Ultimate Magazine Almería - November/December 2016

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ISSUE No. 41 Nov-Dec 2016

www.ultimatemagazine.es

Merry Christmas PLUS PROPERTY PAGES - ALL YOUR AGENTS IN ONE PLACE

SPECIAL DEALS ALWAYS AVAILABLE

NOW OPEN IN MOJACAR

950 615 343

Z Zafiro fi TTours M Mojacar j www.mojacar.zafirotours.es Paseo del Mediterraneo, 257 (next to Hotel el Puntazo) Mojacar Playa

WELCOME... ...to our Winter and Festive edition of the Ultimate Magazine for the months of November and December.

We have now entered our 8th year of publication and the magazine is getting more and more popular with readers coming into our shop for copies of the magazine and new advertisers calling to profile their businesses. Their are plenty of advertisers in this magazine that have supported us from the very beginning as well as new companies so please let them know you saw them in the Ultimate Magazine. If you wish to start advertising in the magazine next year please email info@ultimatemagazine.es for the up to date prices and offers.

In this edition we have some fun Christmas facts, a famous names quiz, profile on a new Mojácar resident as well as our regular news and features on places to see, golf, books, a recipe and the story of why we have Christmas puddings.

Lots of the beach bars are now closed or closing for the end of the season until Easter or May so make sure you check if they are open before travelling out for a meal.

Richard and Belinda of Badgers fame have now moved to Kukis restaurant and will be offering all your favourites from Badgers in their new venue so here’s wishing them good luck in their new venture.

We would like to wish all of our advertisers old and new a very Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year, from Gary, Sallie and all the team.

SALES DIRECTOR Gary Funnell 634 365 367 GENERAL ENQUIRIES office: 950 473 102 info@ultimatemagazine.es

Contents

04 Famous Names 06 Come Wine With Me: Christmas Tipples 08 At the movies: Inferno 10 N332: Rules & Regs 14 Things to do: Córdoba 18 QI: Christmas facts 20 The Book Shelf 23 Photography Hints & Tips 25 Julia Hubbard 26 Lifestyle: Yoga 28 Food Glorious Food: Apple & Toffee crumble 30 Gourmet Guide 39 History of Christmas Pudding 44 Comedians: Festive fun 46 A destination report: Costa del Christmas 48 The Golf Pages: Club tips, Deals & Tournaments 55 Spanish Superstitions 60 Worlds Most: Richest Fictional Characters 62 Three Kings 64 Property Pages

Next Issue no.42 Jan-Feb 2017

Ultimate Almeria (Published by GSF Communications), Paseo de Mediterráneo, Mojacar. 04638 Tel: 950 473 102 and remember to check out our new website. www.ultimatemagazine.es If you are a writer or wish to advertise your business in the next edition please do not hesitate to contact our office in Mojacar on 950 473 102 or e-mail info@ultimatealmeria.com Ultimate Almeria has taken due care and diligence in compiling this guide and cannot accept responsibility for advertisers work, services or goods. Please use standard practise and take up further references. We endeavour to ensure that all contents are correct at the time of going to press but cannot be held responsible for the effects of errors or omissions.

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What’s in a name..?

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...that which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.�

Known by their stage names, these people may not have made it as big with their real names. Can you put the name to the face?

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Katy Hudson

Maurice Micklewhite

Demetria Guynes

Georgios Panayiotou

Natalia Nikolaevna Zakharenko

Leroy Harold Scherer, Jr.

Allen Konigsberg

Terry Jean Bollette

Joaquin Rafael Bottom

Frances Gumm

Cornelius Crane Chase

Ilyena Lydia Vasilievna Mironov

Issur Danielovitch Demsky

Archibald Alexander Leach

Krishna Pandit Bhanji

Ehrich Weiss

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come

Wine

with me

Christmas tipples from around the world

by Adele Land

The thought of Christmas drinks always conjures up the taste of Advocaat liqueur at my Gran’s house when I was a child. The sickly bright custard-yellow liquid mixed with lemonade to make a Snowball, made me feel very grown up. Different parts of the world have differing ideas on what to serve as a festive tipple.

Another UK favourite (and another of my Gran’) is sweet sherry, more often than not, Harvey’s Bristol Cream’ a sugar-laden fortified wine, a small glass is usually enough to send your blood sugars racing!

In the US, the festive period wouldn’t be complete without a bowl of Egg Nog chilling in the fridge. One of my personal favourites, the drink is made from rum, whisked eggs, cream and nutmeg. It can be made a day or so in advance and should always be served chilled.

Similar to Egg Nog, from the island of Puerto Rico, is Coquito, simple to make, simply whisk condensed milk, evaporated milk, coconut milk, egg yolk, cinnamon and white rum. Serve in a wine or hi-ball glass, always chilled.

Christmas in Australia falls during the warm weather time of year so anything goes really, cool white wine, iced cocktails or the ubiquitous cold Fosters!

Preparing a Christmas drink in Germany can be a lengthy affair, the traditional drink, Feuerzangenbowle, is made by slowly infusing a ‘sugarloaf’ with mulled wine, rum & spices, setting it alight, waiting for it to mostly caramelise & then ladle it into mugs to be drunk warm.

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Also popular in Germany and Austria at Christmas is Glühwein, easy to make by heating red wine and adding cinnamon sticks, star anise, sugar and vanilla.

In Spain, the main Christmas meal is usually eaten on Christmas eve and the most popular drinks are Cava to toast the occasion and a Spanish brandy to round off the meal.

Italians generally enjoy wine with their Christmas meal, with a glass of chilled Prosecco as an aperitif. To round off the meal, expect to be offered a coffee with liqueur or a shot of Limoncello.

If you are spending Christmas in the Caribbean, the Jamaicans serve up Sorrel Punch, made from dried hibiscus flowers with a good glug of Jamaican rum!

Steering away from alcoholic drinks for just a moment, in Lithuania, the festive drink of choice is poppy milk, made by infusing poppy seeds in milk.

Back to the booze for one final festive drink! In Mexico you will find street vendors selling traditional Ponche Navideño, a fruit punch, where anything goes, finished off with a generous amount of tequila, brandy or rum.

Wherever you choose to spend Christmas, go with the flow and give one of the local tipples a try, or imagine yourselves in far away lands and try one of the above.

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DAN BROWN - INFERNO

With the success of both the previous movies adaptations of Dan Brown’s book series, Inferno, based on the 4th novel published in May 2013 by Doubleday, hopes to deliver as well as The Da Vinci Code which took $758 million worldwide in 2006 and Angels & Demons which earned $485 million globally in 2009.

Tom Hanks had been expected to reprise his role as Robert Langdon in The Lost Symbol, the third novel in Dan Brown’s book series but Hollywood as it is, we find ourselves jumping into the fourth novel adaptation with The Lost Symbol possibly being produced at a later date.

If you’ve already read the book you’ll know what transpires but for those that haven’t, here is the brief plot and CAUTION, this contains SPOILERS!..

In the opening scene, a man is seen committing suicide after being chased by agents working for some unknown organisation and in the next scene, Harvard University professor Robert Langdon awakens in a hospital room in Florence, Italy, with no memory of what has transpired over the last few days, but being plagued with visions of Hell.

Dr. Sienna Brooks, one of the doctors tending to him, tells him that he is suffering from amnesia as a result of a bullet wound to his head. All of a sudden, Vayentha, a female assassin, shows up in the hospital. Sienna helps Langdon to escape,

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and they flee to her apartment. Here, we learn more about Bertrand Zobrist (the unknown man at the starting scene of the film–bio engineer), a billionaire geneticist who believes that the world is overpopulated and that rigorous measures are necessary to reduce the population.

Among Langdon’s personal belongings, Langdon and Sienna find a “Faraday pointer”, a miniature image projector, with a modified version of Sandro Botticelli’s Map of Hell, which itself is based on Dante’s Inferno.

They figure out that Zobrist has created a virus with the potential of decimating the world’s population. In the meantime, they have been traced by both the assassin and local law enforcement, who try to raid the appartment.

Again, they escape. Langdon’s knowledge of Dante’s work, history, and hidden passages in Florence allows the two to follow clues such as letters and phrases which lead to various locations in Florence and Venice, while evading the assassin and the authorities.

Not wanting to give too much more away, we’ll leave it there and hope that you enjoy the film, released late October 2016.

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email: il volutasplace@gmail.com l l @ il Parque C Comercial, i l pl. l B Baja, j L Locall 1 18a, 8 Mojacar Playa • US scientists calculated that Santa would have to visit 822 homes a second to deliver all the world’s presents on Christmas Eve, travelling at 650 miles a second.

• CAROLS began as an old English custom called wassailing, toasting neighbours to a long life.

• The abbreviation Xmas isn’t irreligious. The letter X is a Greek abbreviation for Christ.

• Before turkey, the traditional Christmas meal in England was a pig’s head and mustard.

• The word Christmas comes from the Old English “Cristes maesse” meaning “Christ’s Mass”.

• In Greece, Italy, Spain & Germany, workers get a Christmas bonus, one month’s salary by law.

• Hanging stockings out comes from the Dutch custom of leaving shoes packed with food for St Nicholas’s donkeys. He would leave small gifts in return.

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N332

the best place to find easily digestible information regarding road and traffic laws in Spain.

N332 is an informational portal written by ex Guardia Civil to give important information on Spanish Roads and educate ex pats and visitors on safety on driving in Spain. As well as other information regarding living and visiting Spain.

WHAT IS THE P.A.S SYSTEM? Proteger Avisar Socorrer, (Eng: Protect, Advise, Assist) The P.A.S. system is based on the first response to a situation, in which the primary concern should always be protection, then advising others, and then assisting those in need. Let us look at the three elements, remembering that the first and most important stage is safety.

Protect Knowing what to do if you witness a traffic accident can not only save the lives of the injured, but also your own. Never forget the three steps: Protect, Advise and Assist.

• Self-protection. Park your own vehicle in a safe spot and wear your reflective vest before leaving it.

• Keep away from a burning vehicle or if you notice that it is transporting dangerous goods.

Assist Be extremely careful in order to not add or aggravate injuries.

DO: • Stay close to the injured, if possible, at their side.

• Try to keep them calm.

• If necessary, and always only if you know how to, perform first aid.

DON’T: • As a general rule, do not move the injured, nor remove them from the vehicle.

• If they are a biker, do not remove the helmet.

• Do not give drink, food or medication.

• Do not allow them to move on their own.

• Do not leave until emergency services say it is okay. info taken from www.n332.es

• Protect the accident site. Signal the area as soon as possible by placing warning triangles and switching on your hazard warning lights.

Advise Call the emergency services on 112 (they speak multiple languages, including English) and provide this important information: • Location of the place of accident (street, number, kilometre point, if it is a two-way street, the address, and report any other detail that can assist in identifying your location quickly: chapel, restaurant etc.

• The number of injured people and all the information you can provide (if unconscious, bleeding etc).

• Special circumstances (the existence of trapped persons, danger of falling vehicle, if they are transporting dangerous goods, if fallen into water etc).

• Characteristics and number of vehicles.

• Wait from the controllers to confirm the details before hanging up.

You can find more info, associated files to download and additional stories by visiting their website wwwN332.es or liking their page on Facebook/N332.

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Things to do...Places to see...

Córdoba Cordoba is situated in the interior of Andalusia where past and modernity blend in together. This thousand-year-old city, which has the World Heritage designation, is a living legacy of the different cultures that settled here throughout its history.

One building alone is enough to put Córdoba high on any traveller’s itinerary: the mesmerising multiarched Mezquita.

One of the world’s greatest Islamic buildings, it’s a symbol of the worldly and sophisticated Islamic culture that flourished here more than a millennium ago when Córdoba was the capital of Islamic Spain, and Western Europe’s biggest and most cultured city.

Once here, you’ll find there’s much more to this city: Córdoba is a great place for exploring on foot or by bicycle, staying and eating well in old buildings centred on verdant patios, diving into old wine bars, and feeling millennia of history at every turn.

The narrow streets of the old Judería (Jewish quarter) and Muslim quarter stretch out from the great mosque like capillaries (to the northwest and northeast respectively), some clogged with tourist bric-a-brac, others delightfully peaceful.

The life of the modern city focuses a little further north, around Plaza de las Tendillas, where you’ll find a more boisterous vibe with some excellent bars and restaurants. Andalucía’s major

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river, the Guadalquivir, flows just below the Mezquita, and the river-front streets are home to a growing band of lively restaurants and bars making the most of the view.

Córdoba bursts into life from mid-April to mid-June, when it stages most of its major fiestas. At this time of year the skies are blue, the temperatures are perfect and the city’s many trees, gardens and courtyards drip with foliage and blooms.

September and October are also excellent weatherwise, but July and August can sizzle.

When in Córdoba do not fail to visit possibly the best flamenco museum in Andalucía, the Fosforito centre has exhibits, film and information panels in English and Spanish telling you the history of the guitar and all the flamenco greats. Touch-screen videos demonstrate the important techniques of flamenco song, guitar, dance and percussion – you can test your skill at beating out the compás (rhythm) of different palos (song forms). Regular live flamenco performances are held here too.

The museum benefits from a fantastic location inside the Posada del Potro, a legendary inn that played a part in Don Quijote, where Cervantes described it as a ‘den of thieves’.

The famous square it stands on, once a horse market, features a lovely 16th-century stone fountain topped by a rearing potro (colt).

CHRISTMAS IN CÓRDOBA Why not choose this lovely idea of going to Christmas Day Mass. You will probably enjoy the performance of the ‘Cajasur’ choir.

The monuments will be closed, so it is a good moment to explore the city on foot, see the ‘outdoor’ monuments (old squares, old walls) All the churches will also be open, and there is a good bunch of magnificent Gothic and Baroque ones. If you have children, and they like ice-skating, maybe this year the ice-skating roll is again to be found on Gran Capitan’s boulevar. And, last but not least, you can visit the ‘belenes’ (Nativity Scenes) that participate in the annual contest. They are to be found in churches, public buildings and private houses that, due to the contest, must be open to the public some hours of the day.

The Alcazar Gardens will be gorgeous at that time of the year because the majority of the plants are perennial. The only problem is that it is closed on Xmas day.

Don’t forget an evening promenade: The Xmas lights are simply beautiful but whatever time of year you visit, you will find a wonderful city with lots to do and see.

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AS SEEN ON...

Tel: 950 475 800 Mojácar

48b Paseo del Mediterraneo, Mojacar 04638, Almeria. (opposite Ferreteria Lopez) 79,000€

Mojácar

112,000€

Los Gallardos

135,000€

Ref: NW932 Beds: 1 | Baths: 1 Very well presented apartment on the Spirit of Mojacar complex with communal pool, gardens, parking & sea views.

Ref: NW999 Beds: 2 | Baths: 1 Great apartment located on a quiet community benefiting from a pool and parking, close to the beach.

Ref: NW1015 Beds: 3 | Baths: 1.5 Semi detached townhouse with modern décor benefiting from a private garden area and pool.

Vera Playa

Vera Playa

Mojácar

229,950€

235,000€

299,950€

Ref: NW1026 Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 Beautifully presented semi detached villa on Al Andulas a gated complex with great outside space and communal pool.

Ref: NW1009 Beds: 3 | Baths: 2.5 Spacious gated villa in Cabuzana with private garden, pool area and 50m² basement garage.

Ref: NW973 Beds: 3 | Baths: 2.5 Excellent villa in La Parata with great outside space, pool and brilliant sea and mountain views.

Cortijo Grande

Mojácar

Mojácar

299,950€

Ref: NW1029 Beds: 3 | Baths: 2.5 Modern style villa with large driveway, multiple terraces and private pool area.

399,950€

Ref: NW1020 Beds: 3 | Baths: 2.5 Exquisite ranch style villa benefiting from a large pool and terrace area, spacious rooms and undercover parking.

295,000€

Ref: NW1030 Beds: 2 | Baths: 2 Immaculate walled and gated property benefiting from gas central heating, private pool, garden area and amazing views.

We have SOLD OUT on these 3 communities below in 2016. We URGENTLY need to list FOR SALE apartments on these communities and other communities in Mojacar for qualified buyers waiting.

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New Wave Villas

A decade of dedication.

New Wave Villas, is approaching its tenth anniversary. A decade of selling properties in and around the Mojácar area.

The dedicated team members have all lived locally for many years and know the area inside out. This local knowledge goes a long way in helping property purchasers make the best decision and get the most from their investment. Each with their own unique skill set, the combination equals a service to both vendors and purchasers second to none.

Working entirely with sales properties and no distractions from rentals you can be guaranteed 100 percent commitment whether you are buying or selling a property in Mojácar and the surrounding area.

Alex Lawson – Born and raised in Surrey, Alex has a BSc degree in geography and economics from Loughborough University. Having worked many years as senior claims manager for a Lloyds syndicated travel insurance company, he turned his hand to property development in the capital before moving to Spain with wife, Adele, 15 years ago.

Alex is renowned for his customer care skills in dealing with vendors and purchasers and he prides himself on being on hand right up to the day of completion to ensure everything goes smoothly for both parties. When he is not busy listing and selling properties in Mojácar, Alex is a keen golfer and supporter of Liverpool FC. He also enjoys walking in the hills behind the coast with the couple’s two dogs.

Adéle Land – Originally from Manchester, Adéle first moved to Spain aged 21. Pursuing a career in the travel industry she quickly climbed the ladder to become resort manger in numerous popular destinations including, Mallorca, Portugal, the Canary Islands and Tunisia. Sticking with the travel theme, Adéle flew as long haul crew for British Airways for ten years before settling in Mojácar with husband Alex.

She is a qualified journalist and web-writer and has written for a number of local and international publications. Her

Alex Lawson

Adele Land

responsibilities in the business include sales, marketing and running the numerous social media accounts. Adéle still enjoys overseas travel, wherever and whenever possible along with spending time at the beach, working out at the gym and watching her team, Manchester United.

Karen White – Office manager, Karen, moved to the area some 15 years ago with husband Bryan, (of Bryan White Insurance) and her then-toddler daughter, Emily. Originally from Bournemouth, she was a senior manager at a leading insurance company before deciding to follow in the footsteps of her parents and make a permanent move to the place in which she had spent many holidays.

Almeria is a somewhat of a tradition for Karen’s family as her sister runs a successful rural tourism business in the province.

Karen is the main organiser in the New Wave Villas office and utilises her excellent administrative skills to ensure all procedures run without mishap. In her spare time, Karen combines yoga and handicrafts, with keeping up with nowteenage daughter, Emily, and also enjoys city breaks in different parts of Spain.

Kaine Benbow – Our youngest team member, Kaine, joined New Wave Villas two years ago after leaving school. He moved to the area with his family when he was nine and settled in easily into his Spanish schools where he achieved excellent results and soon became bilingual.

With superb computer skills, Kaine is responsible for updating the New Wave Villas website and preparing all the adverts for the numerous media outlets to which the company subscribes.

After passing his driving test last year, Kaine bought his pride and joy, a sporty, red Volkswagen Golf which he can be found working on in his spare time.

A very busy young man, Kaine splits his working week between New Wave Villas and his family’s business, Lifestyle Enclosures. He also teaches some classes at his mum’s language school, ELC in Mojácar.

Karen White

Kaine Benbow 17

QI with Christmas fast approaching, here are a few festive facts that are fairly interesting.

The Man Who Invented Christmas Charles Dickens is largely responsible for the way we celebrate Christmas today; before the publication of A Christmas Carol in 1843 Christmas seemed to be dying out in Britain.

The old-style 12-day Christmas had been observed in the large households that typified agrarian England; urbanised industrial revolution period households had less use for them.

Southey, Walter Scott, and Washington Irving all lamented the demise of Christmas in their time. Dickens kicked off a nostalgia boom for the family Christmas by publishing Christmas Specials of the various periodicals for which he wrote, and created the Christmas book trade with A Christmas Carol. Amongst the traditions associated with Dickens is the ‘White Christmas’. These have always been intermittent at best in southern England, but there happened to be snow every Christmas of the first eight years of Dickens’ life, and they’re a consistent feature of his stories.

In the Early Middle Ages, the big festival was Epiphany, but Christmas was the key day during most of the later Middle Ages. Oliver Cromwell’s mob regarded it as a decadent holiday, and its celebration was banned outright in 1644 even Mass was forbidden, as well as mince pies and holly, and shops were required to stay open. These laws were repealed in 1660. But even in 1849, the headmaster of the Quaker-run Bootham School postponed breaking up until after December 25 and declared that he would rather have no holidays at all than call the period ‘Christmas holidays’.

A ‘Politically Correct’ Christmas The story about a council attempting to avoid offence by renaming Christmas ‘Winterval’ continues to do the rounds despite it not being true. Eleven years ago, Birmingham ran a promotional campaign for businesses in the city that lasted the whole of the period from November to the end of January.

The campaign was called ‘Winterval’. They have never used the word to describe Christmas and there was no PC aspect to the way they did use the word. It’s non-news, and it’s really old non-news.

The alleged ‘War on Christmas’ is a recurring theme in the press, but in a nation with decorated trees in every home, Father Christmas everywhere, carols and Christmas songs playing non-stop on the radio and in shops, and Christmas an official national holiday that has now grown to consume the 18

last three months of the year, it seems clear that Christmas has never been less threatened than it is at present. Surveys show that 95% of businesses hang Christmas decorations in their premises.

Father Christmas The earliest Father Christmas figure appeared during ancient British mid-winter festivals. He was a general pagan figure who represented the coming of spring. He would wear a long, green hooded cloak and a wreath of holly, ivy or mistletoe (he was possibly somewhat derived form the Spirit Of Wildwood) It is the association with holly and mistletoe, and his ability to lift people’s spirits, that we retain from this ancient Father Christmas. Under Saxon rule in the fifth and sixth centuries, Father Christmas took on the characteristics of the Saxon Father Time, also known as King Frost or King Winter.

Someone would dress up as King Winter and be welcomed into homes, where he would sit near the fire and be given food and drink.

He absorbed Jultid Odin’s characteristics after the Viking invasion; for instance, the ability to tell automatically whether people had been good or bad. Odin could also travel magically and be in many places over a short span of time. The idea of Santa’s reindeer may come from Odin’s magical eight-legged horse Sleipnir and the gift giving from his sack of bounty distributed to the worthy. This guise of Odin was portrayed as a sage with a white beard and hair wearing a hooded robe.

In Tudor/Stuart times Sir Christmas or Captain Christmas was called upon to preside over the Christmas entertainment in large houses. In 1638, Thomas Nabbes illustrated him as an old man in a furred coat and cap.

Off The Rich List Until 2006, Santa Claus was top of the Forbes Fictional Rich List. (featured in our “World Most” section) It was reckoned that he must have unlimited funds to be able to give toys to all the children in the world each year.

Santa had to be removed from the list in 2006 – because Forbes was ‘bombarded’ by letters from outraged children insisting that Santa is real. They said: ‘We don’t claim to have settled the ongoing controversy concerning Claus’ existence, but after taking into account the physical evidence - toys delivered, milk and cookies devoured - we felt it was safer to remove him from consideration’.

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shelf

It’s getting near that time of year again so we present these books to whet your festive appetite.

Christmas at the Comfort Food Cafe The Book of Christmas

by Debbie Johnson

by Jane Struthers Becca Fletcher has always hated Christmas but she has her reasons for being Little Miss Grinch. Now, though, she can’t avoid her version of ho-ho-hell – because she’s travelling to the Comfort Food Cafe to spend the festive season with her sister Laura and her family. She’s expecting mulled wine, 24-hour Christmas movie marathons and all kinds of very merry torture.

Little does Becca know that the Comfort Food Cafe is like no other place on earth. Perched on a snow-covered hill, it’s a place full of friendship where broken hearts can heal, new love can blossom and where Becca’s Christmas miracle really could happen – if only she can let it.

Christmas in New York: The Perfect Christmas Escape By Holly Greene

Did you know that, long before turkey arrived on our shores, it was traditional to serve a roasted wild boar’s head at Christmas? Or that our Christmases were once so cold that Frost Fairs were held on the River Thames?

When Londoner Penny decides to visit her best friend Kate in New York for Christmas, the surprise appearance of a previous suitor sends her plans for a relaxing, carefree visit into complete disarray. When she and Mike last saw each other, the timing couldn’t have Christmas Day was first celebrated on 25 been worse.

December in the fourth century CE. But when should our Christmas decorations come down But when Mike decides to show Penny the - Twelfth Day, Twelfth Night ... or Candlemas? very best of what a snowy, festive, New York And why? has to offer at Christmastime - resolving to make it a trip to remember - will she be able to Packed with fascinating facts about ancient resist his charms this time round? religious customs and traditional feasts, instructions for Victorian parlour games and the stories behind our favourite carols, The Book of Christmas is a captivating volume about our Christmas past.

these books are available online from Amazon.

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call into our shop, No. 8 Paseo del Mediterraneo, Mojácar Playa (next to Mojacar Estates) for more information on our other internet packages and our IPTV system.

Opening hours Mon–Fri 10am - 2pm

T. 950 473 102 www.gsfcommunications.com

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info@gsfcommunications.com

Nº8 Paseo del Mediterráneo (next to Mojacar Estates)

10 PHOTOGRAPHYHINTS&TIPS

Each edition, local professional photographer, Dean Baker, will be supplying a few tips and guides to help us with our photography skills. Whether you’re a total beginner, enthusiast or keen amateur, we hope there is always something for you to take from this.

POST PROCESSING

‘make up’ for your photos

Pressing the shutter and capturing that moment in time in a photograph is only part of the process for creating an image.

Personally, I think post processing is an extension of and compliments what we do with a camera, and is part of the creative process of a photographer. I definitely don’t think it’s cheating, It’s just photography tools evolving – just like the cameras do.

What is post processing?

Post processing is basically altering and enhancing your image after you have taken it in either a darkroom or digital darkroom. If you used a film camera then you would’ve used a physical darkroom to develop and enhance your images using enlargers and chemicals etc… nowadays with digital cameras, you use post processing software that can also be referred to as the ‘digital darkroom’.

You can do anything from a simple technique like a crop, image resize and level adjustment. To more complex techniques like blending, masking and black and white conversions for more creative effects. Or you can do something completely different like HDR processing (more on these at a later date).

For me the trick is treating each image individually, then you can decide which processing technique is best, and will bring out the best in each image as it’s not always the same for every one you take.

Is it cheating?

Top: This is a perfect example of dodging and burning, bring up the darker foreground and rescuing some of the lighter areas.

Bottom: 3 levels of processing illustrating how you can turn a dull, flat image into a shot with impact.

And at the end of the day, the digital darkroom (post processing software) is a modern extension of the original darkroom, and even has some of the darkroom techniques (or digital versions of) like dodge and burn and unsharp mask included in it.

Digital Darkroom – What can you use?

There is an array of software that can be used to post process an image. And I think they fall into 3 categories, free, mid range budget and budget busting!

Famous photographers like Ansel Adams (one of my favourites) are actually known for their post processing techniques. Ansel Adams in particular is widely known for his use of the dodge and burn technique in the darkroom and even wrote a book on it. So if it’s good enough for Mr Adams then it’s good enough for me.

Free – The free software that you get with your camera (I know you get free software with Canon cameras) although basic is a great place to start developing your skills. If you’re looking for something more powerful but still free, then try Gimp which is free open source software.

Some photography purists will argue that you shouldn’t need to do anything ‘post’ taking a photo as you should have got it all right in the first instance but I think this is highly unrealistic. If it was the case, then would we not all be professionals probably making a lot of money and revelling in the fame it brings us?

Mid range budget – I think this range has the most choice like Aperture, Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop Elements (much cheaper version of Photoshop but still very powerful) for instance.

Not only are these programs good value for money and powerful tools to have, they’re also great for organising your albums and sharing.

I will say though that there can be too much done to a photograph when post processing. Often leading to unrealistic or heavily altered images, you can go too far so be careful and true to the image you are capturing, unless you are trying to create a surreal or highly artistic image.

Budget busting – Adobe Photoshop is the industry standard for Professional Photographers and Graphic Designers. It’s extremely powerful, and there’s a lot to learn if you really want to get full use out of it. But the biggest drawback has got to be the price!

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Opening hours Mon–Fri 10am - 2pm

T. 950 473 102 www.gsfcommunications.com

8

info@gsfcommunications.com

Nº8 Paseo del Mediterráneo (next to Mojacar Estates)

A champion among us Mojácar welcomes Julia Hubbard.

Here is the story of one of the newest residents in Mojácar, Julia Hubbard who has been in the GB Bob-sleigh team (20062010. pic 1), a champion sprinter (2011-2016) and now, a very successful body builder.

Plymouth athlete Julia Hubbard made a stunningly successful switch to running after her previous career with the Great Britain Bob-sleigh team literally made her sick.

Personal trainer Hubbard, 40, who now lives in Mojácar, decided to quit her place as anchorman on the team in 2010 after discovering she had a heart condition. The condition led to her becoming ill with a racing heart due to too much adrenalin being produced by her body during stressful situations.

Hubbard’s symptoms, however, receded to the extent she felt she could tackle athletics.

Hubbard said: “It’s ironic that a famous Plymouth athlete, Katherine Endacott, is turning to Bob-sleigh at the same time I was trying out athletics.

“I was in the GB bob-sleigh team for three years and I just finished a few years ago. Since then, I’ve been doing bodybuilding for a bit of fun and then I realised I was going to be old enough for the Masters’ championship.

“I went along for a bit of fun in my first-ever competition and won two golds, which wasn’t bad. I was still fast, because you have to do a lot of athletics training – which I still do – for bobsleighing.

In her first real competition at the British Masters Athletics Indoor Championships at Lee Valley in 2011, Hubbard surpassed her expectations with gold in the 60m and 200m in the 35-39 age group. Her times – 7:96 (60m) and 26:23 (200m) – would have been good enough for the European Championships, had she not recorded them too late to qualify for the competition.

Competitions for 2016 • IPL Grand Prix (Phoenix) 1st - Figure, Athletic, Sports Model, Bikini Tall, 2nd - Evening gown Earned Pro card in 3 categories. (pics 2, 3 & 4) • UNBA Natural Universe (California) won Figure Tall and overall Figure, earned pro card. (pic 5) • INBA Night of Champions Pro/am comp (California) , won my categories (sports model, Figure open, figure masters & classic Figure, bikini masters and earned pro card in Figure.

Won Shield for Best Athlete overall at the show! (pics 6 & 7) • Natural British Championships 1st place, British Champion over 40 Figure. (pic 8) • Julias next competition is the Natural World Championships in Madrid (5th November) then it’s back to USA to make Pro debut with two of the federations that she competed in earlier in the year. (Natural Olympia - Las Vegas and IFPA California Pro Show).

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LIFESTYLE It’s not always about what we put into our bodies through eating and drinking, we have to consider our mind too...

Bend me, Shape me Yoga — a mind-body practice — is considered one of many types of complementary and integrative health approaches. Yoga brings together physical and mental disciplines that may help you achieve peacefulness of body and mind. This can help you relax and manage stress and anxiety.

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E

Why Yoga?

Your mobile phone is ringing, your boss wants to talk to you and your partner wants to know what’s for dinner. Stress and anxiety are everywhere. If they’re getting the best of you, you might want to hit the mat and give yoga a try. Yoga is a mind-body practice that combines physical poses, controlled breathing, and meditation or relaxation. Yoga may help reduce stress, lower blood pressure and lower your heart rate. And almost anyone can do it.

Types of Yoga Yoga has many styles, forms and intensities. Hatha yoga, in particular, may be a good choice for stress management. Hatha is one of the most common styles of yoga, and beginners may like its slower pace and easier movements. But most people can benefit from any style of yoga — it’s all about your personal preferences.

Hatha

It’s all about the basics in these slower moving classes that require you to hold each pose for a few breaths. In many studios, hatha classes are considered a gentler form of yoga. However, the Sanskrit term “hatha” actually refers to any yoga that teaches physical postures.

“It’s a practice of the body, a physical practice that balances these two energies.

Vinyasa

Get your flow on in this dynamic practice that links movement and breath together in a dance-like way. In most classes, you won’t linger long in each pose and the pace can be quick, so be prepared for your heart rate to rise. Teachers will often pump music, matching the beats to the sequences of the poses.

Iyengar

Here you’ll get nit-picky about precision and detail, as well as your body’s alignment in each pose. Props, from yoga blocks and blankets to straps or a ropes wall, will become your new best friend, helping you to work within a range of motion that is safe and effective. Unlike in Vinyasa, each posture is held for a period of time. If you’re new to Iyengar, even if you’ve practiced other types of yoga, it’s good to start with a level one class to familiarize yourself with the technique.

Ashtanga

If you’re looking for a challenging yet orderly approach to yoga, try Ashtanga. Consisting of six series of specifically sequenced yoga poses, you’ll flow and breathe through each pose to build internal heat. The catch is that you’ll perform the same poses in the exact same order in each class. Some studios will have a teacher calling out the poses, while Mysore style classes (a subset of Ashtanga) require you to perform the series on your own. (But don’t worry – there will always be a teacher in the room to offer assistance if you need it.)

Bikram

Prepare to sweat: Bikram consists of a specific series of 26 poses and two breathing exercises practiced in a room heated to approximately 105 degrees and 40 percent humidity. All Bikram studios practice the same 90-minute sequence so you’ll know exactly what to do once you unroll your mat. Remember, the vigorous practice combined with the heat can make the class feel strenuous. If you’re new to Bikram, take it easy: Rest when you need to and be sure to hydrate beforehand.

Hot Yoga

Hot yoga is similar to Bikram in that it’s practiced in a heated room.

But teachers aren’t constrained by the 26-pose Bikram sequence.

While the heat will make you feel like you can move deeper into some poses compared to a non-heated class, it can be easy to overstretch, so don’t push beyond your capacity.

Kundalini

Celebrity devotees including actor Russell Brand and author Gabrielle Bernstein have given Kundalini a cult-like following. Yet, this physically and mentally challenging practice looks very different from your typical yoga class. You’ll perform kriyas —repetitive physical exercises coupled with intense breath work — while also chanting, singing and meditating. The goal? To break through your internal barriers, releasing the untapped energy residing within you and bringing you a higher level of self-awareness.

Yin Yoga

If you want to calm and balance your body and mind, this is where you’ll find your zen. The opposite of a faster moving practice like Ashtanga, Yin yoga poses are held for several minutes at a time.

This meditative practice is designed to target your deeper connective tissues and fascia, restoring length and elasticity. You’ll use props so your body can release into the posture instead of actively flexing or engaging the muscles. Like meditation, it may make you feel antsy at first, but stick with it for a few classes and its restorative powers might have you hooked.

Restorative

While it may feel like you’re not doing much in a Restorative yoga class…that’s the point. The mellow, slow-moving practice with longer holds gives your body a chance tap into your parasympathetic nervous system, allowing you to experience deeper relaxation. You’ll also use a variety of props including blankets, bolsters and yoga blocks to fully support your body in each pose.

Core components

For Hatha yoga and most general yoga classes are: • Poses. Yoga poses, also called postures, are a series of movements designed to increase strength and flexibility. Poses range from lying on the floor while completely relaxed to difficult postures that may have you stretching your physical limits.

• Breathing. Controlling your breathing is an important part of yoga.

Yoga teaches that controlling your breathing can help you control your body and quiet your mind.

• Meditation or Relaxation. In yoga, you may incorporate meditation or relaxation. Meditation may help you learn to be more mindful and aware of the present moment without judgment.

• Stress reduction. A number of studies have shown that yoga may help reduce stress and anxiety. It can also enhance your mood and overall sense of well-being.

• Improved fitness. Practicing yoga may lead to improved balance, flexibility, range of motion and strength.

• Management of chronic conditions. Yoga can help reduce risk factors for chronic diseases, such as heart disease and high blood pressure. Yoga might also help alleviate chronic conditions, such as depression, pain, anxiety and insomnia.

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Glorious food food

Baked apple & toffee crumble

This comforting bake has it all - circles of apple, buttery brown sugar, plump fruit and spice, all baked under a nutty oat topping.

Filling Ingredients:

Crumble Ingredients:

• 100g raisins

• 125g plain flour.

• 100g pitted soft dates,

• 100g unsalted butter.

snipped into small pieces with scissors.

• 50g light muscovado sugar.

• 85g light muscovado sugar.

• 3 tbsp jumbo oats.

• 3 tbsp dark rum (or use orange juice)

• 25g flaked almond (or use other nuts if you like).

• 25g unsalted butter.

• Custard or ice cream, to serve.

• 1 tsp mixed spice.

• zest and juice 1 lemon.

• 4 Bramley apples.

• about 800g, peeled, cored and cut into 1cm rings.

Method:

1. Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Put everything for the apple layer, except the lemon juice and apples, into a bowl and microwave on High for 1½ mins until the butter has melted and the sugar is syrupy. Toss in the apples and lemon juice, then spoon into a medium baking dish, making sure the dried fruit is evenly distributed.

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2. Rub the flour and butter together, first into fine crumbs, then keep going until the mix forms bigger clumps, a bit like a rough biscuit dough. Stir in the sugar, oats and almonds. Scatter over the fruit, then cover with foil and bake for 1 hr, removing the foil for the final 30 mins, until golden and bubbling. Rest for 10 mins, then serve with custard or ice cream.

RICHARD & BELINDA @

KUKIS MOJACAR BREAKFASTS • SNACKS • FULL MENU WINES • BEERS CHRISTMAS Menu del Dia

from 5th - 21st December 15€ per person 3 Course Menu inc. bottle of house wine when 2 dine

Entertainment for the festive period BETTY SWALLOCKS 17th December Dinner & Dance 3 Course Menu - 10€ ASHLEY & DAINIUS New Years Eve 5 Course Menu - 44.50€ (booking essential)

QUIZ

NIGHT EVERY MONDAY

PIE

& CURRY NIGHT TUESDAYS

THAI

SPECIALS NIGHT WEDNESDAYS

TRADITIONAL

FISH

& CHIPS FRIDAYS

FISH & TRADITIONAL PASTA ROAST DINNER SPECIALS

SATURDAYS

SUNDAYS

FREE Open from 9am - Closed Thursdays

www.kukismojacar.com

you can find more information on specials and all our events on Facebook/Richard Jones

With this food and gourmet section we hope to bring you all the best of the local restaurants, bars, hotels and cafes to make the decision of where to eat and drink a much easier task.

Presented by location in alphabetical order it should be a breeze to find the establishment you are looking for .

If your establishment is not listed please e-mail: info@ultimatemagazine.es to be included in the next edition.

Aguilas:

Agua Amarga

Café Bar Aranda 630535836 Comic Café-Pub 968448199 Hotel Cala Real 968414562 Hotel Carlos lll 968411650 Hotel & Spa Don Juan 968493493 Hotel El Paso 968447125 La Vía 646430496

Hotel & Restaurant Family 950138014

this Winter...

Albox Jacks 950120718 La Cena 950430930 Mesón de Irene 647730130 / 950430145 The New Dehli 950431705 / 639231507

TAPAS, PASTA, RICE, MEAT & FISH DISHES

...enjoy the warm and cosy atmosphere of Hola-Ola. What better way to enjoy a lazy afternoon or evening sitting in the warmth from our log burner, drinking a bottle of our house wine and a great selection of freshly prepared tapas from only €12.

We also have a full and varied menu which includes: Pig Cheeks, Oxtail Stew, Mussels, Seabass & Seabream, not forgetting our comprehensive House Specials available everyday.

Hola-Ola is situated right on the beach, just after the tourist office and has a fully stocked bar with a great selection of beers, wines & spirits.

OPEN ALL OF THE FESTIVE PERIOD

Bar - Restaurant

664 097 279

Mojácar Playa, 200 metres from the Parque Comercial 30

Antas

Bedar

Garrucha

El Milindurrio 950453345 Asador Gloria 950453150 / 625668613 Cortijo Carlotta 950619226 / 638549646 El Fogon, Asador Argentino 950459081 Mi Casa 950453007 / 950453048

El Cortijo 950398108 La Fuente 950469185 Miramar 950469308 La Montaña 950398856 Bar El Pinar (El Pinar) 634363834

Arboleas

Cabrera/Cortijo Grande

El Mirador 687160806 Hotel Rural Azabache 615654093 Humbugs 676604008 Hostal Meson 950430137 / 635612738

Los Pastores Finca Listonero

950468002 950982045

Desert Springs Resort El Chiringuito Pool Bar 678746706 El Torrente Restaurant 637861590 The Crocodile Club 678746706

Angus & Hereford 950460588 El Almejero 950460405 Meson Del Mar 950460675 Hotel Tikar 950617131 Casa Adriana 950133154 Escanez 950460278 Gondola 950133928 La Parada 950133569 La Pinta 647042126 Little Italy 950133802 Restaurante Andalucia 950460604 Rincón del Puerto 950133042 / 950133043 Nautico 622451935

SANDWICHES

BURGERS PANCAKES

• Full English and Spanish Breakfasts • Various Tostadas served all day • Snacks, Sandwiches & baguettes • Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice • Fully stocked bar at great prices • Great Service • Friendly Atmosphere • Large Terrace • Easy Parking • Find us on the Red Cross roundabout • Facebook “Cafetería Bellagio”

ENGLISH BREAKFASTS

EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT

TRY YOUR LUCK WITH OUR DICE GAME

If luck is on your side we invite you to another drink FREE of charge

• Watch all live La Liga Matches

Paseo del Mediterranéo, 237, Mojácar Playa

Tel: 950 472 145 31

Los Gallardos Apolo 600495182 El Sitio 950398799 La Cumbre 950888126 / 629030438 Miraflores 679970399 Lubrin Albar Restaurant 950 069 077 / 647 877 091 Mojácar: Cafes, Bars,Restaurants & Beach Bars.

353 Cafetería 950104937 Aku Aku 950478981 Al Punto 950475899 Ankara 950473042 Antonella 950450215 Azeefa 950475899 Badgers 950478525 Bar Esencial 618826092 Bodega Mi Cortijo 950889023 Beachcomber 950473099 Bellagio 950472145 Bonta 950472939 Bowen 666406203 Burladero 950615041 Cabo Norte 950473119 / 665891772 Cafeteria Dolce 950475178 Casablanca 950472474 Casa Egea 950472190 32

Captains Bar 617477797 Cortijo Media Luna 950478813 Cowboy Cocina 950472924 Cave Bar 950478799 Capri 950615067 D’Angelo 950478517 Delfin Dorado 950475212 Dolce Vita 950472001 Don Pancho 950472543 El Cid 950472063 El Corralejo 950615537 El Deseo 670018035 El Flamenco 664051713

El Gaucho 950478846 El Lance 950478812 El Patio 670018035 El Sitio 950615411 Enrico 950472995 Fanys 634312820 Fusion Beach Cocktail Bar 950615224 Hola Ola 664097279 Imperial de Ilario Pizzeria 950478098 Koi 950615452 La Giardino 642553699 La Cometa 950615209 La Cantina 950478841

Christmas at NEW from NOVEMBER

Menu del Dia + special “Taster” menu on Wednesdays Christmas Day lunch is now FULLY BOOKED. Christmas parties can be organised for groups up to 30 people from the 1st of December.

Spaces still available for New Year's Eve so book now!

Local 78, 2nd floor. Parque Comercial, Mojácar Playa. www.lilysloungebar.com lilysloungeandrestaurant@gmail.com Tel: 950 806 767 lilys lounge and restaurant mojacar Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday for lunch & dinner • Closed Mondays

MOCA café - bar Mojácar Playa

English Breakfast served all day from 9am

HOMEMADE CAKES • TARTS & QUICHES Let us make your Christmas Cake! - ORDER NOW Tel: 950 452 885 La Cabana 950615179 La Cava 661985270 La Parata 950478186 La Posada 950472670 Las Leñas 950472562 Levante 950615224 Lily’s Lounge & Restaurant 634312731 Los Amigos 950478489 Lua Beach Club 950472643 Maui 950478722 Mandala Beach Club 950437131 Bar 353 950472154 / 697225625 Mediterraneo 950472268

Closed Wednesdays Meson El que Faltaba 950478846 Meson San Bernabe 950475966 Mimis 664103611 Moma Beach Cocktail Bar 950473020 Mountains of the Moon 950472002 Neptuno beach Club 616005387 Omega 950475317 Osteria 950615151 Ottocento 950615100 Playa Blanca 950473001 Portofino 950472809 Pura Vida 950472164 Rusty Nail 950472786

Moca Mojacar Sottocasa 950093075 The Roof Garden 950808545 Torre Bahia 950478651 Trufi Bar 664103611 The Emerald Isle 673104250 The Irish Rover 950473135 The Lemon Lounge 950472659 Titos 950615030 Trufibar 646515708 Valerys Cocktail Bar & Music 950615537 San Pedro 722485340

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Mojácar Hotels Bed & Breakfast Casa Los Arcos 950473165 Hotel Puntazo 950478265 / 950478229 Hotel Virgen del Mar 902472222 Parador 950478250 Sal Marina 950472405 Mojácar Pueblo Arlequino 950478037 / 649337781 Casa Minguito 950478614 El Bocata 626165107 El Palacio 950472846 Jazz Life Café 647724367 La Candela 647 724 367 La Muralla 950472928 Napoli 950472976 Pulcinella 950478401 Restaurante Aires del Sur 606061811 / 950478014

El Keys 634346208 La Capilla 950479305 Alice’s Sports Bar 677161705 Chili Grill & Indian 950468425 Hostal Rural Tio Tomas 950478806 Meson del Pobre 950468321 Taj 950479607 Valle de Este Karens Bar 950461068 / 647424279 Hotel Valle del Este 950398743 Casa de La Vega 950391208 Villaricos Goah 950467030 La Esperanza 625737025 Los Angeles 617952760 Bar Genesis 647073598 Jets Bar La Plaza 950467590

Palomares Bar restaurant Monikas 950467474 Bar Oasis 950888476 Centro Plaza 950618614 La Dulce Casa 950467768 Turre Café Royal, English Tavern 950468481 Bar Vinilo 634309540 34

Vera Carmona 950390760 Casa de La Vega 950391208 Cortijo Albari 950391706 Dragon Chinese 950133226 Gran Muralla Wok Buffet 950391691 La Peperina 678642856

Vera Playa Angus & Hereford 950460588 B2 Mohana 678642856 Bar Restaurant Laguna 950132566 El Balconito 635589909 En Fu 950467839 La Bodeguita del Medio 622507424 La Buena Mesa 950467222 / 610356387 La Pampa 950397702 / 671653116 Lua 950478202 Wok Buffet Asiático de Fa 677778587 Corner Bar 950618209 Frankies Bar 662474861 If your establishment is not listed please e-mail: info@ultimatemagazine.es to be included in the next edition.

SENSATIONS RESTAURANT & MUSIC BAR

Paseo del Mediterrรกneo 209.

Tel: 950 472 057

MENU DEL DIA/NOCHE

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Mesón EL QUE FALTABA Traditional Spanish Food in a warm friendly atmosphere

open 7 days a week from 8.30am call to reserve a table 950 478 8 846 There are many restaurants in Mojácar with menu del dias but here at Mesón El Que Faltaba (Thomas’s) we only use all fresh, natural and local ingredients. We also have many seasonal offers and dishes to offer regularly.

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Natural Ice Cream Parlour & Café Homemade Cakes, Pastries and Bread Breakfast Croissant, Coffee & Orange Juice - only 3.50€

NEW - SPECIAL LUNCHTIME PASTA DISHES

Paseo Mediterráneo, 333, Mojácar Playa T. 950 472 939

Bonta Mojacar 37

RESTAURANT • BAR • GRILL • LOUNGE Open 6 days a week closed Mondays 8am - 2am

Av. Tortuga Boba No.6, Vera Playa. Tel: 622 507 424

Christmas

PUDDING La Bodeguita del Medio

Christmas (or Plum) Pudding is the traditional end to the British Christmas dinner. But what we think of as Christmas Pudding, is not what it was originally like!

Christmas pudding originated as a 14th century porridge called ‘frumenty’ that was made of beef and mutton with raisins, currants, prunes, wines and spices. This would often be more like soup and was eaten as a fasting meal in preparation for the Christmas festivities.

By 1595, frumenty was slowly changing into a plum pudding, having been thickened with eggs, breadcrumbs, dried fruit and given more flavour with the addition of beer and spirits. It became the customary Christmas dessert around 1650, but in 1664 the Puritans banned it as a bad custom.

In 1714, King George I re-established it as part of the Christmas meal, having tasted and enjoyed Plum Pudding.

By Victorian times, Christmas Puddings had changed into something similar to the ones that are eaten today.

Over the years, many superstitions have surrounded Christmas Puddings. One superstition says that the pudding should be made with 13 ingredients to represent Jesus and His Disciples and that every member of the family should take turns to stir the pudding with a wooden spoon from east to west, in honour of the Wise Men.

The Sunday before Advent Sunday (which is also the last Sunday in the Church Year), is sometimes know as ‘Stir-up Sunday’. This is because opening words of the Collect for the day (the main prayer) in the Book of Common Prayer of 1549 (used in Anglican Churches) says: “Stir-up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may of thee be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Putting a silver coin in the pudding is another age-old custom that is said to bring luck to the person that finds it. In the UK the coin traditionally used was a silver ‘six pence’. The closest coin to that now is a five pence piece!

The tradition seems to date back to the Twelfth Night Cake which was eaten during the festivities on the ‘Twelfth Night’ of Christmas (the official end of the Christmas celebrations).

Originally a dried pea or bean was baked in the cake and whoever got it, was ‘king or queen’ for the night. There are records of this practice going back to the court of Edward II (early 1300s). The bean was also sometimes a silver ring of small crown. The first coins used were a Silver Farthing or penny. After WW1 it became a threepenny bit and then a sixpence.

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Christmas lives in

LUA RESTAURANT MOJÁCAR

IDEAL FOR YOUR FAMILY OR BUSINESS PARTY WITH VARIED MENUS

CHRISTMAS DAY SPECIAL MENU & NEW YEARS EVE PARTY

with goody bag and lucky grapes Info & reservations 950 47 26 43

WWW.GRUPOLUA.COM • PASEO DEL MEDITERRÁNEO, MOJACAR PLAYA. T. 950 472 643

LUAMOJACAR

BIG

LIVE

SCREEN

SPORTS

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Thinking of returning to the UK? Currency rates should be at the front of your mind…

Whether it’s recent events surrounding the UK’s EU referendum decision, or simply because you want to be closer to loved ones, many Brit expats are currently carefully considering their future in Spain…with so much to consider, repatriation of funds mustn’t be forgotten to ensure you avoid any unnecessary costs and loss of money.

Finding the right time to make great savings With recent upheavals on the global political and economic scenes, currency markets have been erratic, with sharp swings occurring between the values of Sterling and the euro.

When transferring funds back to the UK, especially large amounts from an event such as the sale of a property, these fluctuations could have a significant impact on the amount of money that makes it back to your UK bank account.

That’s precisely why speaking to a currency specialist, like Currencies Direct, is so vital at this, and indeed any time where international money transfers are concerned.

You’ll get access to expert guidance on the markets and the different transfer services best suited to your needs, ensuring that you transfer at the best time and rate available.

Don’t get caught out by unnecessary bank charges Not only are they experts in all aspects of currency transfer, but Currencies Direct have also established a unique partnership with Caixa bank in Spain. They’ll be able to arrange a fee-free deposit of your bankers-draft into a Caixa account when processing your transfer - and anybody that’s lived in Spain for some time will know, that’s a significant cost saving.

Simply put, whether you’re thinking of selling your property or simply wish to start transferring funds to the UK for any other purpose, you can avoid both unnecessary charges and get bank-beating exchange rates by speaking to Currencies Direct as early as possible in your process.

With 12 branches across Spain and a team of friendly and multilingual experts they’ll be glad to help you, so just pop into your local branch or give them a call.

They’ve been helping customers save since 1996 and are authorised by the FCA under the Payment Service Regulations 2009 (FRN 504360) for the provision of payment services.

Let’s talk about currency.

Get in touch Mojácar

Murcia

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OMEDY FUNNY JOKES LAUGH COMEDY FUNNY JOKES LAUGH COME

it’s a cracker!

What is the best Christmas present in the world?

A broken drum, you just can’t beat it!

A selection of jokes straight out of Christmas crackers!

Who is Santa’s favorite singer? Elf-is Presley!

What do you call an elf who sings? A wrapper!

What do Santa’s little helpers learn at school? The elf-abet!

Why is Christmas just like your job? ou do all the work and the fat guy with the suit gets all the credit.

What did Adam say to his wife on the day before Christmas?

It’s Christmas, Eve!

Why does Santa Claus go down the chimney on Christmas Eve? Because it soot’s him.

Did Rudolph go to school? No. He was Elf-taught!

Two snowmen were standing in a field. One said, “Can you smell carrots?”

Why are Christmas trees so fond of the past?

Because the present’s beneath them.

What do you get if you eat Christmas decorations? Tinselitis!

What is Santa’s favourite pizza? One that’s deep-pan, crisp & even.

Why is Santa so jolly?

Because he knows where all the naughty girls live.

Whats the difference between the Christmas alphabet and the ordinary alphabet? The Christmas alphabet has Noel.

What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire?

Frostbite.

What Christmas Carol is a favorite of parents? Silent Night.

What nationality is Santa Claus? North Polish.

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We are a multidisciplinary law If you have decided to you (an ID number for fiscal • Write your Spanish will. firm based in Vera (Almería) purchase a property in Spain, purposes that is required for • As your Fiscal Representative, and as such we deal with we will be able to assist you various transactions in Spain). we will assist you in any many different aspects of law, during the whole dealings with the Spanish Tax specialising in conveyancing, conveyancing process and We can also arrange the Office and explain to you all taxation, civil, commercial and ensure that your real estate following if needed: the taxes that you are liable fiscal law. purchase goes smoothly. We to pay. will do all background checks • Open a Spanish bank Our aim is to provide a to make sure that the property account For those that become personal, quality service, in is fully legal. We will agree on • Connection of Utility services residents of Spain, we can also plain English and to do so the terms of the purchase with • If you are considering renting assist in other legal matters promptly, efficiently and in a the seller or their attorney and your house or land we will such as matrimonial issues or friendly manner. We will keep deal with the public notary negotiate and draft your business contracts.

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EDY FUNNY JOKES LAUGH COMEDY FUNNY JOKES LAUGH COMEDY

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Costa del Christmas

Christmas is almost upon us and decision time has arrived. Do we stay home and entertain family and friends or make a great escape and let someone else do all the hard work?

Choosing where to go for a Christmas break can be difficult, if you decide to travel further afield, invariably flight prices are high and seats are in great demand. An easier option is to choose somewhere closer to home, in Spain.

The Costa del Sol is one of the most popular winter destinations in Europe and it’s easy to see why. Numerous resorts along the coast offer different holiday experiences, whether you are looking to get away from it all or to enjoy a busy bustling Christmas with lots of festive entertainment.

With the newly extended autovia, the Costa del Sol’s main city, Malaga, is less than a three-hour drive from Mojácar, along an attractive route with stunning views in many parts.

Just south of Malaga is the well-known resort of Torremolinos. Once infamous for its ‘bucket and spade’ type of tourism, the resort has undergone a complete change and is now a sophisticated beachside town, popular with the young and hip set from nearby Malaga. Torremolinos has miles of sandy beach lined with beach bars serving delicious fresh fish and meat dishes. The old part of town is perched on the hill overlooking the coast and can be accessed by old winding steps littered with funky shops and leading to the famous shopping street – Calle San Miguel.

Along with the shops are many bars and restaurants, ideal for a snack or drink after climbing the many steps.

46

Malaga

The resort has a wide selection of large hotels, each offering Christmas breaks including gala meals and entertainment.

The Melia Costa del Sol and the Barracuda are ideally located and both offer short Christmas breaks on full-board from as little as 338€ per room for a four-night stay.

Almost merging into Torremolinos by way of the beautiful paseo maritimo is the bustling resort of Benalmadena.

Slightly more geared to foreign holidaymakers the resort boasts dozens of large hotels and aparthotels along the long beachfront and enough bars and restaurants to keep you fed and watered for a year!

The wonderful marina is reminiscent of nearby Puerto Banus, with upmarket shops and eateries overlooking the numerous bays where you will find scores of luxury yachts. From here, weather permitting, you can take a boat trip out into the Mediterranean.

Another activity for a sunny day, is a ride in a cable car to take in the whole of the magnificent coastline.

The Holiday Palace is a large imposing complex opposite the beach at the far south of the

resort. All rooms are suite-style, with separate living areas including kitchenette.

Room prices for a maximum of two persons on an all-inclusive basis start at 600€. The complex offers excellent entertainment and the buffet restaurant has received good reviews.

Next along the coast is Fuengirola with its wide curving bay. More traditional in style than it’s neighbour, the resort is a proper working town with attractive streets and squares behind the main beachfront area.

Top billed concerts are often held in the castle overlooking the sea and there are numerous shopping malls and department stores to keep even the most dedicated shopaholic happy. Fuengirola is famous for its weekly market on Tuesdays and Saturdays at the fairground near Los Boliches, hundreds of stalls selling bric-a-brac, household goods and much more.

Located next to the castle is the IPV Beatriz Palace spa hotel, the rooms are elegant and there are three restaurants to choose from. Price per room start at 500€ for a four-night stay. The hotel Las Palmeras is a popular choice, opposite the harbour, with rooms from 373€ on a half-board basis.

Marbella and Puerto Banus have the reputation of being a playboy’s (and girl’s) paradise and the harbour is the main focal point with its designer shops and high-end restaurants.

Get your glad rags on and join the beautiful people at Nikki Beach, a hedonistic beachfront resort. Take in the stunning sunset while listening to live music and sipping on a delicious cocktail.

Fuengirola

Torremolinos

Luxury hotels include the Gran Guadalpin, featuring direct beach access and excellent restaurants. A four-night stay half-board starts at 673€. The aparthotel PYR is just back from the harbour in the main part of town. The apartments feature a large living space, kitchen area and balcony. Halfboard for four nights starts at 494€.

Apart from shopping, sunbathing and eating, the Costa del Sol has many other attractions to enjoy on your short break.

The aforementioned cable car is one, along with Tivoli World, a small amusement park in Arroyo de la Miel.

The old village of Benalmadena Pueblo is a great place to spend a morning, wandering the streets and enjoying the views, while golf enthusiasts can not fail to be impressed by the endless courses on this so called ‘Costa del Golf’. Away from the hotel an evening’s entertainment can be found at the Casino Torrequebrada, near Benalmadena or enjoy an evening of authentic flamenco in one of the bars in the old part of Malaga city.

Getting around the costa couldn’t be easier, with a regular train service all the way from Fuengirola to Malaga including many stops en-route. This is the way the locals commute to and from the city and it really is simple to use.

So cancel the turkey, freeze the mince pies for another day and treat yourselves to a Christmas with a difference.

(Prices based on four-night stay December 23rd to 27th)

Benalmadena 47

THEGOLFPAGES

By Tony Myles ...your regular insight into Spain’s best and most played golf courses, world tournaments and news.

Real Golf de Bendinat

Real Golf de Bendinat 5660m Par 70.

Campoamor s/n 07181 Bendinat Calviá - Mallorca, España T. +34 971 405 200 F. +34 971 700 786 info@realgolfbendinat.com We have had lots of Golf Courses from around Spain but never from Mallorca so here is some information on the beautiful Real Golf de Bendinat.

The REAL GOLF DE BENDINAT, designed by Martin Hawtree in 1986 and located 7 kms west of Palma in an extensive wooded valley in the heart of the Bendinat Urbanization, consists of 18 holes (Par 70 ) in which one enjoys the perfect combination of beauty and nature with spectacular views of the bay of Palma, Cabrera and Bendinat Castle.

48

Located between the sea and the mountains the 5.660 meters offer the golfer a unique playing experience .

Opened in 1986 (with 9 holes) and extended in 1995, Designed

by Martin Hawtree, the course of Real Golf Bendinat captivates its players thanks to the combination which is offered between valley and mountain, with holes which need interesting strategy to obtain good results.

Most of the holes are well defined by trees from the tee and the green protected by bunkers and / or lakes, making the player choose carefully the shot to take, rewarding those

who have made the right decision with good results.

Among the golfers who have played in this Club over the years are: • HRH Prince Andrew, Duke of York.

• HRH Princess Brigitte of Sweden.

• Michael Douglas, Hollywood Actor.

• Nigel Mansell – Ex F1 racing driver.

• Ronald Koemann – Ex Barcelona & Dutch national team footballer.

• Ángel Cabrera – Golf Professional whose most important trophies are US Open 2007 and Masters Augusta 2009.

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“Rumours of my death have been exaggerated” - Golf

By Tony Myles

Each year there are reports of golf courses closing down or changing the nature of their business. These changes tending to be temporary sticking plasters over what is a major wound.

Since the dizzy heights of 2004 the US golf game has been losing participants at more than one million per year and with no pipeline of new blood to replace them, this is clearly unsustainable.

Why? What is the cause of this drop-off in interest?

The game hasn’t changed.

The introduction of new equipment each year guarantees to make even the raw amateur successful.

Many place the blame at two major incidents:

1. The demise of Tiger Woods - he had been an inspiration for a new generation of players and, when he was practically unbeatable for season after season, many young golfers strove to emulate him. Until he lost all of his god-like features. So why haven’t any of the current young stars produced the same inspirational example?

2. The global recession - No one escaped the impact of the recession and inevitably golf was seen as a dispensable luxury.

50

But with all economies having emerged and restarted domestic growth, why hasn’t golf also returned to a state of steady growth?

The course has been set-up to test your skills. And the guys in front of you are keeping up with the guys in front of them.

So if a round takes four and a half or five hours what is the problem?

Added to these questions you have the fact that there are exceptions and outside Availability - other than for planned of the US and parts of Europe the sport is maintenance there are no golf courses growing and doing very nicely. closing in Spain. And with weather conditions that allow the sport to be In Spain, where the recession hit hard, golf played at least 330 days every year, the is going from strength-to-strength. One of golfer can enjoy his sport whenever he or Spain’s major golf companies, Campbell she wishes. For the youngster there are Lamont Golf, reports strong growth for the several junior competitions every week sixth year in succession. with excellent prizes and incentives to remain a participant.

“We are a good indicator of the health of the game as we handle a large percentage Typical of these is the Campbell Lamont of green-fees for courses right across the Junior Leagues which was started just country and each year this part of our two years ago and today has more than business increases. So our experience is two thousand competitors playing right that golf in Spain is in a strong and healthy across Spain every week. condition.” - Campbell Lamont The Golf Gurus in the US and the UK need to look closely at what Campbell There are two possible Lamont has achieved in Spain where no explanations for this... one is seriously considering widening the holes or swapping their driver for a pair of Expectation and Availability.

Expectation - With the possible exception football boots. of the odd two-ball or those who choose to tee-off at sunrise, nobody arrives at a Spanish golf course and expects to play eighteen holes in under four hours. Why would they? The sun is shining.

51

Snooker Club Mojacar Play snooker and watch live sports with a nice cool beer! Find us 20m from Mercadona, downstairs at El Zoco, Avd, La Luz, Mojacar.

With a brand new aircon-system, the Snooker club is probably the coolest place in town.

Open 10.30 til late - Reserve your table now! yearly membership only 20 euros or holiday membership only 5 euros

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54

Spanish Superstitions Mal de ojo

Sweeping over some ones Feet

There’s a great fear of the mal de ojo (evil eye) in some Hispanic cultures. The superstition dates back to medieval Europe, and the belief that a look can curse people, or cause children to become ill.

There are different remedies, like amulets and bracelets, for mal de ojo, and some specific cures in different regions.

For example in Central America, people believe that mal de ojo can be cured by rubbing around the eye socket with an umbilical cord.

La mal sal

La mal sal means the bad salt or bad luck. Many people refuse to take a saltshaker, when it’s handed to them, as this is seen as receiving someone’s bad luck. Instead, you must place the salt shaker on the table, within reach of the person who wants it.

Some superstitious people believe that if you sweep over someone’s feet, that person will never marry.

Also, leaving an upside down broom behind your door can ward off unwanted visitors.

Cutting babies’ hair

You may want to think twice before cutting your baby’s hair.

According to Spanish superstitions, cutting a baby’s hair before he or she learns to walk, will prevent him or her from learning to do so (learning will be delayed). Also, if you want your son or daugther to learn to talk, do not cut his or her hair before they turn one.

Whether you want to prepare for your next trip to experience these Spanish traditions, or you want to improve your language skills, the best way to learn Spanish is with a private language teacher. One-on-one lessons will help you grasp the vocabulary and comprehension skills you need to fully appreciate Spanish traditions and culture.

55

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the world’s

MOST...

our regular feature bringing you a host of astonishing facts and figures from around the globe.

Richest fictional characters

For years we’ve dreamt about swapping lives with the world’s richest people, just to see how the other half lives, even for a day.

(Just imagine the crazy home amenities we’d have at our disposal.) But our day dreams may be misplaced, considering the fictional world is full of crazy rich characters who also get to live their lives as vampires, or superheroes, or animated animals.

Lottoland, a U.K.-based lottery site, took a dive into the bank accounts of some of our favorite fictional friends — taking into account the fictional fortunes reported by Forbes and The Richest — to find out how much these 15 characters are worth. In short: These guys are the richest of the rich.

1. Scrooge McDuck. The Ducktales Movie. £44.1 Billion

Coming from a humble background, Scrooge McDuck’s first job was polishing boots. He then moved to the United States and found a golden rock the size of a goose egg. This began his money-making journey which took him all around the world. The combination of great investments and being extremely stingy has put Scrooge McDuck straight to the top of our rich list.

2. Smaug. The Hobbit. £42. 4 Billion

The old wyrm Smaug found his fortune by invading Dale and taking over the Dwarves “Lonely Mountain” stronghold which contained all their hordes of gold, gems and other treasures.

3. Carlisle Cullen Twilight Series. £31.5 Billion

Carlisle received a generous handout from some Italian friends in the 1960s and by making some savvy investments, combined with the huge rate of interest that comes with being immortal, Carlisle managed to accumulate a significant fortune which would not be attainable by anyone who has to worry about dying.

4. Tony Stark Iron Man Series. £8.5 Billion

Tony Stark accumulated his wealth by building on his adopted father’s business, Stark Industries, worth approximately £20.3 billion. His Iron Man suit alone cost him a staggering $100,010,000! Then there’s the enormous house equipped with all sorts of gadgets, the fancy cars and even his own engineering lab.

5. Charles Foster Kane. Citizen Kane. £7.7 Billion

Charles Foster Kane was originally born into poverty, but his luck changed when his family was given a mine in lieu of payment for a room. It turned out that the mine was filled with gold and Kane was raised in luxury from then on.

6. Bruce Wayne. Batman Series £6.3 Billion

Heir to the Wayne Enterprises fortune (estimated to create $31.3 billion in annual revenue) from the age of 8, Bruce Wayne has spent the majority of his life as a billionaire.

7. Richie Rich. Richie Rich. £3.9 Billion

Richie Rich was the only child and heir to the billionaire businessman Richard Rich Sr. whose business “Rich Industries” was worth an estimated $163.4 billion.

60

the world’s

MOST...

Richest fictional characters 8. Christian Grey. Fifty Shades of Grey. £1.7 Billion

After receiving $100,000 to start up a business from a friend of his late mother, who has seduced him at age 15, Christian went on to build Grey Enterprises Holding Inc. In the second novel it’s claimed that Christian earns $100,000 an hour from this business.

9. Tywin Lannister. Game of Thrones. £1.2 Billion

Tywin Lannister was the Lord of Casterly Rock and the head of the richest family in the Seven Kingdoms, owning multiple gold mines across Westeros.

10. Mr. Burns. The Simpsons. £1 Billion

Like many others on our fictional rich list, Charles Montgomery Burns was born into a family of poverty and then adopted by a faceless billionaire in his early childhood, After attending Yale University he soon made his own fortune and went on to purchase the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant where his wealth continued to increase

11. Walden Schmidt. Two and a Half Men. £8.9 Million

Walden Schmidt made his first million dollars by the age of 19 and went on to create and sell his own start-up internet business for $1.3 Billion.

12. Lara Croft. Tomb Raider. £8.9 Million

Lara Croft was born into a wealthy family and was heir to the family fortune when both her parents had passed away. One of only two women to make the list, Lara Croft spends her wealth in the most exciting fashion - travelling the world, seeking adventure and exploring ancient tombs and ruins.

13. Mr. Monopoly. Monopoly Board Game £8.2 Million

Mr. Monopoly, formerly known as Rich Uncle Pennybags, made his fortune by investing in real estate in Atlantic City. Having then invested heavily in houses and hotels located all around the world, all he had to do was sit back, and with a few lucky rolls of the dice, watch his fortune come in at the expense of others.

14. Lady Mary Crawley. Downton Abbey £7.5 Million

Lady Mary Crawley was already rich in her own right being the eldest daughter of the Earl of Grantham. She then saw her wealth increase to an even greater extent after inheriting her late husband Matthew Crawley’s fortune.

15. Jay Gatsby. The Great Gatsby. £6.8 Million

Jay Gatsby wasn’t born wealthy and, at the age of 17, dropped out of college to tour the world by yacht with millionaire Dan Cody. During this time he got a real taste of the good life and there was then no going back for him. He built his fortune through bootlegging at the time of Prohibition in the United States.

61

FIESTA DE LOS REYES. or Three Kings tradition.

There is quite a debate raging across this country regarding whether Santa Claus is displacing the traditional Three Kings at Christmastime in Spain. The truth is that Santa Claus is becoming more and more common, but even families that sign up with “Papa Noel” usually keep their accounts open with the Kings. And as for the Kings themselves, they continue to arrive on schedule every year to villages, towns and cities throughout Andalucia (and the rest of Spain) to make the annual parade, which usually starts at dusk on the 5th January through the centre of urban areas.

Melchor, Gazpar and Baltasar (the African king) are magically able to appear simultaneously throughout this entire land as evening falls on the Iberian Peninsula, and they don’t come empty handed. As their royal majesties parade about town with their entourage of locals smiling and waving from trucks, trailers and even floats (depends on local resources) they dutifully toss out handfuls of sweets to the children waiting in the streets at they pass.

If you take little ones to the parade, be sure to bring along bags to handle the accumulation of little treasures they will certainly want to take home (even though usually these sweets are not very good quality).

That same night of January 5th, children are supposed to leave their shoes out the night before to receive the gifts.

However, nowadays some families are actually turning to the Christmas tree as the place to pile gifts as the Kings’ spending power grows and shoes can no longer support the weight or volume of the their delivery.

62

Some families set up their nativity scene in such a way as to be able to move the images of the wise men closer and closer to Bethlehem over the Christmas season. The idea is to have them arrive at the stable right on the 6th.

Breakfast is a special occasion on January 6th with the Three Kings’ Cake the centre of attention. This is a sweet bread that is adorned with dried fruits and sugar. Inside, bakers have hidden a small prize wrapped in paper as well as a bean.

The one who finds the lucky prize is supposed to be King or Queen for the day (a gold paper crown is often provided with the cake) while he who ends up with the unlucky bean is expected to pay for next years Kings’ Cake – and considering that some of these cakes go for about 20 times the price of a loaf of regular, unsweetened bread (if you buy at a bakery instead of the supermarket), that could be an unhappy lot.

January 6th is a very special day throughout our region as it is a day for family to come together for a special meal, gift exchanges and time together.

It is very much like Christmas Day in North America or northern European countries. Nowadays, Both Christmas Day and January 6th are getting equal celebration with the children’s gifts often divided between the two days – except in families on the “No Santa” side of the debate who persist in clinging to the old traditions thus making the kids wait until that very last day of the Christmas holidays for their presents. January 6th is a national public holiday.

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PROPERTYPAGES ALL YOUR LOCAL AGENTS • ALL IN ONE PLACE

FIND YOUR IDEAL VILLA, APARTMENT OR RURAL PROPERTY IN THE SUN 64

INTRO The property pages have now been established in this magazine for 12 months now and is proving very interesting for people looking for rentals, investments and a new home or just for locals having a “nose” All of the agents that advertise in this magazine are well established, professional companies and can help you with any information you require on the local area for buying or renting. They know current prices, where to buy or invest and where to find the local businesses and services you will need to enable you to make an informed judgement on purchasing or renting in this marvellous area.

Make sure you have a look at their adverts for current property available, but also visit their websites and offices to get the best possible advise.

Any agents not in this section why not call us on 950 473 102 to showcase your properties and business in this part of the magazine.

P.R BUILDING

SERVICES

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call Richard on: 662 422 170 or email: prb780@yahoo.es

See our advert in this section 65

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TThink Property... ...Think Price Brown

If you are looking to sell your property why not talk to us today & benefit from our reputation & experience.

Villaricos

Selection of outstanding 2 & 3 bed apartments built to high specifications. Community gardens & underground parking available. Near to beach & amenities.

ND1-001 from 74.500€ Antas

3 properties for the price of 1! 3 separate, linked, houses with a minimum of 8 bedrooms. 1 property is for renovation. All are well maintained & in habitable condition.

LV681 99.000€ El Pinar

3 bed, 3 bath, detached house of 129m2 on 400m2 with far reaching views to the sea. Large basement, private pool & gardens. Part furnished.

Ample terraces. Very well maintained.

DV1294 230.000€

Villaricos

Mojácar Playa

Superb 2, 3 & 4 bedroom apartments & townhouses built to very high specifications adjacent to the Esperanza harbour. Community pools, gardens & much more.

ND1-002 from 139.000€ Mojácar Playa

2 bed, 1 bath, ground floor golf apartment of 57m2, 22m2 terrace & service patio. Community pool & gardens. Ideally situated for beaches & golf.

A1279

75.000€

Cortijo Grande

2 bed, 1 bath, renovated townhouse of 60m2 + 20m2 terrace with sea views. Furnished. Short walk to shops, restaurants & beaches.

LV652

2 bed, 2 bath, frontline golf townhouse of 85m2 + 22m2 of garden terrace in a small complex.

Furnished. A short drive to towns & beaches.

89.000€

Mojácar Playa

3 bed, 3 bath, detached villa of 170m2 in a desirable location, 1 of 4. Beautifully presented.

A/C, solarium, & terraces. Sea views. Private garage. Community pool.

DV1374 269.950€

LV626

79.000€

Cabrera

3 bed, 3 bath, detached house & annex of 139m2 on a plot of 1,693m2. A/C. Private pool & beautiful terraces. Ample parking. Very private + stunning views.

DV1407 495.000€

REF. A-299

•

MOJÁCAR PLAYA

•

MOJÁCAR PLAYA

•

189.000€

Luxuriously renovated 3 bedroom / 2 bathroom semidetached Duplex of 90m2 on a plot 130m2.

50m away from the comercial center.

Sells fully furnished.

REF. A-297

•

190.000€

3 bedroom / 2 bathroom semidetached Duplex of 90 m2 with private garden of 200 m2,.

With a large community pool and nice gardens around, tennis court and private parking space.

REF. A-270

•

TURRE

•

66.900€

New Construction – First Occupation 2 bedroom / 2 bathroom apartment in the center of Turre 80 m2 , Top Floor, Roof-terrace with panoramic views, Air Con preinstalled, Underground Parking.

Paseo del Mediterráneo, 293, Mojacar Playa

Tel: 950 615 156 Mob: 609 026 526

emil: info@indalfutur.com

www.indalfutur.com The “go to” German estate agent on Mojácar Playa

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Real Estate since 1999

PROPERTY OF THE MONTH REF. V-266 • Turre • 359.000€

4 bed / 4 bath detached villa of 200m2 with private pool and garden on a plot 10000m2.

2km away from the center of Turre and 6 km away from Mojacar beach.

Exclusive Sale.

Viewing highly recommended.

www.indalfutur.com 71

• Property Sales • 30 years experience • Multi Lingual Team Las Casas Macenas, Mojácar Playa.

La Atalaya Duplex, Mojácar Playa.

REF: ME1407 Price 269.000€

REF: ME1369 Price 235.000€

Stunning 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom townhouse with sea views in community with swimming pool located in Macenas Golf Resort in Mojacar Beach. The resort is only a 5 minute walk to beach and a 3 minute drive to shops, amenities and night life of Mojacar Playa. Macenas has its own beach club with shared pool and enjoys a prime position on the coast.

Modern, spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom duplex with private pool and fantastic sea views on a small community.

Located in elevated position, approx 450m to the beach and all amenities. Sold furnished by inventory. A fantastic property to rent out, or as a family home. Must be seen to be appreciated!

Campomar, Mojácar Playa.

Casa Nea Zoe, Mojácar.

REF: ME1410 Price 115.500€

REF: ME1356 Price 289.000€

Ground floor 2 bed, 1 bath apartment located in quiet residential area approximately 400m to beach and amenities.

There is access to the gardens and communtiy swimming pool direct from the property. Being sold fully furnished and equipped. Air con unit in main bedroom and lounge & gas central heating.

A unique 5 year old property with 3 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms, located in a quiet area, just on the boundary between Mojacar and Turre . Constructed to modern standards. The outside has a developed "country style" to fit the house to the landscape. The inside of the property is built to a modern high standard.

About us Mojacar Estates have been running successfully as an independent property sales and holiday rentals agency since 1982. Our dedicated team, who have all been working within this industry for more than 10 years, offer a professional and knowledgeable service to our clients. Our team is able to speak fluent Spanish, English and German.

We are continually sourcing new properties to extend our sales and holiday rentals portfolio.

Contact us or visit our office for a free, no obligation valuation. We offer a straightforward commission structure, with no obligation for exclusivity, on a no sale, no fee basis.

Property Services / Sales We sell coastal and inland properties in Mojácar and the surrounding areas of Almeria. All our properties are compliant with the legal decree 218/Andalusia. All documentation of our properties is freely available for the interested purchaser. We can suggest lawyers, and can help the purchaser during the whole process of purchasing and offer a comprehensive after sales

Resales • Offices in Mojacar • Maintenance • Property Vigilance La Mata, Mojácar Playa.

Oasis Del Mar, Mojácar Playa.

REF: ME1290 Price 109.950€

REF: ME1419 Price 155.000€

Spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment full of character located on the sought after complex of La Mata in a quiet residential area and very close to the beach and amenities.

La Mata has one of the most beautiful communal gardens and swimming pool area that any complex in Mojacar has to offer and must be seen to be appreciated.

Lovely top floor, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment on front line residential complex with community with community swimming pool and allocated parking space. Airconditioned with good size balcony and flat roof terrace. The property comes furnished (except double bed).

Huerta Nueva, Los Gallardos.

Finca Las Horcas, Sorbas.

REF: ME1330 Price 259.950€

REF: ME1422 Price 599.000€

Comfortable 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom villa on one level with 173m2 constructed area on a large flat plot of 2500m2. The house has gas central heating. Wheelchair friendly. Mosquito blinds and bars on all windows. Good and quiet neighbourhood.

Large country property for a big family or with possiblities to be used as B&B with a total of 10 nedrooms. Located on the outskirts of Sorbas with superb country views just 1 km from the main road. Comes with stables, paddocks, workshop, double garage and motocross track all with private drive access & with electric gates.

service. We offer our vendors a free valuation and a free paperwork check. We help to achieve the legally necessary CEE (Energy Performance Certificate), property searches and guide our vendors through the whole process of selling.

Mojacar Estates advertises on all the important web portals national and international to give your property the best possible exposure. You can find us on: Right Move, A Place in the Sun, Zoopla, Think Spain, Idealista, Kyero, Fotocasa, Pisos and Segundamano to name just a few. Our company has been built a network of collaborating agents national and international to help you sell your properties.

Lifestyle

Living Levante

info@mojacarestates.com Mojacar: 950 478 935 Avenida del Mediterraneo No 8 Mojacar

www.mojacarestates.com

Best of both worlds: Make the most of your UK and Spanish Mortgage options.

Helping you realise your dreams.

For many people owning your very own place in Spain is only something that you can dream about, here at Your Mortgage Hub we want to make your dreams a reality and help you or your customers secure a place in the sunshine.

Your Mortgage Hub have many years’ experience of both the UK and Spanish mortgage markets and have helped lots of people successfully buy their own place.

The benefits we can offer you have been proven over the years. We are a regulated Mortgage Advice business based in the UK, we have the whole of the UK mortgage market at our finger tips which enables us to select the best solution for your own personal needs. For example, if you want to buy a holiday home in Spain we would assess whether to raise the funds in Spain, the UK or in a lot of cases some funds in the UK for your deposit and then the balance by the means of a Spanish mortgage. We have helped several Estate Agents all over Spain as in a lot of purchases Spanish banks are looking for a minimum of 30% deposit, in some cases as much as 40% deposit, very few people have that amount of money readily available, therefore lots of sales and purchases fall through as this money cannot be found.

Here’s an example of a recent successful purchase, the purchaser was over the moon as she was able to own her own holiday home, also the seller was thrilled as they had waited several months for a buyer, and at one point it looked as though it wasn’t going to happen.

YOUR

MORTGAGE HUB

Example: Purchase price 50,000 Euro’s plus £8500 in fees and taxes. Spanish bank was unable to lend, so the sale looked as though it wasn’t going to happen – Caroline at Your Mortgage Hub assessed the whole situation and was able to raise sufficient funds by the way of a UK based bank.

We have also recently helped a customer who has lived in Spain for the past 8 years remortgage her property in the UK, raising money to buy herself a new home in Mojácar.

In other cases we have raised a deposit by remortgaging our customers UK home which enabled them to secure a Spanish mortgage through a local bank to finalise the purchase – we are always here to help you through every step of the way.

It isn’t just limited to buying in Spain, maybe you want to secure a property in the UK or remortgage your property that you own in the UK to improve your current rate of interest, with rates of interest now as low as 0.99% ( subject to status) We can do that for you. We offer a transparent and clear service keeping you the customer fully informed and updated along the way.

UK mortgages are regulated by the FCA, Spanish Mortgages are not regulated.

All advice UK based.

For further information contact Caroline Hall CeMap CeRER Tel. Office (+44) 1522 880 370 Mobile (+44) 7856 562 568 Email: caroline@yourmortgagehub.co.uk Web: www.yourmortgagehub.co.uk • Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. • You may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage. APN: Sol5050

“We don’t work 9 to 5, ...We work Start to Finish” As part of our long standing association with APITS and providing our vendors with an international advertising platform. If you are considering selling and need the assistance of a Certified International Property Specialist without exclusive contracts then contact us.

V.I.P Almería, Paseo del Mediterráneo, 22b, Mojacar Playa.

Office: (+34) 950 472 524 Fax: (+34) 950 950 231

info@vipalmeria.com www.vipalmeria.com

“We don’t work 9 to 5, ...We work Start to Finish” VIP7286

Bungalow • El Palmeral • Mojácar

139,500€

VIP7294

Conveniently located in the popular oasis del mar 1 development this impressive penthouse apartment is a mere 1 minute walk from the beach, shops and restaurants.

This pretty character property is set in a small community of just 4 bungalows, which has mature gardens and a well kept pool area.

139,000€

2 Beds, 2 baths, Communal pool, 2 mins walk to the beach. A well established small community of only 10 properties. Impressive sea views from both the living room & master bedroom, this a rare opportunity to purchase a good location with fantastic views for an outstanding price.

Apartment • Mojácar Pueblo

89,000€

Detached villa • El Palmeral • Mojácar

330,000€

3 Bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 700m2 garden A tastefully decorated and well maintained villa, this beautiful property is all on one level and the perfect 'Forever Home'.

VIP7232 Apartment • Vista Los Angeles • Mojácar

98,950€

2 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom, large kitchen , 40m2 terrace

2 Bedrooms , 1 Bathroom, communal pool, ground floor.

The property shows how a village property, when maintained with a rustic interior, can offer you a taste of real Spain. Village life is like no other, set in a friendly & warm community, it also offers a lifestyle to integrate into.

This well presented ground floor apartment an easy 1 minute stroll from both the beach and shops is perfect for anyone with restricted mobility.

BR

EA T VI HTA EW K S ING

VIP7293

VIP7281 TO EX VI CLU P AL SIV ME E RI A

Townhouse • El Cantal • Mojácar

155,000€

2 Bedrooms , 2 bathrooms, solarium, communal pool.

2 Bedrooms, 1 bathroom, Communal pool, 3 mins walking distance to the beach.

VIP7278

Penthouse • Cueva del lobo • Mojácar

VIP7276

Townhouse • Mojácar Pueblo

119,950€

VIP7182

Villa • El Cantal • Mojácar

139,950€

3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, large roof terrace.

2 Bedrooms , 2 Bathrooms, roof terrace, communal pool.

Built in 1900 and completely refurbished to a high standard, a unique and beautiful home in the heart of the pueblo.

Located a mere 5 minute walk from the beachfront, this quaint villa is situated in a friendly, well kept community.

V.I.P Almería, Paseo del Mediterráneo, 22b, Mojacar Playa.

Office: (+34) 950 472 524 Fax: (+34) 950 950 231

info@vipalmeria.com www.vipalmeria.com

76

SO

Top floor with sea views 2 beds, 2 baths. Terrace with sea views. Covered parking space Airconditioning (hot/cold) 2 Outdoor pools & covered pool Sauna, gym, tennis & paddel courts.

LD

API-V0238 83000€ VERA PLAYA

API-M0135 119000€ MOJACAR PLAYA 2 beds, 2 baths, spacious terraces (27m2) with sea views Underground parking & Storage room (10m2), fully furnished & aircon. Outdoor & indoor pool Jacuzzi & Elevator with panoramic views.

API-V0234 86000€ VERA PLAYA

API-VIL0170 VERA PLAYA

152000€

2 beds, 1 bath, 1 toilet, 2 terraces, Completely furnished Air conditioning Underground parking space 2 outdoor communal pools Play area for kids 400 m to the beach.

Townhouse with roof terrace 2 beds, 2 baths , terrace and roof terrace. Airconditioning Underground parking Excellent rental potential outdoor pool 50m to the beach

API-V0260 118000€ VERA PLAYA

API-VIL0113 VILLARICOS

Spacious 1st floor apartment 2 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms 2 Terraces , Pool & garden views Underground parking space Fully furnished 2 Outdoor pools 400m to the beach

Unbeatable location 2 beds, 2 baths, 93m2 townhouse Lounge with fire place Air conditioning 4 terraces & solarium with sea views, Underground parking space, Communal pool.

159000€

API-V0243 from 310000€ PUERTO REY/VERA PLAYA

New build villas with sea views

Plots from 278m2 3 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms In the heart of Puerto Rey 50m to the beach

Buying or selling a home begins with trust. We work on 100% customer satisfaction and want to guarantee them the best service.

People will forget what you say, they may forget what you do, but they will never forget how you make them feel!

Everything starts with connecting the right buyer with the right property. We are fully aware that securing an offer is not the end of a sale but where the hard work really begins. Therefore we are always available so that together we can overcome any challenges that may arise. We work with local lawyers and solicitors who will check all the paperwork to the last detail and follow every step of the selling/buying process. We also offer an extensive range of property services for both sellers & buyers to make selling or buying your home as seamless as possible.

If you are considering buying or selling a second home on the Costa Almeria then I encourage you to feel free to contact us. We will help you in fluent English, Dutch, Spanish, French or German. We aim to establish individual relationships with our clients through a business built on professionalism and knowledge.

Your Belgian estate agent at the coast!

We are still looking to extend our portfolio so call

ANN 666 260 792 or ISMAEL 670 596 085 www.almeriapropertyinvestments.com ann@almeriapropertyinvestments.com

RONDA DE LAS BUGANVILLAS nº42 (next to Luces & Bar Cactus)

VILLA ARIZONA

Stunning 3 bed Villa just a few steps from the beach.

VILLA EL RANCHO

Modern high standard villa on the outskirts of Mojacar.

Immaculate Villa renovated to a high standard.

Spectacular

With 3 double bedrooms and a separate 1 bed, 1 bath apartment underneath the property, this recently renovated and refurbished villa is very close to the beach and all amenities including bars and restaurants. Complete with stunning sea views.

This 3 bedroom villa is located on a large plot amongst orange groves & olive trees with beautiful views of the moorish Mojacar village & Sierra Cabrera. Large terraces, fountain & private secluded pool area. Breathtaking & perfect for a nice tranquil holiday.

VILLA TRANQUILIDAD

Stunning 4 bed villa in the heart of Mojacar Playa

VISTA PARAĂ?SO

Special rental rates available all year

Spacious villa within walking distance of beach.

Located just 200m from beaches

With a modern kitchen & furnishings to a very high standard all with a real home-from-home luxury feel. An impressive large pool surrounded by ample terracing, makes this perfect for alfresco dining and just relaxing in, or out of the sun.

Beautiful 3 bedroom, end linked villa, with secluded swimming pool (shared with three adjacent villas) in quiet residential community yet close to large range of bars and restaurants at south end of playa.

looking for a luxury villa with stunning views of Mojacar Playa?

Please let us help you find the perfect home for your holiday!

Holidays & self catering vacation rentals.

Property management and maintenance Short & long term rentals of apartments and villas

Tel: +34 950 475 235

info@coastpropmojacar.com

coastal.mojacar

Apartado 718. 38 Multicentro Playa, Mojacar Playa , Almeria

Due to a very successful 2016, we urgently require NEW PROPERTIES FOR SALE to add to our portfolio.