see the ruins of the walls that formerly encircled the town (11th-12th century). Dating from the 19th century, we might highlight the Town Hall, the Romea Theatre and the Casino, with its attractive glass gallery, entrance hall, Neo-Nazarite and Pompeiian courtyards, not to mention the spectacular Louis XV ballroom. Other outstanding visits include the Fine Arts Museum, the Santa Clara la Real monastery, the Archaeological Museum, which houses one of the most complete collections of lberian artefacts in the country, the Ramón Gaya Museum, where we can admire the work of this artist who was awarded the Velazquez Prize for the Arts, the Holy Art Museum at the Cathedral, the Hydraulic Museum of Los Molinos de Rio, the Science Museum and the City Museum.

The Surroundings Areas.

Visitors must explore the town’s surrounding areas. In the El Valle Natural Park the La Luz Visitor Centre located next to the hermitage of the same name, features an exhibition depicting the area’s history from the primitive lberian settlements up until the 20th century. From the centre there are wonderful panoramic views of the mountains, valley and Mediterranean coast. The centre also has a cafe-restaurant and a Nature Activities Department which organises trekking and climbing excursions throughout the year. Just a few minutes away, along the El Valle Cultural Trail is the Murcian baroque style San Antonio el Pobre hermitage, located in a privileged mountain setting close to the Santa Catalina del Monte Franciscan convent, where you can find out about the uses, life and customs of the area’s hermitages. We can also admire the Shrine of La Virgen de la Fuensanta (17th century), the town’s patron saint, which is located in Algezares, and the splendid Monastery of Los Jeronimos (1 8th century) in the district of Guadalupe, which is known as the “Murcian El Escorial” and is now home to the San Antonio Catholic University.

Things to do Strolling through the streets of the town we find small “open” shopping centres, some of them reflecting the town’s old guild structure: silversmiths, clothes sellers, potters and glass-workers. We can also walk along the Promenade of El Malecón, the flood barrier that was built in the 18th century and that runs between the river and the botanical gardens, and on into the meadows that surround the town. A 15-minute trip from the town brings us to the golf-course of Altorreal, which has 18 holes, or the golf-course of Mossa Trajectum, which offers 27 holes. Tourists can follow trekking or bicycle routes through the nearby Regional Park of El Valle y Carrascoy. Visitors can also enjoy the extensive cultural programme presented at the Auditorium and Congress Centre, as well as the Romea Theatre, not to mention a range of festivals, such as the Festival of Three Cultures, the Jazz Festival, the Mediterranean Folklore Festival and Festival of Murcia in the summer. The town’s numerous art galleries and art centres contain many marvellous examples of traditional and contemporary art.

Holy Week is a rich experience, featuring fiestas such as El Entierro de la Sardina(”Burial of the Sardine”) and El Bando de la Huerta, as is the September Fair.

Things to Buy and Eat Murcia makes it easy for visitors to buy a souvenir to remind them of their stay. An extensive range of shops, both traditional and new, offers visitors the most varied selection of ideas. As far as gastronomic products are concerned, it is enough to visit one of the local markets: vegetable preserves, sausage meats, paprika of certified origin (DO) and salted fish products such as la hueva (roe) and la mojama (dried salted tuna). As far as sweet dishes are concerned, we might mention the local meat pie or the sweet and savoury combinations of the pastel de Cierva and pastel de Salteadores. Under the heading of handicrafts, we might mention the local products made of papiermache, clay and embroidery, without forgetting the typical nativity scenes, veritable works of art inspired by the unrivalled delights of Salzillo’s work All of these products can be found at both the Regional Handicrafts Centre, as well as in the shops located around the Cathedral. There is nothing better than to enjoy the excellent climate by sampling a range of different “tapas” at the terrace restaurants located in the Squares of San Juan, Santa Catalina, Las Flores and Romea. Matrimonios (anchovy in brine combined with a fresh anchovy in vinegar), pulpo at homo (baked octopus), caballitos or “marineras” (Russian salad on a breadstick with an anchovy) are just some of the local culinary delights. In many of the town’s great bars and most select restaurants we can enjoy the cuisine that is based on fresh produce from the region’s fertile lands, the Huerta ‘ de Murcia: rice with vegetables, cocido de pava con pelotas (turkey stew with meatballs), michirones (bean stew), zarangollo (vegetables mixed with scrambled egg) pisto (ratatouille). For dessert, we have arrope, tocino de cieio and the unique paparajotes, battered lemon leaves, fried and sprinkled with sugar.

15

Now stocking

Missq clothing See page 13

17

talk radio europe

Tre_take tre with you_190x133mm - A LIFE IN SPAIN 2018.indd 1

18/6/18 18:13

od k Fo rin D

&

Food & Drink Section What is Extra Virgin Olive oil?

•Olive oil is a vegetable oil made from freshly harvested fruits called olives.

Almost all of the whole olive is oil, and for this reason, since ancient times, that applying pressure onto the olive produces the oil. In previous years it was a primitive mill called “Almazara” but now everything is done via machine.

•Extra Virgin Olive Oil is only produced from the first press and is the most natural oil from the olive. It is the only oil, of those currently on the market, which is extracted from the fruit without the use of solvents. It is therefore an entirely natural product, whose unique aroma and flavour can really be experienced. The process, without chemicals involves washing, decantation, centrifugation and filtration.

•The Extra Virgin Olive Oil is an essential and irreplaceable part of the Mediterranean diet and has been for hundreds of years and will continue to do so. On 16 November 2010, this was recognised by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, ensuring it´s protection and distribution across the world to allow the whole population to sample the quality of the oil and allowing people to improve their health.

19

& Foo D d rin k

c i M

eweries r B ro

in

Murcia

Cervezas Trinitaria

Location: Torre Pacheco Range of beers: 3 Price range (33cl bottle): 2.50€ - 3.00€ Brewery Tour: By appointment Where to buy: www.cervezastrinitaria.com

Another Planet Brewing

Location: Torre Pacheco Range of beers: 8 Price range (33cl bottle): 2.50€ - 3.00€ Brewery Tour: By appointment

Where to buy: www.anotherplanetbrewing.com

Having recently attended the Beer Festival in Fuente Álamo de Murcia, it was obvious there has been a huge increase in the number of good local micro breweries. This article aims to summarise the best four, in my opinion, each one offering something different.

Two breweries are located near each other in Torre Pacheco, not far from Los Alcázares. The first, Cervezas Trinitaria, has a range of bottled beers with a twist, usually in the after taste. We particularly liked the cardamom infused beer; light and refreshing, excellent with a good curry, but equally good on its own.

Another Planet Brewing, also in Torre Pacheco, is English-owned and the newest. For me The Dark Side, a porter style beer at 9% is excellent, not so much for this time of the year maybe but in winter it will be the perfect accompaniment. Jedi Force Amber, an American amber ale, and Abduction IPA are great summer drinking, packing lots of flavour with beautiful round finishes.

Canana Brew Pub, in La Aljorra, is unique for two reasons. Firstly, it is the only brewery with a public tasting room – it has a bar, and secondly Fayiny is the head brewer not her husband, Damián. They have some good ales; for me ‘old’ is the best but I see lots of people drinking the IPA. This is pleasant but for me a little too ‘hoppy’.

Finally Cervezas Ricote Valley, in the north of the Región de Murcia, makes a small artisan range. Their wheat beer is very refreshing and they also make an IPA style using citrus peel to finish the beer. They can help you design and produce a beer to your own recipe or have a personalised label printed for a special event.

In conclusion, I recommend visiting all them. For me Canana Brew Pub has the atmosphere but Another Planet Brewing has the range of flavours that are guaranteed to satisfy everyone. Cervezas Ricote Valley and Cervezas Trinitaria are great summer drinking. When you look at the prices, please remember these are hand-crafted beers not mass produced.

Canana L.A. Brewpub

Cervezas Ricote Valley

Where to buy: www.cananabrewpub.com

Where to buy: www.ricotevalley.es

Location: La Aljorra Range of beers: 6 Price range (33cl bottle): 2.50€ - 3.50€ Brewery Tour: By appointment

Location: Ricote Range of beers: 3 Price range (33cl bottle): 2.50€ Brewery Tour: By appointment

21

& Foo D d rin k

Spanish recipe

SPARE RIBS WITH ALETRIAS

. . . s t n e i d e r g In

Ingredients for 4 people: 250g of aletrias (large noodles) 400g of spare ribs 1½ ripe tomatoes ½ l poultry stock (or a chicken stock cube) 50g of grated cheese (any kind) 1 spoonful of butter 1 small glass of oil 1 onion salt a pinch of sugar

. . . t i k o o c How to

Preparation Cook the noodles for 15 minutes in a pan with plenty of boiling water and a dash of oil.

At the end of this time, dry the pasta without running it under the water, and reserve it.

Put the small glass of oil in an earthenware dish and place on a medium heat when it is hot, add the spare ribs and the finely chopped onion.

Meanwhile, peel and chop the tomatoes when the contents of the dish turn brown, add the peeled tomatoes together with a pinch of sugar.

Leave on a low heat for 15 minutes.

Once this time has elapsed, add liquid to the stew in the form of poultry stock after 3 minutes, add the cooked noodles.

At the same time, mix the butter and the cheese. Put this mixture into the dish, stir it, and let it boil for another 3 minutes.

New & existing Gate Automation. Roller, Sectional, and Up & Over Garage Doors.

Gates fabricated to order & supplied from our own In-house workshop.

Video & Audio Intercom Systems - WiFi, Wireless, and Wired & 4G Systems.

New or existing Roller Shutter Remote controlled Automation.

Solar Powered Systems For Gates & Doors

23

Cresta De Gallo Marcha on E-Bike 2018.

Sunday 2nd September 5.15am off goes my alarm clock and I’m up like a shot, teeth cleaned followed by a shave and a cuppa before heading down to the garage to collect my bike and kit ready to load into the van. 5 minutes later I’m outside Moths apartment where he’s already up waiting for me then round to Harry’s where he’s also outside waiting for us.Were soon on the road heading for Cresta de Gallo in Murcia where the 3 of us are registered into this years Marcha.

This is one of the shortest sportifs in Spain as it is a 6km warmup on the flat then straight into the climb up to the Monastery which is called Fuenta Santa through the forest then the climb starts proper going up to 20% in parts. This year due to having found out that I have arthritis in my right hip and require a hip replacement I have been struggling to keep up with the guys so I decided to take the Pinarello Nytro e-bike. Well to say that this was a godsend was an understatement, during the warmup we were travelling at 40km per hour which I struggled to maintain as all e-bikes cut out at 25km an hour and as it weights 13kgs it was a struggle for me to keep up with everyone. Once we hit the bottom of the hill, there was between 70-80 riders in front of me and only 4 behind, I switched on the power and immediately the bike surged forward allowing me to catch up with the peleton, it wasn’t long before I started passing them 2 or 3 at a time.

Within 6 minutes I had overtaken the whole group except two semi-professionals who were right behind the pace car. By this time my heart was at 180bpm and I was going as fast as I could, still in the sitting position as I now find it toodifficult to stand because of my hip problem. I had a quick drink and passed the two leaders who couldn’t believe that they were being overtaken, the pace car then had to speed up and I followed it, as we reached the top of the first crest the road dipped down and suddenly the electric cut out and I was pushing like hell up to 40k an hour by this time I was well in front and kept glancing in my mirror to see if anyone was catching up with me. We hit the 1km mark and I gave it all I had pushing the bike upto 22km ( I had no more power in my body to go any faster ) right to the finish line and the cheers of the crowd.

I had finished first by at least 1km and was chuffed to bits, this is the first sportif I have entered where e-bikes were allowed, there was no trophy for the winner of the e-bike class, however I didn’t care as I was first over the line and I felt that it was a level playing field, a 57 year old on an e-bike going like hell against 19-30 year olds. There wasn’t many my age in this event as its considered too hard for most.

Moth finished 10th overall and Harry was 15th, they both did remarkably well and all their hard training and dedication is paying off, hopefully next year we will manage to get them into the Spanish racing circuit and hopefully I will have a new hip and get back on a normal Pinarello. For anyone thinking about moving onto an e-bike trust me it is the way forward and allows you to cycle for longer, further and it makes it more enjoyable. If any of you who are reading this and are considering an e-bike please call in to Cyclogical to see Lynn or myself and we can arrange a test ride on the Nytro.

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.

Sofa Bed

Tables & Chairs

Sofa with chaiselonge

Bedroom Furniture

..........................

Tv Unit

...............................................

100 €*

DISCOUNT OFF YOUR PURCHASE WITH THIS CODE

ALIS311218

...................................................

AVDA. CONSTITUCION 50 · 30590 SUCINA (Murcia) · info@mugalsmobiliario.com · (+34) 968 370 619 **Voucher valid for purchases equal or more than 1.000 €. Válid 1 voucher per puchase. No valid with other offers or promotions.

Valid until 31/12/2018. Mugals mobiliario reserve the right to cancel this promotion without prior notice. I.V.A. included.

25

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

k hUwG‫ژ ¾ژ‬°-kkّ

ȏȄɋƌƩɋ‫ژ‬ɓȽ‫ژ‬ɋȏưƌɲ‫ژ‬ɋȏ‫ژ‬ȽƷƷ‫ژ‬ǚȏɬ‫ژ‬ɬƷ‫ژ‬ƩƌȄ‫ژ‬ ȽƷǹǹ‫ژ‬ɲȏɓȵ‫ژ‬ȲȵȏȲƷȵɋɲ‫ژ‬ǠȄ‫ژ‬ƌ‫ژ‬ɬƷƷǵٍ

villas offer fantastic value for money in a great location just 5 minutes from the beach.

ÝU-Þ‫ژ‬u ¨-‫ژ¾ ژ‬ÞÞÞِuŨ U °-¨ÝU -°ِ u

¾O-¨‫ژ‬°-¨ÝU -° u°‫ژ‬¥ȵȏȲƷȵɋɲ‫ژ‬UȂȲȵȏɫƷȂƷȄɋȽ UƌǠȄ‫ژ‬uǠɋƩǚƷǹǹ uȏƨ‫׏דבژחובژהגהژגבژ׎׎ژي‬ Ǒ˟ƩƷ‫אח׎ژ׏ב׎ژזהחژגבژ׎׎ژي‬ uɓȵƩǠƌ‫ژ‬ÝƌƩƌɋǠȏȄȽ‫ژ‬OȏǹǠưƌɲ‫¨ژ‬ƷȄɋƌǹȽ ÝƌƩƌɋǠȏȄ‫ژ‬ȵƷȄɋƌǹȽ‫ژוח׎׏ב׎זהחژגב׎׎ژي‬ -ȂƌǠǹ‫ي‬ƨȏȏǵǠȄǒȽ‫ۮ‬ȂɓȵƩǠƌɫƌƩƌɋǠȏȄȽِƩȏȂ

27

North Town...

Gran Alacant

Gran Alacant Gran Alacant is a large residential tourism urbanisation, which has a friendly relaxed feel. Many northern Europeans have settled here permanently to enjoy the fabulous climate and beautiful beaches and sand dunes that the area affords.

The urbanisation is located on a hillside close to the sandy beaches with many of the properties enjoying a sea view. The area is just 15 kilometres south of Alicante and 6 km from Santa Pola. The international airport at Alicante is approximately 10 minutes drive.

Beaches

Cuisine

Carabassi beach boasts 4 kilometres of wild natural and unspoilt sand dunes backed by a pine trees forest. The beaches of Santa Pola are also close by.

There is a range of international restaurants to be found, serving menus influenced by flavours from the four corners of the globe.

Excursions

Nightlife

In Santa Pola you can visit the “salinas” or salt flats that are still in use and from where you can watch splendid sunsets.

A wide variety of nightlife can be found at nearby Torrevieja, which is a short Taxi ride away. Here you will find internationally renowned discos and many lively bars and restaurants.

Santa Pola is also the town with one of the biggest fishing ports on the Mediterranean. Here you will find some excellent fish restaurants serving the local ‘catch of the day’. An absolute “must” is a trip to the “Isla de la Tabarca” which was made a national Marine Reserve in 1986. The crystal clear waters and the fauna and flora, make it an authentic paradise for divers.

Shopping There are supermarkets, restaurants, chemists in Gran Alacant and the nearby local towns of Santa Pola and Torrevieja have excellent markets.

Climate The Costa Blanca 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

29

  - -

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

Places to visit in a day

z u r C a l e d a c a v a

Car

Caravaca can be accessed from several directions. Murcia, Lorca, Totana and Alhama provide attractive approaches to the town, either over the EspuĂąas, or on well signposted Motorway or trunk roads. The town has a population exceeding 20,000 and is steeped in history as shown by the many buildings, religious and other wise, which can be found just by walking around.

The castle is well preserved and according to legend (for it is unlikely to be totally true) during a Moorish siege, the besieged troops, having been sent to find water, came back with wine instead. This so fortified those inside the castle they beat off the attackers who surrendered.

There is now a celebratory Fiesta de la Vera Cruz at the beginning of each May. The highlight is the Race of the Wine horses, which is a sight to behold.

Within the 15th century castle is the impressive shrine, The Santuario de la Santisima y Vera Cruz and the Church Museum, open to the public Sunday to Thursday.

The miracle performing double armed cross of the region is said to have appeared miraculously before the Moorish Prince, Abu Said who then converted to Christianity. Within the Santuario is an impressive shrine to the cross.

There is a lovely old town area which is worth a good walk around. You will find the Iglesia El Salvador and an impressive 18th century town hall in the Plaza del Arco.

There is also a 16th century Carmelite Monastery in the Calle Mayor with a small ecclesiastical museum and lots of souvenir shops where the double armed cross in all sizes and prices can be bought. It is said that if you buy one for a friend and they put it in their car, they will not have an accident.

All in all, with a host of bars and restaurants, a great place to spend a day.

33

e l fi o r P t n Age Clearly the whole of the Intasun Homes team are thrilled and delighted to have Received the Iberian Business award; Best Residential Estate Agency- South East Spain 2018.

Since the company’s inception we have been committed to maintaining the highest standards of honesty, clarity in our service to both sellers and buyers. “We don’t always tell clients what they want to hear, but we do tell them the truth”.

We strive to provide warm, friendly and caring guidance through the whole selling and buying process, to ensure our clients experience a stress free transaction.

With two offices, in Rojales Alicante and in San Pedro del Pinatar Murcia. Our happy hard working team all have a cheerful dispositions and acute sense of humour which shines through and is regularly acknowledged.

We will all happily go the extra mile to offer a genuine helping hand to everyone we come in contact with. From the first point of contact which could be at overseas exhibition or through an internet inquiry, we happily explain in precise terms, demystify and clarify the whole buying and selling process.

Our team all share the same honest desire to provide a truly all inclusive one stop before and after sale service, on which we build long term friendly relationships with all our clients. We are also proud voluntary members of the AIPP. (The Association of International Property Professionals) to which we actively uphold and adhere to the standards expected by this governing body.

Our philosophy is to uphold and follow the letter of the law, the rules, regulations and moral standards that govern and apply to this industry, we will always put our customer’s interests above all other. In simple terms, our primary aim is to do our job well, correctly and to the best of our ability.

See ad on page 7

Best Residential Estate Agency South East Spain

intasunhomes

Tel:966 290 781 Email: info@intasunhomes.com Av. Justo Quesada, 33 Rojales 03170, Alicante

35

Ùûé Ò£ć ­ í´·ÙÒ é Ò ĞĠżģĞ ´Ùûé £Ê·Ć£éč ·Ò aå ·Ò

%飣 é£õûéÒí

Now Available in

ćććŶзííèŶ£í

Legs & Co See page 16

SPECIAL OPEN EVENTS! JOIN US AT OUR SPECIAL HEARING EVENTS IN OCTOBER / 19 18 OCTOBER

BENIDORM 22 / 23 QUESADA OCTOBER

SPACES LIMITED!

BOOK TODAY ON

CENTRES APPLE HEARING & HEALTHCARE

965 020 813

SPECIAL GUEST! Hearing Aid Expert, Paul Lamb, will be attending our event to offer FREE Advice and Demonstrate our fantastic hearing technology!

BENIDORM AV. DOCTOR SEVERO OCHOA 7 · LOCAL 4 · BENIDORM · 03503 QUESADA CALLE LOS ARCOS · NO 5 · CIUDAD QUESADA · 03170 CARTAGENA CALLE SOLDADO ROSIQUE 2 · CARTAGENA · 30205

WHATEVER YOUR HEARING NEEDS, WE INVITE YOU TO OUR OPEN EVENTS AND YOU’LL RECEIVE: • FREE technology demonstrations • FREE hearing screening & consultation • FREE trials on many models* • FREE clean & check of your current hearing aids

SMALL & DISCREET HEARING MODELS, INVISIBLE & RECHARGEABLE OPTIONS.

ON THE DAY

SPECIAL FREE 5 YEAR WARRANTY WoRTh €350* selected models oFFERS FREE REMOTE MIC ACCESSORY wITh *

your confidential, expert Call in for an one-on-one session - no obligation! REFRESHMENTS! informal chat FREE CONSULTATION! Schedule

WE ALSO • Free Trials with a Money Back Guarantee • Free Advice & Demos - No Obligation • Repair & Servicing - All Makes & Models

OFFER • Latest Invisible Digital Hearing Systems

HEARING SPECIALISTS THROUGHOUT COSTA BLANCA · COSTA CALIDA FREE HOME VISITS · FREE LIFETIME AFTERCARE · WAX REMOVAL SERVICE · NO OBLIGATION * T&C’s apply. Offers end 31ST OCTOBER 2018. Apple Hearing & Healthcare reserve all rights. Offers correct at time of printing, cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers.

10.00 - to 4.3 0

VISIT

EV

OU R

BOOKENTS 965 0 TODAY! – Q U 2 0 81 A OT E – 3 LIS-0

718

37

Buying or selling property in Spain?

Relax and let moneycorp take care of your international payments.

moneycorp it.

Ã…

ç

è êù

â€

â‰

Å Ä

Call the team today on +34 965725755/ +34 902887243 to open your free international payments account, quoting A -ife in Spain. Alternatively, for more information, please email costablanca@moneycorp.com

Ã…

çèêêèç

ù

†â‰

Are you on the move?

Whether you’re thinking of selling or are in the process of completing your sale, there’s one thing that most people dread…. Moving!

The best way to help with the stress is to be as organised as possible. It’s not too bad if it’s a holiday home as most times they’re sold fully furnished, but if it’s your permanent residence then like everyone else, you’ve accumulated memories along the way that need to be boxed up and moved with you to your new home.

It’s always advisable to start having a sort through what you’ll be wanting to keep and what you’ll be wanting to donate when your house comes to the market, but I know that this isn’t everyone’s favourite job and putting it off until you’ve found a buyer seems like a good idea.

Notice the word “seems”… If you start early enough and do a little at a time, this will definitely help ease the potential stress of the impending move.

But, if time is not on your side and you need to get moving physically and literally, then start by putting post-it notes on items you’re wishing to keep. I’ve used green ones for “go,” red ones for “no” and yellow ones for “maybe”.

If you need boxes, instead of buying them, why not go to your local supermarket and ask them for some. They’re always throwing boxes out and will be glad to let you have them for free.

When it comes to boxing up fragile items, wrap them in towels and clothing. This will save you money on bubble wrap and paper.

Most importantly with any major move, is to be prepared for your first night in your new home.

Keep one box to the side with all of your immediate necessities within easy reach. Put in the box - paper plates, plastic cutlery, paper cups, kitchen towel, toilet paper, soap and dishwashing liquid.

At least now you won’t be rummaging around going through every box looking for some soap!

In most cases sellers leave their homes in reasonably clean condition, but there’s nothing like having a good clean through yourself in your new home before filling the kitchen cupboards. Unlike in Scandinavia, sellers in Spain are not obligated to have the property professionally cleaned before handing over the keys to the new homeowners, so try to be considerate when leaving your old home for your new one.

You do know the easier alternative is to pay someone to do it for you - whilst you sit back and look forward to the first night in your new home!

Selling your home? Enjoy the journey!

Jewellery can slide everywhere, even in jewellery boxes. By threading necklaces through a straw then closing the clasp will keep them from tangling together.

39