The Grapevine Magazine February 2021 by The Grapevine Magazine

thegrapevine.es

February 2021 Issue 188

Grapevine Magazine

See Main Ad on Page 95

Tel: 952 540 786

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00 34 637 028 873 00 34 618 360 290 info@cyclemalaga.com www.cyclemalaga.com The Grapevine 93

Editors Note... This month we have articles from two local writers, which we very much encourage, so thank you Josephine Drew and Katherine Patterson. If you have a story your would like to share, preferably about the area or your move to Spain, you are welcome to submit it to grapevinesales@gmail.com. Often information given with personal experience can provide great advice to those thinking of moving to the area or currently living here.

Front Cover Photo: Snow covered Mount Maroma. Photo by Jason Elliot

Also this month the front cover has been provided by local Photographer Jason Elliot, it beautifully captures Competa with snow capped mountains. Last month temperatures dropped low enough for snow not only to be seen form the village of Competa but easily experienced within a walk from the village. This is only the second time that we have experienced proper snow in the village in the 17 years we have lived in Spain.

SALES HOTLINE : 637 028 873 : grapevinesales : grapevinesales@gmail.com

Don't forget this month we have Valentines Day. You may not be able to or want to go out and celebrate however, there are still plenty of ways you can show your partner you care. If you need some inspiration turn to pages 24 & 25.

: www.thegrapevine.es : Grapevine Magazine Axarquia

February Weather Days with rainfall: 6 Days Avg Max Temperature: 16.9 c Hours of Sunshine : 6.3 p/day

Enjoy and Keep Reading The Editor

Inside This Month

The weather data is for guidance only and is the average monthly maximum for the Costa del Sol

16 A Selection Of Local Business People Continuing the series of introducing owners of local businesses.

No part of this publication may be used or reproduced or scanned without prior consent of The Grapevine Magazine.

36 The Worst Wine In The world A Malaga businessman hopes to demystify the rituals of wine consumption.

The Grapevine Magazine accepts no responsibility for any alterations to events listed, claims made by our advertisers or information provided by our contributors.

DEPOSITO LEGAL: NO. MA-711-2005

58 Free Travel Insurance Andalucías new campaign to reinforce its position as a safe destination to travel. 84 Camping Cuttings By Lorraine Cavanagh A far cry from normal.

José Luis

See Map Spot 17

PERSIANAS

SUPPLY & FITTING Ÿ Venetian blinds, shutters, canopies, Ÿ fly-screens, beaded curtains. Ÿ Aluminium & PVC Windows, doors, Ÿ Sun lounges, extensions, glass curtains & shower screens Ÿ Lamps, lampshades, wall lights, strip lighting-wide range Ÿ Picture/poster/photo frames & framing service. Ÿ Laminating Glass (clear, tinted, textured) cut to size

Avda. La Constitucion 2, Competa Tel: 952 516 397 Mobile: 658 847 421 persianas9@yahoo.es

To advertise call 637 028 873

The Grapevine 3

Sunset Properties Spain on the Costa del Sol See new properties for sale on Facebook

www.sunsetproperties-spain.com info@sunsetproperties-spain.com

Tel: +34 618 295 063 New this month!

Price:300,000 Euros

Tel: Office +34 601 626 525 New this month!

Price:232,000 Euros

Online video

New this month!

Denise Hill

Av.Andalucia Denise Hill65c Torre del Mar 29740, Malaga Price:395,000 Euros

Online video

Colmenar

Rincon de la Victoria

Arenas

A beautiful, modern, rustic style villa (340m²) with 4 bedrooms, 2 baths +wc and large cinema room. Set in mature gardens with ample space for a hot tub or surface pool.

Stunning 3 bed, 2 bath apartment (121m²) with living/dining and separate kitchen/dining, covered terrace, sea views, private garden with access to communal pool, private parking & store room.

Superb 6 bed, 3 baths + wc country villa (234m²), open plan living/dining/kitchen, garage & parking, fantastic outside space with modern feel, outside kitchen/bbq, elevated pool deck with bar area, wonderful views. EPC - C ref: v1402

EPC - in process

ref: v1401

New this month!

Price:325,000 Euros

ref: t1396

EPC - E

Stunning views!

Price:179,000 Euros

Great value!

Price:139,000 Euros

This Month’s Special Offer!

Online video

Torrox

Original renovated finca with 4 beds, 3 baths (101m²), presently used a casa rural. Has 2 independent rental rooms & separate owners accom. swimming pool, terraces, a readymade business or potential as a private home.

ref: v1400

EPC - E

Business Opportunity! Price:575,000

Euros

Online video

Velez-Malaga

Lovely historic character property with 2 en-suite beds (121m²), living/dining with separate kitchen and utility room, large driveway with double garage, lovely outside terraces and gardens with stunning views. EPC - D

New this month!

Online video

Competa

Great opportunity to purchase an established avocado farm with a 3 bed, 1 bath villa (154m²). Fantastic outside space with beautiful terraces, salt water pool, abundance of fruit trees and grapevines. EPC - E

6 The

ref: v1298 Price: 375,000 Euros

Online video

Sedella New townhouse (114m²) with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathroom. Open plan and spacious accommodation with easy access to the local amenities. Benefits from 3 terraces with wonderful views.

ref: t1390

EPC - E

Great value!

Price:65,000 Euros

Online video

Benajarafe

Fantastic 3 bed, 2 bath (136.24m²) villa, living/dining with separate kitchen and utility room, fantastic outdoor spaces with many sun terraces and a roof terrace. Heated swimming pool with high quality thermal cover. A must to view! ref: v1398 ref: v1392 EPC - E

Online video

Archez A fully modernised townhouse (38m²) appealing to a couple requiring a ready to move into holiday, rental or full time home. Benefiting from the amenities of the village and parking right outside. EPC - E

“ The advertised prices include all of the sellers costs including any commissions. They do not include the buyers costs which can be between 10% and 13% of the advertised price, this includes notary and Grapevine To advertise call 637 registry fees, buyers legal fees, purchase tax (8%) and any mortgage set up costs.”

ref: t1369

028 873

Sunset Properties Spain on the Costa del Sol See new properties for sale on Facebook

www.sunsetproperties-spain.com info@sunsetproperties-spain.com

Tel: +34 618 295 063 New this month!

Price:300,000 Euros

Tel: Office +34 601 626 525 New this month!

Price:232,000 Euros

Online video

New this month!

Denise Hill

Av.Andalucia Denise Hill65c Torre del Mar 29740, Malaga Price:395,000 Euros

Online video

Colmenar

Rincon de la Victoria

Arenas

A beautiful, modern, rustic style villa (340m²) with 4 bedrooms, 2 baths +wc and large cinema room. Set in mature gardens with ample space for a hot tub or surface pool.

Stunning 3 bed, 2 bath apartment (121m²) with living/dining and separate kitchen/dining, covered terrace, sea views, private garden with access to communal pool, private parking & store room.

EPC - in process

ref: v1401

New this month!

Price:325,000 Euros

ref: t1396

EPC - E

Stunning views!

Price:179,000 Euros

Great value!

Price:139,000 Euros

This Month’s Special Offer!

Online video

Torrox

ref: v1400

EPC - E

Business Opportunity! Price:575,000

Euros

Online video

Velez-Malaga

New this month!

Online video

Competa

6 The

ref: v1298 Price: 375,000 Euros

Online video

Sedella New townhouse (114m²) with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathroom. Open plan and spacious accommodation with easy access to the local amenities. Benefits from 3 terraces with wonderful views.

ref: t1390

EPC - E

Great value!

Price:65,000 Euros

Online video

Benajarafe

Online video

ref: t1369

028 873

Marco Polo

Calle Jose Antonio 3 Cómpeta

Set in a traditional Townhouse just off the Plaza Almijara, Competa.

g n si

e l Sa o

G st u M g n i h t y r e v E

We have a huge selection of greetings cards that will never change souvenirs, gifts, helium balloons etc. A huge selection of British goods for 2€

o l C

Don’t forget we take Passport photos We have Second hand books, New Books and a Book Exchange is Available.We are the place to buy your maps and walking routes of the area. Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10am-2pm

6 The Grapevine

We have lots of new lines in the shop Please came in and take a look

To advertise call 637 028 873

NEWS IN SPAIN This Months Update

mazon created 5,000 new jobs in Spain in 2020, increasing its permanent workforce in the country to 12,000 workers at the end of last year, the company reported. The platform has thus exceeded its job creation forecasts, after announcing at the end of July its estimate of generating 2,000 jobs in 2020, but which has finally risen to 5,000, driven by the growth of e - commerce due to the pandemic. These new jobs include all types of profiles, from entry-level positions in operations to software developers and engineers, business leaders, data scientists and machine learning, as well as cloud experts and solution architects working on Amazon Web. Services.

allegedly done ‘dirty work’, such as blackmail or threats, on behalf of companies or rich individuals over a period of several years. His revelations have shaken Spain’s elite. But the allegations from Corinna Larsen have been denied by General Félix Sanz Roldán, who served as head of the Spanish Intelligence Service (CNI) between 2009 and 2019. Speaking to a court in Madrid by video link from a magistrates court in London, Larsen said that Sanz Roldán had directly threatened her and her children in May 2012 on the orders of Juan Carlos I. In response, Sanz Roldán denied issuing any threats when he also gave evidence.

he lifeless body of the young German man, Stefan Zablotny, whose disappearance was reported last Monday in Rincón de la Victoria, was found on Sunday in a rural area of the town. The SOS Desaparecidos missing persons association published a message stating that he had been found dead, without giving further details. Guardia Civil officers have taken over the investigation and the main

orinna zu SaynWittgenstein, also known as Corinna Larsen, the exlover of Spain’s former king, Juan Carlos I, testified that her life had been threatened by a Spanish former spy chief on orders from the monarch himself and that it had ‘terrified’ her. The testimony from the German-born business consultant came during the trial of José Manuel Villarejo, a retired police superintendent suspected of large-scale corruption, having

8 The Grapevine

hypothesis being considered is that the young man took his own life. The 32-year-old German had lived in the town for just six weeks with his partner. She had reported Stefan missing after returning from work and not finding him at home.

he Civil Guard rescued the corpses of three immigrants who were on board a boat in which nine other people were sailing and that overturned before reaching the Cantal de Mojácar beach (Almería). Maritime Rescue sources informed Efe around 03:00 then the Ciivil Guard alerted the coordiating center of Almería of the arrival of nine immigrants t the Cantal beach. It was indicated that the boat in which they were travelling had overturned. The Helimer 203 Maritime Rescue helicopter located shortly after four in the morning the lifeless body of a woman , which was then recovered from the ground by Civil Guard. Later, the Special Group of Underwater Activities (GEAS) of the Civil Guard found two more bodies, apparently male , although the sex of the corpses has not yet been definitively communicated to Maritime Rescue.

To advertise call 637 028 873

The Grapevine 9

See Map Spot 6

10 The Grapevine

To advertise call 637 028 873

All makes & brands for cars, vans & 4x4 available

While you wait

DISCOUNT MOTORIST CENTRE YOUR BRITISH FAST FIT CENTRE

SERVICE:

No need to re-new or replace as Pro Neumaticos can now re-service you current starter motor/alternator

Tyres .

Brakes .

Servicing

20% Off all Clutches

(off PVP)

all Cambelts

Exhaust .

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Clutches

15% Off

Trade Counter

AIR CON RECHARGE

upto

(off PVP)

50% Off

FIXED TOW BARS

Brake Pads Fitted

supplied & fitted from 158.80+IVA including all paperwork for obtaining ITV.

“same day fitting service available”

(off PVP)

Diagnostics .

Aircon re-charge and repairs .

Transmissions

Car cleaning & Valet Service from 40 Euros

New Example is for Ford Focus 2004, 5 door hatchback, & does not include supply & fitting of electrics.

Computerised Wheel Alignment

Pol. Ind. la Pañoleta

Pre ITV .

Collection & Delivery

Quality Cars wanted Same day payout call John

RES

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tOR

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952 507 144 664 763 344 C/Julio Romero de Torres No.1

E OM

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All major debit/credit cards accepted

A-356a

Pol. Ind La Pañoleta (Vélez Málaga)

www.proneumaticos.com

info@proneumaticos.com

Opening times: Monday-Friday 09.00-18.00 Open all day Closed Saturday and Sunday

SEE MAP SPOT 2

12 The Grapevine

To advertise call 637 028 873

Tin Tin

Salon de Belleza

Hair and Beauty Salon

We Specialise in Everything Hair & Beauty

Hair by Trina Perm, Colouring, Hi/Low light, Balayage, Men and Childrens cuts, Wash and Set, Styling for weddings, communions, parties & other special occasions

See Map Spot 26

Beauty by Demi

New Acrylic Nails- High Definition Brows A new bespoke eyebrow service. Cutting edge eyebrow shaping & tinting for the individual based on skin tone, hair colour & face shape. Standard Manicures, Pedicures also Gel Polish All types of Waxing (Facial & Body), Eyebrow/Eyelash Tinting

New by Zena Holistic Massage Therapist Relives Stress & Anxiety, Reduces Tension & Pain & Much More Tel: +44 7772679917

Please note our change of working hours during the Coronavirus situation Monday to Saturday 9.00-15.00 To advertise call 637 028 873

Nueva villa de Competa (Just behind Cafe Competa) Tel: 952 516 416 English, Danish & Spanish The Grapevine 13

AXARQUIA SOLICITORS Owners' Communities, Even If You Are Licensed By The Local Council

uilding Works. When the owner of a home or premises intends to make works, doubts may arise as to the strength of the administrative license (issued by the Local Council) of works in front of the community. All building works must be authorised by local councils. However, if the work affects common elements of the estate, it also requires community authorization, even if it has all administrative permits and licenses. The license issued by the local council only indicates that the

14 The Grapevine

works are legal with the required administrative regulations (therefore, the licenses are granted "except for the right of ownership and without prejudice to third party"), but does not legitimize the works on its own, nor is the community bound by the fact that the Administration has authorized it. Therefore, the owner intending to make works that affect or may affect common elements must ask the community for prior permission (even if licensed), and the community may refuse authorization. Everyone must be aware that if these works are executed without Community

permission, their removal may be required. CONCLUSION: Even if a work is licensed, the community must also authorize it if it affects common elements. For any advice or enquiry about communities or horizontal property law, do not hesitate to contact us. Jose Manuel Garzon (Senior Partner - Axarquia Solicitors) Tel. 952 901 225 Email: mail@axarquiasolicitors.com www.axarquiasolicitors.com

To advertise call 637 028 873

The Grapevine 15

MEET DANI HILL OWNER OF AXARFUSION Axarfusión a telecommunications company based in Cómpeta. They provide a number of services for the Axarquia area, including; internet connections via WIFI and fibre optic, television in a number of different languages, landline and mobile telephone services. 1. Where were you born? I am from Nottingham, England and just over 20 years ago at the age of 13 I moved to Cómpeta with my family. 2. Tell me about your family? I met my wife Anabel 14 years ago whilst studying in Cómpeta, we were married just over 4 years ago and shortly afterwards I opened the Axarfusión offices in Competa. Around 14 months ago our first son Martín arrived and just a couple of weeks ago our second son Pablo was born. 3. When did you start your business and why?

16 The Grapevine

As many people will already know, I have been involved in the telecommunications / internet business for many years. My first experienced was working for Kim Jorgensen back in 2007. After getting hooked on the work I decided to go to college for two years to improve my knowledge and prepare myself for this ever growing industry. My experience grew working for another local internet company. Then in 2016, I was head hunted by Axartel, a much larger company. At Axartel I discovered the world of Fibre Optics! Quite soon after joining the Axartel team I noticed that Competa was in need of better internet and telephone services. After creating a business plan I set out on a mission to start my own business. My first goal was to offer a fibre optic network for Competa and high quality rural internet services. This quickly became reality in 2018 when we opened the doors for business. From that day on it has been Last year we

initiated and finished our Fibre network in Canillas de Albaida and Archez. We improved and expanded our rural network to cover more areas and we have plans to start new fibre optic projects in more local villages during 2021. Keep your eyes open during 2021, we might be coming to your village soon. 4. What do you enjoy most about your work? Deep down I just love technology. I am continuously learning every day, investigating problems, finding solutions and implementing this knowledge to create a better service for all our customers. I am also a part of our local community. The support I receive from everyone makes all the long hours we work to keep everything running at 100% even more worthwhile. Thank you everyone. .

See advert on opposite page

To advertise call 637 028 873

See Map Spot 1

To advertise call 637 028 873

The Grapevine 17

MEET EMILIO OWNER OF COLISEUM GYM, COMPETA 1. Where were you born? I am 42 years old and I am from Competa, I was born and raised here, about 20 years ago I started practicing bodybuilding in a gym in Torrox Costa and since then it has been my passion,

years old and is in school. My wife practices sports whenever possible and my two oldest children also practice some type of exercise in our gym.

For several years I took part in bodybuilding competitions within the more than 100 Kilos weight range. Five years ago In the Barbarian championship in Plaza Mayor, I achieved third place alongside one of the national champions. The photos above show the shape I achieved for this competition

3. When did you start your business and why? I decided to make my dream of owning a gym come true and the opportunity arose a few years back when both gym equipment and a good premises became available. The gym has both cardiovascular machines along with a weights area and a large separate room for classes such as kickboxing.

2. Tell me about your family? We are a large family living in the village of Competa., I have three children, one of them is 16 years old and is studying abroad, the middle one is 13 years old and studies 2 year of ESO and the youngest of the house is five

4. What do you enjoy most about your work? it is very important to motivate young people so that they do not have a sedentary life and are not always playing with the latest technologies such as smartphones, video games, etc.

18 The Grapevine

I am dedicated to motivating and helping people who want to be in shape and take care of themselves. I hope to continue doing it for a long time. I am sure that with the local support it will be possible. Competa needs a gym for the people from here and from neighbouring towns as there is not anther gym like mine in the immediate area. I really would like to encourage you to come and try our facilities. Especially during these difficult times sport is healthy for both the body and mine. If you have never been before I am happy to show you around devise a plan for whatever aspect your looking to achieve, wether it is to loos weight tone up or just keep healthy. See adverts on page 40 & 41

To advertise call 637 028 873

MEET MIKE & ROB OWNERS OF WAYNES DRAINS 1. Where do you come from originally? Mike was born and raised in Oldham, Lancashire and moved over to Spain in 1997. Rob was born in a British milatary hospital in Singapore but was raised in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire and moved to Torrox in 1999. Mike and Robs are partners in the business. They met due to both being into offroad motorcycling. 2. Tell me about your partner and or family? Mike has been married 15 years with a 13 year old daughter in mainstream Spanish school in Torrox. Rob is married with 4 grown up children spread across the world.

To advertise call 637 028 873

3. When did you start your business and why? Mike and Rob both started off with their own businesses. Mike had a plumbing and drainage company and Rob had a building company. They merged around 10 years ago to offer customers and insurance companines a full in house professional service. Mike was brought up in the construction industry as his father had a construction company and he was on building sites as soon as he could walk. He then went on to qualify as a plumber and gas fitter in the UK and also drain technician. Rob left school at 16 years old and went straight into the building industry learning all aspects in the building industry.

leak detection in water mains and in swimming pools. Swimming pool structual problems, CCTV surveys, and reforms. They are always investing in the latest technology and will only use top quality materials. 4. What's your favourite part of your work? The favourite part of our works is getting a call out to a problem and solving the problem quickly and efficantly as possible and we have 1000s of satified customers. With the majority of costomer coming from recomendations. See advert on page 6.

Our services include septic tank installations, drainage works,

The Grapevine 19

cyclemalaga.com BIKE HIRE TOURS & HOLIDAYS

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+ Electric mountain bikes! FOR WHEN TWO WHEELS ARE ALL YOU NEED! Number of Days

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in Co

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DELIVERY TO THE COAST AND INLAND VILLAGES

Helmets, Flats pedals included. Water bottles and LOOK/ Shimano pedals supplied at extra cost. To advertise call 637 028 873

cyclemalaga.com No.1 for bike rental in the Axarquia

Group Specialists

BIKE RENTAL

Bikes delivered direct to your accommodation. Carbon Race Bikes 29er Mountain Bikes 29er Electric Mountain Bikes We rent bikes to individuals and to large groups of up to 25 cyclists.

Free delivery to most areas. (Subject to minimum rental period)

Personalised Guided Tours & Bike Transport Tell us what you are looking for and we can put together a list of personalised guided tours

Looking to cycle in a different area? Driver & Bike Trailer available to hire Explore the Alpujarras - Fuente de la Reina - Ruta de la Cabra - Transport to races

00 34 637 028 873 00 34 618 360 290

info@cyclemalaga.com www.cyclemalaga.com The Grapevine 2

Cyclemalagahire Cyclemalagahire Cycle Malaga

Sierra Rentals Your Reliable Car Rental Service

Rent a Car from Torre del Mar, Malaga and nearby, with prices starting as low as 16€ per day. We are an eco-friendly rent a car company based in Torre del Mar, Malaga, looking to satisfy the needs of any type of client we meet. Sierra Rentals offers brand new cars – hybrids or with very low emissions – ready for you to drive around the most beautiful places on Costa del Sol and beyond. You don’t have to come to our office, we can bring your car to you! More than that, we are now open every month of the year, so don’t hesitate to think about us if you are visiting Spain out of season. We are certain you will be pleasantly surprised by our fleet, as part of the amazing Andalusian experience! Check out our vehicle selection.

Mazda 3 from 23€ p/day Ford Transit Custom from 25€ p/day Can-Am Ryker from 49€ p/day

Mazda 2 from 16€ p/day *prices above apply when rented for at least 28 days.

Kia Niro Hybrid from 23€ p/day

Torre del Mar, Malaga Calle Marineros 1. Ediﬁcio Estrella, 29740 Tel: +34 631 717 611, Tel: +34 678 148 509, Tel: +44 740 488 6002

sierrarentals.es To advertise call 637 028 873

The Grapevine 23

Sierra Rentals Your Reliable Car Rental Service

Mazda 3 from 23€ p/day Ford Transit Custom from 25€ p/day Can-Am Ryker from 49€ p/day

Mazda 2 from 16€ p/day *prices above apply when rented for at least 28 days.

Kia Niro Hybrid from 23€ p/day

Torre del Mar, Malaga Calle Marineros 1. Ediﬁcio Estrella, 29740 Tel: +34 631 717 611, Tel: +34 678 148 509, Tel: +44 740 488 6002

sierrarentals.es To advertise call 637 028 873

The Grapevine 23

STAY AT HOME VALENTINES DAY Creative Ways To Show Your Partner You Care

ou know the saying: Home is where the heart is. So why go anywhere else for Valentine’s Day? Here are 10 creative ways you can turn your home into a romantic sanctuary and celebrate your love:

spa. But you can pamper yourself and your partner by creating your own spa at home. Light some aromatherapy candles, draw a bubble bath or take turns giving each other a back massage.

1. Cook a romantic dinner Most of us have a favourite dish from our favourite restaurant — the one we crave time and time again. Have you ever tried to recreate that dish at home? With a little internet research, you can often replicate fancy restaurant meals at home.

3. Turn your living room into a ballroom When’s the last time you and your sweetheart went dancing? Move aside the living room furniture to create some space, cue up some music and dance the night away. You can learn traditional ballroom dance moves like the Tango or Salsa with online courses or just freestyle it with your favourite music.

2. Create a Spa experience at home Not everyone has the time or money to spend a day at a fancy

4. Cuddle up and watch a movie There’s no better excuse than Valentine’s Day to snuggle under

24 The Grapevine

a blanket and watch a romantic movie. Or, for something more personal, you could snuggle and watch home movies or look through old photo albums. 5. Surprise your partner with a outdor picnic. There’s something romantic about a picnic for two. Create a backyard picnic and stargaze with your sweetheart. Lay out a quilt or blanket and feast on a variety of portable food If the weather outside is frightful, you can host a picnic indoors by candlelight or by the fireplace. Lay out a blanket and pillows to make it cozier. 6. Channel your inner pastry chef Nothing is sweeter than preparing a fancy dessert with your partner.

To advertise call 637 028 873

create a simple, romantic dessert such as chocolate-dipped strawberries paired with champagne. Just dip fresh strawberries into melted chocolate (semisweet chocolate chips melted in the microwave work great) and place them in the refrigerator to harden for an hour before serving. 7. Play games Being playful and having fun isn’t just for children. Research shows that adults benefit from games too. They’re a source of relaxation, and they build your problem-solving skills, which can help strengthen your relationship. On Valentine’s Day, dust off your favourite board games, grab a deck of cards or play a round of Truth or Dare with your partner.

To advertise call 637 028 873

8. Take a trip around the world — without leaving home Perhaps you’ve been dreaming about a romantic wine tour in Italy or a relaxing trip to a far-away beach. Bring those adventures right to your doorstep by organizing a themed date night at home. For example host an Italian wine tasting party. Likewise, if you’re longing for summer weather and sandy beaches, you can bring some vacation rituals into your home. 9. Create a scavenger hunt around the house Write a series of clues to guide your partner on a fun scavenger hunt around the house, leading to a surprise at the end such as a romantic meal or gift. Each clue, whether it’s a riddle or photo, should lead to the next. Pinterest

offers several ideas for adult scavenger hunts and creative clues. 10. Create art together Tap into your creative side and make some artwork together as a couple. You could create a collage of photographs of each other, write a poem together or gather some paints and a canvas and paint a romantic image. No matter what you create, display it as a reminder of your love for one another. Of course, these ideas also work for date nights at home, not just on Valentine’s Day. So keep them handy year-round to celebrate the person you love the most in the place you love the most.

The Grapevine 25

26 The Grapevine

To advertise call 637 028 873

The Grapevine 27

. I

GRAN SENDA DE MÁLAGA, STAGE 2 The Path That Connects Rincón De La Victoria With Vélez.Málaga

tage 2 begins in the city limits of Rincón de la Victoria. When you start walking, the profiles of Acantilados de Araña cliffs to the west are the first example of how the cliffs will look along the way. Los Acantilados de Araña is formed by an abrasion platform and marine cliffs, reaching 150 meters above the current sea level. At the foot of the Araña cliffs you will find the cave, Cueva de Tesoro, which is worth a visit. The GR-249 takes the only possible walking option which is along the cliffs, where you can either use the abandoned railroad tunnels, now converted into a pedestrian and cycling trail or a spectacular stairway with protective railings, which gives you more sea views. A you walk along you will see the old beacon tower Torre del Cantal, in the middle of a housing estate. The tower is visible when you look west when exiting the last tunnel. It is very similar to the watchtowers seen at Stage 1 with a conical

28 The Grapevine

shape, circular at the base and with machicolations, which, despite its possible Arabic origin, marks an important remodelling in the sixteenth century. The Rincón beaches The long Paseo Marítimo de la Virgen del Carmen, along the former old railway, shows you the deep seated seafaring tradition. One of its most prized sea foods has been named after Rincón de la Victoria, such as the Victoria anchovy, “boquerón victoriano”. Apart from successive streams on the way, sometimes bordered with railway sleepers as you cross the sand, the walk leads you along a wide dirt track, its surface firm and well used by locals and visitors for sports. The path is bordered by houses and gardens for many kilometres, in the first line of the beach. At approximately km 3.6 you should look for an exit to the north, crossing the N-340 which is called the Avenida del Mediterráneo, and whihc will reach the Casa Fuerte Bezmiliana, a fort built in 1766 a few meters from the sea to hold back the attacks of Dutch and

Saxon pirates, well worth a visit if possible. Between the access to the Casa Fuerte and El Torre de Benagalbón (km 6) in the built up area about a 100 metres from the walk, at a makeshift roundabout, there is an abundant population of Searocket (Cakile maritima) with some scattered specimens of Sea Daffodil (Pancratium maritimum) just as you cross El Arroyo Granadilla. El Arroyo Benagalbón is followed by Arroyo de Santillán, where the remains of a rail bridge marks the beginning of the city limits of Vélez de Málaga and the first of the former coastal train stops ( at km 8) called Chilches, significantly damaged by graffiti but well preserved architecturally. Chilches, Benajarafe and Valle Niza Just like other coastal towns, Vélez has been built along the N-340 road and close to the beach. In its first Vélez section the road has been built partly on the former train platform which leaves just a few meters for transit, except for the first open flat areas, widely used by campers and for parking. La Torre de Chilches tower is the first

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one which is easily accessible from You find yourself again on an old the walk; however it is on the other abandoned railway platform, and see the evidence of the even side of the N-340. worse destiny met by the failed Niza Beach urbanisation project, The walk now follows a narrow passing by abandoned roads and breakwater which separates you gardens on an enormous plot of from the sea and it narrows land. The landscape changes with progressively. At some point you the appearance of chalk hills to the will see on your right, one of the east. These nearby hills reach their traditional orchards with figs and maximum height at the Torre de other fruit trees, surrounded by Jamal. The Christian watchtower cane to protect it from the breeze from the 16th century, which can and salt (km 10.4). As you reach be accessed at km 6.2 km, does Benajarafe, with its pleasant not follow the usual architectural pavements along the N-340, you models since it is square, 12 will start noticing again that you meters high and built using much are following the old railway line. more brick. The surroundings, The unique vantage point of Stage fairly degraded at times, are dominated by herbs and hawthorn, 2 is the tower of Benajarafe also plus a few abandoned olive groves called Moya or Gorda (which and isolated copses of Aleppo pine means fat, and is due to its size). trees. There is a public access to the tower across the road. The tower The walk descends and takes you is worth visiting. across a bridge dating back to the same period as the Moya tower The walk leads to the beach, with and the two forts seen in Stage 2. its characteristic greyish colour of Having passed by another house sand. Arriving at Arroyo Iberos built with blocks of sandstone the stream the walk takes you upstream and then down under the walk continues on an asphalted road that leads to Casas de Cabo N-340 (at km13.2) and around a (a stream), and shortly after that housing estate Valle de Niza, goes back to following the former crossing the road from Cajiz (MA3203) to arrive at Arroyo Almayate train tracks leading you again amongst fields. Close by there is a through orchards in the so-called campsite and a major international Tajo del Pinto. Past Monte Azul housing estate the walk passes avocado export company. through a vast wild area of abandoned citrus trees and However the must do stop is the thriving rabbits. Next you Castillo del Marqués, which, after encounter the Arroyo del Búho and many transformations, was finally then the station of Almayate. converted into a catering school. Almayate is a new urban centre Just like its twin, the Bezmiliana Casa Fuerte fort was built in 1766 which depends on the city of Vélez to fi ght off threats coming from the Málaga. sea. It was able to house four cannons. The highlight is the fort´s The most famous of the hills that surround this small town is El façade crowned with hornwork Peñón Almayate (or Del Toro, fortify cations and a double named after the bull-shaped black rampart (which aimed at more effective defence of the entrance), metal advertising panel on top of it).This is a headland of sandstone, plus another semi-circular one. The main body of the building built a witness to the forces which shaped the coast in the past. of stone blocks is square-shaped, built around an arms court and The western part, which is surrounded by a moat, which accessed at km 18.5 in Almayate nowadays has been filled in. and at km 20.0 before crossing the The Old Málaga Road or Camino river, consisted of the city, the port which was an embarkation point Viejo de Málaga.

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both for people and goods, storage for a multitude of amphorae and a walled outside area. At the junction in Los Toscanos you can turn south, crossing the N340 and, in the middle of a plot dedicated to growing vegetables and fruit, you will find La Torre Manganeta, dating back to the 16th century, a tower which is in quite bad shape and is also the most humble of all the towers seen so far. The slightly north-east tendency of the walk´s direction becomes directly north as you cross Vélez river across the battered railway bridge, just at the entrance of the village of Torre del Mar, which you swerve around on the right. Again you will find yourself between irrigated fields and the river on your left, and in the distance, from a place called La Barranca, you can already make out the view of the capital of the Axarquia region. Behind you, the view of Vélez Málaga with its fortress crowning the brown hills and mass of Sierra Tejeda and Almijara at the back is simply spectacular. When the walk gets closer to the riverbed again, you will pass by a water treatment plant on your right and then you will walk underneath the A-7. Here crops begin alternating with industrial buildings because of the closeness to the city. The GR-249 passes above the A-356 by gradually turning northeast, as Stage 2 ends at the Nuestra Constitución roundabout.. Trail Type Lineal Location type Costa Distance 24400 m. Estimated Time 5:25 h. Cumulative Elevation Gain 70m. Cumulative Elevation Loss 50m.

The Grapevine 29

VUELTA A ANDALUCÍA 2021 Vuelta a Andalucía (Tour of Andalucía) professional cycle race around the region’s roads.

he Vuelta a Andalucía (Tour of Andalusia) or Ruta del Sol (Route of the Sun) is a regional Spanish road bicycle race first held in 1925. Since 2005, it has been a 2.1 category race on the UCI Europe Tour.

The 67th edition of the Spanish bike race will be held from 17th – 21st February and will cover a distance of just over 819 kilometres distributed over five stages completed in 5 consecutive days. The starting point on this occasion will be the Almeria town

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of Vera , while the finish line will be located in Zahara de la Sierra (Cádiz).

Jaén, starting in Beas de Segura and ending in Villarodrigo (191.1 kilometres);

STAGE 1 The first day will take place entirely in Almería, ending in Pulpi (140.4 kilometres);

STAGE 4 The fourth will start in Iznájar (Córdoba) and finish in Cúllar Vega (Granada) with 153.8 kilometres,

STAGE 2 The second will start in Baza (Granada ) and ends in Alcalá la Real (Jaén) a total of 183.2 kilometres;

STAGE 5 The final stage will start in the Malaga town of Mijas following a 151-kilometre route, until it reaches inland white village of Zahara de la Sierra (Cadiz).

STAGE 3 The third stage will take place in

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32 The Grapevine

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The Grapevine 33

ALICE SPRINGS Final Oz By Josephine Drew

n the day after Australia Day, I had an early flight from Cairns to Alice Spring. Took the bus to the airport and boarded a small plane full of backpackers going to Alice or to the Red Centre as the area is known, exploring by camper vans, quad bikes, or like me in an air-conditioned coach. These travellers seemed older and more interested in the actual flora and fauna and the plight of the Aborigines in the middle of the vast land than having fun on the coast. The flight was about three hours and we got fed and watered for free and so I decided Quantas was my favourite airline! Upon landing in Alice, we were hit by a dry heat and millions of flies, everywhere you looked the earth was red. Alice is 1500km from Adelaide and 1500km from Darwin and was established as an overland telegraph station in1872.(It was called Stuart until the 1930s) The taxi driver brushed me down before letting me into the airconditioned cab, I thought, ‘Cheeky’ until he explained that it

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was to stop flies getting in! Alice looked larger and greener than I had imagined (thanks to an underwater lake) with a population of over 25,000, and when the driver dropped me off, he said, ‘Don’t go out after dusk over the Todd River bridge, it’s dangerous, they will rob you’.

station or the historic reserve, because of the heat. I dragged myself back over the river deciding to spent the rest of the afternoon in the pool in the middle of the shady garden. The gates of the hostel were closed at 7pm, so obviously there were problems in Alice.

‘Who’s they’?

The Todd river, when it floods, flows from the McDonald ranges, the only mountains in the world that’s’ peak has not been underwater. The river goes by the old telegraph station, through the town, parts of which are built on the flood plain, but 95% of the time the river is dry. When the rain comes it can fill in 15 minutes bringing debris, sightseers and children to swim in the chocolatecoloured river! It had flooded at the Christmas before my trip and made it to National TV. On January 28th it was bone dry!

I won’t quote him, but he meant the local indigenous population who drank and camped along the dry river bed under the trees, not wanted by their families or anyone, spending their days sitting, begging, or just being a ‘nuisance’. In the mornings at 10am when the bottle shop opened, they queued for their ‘grog’ and if it was late opening, the security guard, (yes, in a bottle shop) had to hold them back! I saw this for myself and it was disturbing, this was not the Alice of the Neville Shute book! The main town, had three airconditioned small shopping malls which I explored early the following day, and a few historic buildings, but I never got see the museum in the old telegraph

The following morning, the coach collected me along with two others at 5.30am for our Ayers Rock/Uluru trip. The coach was already full with two drivers on board, they were also our guides around Uluru and I think the owners of the small travel company! On the map it looks

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like hop and a skip, but it is 450km along the straight Stuart Highway. Situated within the Uluru/Kata Tjuta National Park, a Unesco Heritage Site and it’s not just a ‘really big rock’ but 1,325 sq. km of rock, with a long history! Along the road were a few homesteads, huge cattle stations and dead cow carcasses (the roundup is by quad bike) all within a vast red landscape under a very blue sky. After two hours the drivers stopped for a comfort break and also to swap driving duties, we had a coffee and a small walk about with the driver, who pointed out a huge crop of rocks in the distance, called Kata Tjute/Olgas, which looked like red domed heads. I wore a hat draped with a fly net, (bought on Rottnest Island, WA, another year-round fly infested place) some purchased them at the roadside coffee/general store, where were told the reason for such a fly infestation was the amount of rain that had fallen in December. Extra flies hatched and grass grew, which was good for the wildlife (not me, once again I didn’t see a kangaroo in the wild). As we climbed onto the coach both drivers swatted us down. I was starting to get used to being vigorously bashed by some strange man!

Visitors Centre which was all run by Aborigines, (and why not, it is their land), but it came as a surprise because in all my travels I had not encountered any working in the Tourist Sector! I had met boat crew members from Bali but non from OZ. There were notices everywhere advising that no photos to be taken of the people or of the inside of the centre and we watched a slide show of the history of the rock, and then went around the impressive centre, displaying local crafts and also craftsmen, and of course, there was a gift shop! Years ago, when my son visited Uluru he said there was a small Centre, but not much else and people could clamber or climb over most of the rock, with very few restrictions, but not so in 2010. It is a sacred site and is treated as such. There are designated walking and climbing areas, if it’s not too hot, but the day we went it was too hot to climb. (That was not on my to do list!)

We made another stop to view Mount Conner in the distance, sometimes mistaken for Uluru. It was once under the sea and has a Salt Lake in the middle and is 300 million years older than Uluru! Situated on private land, it can be seen from the road and looks flat on top with a horseshoe shape.

We left the centre and took the coach to another area and got out for a walk around, stumbling after our guides and swatting flies, whilst they pointed out interesting areas some of which were blocked off to visitors, one cave was sacred to women and childbirth. (In that heat, I would prefer to give birth in a cool cave). Lunch was on the bus and we got brushed down and gratefully sat in the cool fly free interior, and then onto another stop with some caves to explore, but I gave up and stayed on the coach, with two others. By then I was defeated by the heat, flies and the vast rock.

After about six hours travelling, we reached Uluru and its different shades of red, depending on the time of day, an amazing sight, just like the photos! In the car park were two other coaches and six cars and we went into the cool

The plan was that at dusk we would have a barbeque at Kings canyon which is the best place to view the rock at sunset in all its different coloured glory. All round the area the grass was lush meaning once again I saw no

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kangaroos up close, only little dots in the distance. Under the bus were tables, a gas barbeque, hampers, and we all helped get everything set up, when the driver saw a cloud and another and before we knew we were rescuing everything, just before a huge storm. The torrential rain went on for ages with little visibility but you could just about see water spouting out of the sandstone, impossible to get a photo of this amazing phenomenon. It was too dangerous to drive, so we were stranded in the car park. We ate on the bus. Yes, I am a rain goddess! Eventually the storm eased and we arrived in Alice at 3am where it was dry. The next morning instead of sightseeing I felt very unwell and stayed in bed before moving to the air-conditioned TV room, seriously thinking my demise would be in the very centre of OZ. The next day I was fine and got the taxi to the new airport, saying to the driver, ‘Nice Town’, his reply was, ‘S… hole, can’t wait to leave’. The airport was not manned at 7am, but the doors were open, so I wandered in and stood by the deserted desk, the flight was 8. 30am. Gradually a few others arrived and eventually the two staff arrived, and checked us in for the bi weekly plane to Perth. I sat and watched cockroaches wander around the blue carpet noticing that the two employees also manned the shop, cleaned and helped passengers. We boarded, got fed, adjusted our watches and four hours later arrived. I saw wildlife in Caversham Park, Perth, and my first wild Kangaroos on the way to the airport at the end of my stay! I did my ‘gap year’ when I was 67.

The Grapevine 35

THE 'WORST WINE IN THE WORLD' A Malaga Businessman Hopes To Demystify The Rituals Of Wine Consumption

he Malaga sommelier, Enrique Lรณpez who is accustomed to dealing with and letting himself be carried away by the rankings and the gastronomic guides in order to define the quality of wines. The local businessman has launched Cero Puntos Parker (Zero Parker Points) which in wine jargon would infer it is the worst wine in the world. The founder of El Cavino and author of the book 'Te cuento un vino' (I'll tell you about a wine) explains that he has made this wine to dispense with the phrase "I like wine, but I don't drink it because I don't understand it." In his opinion, this attitude is a great enemy of winemakers and professionals which needs to be put to rest with ideas like this new wine. Trained as a sommelier at the

36 The Grapevine

regulating council for the Mรกlaga y Sierras de Mรกlaga Denominaciรณn de Origen, Enrique Lรณpez aims to bring the world of wine to all types of consumers.

technicalities associated with wine consumption which sometimes alienates the consumer because it appears to be a complicated product that should be understood.

Magical and natural "Wine is something magical and natural, it makes itself. However among professionals and in many areas, we have used far too technical terms about its consumption. You don't have to be a connoisseur to enjoy something that is simply very good," he stressed. The vast majority of beer drinkers do not know how it is made, or what aromas it has, or the types of preparation, or the components ... They drink it because they like it. We have to achieve that with wine:

"Nothing is further from the truth, wine is as simple as any other gastronomic product. If you like it you drink it, and if you don't like it you ask for something else. Nothing more," he reasons. The label on the back has a message from the winemaker which can translate as: "With my wife, my family and friends. In the wine cellar or in Roberto's bar. "For happiness when down, in sickness and in health, everyday of my life. Because today is today. Because it is so good. And that's it."

Tasting rituals With Zero Points Parker he wants to demystify the seriousness, the tasting rituals and the

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HOTEL BALCÓN DE CÓMPETA THE THREE STAR HOTEL IN THE BEAUTIFUL VILLAGE OF CÓMPETA C/San Antonio, 75 - Cómpeta Tel: (+34) 952 55 3662 / 3535 Fax (+34) 952 51 6780 Email: info@hotel-competa.com WHATSAPP: (+ 34) 671132563 FACEBOOK: /HotelBalconDeCompeta Website: www.hotel-competa.com

RESTAURANTE MARIA Restaurant Maria has an international and family atmosphere and offers the perfect environment to taste wonderful dishes made with the freshest of local products. Open to guests, locals and visitors to the village.

Sunday Lunch: Roast Pork, Vegetarian or Fishfrom 1.00pm on the Terrace. 3 dishes 12 euro or 2 dishes 10 euro Info & Reservations: +34 952553535 info@hotel-competa.com

Taxi Service Available 24h

PROFESSIONAL MOBILE THERAPIST

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The Grapevine 37

POPULAR SPANISH BEERS Have You Tried Them All Yet?

The best commercial beers with tips on how you might savour the flavours. INEDIT Brewery: Damm. Barcelona. Type: original Alcohol by volume: 4.8% Ingredients: barley and wheat, flavoured with coriander, orange skin and licorice. Rating: 8.9/10 This is an original beer, created by Damm, Ferran, Adriá and the connoisseurs of the internationally renowned restaurant, el Bulli. Slightly cloudy, it has a potent flavor with hints of sweet, fruity herbs, and a creamy texture. ESTRELLA GALICIA 1906 Brewery: Hijos de Rivera. A Coruña. Type: Lager Extra Alcohol by volume: 6.5% Ingredients: barley and maize and Perle hops.

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Rating: 8.8/10 Commemorating the company’s anniversary, Hijos de Rivera have come up with this malt-flavored beer with a pleasant bitter finish and undertones of toffee, flowers and herbs. AMBAR EXPORT TRES MALTAS Brewery: Zaragoza Group. Zaragoza. Type: Lager Extra Alcohol by volume: 7% Ingredients: barley and hops. Rating: 8.7/10 This is almost a craft beer that wins you over with its full-bodied creamy texture, a taste finely balanced between its bitter finish and a delicious sweetness. It also boasts an exquisite aroma with hints of syrupy fruit and dried flowers. MAHOU MAESTRA Brewery: Mahou-San Miguel.

Madrid. Type: Lager Extra Alcohol by volume: 7.5% Ingredients: barley and hops. Rating: 8.7/10 Mahou’s latest coup is a beer made from double hops with an imposing body and an intensely malty flavour. It also has caramel undertones and an elegant bitter finish. Its aroma is scented with dried flowers and ripe fruit. SAN MIGUEL 1516 Brewery: Mahou-San Miguel. Madrid. Type: Premium Lager Alcohol by volume: 4.2% Ingredients: barley and a combination of hops. Rating: 8.7/10 A classic beer, with a biscuity aroma of cereals, fruits and wilting flowers. Its flavour is intense and creamy but also refreshing with a bitter finish.

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VOLL-DAMM DOBLE MALTA Brewery: Damm. Barcelona. Type: Lager Extra Alcohol by volume: 7.2% Ingredients: barley and hops. Rating: 8.7/10 A classic beer similar to the German brew, Märzenbier with an intense and layered citrusy and roasty aroma with hints of fruit and flowers. It has a pungent flavour and a rich, creamy texture with plenty of body and a lingering aftertaste reminiscent of baked bread. ALHAMBRA 1925 Brewery: Mahou-San Miguel. Madrid. Type: Lager Extra Alcohol by volume: 6.4% Ingredients: barley and hops. Rating: 8.6/10 This is one of the most individual beers on the market and not just on account of its unmistakable bottle. It has an appealing taste

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that hovers between sweet and bitter and an aroma of caramelized fruit. And it manages to be full bodied and refreshing at the same time! CRUZCAMPO GRAN RESERVA 1904 Brewery: Heineken España. Madrid. Type: Roasted Lager Alcohol by volume: 6.4% Ingredients: three different types of malt and Perle hops. Rating: 8.6/10 This is Cruz Campo’s best beer, brewed with different types of malt and aromatic hops, combining floral undertones with touches of fresh cereals and citrus. It is creamy, full-bodied and pleasant to drink. MORITZ EPIDOR Brewery: Moritz. Barcelona. Type: Extra Premium Lager Alcohol by volume: 7%

Ingredients: barley, Saaz hops and Montseny mineral water. Rating: 8.6/10 This is a craft-style beer that is made with mineral water and floral hops. In spite of its full body, it is velvety in texture and very aromatic with elegant undertones of malt, cereals and citrus. LEGADO DE YUSTE Brewery: Heineken España. Madrid. Type: Abadía Lager Alcohol by volume: 6.5% Ingredients: barley and Saaz and Perle hops. Rating: 8.6/10 This is an old traditional formula revived to produce a flamencostyle beer with an intense flavour, with hints of coffee and honey and a bitter finish. Its layered aroma is evocative of herbs, cereals, fruits and caramel.

The Grapevine 39

40 The Grapevine

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Gymnasium (per month) 1 Month Pass / Gym & Classes – 40 euro 3 Week Pass / Gym & Classes - 35 euro 2 Week Pass / Gym & Classes - 30 euro 1 Week Pass / Gym & Classes - 20 euro New Deal! - 2 Days a week for only 30 euro a month One off session – 5 euro

Monday-Friday Gym Discount 9:00-13:30 & 17:00-22:00 3 months paid in advance - 15 euro Saturday 6 months paid in advance - 20 euro 10:00 - 13.30 Annual Payment - 40 euro Family Discount – Gym and class for 2 people, 3rd person free

Starting in October Spinning Classes, Zumba Kids, Aerobics & Kick Boxing. For more information call into the gym, phone or whats app.,

We do not accept credit cards Cash payment only

Adult Classes (per month) Twice a week 25 euro Three times a week 35 euro Children’s Classes (per month) Classes Discount 2 days per week 3 months paid in advance discount - 5% Taekwondo 25 euro 6 months paid in advance discount - 10% See Map Annual payment -15% Spot 5 Family Discount - Gym plus Classes for 2 people , 3rd person is free .

One off Class - 5 euro

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Tel: 645 71 31 66

The Grapevine 41

ON THE DEMISE OF CLOTHES PEG A Tale Of Loyalty, Longevity, Strength, Love And Loss.

t is a cold, wet and dreary January day here in Competa and I am inspired to tell you all a story. A few weeks ago I had a sad experience at my washing line, no, please don´t laugh, I was almost moved to tears. Whilst pegging up the socks, both mine and my dearly beloved´s, in pairs (as you do if you are just a little bit obsessive about the way you peg out your laundry), one of my pegs snapped! This was no ordinary clothes peg, she, for I think of them all as girls, had been a part of my life since 1971. Her loyalty and strength knew no bounds and her long life had, strangely enough, mirrored

42 The Grapevine

the lives of our family. Peg, and her sisters, probably a couple of dozen of them, joined the family when we settled in Australia and she was there to greet the arrival of our first son. The joy of hanging up beautiful white terry nappies in the Australian sunshine was a big part of my life back then, and having a lovely new baby too, of course. Clothes dried in no time. A daughter soon joined the family and Peg and her siblings had even more work to do with two babies in nappies. Our time Down Under came to an end after three years and we packed our most treasured possessions, including the pegs,

and returned to England eventually settling near Southend in Essex for work reasons although we are both from Wiltshire. Our Peggy friends were horrified by the very different conditions and far inferior clothes line but they rose to the challenge and continued to offer loyal service come rain or shine or frost. Out of consideration they were never just left out on the line but carefully taken inside after every washday. The idea of a clothes drier was mooted but “management” said we couldn´t afford one so when baby number three came along the pegs rejoiced at the chance to peg out his nappies Our next abode (we moved a lot)

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was near Newport in South Wales and a new house with central heating. I did enjoy pegging out the washing on a brand new line in a new garden and the airing of our clothes was a bit easier now with all those radiators. Still no drier! I had returned to nursing by then and an abiding memory of that era was the snowy winter of 1982 when nursing and other staff were collected by Army trucks in order to get us to work as the roads were impassible for normal traffic. Those soldiers were so kind and had blankets and even hot drinks ready for us, wonderful the at the end of a long night shift. Not that this has anything to do with clothes pegs but the soldiers were very handsome! We stayed in South Wales but moved to Monmouth where at last we bought a clothes drier. It certainly made life a lot easier in the winter but I really do love pegging up my clothes so the pegs were still in regular use. One evening I came home from a choir rehearsal to find a rather tipsy spouse on the sofa, he slurred at me with a big grin, “How do you fancy living in America”? Well, that was a bit of a shock, to say the least. It turned out that his company had bought a computer enterprise in the city of Rochester in New York State and wanted him to take over the finance job there. To cut a long story short, we went, taking two cats and youngest son with us, leaving our daughter to become a boarder as she wanted to take her A levels at her own school and sent Son number one off on his Gap year. Of course the pegs came too. Horror of horrors our rented house was in a very pretty suberb of Rochester which had strict zoning laws and the hanging out of washing was forbidden. I have a strong suspicion there are many people who have never experienced the joys of hanging out laundry and

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even more, bringing clean, dry, fresh smelling clothes inside without the need for all the scented things they seem to put in their driers. Please correct me if you are from the USA and have shared the delight of fresh-air dried clothes. So, the pegs sulked for three years but were not lost or forgotten. When we moved back to the UK, this time to Wiltshire, they were once again in regular use for the next eight or nine years. This period gradually saw the family gaining independence and leaving home, and coming back, and leaving again, you know how it goes. Our daughter even decided to return to the land of her birth and has settled there with her family. Back to the pegs. The next company move was to Japan, a little extreme, I know and a huge culture change for us both. I had to give up my job yet again to become a trailing spouse. What a strange picture that conjures up but I was to meet many others in the same position, as I had in the States, and got quite used to making a different sort of life for myself, this time with no children in tow. Sadly, although we took the pegs with us, they became redundant yet again, this time because the company provided us with an apartment on the tenth floor with no provision for hanging clothes outside, I had to cope with a drier once again and very disgruntled pegs! In 2002 it was all change once again and back to Wiltshire, boy were those plastic pegs happy to be in use again. Then, out of the blue, “himself” was offered early retirement with a package he couldn´t refuse. What to do now? By this time we had both fallen in love with sailing and had been cruising with our young folk many times in charter boats and eventually our own boat,

Cornwall being one of our favourite destinations. Retiring to that beautiful county was the first plan. Sadly, things didn´t work out, property was very expensive and the house we fell in love with proved to have too many problems. Then one wet evening, a bit like this January day in Competa, we were with friends at a local pub discussing our dilemma when the idea of Spain was mooted. Some other friends had recently moved to Spain which gave us the idea. It took a bit of persuading but I eventually got my way and in September 2003 we arrived in Competa complete with eldest son, my mother who was in her 80s and three cats. And the pegs! After 18 years we still have no regrets, this is the longest either of us has lived in any one place in our lives and we feel completely at home. Long may it continue. Hanging out the washing is one of the pleasures of living here, not today of course! My obsessive pairing of socks and having all the undies together (I won´t bore you with any more details of my obsessive behaviour), just gives me more time to be out in the sunshine. I use my last remaining Australian pegs all the time, yes, luckily there are still a few left in my peg bucket and together we said a fond farewell to broken Peg as I put her into the plastic recycling bin after 49 years of faithful service. I am sure by now you will sympathise with me on the loss of one of my last few faithful friends but what an exciting life she led! Katherine Paterson If you have a short story you would like to submit to The Grapevine Magazine please email it to grapevinesaes@gmail.com

The Grapevine 43

VILLA ANDALUCIA What A Year 2020 turned Out To Be!

e have had some tough times and all of us have been affected in some way or another with Covid-19, either financially, physically or mentally and its important that in these times of hardship we help each other surmount the difficulties presented by the crisis. I am pleased to see the backend of 2020 and am now looking forward to a better 2021. It is likely to be tough going for at least the first four months of the year - or maybe longer - but let's all be hopeful that this pandemic will soon be beaten and we can look to a brighter future. For those who don't know me, my name is Helen Hares and I run Villa Andalucía Bed and Breakfast here in Competa. I have made this village my home for sixteen years and feel a strong sense of belonging to this lovely place. So, when we went into lockdown back in March 2020 and the world was in turmoil, I wanted to not only help my own business but to do something for the village as well. Running a business, even during lockdown, can make it difficult to find time to volunteer as such, so I decided that it would be a good

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idea to donate 5% of any bookings I took between March and the end of December 2020 to a good cause that has a presence here in the village. I spoke to Rosa Luz from Ayuntamiento and asked where my money would help most. She suggested that I might like to assist a local family who sadly have a young son called Hignio with Muscular Atrophy. Part of Hignio's prescribed treatment is regular physiotherapy sessions, but sadly the cost of those treatments has to be found by the family. He is responding well to the therapy and the more treatments he can have the better it will be for his mobility and I was more than happy for my donation to go towards funding Hignio's ongoing treatment.

from clients hopeful that they might still be able to travel. My estimation of the total of my proposed 5% donation to this good cause dwindled fast as a result, and my hope that I would be able to present the Ayuntamiento with a reasonably sized cheque for Hignio dwindled along with it. I have found myself able to present them with a cheque for only €200 but that is better than nothing. However, onwards and upwards as they say! I am looking forward to a brighter business year and have done my best to come up with initiatives to keep prospective visitors interested in a future holiday at Villa Andalucía. Thankfully, through my “Keep the Rate Change the Date" scheme my existing bookings have been moved to a date in this coming year rather than cancelling altogether. Several guests have changed their dates four times so far, but at least I know they will be coming eventually and our village will echo to the buzz of happy holidaymakers once again.

To be honest, I did not expect this terrible pandemic to hit us all as hard as it has done. In my optimistic naivety I thought that I would still be fairly busy and be able to take bookings for what would hopefully be a prosperous and thriving couple of months Chin up everyone and keep your through the summer. Needless to mask on! say, bookings for 2020 dried up Helen www.villaandalucia.org almost completely leaving me with only a few reservations for the latter half of the summer months

To advertise call 637 028 873

Solar Electric (PV) (Self-Consumption) Grid Connected or Off Grid Solar Electric Solar Hot Water

“Approved and trained by Victron Energy and Suppliers of Kostal Solar equipment”

Solar Pool Heating Heat Pumps

Solar Electric Options Solar Grid connected Daytime electric saving assisted by Grid – Night-time Grid usage only

Solar Grid connected with battery backup Daytime electric saving assisted by Grid – Night-time battery used for supply with Grid support

Solar Off Grid with batteries Solar panels supply power with Battery support – Night-time batteries supply electric power

Call Malcolm for more details: 652 97 06 08 Info@competasolar.es

www.competasolar.es To advertise call 637 028 873

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VIÑUELA A Village And A Manmade Lake

he River Guaro valley, which has been turned into a reservoir, is the axis of this municipality whose territory borders the Colmenar corridor on the north and the La Axarquía Mountains on the south. These two geographic features form different landscapes. While the former area exhibits low relief that is ideal for grain fields and olive groves the latter terrain, south of the reservoir, becomes more uneven due to the presence of hills whose plant cover is composed mainly of brush and a few stands of evergreen oaks, but olive groves and vineyards are also found there. In the central part of the municipality is the La Viñuela

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reservoir, the largest in capacity in the province of Málaga and one of the main tourist resources in the region. From its shores a broad landscape dominated by the formidable mass of the Sierra de Tejeda range and the whimsical shape of the Boquete de Zafarraya mountain pass can be seen. Despite this, there are no great elevations in the municipality of La Viñuela, as its highest point does not reach 600 metres. The most notable peaks are the hills of Ballesteros (361 metres), on the border of Alcaucín, Castaño (316 metres) and Agudo, which at 558 metres, ranks as the highest elevation in the municipality and serves as the dividing line with Vélez Málaga.

La Viñuela was founded, as a village, in the eighteenth century, making it the most modern locality in La Axarquía but paradoxically, this was one of the first areas of human settlement, which occurred at least as far back as the Paleolithic period. This is not surprising because this area is a natural pass to the northern territories and has also always been rich in water. More than ten archaeological sites were excavated before being covered by the reservoir waters, but the most notable prehistoric signs are along the River Guaro, where remains dating from the Neolithic period to the Roman era have been found: cane and adobe huts, a bronze smelting oven and

To advertise call 637 028 873

stone tools, as well as bell-shaped vessels and decorative motifs. Judging from the finds corresponding to the Roman era, there is every indication that the economy of the time was based on olives, grapes and grain crops, much as in the present day. Apparently, this locality sprang up around an ancient inn on the Royal Road from Vélez-Málaga to Granada at a place that in the early seventeenth century was called La Viñuela (the Little Vineyard) in reference to some small vineyards in the vicinity, and which has been converted into today’s La Plaza bar. As time went on other buildings began to be built near the inn, and thus the village was formed. Its first mayor, Lucas García del Rey, took office in 1764.

In the nineteenth century La Viñuela had some 700 residents, most of whom were engaged in agriculture and particularly the raising of cattle. With the phylloxera pest of the late nineteenth century, the vineyards were levelled and replaced, where the land was suitable, with citrus groves

the bed of the River Guaro at La Vinuela, which was left on its right bank, with the Barriada de los Romanes on the left. Covering 700 hectares of the municipality, it holds 170 million cubic metres of water and, apart from providing fresh water for the Axarquia, it allows the irrigation of more than 2,700 hectares of land.

Although work didn’t commence until 1981, discussions to build the picturesque reservoir, supplied by the waters of the Rio Guaro, were first muted in 1890. The lake is the principal source of water for the eastern part of the Costa del Sol and is fed by the Guaro and its tributaries, the Sabar, the Benamargosa, the Salia, the Bermuza, the Almachar and the Rubite. Lake Vinuela was built on

Thankfully, as the lake is a reservoir, no motorised craft are allowed, just simple sailing boats and canoes sometimes disturb the usual flat calm of the surface. Scattered around the southern end of the lake are picnic areas, each table complimented by a barbeque and all with fantastic views of the lake and mountains behind.

For more info contact Maggie 952464378 Paul 657081492 To advertise call 637 028 873 or email info@skydigital.es The Grapevine

New Sushi (eat in or take away)

Breakfasts, tapas dishes, Lunch, A La Carte menu Come for coffee and cake! Variety of Ice creams Tel: 951 832 810 - 690 221 100 facebook.com/RestauranteElPámpanocompeta

www.restauranteelpampanocompeta.com

We will be closed from the 9th to 16th March We will re-open on the 17th A great venue for a special event and fantastic views of the hanging houses of Competa!

CAS NEWS CAS SPONSORSHIP PROGRAMME

he Costa Animal Society (CAS) is excited to announce our new initiative of sponsoring a specific animal in our care. Given the restrictions regarding the Cornoavirus, fundraising has become extremely difficult. Now, however, you can sponsor one of our dogs or cats directly for €25 for six months or €45 for a year. You will receive Ecards on their birthdays and at Christmas, and there will be options via our websiste and Facebook page for sponsors to contact us to check in on their chosen animal. If your sponsored dog or cat is adopted before the time limit, you can can choose another animal to be informed about. Sponsorships can also be purchased as gifts. For more information, feel free to

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contact us at our shop (643 625 334) or see us online at www.casnerja.webs.com or Facebook page \casnerja While the Costa Animal Society (CAS) shop soldiers on (We are open!), there has been a significant decline in revenue for obvious reasons involving Covid restrictions. Our volunteers are taking advantage (if you can say that) of this time to refresh our stock and present the best items available for sale at our “Oh my God!” firesale prices. Please stop by and have a look of all of these great bargains on mens and ladies clothing, accessories, books, brica-brac, and many other surprises. The shop's large inventory is clean and well-presented, updated daily, with a friendly staff of volunteers on hand to help. Donations are

always welcome - please help us to restock our shelves. Of course all shop proceeds go directly towards helping our animal friends in need, primarily for vet bills, food and kenneling costs. The Costa Animal Society (CAS) Shop is located next door to the Good Stuff Café in Nerja at No. 2 Calle Castilla Perez. Our opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 10.00am until 2.00pm. CAS is always eager to hear from people who are interested in becoming shop volunteers. One four hour shift once a week makes a big difference. There are always two volunteers per shift making for a safe, relaxed, congenial environment. For more information please stop by the shop or feel free to call our shop manager May Delaney on 601 629 938.

To advertise call 637 028 873

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A. Plaza Almijara B. Plaza Vendemia C. Plaza del Carmen D. Covered Swimming Pool E. Museum of Arts & Customs F. Hanging Houses Parking Doctors Town Hall Tourist Office Post Office Bus Stop Taxi TheGrapevine Grapevine 52 Police 52 The

1. Axarfusion 2. La Posada del Cani 3. Restaurante El Pilón 4. Grandad’s Chippy 5. Coliseum Gym 6. La Casa Bella 7. Taurus Real Estate 9. EGO Hair & Beauty 11. Hotel Balcon 14. Restaurante El Cortijo 15. Bar Restuarante Pericos 16. Teteria Hierbabuena 17. Jose Luis Persianas 18. Action For Animals Charity Shop 21. La Taperia 22. Asesoria Aljarife 24. Como Piensos - Pet Food 26. Tin Tin Hair & Beauty 27. Competa Properties 30. El Bazar de Competa 33. Bar Restaurante El Recreo 37. Naturvets 38. La Gelateria 46. Florist Mari Toñi 53. Marco Polo 54. Vespa del Sol 57. Restaurante El Pámpano 59. Bistro 6 60. Construcciones Schmid 62. Beth's Soft Furnishings 77. Competa Homes 78. Happy Feet - Foot Practitioner 79 & 80 Axarwifi

Plaza Almijara See Map Spot

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CAMPING Ramblings Of An Oldie On Camping

ust before Christmas 2020 I went to the Camp Site near the Lighthouse in Torre to look for my friends missing dog. After the initial panic, we divided up and I went to the site, and got a bit sidetracked looking at all the wonderful mobile dwellings. (I know camping and’ life on the open road’ has been around for years, and indeed in Wind in the Willows, April, 1908, Mr Toad has a horse drawn caravan. (I know he’s an amphibian), Kenneth Grahams story is semiAutobiographical.) The site was about half full two weeks before Christmas and it looked like home from home with Christmas lights, trees, tables and chairs set out for lunch in the December sun, wine in ice buckets, this was luxury. Large motor homes, with lights twinkling in the windows, tents with annexes covered in fairy lights, small Christmas trees and one camper even had a full-size tree at the entrance to their pitch! Everywhere folks were trying to

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outdo each other in the decoration stakes and the atmosphere was friendly. I have not ventured into a campsite since the 1980 so to me it was an eyeopener, especially the way it was laid out, each pitch having a partition and a hard standing for the car. I didn’t check the toilet block or the laundry. How things have improved since my small forays into camping. My first experience was 1967 in the back of a 10cwt Bull Nose Morris, with a feather sleeping bag and no ventilation. My husband and I decided to ‘do’ Cornwall, with one small camping stove, sleeping bag, and two plastic mugs. It rained every day and the condensation at night soaked the sleeping bag. We lived on pasties and beer (one drink of scrumpy was enough), and drove all round the West Country trying to escape the September/October rain. I know the date because September 30th 1967, was the launch of Radio 1, playing ‘Flowers in the Rain’! We got back to Southampton, half a stone fatter and I vowed never

again. Our next venture was the I.O.W festival to see Bob Dylan. No tent, we had friends who had said, ‘Share ours, we will be easy to spot’! (The organizers had no idea if anyone would turn up)! Armed with the feather sleeping bag we got the ferry and never found our friends. The field was sea of tents, all had pitched the day before and so we spent all night in the drizzle under a hedge with hundreds of others sleeping rough. Because the organizers had underestimated the crowds, there were very few toilet facilities, only a few burger vans and plenty of beer tents! We arrive home stinking and hungry, and not that impressed with the first I.O.W festival, which has since become a Legend! Never again! In the 1980s, with two sons who had never had a ‘proper’ holiday, (staying with elderly bewhiskered relatives is not exciting). We decided to take the children on a cheap holiday to Italy by coach from Newcastle, taking in eight hours of the UK before arriving at

To advertise call 637 028 873

Dover! The highlight for the boys was, Watford Gap and the spoons on string at the café! We had booked a, ‘Camping near Venice Holiday’, everything included. Thirty hours in a coach was an experience, especially when one of the three drivers swopped over mid speed in a tunnel at night. (One always slept in the cabin over the wheel next to the smelly toilet)! I honestly liked the journey and the view at dawn when we reached Lake Como was amazing, we had reached Italy and then three hours later we arrived at the campsite. It was exactly like the brochure, the tent roomy, everything in its place, with beds and bedding off the ground for us and an annex for the boys in their new nylon sleeping bags. The toilet block, food outlets and entertainment, excellent and bi weekly the site was sprayed with a bug repellent. At last civilized camping! Half way through the second week, it rained heavily in the night (and all-day) and by the time the boys had woken us, (the red wine was excellent) their sleeping bags were almost floating in the the

To advertise call 637 028 873

annex and every tent on site was flooded, after a couple of days everything dried. Caravaners were not affected so they pitched in with the mopping up. (The boys splashed with the other children in the huge puddles of mud). ‘No more’ said I,’ a caravan next time’! Two years later we used the same coach holiday company but chose a caravan holiday to a different Italian site, but this time we were prepared, with pillows for the journey, slippers, wipes, a hand towel and cool box with food and drink, no more expensive chips in the rest stops of France and Switzerland! The stop at Watford Gap was the same and the boys were delighted with the spoons. The site, facilities, accommodation were all great and so were our fellow campers. Compared to present day standards, the caravans were pretty basic, but we loved the whole experience, in fact so much that we started going to Camping exhibitions in and around Northumberland. Then we moved back to the edge of the New Forest and milder weather, so the

urgent need for a warm holiday diminished. We bought a sports car and became independent travellers in the 1990s touring all over the continent with just enough clothes in two holdalls and a picnic hamper, staying anywhere that looked cheap or interesting and that’s how we found Competa in 2002. My husband called it our last adventure. Which brings me back to Torre del Mar and the lost dog. Speaking Spanglish, I asked a couple of happy holiday makers if they had seen the dog, and found that most of the visitors were Scandinavian. The Christmas camp looked fun. And as for the dog, after two hours we found her sitting outside the butchers’ looking rather sorry and full of mince. Josephine Drew

The Grapevine 55

LA FORTALEZA Restoration Works In Velez Malaga

he Vélez-Málaga Town Hall announced the “imminent” start of the conservation and restoration works of the defensive structures of La Fortaleza in the city. The objective is to enhance its Alcazaba and prevent further deterioration of this historic construction.

assuming a reduction of just over 40,000 euros. The works are financed 80 percent with European funds Edusi Bic Vélez. The remaining l 20 percent comes out of the program called '1.5% Cultural' of the Ministry of Development.

The Consistory awarded the project to the Contrafforte Restauro company , which according to municipal sources, has "extensive experience in restorations of this type at an international level, with work carried out in Pompeii or Russia, among other cities in the world" .

The mayor of Vélez-Málaga, Antonio Moreno Ferrer (PSOE), the Councilor for Businss and Employment María José Roberto, and the Councilor for Culture and Historical Heritage, Cynthia García (PSOE), gave the details of the action that will take place in this emblematic place of the city, cataloged as an Asset of Tourist Interest (BIC).

The tender budget for this restoration was initially 284,241.22 euros, and was finally awarded for 240,183.83 euros,

María José Roberto pointed out that the works will be carried out in two areas . The side that is currently quite deteriorated and,

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on the other, in the northern area of the Fortress that was practically dismantled during the French occupation in 1813 and that, thanks to recent excavation work, They have made it possible to discover remains of the wall that closed off the Medina and two flanking towers. During the work, the remains will be analyzed and classified , the accumulated soil will be removed and the parasitic and invasive vegetation will be eliminated manually. In addition, the preserved factories will be restored. All this, "respecting the morphology of the elements based on the archaeological data obtained".

To advertise call 637 028 873

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FREE TRAVEL INSURANCE Andalucias 2021 Campaign

ndalucía has started off 2021 with a new campaign to reinforce its position as a safe destination to travel. A free medical insurance policy with Covid-19 coverage for nonresident international tourists is being offered to entice visitors back to the region. The Junta de Andalucía has said that to benefit from this offer, travellers must stay in any type of regional government regulated establishment which can include hotels, tourist apartments, hostels, aparthotels, campsites and rural houses. This initiative will continue throughout the year, and will be operated by Europ Assistance.

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"This is a free medical insurance for all foreign tourists, who are not residents, who travel to Andalucía by any means of transport between 1 January and 31 December and without age limit," although the regional governments said end date may be extended if necessary. Types of coverage and circumstances covered in the case of infection with COVID-19 MEDICAL, SURGICAL AND HOSPITALISATION COSTS The insurer will cover the following (**) : Medical and surgical cost and fees. Pharmaceutical costs related to recovery from COVID. Hospitalisation costs Persons covered: patient and

companions. "Patient" refers to the person diagnosed with COVID-19. "Companion" refers to the insured's spouse or cohabiting partner, as well as ascendants (parents, children, grandparents, grandchildren) of both members of the couple. "Quarantine" refers to the isolation of people for a time to avoid or limit the risk of spreading a disease. MEDICAL COSTS OF TRANSPORTATION AND REPATRIATION The insurer will cover the following: Ambulance costs or transportation of the patient from the place of first diagnosis to the hospital prescribed by the attending doctor.

To advertise call 637 028 873

Costs of returning to the holiday destination from the hospital where the patient has been treated. Repatriation by air ambulance if warranted by the emergency or seriousness of the case (Europe and Mediterranean Rim countries only). A scheduled medical flight will be used for passengers from other countries.

exercised by the insurer. If the insureds are minors or disabled and have no trusted companion, a responsible person will accompany them to the patient's place of residence or hospitalisation.

TRANSPORTATION AND REPATRIATION IN THE EVENT OF DEATH DUE TO COVID-19: The insurance covers the necessary arrangements in the place of the customer's death. TRANSPORTATION AND The costs of the companions' REPATRIATION If a patient with COVID-19 needs transportation to the place of burial are covered, and the rights to be transported or repatriated, their insured companions will also of the return tickets will be exercised by the insurer. be covered by this insurance. Accordingly, the insurer will cover If the insureds are minors or the costs of their transportation or disabled and have no trusted companion, a responsible person repatriation, either to their habitual residence or to the place will accompany them to the patient's place of residence or where the repatriated patient is hospitalisation. hospitalised. The rights of the insureds' return tickets will be

To advertise call 637 028 873

COSTS FOR THE EXTENDED STAY AT A HOTEL BY THE INSURED AND COMPANIONS (INCLUDING QUARANTINE): The insured's stay at a hotel following hospitalisation or under medical quarantine prescription is covered. Enjoy Andalusia with complete safety. https://www.andalucia.org/en/trav el-assistance-insurance Having already announced a voucher with a 25 percent reduction on trips for domestic tourists, Community Tourism Councillor Juan MarĂn announced the tourist insurance. The offer is one tactic in a host of measures aimed at reigniting the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decimated tourism industry, and comes alongside the discounted voucher, announced recently.

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ETIAS European Travel Information And Authorization For Spain

uropean Travel Information and Authorization for Spain The ETIAS for Spain (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is an electronic travel authorization which will allow eligible citizens to travel to Spain and all of the 26 Schengen Area member countries for short stays. The European Commission is expected to introduce the ETIAS Visa Waiver for Spain in 2022 in order to pre-identify any possible risks or threats associated with visitors traveling to Schengen Area countries and protect and strengthen European borders. The European Visa Waiver for Spain will be a multiple entry travel authorization and is expected to allow multiple short stays of 90 days each in the

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Schengen Area. It will be valid for a total of 3 years from the date of approval. European visa waiver citizens will be able to apply through the simple ETIAS application for Spain online. It only takes a few minutes to complete the ETIAS Spain application form with personal, passport, and travel information. Applicants are also required to answer a few health and security-related questions, and pay the ETIAS fee, in order to submit the ETIAS application form for Spain and receive an approved visa waiver. ETIAS Spain is not a visa. It is an electronic travel permit that will allow travel to Spain and the Schengen Area for purposes of business, tourism, transit, or medical treatment.

ETIAS to Spain who wish to travel to the country for other purposes should contact the nearest Spanish Embassy or Consulate for further information. To confirm British citizens will need an ETIAS visa waiver from 2022.The EU Commission has confirmed that UK citizens will need to apply for ETIAS to cross an external Schengen Area border after Brexit. The UK may introduce its own visa waiver for travellers from Europe, similar to ETIAS. It has been suggested by the UK Home Office that EU tourists will be able to travel to Britain and Northern Ireland with an eTA visa waiver in the near future. Until this is launched EU visitors can visit with passports as before.

Those eligible to apply for the

To advertise call 637 028 873

Asesoria Axarquia Our office has offered comprehensive help and advice to our foreign clients in the Axarquia area for more than 15 years

Our experience is based on: Land Registry: • Registration of properties • Corrections/Update of properties • Plot measurements and ownership exchanges

Taxes: • Non resident tax (for foreigners with properties in Spain) • Resident taxes (for foreigners with residency in Spain)

Property Management:

Deeds: • Purchase and sale contracts • Property new building declarations • Inheritances • Wills

• Advice in Community issues • Administration of incomes and expenses • AGMS

We speak Spanish, English, German, Italian & French

Avd. Andalucía 65-A 29740 Torre del Mar Málaga Tel. 952 54 51 05 info@asesoriaaxarquia.es

ASESORÍA ALJARIFE Notarial Title deeds, Wills, Catastral Corrections, etc. General Administration Transfers of vehicles, driving licences, matriculations, etc.) Tax declarations Creation of businesses Accounts General insurances See Map (house, car, health, etc) Spot 22

We speak Spanish, English, German, Finnish, French, Italian To advertise call 637 028 873

More than 20 years ago Asesoría Aljarife opened its’ doors to the public. Since then, hundreds of companies and individuals in the Axarquia region and from the Malaga Province have left in our hands the responsibility to advise them to get the best possible results for their businesses. We are a group of highly qualified professionals that work for you. Economists and administrators with a wealth of experience that are at your disposal any time in order to make your life easier.

www.aljarife.com ASESORÍA ALJARIFE C/ San Antonio, 8 - 1º 29754 CÓMPETA Málaga Teléfono:(34) 952 51 66 00 Fax: (34) 952 51 67 29

GESTORÍA LÓPEZ NAVAS C/Ros Alférez 4 Bajo C 29740 TORRE DEL MAR Málaga Teléfono: (34) 952 54 25 04 Fax: (34) 952 54 17 47

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SPANISH FORTIFIED WINES The Seven Most Popular Manzanilla Sanlúcar De Barrameda, Spain Manzanilla is a dry sherry variety made from Palomino grapes in Sanlúcar de Barrameda. This light and refreshing wine is aged naturally, under a thick layer of yeast (flor). It is straw-colored with aromas of almonds, yeast, and chamomile.

Since Sanlúcar de Barrameda is a coastal town, during aging, Manzanilla also attains a characteristic salty note, unlike its close relative Fino. It should always be served chilled, and it pairs exceptionally well with seafood, salads, and cold soups. Serve with Albóndigas de bacalao Rolitos Palo Cortado Jerez De La Frontera, Spain Palo Cortado is the rarest dry sherry variety. Historically, this fortified wine was produced when a base wine that started as Fino or Manzanilla would unexpectedly lose the layer of flor—a thick layer of yeast—and then it would

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undergo slow oxidation which would result in a distinct sherry variety which falls between the Amontillado and Oloroso styles. Nowadays, this process is monitored by experts, and it is rarely left to chance. Palo Cortado is typically light brown with a complex profile that combines refined flavors of Amontillado with more robust expressions found in Oloroso. It should always be served slightly chilled and it is recommended to be appreciated on its own, but it also pairs well with matured cheese, nuts, marinated or smoked fish, as well as foie gras and rustic dishes such as oxtail stew (rabo del toro). Palo Cortado aged in Sanlúcar de Barrameda is sometimes called Jerez Cortado. FINO Province of Cadiz, Spain Made from Palomino grapes in Jerez or Puerto de Santa María, Fino is the driest and the most delicate sherry variety. This

fortified wine is aged naturally, under a layer of flor—a film of yeast that appears on the surface while the wine is matured in a barrel. Fino is refreshing and light, with typical notes of almonds and yeast. It is best served chilled, and although it can be enjoyed as an aperitif, Fino also pairs well with tapas such as olives, Ibérico ham, or croquetas, as well as seafood, vegetable dishes, or cold soups. Oloroso Jerez de La Frontera, Spain Oloroso is a variety of fortified sherry wines that is made from Palomino grapes. Unlike other dry sherry styles, oloroso is exposed to oxidation throughout the maturation in barrels and does not include the element of biological aging under the layer of yeast (flor). This results in a dark-colored wine that may range from amber to almost dark brown, depending on the age. As its name suggests,

To advertise call 637 028 873

oloroso translates as scented, this sherry variety is incredibly fragrant, typically displaying complex aromas of nuts that are complemented by balsamic, leather, and truffle nuances. This complex, full-bodied and well-structured wine can be enjoyed as an aperitif or an accompaniment to appetizers and aged cheese. It also pairs well with bold dishes made with red meat and game, and it should always be slightly chilled before it is served.

color, while its aromatic profile usually includes complex nutty and herbal notes, with hints of oak. The wine should be served slightly chilled, and though it can be slowly sipped on its own, it also pairs well with hard cheeses, jamón Iberico, and vegetables such as mushrooms, artichokes, and asparagus. Some styles may also work well with poultry or fish.

Pedro Ximenez Jerez de la Frontera, Spain Pedro Ximénez is a type of Spanish sherry, as well as the Amontillado name of the grape that is used to Province of Cadiz, Spain Amontillado is a rich and complex produce it. The grapes are picked dry sherry variety. It is made from when ripe and are then Palomino grapes, but unlike Fino traditionally laid out in the and Manzanilla, this fortified wine sun—which increases their sugar is first aged biologically—under a content. After the grapes are pressed, the grape juice is layer of flor—and when the flor fermented and fortified before it is disappears, the wine is exposed left to age using the traditional to oxidation. solera system. Depending on the level of maturation, Amontillado can have Pedro Ximénez sherry is typically a slightly different character, but it intense and sweet with a thick, velvety texture and aromas that is typically topaz or amber in

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are reminiscent of dried fruit, primarily raisins, dates, and figs, as well as the complementary notes of honey, jam, vanilla, chocolate, and coffee. Sherry Province of Cadiz, Spain Sherry is a fortified white wine from Andalusia. It comes in a variety of styles, from light dry wines to complex and aromatic sweet varieties. They are mostly produced from Palomino grape, though sweet sherry wines also employ Pedro Ximénez and Moscatel grapes. After the base wine is fortified with grape spirit, it is aged in a unique solera system. The maturation can be biological under a layer of flor—a film of yeast on the surface—or with oxidation. Depending on the amount of alcohol and the type of aging, dry sherry wines, or vinos generosos, are classified into five basic styles: Fino, Manzanilla, Amontillado, Oloroso, and Palo Cortada.

The Grapevine 63

VALENTINES DAY IN SPAIN How To Say I Love You.

ow to Say "I Love You" in Spanish. If you really want to impress your loved one on Valentine's Day, try telling them those magic words in Spanish, one of the world's most romantic-sounding languages. There are two main ways of saying "I love you" in Spanish: "te quiero" and "te amo." "Te quiero" literally translates to "I want you" and is the most common way of saying "I love you" in Spanish. Though to English speakers it may sound like it has a sexual connotation, that's not the case in Spanish. Parents and children will say "te quiero" to each other, and the same goes for platonic friends and couples if you love someone in any sense of the word, "te quiero" is the way to go. "Te amo" is used purely in the romantic sense. You won't hear it used among family and friends. Both "te quiero" and "te amo" are appropriate for professing your love to that special someone on Valentine's Day. However, keep in

64 The Grapevine

mind that "te amo" could be considered a little strong if you haven't been with your partner for long. "Te quiero" is a lot less intense, but still packed with meaning. As a result, even that seems more low-key phrase might be considered too much if you are in a very casual relationship. "Me molas," which implies you like someone as more than a friend, is a little more lighthearted. Barcelona's Second Valentine's Day February 14 isn't the only day dedicated to love in Spain. In Barcelona, you'll find more sentimental celebrations taking place on April 23, or El DĂa de Sant Jordi. Known as "St George's Day" in English, this festival is one of the most important dates on the Catalan calendar. Each year, gallant gentlemen honor St. George's heroic gesture of saving a princess from the clutches of an evil dragon by buying their loved ones a book. In reality, this

tradition probably derives from the fact that William Shakespeare happened to die on St. George's feast day in 1616 (and Spain's greatest author, Cervantes, died a day earlier). As a result, two of the Western world's greatest literary minds are honoured along with the patron saint of Catalonia. Valencia's Saint's Day If you can't take your dreamy trip to Spain until later in the year, head to Valencia on October 9, when locals proudly celebrate the feast day of St. Dionysius ("San Dionisio" in Spanish). Believe it or not, it's yet another one of the most romantic dates of the year in Spain. The traditional gift men usually buy their wives for this celebration is a mocaorĂ , a silken scarf filled with marzipan that displays the different fruits and vegetables of Valencia. The women, in turn, save the piece of cloth that their partner has given them every year as a tangible way of proving how long they've been together.

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The Grapevine 65

SPANISH SANDWICHES What Are The Spanish Favourites?

Montaditos Montaditos are open-faced sandwiches and an essential tapa in Spain. Although there is no set list of ingredients, montaditos are always made with bread slices, typically from a thin elongated bread similar to a baguette. The toppings are incredibly versatile and may include anything from smoked meat, chorizo sausages, jamóns, various types of cheese, pickled vegetables, anchovies, as well as other types of seafood. The combinations are seemingly endless, and there are no set rules which toppings to use and how to combine them. It is believed that montaditos were the first type of sandwiches in Spain, dating back to fifteen or sixteenth century. The name montadito is believed to stem from the word montar, meaning to mount—as a reference to all the toppings that are mounted on top of each bread slice. Bocadillos Bocadillos or bocatas are Spanish sandwiches made with Spanish-style baguettes known as barra de pan, unlike regular

66 The Grapevine

sandwiches which are made with modern white bread, known as pan de molde in Spain. The most common fillings for bocadillos include meat, cheese, tuna, omelets, jamón, or chorizo sausages. The Spanish typically don't add onions, mayonnaise, pickles, or lettuce to bocadillos, but the bread is sometimes rubbed with halved tomatoes or olive oil. Due to the popularity of these sandwiches, the fillings vary from one region to another – omelet bocadillos are usually eaten for breakfast or as an afternoon snack and include eggs, cheese, beans, peppers, and potatoes; meat-based bocadillos are often made with chicken, beef, pork, horse, or goat; and fish bocadillos often include cuttlefish, sardines, and squid. These sandwiches can be found everywhere from bars and taverns to roadside eateries, but you probably won't find one on a restaurant menu. Bocadillo de jamón Bocadillo de jamón is a sandwich

that is made with Spanish bread and slices of Spanish ham such as jamón Serrano (Serrano ham) or jamón Iberico (Iberian ham). It usually consists of a Spanishstyle baguette (barra de pan) that’s been cut in half along the middle and layered with the ham. The cut side of the bread is often drizzled with olive oil and rubbed with ripe tomato halves and garlic to make the sandwich juicier and more flavorful, while the sandwich’s filling may also be enhanced with slices of cheese (often Manchego cheese), tomato slices, strips of roasted piquillo peppers, and pitted black olives. This simple Spanish ham sandwich is commonly available at Spanish cafes where it is usually accompanied by a cup of café con leche (coffee with steamed milk), tea, or a glass of freshly-squeezed orange juice, although there are also places that serve the sandwich with a glass of wine or champagne. In Spain, this bocadillo variety is considered the unofficial snack of Spanish football fans, and it is

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typically eaten as a snack or light lunch. Bocadillo de calamares Bocadillo de calamares is one of the best-known bocadillo sandwiches in Spain, and a most beloved bar snack staple in the country’s capital, Madrid. It typically consists of a crusty Spanish-style baguette called barra de pan, which has been sliced in half lengthwise and stuffed with fresh and crunchy fried calamari rings. The calamari are usually dipped in flour and fried in olive oil, while the sandwich’s filling may be enhanced with a touch of olive oil or alioli (garlic mayonnaise) or a drizzle of fresh lemon juice. This simple sandwich makes for a filling breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a mid-afternoon snack, and it is traditionally washed down with a small glass of ice-cold draft beer known as a caña in Spanish. In Madrid, where calamari sandwiches can be found at any corner, people usually enjoy this sandwich on the spot, standing in the bar where they bought it, or

for a more pleasurable experience, they often eat it al fresco while sitting on one of the benches on the Plaza Mayor. Bocadilo Serranito Hailing from Seville, serranito is a classic bocadillo sandwich variety dating back to the 1970s. The sandwich typically consists of either a viena andaluza (an oblong, crusty bread roll) or a mollete (a soft, rustic white bread roll) which is cut in half lengthwise and filled with slices of fried pork tenderloin (lomo de cerdo) and Serrano ham (jamón Serrano), strips of fried green peppers (usually the Italian variety), and tomato slices. Some versions may also include a slice of tortilla or french omelet, lettuce, cheese, or slices of crispy fried bacon, while others may use chicken breasts or beef instead of the pork tenderloin. After the sandwich became a great hit at tapas bars in Seville, the name serranito was soon patented and turned into a brand by José Luis Cabeza Hernández, who was nicknamed José Luis del Serranito. Considered one of the best tapas

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in Seville, the sandwich is usually enjoyed for lunch or dinner, and it is usually served with a side of french fries and an ice-cold beer. The sandwich may also be enhanced with condiments such as mayonnaise, alioli (garlic mayonnaise), or mojo picón sauce. Bocata de lomo Bocadillo or bocata de lomo is a Spanish sandwich that consists of bread filled with pork tenderloin. A Spanish-style baguette (barra de pan), mollete, or ciabatta is typically sliced in half lengthwise, and it is then often toasted or grilled for added crunchiness. Both sides of the bread are usually rubbed with ripe tomato halves and garlic cloves on the inside, and the sandwich’s filling can be enhanced with the addition of cheese, tomato slices, peppers, onions, or even slices of Spanish tortilla (potato omelet). The pork tenderloin can be cured or uncured, and it is usually cooked a la plancha - meaning that it's grilled on a type of flat, metal plate commonly used for cooking meat or fish in Spain. This sandwich is typically eaten for lunch or dinner, it can also be enjoyed as a filling snack at any time of the day.

The Grapevine 67

CASTLE OF LÍZAR Frigiliana Castle

he Castillo de Lízar is located in the Cerro de la Sabina. Specifically on top of the town of Frigiliana . From the Castillo de Lízar there are hardly any remains left of walls and foundations. This is because this important Arab defense was destroyed by the Christian armies in 1569. Although the exact date of its construction is not known with certainty, the Castillo de Lízar dates back to the ninth and eleventh centuries. This occupied an area of about 4000 square meters and was located at the top of the hill of Sabina, dominating the town of Frigiliana. After the conquest of the city of Malaga in 1487, the king decreed the Royal Pragmatics of Philip II, which limited all rights to the Moors and forbade them to follow

68 The Grapevine

any custom or tradition they had. Faced with this situation, the rebels of Malaga and Granada who ignored this statement, fled the city. They were concentrated behind the walls of the Castle of Frigiliana. In the year 1568 this rebellion spread throughout the Alpujarra. After the Battle of the Rock of Frigiliana, in 1569, the armies of King Felipe II took the city. The last rebels coming from the Alpujarra and the Vélez region took refuge in the castle of Lízar which was finally invaded. Once the Arab troops had surrendered, Luis de Requesens, Commander of Castile, ordered the destruction of the fortress. The Moriscos were sent to other parts of Spain, and Frigiliana was repopulated by old Christians from Granada and Valencia.

Such was the destruction of the Castle of Lízar, that a good part of its ashlars were later used in the construction of the then palace of the Manrique de Lara, the Ingenio. There are hardly any remains of the Castle. It is a wall of 4 meters long by 2.5 wide Despite this, the remains have a special protection because they are considered Spanish Historical Heritage. To go up to the Castillo de Lízar it is necessary to enter through the back of the Palace of the Counts of Frigiliana. From here is where a cobblestone route begins that will give exceptional views of Frigiliana, the Sierra de Almijara , the Mediterranean Sea and the municipality of Nerja.

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The Grapevine 69

THE QUICK CROSSWORD Across

Down

6 Fails to remember (7) 7 Female organ (5) 9 Not false (4) 10 An unavoidable event (10) 11 Decapitated (8) 13 Relating to the iris of the eye (6) 15 Largest continent (4) 17 Malicious setting of fires (5) 18 Falls behind (4) 19 Prey (6) 20 At an indefinite time (8) 23 Warrantied (10) 26 Scarce (4) 27 Moral principle (5) 28 Type of glasses (7)

1 Immaterial (10) 2 Refused (6) 3 Anglo-Saxon slave (4) 4 A province or territory (8) 5 An Indonesian island (4) 6 Strength (5) 8 Sharp highpitched dog cries (7) 12 Amounts of medicine (5) 14 Inability to read (10) 16 Smudge (7) 17 Reference books (8) 21 Change (6) 22 Wall painting (5) 24 A tributary of the Rhine River (4) 25 Decreases (4) Solution on page 82

1. What in Spain is El Gordo? 2. The marriage of which two Spanish monarchs unified the country in the 15th century (they also sponsored the first voyage of Christopher Columbus)? 3. What is the the international car registration plate for Spain? 4. And what about Gibraltar's international vehicle registration? 5. Who abducated as King of Spain in 2014? And who became the new king? natural border between France and 6. Which Spanish actor was the first to Spain? And can you name the highest peak in this range? win an Oscar? 7. Which city is is famous for the 'running of the bulls' festival each July? 8. Which range of mountains forms a

9. Name the second most populated island of the Canary Islands? Costa Blanca means 'white coast' but what does Coast Brava mean? And which 'costa' means the Golden Coast? See page 82 for answers

70 The Grapevine

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DRIVING IN SPAIN Brexit: Check How The New Rules Aﬀect You

f you are resident in Spain and have not exchanged your UK licence for a Spanish one, your UK licence will continue to be recognised until 30 June 2021.

If you were resident in Spain before 1 January 2021 and registered your details with the DGT (Spanish Traffic Authority) before 30 December 2020, you must make an appointment with the DGT to complete the exchange of your UK licence by 30 June 2021. You will have to show proof you are registered as a resident at the appointment. You will have to give your UK licence to the Spanish Traffic Authority at your appointment. They will provide you with a temporary driving permit (‘autorización temporal para conducir’) to use until your Spanish licence is processed. This document is only valid in Spain and not in any other country The rules for exchanging a licence have not been confirmed for those that did not register their

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details with the DGT or moved to Spain after 1 January 2021.

rules and customs are different from those in the UK.

Driving in the UK with a Spanish licence You can use your Spanish licence in the UK for short visits, or exchange it for a UK licence without taking a test..

You must carry two red warning triangles which, in the event of an accident or breakdown, should be placed in front of and behind the vehicle at least 50 metres away from the vehicle. You must have a spare wheel and the tools to change it. If at any time you have to leave your vehicle due to an accident or breakdown or while waiting for the arrival of the emergency services, you must wear a reflective vest or you may face a heavy fine.

Lost, stolen or expired UK licences If you live in Spain, you will not be able to renew your driving licence in the UK. If your UK licence is lost, stolen or expired, you will need to apply to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) for a ‘certificate of entitlement’ to be able to apply for a Spanish driving licence. Licences and documentation To drive a car or a motorcycle over 125cc in Spain you must be 18 years of age or above, and at least 16 years old to ride a motorcycle up to 125cc. You must carry a valid driving licence, proof of insurance and proof of identity at all times. Driving regulations Driving is on the right. Driving

Spain has strict drink driving laws. Police regularly carry out roadside checks for alcohol and drugs. Penalties include heavy fines, loss of licence and imprisonment. Police can impose on-the-spot fines for a variety of driving offences including exceeding the speed limit. Should you choose to accept the fine and pay within 20 days, it will be reduced by 50%. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/li ving-in-spain#driving-in-spain

The Grapevine 71

ANTONI GAUDÍ Facts You Need To Know

f there ever was a patron saint of Barcelona, it would have to be Antoni Gaudí. While most people are familiar with his work incorporating colorful mosaics, natural elements, and skeleton balconies, the man behind the surreal buildings (and park) remains relatively mysterious. He was a strict vegetarian Gaudí was a vegetarian way before tempeh became the new tofu, but his motivations were less animal rights and more healthinstigated. He was plagued by poor health for most of his life (counting rheumatism as one of his ailments), which led to adopting vegetarianism, a diet much lauded (and occasionally attributed to) Dr. Kneipp, a German priest who believed in natural medicine and hydrotherapy. He refused any medical help for his ailment, subsisting on lettuce leaves sprinkled with olive oil and some nuts. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the healthiest way to approach the diet, and it occasionally led to

72 The Grapevine

more serious illnesses. He was often mistaken for a beggar, which ultimately led to his death The young Gaudí was a stylish young man, dressing in expensive suits, touting a strong hair game, and gallivanting about turn-of-thecentury Barcelona. Unfortunately, like most people, he slowly changed as the years passed. A series of hardships – from deaths of loved ones to economic hard times to work troubles – eventually made the one-time man-abouttown into a frugal homebody who neglected his wardrobe. He was struck by a tram on one of his daily walks and didn’t receive much medical attention until the next day when the chaplain of the Sagrada Família identified him as the famous architect he was. By that time, his injuries had progressed past salvage, and he ultimately passed away three days later. Why was he ignored for so long? People mistook the shabbily dressed man for a beggar.

He was politically active, fighting for Catalonian culture It’s been said that Catalan men are fiercely proud beings. Gaudí, a born and bred Catalonian, was a strong proponent for Catalan culture and a believer in an independent Catalan state. So strong was his love for his culture that it was suggested he enter the realm of politics, but much to the relief of the architectural world and beauty aficionados alike, he refused. For the history buffs, the Catalan identity (including state, language, and culture) has been around since the 8th century A.D. The struggle for Catalan independence has been raging since the 17th century (it rages on to this day), and Gaudí, like his Catalan brethren, occasionally got involved in protests which escalated into full blown riots – once during the Floral Games and a second time during the National Day of Catalonia, the latter of which led to a few days in jail.

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Park Guell started out as an English-style residential estate Developer Count Eusebi Güell set out to create a housing development inspired by the English garden city movement popular in the early 20th century. Garden cities were planned selfcontained communities that combined residential, agricultural, and green space in one tidy, suburban package. Gaudí designed the grounds, respecting the natural landscape, as well as the water collection and storing system, avoiding erosion issues caused by Mediterranean rainfalls. Two model homes were built: one by architect Juli Battllevell and the other by Gaudí’s assistant, Fransesc Berenguer. Sadly, those were the only two houses built, and the failed housing development was transformed into modern-day wonderland by the master of the mosaic, Antoni Gaudí. He eventually moved into the house designed by his assistant. That house is now the Gaudí Museum (Casa Museu Gaudí), which can be visited today.

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He was a bad student at the Barcelona Architecture School How can the man considered a genius by many just barely squeak by in school? Well, he scraped the bottom of the barrel so extensively, it prompted Elies Rogent, the Director of Barcelona Architecture School (BAS), to state: “We have given this academic title either to a fool or a genius. Time will show.” And it did. The Sagrada Família is Gaudí’s posthumous success, even during construction Gaudí’s magnum opus has been under construction since 1882 and is slated for completion in 2027. That’s 145 years! Gaudí designed the inside of the cathedral in the shape of a cross and to look like the interior of a forest, the façade to contain biblical elements and scenes from the nativity, and the spires to represent the apostles, the Virgin Mary, the four evangelists, and Jesus Christ (the largest one, naturally). Every year, a different element of the church is unveiled as construction

progresses, each iteration providing a limited-time-only experience. Some people may be interested in seeing the finished product, but most will be interested in the evolution of this grandiose structure filled with symbolism, color, light, and, of course, religion. Dalí loved Gaudí As the creator of mind-bending surrealist spaces allows visitors to step into what seems like his wildest imaginarium, Gaudí has a ton of fans these days. It’s also fitting that one of his biggest fans be the master of surrealist mindbending art, Salvador Dalí. The two Catalan men definitely did share a unique viewpoint on their craft: they both disobeyed the traditional rules of realism, and they both seemed to be exceedingly wary of the straight line

The Grapevine 73

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74 The Grapevine

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The Grapevine 75

The Grapevine FC! (2007)

VICTOR ROMĂ N MULTISERVICIOS

New office opening soon - next to the Mapre Office, Av de la Constitucion, Competa

General Reforms Plumbing & Electrics Airconditioning Installation Free, no obligation quote

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The Grapevine 77

The Grapevine FC! (2007)

VICTOR ROMĂ N MULTISERVICIOS

New office opening soon - next to the Mapre Office, Av de la Constitucion, Competa

General Reforms Plumbing & Electrics Airconditioning Installation Free, no obligation quote

608 452 053 Spanish & English Spoken

Competa and surrounding area. To advertise call 637 028 873

The Grapevine 77

â&#x20AC;˘ february 2021 Horoscopes â&#x20AC;˘ ARIES

20th March - 19th April

TAURUS

ou could be expecting an important letter, call, or email and you may sit on the edge of your chair waiting for it. This might be from a friend or lover. It could be delayed, and this might get you flustered. Distract yourself and do something else while you wait.

GEMINI

nfounded worries about money could plague you. Someone close may have given you some incorrect information, perhaps about your financial situation, but more likely regarding trends in the economy that could affect your finances.

CANCER

nsecurity may arise about a partnership. This might be a current or potential romantic relationship. Perhaps there has been little if any communication between you and your insecurity is coming to the forefront.

LEO

SCORPIO

ou might get a few calls involving possible business opportunities. You could also hear from friends proposing participation in a group activity of some kind, which you may want to do. Don't hesitate.

SAGITTARIUS

22th November - 21st December

he desire to spend time alone with a special someone may also interfere with plans you've already made to attend a social gathering. You won't want to give up either, so you might try to find a compromise of some kind.

78 The Grapevine

23rd October - 21st November

orries about money might plague you- They might have little, if any, basis in fact, as you're probably fretting over possibilities that aren't likely to ever manifest. A little caution with regard to budgeting and spending today certainly won't hurt you.

CAPRICORN

22th December - 19th January

ou could look in the mirror and be appalled by what you see, activating your insecurity about the way you look. This could send you looking for various treatments. Go ahead if you want, but your impressions are clouded right now.

AQUARIUS

23rd August - 22th September

hatever the nature of your tasks, don't be surprised if you find them confusing. You might be tempted to chuck it all and go out, but this isn't a good idea. Better to try to make sense of the confusion than put it off. It won't get any better with time.

ou may want to set aside some time to spend with close friends or a love partner. Other responsibilities could have you on your own, taking care of errands and other important matters. You may have the feeling of being lonely in a crowd.

LIBRA

orries about health and work might be on your mind. You could be stressed out over whatever you're doing, and this might have you feeling less energetic than usual. It's a good idea to work a little to lessen the stress in your life.

VIRGO

orries about money might plague you. They might have little, if any, basis in fact, as you're probably fretting over possibilities that aren't likely to ever manifest. A little caution with regard to budgeting and spending today certainly won't hurt you.

PISCES

esponsibilities from the outside world might make it impossible for you to take as much time as you'd like. Don't let it get to you. Work out the matters that seem most pressing and save the rest for later.

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NICK ATKINSON Professional Tiling & Bespoke Carpentry

Professional Tiler Bathrooms, kitchens, roof tiling, terraces, patios & swimming pools. General building and reforms.

Master Carpenter For all your be-spoke built-in furniture needs. Specialising in kitchen and bathroom reforms Laminate flooring. All aspects considered Email: nickjohngilding@yahoo.com Mobile 658151628

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The Grapevine 79

Cabrales Cheese

BEST SPANISH CHEESES Spain Produces Well Over 100 Diﬀerent Varieties Of Cheese

heese is a mainstay of the Spanish diet, whether eaten by itself, or with bread, a tapa or even as a dessert. Because of the variations in climate and geography, as well as culture, each region of Spain can produce several or more varieties of cheese. Each cheese has its own unique characteristics that affect the finished product, such as the type of milk (sheep, goat, cow or a mixture), the production process, the history or traditions and the ageing or curing process.

Castilla-León, Castilla La Mancha, Aragón and Extremadura. And finally, goat's milk cheeses are found mostly along the regions of the Mediterranean coast, from Catalonia to Andalucia. On the Canary Islands as well as the Balearic islands, you will find mostly goat's milk cheese as well as mixed milk cheeses. Mixed milk cheeses are generally produced across the whole country with the predominant milk of each area being more used in the mixes.

n general, cow's milk cheeses are found in the north, along the Cantabrian coast, from Galicia to the Basque Country, and along the northern Cantabric Mountain Range and the Pyrenees.

Types of Spanish Cheese Spanish cheeses are wide and varied but can be divided into three main classes:

Sheep's milk cheeses are found inland, from the north, in Cantabria and the Basque Country, down to the flat lands of

Fresh Cheese ( Queso Fresco ):- This is a cheese that has not been cured or aged in any way. Semi-Cured ( Queso Semi Curado):- Semi-cured is for

80 The Grapevine

cheese that has been aged for around two to four months. Cured ( Queso Curado):- This is cured cheese that has been cured for 4 months upwards. Popular Spanish Cheeses Manchego Cheese Manchego is Spain's best-known cheese, named after the province of La Mancha where it is made. The area is best known as the home of Don Quixote, this popular cheese is relatively sweet and mild as cheeses go, with mild to very strong tastes depending on the cured age, it also has a touch of salty nuts. Manchego was originally made to barter at livestock markets as it provided durable food for the shepherds. Cabrales Cheese Cabrales is a blue cheese of great character. It is handmade on farms in the Picos de Europa

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Afuega'l pitu

mountains of Northern Spain and matured in caves which are aired by cold, damp, and salty winds blowing up from the Bay of Biscay.

Mahon Cheese Mahon cheese has a distinctively fruity cheese is named for the major town of the island of Menorca.

Traditionally Cabrales gourmet cheese is made with a mixture of cow, sheep and goat milk; the locals say that cow's milk acidifies the cheese.

Local farmers have been making cheese here for centuries but its reputation rests on the skill of the local experts who collect the young cheeses from the producing farms. They then proceed to ripen them in underground cellars for two months to two years.

This is one of the finest blue cheeses in Spain offering different types of flavours depending on the type of milk used. The humidity level in the caves is around 90% with a temperature between 8 and 12C. the environment necessary to promote the growth of penicillin spores which gives the cheese is green patches and blue veins. The ripening stage in the caves lasts between 2 and 5 months, the cheese is regularly cleaned and turned during that time.

To advertise call 637 028 873

During the maturity process, butter paprika and olive oil are often rubbed onto the rind.

Galicia is made from the milk of cows grazing on the lush pastures behind the coastal mountain ranges. The cheese is made from pasteurised cow's milk and has a yellow rind and is creamy and slightly salty in flavour. The milk used for the production comes from well known breeds such as Frisians, Alpine Browns and Rubia Gallega. Afuega'l pitu Afuega'l pitu means fire in the throat because its concentrated taste gives a hot sensation as if it sticks to the back of your throat.

This cheese is quite dense in texture with a salty buttery taste and is often eaten with olive oil, tarragon and black pepper.

The young version of this gourmet cheese has a milky flavour and is medium-soft in texture, it is also smooth with some granular structures.

Tetilla Cheese Tetilla D.O.P is an unusual cheese. The remarkable thing about this is its shape as it looks like a breast (Tetilla ). This wide conical cheese from

Mature Afuega'l pitu blancu has a strong taste and is only recommended for the true cheese connoisseur.

The Grapevine 81

house. He told me to make myself at home. So I threw him out. I hate visitors.

JOK

Yesterday one of my good friends told me I often make people uncomfortable by violating their personal space. It was a really hurtful thing to say and completely ruined our bath. I didn't want to believe my dad was stealing from his job as a road worker. But when I got home all the signs were there. The guy who stole my ipad should... Face time.

My 7 year old nephew showed me with pride the "telephone" he had just made from a string and two tin cans. I pulled out my iPhone and said, “That's nice, but..." “Look at what kids your age make in China!”

She couldn’t control her pupils. My GPS just told me to turn around. Now I can’t see where I’m driving.

I arrived early to the restaurant. The manager said do you mind waiting a bit? I said no. Good, he said. Take these drinks to table nine.

Social distancing has been particularly stressful for the Flat Earth Society. They fear such measures will push someone over the edge.

My wife left me because I'm insecure. Oh, no, wait, she's back. She just went for groceries.

My doctor told me I'm going deaf. The news was hard for me to hear.

Why is moon rock tastier than earth rock? It's a little meteor.

My mate says I'm getting fat, but in my defence... I’ve had a lot on my plate recently.

Did I tell you guys about the cross-eyed teacher?

Sudoku Answers from Page 74

I visited my friend at his new

So many people these days are too judgmental I can tell just by looking at them. I personally think that beekeeper suits are ugly as hell, but hey... Beauty is in the eye of the beeholder.

Crossword Answers from Page 70

Pub Quiz (Pg 70) 1. The Spanish Lottery (El Gordo means 'fat one') 2. Ferdinand of Aragon & Isabella of Castile. 3. E 4. GBZ. 5. Juan Carlos. Felipe VI. 6. Javier Bardem 7. Pamplona (during the San Fermín festival) 8. Pyrenees. Aneto is the highest peak. 9.Gran Canaria 10. Wild Coast & Costa Dorado

82 The Grapevine

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The Grapevine 83

Tamarix Africana 'Springtime’

. I

A FAR CRY FROM NORMAL Campo Cuttings by Lorraine Cavanagh of Viveros Florena, Cómpeta

ebruary is a great month for planting trees, and we've got some that are a far cry from the normal! I'm going to give you some details on three that have trumpetshaped flowers and are stunningly wow in flower – the golden trumpet tree, pink trumpet tree and golden pagoda tree. And, finally, a real toughie for those very difficult areas that most of us have! Tabebuia is a genus containing around 100 species. The word tabebuia means ant wood in Brazilian, as ants often nest in the dead hollow branches of old trees. They are part of the Bignoniaceae family which gives you a hint of their blowsy beauty to come and they can be seen in yellow, pink, white and, rarely, red. They are commonly planted

84 The Grapevine

through southern and central America as street and garden trees and certainly rival the jacaranda for flowering. Semi-evergreen, tabebuias will commonly shed their leaves for a short time in late spring, just before flowering. They are generally of a moderate growth rate and can even be grown in a pot whilst young. Eventually, in the ground, they can reach 8m high with a large spread too, so you get a big head and great impact. They like warm climates but will adapt well to poor soils and their roots are non-invasive. A windy position will slow their growth rate. On all types, the flowers are rich in nectar; pollinating insects make a beeline for them! Tabebuia (syn. handroanthus) ochracea, or golden trumpet tree

is famed for its spectacular display of large yellow flowers. It is very closely related to tabebuia chrysotricha, which is the national tree of Brasil. The bark is rough and furrowed and the new young leaves emerge with white downy undersides. The gorgeous golden-yellow flowers last only a day but they are prolifically produced with, occasionally, a second flush too and the dangling seed pods are decorative in their own right. Tabebuia (syn. handroanthus) impeteginosa is also known as pink lapacho, Pau D'Arco or pink trumpet tree. It is the national tree of Paraguay and is seen in huge pink clouds throughout southern Mexico, Bolivia, Peru and Argentina. It will tolerate windy coastal positions but does perform better in a cosier spot! The flowers are usually rosy-pink

To advertise call 637 028 873

tabebuia impetiginosa

with a yellow throat, though they can also have lilac tinges. The bark is well-used by native peoples for a range of treatments, most famously cancer but also for intestinal problems, fevers, dysentery, snake bites, to help with diabetes and lower blood pressure. It has strong antiinflammatory properties and immune stimulating activity. Sophora microphylla 'Sun King' commonly known as the Japanese pagoda tree, is a hybrid from Chile. More commonly seen as an arching shrub which can be wall-trained, it also makes a delightful small tree, where its flowers can dangle nicely. Unless very cold, it will be evergreen with dark green foliage, divided into 40 pairs of small, oblong leaflets, rather lacy and delicate looking. Being small leaved, it can be pruned and trained, perhaps as a fan against

To advertise call 637 028 873

a wall, and makes a good bonsai plant. It's a lovely thing and far more interesting and tropical looking than forsythia and winter jasmine, which flower at the same time, February through to April. The large luscious bell-shaped flowers are an exceptionally vivid yellow with tinges of green, waxy and exotic, with prettily protruding anthers. Although exotic looking, it tolerates exposure well and average soil. It will reach 4m x 3m spread.

conditions. It has a light and feathery canopy giving it an airy, light feeling and can be pruned and shaped as desired. In springtime it erupts into a mass of pink triangular flowers that always attract attention. If you need a windbreak, this tree is supreme.

Tamarix Africana 'Springtime' syn. t. hispanica is a great small tree for very exposed positions. It will grow in very windy sites, even exposed and coastal, where other trees would suffer. It will also tolerate a wide range of soils, from light and sandy through to heavy clay-based. Quick growing, it will reach around 6m or a little less if in very challenging

Viveros Florena, Cómpeta, Málaga.

We should have all of these in stock – and more - by the time you read this article, so come and have a chat with us.

Tel: 689928201/Email: florenaspain@hotmail.com/vivero sflorena@gmail.com Open 10am until 4pm, closed Sundays and Mondays. Food and Health Market every Wednesday morning.

The Grapevine 85

MARIJUANA RAID National Police, within the framework of a medium-scale operation against drug trafficking, have dismantled two large marijuana plantations installed in two houses in Vélez- Málaga. The police operation began when the police were aware of constant power outages on Tapia de la Cruz Street. This data made them think about the possible existence of a marijuana plantation in a house on the aforementioned street. The police verified that in that street there were two houses with a double connection to the public electricity network. In addition, in the vicinity of these homes there was a loud noise from machinery and an odour that gave away the illegal activity that could be taking place inside. As a result of the searches carried out in the two properties, the police located in one of the houses 495 marijuana plants already in bloom and in the other property another 200 plants, collected and dried, ready for their container and distribution.

Jones and Lionel Richie, hope to thoroughfare. Malaga is already make it to the Nagüeles stage in beginning to study an alternative Holy Week without street worship , 2021. It is time to seek consensus and encourage the approach of all the brothers to their sacred titles as far as possible. The capital of the Costa del Sol will once again experience a historic Holy Week marked by silence, recollection and prayer.

THE RACE BEGINS TO CHOOSE THE BEST STARTUPS IN ANDALUSIA The Startup Andalucía Roadshow contest , organized by the Ministry of Economic Transformation and the Chambers of Commerce has passed to the next phase. The 32 companies that will participate in the competition (chosen from among 72 candidates) and that will receive a training and mentoring program are already known. They have been grouped into four groups of eight, and from each group three will be chosen, twelve in total, which will enter a new phase. At the end of the program, five will be chosen, the best startups in Andalusia, which are SEMANA SANTA PROCESSIONS intended to make an international SUSPENDED leap and facilitate their financing. Malaga suspends its Holy Week processions for the second LINEUP CONTINUES TO GROW consecutive year. The decree of FOR THIS SUMMER'S STARLITE the diocese includes the FESTIVAL IN MARBELLA suspension of acts of external International stars who had to worship and all celebrations that cancel last year, such as Tom make use of the public

Due to be held between 2 July and 28 August, this festival has already announced an array of international stars, many of whom were unable to travel to Spain last year because of Covid-19 restrictions. So far, the confirmed international lineup includes iconic faces such as Lionel Richie, Tom Jones, Passenger, Ozuna, Simple Minds, Sebastián Yatra, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Maluma, Il Divo, Ara Malikian and Bonnie Tyler (although her postponed performance date is yet to be confirmed).

MEDIAMARKT The consumer electronics chain MediaMarkt is to open three new stores - in Marbella, Mijas and Vélez-Málaga. The company has signed an agreement with Worten for the acquisition of 17 of its stores in Spain, which will allow them to open in these locations.

positions. The mayor of Commerce has stated that "our municipality has to continue advancing and that is why from the council we support our small and medium-sized businessmen in times as tough as the current ones."

FIRE IN TORRE DEL MAR The Velez-Malaga fire department extinguished a fire in Torre del Mar The Velez-Malaga firefighting crew successfully intervened in a fire in an electrical panel in the town of Torre del Mar. Fortunately, there were no fatalities. The fire occurred on Calle Saladero Viejo, which is adjacent to the pedestrian Calle del NEW BREATHALYZER The Local Police in Rincón de la Mar. Victoria have a new portable ethyl meter. This will generate the printed results of the breathalyzer test at the time and place that the drivers are tested without them having to go to the Headquarters. The Local Police will also be supplied with new state-of-the-art technology that identifies vehicles by reading license plates and can locate traffic violations by being connected to the databases of the General Director of Traffic (DGT) and the police. TORROX MARKET Greengrocers, dried fruits and pickles, churros and florists are the new products that can be found in the Torrox Market. These new positions represent a new boost to our historic center", highlighted the mayor, Óscar Medina. The mayor said that, respecting the essence of the old market, the rehabilitation of the municipal facilities carried out last autumn also meant a remodelling of its interior, which MELILLERO allowed doubling the existing positions becoming eight today. For The Court number 2 Iin Fuengirola this reason, the file was opened for agreed to the entry prison, d and without bail of José Arcadio DN, the concession of the four new

known as Melillero for the alleged commission of two crimes of attempted murder by spraying acid on his former partner and a friend who accompanied her when they were inside a vehicle in Cártama. The detainee has availed himself of his right not to testify and has only answered some questions from his lawyer.

WIKILOC The Torre del Mar Beach Running Club has become the first in the Axarquía region to join the Wikiloc platform, a world reference for nature lovers and practitioners, it will share its routes of hiking with all its federated and general athletes interested in discovering new routes for their outdoor activities. The club wants to offer nature to its fans - once its newly released mountaineering section has been created. According to José Acosta, mountain coordinator of Playas de Torre del Mar, “through Wikiloc we will post the hiking and mountaineering routes that we carry out , and in this way share them with all users of the world, so that through this free platform our followers can search and follow our best adventures in nature ”. Acosta pointed out that “this application is available in 21 languages , including Spanish, and can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store, Android Play Store or directly used via the web.

C NTACTS DIRECT RY Emergency Numbers Emergency Services Ambulance Fire Brigade Guardia Civil

112 061 080 062

Torrox Costa Velez Malaga Frigiliana Almunecar Motril Maro

Tel: 952 538 010 Tel: 952 541 104 Tel: 952 533 002 Tel: 958 631 125 Tel: 958 823 591 Tel: 952 529 024

Town Doctors Halls Doctors Canillas de Aceituno Tel: 952 518 250 Cómpeta Calle San Antonio Tel: 951 289 791 Salares Tel: 952 508 906 Sayalonga Tel : 952 552 404 Sedella Tel: 952 508 858 Nerja Tel: 952 523 131 Salobrena Tel: 958 829 332 Torre del Mar Tel: 952 542 396

Municipal Police Canillas de Aceituno Tel: 952 518 000 Tel: 952 518 002 Cómpeta Tel: 605 276 302 Canillas de Albaida Tel: 952 558 321 Nerja Tel: 952 521 545 Torrox Pueblo Tel: 952 539 828 Torrox Costa Tel: 952 538 115 Velez Malaga Tel: 952 549 238 Torre del Mar Tel: 952 965 546 Emergencies 112

Tourist Information Cómpeta Nerja Sayalonga Torre del Mar

Tel: 952 553 685 Tel: 952 521 531 Tel: 952 535 206 Tel: 952 541 104

88 The Grapevine

Alcaucin Tel: 952 510 002 Archez Tel: 952 553 159 Canillas de Albaida. Tel: 952 553 006 Canillas de Aceituno, Tel: 952 518 002 Cómpeta, Tel: 952 516 006 952 516 025 Periana Tel: 952 536 016 Rio Gordo Tel: 952 732 154 Sayalonga Tel: 952 535 021 Salares Tel: 952 508 903 Sedella Tel: 952 508 839 Torre del Mar Tel: 952 540 471 Torrox Costa Tel: 952 538 010 Velez Malaga Tel: 952 559 100 Vinuela Tel: 952 519 002 Frigiliana Tel: 952 533 122 La Herradura Tel: 958 827 794 Nerja Tel: 952 548 430 Torrox Pueblo Tel: 952 538 200

Taxi’s de Albaida Canillas Silvia: 952 553 180 Maria Jose: 952 553 018 Cómpeta Franquelo: 952 553 662 El Mellizo: 952 516 056 Maximo: 952 516 199 Cesáreo: 952 516 205 Sayalonga Ramiro: 952 535 029

Frigiliana Malaga Motril

952 533 231 952 327 950 958 600 164

Telephone Doctors General Enquires Tel: Speaking Clock Tel : Line Faults Tel: Directory Enquires Tel:

1004 093 1002 025

Airports Doctors Granada Airport Tel: 958 245 200 Malaga Airport Tel: 952 048 804

Bus Doctors Times L= Mon – Sat • D= Direct Nerja – Malaga 06.30L, 07.30, 08.30D, 08.55, 10.10D, 11.10, 11.55D, 12.40, 13.40, 14.55, 16.10, 17.10, 18.10D, 18.40, 19.40, 20.40, 21.15, 21.45D Malaga – Nerja 07.00, 08.15L, 09.15, 10.30, 11.00D, 11.45D, 12.30D, 13.00, 14.15, 15.15, 16.30, 17.30, 18.45, 19.30D, 20.15, 20.45D, 21.30D, 23.00 Canillas de Albaida - CompetaSayalonga - Malaga Mon-Sat Departs Canillas de Albaida 9.30 Sat & Festivals 15.30 See Loymerbus.es to check times (Times change after 10th December) For Competa add 5 minutes For Sayalonga add 20 minutes Malaga - Torre del Mar Algarrobo Costa - Sayalonga Competa - Canillas de Albaida Mon-Fri Departs 11.30 - 13.15 - 18.30 Sat & Festivals 13.15 - 18.30 Sun 10.30 - 20.15

To advertise call 637 028 873

Read any of our back issues from the last 12 months at thegrapevine.es

Street Markets Monday Torrox Costa Tuesday Nerja Wednesday Algarrobo Costa, Rincon de la Victoria Thursday Velez- Malaga, Frigiliana, Torre del Mar Friday Almunecar, Frigliana, Sayalonga, La Herradura Saturday Cรณmpeta, La Caleta de Velez Sunday Nerja Car Boot Sale, Sayalonga Sayolanga Municipal Market Mon- Fri 8.30am-2.30pm

Church Services Cรณmpeta Catholic

Sat 8.00pm & Sun Midday

Church of England Sundays 5.30pm Torre del Mar Lux Mundi Tel: 952 543 334 Evangelical Church Tel: 952 532 825 Fellowship of the King Tel: 958 658 439 Anglican Church of Nerja & Almunecar Tel: 952 525 406

To advertise call 637 028 873

Consulates

Hospitals

Austria

Tel: 952 600 267

Carlos Haya Tel: 951 290 000

Belgium

Tel: 952 399 907

Motril

Denmark

Tel: 952 211 797

Velez Malaga Tel: 951 067 000

Finland

Tel: 952 212 435

France

Tel: 952 214 888

Germany

Tel: 952 363 591

Ireland

Tel: 952 475 108

Italy

Tel: 952 306 150

Netherlands Tel: 913 537 500 Norway

Tel: 952 667 955

Sweden

Tel: 952 604 383

Tel: 952 352 300

USA

Tel: 952 474 891

Airlines

Tel: 958 603 506

Vets Naturevets: 952 55 38 50 URG: 617 00 17 23 Nerja Clinica San Fernando (vet Expedito) 609 982 941 Torrox Village & Torrox Costa

608 45 42 70

La Herradura

625 233 778

Cรณmpeta & La Caleta:

657 582 225

National Holidays

www.easyjet.com www.bmibaby.com

January 1st

New Years Day

www.ryanair.com

January 6th

Three Kings Day

www.thompsonfly.com

February 28th

www.flymonarch.com

May 1st

www.flybe.com

August 15th Virgin de la Asuncion

www.xl.com

English Radio Stations Global Radio

96.5 FM

Andalucia Day May Day

October 12th Dia de la Hispanidad November 1st

All Saints day

December 6th Dia de la Constitucion

Wave

96.0 FM

Coastline Radio

97.6 FM

Radio Sol Almijara

99.1 FM

December 8th Immaculate Conception

Spectrum

105.5 FM

December 25th Christmas Day

REM FM

104.8 FM

The Grapevine 89

BUSIN

Accommodation

Construction

Health & Beauty

Finca el Cerrillo

Rapid Construction

Canillas de Albaida, Malaga Tel: 952 03 04 44 email: info@hotelfinca.com www.hotelfinca.com

◊◊◊ Fair prices ◊◊◊ ◊ English & Spanish speaking. ◊

Finca Los Pinos Tel: 619 175 649 The Hotel Balcon Tel: 952 55 3662

Airconditioning / Heating

Phone: 952.539.742

Mobile: 606.423.869

www.redwell.com

Tel: 952 96 78 03 www.malagaclima.com

Cooling and Heating Solutions

All building works considered.

Phone: 602 56 65 84 email: kainesimard16@hotmail.com Competa and surrounding Areas

Bike Rental Drains

BIKE HIRE, TOURS & HOLIDAYS

Waynes Drains Tel: 657 862 628

Road & Mountain Bikes Tel: 637 02 88 73

Electricians

Electrician Tel 951242449

C&Gs 2381 & 2391

Mob 666707297

www.english-electrician-nerja.com

Sales, Service & Installation Air Con, Solar Systems & Pool Heat Pumps

Joe Jones 655 791167

Furniture Stores

Klimacentro Tel: 952 540 786 Connect Airconditioning Tel: 951 282 196 / 639 738 624

Broadband Axarfusion Tel: 951 83 33 33

We deliver bikes direct to you! Race bike & MTB Rental in Nerja, Torrox & Frigiliana

De Tropen Tel: 618 963609

Glass, lighting & blinds

Car Hire Hairdressers Tin Tin Hairdressers Tel: 952 516 416 E.G.O Tel: 622 55 38 64

90 The Grapevine

cyclemalaga.com

cyclenerja.com

Jose Luis Persianas Tel: 952 516 397 Estrella Car Rentals Tel: 952 511 209

Clinica Europa Tel: 952 530 908 Rebeccah Curtis Tel: 952 530 122 Happy Feet Foot Health Tel: 643 303 157

BIKE RENTAL & CYCLING HOLIDAYS

cycletorredelmar.com

cyclealmunecar.com No.1 bike rental Racefor bike & MTB Rental in Nerja, on the Costa Tropical

To advertise call 637 028 873

NESS Insurance

Mechanics & Recovery

Restaurants & Bars

Black Tower Tel: 607 845 603

Restaurante Cerezo

Tel: 952 507 144

Leisure & Hobbies

Competa Motors

RENT / ALQUILAR VESPAS

Avda Torrox 35, Competa Tel 606 577 869

Tel:+34 628 44 15 32 +34 628 71 94 63

www.vespadelsol.com

Road & Mountain Bikes Tel: 637 02 88 73

cyclemalaga.com

VENTA EL CURRO

General & Electrical Mechanic

Costa del Sol & Axarquia

BIKE HIRE, TOURS & HOLIDAYS

Large Terrace - 952 553 018 Canillas de Albaida (Málaga) C/Estacion 5 - restaurantecerezo@hotmail.com

Property Legal Advice Asesoria Aljarife Tel:952 51 66 00 Asesoria Axarquia Tel:952 54 51 05 Axarquia Solictors Tel: 952 901 225

We deliver bikes direct to you! Competa RaceHikes bike & MTB Tel: 619Rental 175 649in Nerja, Torrox & Frigiliana

Real Estate Tel:(0034) 618 295 063 Tel:(0034) 601 626 525

cyclenerja.com

www.taurusrealestate.com

Argentinian Grill

ctra.Corumbela s/n Archez (Malaga)

www.ventaelcurro.com Restaurante El Pilon Tel: 952 553 512 - Cómpeta Taberna Teteria Hierbabuena Tel: 951 70 76 38 - Cómpeta The Pavo Real - Cómpeta/Torrox Tel: 654 86 90 83 The Balcon Hotel - - Cómpeta Tel: 952 55 36 62 El Recreo - Cómpeta Tel: 952 51 60 43 Casa Paco - Competa Tel: 952 516 077 Perico’s - Competa Tel: 952 553 739 El Cortijo - Competa Tel:952 553 647 Restaurante El Pámpano Tel: 951 832 810 Bar Miguel - Competa Tel: 952 516 754 .

Axarquia Properties Tel: 609 436 537 Immotions Real Estate Tel: 654 899 531 Andalucia Real Estate Tel: 952 534481 .

BIKE RENTAL & CYCLING HOLIDAYS

cycletorredelmar.com

cyclealmunecar.com No.1 bike rental Racefor bike & MTB Rental in Nerja, on the Costa Tropical

Restaurante Bistro 6 Tel: 951 832 817 .

Extra The Business Directory Continued

Satellite Services

Total Satellite Installations Tel: 629 556 266 Sky Digital Tel: 952 464 378

Solicitors

Swimming Pool Heating

Cómpeta Solar Call : 652 97 06 08 info@competasolar.es

www.competasolar.es

Spa’s & Saunas

Vets

Naturevets - Competa Tel: 952 553 850

Windows & Doors

UPVC-WINDOWS/DOORS Tel. 952 50 25 27 E-Mail: juanverdun@juanverdun.com

Delprado Solicitors Tel: 95 252 72 74 Axarquia Solicitors Tel: 951 901 225

Official Manufacturer

Window Tinting

Solar Tel: 644 546 176 ian@solarshadetinting.com

Cómpeta Solar Call : 652 97 06 08 info@competasolar.es

www.competasolar.es

Upholstery

Wine / Bodega

Michael’s Upholstery Tel: 952 55 34 64

Mobility Mobility Products For Sale or Tel: 95 296 7015 / Mob: 635 445 279

www.bluebadgemobility.com

STAIR-LIFTS Tel: 95 296 7015 / Mob: 635 445 279

www.bluebadgemobility.com

Villa Care PMS Petes Maintenance Services Tel: 622 776 643 Competa Chimney Sweep Tel: 601 63 70 30

M:(+34) 658 845 285 reservas@bodegasbentomiz.com

Cars Wanted Tel: 657 919 965

cyclemalaga.com BIKE HIRE TOURS & HOLIDAYS

cyclemalaga.com

BIKE RENTAL, BIKE TOURS & CYCLING HOLIDAYS

1 DAY BIKE TOURS TO “PICO DE VELETA” The third highest peak in Spain on the highest paved road in Europe! Europe’s highest and longest road bike ascent. (2430m) .

Going from glorious sunshine to freezing temperatures in just a few kilometres riding into the thin air, one for the cyclists bucket list! Email for more details info@cyclemalaga.com

160+ 5 Star Reviews on Tripadvisor

February Due to the changing Covid restrictions please call any numbers provided to check the activities are still occurring. CHURCH SERVICES Alhama de Granada, St. Barnabas I.E.R.E (Anglican). Service in English at 11.30 first and third Sundays of the month now at La Joya Roman Catholic Church, Plaza Alfonso X11. contact Priest 95 203 0461 or Warden 95 252 0921. Torre del Mar( Lux Mundi Centre). St. Barnabas I.E.R.E, Spanish Episcopal service in English at 11 o'clock, first and third Sunday Morning Prayer, second and forth Sundays Holy Communion. Contact Rector 95 203 0461 or Wardens 25 251 0921 and 95 251 0056. St Barnabas IERE (Anglican). English services 11 a.m. Sundays at Iglesia Evangelica, Torre del Mar, opposite the bus station. Tel.952030461 (priest) or 618640132 (churchwarden) "Church of England" services at the Capillia de san jose calle linares 7 velez Malaga. www. stgeorgemalaga.org. All are welcome. Contact number 952 219 396. Roman Catholic Mass in English, held every Saturday Caleta de Velez, Parish Church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen, situated on the main street. Time 5pm. Fellowship of Jesus Christ the King e Fellowship of Jesus Christ the King in Nerja. Our meetings are characterised by uplifting Christian songs and relevant sermons and a modern but reverent service, followed by free tea or coffee & biscuits. Why not come along and make new friends, every Sunday at 10.30. Also Prayer meetings every Thursday at 11.00. Pasaje San Miguel, Nerja , 29780. LUX MUNDI, TORRE DEL MAR Lux Mundi Ecumenical Centre, Torre del Mar, Avda. Moscatel 1”I”, (Jardines Viña Malága/Antigua Casa de la Viña), Torre del Mar, 29740. Open mornings only Monday to Thursday 10.00 till 13.00 and Fridays as usual 11.00 - 13.00. Closed for Public Holidays Friday 1st and Wednesday 6th January. We would like to assure you that we are complying with all the Covid regulations to make your visits to our centre as safe as possible. We do ask that when you visit the Centre, you wear your mask at all times and maintain social distance where and whenever. For further information please contact the Centre, Torre del Mar Tel. 952 543 334 E-mail: luxmundi@lux-mundi.org

94 The Grapevine

Web site: www.lux-mundi.org . We are accepting donations and will follow the necessary disinfection procedures to place them in “Our shop”. We would appreciate it if you could bring them to us in bags that you do not need to be returned, during the normal opening hours of the Centre from Monday to Friday from 10 to 13. LUX MUNDI, TORRE DEL MAR venida Moscatel, 1 “I” (Antigua Casa de la Viña). 29740 Torre del Mar. Málaga Phone 952 54 33 34 Email luxmundi@lux-mundi.org Every 3rd Friday Taizé Prayer meeting, Spanish Evangelical Church (Presbyterian) 20.30 Saturday Danish Lutheran Church 3rd Sat. (Nov to Easter) 13:00 Saturday Catholic Mass (in English) Winter (October to June). Summer (July & September) There is no mass in August. Our Nuestra Senora Carmen Parish Church, Caleta de Velez. 17:00 & 18:00 Sunday Iglesia de San Barnabas Anglican Church (I.E.R.E.) 11:00 EL PUENTE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP We meet at El Puente Christian Fellowship premises situated underneath Maroma Inmobiliaria, El Cruce de Puente don Manual, Phone 952 115 220 or 952 518 185.El Puente Christian Fellowship Sunday Worship - 11am. Bible Study Thursday 5-7pm Midweek activities: Pilates - Monday 1pm - 2pm Bridge Club Tuesday 2pm -6pm. Pilates - Wednesday 1.30 - 2.30pm Charity Shop/Books open Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 10-1.30pm LOS ROMANES ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Monday from 12-2.00 pm in the Garden Restaurant, La Vinuela. Information can be obtained from our website www.RBL-Los Romanes.org.uk or Margaret Branch Sec. 951066079 NERJA BRANCH THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION The Branch holds lunch meetings at the Hotel Al Andalus, Maro, on the third Thursday of each month. Also at Pena Parda Hotel, La Herradura on the 1st Friday of each month. Non members are always welcome. Booking is essential. For further information on the branch please contact 711077576 or bsiterblnerja.wordpress.com "

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The Grapevine 95

Open for business as normal We looking forward to seeing you soon

FEBRUARY OFFER 15% discount on all HITACHI installations this month

Special OďŹ&#x20AC;er 2021

TAURUS REAL ESTATE Service with Integrity Since 2004

VIÑUELA

COMPETA

Attractive villa in a beautiful private countryside location with good access and wonderful views, within walking distance to Viñuela and Puente Don Manuel. Spacious lounge/dining room with access to bright sun room, fully equipped kitchen, 3 double bedrooms and 2 bathrooms (1 en suite). Great opportunity.

New build country villa, situated close to the village with gorgeous country views. Comprising fully fitted kitchen, open plan living space, 2 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms. Ample flat plot perfect for creating seating areas and your own colourful oasis. Ideal lock up and go retreat.

REF: MS247

REF: C3750

EPC Rating E

239,950€

Awaiting EPC

175,000€

www.taurusrealestate.com

CANILLAS DE ALBAIDA Charming south facing apartment located in a beautiful peaceful village. 4 bedrooms, bathroom, WC, fitted kitchen, garage, bodega, stable and garden. Centrally located, close to amenities. Huge potential.

REF: C1492

See Map Spot 7

Awaiting EPC

137,000€

CALETA DE VÉLEZ Architectural design villa with magnificent sea and mountain views. Approx. 160m2 plus basement comprising open plan lounge/dining area with luxury kitchen, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, WC, roof terrace, sundeck, swimming pool & carport. A short walk to shops, beach and town centre.

REF: MS219 Awaiting EPC

430,000€

Competa Office 31 Av. de la Constitucion, 29754 Competa Malaga, Spain Tel: +34 952 516 633

Caleta de Vélez Office Avenida de Andalucía 189 29751 Caleta de Vélez Malaga, Spain Tel: +34 951 832 150