A life in Spain Edition 26 – November 2018

buying & selling your next property in spain

SPAIN A Life in

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issue 26 NOV 2018

South Town

free

Mazarrón and Águilas

North Town

Wine Region

La Zenia

Company Profile

Castilla La Mancha

Liberty Seguros

Cover picture by Murcia Golf Homes, see advert on back page

find your dream property at

www.alifeinspain.com

PAGE 38

PAGE 25

#Edition 26 โ ข November 2018

Food & Drink Section

Why Spain has the most expensive electricity bill in Europe.

(Part 3)

Main article

32

10 Health Benefits of Olive oil

Wine Region:

Spanish recipe

Castilla La Mancha

STUFFED TUNA

8&9

19 - 22

Go Plastic free to save the sea Nยบ2 - Bring your own containers

12

Agent Profile

34 Welcome to the November edition of ALIS.

Places to visit in a day

6

Bolnuevo (Puerto de Mazarron)

39

Christmas is almost upon us. The shops are now full of Christmas goodies....although they have been since September. Father Christmas will be finishing his list of naughty and good boys and girls, and the re-run of Santa Claus the movie has already been shown several times.

On a lighter note...

This months Food and Drink sections main feature is on the 10 health benefits of Olive Oil. It seems there is more to this little gem than we thought.

The wine region this month focuses on the region of Castilla La Mancha. This region produces some very affordable wines which are available in most supermarkets and restaurants.

24 Jack Swift Team Cyclogical 24/07/1997---16/09/2018

contact ALIS:

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

We also have part 2 of Go Plastic Free to Save the sea. Supplied by Hilary from Murcia Golf Homes, this is an interesting series of how we can all do our bit to help the environment 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

Places to visit in a day

) n o r r a z a M e d o rt

e u P ( o v e Bolnu

Bolnuevo is blessed with a typical Mediterranean climate with cool sea breezes in summer and protection from the cold north winds in winter.

With annual sunshine over 3000 hours the average temperature easily exceeds 20°. With 325 sunny days each year it is an ideal all round destination. It is little wonder that the World health organisation, in 1986, recommended the area’s climate as one of the most equitable in the world.

It is also relatively quiet with a huge golden sandy beach. Carrying on from the beach is a lovely coastal walk taking in some stunning coves. You can go for a couple of hours and come back again having enjoyed some magnificent views.

Access to the area is from Mazarron town on the RM3 or AP7 motorways. Check your more for more scenic routes. The main (free) car park is directly behind the beach and there is room for hundreds of cars.

There you will also see the magnificent cliff which for millions of years has been subject to wind and water erosion which has created a superb structure, the like of which you are unlikely to find in many places. A real photo opportunity.

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The town itself is very traditional and yet is full of amenities and facilities including a caravan and camping park which is beautifully landscaped and virtually hidden from the main town thoroughfare. There are many varied restaurants, bars and cafes and shops to get those holiday essentials.

Although development has changed the area somewhat, the town does have an interesting history. It dates back to the Phoenicians who used the coastal area to dock their ships trading minerals and other produce.

Locals used to come under constant attack from pirates and in the 16th century a sanctuary was built in memory of those who perished. “The Tower of the Horses was built to repel the Barbary Pirates and has been declared a Site of Cultural Interest and is well worth a visit.

All in all a really lovely and peaceful day out

07

Wine Focus...

Castilla la mancha Castilla-La Mancha is a large region which lies south and east of the Spanish capital Madrid

BACKGROUND

Although famous for its Manchego cheese and Don Quixote, CastillaLa Mancha also has a deep cultural history here; scattered throughout the region are various World Heritage sites, including medieval castles, Stone Age rock paintings, and the historic cities of Toledo and Cuenca. .

‘Harsh’ is the best way to sum up the vine-growing conditions in, hot, dry Castilla-La Mancha. Despite this, the region has traditionally been known as a source of low-quality bulk wine, more than half of Spain’s grapes are grown here. In recent decades however (and particularly since 1986, when Spain joined the European Union), a winemaking revolution has begun to transform this image of Castilla-La Mancha’s wines.

Both large producers and single estates now employ modern winemaking technologies, combined with a judicious selection of grape varieties and barrel maturation techniques. That said, a significant proportion of the region’s annual production, including grapes used for distillation into brandy, still goes into the inexpensive massproduced sector.

The climate here has a strong continental influence – demonstrated by marked temperature variation, both from day to night and between seasons. In summer, temperatures can reach 104F (40C), and during the long, cold winters, they drop below freezing. The altitude of the vineyards – between 1650ft and 2300ft (500–700m) – does not compensate for these conditions, as the vines still have to survive the searing heat and a lack of moisture during the growing season. The westward-flowing Tagus, Guadiana and Guadalquivir rivers

provide crucial water to the region, as do the Júcar and Segura rivers that drain into the Mediterranean Sea, although only the deepest river beds survive the summer.

As a result, only grape varieties which can tolerate such harsh conditions were traditionally planted. Airen tops the list and is still the most commonly planted grape in Castilla-La Mancha (and indeed all of Spain). However, it is not a particularly respected variety, so many producers have broadened their portfolios by planting Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, Alicante Bouschet (known here as Garnacha Tintorera), Monastrell, Syrah and Bobal. Most of these grapes are used for the production of red blends suited to barrel maturation, although varietal wines are increasingly being produced.

Castilla-La Mancha is home to nine DOs, including Europe’s largest officially delimited wine zone, La Mancha. It is also blessed with no fewer than eight Vino de Pago estates (see Spanish Wine Label Information), most notably the very first Vino de Pago, the Dominio de Valdepusa.

09

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11

Go Plastic free to save the sea

Bring your own containers to the Meat and Cheese counter If you give the containers to the assistant they can put your container on the scales and press�tare� to bring the weight to zero.

The assistant can slice fresh cheese and ham into the containers and just give the price ticket. I refuse the separation papers and the plastic bag as totally unnecessary.

These 2 plastic containers I have had for a while, if I was buying now I would try and buy glass but seeing as I already own them I will use them until they are worn out. Result is fresher cheese, fresher ham and of course a nice conversation with the butcher or deli assistant about unnecessary plastic.

Very helpful in Lesco, Sucina.

By, Hilary from Murcia Golf Homes

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13

South Town...

Mazarrรณn & Aguilas

Mazarrรณn and ร guilas This coastal area bordering the Mediterranean is characterised by its mining past and maritime tradition. Historically, it was a key strategic location for the defence of the neighbouring lands, featuring a number of important castles and defence towers. We might highlight the extensive range of openair activities available on the local beaches and In unspoiled beauty-spots, replete with waters teeming with exuberant marine animal and plant life.

Things to see

Mazarrón. Tourists can visit the Castle of Los Vélez, the Town Hall built in Modernist style, reflecting the town’s mining wealth, the Church of San Antonio de Padua (18th century), the Church of San Andres with its Mudejar coffered ceilings (16th century), the Convent of La Purisima (18th century), the remains of the Roman Road and the Defence Tower of El Molinete (15th century). Five kilometres away, on the coast, we find El Puerto de Mazarrón, with its Harbour Lookout Tower, also known as the Tower of Santa lsabel, a fishing harbour and fish market and the Archaeological Museum located opposite the remains of a Roman salted-fish factory. Visitors might also enjoy a pleasant stroll along the promenade.

Between Mazarrón and Aguilas we come across Bolnuevo, where we can visit the Tower of Los Caballos (16th century), the remains of the fortified Neolithic settlement of El Cabezo de Plomo and, alongside the extensive beach, one of the most unusual landscapes in the entire region, where the wind and the sea have carved a number of whimsical shapes out of the rock in order to form what are known as the “Bolnuevo Erosions”. Then we can move on to the Regional Park of Puntas de Calnegre, one of the least-visited areas along the coast, featuring clean sands and clear waters, where we can also try a number of delicious rice dishes.

Aguilas. Enjoy a visit to the Town Hall (19th century) with its NeoMudejar facade, the Parish Church of San Jose (19th century), the Casino (19th century) the Mineral Landing Stage of El Hornillo (19th century), the magnificent Train Station, the Railway Monument and, crowning the old quarter, the Castle-Fortress of San Juan de las Aguilas (18th century), which separates the beaches to the east and the west. On the outskirts of the town, we find the Tower of El Cope (16th century) and the Fortress of Tébar y Chuecos, a lookout tower located in a very mountainous area. The Maritime Visitors Centre, the Roman Baths Museum and the Railway Museum, Carnival Museum and Archaeological Museum are all worth a visit. The Jose Matrán Museum is located in the Francisco Rabal Cultural Centre.

Things to do

The entire Mazarrón and Aguilas coastline offers the visitor an endless range of alternatives, such as long walks, bathing, water-sports, trekking or scuba diving down to the rocky beds that run along the coast. This setting, made up of steep cliffs, long beaches of fine sands and clear waters and unspoiled coves, offers visitors the chance to enjoy the delights of nude bathing, especially in view of the ideal climate in this area, featuring an average annual temperature of 26 degrees. Another interesting option is to visit the fish auctions at the markets which are located in both towns.

ing paradise, where visitors can enjoy regattas, coastal navigation in sailing boats, rowing, sea paragliding, water-skiing and motor-boating. They can also enjoy walking, bicycle and horse-riding routes, as well as visits to old mines. From El Mirador, we can discover the ancient art of tunny net fishing, which takes place between March and July, when these migratory species arrive Why not enjoy some nude sunbathing at one of the countless, unspoiled coves that are duly signposted along the coast.

Aguilas. Diving clubs, beginner’ s and more advanced courses in

light sailing, rowing and canoeing, material rental, qualified monitors and the practice of fishing “a chambel” or from breakwaters, are just some of the activities that have been designed to enable visitors to make the very most of their stay. Visitors can make their first dives or participate in specialized dives to sunken ships or into underwater caves (diving/pot-holing) in places such as Cabo Cope, lsla del Fraile and La Catedral. Three perfectly sign-posted walking trails exist for visitors to see archaeological remains, the local animal and plant life and some highly impressive scenery. Visit the Protected Landscape of Las Cuatro Calas, featuring the steep rocky cliffs of the Beach of La Carolina.

Things to Buy and Eat

Mazarrón. Exquisite tomatoes, salted fish products: Hueva (roe), mojama (salted tuna) tunnyfish and bonito. The local cuisine combines the two essential ingredients available in this area: fish and tomato.

Mazarrón-style angler fish or grouper, ajotomate (tomato with garlic) hake fishballs and open-air sardine fry-ups.

Aguilas. Handicrafts made of esparto, kegs and ships, also In miniature format. From the land we have exquisite tomatoes and capers, and from the sea, delicious Aguilas prawns and red mullet. This ancestral cuisine features some considerable contrasts in terms of tastes, as well as being strongly rooted In the maritime tradition: fish stew, octopus salad, ajocolorao, ensaladicacocida, arroz a banda (rice and fish) and fish In brine. Along the entire coast we can enjoy a variety of different appetizers or “tapas”, or a drink by the sea in one of the innumerable terrace cafes that line the promenades of its towns.

Mazarrón. Tourists can take diving and underwater pot-holing

courses designed for all levels, featuring the renting of materials and planned outings in both summer and winter into the marvellous and fascinating rocky depths of the underwater communities that thrive along the coast. Furthermore, the Bay of Mazarrón is a veritable sail-

15

17

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Food & Drink Section Mediterranean diet The Mediterranean diet was awarded the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity designation in 2010. This is because it is much more than just healthy food. It has been consolidated as culture that promotes social interaction, respect for the land and biodiversity, and preservation of traditional and craft activities connected with agriculture and fishing.

The main ingredients are olive oil, cereals, fruits, vegetables, a moderate amount of meat, fish and dairy products, and a lot of seasoning and spices. It is usually consumed with wine or infusions.

The UNESCO mentions Soria, in Castilla y Leรณn, as a clear example of a city that is committed to the Mediterranean diet, even though it can be enjoyed all over Spain.

19

& Foo D d rin k

10 Health Benefits of

l i o e v Oli

•Cancer The phytonutrient in olive oil, oleocanthal, mimics the effect of ibuprofen in reducing inflammation, which can decrease the risk of breast cancer and its recurrence. Squalene and lignans are among the other olive oil components being studied for their possible effects on cancer.

•Heart Disease Olive oil lowers the levels of total blood cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides. At the same time it does not alter the levels of HDL-cholesterol (and may even raise them), which plays a protective role and prevents the formation of fatty patches, thus stimulating the elimination of the lowdensity lipoproteins.

•Oxidante Stress Olive oil is rich in anti-oxidants, especially Vitamin E, which is long thought to minimize the risk of cancer.

Among plant oils, olive oil is the highest in mono-unsaturated fat, which doesn’t oxidize in the body and also because it is low in polyunsaturated fat - which is the kind that does oxidize within the body.

•Blood Pressure Recent studies indicate that regular consumption of olive oil can help decrease both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

•Diabetes It has been demonstrated that a diet that is rich in olive oil, low in saturated fats, moderately rich in carbohydrates and soluble fibre from fruit, vegetables, pulses and grains is the most effective approach for diabetics. It helps lower “bad” low-density lipoproteins while improving blood sugar control and enhances insulin sensitivity.

•Obesity Although high in calories, olive oil has shown to help reduce levels of obesity.

•Rheumatoid Arthritis Although the reasons are still not fully clear, recent studies have proved that people with diets containing high levels of olive oil are less likely to develop rheumatiod arthritis.

•Osteoporosis A high consumption of olive oil appears to improve bone mineralisation and calcification.

It helps calcium absorption and so plays an important role in aiding sufferers and in preventing the onset of Osteoporosis.

•Keeping the Heart Young It is a known fact that as we grow older, the heart also goes through a normal ageing process. The arteries may not function as well as they did and this can lead to a number of health problems.

However, in a recent study, Spanish researchers from the Lipids and Atherosclerosis Research Unit of the Reina Sofia University Hospital in Cordoba, discovered that a diet rich in olive oil or other monounsaturated fats could improve the arterial function of elderly individuals.

•Helps protection from strokes.

Older individuals who consume olive oil on daily basis may be able to protect themselves from a stroke, according to a new study from France published in the online issue of neurology.

21

& Foo D d rin k

Spanish recipe

STUFFED TUNA

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

. . . t i k o o c How to

Ingredients for 4 people: 500g of tuna

Preparation After washing and skinning the tuna, let it rest for half an hour in cold water.

100g of fresh streaky bacon

Put the pepper and garlic in the mortar and crush.

6 peeled cloves of garlic

To begin stuffing the tuna, first make holes with a suitable instrument and then insert the bacon together with the mixture from the mortar.

5dl of white wine 1dl of olive oil

Then cook the tuna with the olive oil and add white wine and a little salt.

Cover and allow to cook for 20 or 30 minutes.

Presentation Serve warm or cold, in slices and accompanied by the cooking sauce

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Jack Swift Team Cyclogical 24/07/1997---16/09/2018 Here we are again Sunday morning 8am and we’re all gathered outside the shop ready for our usual Sunday ride. Our loved ones and families all still tucked up in bed.The sun is up as we all make our way out of Quesada past the Arches heading down the dual carriageway towards Algorfa. This Sunday our ride is to Cabeza de La Plata, Sucina, Garruchal, Murcia and back via Zeneta a beautiful 125km ride with a few hills thrown in for good measure. We stop at our usual Spanish restaurant and order our usual 13 tostadas, 12 coffees and 1 coke (the coke was for Jack). After some laughs and a bit of banter we were on our way again heading back to Quesada. Little did we know that a few hours later our lives would change forever.

We arrived back in Benijofarat our usual watering hole, Bar Salou where we had a couple of beers and pizza just to finish the day off. As we all said our farewells at the bar and headed off on our individual ways, Jack Swift one of our youngest riders was cycling back to his home at La Finca. Jack had joined our cycling group only a year before and instantly became one of the guys, everyone liked him as he fitted in so well. Road cycling was his first real hobby and had changed his life, from the day he started with us, he never missed a Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday ride and improved considerably not only on the bike but socially as well. Unfortunately whilst heading home that very Sunday afternoon Jack was hit by a car only a short distance from his house and had to be airlifted to Alicante hospital where he tragically passed away a few hours later. What a sad loss of such a young life.

Team Cyclogical are more than just a cycling group, we are a family who look after our own. On Sunday 23rd September we organized a memorial ride on behalf of Jack as our way of saying farewell to a member of our family. One of his favourite rides was around the lake at Torremendo so naturally this is where we went. On the Sunday morning following his accident we all gathered at the shop where cyclists from all over the Costa Blanca started to arrive to pay their tributes to a fellow cyclist, there were over 280 cyclists turned up for Jack’s send-off. It was a fantastic turnout and there are no words to describe it. After a short speech by myself and Harry we left Quesada just after 9am in a convoy of cyclists which stretched for over 1km all cycling 2 abreast, we headed through Algorfa and up past the Algorfa Hotel where his family, friends and neighbours had gathered to watch us pass. It was in incredible sight to see so many cyclists paying their respects.

We continued to the lake at Torremendo where we stopped for some photos for his parents,we then continued on our route back to Bar Salou for some beers and an Aquarius to honour Jack. A truly memorable farewell to Jack. On behalf of Team Cyclogical and Jack’s family thank you all for coming.

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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27

North Town...

La Zenia

La Zenia La Zenia is a famous resort situated on the Costa Blanca, forming part of the coast of Orihuela.

It’s a well-situated resort, allowing you to fly into both Alicante or Murcia airports, which are both respectively 30 and 20 minutes drive from La Zenia.

Beaches La Zenia boasts a fine blue flag beach with great facilities for both families with children, and those looking for water sports.

Eating out & entertainment La Zenia is a popular resort for both Irish holiday-makers and residents and is home to the famous Paddys Point bar, one of the best known bars along the Costa Blanca.

Excursions During your stay in La Zenia you can take an amiable trip along the coastal road, visiting the nearby towns of Torrevieja, Murcia, Cartagena and Alicante.

Shopping La Zenia has a good selection of shops and amenities, including a pharmacy, bank, a well-stocked supermarket and a good selection of bars and restaurants.

Golf There are three superb golf courses nearby: Villamartin, Campoamor and Las Ramblas.

Leisure & recreation Within easy reach is the Orihuela Costa Resort Complex with its outstanding leisure facilities including an Olympic sized swimming pool, tennis, squash, a well equipped gym, bowling and a bar and restaurant.

Aside from seafood, typical dishes include succulent lamb chops, rabbit in garlic, roast leg of lamb with garlic and fresh rosemary, and home made sausages and black puddings.

If you have a sweet tooth then you will enjoy the local homemade pastries and deserts that the whole region is famous for. Or Jijona ice cream (Nougat), which is made with the almonds of the region.

Whilst in La Zenia we recommend you try the local wine selection on offer, especially Jalon wine, which is of high quality with a lovely bouquet.

There are many international restaurants in the town offering a wide choice of different cuisines from around the world.

Nightlife & entertainment The bustling town of Torrevieja is just a ten minute drive away, with its huge variety of options to eat and drink, a busy marina and lively evening market.

Climate As you would expect on the Costa Blanca, the weather is fantastic, with over 300 days of sunshine a year, low humidity and mild winters.

The surrounding countryside is abundant with beautiful orange and lemon groves and close by you will find two lakes where flamingos and other birds nest.

Cuisine The local cuisine 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 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 SeĂąoret (Princes rice).

29

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Why Spain has the most expensive electricity bill in Europe. (Part 3)

On the first part of this article we saw that we pay one of the highest bills 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.

Avoiding paying the real cost.

On the second part we saw how everything started from 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 to meet the Maastricht criteria for joining the Euro, and Spain could not allowed inflation to rise more than the allowed rate. And before we knew it, electricity user owed to the Spanish electric companies the sum of 30.000.000.000â‚Ź.

In 2001 we began to have blackouts and the generation capacity seemed insufficient for an economy that was growing with vigour. Since 1987, when the last nuclear power plant, Trilloin Guadalajara, and until 2002, when they started to build new gas plants, the installed capacity in Spain had remained virtually unchanged. And power companies, encourage by a government forecasts growth of electricity demand which today have shown absurdly exaggerated, were launched to build a new combined cycled plants.

Today, the demand has been frozen by the crisis and with an obvious overcapacity; these gas plants are now days underused. And we the consumers assumed the bill through a concept called “capacity payments� at the rate of about 600 million a year, the aim was to compensate these investments and to ensure the possibility of generating electricity in case the renewable (with its relative unpredictability supply pending on the wind, sun and / or water) could not meet the demand.

The boom of renewable energy.

And after the expansion of combined cycle plants, came the outburst of renewable energy parks, which grew at times uncontrolled by juicy hefty incentives.

The problem was not the proliferation of windmills and solar panels, of which we should be proud of, but its high cost. Renewable and cogeneration eventually totalled 9,000 million a year in governmental aids, apart from the money they receive by selling electricity to the market.

The first government of Zapatero gave a big boost to the flourishing renewable energies via a decree in 2007 that set a very attractive remuneration for green energy. They were probably necessary to boost it from scratch this sector in Spain, but subsequently proved unpayable not only because of the crisis, but also for failing during a time not to control the construction of new installations that were booming all over Spain.

And it was the second government of Zapatero, with Miguel Sebastian at the Ministry of Industry, which applied already in 2009 the first cuts to aid and put a stop to uncontrolled growth.

Spain became a real power in renewable. The energy generated from wind power went from 3,400 megawatts in 2001 to almost 22,800 in 2013. The solar thermal reached in 2012 about 2,800 megawatts. Solar panels was the one that lived a real boom, which involved both large companies and tens of thousands of small investors who saw an opportunity to spend their savings onto a safe and guaranteed return by the state, and allowed to exceed 3,000 megawatts just in a year and reach 5,000 megawatts in 2012, ten times more than planned.

The absence of political control made photovoltaic to overflow and pass to be a permanent cost during decades of 2.700 million per year, ten times more than expected. This was the only renewable technology that broke the planned objectives, the result of a state temporary insanity that provided fantastic yields.The investment established returns of 9% for 25 years and preferential financing for up to 80% of the investment. All guaranteed by the government.

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e l fi o r P t Agen Liberty Seguros, the expats number 1 choice for insurance, is offering more discounts to both existing and new customers through a new Cashback promotion, from now until December 20th 2018.

To continue their loyalty to existing customers, for every new car or home policy taken out, they will receive 60€ Cashback, so as much as 120€ for just two new policies. There is also no limit on the number of policies taken out, so if you own say two or three cars and more than one home, customers can get 60€ Cashback for every new policy contracted.Moreover, existing customers will benefit from an additional customers’ discount.

New clients are not forgotten either. They will get 30€ Cashback on the first policy they take out for either car or home insurance and for all subsequent new policies 60€ each. This could mount up to 90€ Cashback for just two policies and even more if they have more cars or homes.

Incredibly, there is no limit on Cashback whether you’re an existing or new customer, so it’s the perfect time to switch your insurances to Liberty Seguros and save money and put more towards your Christmas presents!

The main condition that is applicable is that premiums are paid by direct debit and your refund is credited to that same bank account. For convenience, payments can be set up both in Spain or in your home country bank account, as long as it is within the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) zone.

Liberty Seguros

Tel:91 342 25 49 Website: www.libertyexpatriates.es

Customers must be aware that these offers are not for renewals or replacements and apply to new comprehensive car and home. In some cases, minimum premiums will apply to be eligible for the Cashback.

Some other conditions may apply.

Liberty Seguros continues its commitment to reward loyalty to their valued existing customers doingits utmost to offer the best service and price possible.

Over 175,000 expat clients already chose Liberty as their insurance provider and this figure grows almost everyday because of the excellent service and quality of cover clients get.

In order to achieve this and to assist those that prefer a more personalised service and a face to face chat, Liberty Seguros has an extensive network of 300 brokers and agents that are dedicated to providing unbiased, friendly, expert advice. Speaking your own language, these brokers and agents will be pleased to advice you.

With insurance, not only for car and home, but also life, pet, business, commercial, leisure, public liability, personal injuryinsurance and funeral plans, today Liberty Seguros is considered the expat’s number one choice in Spain. To find out more visit www.libertyexpatriates.es. Or simply call 91 342 25 49.

See our ad on page 13

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How Big Should My Home Be? Whether you choose a property to live in permanently, or you’re in the market for a holiday home, size is a factor on deciding which home you’re most suited for.

Bigger doesn’t always mean better, but it’s finding that perfect balance that’s neither too big, nor too small.

To help you decide, ask yourself these four questions to determine how much space you really need: 1. Is this my forever home? If you’re relocating to Spain, then you need to figure out if this will be your “stepping stone” home for right now, or somewhere for you to grow old in. Everyone feels they should be looking for their forever home, when really they may not need something so big for “right now.”

3. How spacious does the home feel? Even if the home doesn’t have a big footprint, it can feel more spacious if it is open plan. Even large homes can feel cramped if they’re dark, or have an impractical layout.

4. Mortgage or cash? If you’re contemplating whether to buy a larger home with a mortgage, take a look at what your finances will look like, in a few years time. How valuable does that guest bedroom look to you now?

So, stop focusing on the amount of rooms in the home, and start paying attention to the actual size of the rooms you’ll be spending most of your time in!

Happy House Hunting!

2. What are my priorities? If you’re thinking of buying a home with a guest bedroom, to allow you to accommodate your long list of friends and family whilst on their holidays, then you need to focus more on your own needs, and not so much on theirs. They will still enjoy visiting you, even if they have to sleep on a bed settee!

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