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Challenge Camping Los Gallardos miraflores restaurant Your Dog’s Saturday 1st March Mind Variety Talent Night PAGE 36 Hot Buffet & Entertainment €7.50 Tuesdays - Pie & Pint Night Thursdays - Curry Bonanza Night Eat As Much As You Like + Pint Or Glass Of Wine Only 8.50€ Fridays - Fish & Chips Sunday Carvery All You Can Eat Only 7.95€

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2

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News

Sikh woman says bullying about her facial hair left her suicidal

23-year-old Harnaam Kaur from Slough, Berkshire, who says she was driven to self-harm by bullies who teased her mercilessly about her excessive facial hair has now embraced her condition, and now sports a full beard.

She suffers from polycystic ovary syndrome which causes thick hair growth.

Now the primary school teaching assistant is so confident

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and content with her appearance she has even been baptised as a Sikh – a religion where it is forbidden to cut body hair.

Thick hair began to sprout on her face, chest and arms when she was just 11-years-old and she endured a childhood of cruel taunts and even online death threats.

The bullying became so bad Kaur even considered taking her own life when schoolmates began calling her “beardo”, “shemale” and “sheman”.

She said: “I can laugh about it now but back then it affected me so badly that I began to self harm because it felt better than all the abuse I was getting.

“I’d talk to people with a hand over my face and I wore baggy, tomboy clothes to cover up the hair on my chest and arms.

“I didn’t want to go outside my house because I couldn’t take the stares from strangers so I’d lock myself in my room.

“It got so bad that I just didn’t want to live any more.”

Kaur was 16 when she made became baptised – a decision which proved controversial with her own family.

“My mum and dad didn’t want me to do it – they didn’t think I’d be able to have a normal life if I had a beard,” she explained. “They worried I wouldn’t be able to get married and that I’d never get a job.

“But I wanted to make my own decisions and live for myself – not anyone else.”

Baptised Sikhs follow the so-called “5 Ks,” or five physical symbols that date back to the creation of the faith by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699.

She said: “I get shop assistants calling me ‘sir’ and strange looks from people – they see my beard first and realise I’ve actually got breasts too. It must be confusing for a lot of people.

“The funniest reactions I get are from the children at my school. Some ask me what my beard is and I joke it’s

a Halloween costume. Some even ask me where I buy it and I just say ‘Asda’.

“I can laugh about it now – sometimes I say I’m a man and I put on a deep voice to scare other people because it’s quite funny to see their reaction.”

Though she is often mistaken for a man, Harnaam says she feels more feminine than ever – choosing pretty tops over baggy, high-necked jumpers.

She said: “I’m able to go out and shop in the women’s section without feeling I shouldn’t be there.

“I wear skirts, dresses and jewellery and I like to get my nails done like every other girl.”

In an attempt to help other women find self-confidence, Kaur has shared her story on YouTube and continues to upload videos despite receiving death threats.

She said: “I’ve had people telling me they’re going to burn me and throw a brick at me – all sorts of things like that.

“But I’ve also had a lot of positive messages from women in the same situation as me.

“I’ve also had loads of nice comments from men all over the world. One even asked me to marry him.

“All that matters to me at the moment is that I love myself. I love my beard and all my other little quirks – my tattoos, my scars, stretch marks and blemishes.

“I want other women to find the strength that I have.

“If I had any message it would be to live the way you want – it’s your journey and it’s your life.”

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

Beaten by a whisker

Canada beat Britain’s women 6-4 to reach the Sochi 2014 curling final, leaving GB in a bronze medal play-off against Switzerland.

The Britons had endured a tough start to the contest, with a “pick up” - a stone whose path is altered by debris or a fault in the ice - in the opening end. The stone touched a bristle from one of the brushes used to sweep the ice in front of the stone as it travels across the ice, and this partially deflected the stone from its true path.

This setback may have unsettled the team, and early errors helped the dominant Canadians take a 3-0 lead after two ends.

Despite a valiant effort to recover in the

News

following ends, British hopes were continually knocked back by the unruffled precision of the Canadian rink.

Skip Jennifer Jones closed out victory in a tense finish, delivering an inch-perfect final stone to secure victory in the face of a superb last-ditch effort from GB skip Eve Muirhead to keep the tie alive.

‘I came into this tournament saying I wanted no regrets and we gave everything we could in that game,’ she said. ‘I’m proud of the girls. Our backs were against the wall but we gave it back to them and it was a high quality game. We’ve trained hard for this.’

PROPERTIES URGENTLY REQUIRED FOR SALE A farmhouse in the Zurgena area

• • • •

British tourist X-rayed in search for stolen diamond

Police in Australia have X-rayed Matthew Osborne, a 29-year-old British tourist. He is suspected of swallowing a rare pink diamond worth more than £100,000.

The stone was snatched from a jewellery store in the northern city of Cairns by a man who then made good his escape on a bicycle.

Police arrested Osborne as he attempted to a board a flight to New Zealand from an airport in Melbourne.

Senior Sergeant Greg Giles told Australian Broadcasting Corporation that police suspected Osborne had swallowed it but that X-rays were inconclusive, and they have yet to recover the diamond.

Osborne will be extradited from Melbourne

to Cairns charged with theft.

The diamond’s owner, Keith Bird, owner of the Diamond Gallery in Cairns, said police told him the man had admitted stealing the diamond and swallowed it as he prepared to board the flight to New Zealand.

However, he doubts the diamond is inside him. ‘Why would he sit at the Melbourne airport and swallow it? What if he had to go to the loo on a flight to New Zealand?’

Mr Bird has run the jewellery shop for 36 years, and the gem had been on display in the store for nine years.

Despite the 200,000 Australian dollar (£108,000) price tag, the diamond is only 0.31 carat with a diameter of 4.3 millimetres; its value is in its colour.

3

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4

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We will keep you up to date and fully informed throughout and all at a very competitive price.

We can also arrange the following if needed: • Open a Spanish bank account • Connection of utility services • If you are considering renting your house or land we will negotiate your letting agreement, ensuring that the terms of your contract meet your requirements • Write your Spanish will • As your Fiscal Representatives, we will assist you in any dealings with Spanish Tax Office and explain to you all the taxes that you are liable to pay.

For those that become residents of Spain, we can also assist in other legal matters, such as matrimonial issues or business contracts.

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The Earth will then fall into the sea, and life as we know it will cease to be.

Luckily, the world will then be restored and will be inhabited by the surviving gods and just two humans in a new utopian land of plenty.

Ragnarok, which is literally translated to mean ‘Fate or Twilight of the Gods’ or ‘Final Destiny of the Gods’ is based on a 13th century poem written by Snorri Sturluson.

The Vikings believe Ragnarok occurs after three freezing winters, with no summers in between. Flooding is not mentioned!

(Just a thought – perhaps all this happened while we were asleep?)

Couple deny shooting parents

A daughter and son-in-law have denied shooting her elderly parents and burying their bodies in their own back garden.

At Nottingham Crown Court Susan, 55, and Christopher Edwards, 57, each entered a plea of not guilty to two counts of murder.

The pair are accused of murdering Mrs Edwards’ parents, William and Patricia Wycherley, between May 1 and May 5 1998.

The Wycherleys disappeared from their home in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, in 1998.

After a tip-off police launched a murder investigation in October last year, and found two sets of human remains in the garden of the Wycherleys’ home in Blenheim Close, Forest Town.

Post-mortem examinations showed that

both skeletons had been found with two gunshot wounds.

The remains - discovered after a tip-off have not been formally identified but officers believe them to be those of Mr and Mrs Wycherley, who would now be 100 and 79 respectively.

Mr and Mrs Edwards, of no fixed address, were arrested at St Pancras International railway station in London on October 30 last year.

The judge His Honour Michael Stokes QC, Recorder of Nottingham, today remanded the couple into custody.

They will next appear at Nottingham Crown Court for a hearing on March 21.

A potential trial date has been set for June

security grills - garden gates & railings spiral staircases - motorised sliding gates garage doors - ornate gazebos

shot blasting and powder coating service available for new & old metalwork

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The world ended on 22 February!

According to Norse mythology it’s the end of the world – again.

We survived an asteroid that was hurtling towards Earth, the Mayan apocalypse and Y2K, and on February 22 the Earth is going to split open and unleash the inhabitants of Hel. Known as Ragnarok, it is the final predicted battle on earth, when the Norse gods Thor, Loki, Odin, Freyr and Hermóðr will fight to the death.

The wolf Fenrir will break out of his prison, the snake Jormungand will rise out of the sea, ice giants and the dragon of the underworld will emerge and the dead heroes of Valhalla will descend from heaven to fight them.

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News

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

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News

Starpath: Glow-In-The-Dark Spray to illuminate London park A glow-in-the-dark path will soon be lighting something out of science fiction film but

up the way for visitors to William Parnell Park in Fulham, London. It will be applied to the main commuter route through the Park.

Known as Starpath, it is a spray-on coating that can be used on any solid surface and works by absorbing UV rays during the day and then expelling them at night.

Hammersmith and Fulham Council leader Nicholas Botterill said “It may look like

this product has very real benefits. Starpath has the potential to cut the council’s carbon footprint by reducing energy costs and light pollution.

It is also non-slip and water resistant, making it non-hazardous for pedestrians and cyclists.”

If Starpath proves popular, further areas in the borough could see the same treatment.

Woman wants to be a real-life Barbie

Barbie-wannabe Blondie Bennett, a 38year-old Californian, is making her obsession with becoming doll a reality – even using hypnotherapy to make her brainless. She has hypnotherapy sessions once a week to make her more easily confused and vacant.

Blondie, who changed her name a year and a half ago, has also spent £25,000 on five boob jobs taking her to size 32JJ. She regularly has spray tans, Botox and lip fillers to give her a more artificial appearance. But to make the transformation into the plastic toy complete, she is training herself to become more stupid.

The former size 0 model said: “When people ask why I want to be Barbie I think ‘who wouldn’t want to be?’ She has the best life. All she does is shop and make herself look pretty - she doesn’t worry about anything.

“I’ve had 20 (hypnotherapy) sessions and I’m already starting to feel ditzy and confused all the time. Recently I went to pick a friend up at the airport and couldn’t remember if I needed to go to departures or arrivals.

“I also got lost for three hours driving to my mum’s house - the house where I grew up.”

Blondie says her obsession with Barbie

began at a young age when she played with the toy. In her teens she dressed like Barbie, bleached her hair and even drove a Corvette like her heroine.

Then at age 18 she took on promotional jobs at toy stores pretending to be Barbie.

She said: “People thought it was just a phase but I thought to myself as soon as I move out of home I’m going to turn myself into Barbie.

“My friends hated the attention I got from guys because of how I dressed. They told me to tone it down when I went out with them. I was forced to live a double life until about eight years ago when I decided to become Barbie for real and ignore what other people said.”

Eight-stone Blondie has had her H cup implants increased to a JJ with 1700cc saline implants, and had chin liposuction to contour her face to look more like Barbie.

She said: “I want people to see me as a plastic sex doll and being brainless is a big part of that.”

Unemployed Barbie has her rent paid for by online sugar daddies who support her transformation in exchange for sexy pictures of her dressed as Barbie.

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5

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Tourism Awards Go To Hotel Chain And Tour Operator

The annual Costa de Almeria awards for the promotion of tourism in the region took place in the Castle of Roquetas last week. The awards are given to institutions, companies and individuals who make an outstanding contribution towards the support and sponsorship of tourism in the area.

This year the awards went to the Majorca based hotel chain Roc Hotels, the Belgian tour operator Jet Air and the actor Josema Yuste. Last year, Roc Hotels bought and carried out a four million euro refurbishment to the Golf Trinidad Hotel in the Urbanisation. The badly vandalised hotel had been closed for three years before the Roc chain stepped in. The subsequent transformation has proved to be a hit, not only with relieved locals but with the large number of tourists who visited last year.

President of Roc Hotels, Miguel Miralles said the company was encouraged by the first years trading and hoped to make further improvements to the hotel this year to bring it up to four star status.

He also thanked the local council and Cajamar for their help in making the takeover possible.

The Belgian tour operator Jet Air is one of the longest serving companies providing holidays to the area; they started flights to Almeria in 1984.

They received their award for, ‘continuing to increase the number of tourists visiting Roquetas and for showing the way to other operators over the last thirty years.’ Mayor Gabriel Amat said their contribution to the economy of the region, ‘has been vital in the growing success of Roquetas as a major tourist destination for foreign visitors.’

Weekend Breaks Away cordoba Córdoba is ideal for those who like to eat well, explore on foot, dive into old bodegas and relish architectural wonders. The city’s heart needs no introduction, for its fame is widespread: the magnificent Mezquita, a symbol of worldly and sophisticated Islamic culture, lords over the town centre and pulls thousands of tourists into its arched interior every day. The streets of the Judería (Jewish quarter) stretch out from the great mosque like capillaries (albeit those nearest the monument are clogged with tourist bric-a-brac), unexpectedly emerging on peaceful plazas.

The compact town centre has a

more boisterous vibe with some excellent bars and restaurants – some of which have become sights in themselves – while the Islamic ruin of Medinat al-Zahra, west of town, stirs the imagination with its glory and grandeur.

Córdoba is quiet and withdrawn during the winter months but bursts into life from mid-April to mid-June, when the city stages most of its major fiestas. At this time of year the skies are blue, the heat is tolerable and the city’s many trees and courtyards drip with foliage and blooms.

The medieval city is immediately north of the Río Guadalquivir,

with a warren of narrow streets surrounding the Mezquita.

Within the medieval city, the area northwest of the Mezquita was known as the Judería, the Muslim quarter was north and east of the Mezquita, and the Mozarabic (Christian) quarter was further to the northeast. The main square of Córdoba is Plaza de las Tendillas, with the main shopping streets to the plaza’s north and west.

Source:www.lonelyplanet.com/

www.ecocorpshop.com Autoconsumo “Mini kits” these plug and play new systems will be available form next week. Incredibly easy to install and you can just keep adding as and when required. Using the highest quality panels from Eurener (Spanish manufactured in Alicante)

250W Complete kit with cables and fittings - everything only 595€ 500W Complete kit with cables and fittings - everything only 1045€ 1000W Complete kit with cables and fittings -everything only 1495€

Start small and keep adding as you save money on your electricity bills!!! Utilize free solar energy and save money in the process!!

Special Offer 5kw complete system with batteries. Only 6995€ A generator or mains electricity can be wired into this system also 5Kw 48V/5000W.../50A Inverter charger/built in solar charge controller 9 x 240W Panels (25 year warranty) Panel mounting structure for 9 panels (Inox aluminium) 4 x 12V/250Ah Tabs batteries (48V/250Ah @ C100) Cables, breakers and fuses.

All for just 6995€ Alternatively, you can have this system with 8 Trojan L16G-AC batteries (6V/433Ah = 48V/433Ah) for an additional 1495€

Special Offer 3kw complete system with batteries.

Only 4995€ A generator or mains electricity can be wired into this system also.

ECOCORP are proud to support Vera & District Lions Club 3Kw 24V/3000W/...50A Inverter charger/built in solar charge controller Helping local charities 6 x 240W Panels (25 year warranty) & other good causes Panel mounting structure for 6 panels (Inox aluminium) www.veralions.com Welfare 4 x 12V/250Ah Tabs batteries (24V/500Ah @ C100) Call 634 338 322 Cables, breakers and fuses.

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Alternatively, you can have this system with 4 Trojan L16G-AC batteries (6V/433Ah = 24V/433Ah) for an additional 795€

Contact us via the web for a FREE, no obligation consultation and survey, alternatively call 950 930 187, 671 716 597 or for UK numbers call 01332 896510 We now accept all major credit cards !!!

image:www.nationalgeographic.com.es

6

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

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almeria angels

March is the month that celebrates International Woman’s day!

International Women’s Day (8 March) is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. In some places like China, Russia, Vietnam and Bulgaria, International Women’s Day is a national holiday.

Suffragettes campaigned for women’s right to vote. The word ‘Suffragette’ is derived from the word “suffrage” meaning the right to vote. International Women’s Day honours the work of the Suffragettes, celebrates women’s success, and reminds of inequities still to be redressed. The first International Women’s Day event was run in 1911 Coinsiding with International Woman’s day on the 8th, is the Ovarian Cancer awareness month.

Ovarian Cancer Did you know..?

• 7000 women a year in the UK alone, are diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer • Ovarian cancer is the forth most common cause of deaths in woman and accounts for more deaths than all of the other gynaecological cancers put together.

• Cervical screening tests – smears – will not help detect ovarian cancer.

• The risk of ovarian cancer increases with age, particularly after the menopause.

• Some of the symptoms of ovarian cancer are similar to those seen in more common conditions such as IBS so GP’s may find it hard to diagnose.

• Most women are not diagnosed until the disease has spread which is why it is important that women

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Key signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer: • Persistent pelvic and abdominal pain • Increased abdominal size/ persistent bloating – not bloating that comes and goes • Difficulty eating and feeling full quickly • Urinary symptoms – needing to pass urine urgently or more often than usual Occasionally there are other symptoms: • Changes in bowel habit • Extreme fatigue • Back pain • Unexplained weight loss Worried about your symptoms?

• Be aware – make a note in your diary of when you get a symptom so you can give your doctor detailed information • Return – if your symptoms don’t clear up go back to your dr or seek a second opinion

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STEVE HAYES INFORMATICA

Serving the local community since 2003

• PC’s • Laptops • Printers etc...

• Sales & Repairs • On-site Call Out &Tuition • Consumables

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Telephone 950 120 900

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His & Her’s Cut & Blow Dry Only 25€

Donna’s Hair & Beauty Salon has been based in Albox for several years and is a busy and successful salon. They are now looking for a new stylist to compliment their team. Donna‘s offer a full range of beauty treatments including manicure, pedicure and waxing. They are also pleased to announce they will soon be offering California Highlights to get you ready for Summer! Find them just up from the back of Mercadona on Avda. America. Tel. 950 930 167 / 628 669 456.

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open saturdays by appointment only Call for an appointment Calle Malaga - Albox (100m from Mercadona) 950 633 086 Monday - Friday 9.00am - 6pm i iF W FREE

Prices are subject to change without notification. Please confirm on booking. We reserve the right to withdraw offers at any time.

computer services

Under new management

Pop in & see Raquel for details of our new products

open Mon - Fri 9am - 2pm/4pm - 7.30pm & Sat 10am - 2pm

Visit Us on the web: www.infordatox.com Phone: 950 633 223 Next to the Centro Comercial LONGO Find us on

Inford@tox your computing shop in Albox: you can find us at Longo’s Square. We have a huge range of computer accessories, ink cartridges, originals and compatible, printers, tablets, camera, laptops, computers and lots of internet accessories, such as routers, switches and android boxes. What’s more, we have an excellent technical service, so pop in and ask Raquel what they have to offer.

In the shop you can find a great range of scented diffusers and air fresheners for the home and car. Raquel speaks good English, so you’ll have no problems being understood!!

For more information call 950 633 223 or find them on Facebook. Inford@tox is open Mon to Fri 9am-2pm & 4pm-7.30pm / Sat 10am-2pm.

T.C’s Bar

Breakfasts available from 1.50€ All Welcome

Sunday Meals available

30% Discount for Pensioners COMING SOON - Noodle Bar Open 9am - Late Monday - Sunday Find us in Avenida LePanto, Albox (opposite Eurowise)

950 439 801

Avda America, 51 - 04800 albox (Almeria)

hair & beauty salon

stylist wanted

950 930 167 or 628 669 456 coming soon california highlights Manicure - Pedicure - Waxing

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

Monday 3pm

Viewing all Day Saturday, Sunday and Monday

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Well do you? Making sure your house, pool & garden are being looked after properly can be a gamble, especially if you don’t live here in Spain full time.

Leaving your keys with a friend or neighbour hoping they will keep an eye out, wondering what state your pool & garden are in or not having someone around to meet & greet your guests and sort out any little problems which may pop up!

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

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the Opening of Albox’s newest shop - Inspired.

This coming Saturday sees the Opening of Albox’s newest shop - Inspired. Owners Bradley & Rachel are marking the occassion with offering customers fabulous opening offers along with welcoming you with some tasty nibbles and drinks as you browse the store.

Inspired aims to offer stylish quality garden furniture and sofas at affordable prices. There is a wonderful range of garden furniture to suit all tastes. The rattan collection has been UVA treated (unlike many sold on the market) to ensure longevity.

And with the opening offers you can pick up a 4 piece rattan suite complete with cushions for as little as 3994 or a stylish 7 piece garden dining set for 499€.

There are also some

fabulous leather suites on offer, choose from a 3 piece reclining suite to a leather corner sofa bed.

Inspired opening hours will be Monday to Friday 10-7pm and Saturday 10-3pm.

Free delivery on all furniture.

Tel: 950 091 153

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From Left to Right Rattan Lounger 59€ (normally 89€) Lounger Table 20€ (normally 35€) Rattan Lounger with Mattress 99€ (normally 199€) Lounger Table 49€ Aluminium Lounger 59€ (normally 89€)

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Monday - Friday 10am till 6pm Saturday 10am - 3pm Address: Crra Lorca - Baza Km 72.5 04800 Albox (Almeria) Tel 950 091 153

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

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“SPRING INTO SPRING”

This week’s topic is the lower leg and ankle pain … what is your foot gate doing???

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LOWER LEG, ANKLE & FOOT PAIN

foot. The muscles in the foot itself are intrinsic foot muscles, meaning they work from inside the foot.

The implication of these facts is the pain in your feet may not be coming from your feet themselves. You can waste a lot of time rubbing and soaking your feet, if the cause of your pain is the trigger points in your calves and shins.

Trigger points in lower leg muscles also produce most ankle pain. Pain in the front of the ankle almost always comes from the shin muscles. Pain around the Achilles tendon in the back of the ankle is usually from the calf muscle. A “sprained” ankle is often nothing more serious than referred pain from trigger points in the peroneus muscles of the outer side of the lower leg.

Many problems of the ankles and feet that get labelled “tendonitis” or a “strained ligament” can be fixed with simple massage of the muscles of the lower leg.

Obviously, serious conditions resulting from physical We walk to moon and back in a life time …… so why do we abuse the most important structure of trauma or congenital deformity do affect the ankles our bodies that support us and enable us to get from and feet of many people. Nevertheless Myofascial trigger points are always part of the picture even A to B? You may not even have thought about it, but the when other conditions exist.

ALWAYS CHECK OUT YOUR FOOT GAIT eleven muscles of the lower leg are actually foot muscles. Anatomists call them the extrinsic foot WITH YOUR THERAPIST TO FIND OUT IF muscles, meaning they operate from outside the YOUR BIOMECHANICS OF YOUR FEET ARE

now in La Mirage mojacar saturdays from 8th march

BEING SUPPORTED BY YOUR ARCHES.

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kim clark benefits consultancy Do you suffer from mobility problems, breathlessness/pain or falls/stumbles?

Do you need help washing / dressing or supervision?

You could be entitled to extra income by claiming UK sickness / disabililty benefits while living in Spain

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The worst thing to do for your foot gate is walk around in flat flip flops this summer that do not support your arches. When your arches are not supported they will fall and being flat footed will cause all sorts of problems. It’s a Knock on effect from your Feet to your Ankles from your Ankles to your Knees to Hips … eventually causing you back pain.

If you book with Debbie James our Massage Therapist she will put you through a simple foot print test and decide what is happening with your foot gait it’s all about Balance and Biomechanics. Simple choice of foot wear and looking towards Orthotics can help these defects. Orthotics are placed in your shoes to make sure the pressure on your lower leg and knees do not affect the hips ….. so spring into spring and make sure you can walk to the moon and back in your lifetime.

Phone Debbie James 687 619 239 Next week find out more about your foot print and how to decide if your “gait” is in Neutral or Not. Do you have have high instep or flat feet?

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

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! r a g u s t u o b a s t c a f The Most adults and children eat too much sugar.

Cut down by eating fewer sugary foods, such as sweets, cakes and biscuits, and drinking fewer sugary soft drinks.

Sugars occur naturally in foods such as fruit and milk, but we don’t need to cut down on these types of sugars.

Sugars are also added to a wide range of foods, such as sweets, cakes, biscuits, chocolate, and some fizzy drinks and juice drinks. These are the sugary foods that we should cut down on.

Why cut down on sugars?

Evidence from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey shows that most adults and children eat more sugar than is recommended as part of a healthy balanced diet.

Many foods that contain added sugars are also high in energy, which is measured in either kilojoules (kJ) or calories (kcal), so eating these foods often can contribute to you becoming overweight.

Food and drinks that have a lot of added sugars contain calories, but often have few other nutrients. To eat a healthy, balanced diet, we should eat these types of foods only occasionally, and get the majority of our calories from other kinds of foods such as

starchy foods and fruits and vegetables.

Sugary foods and drinks can also cause tooth decay, especially if you eat them between meals. The longer the sugary food is in contact with the teeth, the more damage it can cause.

The sugars found naturally in whole fruit are less likely to cause tooth decay because the sugars are contained within the structure of the fruit. But when fruit is juiced or blended, the sugars are released. Once released, these sugars can damage teeth, especially if fruit juice is drunk frequently.

Fruit juice is still a healthy choice, and counts as one of your recommended daily five portions of fruit and vegetables. But it is best to drink fruit juice at mealtimes in order to minimise damage to your teeth.

Tips to cut down on sugars •Instead of sugary fizzy drinks and juice drinks, go for water or unsweetened fruit juice (remember to dilute these for children to further reduce the sugar).

• If you like fizzy drinks, try diluting fruit juice with sparkling water.

• Swap cakes or biscuits for a currant bun, scone or some malt loaf with low-fat spread.

• If you take sugar in hot drinks or add sugar to your breakfast cereal, gradually reduce the amount until you can cut it out

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altogether.

• Rather than spreading jam, marmalade, syrup, treacle or honey on your toast, try a low-fat spread, sliced banana or low-fat cream cheese instead.

• Check nutrition labels to help you pick the foods with less added sugar, or go for the low-sugar version.

• Try halving the sugar you use in your recipes – it works for most things except jam, meringues and ice cream.

• Choose tins of fruit in juice rather than syrup.

• Choose wholegrain breakfast cereals, but not those coated with sugar or honey.

Nutrition labels and sugars Nutrition labels often tell you how much sugar a food contains. You can compare labels and choose foods that are lower in sugar.

Look for the “Carbohydrates (of which sugars)” figure in the nutrition label.

• high – over 22.5g of total sugars per 100g • low – 5g of total sugars or less per 100g If the amount of sugars per 100g is between these figures, then that is a medium level of sugars.

The sugars figure in the nutrition label is the total amount of sugars in the food. It includes sugars from fruit and milk, as well as the sugars that have been added.

A food containing lots of fruit or milk will be a healthier choice than one that contains lots of added sugars, even if the two products contain the same total amount of sugars.

You can tell if the food contains lots of added sugars by checking the ingredients list.

Sometimes you will see a figure for “Carbohydrates”, and not for “Carbohydrates

13

(of which sugars)”.

The “Carbohydrates” figure will also include starchy carbohydrates, so you can’t use it to work out the sugar content. In this case, check the ingredients list to see if the food is high in added sugars.

Labels on the front of packaging There are labels containing nutrition information on the front of some food packaging.

This includes labels that use red, amber and green colour-coding and advice on reference intakes (RI) of some nutrients, which can include sugar.

Labels that include colour-coding allow you to see at a glance if the food is high, medium or low in sugars.

• red = high • amber = medium • green = low Some labels on the front of packaging will display the amount of sugar in the food as a proportion of the RI. RIs are guidelines about the approximate amount of particular nutrients required for a healthy diet.

Ingredients list You can get an idea of whether a food is high in added sugars by looking at the ingredients list. Added sugars must be included in the ingredients list, which always starts with the biggest ingredient. This means that if you see sugar near the top of the list, you know the food is likely to be high in added sugars.

Watch out for other words used to describe added sugars, such as sucrose, glucose, fructose, maltose, hydrolysed starch and invert sugar, corn syrup and honey.

By Almeria Angels.

14

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

Go on! Admit it! How many of you have 100’s if not 1000’s for pictures of your kids, grandkids, nephews, nieces, and other assorted relatives. What proportion of them have been sent to you, or have you been naughty and found one of a dozen ways to download these pictures off Facebook? Don’t give it a second thought, I have only just a few less pictures than you and have also swiped them off Facebook!

Is you computer getting a little ‘Bogged down’ with all these pictures? Do I sound like a dodgy American car salesman? Are you confused? You will be on the next episode of soap. Now I have your attention and have you completely confused with obscure, tacky American spoof TV shows, it

is only fair that we put this hyperbolic rhetoric to bed and concentrate on the subject in hand.

The original questions asked before I went ‘on one’ was do you have a computer with thousands of pictures of loved one’s that could be slowing your machine down? No! This isn’t going to be another discourse on cleaning up you machine, more accurately some sage advice on removing the excess. Now I sound like some kind of dodgy dietician!

Were you aware that as much as 5% of the pictures, music and every other collectable is likely to be a duplicate! That means that a good proportion of your precious disk space is being wasted. “What is the solution, Oh Guru” I hear you call! Simply go to ‘Google’ and type in “file duplicate finder” because that is what you need,

For further information or advice on computing, contact Trevor on 689 892 745 or canducomputing@hotmail.co.uk

Serving suggestion Being down near Gibraltar means that the lights of Morocco and Ceuta can be seen from our balcony on a clear night yet we had never ventured by boat across the water. We booked a weekend return on the catamaran FRS ferry from Tarifa to Tangiers. It’s only costs 60€ return and takes just 35 minutes, even in the winter there is an hourly service.

There is plenty of free parking in Tarifa, and checking in is a doddle especially as they advise just 45 mins before sailing. The cafeteria harbour side is reasonably priced and has decent food and free Wi-Fi. I can honestly say if there was a ferry to Gatwick I would take it from now on rather than endure the ritual humiliation of airport customs and even worse the murderous early morning return times from the UK. Waking up at 0430 on a cold winter’s night to get to a British airport is awful for the return flight from Blighty.

Tangiers is only 30 kilometres from Tarifa; stepping onto the tarmac however, it was immediately obvious we were on a different continent as our senses were assaulted by the sights, sounds and smells of a bustling North African city. The hustling started immediately with people offering to carry baggage, get taxis or find us a hotel. Politely but firmly ‘non merci’ was said a 100 times before we got into the sanctuary of our prebooked taxi. ‘Grande Taxis’ are all 30 year old yellow Mercedes and ‘petit taxis’ are modern blue Dacias. Our big Merc pushed through the throng whilst we sat in the back trying to acclimatise quickly to what really is a different world to us cosseted westerners.

Our hotel was beautiful; a large town house stylishly refurbished by Vincent the French owner. We didn’t stay in long as we were

a program (NOT APP) that finds duplicate files. In preparing this article I have spent nearly 2 days looking for, and testing free file duplicate finders for you. Now before you get upperty about the word free, let’s make it plain, some of the best programs I have ever bought, that is, paid good money for, have originally been free, fully functional versions!

If you have followed my articles over the passed 2 and a bit years you will have amassed a library of free and inexpensive tools to keep your computers in tip top condition, and one of the programs is by a company called “Auslogic” which produce a very nice de-fragmentation program. They now produce a very nice duplicate file finder, which does exactly what it says in the advertising. My favourite though, and has been for years, is something called “Duplicate Cleaner” from “Digital Volcano”.

Go to “http://www. duplicatecleaner.com/” to view

what it is capable of. Of all the test programs available this one has the most accurate ‘Hits’. It does this by using an MD5 calculation on the files to compare the actual contents of the files and produce a long number that is unique to this file.

Next week we will be discussing some of the number theory about the MD5 algorithm and why it is more than good enough to use it to find which files, regardless of name, extension, time and date stamp. So until then, get the program, install it, run it and test it with all your pictures, music files and video files and see how many times it gets it right! Have fun till then and See you at Jacks bar on Friday afternoons and anywhere else you would like me to run a computer clinic (open to suggestions). Have a great week!

Enjoy Stephens musings? Pop over to http://findmeahomeinspain.wordpress.com as the articles are posted on there too...and they’re a bit longer too! Findmeahome are always looking for quality homes for their sales and rental portfolios, please contact Stephen for a valuation: stephen@findmeahome.es Telephone: 636 266 641

keen to get out and explore.

We studied the map and walked to the Medina which is the oldest part of Tangier and involves a steep uphill walk. The trick to avoid being hassled is to walk purposely and not get the map out to look for directions. Unfortunately I did get the map out a few times and out of nowhere appeared chancers offering to be our tour guides or take us to their uncles shop. It’s sad really as sometimes someone will be genuine and point in the right direction but everyone is treated with caution. I never understand why shop owners invite people to look at their wares saying nothing needs to be bought. ‘Just looking’ they offer. One shop owner invited us to the 4th floor roof terrace of his shop so we could survey the panorama; we declined as it would have meant having to walk through his shop and avoid buying any tat!

Tangiers can be very busy, colourful, loud and an assault on the senses and it’s certainly worth a visit. There are gems like the Museum which is in a converted palace. There are great restaurants too which even going top end to avoid a repeat of our Delhi Belly from last time, are inexpensive compared to Spanish prices with main courses costing between10 and15€. The shops tend to

open later so going exploring in the morning means deserted streets and alleys, and less hassle.

The inspiration for the title this week came from the return ferry trip; Seduced by the photo on the pizza menu I gullibly ordered one. The reality was a Tesco Value soggy cardboard tasting type thing instead. I guess the instructions ‘serving suggestion’ should have been written in bold type.

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

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15

LEGAL CORNER WITH MICHAEL DAVIES, ABOGADO/SOLICITOR If you wish us to print an article about a particular topic, please

e-mail info@daviessolicitors.com

Q. Please explain the situations in which a resident qualifies for non-payment of capital gains tax.

A . The first thing is to be able to prove to the notary the day of the sale that you are in fact a Spanish tax resident. It is very important to realize that having what everyone calls the “residencia” issued by the police does not in fact prove you are a tax resident of Spain, and that if this is the only document you take to the notary to prove tax residency , the notary will consider you a non resident and you will be subject to a 3% retention.

To prove you are a tax resident your solicitor needs to request a certificate from the tax authorities, which can then be taken to the notary. If you suffer the nasty surprise of them saying that in fact you are a non resident, you will need to get this amended by proving to them that you are in fact a resident before they will issue you with the correct certificate for the notary. The best way to secure tax residency status is making a resident income tax declaration in Spain in June of every year. If you are going to sell shortly, request this certificate in advance to avoid last minute surprises.

1. The possible total or partial exemption from capital gains tax due

to reinvestment (roll-over): If you are a resident and sell one property to purchase another of the same or higher price you can claim 100% exemption from capital gains tax.

To benefit you have to have been a resident for at least 3 year before the sale takes place, and you must purchase the next property within 2 years of the sale. If you are moving to a smaller property, you can claim exemption of a percentage of the capital gains tax.

2. Claim of total exemption if you are over 65 years old: If you are over 65 and sell your main home (where you must have lived for at least 3 years as a resident), you can claim 100% exemption from capital gains tax even if you do not reinvest. If the property is owned by a couple and one member is over 65 and the other is not, you are allowed to claim the exemption in respect to half the price.

Michael Davies.

Abogado.

Michael Davies is a Spanish Abogado and has been practicing law in Andalucia since 1993. He is member of the Law societies of Almería and Madrid.

For a short period of time leading up to 2007 he was also Honorary British Consul

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Golf Club Catering WhatsApp Has Company Declares Outage After Facebook Buyout Bankruptcy The catering company Gaby, which runs the bars and restaurants at the Playa Serena Golf Club has gone into voluntary liquidation.

The club opened in the Urbanisation of Roquetas in 1973, but has been in conflict with Gaby for some time over alleged non payment of rent and staff wages. Gabriel Martinez, head of the catering firm who’ve held the contract for ten years blames, ‘the exorbitant rental costs of 18,000 euros per month,’ as being, ‘a huge contributing factor’ to the companies problems.

The dispute between club and caterer has been ongoing since the summer of last year when a new board of directors was elected at the club. Mr. Martinez claims ‘inconsistencies over the renewal of contracts by the new board of directors,’ has led to their current situation.

The club is claiming unpaid rent of 130,000 euros and say that Gaby has been in violation of their contract for more than three years. They also claim the catering company has been using the facilities for unauthorised private functions, provisions for which are not included in their rental agreement.

A spokesman for the golf club recently issued a statement reassuring members, visitors and guests that the provision of catering at the club would continue as normal and that everything was being done to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.

The WhatsApp instant messaging app has suffered an outage just days after it was snapped up by Facebook for $19bn (£11.4bn).

WhatsApp, which has more than 450 million monthly users, said it was having “server issues” on Saturday night.

The firm tweeted at 8.16pm UK time: “We hope to be back up and recovered shortly.”

Users reacted angrily, saying their chat conversations were only showing a loading asterisk and the alert “Connecting...”

Taylor ITWT16 said on Twitter: “As Soon As Facebook Buys Whatsapp, Whatsapp Starts Malfunctioning.”

Jazzy Marwaha tweeted: “Its been like 4 hours, you would have thought they could sort whatsapp out by now.”

By 10.30pm the service appeared to be working again.

Facebook announced last Thursday that it would pay $4bn (£2.4bn) in cash and $15bn (£9bn) in Facebook shares as part of the deal to buy the realtime messaging service.

The app’s founders and employees will get $3bn (£1.8bn) of the shares as restricted stock that

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will vest over four years after the deal closes.

The purchase marks the largest single acquisition in Facebook’s 10-year history.

WhatsApp will “continue to operate independently and retain its brand” despite the acquisition, Facebook said.

Founded by a Ukrainian immigrant who dropped out of college, Jan Koum, and a Stanford alumnus, Brian Acton, WhatsApp is a Silicon Valley startup fairytale.

The acquisition will also see Mr Koum - a former Yahoo! engineer - join Facebook’s board of directors.

Facebook is known to make bold moves to thwart competitors - it famously bought Instagram for $1bn after a weekend of negotiations.

Legal Matters

Help for Expats in Spain

The usufruct is the right of enjoyment, enabling a holder to derive profit or benefit from a property that either is titled to another person or which is held in common ownership, with the obligation to keep it and care for it as if it was their own.

The value of this life-long usufruct is 70% of the house value when you are under 20 years old and looses 1% of the house value per year from the time you reach 20 years of age, with a minimum value of 10% of the price of the property.

The best way to calculate the value of the usufruct is as follows: Usufruct = 89 - your age. Bearing in mind that the maximum value of the life-long usufruct is 70% and the minimum value is 10%.

Example 1: Value of a life-long usufruct in the case of a beneficial owner (usufructuary) of 32 years of age on a property valued at 150.000 €.

U = 89-32 = 57% 150.000 € x 57% = 85.500 € Example 2: Value of a life-long usufruct in the case of a beneficial owner (usufructuary) of 82 years of age on a property valued at 150.000 €.

U = 89-82 = 7% 150.000 € x 10% (minimum limit of the usufruct value) = 15.000 € Example 3: Value of a life-long usufruct in

WHAT IS THE

LIFE-LONG USUFRUCT (USUFRUCTO VITALICIO) AND WHAT IS IT WORTH?

the case of a beneficial owner (usufructuary) of 18 years of age on a property valued at 150.000 €.

U = 89-18 = 71% 150.000 € x 70% (maximum limit of the usufruct value) = 105.000 € SIMULTANEOUS AND SUCCESSIVE USUFRUCT: If two people hold the usufruct on a property, the value will be calculated on the age of the youngest of them.

Example: A married couple of 70 and 73 years of age who give to their children their property valued at 150.000 €, withholding the life-long usufruct until the last spouse’s death.

U = 89 - 70 (age of the youngest spouse) = 19% 150.000 € x 19% = 28.500 € BARE OWNERSHIP (NUDA PROPIEDAD): The value of the “bare ownership” (ownership of the property without the usufruct) will be the difference between the total value of the property and the value of the usufruct.

FO (full ownership) = BO (bare ownership) + U (usufruct) BO (bare ownership) = FO (full ownership) - U (usufruct)

For all your legal needs Tlf. 646 844 708 E: 4wayconnections@gmail.com www.4wayconnections.webs.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

17

El Real Industrial Estate

KOALA FURNITURE Koala Furniture A friendly furniture company in Antas Ind. Estate specialising in leather sofa and garden furniture. With a huge selection of fantastic leather and fabric range of sofas with electric recliners, manual recliners or fix, in response to your needs. Fantastic range of quality garden furniture make with synthetic wicker, aluminium, mosaic or wood.

Looking for a new bed? You can find all that you need for your home and have all the best quality mattresses + memory foam mattresses , combining them with a solid base , electric base or divan to storage it depending what you need. Come along to our showroom and look at our special offers on home and garden furniture, a warm welcome awaits you. Call 950 392 307 www.koalafurniture.es

TYRE KING The Best Deal for Miles

car - motorcycle - van - 4x4 Motorhome quad - trailer - wheelbarrow

●A ll New Tyres Supplied Have Manufacturers Warranty ●C omputerised Tracking Including 4x4s ● While You Wait Service

● Large Stock Available ● Motorbike Tyre Specialists ● Headlamp Polishing

Poligono El Real, Calle El Garcel F19, Antas, Almeria 04628

Vera 

Open: Mon - Fri: 9.30 - 17.30

tyre king

petrol station E15/A7 MOTORWAY Exit 534

Tel: 950 459 253 e: tyreking@ymail.com

Antas

Taller DAYDO

The Bitterness Of Poor Quality Is Remembered Long After The Sweetness Of The Lowest Price Is Forgotten

Repair - Service - Buy - Sales - Import Aircondition Service for all Types

ITV / PRE ITV - HOMOLOGATION - EXHAUST - CLUTCH - ENGINE SUSPENSION - TRANSMISSION - TOWBARS etc........ all work guaranteed diagnosis service, emission test (petrol cars) paint and bodywork done by experienced sub contractor Vera

Antas

TALLER DAYDO

E POT BLACK

car ports / pergolas

glass curtains

fly free enclosures

Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm Guttering Specialists in Installed or DIY Folding, Sliding Insect Screening & Glass Curtain for any area Systems

Parque Ind El Real, Calle El Garcel 11, Antas, Exit 534 E15 Autovia

Tel: 950 459 060 M. 638 063 196 / 649 482 677 info@lifestyle-enclosures.com Find www.lifestyle-enclosures.com us on

KOALA

SALE NOW ON

FURNITURE

SOFAS - MATTRESSES - GARDEN FURNITURE RECLINERS SOFAS - LEATHER SOFAS - PACKAGES

COUPON

if you present this coupon in our office we will re-gas your

CAR AIRCONDITIONING for 38€

Complete Import service

Petrol Station

10th Year on El Real!

0000 XXX SPANISH PLATES

Tel & Fax: 950 459 116 - Mob: 607 373 298 tallerdaydo@hotmail.com Poligono El Real de Antas, 04628 Antas

POl.ND.EL REAL C/VENTE VACIO E-14 04628 ANTAS - ALMERIA TEL: 950 392 307 MOVIL: 617 478 344

www.KOALAFURNITURE.ES monday to friday 10:00 to 19:00 saturday 10:00 - 14:00

18

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

www.indalorealestate.com / Email: info@indalorealestate.com

Tel: 950 091 137

Mob: 616 760 409 David – Inland / 636 903 184 John – Coastal

Sale and rental properties urgently required between the Mojacar coastline and Albox.

PALOMARES – €64,995

MOJACAR – €98,970

MOJACAR – €99,950

MOJACAR – €103,900

REF: A1740 • Reduced to aid a quick sale • Fully furnished Apartment • 2 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms • Open plan lounge/diner & kitchen • Terrace with sea views • Within walking distance of amenities • Underground parking and store room

Ref: A1743 • Stunning, spacious apartments • 2 double bedrooms • 2 bathrooms (1 ensuite) • Lounge/diner • Fully fitted kitchen • Underground parking and store • Outdoor and indoor swimming pools

REF: A1732 • 2 Bedrooms, 1 bathroom apartment • 50 metres from beach • communal swimming pool & garden • good size lounge/diner • patio doors leading out to the terrace • Fully fitted kitchen with breakfast bar • Superbly located

Ref: A1741 • Beautiful Apartment with sea views • 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms • Open plan lounge/diner and kitchen • Terrace with sea views and solarium • Communal swimming pool • Within walking distance of amenities • Underground parking

NEAR ARBOLEAS - €105,950

MOJACAR – €120,000

NEAR ARBOLEAS - €135,000

ARBOLEAS - €139,950

REF: A1725 • Large family home currently split in to 2 apartments • 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms • 2 kitchens, 2 lounge/diners • Front and rear gardens • Great views • Close to Arboleas

Ref: A1736 • Nice, spacious Duplex • Small community of 10 properties • 2 double bedrooms • 2 bathrooms • Open plan lounge/diner and kitchen • Communal swimming pool • Within walking distance of amenities

REF: A1635 • REDUCED. Detached 3 bed Villa • Family bathroom & ensuite to master • Good size lounge/diner • Fully fitted kitchen • 8x4m swimming pool and great views • 700m2 fully walled and gated plot • Short drive to Arboleas

Ref: A1335 • within walking distance to amenities • 3 double beds, with fitted wardrobes • Family bathroom & ensuite to bed 1 • Good size lounge/diner with fire-place • Fully fitted kitchen with white goods • 675m² garden with swimming pool • A/C, fly-screens, sun-awning, internet

property

• Arboleas • Lovely villa with great views • Walking distance to amenities • 3 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms • Fully fitted kitchen; utility room • Good size lounge/diner • 10x5m swimming pool • 18m² garage

of the week

€149,950 Ref: A1716

ARBOLEAS - €155,000

ARBOLEAS - €159,000

ARBOLEAS - €159,950

NR ARBOLEAS - €169,000

REF: A1718 • 3 bed Villa, with 1 bed annexe • Larger than average garden • 30m² lounge/diner & feature fire-place • 16m² sun-lounge • Swimming pool & 12m² storage room • Ideal B&B property • 2/3 minute drive from Arboleas

Ref: A1742 • High quality villa with stunning views • Within walking distance of amenities • 3 double beds with fitted wardrobes • Family bathroom and ensuite to bed 1 • Good size lounge/diner with fire-place • Fully fitted kitchen with white goods • 600m² well stocked garden with pool

Ref: A1507 • Large villa with great views • Walking distance to amenities • 3 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms • Fully fitted kitchen with diner • Good size lounge • 8x4m swimming pool; solarium • 138m² build; 674m² plot

Ref: A1723 • Lakes Vega villa with 138m² build size • High build specification • 4 double bedrooms • 3 bathrooms (2 ensuites) • Open-plan lounge/diner and kitchen • 8x4m swimming pool • 650m² plot with great views

ARBOLEAS - €199,975

LOS LOBOS - €249,000

MOJACAR – €299,000

MOJACAR – €299,000

REF: A1642 • Stunning villa with beautiful garden • Within walking distance of amenities • 3 double beds with fitted wardrobes • Family bathroom and ensuite to bed 1 • Good size lounge/diner with fire-place • Fully fitted kitchen and utility room • 847m² plot; 129m² build size

Ref: A1264 • Fantastic villa 10 mins from San Juan • 172m2 build with a plot of 20,050m² • 4 double beds with fitted wardrobes • 2 family bathrooms and an ensuite • Nice lounge with fireplace • Fully-fitted kitchen with white goods • 9x5m pool with great terrace

Ref: A1744 • 3 bed Villa, with 2 bed annexe • And 1 bed apartment • Sea and mountain views • Spacious accommodation • Within walking distance of amenities • Swimming pool and terraces • Great business opportunity

Ref: A1739 • Fantastic Villa, stunning sea views • Elevated position, 500m from beach • 3 double bedrooms and 2 bathrooms • Lounge with separate dining area • Terrace and roof-top solarium • Communal swimming pool • Garage

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

19

“It has been a great start to the year so if you want to sell your property in our area then contact us now”

VH617 €169,000 NEW LISTING • 4 bed, 2 bath Country House • 338m2 build incl garage etc • 4,982m2 of land • Full of character

VH231 €155,000 REDUCED • 3 bed, 2 bath Villa • 207m2 build incl under build • 800m2 plot • Village location

VH611 €109,000 NEW LISTING • 3 bed, 2bath Villa • Brand new build • 140m2 build, 370m2 plot • Walk to shop, restaurant, doctors etc

VH92 €159,000 negotiable • 3 / 5 bed, 3 bath Country House • 184m2 build plus outbuildings • 21,330m2 of flat land, part fenced • 5 mins drive to amenities

PROPERTIES WANTED VH618 €249,950 NEW LISTING • 4 bed, 3 bath Luxury Country Villa • 184m2 build, 61,000m2 land • 10m x 5m swimming pool • Solar power, mains water

VH536 €79,950 REDUCED • 3 bed, 2 bath Semi Det House • 99m build, 120m plot • 2 communal swimming pools • Walk to cafes, restaurants, shops

VH538 €189,000 REDUCED • 3 bed, 2 bath Quality Villa • 185m2 build, 1,722m2 plot • 10m x 5m swimming pool • Double garage

Urgently wanted properties in the San Juan de Los Terreros, Huercal-Overa, Taberno and the Zurgena areas

VH610 €219,950 NEW LISTING • 4 bed, 3 bath Unique Villa • 286m2 build, 761m2 plot • Garage & workshop • Walk to amenities

VH598 €139,950 REDUCED • 3 bed, 3 bath Villa • 130m2 build, 567m2 plot • Edge of village, lovely views • Walk to amenities

VH613 €180,000 NEW LISTING • 3 bed, 2 bath Quality Villa • 158m2 build, 45,500m2 of land • Solar power, beautiful views • Garage & sun roof

VH252 €49,950 REDUCED • 3 bed, 2 bath Country House • Needs further work • 21,175m2 of flat land • 20 mins drive to coast

VH479 €189,950 REDUCED • 3 bed, 1 bath Seaside Villa • San Juan de Los Terreros • 145m2 build, 1,000m2 plot • Walk to the beach

20

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

property group

Paseo del Mediterraneo 197 - Mojacar - Almeria

Tel: 950 472 430 / 610 053 563

www.veritashomes.co.uk info@veritashomes.co.uk You can find us on Mojácar Playa

€79,950

Mojácar Playa

€79,950

1 bed / 1 bath south facing Apartment with underground private parking and store room.

Terrace of 19,30 m² with sea views . Ref. 1561

3 bed / 2 bath fully furnished Apartment with sea views near golf and beach in Marina de la Torre. Ref. 1559

Mojácar Playa

mojácar playa

€109,950

antas

€90,000

3 bed / 2 bath charming village House near amenities and shops. Build 89 m². Fire place & store room. Ref. 1114

€245,000

Mojácar Playa

€95,000

2 bed / 1 bath south facing Apartment with terrace with sea views. Complex with pool & gardens near beach and amenities. Ref. 1513

Mojácar playa

€110,000

THE BEST INVESTMENT PROPERTY:

3 bed / 1 bath Apartment with terraces with sea views. Gated complex with tennis court and pools near promenade. Ref.1527

2 bed/2 bath south facing apart, panoramic sea views & garage within mins walk to promenade.

Terrace of 40 m². Community pool. Ref 1507

Mojácar Playa

Cantoria

€115,000

Quality 3 bed / 2 bath Villa on plot of 500 m² close to beach and amenities.

Carport, terraces and garden. Prime location. Ref.1560

3 bed / 1 bath south facing Apartment with walking distance to promenade. Terrace with sea views. Communal pool. Ref.1562

Mojácar Playa

€150,000

Mojácar Playa

€165,000

Mojácar Playa

€170,000

Charming 2 bed/1 bath east facing Townhouse with lockup garage, front and rear terraces and roof solarium. Sea views. Ref.1548

Lovely 2 bed / 2 bath Apartment near promenade, amenities. Large terrace, sea views.

Store room & underground parking. Ref.1556

Opportunity! 3 bed / 2 bath large Villa with garage on plot of 513 m² in La Parata. Needs a little refresh. Ref 1533

Mojácar Playa

Mojácar Playa

turre

€229,950

Lovely 3 bed / 2 bath Penthouse Apartment set across the road from the beach. Terraces with sea views. Underground parking place. Ref.1509

€265,000

3 bed / 2 ,5 bath Villa on plot of 530 m². Living with fire place. Separate dining room. Wood beams. Terrace & solarium. Ref.1558

€149,000

4 bed / 2 bath charming Villa with pool on walled plot of 2.620 m² with lovely mountain views. Mature garden. Ref.1517

Mojácar Playa

€179,950

3 bed / 2 bath linked Villa with gardens of 100 m² within walking distance to commercial center and beach. Communal pool. Ref 1044

€345,000

4 bed / 4 bath amazing Villa with pool on fenced plot of 10.648 m² within 2 minutes drive to town. Mature garden. Mountains views. Ref.1551

Please visit our office or refer to our website for more “bargains”. Vendors: If you are seriously considering selling your property please visit our office to discuss effective ways of achieving your goal.

As per decree 218/2005 the “Documento de Información Abreviada” (D.I.A) for any property sold

by Veritas Homes is available at our office.

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

More Spaniards have moved to Germany in the last five years than in the last 50, say national authorities

GERMANY has received the highest number of Spanish migrants since the 1960s in the years since the financial crisis in Spain started, according to the country’s national statistics.

Of those Spaniards who live in Germany, 22 per cent have moved there in the last five years, totalling 26,000, compared to 32 per cent who have been in the central European nation for more than 40 years, who account for just under 39,000.

In the four-year period between January 2010 and October 2013, the number of Spaniards in Germany has increased by 16 per cent, a rise of 16,229, The typical profile for a relatively new Spanish immigrant in the country is that of a highly-qualified person in his or her 20s or 30s, normally with a university education or the equivalent, reasonably fluent in English although not necessarily in German, and who did not have a job lined up to go to when he or she emigrated.

Just as was the case in the 1960s and 1970s, the majority of Spaniards who have moved to Germany have done so in order to get a job – whether this be a ‘legitimate’ employment position where their tax and social security is paid, or a so-called ‘mini-job’ paid cash-in-hand with a maximum wage of 450 euros a month for a 10-hour-a-week job.

One au pair aged 23 who worked for four months in the Bavaria region and has been in a similar role in Berlin for the past few weeks says it was ‘impossible’ to find anything ‘with decent conditions’ in Spain.

She is a graduate with joint honours in journalism and media studies, a basic level of German and advanced English, but considers her position in Germany working as a full-time babysitter and housekeeper to be far better in terms of wage-cost of living balance, job conditions and quality of life than if she had a ‘work experience contract’ at a company in Spain.

Work experience contracts in Spain, aimed at graduates and almost a pre-requisite for finding a job as it is one of the only ways to gain knowledge and practice in their chosen fields, are purely that - the trainee is not paid.

Over 10,000 Spaniards have found stable jobs in Germany in the last three years, and most of them

are over 20 and under 40.

As at October last year, nearly half of all Spaniards who had emigrated to Germany were in work, with 43 per cent in ‘proper’ jobs that included social security contributions and tax retentions with a legal contract, whilst six per cent were in cash-in-hand ‘mini-jobs’ and five per cent in receipt of dole money.

In contrast to the flood of Spaniards who arrived in Germany in the 1960s, two in three had a job already pre-arranged and waiting for them, and the majority were from rural areas.

They worked in manufacturing, agriculture and mining, where they did not need any qualifications or ability to speak German and, in fact, most had neither, according to the chairman of the Spanish Training Academy in Köln, Vicente Riesgo.

Today’s Spanish migrants come from urban areas and head for large cities such as Berlin (pictured), Munich, Frankfurt and Hamburg.

And most of them are in jobs well below their skill levels but in what they consider to be much better conditions and wage-cost of living balances than anything available in Spain, even within the profession they qualified for, says Riesgo.

He also points out that most Spanish migrants in Germany are much more highly-qualified than their German counterparts of the same age, even though many do not speak German or have a limited knowledge of it.

For many, he says, one of their first actions upon arriving in the country is to arrange to join a German language class.

Germany has been attempting to attract young and well-educated Spaniards to fill positions it was unable to find staff for among natives for the last year or so, but the numbers of Spanish migrants far outweigh the number of jobs offered.

In 2013, the first year that ‘official’ employment offers were advertised in Spain by the German authorities, 1,628 Spaniards secured a place on a professional training course and 1,073 got a job in the country.

Source: Thinkspain.com

KAREN OLIVER + TEAM WELCOMES YOU TO THE NEW

info@solymarspain.com - www.solymarspain.com

Contact us now on

950 064 584 Mob: 677 667 722 / 635 979 829 400€ pcm

SOL 666

CANTORIA 2bed 2 bath fully furnished log burner fully fenced and gated pets welcome including water and electric

109,950€

MAR122

ALMANZORA 4 bed 2 bath renovated cortijo large terrace Spanish style kitchen

350€ pcm

MAR969

ALMANZORA 3/4 bed 2 bath log burner fully walled and gated log burner

59,950€

SOL148

ALBOX 2 bed, 1 bath, fire needs a bit of tender loving care 3000 m² plot 5 mins from Albox

21

info@solymarspain.com - www.solymarspain.com We are a friendly family run property and relocation company based in Albox, Almería, Southern Spain.

Specialising in property sales and rentals, we work alongside you to help you to achieve your dreams relocating to the region.

Our portfolio includes both coastal and inland properties from San Juan de Los Terreros to Albox as well as many other areas in Andalucia.

Properties on our portfolio include, detached and semidetached villas and houses, town houses, apartments, cortijos, and cottages in both urban and rural locations.

Sol y Mar prides itself on offering an honest, professional and friendly service channelling our experience to meet clients’ requirements and to provide a complete relocation service.

With this in mind, we undertake to do everything possible to ensure that you find the right property, at the right price and with the absolute minimum of inconvenience.

As our website has recently undergone a ‘refurbishment’

we are in the process of adding all of the properties on our books.

We’re getting there, but not all are showing yet!

So, if you can’t find what you are looking for please drop us an email or pop in and see us with you requirements as we may have just the thing!

We are also always on the look out for Rental Villas and Sales Properties. Also we offer secure Post Boxes at 35€ a year and do a full Postal Service.

For more information contact us at info@solymarspain.com

Properties

Houses Wanted in Huercal Overa/Vera Urgently Required & surrounding areas For Sale & For Rent 350€ pcm

MAR636

ORIA 3 bed 1 bath country retreat fully furnished large roof terrace log burner

79.995€

SOL108

antas Fully renovated village house 3 bed 1 bath air con Centre of Antas

300€ pcm

MAR992

Taberno village house 5 bed 1bath fully furnished, 170m2, build close to all facilities

106.950€

SOL039

ALBOX 5 bed 2 bath village house log burner 2 separate cave rooms

400€ pcm

MAR800

TABERNO 5 bed 4 bath open fire terraces fully walled and gated

115.000€

SOL134

ANTAS 2 bed 2 bath log burner large terrace mature gardens a private courtyard 950m² plot

OUR OFFICE ADDRESS: AVENIDA 28 DE FEBRERO, 44 BAJO, ALBOX (A334 ALBOX TO BAZA ROAD) opposite Albox Online

22

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

Wanting to sell?

We are currently looking to expand our portfolio.

For more information please call us on, Spain 0034 699 271 709 or UK 0044 7919215925 email: shirleywithvidacabrera@hotmail.com

Property of the Week

* * * *

Sierra Cabrera 3 Bedrooms Part furnished Private pool

* Cortijo Grande * 2 Beds/2 Bath * Fully furnished * Fantastic views

* Puerto Lumbreras * Private pool * 2 roof terraces * Country property

* Cortijo Grande * 3 beds/2 baths * Private pool * Fantastic viewsl

* Fantastic views * Central heating * Large underbuild * Various terraces

SCL0123

95.000€

SCL00135

215.000€

SCL0147,

290.000€

SCL0049

270.000€

* Cortijo Grande * 3 bed/2 bath * on golf * Private pool

*Sierra Cabrera * 3 Bed/3 Bath * Seperate annex * Various terraces

* Mojacar * Detatched villa * Private pool * 2 additional cottages

SCL0134

160.000€

SCL0130

225.000€

SCL0154

499.950€

* Los Gallardos * 3 bed/2 bath +wc * Solarium * Communal Pool

* Sierra Cabrera * Luxury home * 3 bed/3 bath * Centrally located

* Sierra Cabrera * 3 beds/2 bath * Private pool * Various terraces

* Sierra Cabrera * 4 Beds/3 Baths * Private parking * Mtn & sea views

SCL0115

80.000€

sclthg from

180.000€

SCL0038

259.950€

SCL0000

499.950€

* Turre * 3 bed/1 bath/wc * Spacious & airy * Seperate kitchen

* Arboleas * 3 Bed/2 Bath * Private pool * Garage

* * * *

Sierra Cabrera 3 Bedrooms Private Pool Sun spa jacuzzi

* Sierra Cabrera * 4 Bed/4 Bath * 1600sqm plot * Infinity pool

SCL0140

90.000€

SCL0124

199.995€

SCL0097

275.000€

SCL0094

694.000€

www.sierracabreraliving.com email : shirleywithvidacabrera@hotmail.com

Tel : 950 091 830 / 699 271 709

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

23

Home Sweet Home property SERVICES

CALL 902 750 190

EMAIL: SALES@SOLTIMES.COM

BUY SELL RENT MAINTAIN

House prices will keep falling in 2014, says Fitch

A report from Fitch Ratings quotes the Housing Departments’ Spanish house price index (HPI) reached a peak year on year decline of 10% in December 2012 and fell by an additional 2.3% by the third quarter of 2013 so overall, the HPI has fallen by about 30% since the financial crisis began.

assets at deep discounts.

in the medium to long term.

They believe that improved affordability will revitalise housing demand, which still remained sluggish throughout 2013. The house to income ratio should further improve in 2014 on continued house price declines.

New mortgage lending volumes have continued to steadily decline to a historical low of 100,000, which is less than 20% of its peak.

Fitch predicts that prices will continue to fall during 2014 and should bottom out in 2015. The report also points out that during 2013 banks become increasingly willing to offload retail residential

Mortgages are highly vulnerable to a rise in interest rates, according to the report, since most loans are variable rate linked to Euribor, which is currently at historical low levels but could increase

tel: 950 930 900 968 969 962

David

Fitch expects credit availability to remain low this year with slow economic recovery and the banking sector deleveraging process. ‘Nonetheless, we believe that increased house price affordability will gradually revitalise demand and mortgage lending while moving into 2015,’ the report explains.

665 517 643 Solar Oil Gas Solid Fuel pellet fully legal company with public liability insurance Solar Hot Water & Pool Heating Full Heating Installations Water Treatment Systems Water Deposits & Pumps

carlos.saliente@gmail.com • www.carlossaliente.com Cortijo Pipa, Avda de Limaria 1, Limaria, arboleas

Steve

610 905 173 valleyconstruction2008@gmail.com Fully Legal & Experienced Builders All Building Work Undertaken No Job Too Big or Small!!

Phone or email for a no obligation quote

Urgently wanted properties for sale in the Huercal-Overa, Zurgena, Taberno & San Juan de Los Terreros areas.

Call 0034 950 616 827 / 0034 678 002 006 155a Carretera Estacion, Huercal Overa.100m from LIDL

www.vosshomesspain.com

O Olive

Contact: 607 705 085 or 687 938 466 C/Llanos, Bedar (Next to the Miramar Restaurant) Open: Monday-Friday 10.00am-3.30pm

www.olivehouse-es.com lubrin

44,950€

Lovely townhouse located in the middle of Lubrin. Two bedrooms, living room and kitchen. plus a small outside space for sitting in the sun. Great location.

OLV262

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES OPEN FOR BUSINESS

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

Log-on-Tommy

Stacking service available Free Kindling with every full load

now incorporating Small Cut Olive Logs No Roots For The Smaller Fire “Sammy Sweep”

619 070 839

Full Guttering Service Quality English Guttering Rain Diverters Water Butts

Free Quotations john.colbert@hotmail.co.uk Tel: 662 597 596 PAUL

Steven Smith - Arboleas Builder

MOBILE MECHANIC ALL AREAS COVERED

Building Maintenance & Property Repair No job TOO Big nor TOO Small

Happy to provide a Quotation without Obligation Blockwork - Plastering - Damp Proof Concreting - Tiling - Roofing Painting - Cladding - Rejas...

Painting & Decorating Special Offer

mention code E2374 offer expires end April 2014

City & Guilds & ACS qualifications,

Chris: 637 82 97 87 / 618 06 20 80 Gas & Oil Fired Central Heating - Gas Appliances Plumbing - Servicing - Repairs - Installations

FREE QUOTATIONS & ADVICE

Bill’s Carpentry & Shop Fitting

British Plasterer

No Job Too Small Free Quotations Tel: 633 507 165

• 8 years in Spain with 25 years experience • Quality work guaranteed • References available

Tel: 634 327 201 / 661 129 028 Email: atpspain@gmail.com www.paulmorrison.es

Call Jim 677 557 190

References available & Pics of work completed

www.hireahusband.es

Monthly contracts, one-off pool clean, summer contracts, Procare holiday rentals, pools sand changes, minor pools repairs and much more For VERY competitive rates call

642 370 681 or email:

procarepropertyservice@gmail.com

trifenners@gmail.com

DAMP PROOF SOLUTIONS

Are you fed up with peeling paint & render coming off your garden walls caused by rising damp?

The permanent solution to stop this is to have a Damp Course injected into your walls

5€ per meter all work guaranteed John: 677 700 843

For a free quotation

Bugs

Mosquito Screens & Blinds

replacement windows & doors Aluminuim & UPVC fitted & made to measure

Supplying & fitting windows & doors for 25 years

Basketweave

45 Herringbone

call: 636 092 632 90 Herringbone Stretcher Bond arboleaspaving@hotmail.com Many colours available

FIND US In Longo’s Courtyard

Professional, reliable, handy man available...

Tel: 617 150 300 or 850 993 057

● Driveways ● Footpaths ● Patios ● from 33€ sqm

on selected items ...for all the jobs he doesn’t get round to, including Van Removals, Painting Exterior/Interior, Small Plumbing Jobs, Persianas, Shelves, Garden Clearance, All Outside Work - Walls, Stone Cladding, Rendering etc... Property Maintenance Good hourly/daily rate - 7 yrs in the area.

NO JOB TOO SMALL

Block Paving Specialists

10% discount

HIRE A HUSBAND

PAUL

ArboleasPaving

POOL SHOP

Shop: 950 104 345 or Maintenance: 637 582 696

OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE FULLY QUALIFIED AND LEGAL DIESEL SPECIALIST

CORGI registered with 10 years experience

Please Call: 950 930 536 or 634 306 690 or email: ArboleasBuilder@gmail.com

Hanging Doors Flat Pack Furniture Fitting Kitchens - Tiling

FOR ALL TYPES OF SERVICE AND REPAIRS, ITV TESTING

SAMPLES OF POPULAR PATTERNS USED IN BLOCK PAVING

24

•P ull down / Sliding Blinds & Screens, Windows & Patios • Vertical Blinds • Security Grills • Awnings

All areas covered ~ speedy Response Call now for your no-obligation quote Get The Best For Less

Tel: 600 049 515

TJ Carpentry & Construction Fully Qualified with over 25 years experience

TJOLIVER@HOTMAIL.CO.UK PIEDRA AMARILLA ALBOX, ALMERIA

619 584 405 635 979 829

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

book review

The Great Big Spanish Adventure by Janette Davies.

“She could feel the heat of his body. She felt his breath on the back of her head.

“Your head smells like peaches.”He pushed a lock of her blonde hair behind her ear and kissed her neck.”

What a rollercoaster of a ride through the Paraiso Apartamentos in southern Spain and what a medley of misfits ambling along in a vice-laden den of money laundering and drug-busting.

Is this Spain? Carole dominates this tale and sails through on cloud nine after a few bumpy rides with Lyle and Samantha, his squeeze. But that’s water under the bridge. It’s good to see a strong female role-model coming out on top, so well done Janette Davies.

Even the old crocks, in spite of being professional medical people deserve a second chance and it’s exhilarating to welcome Sarah-Jane and Mark as newly- weds second time around.

So what if their grown up children disapprove? They’ll come round in the end and of course they do. Don’t we expats love Spain? Nothing could keep us away!

Plenty of vino, cava and coffee not to mention Flamenco. Sounds Spanish?

What about undercover agents, pimps, whores and The Pussy Club? Yes it’s all in there. More satirical of society than to be taken seriously and in good taste too. Unfortunately they’re not all-loved up and there are imminent divorces on the horizon.

Sarah-Jane assumes that this idyllic setting will be nice and quiet and how unimaginable to conceive that anything earth shattering could happen in Paraiso! Ironical. Isn’t life strange? Of Mice and Men and Steinbeck would agree. There are plenty of rumbles, not quite so earth-shattering perhaps but still significant.

Carole’s boyfriend, Lyle is a bit rough and certainly mis-matched with Carole.

Where on earth did she find him? Benji’s Bar and Restaurant is the place to be if you are a dodgy type laundering money or peddling drugs even. Unfortunately, Carole works there until she finds her boyfriend in a compromising position on the kitchen floor with the new waitress, Sam. Caught in the act. However, a thoroughly composed Carole gives almost a theatrical performance demonstrating how despicable and gross they are. Doing it on the floor, in a kitchen? That’s it, she decides. The end.

She goes back to her Paraiso apartment, collects his dirty washing and presents it to Sam issuing an unexpected and brave ultimatum and thus ending a bad relationship.

“If I was wearing the god awful knickers you are, I’d also want to get ‘em off the

first opportunity I got. Don’t think Health and Safety would be too impressed with you two rolling round the kitchen floor though.”

Sarah-Jane’s advice for getting over a two-timing cheater of a boyfriend?

“You’ve got to kiss a lot of frogs.”

It’s not long before the police come sniffing round the joint uttering foul play.

Carole’s first brothel visit presents her with a bit of a dilemma. What should she wear? Tart or smart? That’s a new one for the books surely? Her first visit is profitable: a bottle of French brandy, 50e and a cheeky thong with emeralds and rubies. Wow! What did she have to do I hear you say? Read it!

Or what about Roberto’s bar, acting as an informant and smooching with homosexual Alonso who was as gay as a spring morning. Sounds ominous?

What were Peter Mason and Barney planning?

A very sick Katya marries Andreu who is in a homosexual relationship with the approval of Luis, his partner. What a topsy-turvy Spanish community! Or Russian for that matter.

The illusive man of the moment is Guillermo, initially described as a scary-looking Spaniard, a pimp, then intriguing when he is visited by the Ladies of the Night, attractive, even sex on legs, Death Vader and finally, a cross between Pierce Brosnan and Rafa Nadal. Count me in. Who is going to be the lucky lady? Obviously someone who deserves such a hunk and it might be you lucky person.

Publisher: Word Play. ISBN 13: 9781493541201.

REVIEW it by Carol Naylor. www.carolnaylor.blogspot.com / www.carolesleynaylor.wordpress.com naylorcl@hotmail.es

25

pause for thought

In my childhood, I do recall that my brother and I used to have the occasional disagreement. On one such occasion our exasperated Mother sent us to our rooms with instructions to learn a Bible verse from the letter St Paul wrote to the Church in Ephesus. “Be kind to each other, tender hearted, forgiving one another just as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you.” I’m not sure how much good it did me at the time, but I’ve never forgotten it and have subsequently always tried to remember its teaching whenever my patience becomes strained.

How hard it can be to be kind to others, especially when annoyed or irritated by their words or actions!

How easily we respond with unkind thoughts, words or actions when others hurt us, yet how much more effective can a little kindness be in healing such hurt. But Paul’s advice goes further as he tells us to be tender-hearted, or compassionate, understanding another’s point of view and able to empathise with them. How much happier and more fulfilling would all our relationships be if only we were really tenderhearted as well as kind.

But it is perhaps the final phrase of that verse, so reminiscent of a similar phrase in The Lord’s Prayer,

that can be the most challenging, as it reminds me that I need to forgive others in the same way and to the same extent as God has forgiven me.

For He forgives ungrudgingly, even though I’m often unaware of the offence I’ve caused. However great my failure or however often I offend, I can be assured that God won’t hold it against me, but remains always ready to forgive, with every penalty I may deserve having been paid in full by Christ himself. And that is how God expects me to treat others.

Extremely hard, possibly resulting on occasions in personal hurt, but how much more harmonious would our relationships be if we could all live to this advice to be really kind, compassionate and completely forgiving.

Details of a number of English Language Churches are given in Sol Noticeboard for any wishing to Worship, whilst additionally, further information about the Anglican Church in this area may be seen on the web site www.mojacarchurch. org Duncan Burr is Licensed Lay Reader for the Anglican Chaplaincy of Costa Almeria and Costa Cálida and may be contacted at djburr@avired.com

Private Sale

houses and land can be separated with own escrituras or sold as one lot Two detached villa shells built up to and including roofs125m2 built on flat 3000m2 plot. Secluded position, unspoilt countryside views across orange and lemon groves front and rear.

Fully Legal & with Full Title Deeds

• E ach villa spec: 3 beds / 2 baths. Size 125m2 •S pace for pools (12mx6m) • E xceptional uninterrupted views of orange and lemon groves to front & rear •S ituated between Almanzora & Arboleas overlooking Almanzora valley • 1 0 minutes to nearest town with all amenities • I nland country setting, but only 30 minutes to coast • I deal for builder to complete internals

Priced to Sell Must be viewed to appreciate this golden opportunity

Tel: 609 199 394 647 379 878 950 064 801

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

STANDARD CROSSWORD

ACROSS

ACROSS

qualities (6)

implement (6)

1. Extremely cold

14 Conundrum (6)

5 Carapace (5)

(5)

18 Malleable (7)

6 Lured (7)

20 Irritated (5)

7 Intended (5)

22 Spear (5)

13 Curt (7)

23 Acute (7)

15 Ludicrous (7)

24 Stringed

16 Interminable

instrument (5)

(7)

25 Overheads (5)

17 Sheep known

4. Out of fashion (5) 8. Communication channel (7) 9. Crowd scene actor (5)

1 Be supplied with wings, over and above (7) 5 English poet writes about head of Scottish queen (7) 9 Uncommon fly on rare plant (5,4) 10 Stories least translated (5) 11 Strap, though short, has hanger’s heart (5) 12 Giant fish, note, approaches Italian city (not capital) (9) 13 Dead time after amusement in December (7) 15 Unbeliever attending robbery (7) 17 Man admitting setback for islanders (7) 19 Artist’s entrance (7) 21 Repudiating a pig that’s eating out (9) 23 I ntroduction to book by mere poet (5) 25 Muse about weed on top of Olympus (5) 26 Gray’s line about young animals (9) 27 They try canopies (7) 28 Oriental festival on the first of November (7)

for its high

10 Part of a

Down

quality fleece (6)

church (5)

1 Chivalrous (7)

18 Greek letter (5)

11 Unlawful (7)

2 Guides (5)

19 Paragon (5)

12 Natural

3 Distinguish (7)

21 Male monarchs

abilities or

4 Writing

(5)

Down

1 Scolded, undergo

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

26

assessment (7) Authority, for example (sic) (3-2) The stagecoach industry (9) Dexterity is an insult, so we hear (7) Drink produced as grain ferments (7) Out of context rather more than is necessary (5) Game lord holds Nabokov novel with no leading character (9) 8 Others acquired skill to turn over a new leaf (7) 14 Sailors with thin skins are cinematic celebrities (4 5) 16 Intoxicated with dances and drinks (9) 17 Part of the USA obscured by mist and dew? (7) 18 Furies, in ancient Greece or Ireland? Certainly! (7) 19 Thankless person from Tangier (7) 20 Treads for one of the family (7) 22 Complete western part of golf course (5) 24 Making a comeback in White Horse Inn, a musical heroine (5) 2 3 4 5 6 7

SUDOKU PUZZLE s

Sudoku is a placement puzzle. Enter the numbers 1 to 9 in each row and column of a grid, made up of 3 x 3 subgrids. The catch is that each row, column and grid must contain only one instance of each number or letter.

squiggle SUDOKU

standard SUDOKU

easy SUDOKU

CRYPTIC crossword

CROSSWORD

squiggle

standard

SOLUTIONS

easy

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

SolPUZZLES

Q&A

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

3. W hich is the largest country in the world with only one time zone? ....................................................................

4. W hich football team are known as the Rosso-nera or Rosso-Neri? ....................................................................

5. H ow many pips are there on the Greenwich Time Signal? ....................................................................

6. N ame all of the seven dwarves in Disney`s Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs? ....................................................................

7. The

1999 film 10 Things I Hate About You is based on which Shakespeare play? ....................................................................

8. T he world`s smallest independant country since 1929 has a birth rate of zero. What is it called? ....................................................................

9. Where in the body would you find an astrocyte? ....................................................................

10. What nationality is the singer Feist?

Age Relatives Awards 60 30 40 65 60 75 74 46 125 48 5 96 40 9 165

2. W hat is the maximum number of horses allowed to run in the Grand National?

At the local sports club, some veteran members were photographed together for the annual awards ceremony. In the photograph, each member has a different coloured T-shirt on. Obviously, the number of awards each has won over the years counts towards their status within the club, however, it is also significant to let other members know how many relatives of theirs are eligible for membership. From the information given below, can you determine the positions of the five members in the photograph, their T-shirt colour, their age (40, 48, 60, 65, 74), the number of awards they have won (40, 75, 96, 125, 165) and the number of eligible relatives (5, 9, 30, 46, 60)?

Clues…

The person who is wearing red, has 25 relatives more than Jeff and is not next to the person wearing blue.

Jim is wearing orange and has 40 awards more than John.

John has 51 awards more than his age and Jeff has 5 relatives.

Jake has 75 awards and is 65 years old. The person on the far right has 37 fewer relatives than John, and is 40 years old.

Jack, who is the first, is 60 years old, and has 20 awards less than his age.

The person who is next to the person who has 46 relatives but not next to the person who is 60 years old, is wearing yellow, and has 96 awards.

The person in the centre has 46 relatives, is wearing blue and has 125 awards.

The person who is wearing green, has 30 more relatives than the person to the left of him.

Name T-shirt Jack red Jake green John blue Jeff yellow Jim orange

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

Logic Puzzle

Logic Puzzle SOLUTIon

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

11. W hat was the original name of the Royal Air Force? ....................................................................

12. T he 1812 Overture was written to celebrate the defeat of Napoleon in which city? ....................................................................

13. W ho wrote the Sinead O`Connor hit Nothing Compares 2 U? ....................................................................

14. Who was the last Governor of Hong Kong? ....................................................................

15. W hich Prime Minister made Jeffrey Archer a life peer? ...................................................................................

16. What is the world`s northernmost capital city? ......................................................................

17. In which city was Terry Waite kidnapped? ......................................................................

18. Which tree appears on the flag of Lebannon? ......................................................................

19. I n the three Bourne films starring Matt Damon what is Bourne`s first name? ......................................................................

20. Between them, the six wives of HenryVIII were of three different nationalities. English, Spanish and what other? ......................................................................

Q&A ANWERS:

ABUSE ADDICTION ARRESTED BAIL BEER BINGE BLACKOUT BRAIN CAR CRASH CIRRHOSIS COMATOSE CORONARY DEAD DEATH DEBT DIE DRUNK DUI ENABLER FATAL HEADACHE HEART HIDE HOMELESS HOSPITAL HUNGOVER IMPAIR ISOLATION

# 1 2 3 4 5

1. W hich letter of the alphabet appears only once in the names of all English and Scottish league football teams and not at all in the names of the elements in the Periodic Table?

27

~ quotes ~

“My Father had a profound influence on me, he was a lunatic” - Spike Milligan

“My father told me all about the birds and the bees, the liar - I went steady with a woodpecker till I was twenty-one” Bob Hope “...And my parents finally realise that I’m kidnapped and they snap into action immediately: they rent out my room” Woody Allen “When I was born ... the doctor came out to the waiting room and said to my father ... I’m very sorry. We did everything we could ... but he pulled through ” - Rodney Dangerfield “Human beings are the only creatures on earth that allow their children to come back home” -Bill Cosby “Everyone should have kids. They are the greatest joy in the world. But they are also terrorists. You’ll realize this as soon as they are born, and they start using sleep deprivation to break you” - Ray Romano “We spend the first twelve months of our children’s lives teaching them to walk and talk and the next twelve telling them to sit down and shut up” - Phyllis Diller

alcohol

Find and circle all of the alcohol that are hidden in the grid.

JAIL KILL LIQUOR LOSE JOB MADD

POISON PUKE RED EYES REHAB SHAKES

SICK SLUR SNEAKY SUICIDE SUPPORT

URINE VODKA VOMIT WHISKEY WINE

1. J (appears in St Johnstone) 2. 40 3. China (It actually spans 5 zones) 4. AC Milan 5. 6 (5 short and 1 long) 6. Happy, Grumpy, Doc, Sleepy, Sneezy, Dopey and Bashful 7. The Taming Of The Shrew 8. The Vatican City 9. The brain 10. Canadian

11. Royal Flying Corps 12.Moscow 13.Prince 14. Chris Pattern 15. John Major 16. Reykjavik 17. Beirut 18. The Cedar 19. Jason 20. German (Ann of Cleves)

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

28 SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

Tasty food for everyday, special occasions and for sharing with friends

Peking-style vegetable dumplings Ingredients

4 tbsp vegetable oil 50g/1¾oz morning glory, finely sliced (available in some Asian markets; substitute spinach if unavailable) 50g/1¾oz pak choi, finely sliced 50g/1¾oz fresh shiitake mushrooms, finely sliced 1 small red onion, finely sliced 25g/1oz bamboo shoots, finely sliced 50g/1¾oz bean sprouts small handful fresh coriander, finely chopped 1 red chilli, seeds removed, finely chopped salt and freshly ground black pepper 8 circular wonton wrappers (for vegan versions, look for egg-free wrappers) 1 tsp cornflour, mixed to a paste with 1 tsp water vegetable oil, to shallow fry ready-made hot and sour sauce, to serve

Saturday 1st March

back by popular demand straight from the renfe building

Dominic Doolittle

Preparation method

Heat half a tablespoon of the oil in a

Restaurant from

ALBOX

COD N’ CHIPS

5.95€

Fridays & Saturdays From 12 - 9 PM

Desserts from 2€

SUNDAY LUNCH HOME-MADE AND DELICIOUS WAITER SERVED BOOKING RECOMENDED

wok over a high heat. Add the morning glory, pak choi, shiitake mushrooms, red onion, bamboo shoots and bean sprouts and stir fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened slightly.

Remove from the heat and add the coriander and chilli. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and allow to cool.

Lay the wonton wrappers on a clean surface. Place one tablespoon of the fried vegetables in the centre of each wrapper. Using a pastry brush, brush the edges of each wrapper with the cornflour paste. Fold the sides together to create a semi-circular wonton shape.

Place the wontons in a steamer over boiling water, and steam for six minutes.

Remove and allow to cool.

Heat the rest of the oil in a shallow pan until hot. Place the steamed wontons one by one into the hot oil and cook on one side until golden-brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper before serving.

Serve with hot and sour sauce.

showbar & restaurant

The Irish Rover

Your No1 Entertainment Venue in Mojacar for All the Family

wednesday lunch offer Choose from 3 homemade dishes

from just 5€

back by popular demand Saturday 1st March

status quo tribute night

12noon - 5pm

2 Courses from 8.95€ 3 Courses 10.95€

Vegetarian dumplings can balance out a meat-heavy Chinese meal. These are fragrant, savoury and delicious.

17th March

come & celebrate st patricks day

from

with irish folk singer & showaddywaddy tribute act

6.95€

Book our function room with private patio garden for your parties, weddings, birthdays etc.

OPEN 9AM-LATE MON-SAT 10-6 SUN

950 120 718

jacksalbox@gmail.com

SEE OUR MAP ON PAGE 30

all major sports events shown here inc gaa sports

telephone: 950 473 135 mojacar playa between Lua & Moma Beach

Open 10am till late 7 days a week

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

Basic pancakes with sugar & lemon

air-conditioned

29

urant&Venue ta es aR id V ! ! ! yu m yu m el Cucador

La

March Madness Disco with

DJ Johnny Slade

t e g r o F t Don’

Saturday 8th March, 2014 at 8pm

e k a c Pan

Shake your groove thang to all your party music favourites

Tickets in advance 8€ Includes Disco & Buffet

Day Irene #

Mesón de

set meals for 10€

(not including a la carte menu or daily specials)

Served 6-9pm Pre Booking Essential

winter crazy offer

Free Bottle of wine

per couple to take away after having our night menus Valid only with this voucher dinner 19.00-22.00 until 28th february

booking recommended

4 COURSES WITH WINE & COFFEE Monday to Saturday inclusive Lunch 1pm - 4pm

MENU DEL NOCHE 4 COURSES WITH WINE & COFFEE

20oz T-BONE STEAK, 16oz BEEF ENTRECOTE 12oz PORK TENDERLOIN, ROASTED LAMB SHANK & SHOULDER, ROASTED PORK KNUCKLE & MORE DINNER 7PM-10PM

sunday roast menu del dia

4 courses with bottle of ESTE wine per couple & coffee included: Roast Lamb Shoulder & Pork Knuckle, 16oz Entrecote, 20oz T-Bone, 12oz Pork Tenderloin, Roast Potatoes & Fresh Vegetables Freshly Baked Bread SERVED 1pm - 4pm Childrens menu available

FREE WI-FI

OPEN 7 days a week Booking Recommended Spanish Speaking 950 430 145 English Speaking 647 730 103

Poligono Industrial Albox, Near the ITV Garage w w w.me s onde i r e ne.com

traditional sunday lunch

evening menu OUR

MAIN MENU INCL 16oz STEAKs ~ MIXED GRILL UDES ~ FRESH FISH Menu changes weekly please ask for our dail y specials fri – SAT EVENINGS 6PM – 9PM

HOMEMADE STARTE & SCRUMPTIOUS HOMERS MADE DESSERTS from 3.00€ each!

Cucador La el

MENU DEL dia

vegetarian menu available

8.95€

2Enjoyfor 10€ 2 main course

#

4th March 2014

from

Saturday 1st March

VidaBar

served 12.30PM-5PM

includes a complimentary coffee & chocolate

NOW SHOWING Saturdays &Sundays

LIVE PREMIER LEAGUE FOOTBALL

Monday special wednesday supper NEW

Chilli Night

5€

TUESDAY special Chicken Curry & Rice or Cod Fillet & Chips

5€

homemade burger, Chips & Salad Home cooked Ham, Chips & Salad

5.50€

Thursday Pie Night

Homemade Pies, Chips & Peas

5.50€

SERVED 6-9PM

Beer battered cod

homemade chips & peas

from

5.95€ in the Bar

FRIDAYS 12.30pm - 9pm

lite bite snacks

open every day open for lunch 12pm - 4PM specials, burgers, wraps 12pm - late

menu del dia 2 COURSE LUNCH 12:30-3:30PM 6€

Tel: 950 634 562 lavidacucador@gmail.com

We are here

Albox Arboleas 1km

Zurgena La Alfoquia

Mojacar

E15

La Vida

Cucador Junc 547

Huercal Overa

30

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

out & about

ALBOX

tWILIGHT SHADOWS

Winter Offers

Tuesday Market Day from 8:30 to 11AM STANDARD BREAKFAST Only 2.50€ & add cup of tea or coffe for 50 cents

home-made Sunday lunches Waiter Service Booking Recommended served noon - 5pm

Saturday 8 March 8pm ‘til Late th

Twilight Shadows Plus

Live Music Hot buffet

Bacon or Sausage

in a floury bap or sandwich, tea or regular coffee

ONLY €3

Order BEFORE 11.30am Mon - Sat

WEDNESDAYS

Homemade Pie Day

6,95€

from midday

Book your table now

NOW SHOWING PREMIER LEAGUE FOOTBALL ON LARGE SCREEN

Cod ‘n’ ChipS

Bar Menu & Snacks 9AM-4.30PM (except Sunday) friday & SATURDAY Home Made Burgers, Jacket Potatoes, Home Made Puds & much more

ALL DAY BREAKFAST from 9AM includes free tea or coffee Only 3.75€ + new Daily Specials

SERVED 12-9pm

Beer-battered Cod, Home-made Chips, with Mushy or Garden PeaS

Bookings Advisable Takeaway option available

Activities

Monday

• Line Dancing from 2:30pm with Eleanor & Gilly • ROCK’N’ ROLL 7:30PM

5.95€

PLUS

Art Classes, • easy peezy spanish lessons Computer Club, with Avril at 5pm • Darts Night from 8pm - All Welcome Keep Fit • Wednesday Geneology • Line Dancing with Carrie 7pm Tuesday

Thursday

• Ceroc Classes 8pm

Please call into Jacks to check Timetables

SUNDAY 10 BREAKFAST AM-11.30aM SERVED

ample parking Free Wi-Fi OPEN 9AM-LATE MON-SAT 10-6 SUN

@

950 120 718

...to advertise on this page call 950 121 936 image: www.vinography.com

Upcoming Events

jacksalbox@gmail.com

BP Garage

•••

← ARBOLEAS BAZA → Av••• AL .L B ep OX an → to

free wifi

Downstairs on the sea front next to the Irish Rover Look out for our live entertainment evenings

day the day of the nu of menu me 3 courses 3 courseS - €12.00 €10.50

Menu del noche

Beach Opening Times 10am til close Food served 10:30am til 10pm

regular TRIBUTE SHOWS see website for details

tel: 950 473 099 www.beachcombermojacar.com

La Cena

Restaurante

Albox

menu del noche €10.95

Includes a caraffe of wine per couple 7 starters, 6 mains & 5 Desserts Full A La Carte also available Monday - Saturday 7pm - late. Closed Sunday

Call 950 430 930 after 5.30pm

Find us across the old bridge from Palza Mayor Albox, opp Bar Wassy

The Beachcomber John and the team at The Beachcomber always ensure your food is beautifully cooked and is served with a smile.

With fish and chips to die for plus all the traditional favourite meals you would expect. John has also added a Slimming World breakfast to the menu, which is the perfect way to enjoy a meal and not feel guilty!

Here are details of some forthcoming and regular events: Spanish lessons, held every Monday and Tuesday morning from 10:15am. Tai Chi classes every Wednesday and Thursday morning from 10:30am.

Line dancing lessons Monday afternoons from 4pm.

Art lessons every Friday morning from 10.30am.

Free computer and electronic workshop every Saturday 10:30am1pm. Telephone now to find out more about any of our many events: 950 473 099.

La Cena in Albox is a fine dining experience without the expense.

A beautifully decorated restaurant, run by husband and wife team Simon and Carol. At the moment they are serving a superb Menu Del Noche for only 10.95€ which includes a Caraffe of wine and you can now choose from a choice of 7 Starters, 6 Mains and 5 Desserts. Full A La Carte is also always available.

Please call 950 430 930 after 5.30pm today and reserve your table, you will not be disappointed!

OPEN YOUR BUSINESS TO NEW OPPORTUNITIES CALL 902 750 192

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

31

COMMUNITY NEWS Living Water Church Mojacar

An Evangelical informal service at 4.00pm every Sunday, opposite Red Cross Centre on Mojacar Playa. Contact Pastor David Hamilton 697 522 521 John 950 529 321 Margaret 950477063 For more info visit www.livingwaterchurchmojacar.com

R U Semi Retired or Bored? craft BUSINESS FOR SALE Would suit single person or 2 people Room for expansion Owner is retiring - Albox area Please telephone 634338832 for further information

walk for life

Walk for life are pleased to inform you of the total amount of money raised following on from lasts years event and donations received 8091.42 Euros This is a fantastic amount of money and we have been able to help lots of people in the following way Transport 944.00 Euros Fuel assistance 1276.39 Euros Financial support 750.00 Euros Food & medication 200.00 Euros Counselling 25.00 Euros Donation to little owls 500.00 Euros Walk for life is here to help anyone affected by cancer in the local area. We can help pay for fuel, translation costs, hospital treatment, nursing, mobility equipment and much more.

If you know someone, maybe a family member or friend or neighbour that needs some support then why not nominate them? All nominations are carried out in the strictest of confidence.

We are always looking for donations of raffle prizes, mobility equipment and fund raising. If you can help, then please contact us Jean 600760219 sandra 634331607 lynne 608762748 Sonia 608147640 nicki 634348300

The Doghouse Foundation ‘Beetle Drive’

The Doghouse Foundation are having a ‘Beetle Drive’ on Thursday 27 February at 3pm at Bar La Union, Alfoquia.

Come along for a fun game and bring your friends. Only 2 euros p.p.entry fee. Highest score wins a nice prize, lowest score winds a booby prize. There will also be a Raffle. All proceeds to The Doghouse Foundation, registered Charity No. 4718

taekwondo Martial

arts

adults Mon: 7.30pm - 9pm Wed: 5pm - 6.30pm Fri: 5.30pm - 7pm KIDS 4 - 8yrs Wed: 4 - 5pm Fri: 4.30 - 5.30pm

Tel: 646 844 708 www.tkdspain.webs.com Indigo Gym - Mojacar Playa

The Fundraiser Charity & Community Shops

The people’s charity, The Peoples Choice

id’s Dav

COACHTRIPS S.L.

Excursions now in your area with David’s Coachtrips.

David’s Coachtrips have been offering excursions from in and around the Torrevieja area for some 20 years. This highly popular, highly experienced company, who carry many thousands of passengers to destinations throughout Spain and beyond have now started to offer a service to the residents of a number of other areas including Alcazares, Balsicas, Valle de Sol, Totana, Puerta Lumbreras, Vera, Albox, Arboloeas.

Coachtrips combine low cost with high quality to offer some of the best value for money excursions you can buy. On board English speaking couriers provide an interesting and well informed commentary to add to your enjoyment of the excursion.

It is hoped that in time that a full range of excursions will be offered in these areas. But this will of course depend on the response from your community. The more people who travel, the more destinations will be offered.

Excursions currently being offered from your area can be found each week in the local edition of Sol times. the full range of Further information of excursions available can be found online at www. coachtripsonline.com . Or call direct on 0034 966785910

Helping the disabled Cancer Research Vera Orphanage Run totally put our hearts Asprodalba Weinto by volunteers helping and many more

come in and browse our massive changing stock

Opposite Super Turre in Turre & Just before the Guardia Civil in Vera Open 6 days a week... times on shop doors Contact 664 620 288

La NEW

Vida El

Cucador

now serving

breakfast Sunday 10am -12pm traditional sunday lunch - served 12.30PM-5PM NOW SERVING ROAST LAMB (2€ SUPP)

Open Every Day 12pm - Late

Tel:950 634 562 • lavidacucador@gmail.com

book the Venue: For your Private Parties, Weddings and Birthdays etc.

32

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

SOLTIMES

SOL CLASSIFIEDS Air-con

www.soltimes.com

MD Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration S.L.

see us online

everyday FOR SALE

advertise all your unwanted items for sale in this section any single item up to 300€ free of charge

email: sales@soltimes.com ink and Headboard. delivery Can cartridges 65€. area Albox refills or buy a Armchairs, at 2 compatable Floral prices. Green great VGC Pattern, we love to save money. 60€ o.n.o. Tel: you ics shop inside 634 337 185 / liberty seguros 950 064 778 insurance, calle Large Heavy malaga (next to Castillian Dining puppy rescue) or Table 2m x 1.25 call 609 199 394 + 2 Matching D raper S i d e b o a r d s Vac. 250€ Heavy Old Garden Pine duty, Spanish Heavy Tall €50 Desk. nearly new with Corner Glass long cable and strap Display Cabinet shoulder 50€ to view 638 70€ o.n.o. Tel: 497253 / 950 410 950 064 404 / 615 627 296 204 BOOT SALERS Teak 2 – Quantity of S unbeds , Miscellaneous as new 40€ Items Including Pool each, Porcelain, Glass, 90x180, Table Household condition, exc.

Inc Electrics 2 sets of balls Fat Toaster, & cues. 150€ Fryer, Crockery, ono, 2 Stainless etc.

Cutlery Stools Steel Fridge/Freezers, condition ex Bulk Buy. To 60€ pair or 30€ View 638 497253 Papillon each, or 950 410615 Grass Cutter ex 25€ S uperb condition Tel: 950 497 612 Sound Pioneer / 647 921 286 Two H PM10 0 wat t Almerimar S p e a k e r s 2 x Chrome 6 0 x 4 0 x 4 0 Shower Doors I n c l u d i n g – offers. Tel: 950 Mobile Stands.

497 612 / 647 921 P r o f e s s i o n a l 286 Almerimar Quality, Domestic Shovel 5€ Use Only, fork 5€ pick Each Speaker axe 5€ 2 socket Independently sets 20€ each Adjustable. As w h e e l b a r r o w New. Bargain 5€ show tray 65€ Tel: 950 410 ceramic 10€ Tel: 615 950 438 236 Pool Heater (Arboleas) - Inline 6Kw pool Double Divan heater suitable Base, Mattress for 8 metre pool.

Brand New in box, with installation instructions, used. never With auto timer and temperature setting. Easy to fit to any pool pump/ filter system. 75€ Tel: 950 067 105 / 651 454 045

MD S.L

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25 years sole experience in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

not a jack of all trades

For all your installation or service MD Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration S.L offers our latest including requirements info@md-aircon.com telephone 950 432 110 / 607 364 917

607 364 917 or 950 432 110 email: info@md-aircon.com

md_aircon@mobileemail.vodafone.es

Airport services www.AAparking.es Tel: 639 081 067

Cheap

Airport Parking

Need

Transport??

baby equipment hire

BABY HIRE

Everything for the visiting baby Car seats, high chairs, stair gates, cots etc

ballroom dancing

Tel: 902 750 190

Tea room ballroom dancing

webmaster@soltimes.com

sequence with jean & derek at

La

el Cucador

in Albox Private parties Birthday etc, all events catered for

call Bar for more

information:

950 634 562 950 120 718 wanted

mondays 3-5pm

all levels welcome single or couples enjoyable afternoon to meet new friends for more info call 950 449 617

15€ per hour min charge 1 hour + parts +IVA I come to you established 2008 comp TIA A+ certified Tel: 646 587 746

donald_gunn_robinson@msn.com

Steve Hayes Informatica Pc’s, Laptops, Printers etc. Sales & Repairs on-site callout / tuition. Consumables

Albox, Almeria

Tel: 950 120 900

construction

construction

or email

drainage

Solutions

• Emergency Drain Cleaning • High Pressure Water Jetting • CCTV Surveys • Drainage Repairs • Location of Cesspits • Qualified Engineer • Expert Reports

Established 9 years in spain

Tel: 616 531 283 or 670 088 966 drainage cont...

LICENSED POZO/septic tank emptying • I nstallation of new septic tanks with certificates

• Repairs to existing pozos CTV Camera •C Inspection Call Andy on 950 091 109 or 648 768 587

Email: blockeddrainsrus@albox-online.net

Cleaning of Septic Tanks ▪ Emptying of septic Tanks & Cesspits, with high pressure cleaning ▪ Small unblockages of pipes & drainage

Pool Cleaning & Water Tanks

Contact: 675 838 808 electrician

CD electrical SERVICES Rewires & Upgrades - Fault Finding - Boletins

Emergency Call Outs

lady wants to buy large terracotta garden pots, call 647 379 878, can collect

wanted king size bed must 2 x Chrome be in excellent condition, can collect Shower Doors 647 379 878 wicker – offers. Tel: 950 conservatory 497 612 / 647 921 settee/chairs wanted must be 286 Almerimar comfy, can collect call: 647 379 878

CONTACT US

VidaRestaurant&Venue Drainage

Fast, efficient, competitive service.

Tel: 634 328 574 james@wildwood.es

Private parties Birthday etc, all events catered for call for more information

Direct customers to your website?

expectingababy.2006@gmail.com

For all your carpentry requirements

Teak 2 S unbeds , as new 40€ Pool each, 90x180, Table condition, exc.

2 sets of balls & cues. 150€ ono, 2 Stainless Stools Steel condition ex 60€ pair or 30€ Papillon each, Grass Cutter ex 25€ condition Tel: 950 497 612 / 647 921 286 Almerimar

Question?

Want to grow your business?

Have unlimited opportunity at affordable rates?

WILDWOOD Bespoke Joinery

Venue @ La Vida El Cucador

SOLTIMES

950 436 581 or 666 375 688

Airport services shopping Servicing / Repairs blinds & screens trips hospital A irport bugsreplacement windows & transfers appointments doors Aluminuim & UPVC fitted etc pick up all areas, & made to measure tel: 600 049 c o m p e t i t i v e 663 429 521 515 rates. For a professional quote please visit carpentry Wooden www. spanish 4 reliable for all your G arden e s t a t e a g e n t . service carpentry needs Trellises, 90cm. x com or call 661 Call B& B designs on 646 101 712 170cm, rounded 143 871 at the top. 10€ alternative energy each Tel 950 042 Solar Wind Power Solutions.

031 (Arboleas) Over 15 years installation 1 Sunbeds experience. established 12 Blue & 1 Green. years in Spain.

Call Phil Quality Good for competitive prices 636 261 240 & Hardly Used. email:info@sunergyalmeria.com chimney sweep Returning to UK. www.sunergy almeria.com 50 euros ono.

The Chimney sweep, for a 634 395 167 friendly professional service Call available venues Paul on : 617 150 300 or 850 993 (Mojacar) 057.

E lectric computers Lawnmower, VGC 45€ Tel: Don Robinson pc consultant Advice, Help, Training, Diagnosis & Repair 647 587 853

Alicante Almeria Murcia New

Tel: 950 121 936 or 902 750 190 Ext 332 sales@soltimes.com

for all your electrical needs!!! air conditioning & ALARMS

Mat Murray 647 841 750 matmurrayes@gmail.com established in spain for 14 years

fully legal

Call: 617 410 534or 662 414 043 info@cdelectricalservices.com www.cdelectricalservices.com

Check out our genuine reviews on

www.viva-almeria.com

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

www.soltimes.com equipment hire

insurance

albox

insurance est 7 years Award winning agent For all your Insurance Needs

gardening

potty finca services

iron/ metal works

including all types of palm trees

gardens & hedge cutting spanish registered. ring john on 616 855 294 or 950 163 930

landscape gardening

• Block work • Balustrades • Paving Driveways & Paths Call Graham & Barry now for free estimate

620 112 193 or 667 853 062

PAINTER / DECORATOR cont

If you wish us to print an article about a particular topic in our regular space on pg 15, please email info@daviessolicitors.com 4wayconnections Legal and Translation Services. Tel 646 844 708 www.4wayconnections.com

locksmith Phil the Pick Locksmith 24 hours. Locked Out? Locks fitted/ upgraded house safes. Arboleas & surrounding area. Special weekend rates. Tel: 697 243 181

logs

PLASTERER

plumbing

plasterer

For all your plumbing needs Fully Qualified heating engineer

PAINTING British INSIDE & OUT

personals

Educated Caring Lady

professional tree felling & pruning, strimming of overgrown

Tel: 950 121 936 or 902 750 190 ext 332

The Metal works Grills, railings, gates All quality of all types, products security/sliding/ roller, rejas, Make over your Please contact concertina doors home this year etc. Tel: Keith Glenn & jayne 950 121 943 Wood on 638 Tel Graham & infoalbox.libertyseguros@gmail.com 900 949 Barry on T & T Metals For all quality metal 620 112 193 or works, including gates, railings, 667 853 062 rejas, staircases, gazebos & chainlink fencing Tel: 950 431 738

legal

would like to meet a single kind gentleman aged 65-75 who is looking for love & friendship.

Smoker accepted but not a heavy drinker. GSH. Financially Stable.

Zurgena area.

Please call between 4pm & 8pm. 630 993 474 pets section

woodhouse boarding kennels & cattery - arboleas

Small friendly kennels, 24hr vets service, pet transporting arranged, welcome to view ministry approved Tracy Mobile 650 211 952

All work guaranteed Tel Paul 634 327 201

advertise in the

soltimes

contact barry 667 853 062 or graham 620 112 193

KNOWLES plumbing No 1 for Plumbing

All types of Plumbing

call paulette on

Central Heating Gas/Oil - Solar Hot Water Boiler Servicing, Repairs & Replacements Water Leaks - Sewage Blockages Water Deposit Tanks 500-8000l Pool Pumps - Septic Tanks Osmosis Systems

950 121 936

TELEPHONE: 950137197 / 606807797

classified

PROPERTY section

Specialising in rural property with character Whether you are buying or selling we will be delighted to hear from you

Call Stephen 636 266 641 email info@findmeahome.es Find us online at www.findmeahome.es facebook.com/findmeahome

Honest & Reliable person with load of small or big Olive logs, no roots €160 load of mixed references, available for House / Pet Olive some roots €140 load of sitting. Lived locally for 10 years. Tel: eucalyptus, no roots €160 all loads 950 163 489. health & beauty VERA APARTMENT FOR RENT 2 tonnes Arboleas & surrounding SHORT-TERM/HOLIDAY RENTAL avon cosmetics Tel Claire areas Call Lee on 636 092 632, 691 987 454 avonfromclaire eliteplanthire@hotmail.co.uk @yahoo.es pamper yourself at R Retreat El Cucador, beauty treatments, hair salon, holistic massage, waxing, pedicure etc. Therapists all established & UK qualified.

Email retreatcucador.gmail.com or call 647 379 878 for a full listing of treatments or look at our main advert on the ladies page inside & call the therapists direct

hobby/craft

ELAINE’S WOOLS

Quality UK Wool & Accessories.

Come & view my DISPLAY. Also Available at CAT Services & Total Entertainment

Call 667 273 889 elaineswools@gmail.com

HOME HELP/CARER Mature Irish Lady Home Help/ Cleaning In Mojacar & Surrounding Areas. Experienced & Can Supply References. Reasonable Rates. Call Yvonne 634369053

house maintenance

General house & garden maintenance, No job to small tel: 600 049 515

Phil Delivers

Logs

gravel & all building materials

Albox & Surrounding areas

tel: 634 328 779

OPTICIANS Optica Albox All your optical needs, eye tests, hearing tests, contact lenses Tel: 950 121 991

PAINTER / DECORATOR

painter & decorator

friendly - professional -reliable neat & tidy - experienced no job too small

ring for a free quote

Tel: 649 186 107 or

email thunderpaul2003@hotmail.com

33

pet taxi TRAVELLING IN AIR CONDITIONED VEHICLE DELIVERED TO DOOR PETS STAY IN PET FRIENDLY HOTELS. ACCOMPANIED TRAVEL AVAILABLE

(0034) 667 235 205 (sp) (0044) 7850 575862

No need for kennels or cattery Pet sitting in your own home, Arboleas & local area.

Call Vanessa 637 061 482 Pilates

pilates

with Sharon O’Lanlon every Wednesday 11am - 12 all welcome all levels at La Vida, El Cucdor Call for more details 638 487 314 fully UK reg: 25 years experience

2 BEDROOM, 2 BATHROOM, pENTHOUSE APARTMENT IN VERA PLAYA ALL MOD CONS, BALCONY & ROOF TERRACE OFFERING FANTASTIC VIEWS cALL 663 977 230 EMAIL: gedfab@yahoo.com Vera Playa Apartment

advertise your property

detatched cortijo

reduced

20mins from mojacar, 4 beds, 2 baths, Open plan living areas, kitchen & diningroom as well as a workshop, courtyard front & back & room for a pool. Mountain views. €135,000 ono 649 186 107 BARGAIN For sale.

One bedroom apartment in La Envia Golf.

Fully furnished.

Ready for rental. Superb investment opportunity.

Offers based on 35,000€.

No timewasters please.

Call 663 426 921

From just 10€ per week!

Your property will appear as shown above and be seen by almost 55,000 Sol Times readers!

Tel: Paulette on 950 121 936

34

...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

are you a trade Business? advertise in the classified section & reach over 30,000 potential customers

Classified box from 9€. lineage only 45 cents per word Deadline 5pm Friday Contact Paulette on 950 121 936 or 902 750 190 ext 332

situations vacant

removals

SPAIN UK SPAIN Removals Friendly Reliable Service Fully Legal Special deals from UK - Spain

Office: 968 564 298 Mobile: 696 621 884 marmenorremovals@ hotmail.com UK - SPAIN - UK

From a parcel to a small house move Professional,Friendly & Caring Fully insured, scheduled monthly door to door service

uk@fmtransport.co.uk www.fmtransport.co.uk

+44 (0) 1582 499 836 +44 (0) 7977 754 389

De Lima’s

removals Local, National & international REMOVALS & STORAGE Quality Second hand furniture showroom

263 Paseo del Mediterraneo Mojacar Playa, Next to Sal Marina Hotel Mon-Sat: 10am-2pm Call Marc on 647 006 183 or Brian on 674 280 268 or e-mail enquiries@delimas.biz

www.delimas.biz

fortnightly SERVICE TO & FROM UK FULL OR PART LOADS

M&D transport

Large Van Removals / Deliveries Spain - UK Full or Half Loads Collections e.g from IKEA Tel Mick: 950 122 447 Mob: 620 475 218

safe & secure transport Marketing Assistants to & from uk

thermal lined & controlled ventilation ideal for pets

200€ dog 100€ cats & birds heavy loads welcome

4700kg with speed limiter fixed price quotes fully legal operation shop & offices to visit px goods to offset costs

call: 634 368 430

advertise in the

soltimes classified

due to company expansion.

Costa Blanca North & Murcia Regions Full Time position available for promotional work.

Basic salary plus excellent bonus package .

Please email your CV to marketing@avalonsl.es or call

Rebecca 966 799 070

swimming pools

Pro Care Pools Tel: 642 370 681

call paulette on 950 121 936

required

email: procare property service@ gmail.com

yoga Yoga with Liz Hill every Wednesday 2pm - 4pm at La Vida El Cucador over 20 years experiences UK trained All levels welcome call Liz for more info on 667 979 445

motoring section car & van hire

Mobile motor mechanic

Van hire

ONE WAY



UK to Spain or Spain to UK

*LOCAL *NATIONAL *EUROPEAN

mobile mechanics

* COLLECTION & DELIVERY *STORAGE

TEL: 667 235 205

Pick up/drop off locations Throughout UK, France and Spain

number plates

“RE-PLATE” MATE GB

E

Don’t take a chance!

Don’t break the Law! Let us take the hassle away from you and re-register your vehicle on to Spanish plates WE PROMISE TO BEAT ANY GENUINE QUOTATION For a full service contact:

Alan 662 249 159

www.replatematecostablanca.com

covering all areas, fully qualified & legal, over 30 years experience, Call Paul on 617 150 300 wanted

cars 4 cash

vehicles bought & sold prompt decisions made

654 598 455 or 693 702 629

wanted uk

car/bike for sale

Smart Car, 2001, Silver & Black

99,000 Km, Automatic/manual ITV to Nov 2014, Recent engine overhaul Offers 2,500€ Tel. 950 069 610 Mob. 634 881 689

€5.200

SEAT IBIZA 1.9 Tdi SPORTS 2008, 103.000KM, NEW TIMING BELT IMMACULATE CONDITION NEW TYRES,

CALL PAUL 671 843 155

sold thanks to the

for cash

Opel Corsa 1.7

667 235 205

A great opportunity for the right person. Working in our busy, friendly Zurgena offices with hours to suit.

Must be able to use Indesign and Photoshop and work with networks

Send your CV to rob@soltimes.com situations WANTED

young english couple would like to continue living in Spain & require work

All jobs considered

labouring, gardening, office, driving etc please contact Daniel or Rachael on 634 368 071 rachelchalmers83@yahoo.co.uk

cars & vans bought

Telephone

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT REQUIRED

soltimes

diesel. ITV till July 2014 200.000 Kms. 1200€.

Tel: 676 827 525 Or 950 930 721

Busy Estate Agency requires an

To advertise your vehicle in the motoring section & reach over 32,000 readers

Call paulette on 950 121 936

EXPERIENCED SALES PERSON Requirements: fluent english, good level of spanish, full driving licence, computer literate, excellent communication skills, good knowledge of local area.

To apply, please forward your CV to info@almeriahomes.com

car/bike for sale

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

www.soltimes.com

card, selected the item I required, and Added it to my Cart. So far so good, but that was as far as I could get – amazon wanted my password.

I had no idea what my password was, so I pretended to be a new customer. This got it all of a lather, as it was sure that it recognised my email address, and kept sending me emails asking if I wanted to Activate a New Account, threatening to wipe out all my Purchasing History if I did so.

Go on, wipe it! I urged, but it was fixated on my password. In an effort to circumnavigate the password problem, I clicked Change My Password. This resulted in another email, asking if I wanted to change my password. Read my clicks, amazon! I want to change my password!

I filled in a new password, confirmed it, and clicked Continue, patiently unjumbling the scrambled letters as requested. This

By Jos Biggs

josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk

brought about a flurry of email activity from amazon.

Congratulations on creating a new account followed hard on the heels of Did I Want to Change my Password? I thought I’d just done that!

I settled in for the long haul, and changed the password that I had just changed. It responded with an email asking if I wanted a new account – Yup, that was the general idea! I unscrambled some more letters, and, as requested, changed my password again.

By now I have to my reckoning 3 accounts and 3 passwords, but hey, so what! Functioning on automatic pilot I repeated the account/password/ unscramble the letters game 3 times more, yet amazon still did not consider me acceptable as a customer.

So I now had 6 separate accounts, with 6 separate passwords, and feel discriminated against. If you don’t want my custom, amazon, be woman enough to man up to it, and tell me!

I’m fed up now – I’m going to sulk! So there!

Skating On Expensive Ice In 1936 Berlin hosted the summer Olympics and with Hitler wishing to showcase the Third Reich and the great achievements of National Socialism, and to outdo the Los Angeles games of 1932, a new 100,000 seater stadium was built along with six gymnasiums and many smaller arenas. A state of the art closed circuit television and radio system that reached 41 countries was installed, and a production company was commissioned to film the games at great cost.

It was to be a statement about racial supremacy and Hitler demanded medals from Germany’s athletes.

In 2014, Sochi is the host city for the Winter Olympics and at an estimated cost of £30billion, it is the most expensive and lavish winter games of all time.

All protests and marches against the current regime have been banned except from one small area well away from the games and prying foreign journalistic eyes, and last week a pop group who decided to sing a protest song in the wrong location, were attacked by police with horse whips and carted off to jail.

The aim of these games is to showcase the new Russia to the world and Mr Putin has demanded medals.

Away from the politics, some of the action has been a joy to watch, even for us British, who have no tradition of winter sporting

success. As I write, the ladies curling team has just won the bronze medal and the men are due to play for the gold later today – although let’s be honest, we are really talking about Scottish teams here, playing a Scottish sport under the team GB banner.

But as an Englishman, I still reserve the right to cheer them on.

For those unfamiliar with the sport; a team of four people take it in turns to slide a shiny Ayers Rock with a handle down some ice in an effort to score a bullseye and in the process shunt the other team’s rock out of the way, which seems extremely rude to me. But there you go.

With a bronze in the snowboarding; a fabulous gold medal in the women’s skeleton and with real prospects in the speed skating, it would seem that we are set to win several medals this time around and have our best Winter Olympics to date. Only a Brit could get ecstatic over a haul of four or five medals.

Apart from the curling – the tactics of which I am still struggling to comprehend – my wife has been glued to the skating events, and although the moves are truly a thing of beauty, it’s more a girlie thing as far as I am concerned, and I only watch the occasional routine. But it’s my lovely wife’s reaction and comments about the competitors that entertain me the most.

There is as much oooing and ahhhing about the female skaters costumes as the actual performances.

But come on; the intricate ensemble’s on Strictly Come Dancing I can understand – they are fabulous creations that have obviously been painstakingly handmade and cost hundreds of pounds – but the tiny getups worn by skaters are no more than a collection of coloured badbirdnow@gmail.com scarves and ribbons. One

By Colin Bird :

girl glided onto the ice yesterday and my beloved almost spilled her Guinness.

“Isn’t that just beautiful” she exclaimed.

But to me it looked like a couple of square feet of net curtain to which had been attached some sparkly stuff, the contents of a tube of Smarties and a few budgie feathers.

Then in the absence of any British interest in much of the skating these days, there is the way that my wife will attach herself to one particular competitor.

“Who do you want to win?”

I asked the other day.

“That one in the blue dress” she told me.

“Oh the Canadian girl.

Why’s that?”

“All the others are foreign.” came the reply.

We have Universal logic; then there is women’s logic and finally my wife’s particular brand of logic.

Or later on, when my wife declared that a certain girl would take a tumble before she had ice-danced a single step. The reason given? That the poor unfortunate lady was wearing plain skating pants and not budgie feathers. The hell of it is, the unfortunate girl did fall as predicted which has convinced me that in future, I will always ask what to wear when we have an evening out.

I can’t get over how young the skaters are these days. Each games seem to produce a more youthful crop of adolescents with 15 being the current lower age limit. One skater was not given much of a chance by the commentators because she was much older than the others and nearing the end of her career.

The poor old dear was 28.

Cue: deep meaningful sigh.

John MacDonald (El Sordo) - www.caratacus.eu

Amazon Impossible

What is the matter with amazon? Why can I not order stuff from them? Are my electronic euros not good enough for them? Or are they simply awkward for the sake of it?

I needed something that could only be purchased electronically, so I bravely girded my metaphorical loins and confronted amazon with my request.

Amazon instantly responded, promising to ship the item from the USA sooner than immediately.

No, I said, I want it sent from Spain. Sorry, it doesn’t exist in Spain, the site informed me.

Never mind, I’ll go to amazon.uk I thought, and Lo and behold, there it was.

I fetched the trusty credit

35

viewpoint people

alqueria

The early morning sun gently warms the stones and cobbles of Alqueria, caressing the village into a new day.

The divided people of this small pueblo still slept, unconsciously plotting their mayhem for the coming day. If one studies a map of Alqueria, one will see it is heart-shaped with the broadest expanse to the north. Here is where the people play and worship. Walking west along the Calle Generalissimo, we arrive at a confluence of streets. To our left is the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, where the devout of the village attend to their spiritual well-being.

To our right is the plaza and the Bar La Casa Devante where the hedonistic attend to their physical well-being. A small fountain in the plaza’s centre gurgles with crystal clear water, fresh from the Sierra Alhamilla.

The castle of Alqueria is accessed from the plaza by means of six easily scaled steps. It is of Moorish construction with a remarkably well preserved tower.

Leaving the square and heading west once more we pass the small museum which houses the famous Corsé de Napoleon and other treasures from the village’s past. We now enter the Calle Mirador with the houses of the Hill People to the left. These are ancient dwellings arranged around the cobbled street. There is a small school opposite and then we go on past Poyato’s smallholding. This takes us to the southern extremity of Alqueria.

The olive mill, Alqueria’s only industry is passed

on the right. Opposite it is the bar La Golondrina Verde, playground of Los Recién Llegados, the Newcomers. We now join the Avenida el Raro and pass the fire station on the right. We head east to the abodes of the favoured Newcomers. These are palatial properties, high-walled and swimmingpooled. Walking on we pass the cemetery to the right and then the banks of the Río Verde, reflecting the sun’s rays from its calm surface. Joining the Calle el Raro from the right is the Calle Huella Vieja, the northern route out of the village. This completes a circumnavigation of Alqueria and we once again stand bathed in the early morning sun at the village’s northern extreme.

The only other street worthy of note is the Calle Horno, the rest being simple thoroughfares. The Calle Horno runs laterally entering the Calle del Siniestro to the west and the Calle Límite to the east. To be in the Calle Horno during the early hours is a sublime experience. The wonderful aroma of freshly baked bread permeates every corner of the street tempting the fasted palate. Also in the Calle is the Ayuntamiento and on the other side of the street the doctor’s surgery.

To walk the empty streets of Alqueria during these early hours with the whitewashed houses reflecting the morning sun can lift one’s soul. It is only later when the population awake and begin their interminable squabbling that a cloud appears to darken the town.

As Jean-Paul Sartre wrote ‘l’enfer, c’est les autres’.

advance moves

Leading Removal Company reports on strengthening housing market One of Spain’s top removal companies has reported that they experienced a resurgence in the Spanish housing market during 2013 and it looks like 2014 will be an even busier year. Mat Ford-Dunn, the Managing Director of ‘Advance Moves International Removals’ pointed to the fact that many property values in Spain have now fallen to a much more realistic level and this has definitely resulted in increased house sales. This has been noticed in all regions of Spain as Advance Moves operate their relocation services throughout the mainland.

Advance Moves has its main warehouse in Murcia, Spain, with an additional warehouse in Kent in the UK and has had to purchase 5 new vans and trucks to cope with the increased demand over the past year.

The UK housing market is also in a state of recovery and increased house sales have resulted in more people selling up and looking to buy in Spain. There are many factors that

tempt expats to Spain, not least the recent periods of turbulent weather, which many parts of the UK have suffered.

On the flip side, for economic reasons many British Expats are now able to sell properties in Spain and Advance Moves are often the first choice when it comes to repatriating them back to the UK. Mat was also keen to point out that the increase in demand for their removal services was also down to the level of service and expertise that Advance moves offer to their clients and the fact that many clients had already seen the brightly liveried vehicles on the roads undertaking their removal services.

Advance moves is also a member of the British Association of Removers and one of only a few companies that export wrap furniture to provide extra protection for international removals.

‘Our clients know that they are getting a more competitively priced, premium removal service, when compared to the rest of the market. The increased volume of removals enables Advance Moves to offer their clients a more regular and flexible timetable for their individual removal requirements’ Mat sees the trend continuing throughout 2014 with the housing market in the UK and Spain continuing to make steady process.

Advance Moves are gearing up for another busy year.

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

animal corner 6 Great Ways to Challenge Your Dog’s Mind

Tel 677 146 592 (Palomares) email melchap888@hotmail.com

Shandy needs a new home. She was rescued from a bin when she was only a few days old and we have done our best to look after her up until now. However, as a single mum who works all day and travels a lot, I can no longer give her the attention, love and long walks she needs. She is a very friendly and loving dog and has been great with my girls.

As part whippet though, she really needs more outside space and long walks/runs every day. I hope you will love her and find her a new home.

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Just like people, dogs get bored with the same old everyday routine. Keeping them mentally challenged and constantly exposing them to new things is just as important as taking them for walks and exercising them.

Bored dogs develop destructive behaviors and take their negative energy out on things like your furniture.

Here are some creative ways to stimulate your dog’s mind so they don’t get bored and misbehave:

1. Work on a new trick.

Every time you engage your dog in a training session, you are providing him with a mental challenge. Search around for new tricks to work on.

If you’re ready to move past the basic commands, check out books, scan the Internet, and ask a trainer for ideas for new tricks and training ideas.

2. Play with interactive games or toys with your dog.

Purchase a doggie board game or a canine puzzle to challenge your pup. Engage your dog in a game of Dog Memory or Dog Dominos. Give your dog one of the many toys that allow you to hide treats and objects inside and engage your dog to figure out how to work them out.

3. Run errands with your dog.

Even a quick run to the mailbox, a stopover at a friend’s house, or a spin through the car wash will place your dog face to face with a variety of stimulants.

4. Give your dog a job to do.

Dogs are bred to complete tasks such as hunting and herding. When they aren’t able to fulfill these types of duties, they can get restless.

Engage your dog in a

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game of Frisbee. Get him involved in a sport like agility or Flyball. Take him for a long walk, hike, or swim. Find jobs that fulfill your dog’s breed. If you have a retriever, for example, nothing will leave it more satisfied than a hearty game of fetch.

5. Introduce your dog to new faces.

Every time your dog meets a new person or fellow canine, they are introduced to new sights, sounds, and butts to sniff. Taking you pup to places like the dog park will provide him with ample opportunity to engage his senses.

6. Give them new toys and rotate out the old ones:

You wouldn’t want to play with the same thing every day would you? Then you shouldn’t expect your dog to continue to love the same toy that he’s had for months. Give him a toy to play with for a few days and when he grows bored of it, replace it with another one.

Source: www.cesarsway.com/

image: www.humanality.blogspot.com

36

SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

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37

Vauxhall Cascada: car review

Price £23,995 - MPG 44.8 - Top speed 129mph

One day the sun will return, and when it does Vauxhall’s four-seat open top Cascada will help you make the most of it We know a car is a substitute for all manner of personality defects.

They’re the six-cylinder seawall we erect to shore up our mounting insecurities. And nothing does that better than a big-engined convertible.

The mighty rumble from its exhausts tells the world we are solvent, virile and, yes, awesome. We park next to miserable midsize saloons in company carparks and watch the oppo limp away… pulverised. Booyakasha!

So how come I always feel like a knob when I drop the top?

The reason, I think, is that people who purchase convertibles are overly concerned with their image. They buy ludicrous red sports cars made

by Italians; they wear sunglasses in the shade; they put too much gel on their thinning hair. But one thing they don’t do is buy Vauxhalls. So this Cascada, a new convertible from the Luton-based company (which last year celebrated its 110th anniversary), comes prejudice-free. No one will think you’re a right tool in the grip of an existential crisis. Leaving

you free to savour the enduring joy of driving an unpretentious car with the roof down. I am convinced this pleasure goes right back to the days when our hairyfaced ancestors roared about in open chariots.

Even then, though, there must have been jumpedup poseurs with chrome wagon wheels, flashing a thigh in a short leather tunic. Maybe in white, with tassels…

So, for those of you looking for an unassuming convertible, you’ll find the Cascada is more than up to the job. It’s a well-made and thoughtfully designed car. With the roof folded

SPORT

SPORT SHORTS by Tony Matthews •L ast night, in the Champions League, Manchester United took on Olympiakos while this evening Chelsea visit Galatasaray. Tomorrow Tottenham (1-0 down) and Swansea (0-0) play the return legs of their last 32 Europa League ties against Dnipro and Napoli respectively.

•S aturday’s PL games are Everton-West Ham, Fulham-Chelsea, Hull-Newcastle, Stoke-Arsenal and Southampton-Liverpool; on Sunday it’s Aston Villa-Norwich, Swansea-Crystal Palace and Spurs-Cardiff, while at Wembley, Manchester City play Sunderland in the League Cup final.

•T he top matches in the Championship are Burnley-Derby, Leicester-Charlton, Nottingham Forest-Wigan and QPR-Leeds.

•T oday England play the West Indies in the first of three One Day cricket internationals in Antigua.

•T he World Track Cycling championships continue in Colombia with Brits Laura Trott, Dani King, Jo Rowsell, Becky James, Jason Kenny, Ed Clancy and Phil Hindes all hoping for medals.

•L ast Thursday in the Europa League, Jonathan Soriano of Saltzburg scored one of the greatest goals I’ve seen for years from 55 yards in a 3-0 win over Ajax.

• I n the PL last weekend it was Cardiff 0 Hull 4, Chelsea 1 Everton 0, Manchester City 1 Stoke 0; Arsenal 4 Sunderland 1; Norwich 1 Spurs 0; Newcastle 1 Villa 0; Liverpool 4 Swansea 3; Crystal Palace 0 Manchester United 2, West Ham 3 Southampton 1 & WBA 1 Fulham 1.

•B urnley beat Nottingham Forest 3-1 and Leicester whipped Ipswich 3-0 in the Championship while in-form Wolves won 3-0 at Brentford to go second behind Orient in FL1.

•F raser Forster kept his 13th successive clean sheet as Celtic beat Hearts 2-0 in the SPL. He’s not conceded a goal for 1,311 minutes - a new Scottish record.

• I n Spain, La Liga leaders Real Madrid beat Elche 3-0, Real Sociedad stunned Barcelona 3-1, Osasuna blitzed Atletico Madrid 3-0 and Almeria drew 0-0 with Malaga.

•E ngland will play Estonia, Lithuania, Switzerland, Slovenia, and San Marino in their qualifying group for Euro 2016. Wales take on Belgium, Spain meet Ukraine, Germany play both Scotland and Eire and Northern Ireland oppose Hungary.

•H elens lost 36-14 to Sydney Roosters in Rugby’s League World Challenge in Australia and last weekend’s Six Nations matches ended Wales 27 France 6, England 17 Ireland 10 (in a bruising battle at Twickenham) and Scotland won 21-20 in Italy.

•C ongratulations to GB on gaining four medals at the Winter Olympics, equalling their best haul, achieved in France in 1924.

• New Zealand batsman Brendon McCullum hit 302 in last week’s drawn Test with India, is the highest ever total made by a Kiwi, beating Martin Crowe’s 299 set in 1991.

•A nd if you don’t already know, Wayne Rooney has signed an extended contract with Manchester United which will see him earn £82.6m over the next five-anda-half years.

neatly away, it has all the clean functionality of an elegant yacht’s tender.

The roof is fabric – those folding hard-tops are so last year – and this softens and feminises the car. You can also have it in a stylishly contrasting colour. My test vehicle had a chocolate hood on a pale sapphire body – gorgeous.

Inside, the dash is wrapped in stitched leather, the seats are deep and the controls are nibbed in quality rubbers.

The only oversight is the crappy red dot-matrix display between the dials, which looks like it was nicked from a 70s microwave.

share a single panel with any other Vauxhall. The car comes in two trim levels, SE and Elite, and there’s a range of engines to choose from. The two bestsellers will be the 1.4-litre petrol, which is slowish yet refined and pleasant, and the gutsier 168bhp 2-litre diesel.

Vauxhall claims 44.8mpg for the former, which would be miraculous for a petrol engine, while the latter will do a more plausible 50-plus miles to the gallon.

As with almost all convertibles the boot is

fairly cramped, but the car does have four decent fullsize seats – you don’t have to be a yoga guru to tuck yourself into the back.

But visibility out the rear is shockingly poor. At one point I had to open the roof in order to reverse properly.

This isn’t a car you’ll want to drive hard. It’s a smooth, understated cruiser which lets you get on with the work of soaking up the rays without the glare of bad publicity. read more theguardian.com

on

You could be forgiven for guessing the Cascada is nothing more than a roofless Insignia, but it has been designed from the chassis up and doesn’t

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SOLTIMES FEBRUARY 2014

SPORT

R.&S.Golf at Los Llanos Market

are offering a wide range of golfing services including;

Marina Phoenix Golf Society

- Supply and fit of all types of grips - Excellent selection of good quality balls - Extensive Range of gloves - Servicing, repairs and free battery testing for all makes of electric golf trolleys - Extensive stock of pre-used Irons, Drivers, Hybrids & Putters both Ladies and Gents - We can also sell your clubs for you. Why not come and see us for a chat or call 610340653

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ALBOX, ARBOLEAS, ALFOQUIA ROQUETAS, ALMERIMAR coastal & mojacar areaS EDITOR: editor@soltimes.com

sales@soltimes.com

The main event at Marina Phoenix, this week was the annual Padfield Putter Trophy greensomes competition, affectionately called ‘gruesomes’ by the members as you only play alternate shots with your partner. Pairs are made up of a high and low handicap player in a stableford format. In the event the winning vouchers went to Linda King and Jim Budd with 39 points. In second were Tony King and Frank Varey (36) on countback from Isobel Jones and Rosalie Fardon (36) with Les Armfield and Jose Alonso (34) taking the fourth prize. Bonus hole prizes went to Maxine Mayhew (1st), Margaret Budd (5th), Les Armfield (9th), Brian Couper (14th),

Sol Times Almeria is independent of political parties, private investment and government. Our policy is to provide readers with a news and information service that is fair, accurate and balanced. Sol Times Almeria is an independent publication. Published weekly and produced exclusively in Almeria. Sol Times News Group cannot be held responsible for claims made by advertisers, nor can it be held responsible for errors in advertisements caused by poor quality text, photographs or layout instructions. Furthermore, no responsibility can be accepted for any loss or damage resulting caused by any error, inaccuracy or non-appearance of an advertisement.

EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER: Views & opinion in editorial copy are not necessarily those of the publisher. the publisher accepts no responsibility for accuracy of information, errors, omissions or statements and reject claims arising out of any action that a company or individual may take on the basis of information contained therein.

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Jim Budd (15th) and Alan Cook (17th).

The Individual competition on Monday was a stableford played in two divisions.

The ladies division was won by Isobel Jones with 32 points followed by Linda King (30) in second. Maxine Mayhew (29) was third on countback. In the mens division Brian Mayhew was successful with 38 points.

A countback for second went to Alan Morris (37) ahead of Tony King (37) in third. The only two’s prize went to Mike Schorfield.

Marina Phoenix play Mondays (individual) and Thursdays (team game). To join us for a €25 greenfee.

Ring Jim on 950 162 727 /

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VALLE DEL ESTE GOLF SOCIETY

This week at Valle del Este was crowded with golfers from all over europe, indeed anyone who had not booked a tee time could not play.

With the refurbishing of the hotel complete and also the golf course in excellent condition we can expect very busy periods in the future.

Tuesday we had a hidden pairs competition and as luck

would have it the two highest scores were drawn out Sean Halligan 36pts Ray Harrison 33pts.

Friday and our stableford competition produced brilliant scores from a number of players who despite it been a slow round enjoyed the great condition of the greens. 1st Dick Hull 38pts(hcp13 ) 2nd Dave Ross 37pts (hcp17) 3rd

sport on countback Ian Jones 36pts (hcp11) Nearest the pins Sean Halligan & Margaret Bennett.

Finally all our members wish our captain Bill Churchill a speedy recovery from a broken ankle which he sustained on Sunday. Play golf at the finest course in the area.

CABRERA LAWN BOWLING CLUB Ladies Club Championship 2014 Under a cloudy sky this year’s Club Championship took place between Judy Abel and Doreen Sands.

Judy took an early lead which she maintained throughout the match. Well played both players and congratulations Judy Ladies Champion again.

Photo:- l. to r. Runner up;Doreen Sands, and Winner ;- Judy Abel

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There were also four nearest the pins available, with these going to Derek Manning, Tony Morgan, Stan Whitty & Kevin Bircher, whilst Pat Garrigan boomed one down the eighteenth to claim the longest drive, and he only used a three wood !

Team Lorca

15th March Quiz Night & Meal at Jacks in Albox 21st March Stableford at Valle del Este For further information, contact Phil Elam on 666 847840 / philjelam@yahoo.co.uk, or see www.forumgolfsociety. webs.com

wonderful meal they provided for our annual dinner and presentation night.

The winner of the mens individual was one of our green keepers Antonio Pinero . Our ladies winner Barbara Wardley and the better ball four ball winners John and Barbara Wardley.

Come and join us at this lovely golf course and play with a golf club not a society and enjoy your golf at this lovely old golf course in such great condition. MP

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John Holder (38 points) was the day´s winner, with Brian Gyer continuing a good recent run of form in second with 36 points, with Mike Duckham (36) third, Richard Swaine (35) fourth, Terry Davies (34) fifth & Derek Manning (33) sixth.

7th March Bowmaker at

golfers for our monthly medal.

A good number for a medal competition and a good day enjoyed by all . First div winner with a score of 69 Frank Mc Govern second with 71 John Park and third with 73 John Geaves. Second div winner with 70 Albert Dekker second with 75 Stephen Picken and third with 76 Janet Kay.. Ball sweep winner on two holes Phillip Dunne.

I would like to thank on behalf of the club the owners of The Almazara bar for the

If you could buy diesel at 20% off 20% on your diesel costs for life. Some at a particular filling station, I expect are saving even more. you would travel for miles to fill your It’s a no brainer really!! So what are car to the brim every time you needed you waiting for? to refuel.

If you could buy a pair of new tyres for “Autotune” offer a fully mobile service your car that would save you 20% on and come to you at your home or your fuel costs, I expect you would workplace. buy them next time you needed All remapping software carries a tyres. lifetime guarantee.

Those tyres wearing out eventually, Also a 30 day money back guarantee and the cost and time travelling for if you don’t save money on your diesel cheap diesel probably wouldn’t be fuel costs. much of a concern.

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Forum Golf Society´s first visit in 2014 to Marina Golf in Mojacar saw a return to a course in a much improved condition, with some good scoring in an individual stableford completion which was also the penultimate qualifying event for the 2013 / 2014 Ford Golf Leagues.

Forum´s upcoming fixtures are

Wednesday 19th Feb 2014 and two divisions for our Wednesday stableford and plenty of golfers on this lovely day. The winner of the first div with 34 Frank Button and second with another 34 John Park and third with 33 Mike Picken. Our second div winner with 35 Barbara Wardley in second with 34 Martin Oliver and third with 30 Pat Hill, Ball sweep winners Mike Picken John Hill Tony Stubbs Philip Dunne times 2.

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With only one qualifier left to play (at Valle del Este on 21st March), Richard Swaine & Tony Morgan look odds on for places in the Ford League regional finals in May, but the remaining two places are still very open, with only 3 points separating third place from seventh.

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Ada Colau: Spain’s anti-eviction crusader

Hundreds of families in Spain are evicted every day, after falling behind on mortgage payments - and under Spain’s draconian laws they must continue paying off the loan even after the home has been repossessed.

Their main source of support is a determined woman from Barcelona - Ada Colau.

Back in 2009, when Colau organised the first meetings for mortgage defaulters, she was amazed to see hundreds of people turning up. But what surprised her even more was the way they behaved.

“We expected to see lots of angry people in the hall”, she says “but most were depressed and ashamed. They were embarrassed about discussing their problems. Our government kept telling these people that they were the ones responsible for this situation, that they were to blame. And that message was repeated every day on television.”

One of those who has sought support from Colau’s Platform for People Affected by Mortgages is Ermina Pacheco. As we walk to her flat past high rises and convenience stores, she tells me she began working at the age of 10 when her mother got her a job in a restaurant. Once inside I admire her collection of ceramic dolls and she shows me her wedding pictures. Ermina has been married three times and thought she’d finally found her soul mate. But two years ago the couple’s mortgage payments more than doubled from 800 to nearly 2000 euros a month.

After the sudden price hike her husband became increasingly worried and couldn’t sleep at night. He became so depressed that he overdosed on painkillers and was admitted to a psychiatric hospital. “He stayed for a month but that didn’t help,” says Ermina. “He tried to commit suicide several times after that.”

She blames the banks and the government for destroying his peace of mind and eventually the marriage. “They pushed us to buy, saying why waste 100 euros in rent when you can have your own property?

Now I feel that we were tricked.”

Ermina thinks her husband is still alive though she has no idea where he is today.

But many heavily indebted Spaniards have killed themselves. It was a wave of evictionrelated suicides which prompted Ada to set up the Platform five years ago.

When the housing bubble burst, migrant workers in the construction industry and low-income families were the hardest hit. Today people from many different backgrounds have been sucked into the mortgage crisis.

With unemployment at 26% - the highest rate in Europe except for Greece - people live in fear of losing their jobs. On top of that, many lose their homes.

“It is a real social emergency,” says Gerardo Pisarello a Barcelona based law professor and mortgage expert. “Spain has one of the worst housing policies in Europe.”

Unlike Germany, he says, there is no rent control to govern the private market and only 2% of housing is social housing - state subsidised homes for low-income families.

This compares with about 20 or 30% in the Netherlands, Scandinavia, France and the UK. Spain also has some of the toughest mortgage laws. People must continue to pay off their mortgages, complete with interest and penalty charges, even after they have been evicted and their home whose value is appraised by the bank itself - has been repossessed. Since mortgage defaulters are disqualified from filing for bankruptcy, many are saddled with debts they can never escape.

Colau’s platform has collected one and half million signatures calling for changes in these laws which make it virtually impossible for debtors to wipe the slate clean and start again.

Last March, the European Court of Justice ruled that Spain’s legislation was in breach of EU consumer protection laws because it

did not allow judges to halt evictions, even if mortgage contracts contained unfair terms. These abusive terms, referred to by the court ruling, include high penalties for late interest payments and eviction for missing just one or two payments on a 30year mortgage.

Apart from lobbying the government, the Platform runs a network of local assemblies where people can come for help. There are 65 in Catalonia alone and 150 across the country.

Across Spain, though, some 350,000 families have been forced out of their homes since the property market crashed in 2008.

Word about the Platform spread, together with Ada Colau’s popularity, when she appeared before a parliamentary committee on the mortgage. She reacted to a remark by a representative of the AEB, the Spanish Banking Association, by calling him a criminal.

“He boasted that Spain has got the best

mortgage system in the whole world,” she recalls. “I couldn’t believe it when it has caused so much suffering. It was an instinctive reaction but calling him a criminal was the least I could do!”

Juan Jose Toribio, an adviser to the Spanish Banking Association, says Colau’s attack on his colleague was unjustified.

He says the banks stopped evicting the most vulnerable families in 2012. That change in policy came after a 53-year woman died jumping from her fourth-floor apartment in northern Spain, hours before she was due to be forced out of her home.

This new policy only suspends evictions for two years but the Platform says thousands of vulnerable families are still being made homeless. According to the Bank of Spain, evictions accelerated in the first half of last year when more than 35,000 Spanish homes were seized by banks for non-payment.

Toribio denies that the banks are to blame for the evictions crisis.

Just Dream & We’ll Make Your Dreams Come True

We need new properties for rent and sale!

Los Carasoles - Zurgena (04661) ALMERIA -SPAIN

for rent

Villa in Llanos del Peral Villa Sheila for rent in Llanos del Peral. Nice villa with pool on a 1500 square meter plot. 3 beds, 2 baths, fitted kitchen & furnished.

Pool maintainance is included. Lovely views.

500€ monthly

FOR sale

VILLA IN ALFOQUIA

55.000 €

Detached villa on a 419 square meter plot with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, spacious terrace, laundry rooms and pool. Very nice location and views.

office: +34 950 43 82 21 / 636 205 070 Spanish Antonio +34 661 90 41 19 opening Times 9:00h to14:00h

www.newhorizonvillas.com

newhorizonvillasalmeria@gmail.com info@newhorizonvillas.com

VILLAS FOR RENT URGENTLY REQUIRED For total peace of mind leave your property management to us, we will handle everything for you.

New Horizon Villas also provides the following services: All types of building work reforms, plumbing, electricity, painting & excavation works.

Estimates at no cost!

FOR RENT

Villa in Arboleas

3 beds, 2 baths, fully furnished or without funished, fireplace, a/c in each room, 9 x 5 pool, 800m2 plot & shed. Quiet area 7 lovely views. Accept pets.

450€ monthly

for rent

VILLA IN CUCADOR Villa for rent in Cucador.

Detached villa with pool on a 1000 square meter plot. 3 beds, 2 baths, fitted kitchen and furnished

400€ monthly

FOR sale

Villa ROSA in Cucador Beautiful villa with pool on a 2000 square meter plot. 3 beds, 2 baths, lounge-diner, fitted kitchen, garage and air conditioning.

Reduced Price 152.000 €