The Grapevine Magazine January 2021 by The Grapevine Magazine

thegrapevine.es

January 2021 Issue 187

Grapevine Magazine

See Main Ad on Page 95

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Editors Note... .

Front Cover Photo: Roscon de reyes - ¡Feliz Navidad!

SALES HOTLINE : 637 028 873 : grapevinesales : grapevinesales@gmail.com : www.thegrapevine.es : Grapevine Magazine Axarquia

Happy New Year to you all, never have the words have a healthy and prosperous 2021 meant so much. This past year has been difficult for most people except probably for Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon! It has been especially tough on small businesses and families who have caught the virus and of course for those that have lost loved ones, it has been exceptionally painful. I really hope for everyone 2021 is a better year and we can return to some sort of normality sooner rather then later. Despite the challenges we’re facing, the new year still feels like a fresh start and acts as a reminder that we must keep moving forward. We need to remind ourselves that despite the pandemic Spain is still a wonderful place to live and holiday. Indeed many people are still looking to relocate here and are still looking for their place in the sun. This month's property feature has reputable Estate Agents in the area show casing more properties to help you, if you are still searching for your new home Here´s to a brighter 2021 and that its is filled with good moments and happiness. Enjoy and Keep Reading The Editor

January Weather Days with rainfall: 7 Days Avg Max Temperature: 16.3c Hours of Sunshine : 5.5 p/day

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.

28 Local Places to Visit in 2021 After a year to forget, it’s time to plan some trips around Andalucia.

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

55 The Property Feature A selection of properties from the leading Estate Agents in the Axarquia region 84 Camping Cuttings by Lorraine Cavanagh Pomegranates, Ancient And Modern

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 Price reduced!

Price:550,000 Euros

Tel: Office +34 601 626 525 Great property!

Price:159,000 Euros

Online video

Viñuela

Price:134,000 Euros

Online video

Archez

Stunning high quality villa (307m²) with 4 beds & 4 baths + wc. Spacious rooms, large fitted kitchen/dining room, master suite, AC & large pool. Magnificent views of the lake and mountains. Sold fully furnished. A beautiful property that must be seen! EPC - D ref: v1258

EPC - E

Large property!

Price reduced!

Price:399,000 Euros

New this month!

Denise Hill

Av.Andalucia Denise Hill65c Torre del Mar 29740, Malaga

Online video

Competa

Attractive 2 bed, 2 bath refurbished townhouse (127m²), retaining many original features. Modern kitchen, roof terrace with great views, within walking distance of local amenities.

ref: t1394 Price:470,000 Euros

Attractive modern 3/4 bed, 2 bath + wc modern townhouse(161m²), located on a secure gated urb. With a living/dining & separate kitchen, large garage, terrace, possibility to create additional room or roof terrace, use of communal swimming pool. EPC - in process ref: t1399

Stunning views!

Price:385,000 Euros

Online video

Benamargosa

Fantastic 4 beds, 3 baths south facing villa (218m²) in an elevated position. Unique features with board and beam ceilings, private pool, great outside spaces and unobstructed stunning views.

ref: v1389

EPC - B

B&B Opportunity! Price:395,000 Euros

Competa

Fantastic & successful licenced B & B (296m²) with 8 letting rooms and independent apartment, beautiful communal sitting area with bar, roof terrace with sea and countryside views, central location and access by car.

ref: t1382

EPC - in progress

Super value!

Price: 295,000 Euros

Competa

Beautiful and modern 3 bed, 2 bath villa (114m²), living/dining space and kitchen, large terraces with private pool, dining terrace and outside kitchen/barbeque area, large driveway, stunning open views.

ref: v1386

EPC - D

Great value!

Price:92,500 Euros

This Month’s Special Offer!

Online video

Competa

Successful licenced B&B (357m²). With 4 large apartments, bar & dining area, internal courtyard & roof terrace. Sea, countryside and village views, central location within easy walking distance of all the local amenities and access by car. ref: t1378 EPC - A

6 The

Online video

Los Romanes

Beautiful rustic style 3 bed 2 bath villa (139m²) within walking distance of the village with spacious living accommodation, private pool, covered terrace, irrigated gardens and a successful rental history. EPC - E ref: v1376

Cutar Traditional renovated townhouse (114m²) with 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. Open plan and spacious accommodation with easy access to the local amenities and close by parking. EPC - F

“ 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: t1388

028 873

Beautiful villa!

Price: 595,000 Euros

Arenas

Great 3 bed, 2 bath, + WC south facing villa (144m²), living/kitchen with separate dining, elevated position with fantastic sea views and good access. Mature garden areas, detached garage, pool with shower room & BBQ terrace. ref: v1371 EPC - E

Price reduced!

Price: 117,000 Euros

Canillas de Aceituno Completely renovated 2 bed, 1 bath townhouse (64m²). Modern bright living space with open plan feel, refurbished to a high standard, roof terrace with stunning views. EPC - F ref: t1381

Price: 425,000 Euros

Price reduced!

Price: 249,950 Euros

Online video

Velez Malaga

Canillas de Albaida

Traditional townhouse, living space over one level, with 3 beds, 1 bath (72m²), living/dining with separate kitchen, spacious roof terrace with lovely countryside and town views, 10 min drive from the beach.

A well-presented 3 bed, 3 bath villa (105m²), Lshaped open plan living/dining/kitchen, recently renovated, swimming pool, terrace with outside kitchen, within easy walking distance of village, business opportunity with rental licences in place.

EPC - G

ref: t1387

We have many clients wanting to buy properties, so give us a call and we can market your property for sale! We advertise on: Great value!

Price: 99,500 Euros

ref: v1354

EPC - D

Close to village!

Price: 120,000 Euros

Online video

Great property!

Great value!

Price:209,000 Euros

Sayalonga

Large modern detached town villa (198 m²) just a short walk to the village, 15 minute drive to coast, integrated garage, outside patio and terrace, first floor terrace with countryside and mountain views. ref: t1359 EPC - E

Price reduced!

Price: 185,000 Euros

Online video

Viñuela

Beautiful 4 bed, 3 bath villa (170m²) including an independent 1 bed apt, open plan living space, fantastic outside spaces with gardens and mature planting, large pool area, great terraces, breathtaking lake, mountain and countryside views.

ref: v1337

EPC - E

Large property!

Price: 349,000 Euros

Algarrobo

Fully renovated 2 bed 2 bath village house (96m²) within easy reach of the coast with spacious living room, separate dining room, fitted kitchen and large roof terrace with spectacular sea views. ref: t1351 EPC - E

Price reduced!

Price: 210,000 Euros

Canillas de Albaida

Beautifully renovated rustic style 2 bed 2 bath country house (104m²), kitchen/dining and separate lounge, covered terrace, gardens and pool, stunning mountain, country & village views, close to 2 villages & sold fully furnished.

EPC - E

Price reduced!

ref: v1331 Price: 265,000 Euros

Online video

Caleta de Velez

Lovely 6 bed 2 bathroom end terrace house (199m²), open plan living/dining/kitchen, independent 2 bed garden apartment, private garden area, use of communal pool, within walking distance of the beach.

EPC - D

ref: t1336

Benajarafe

Canillas de Aceituno

Recently refurbished modern 4 bed, 2 bath + wc townhouse (81m²), spacious rooms with a prefitted kitchen, guest apartment accessed internally & independently, several terraces including a large south facing roof terrace,

EPC - In progress

Lovely 3 bed, 2 bath country villa(116m²), living/dining area with separate kitchen, lush Mediterranean gardens with fruit trees and private pool. Great outside spaces for al fresco dining and relaxing with stunning mountain, countryside and village views.

ref: t1292 EPC - G

ref: v1243

Marco Polo

Calle Jose Antonio 3 Cómpeta

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

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€ 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

company that manages the ski resort, Cetursa. 30 kilometers distributed in 29 slopes of four skiable areas -Veleta, Borreguiles, Río and Loma de Dílar- and eight ski lifts. The purchase of ski passes can only be made online alternatively, for last minute purchases, collection points will be established in Pradollano.

NEWS IN SPAIN This Months Update

n a historic vote, Spain’s lower house of parliament on gave majority backing to the country’s first euthanasia law. The bill regulating the right to a dignified death attracted crossparty support and was approved on first reading with 198-138 votes and two abstentions. It will now go to the Senate, and if no amendments are introduced, it could go into effect in the early months of 2021. This would make Spain the sixth country in the world to recognize this right after the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Canada and New Zealand. In Switzerland, assisted suicide “from non-selfish motives” is legal. The law will allow people suffering from a serious, incurable condition to request and receive assistance to end their lives. The petition must be made on four occasions and be backed by medical reports, and healthcare workers will retain their right to conscientious objection. After the procedure is approved by an evaluating committee, the patient must give final consent again. Supporters said these provisions guarantee that euthanasia will be

8 The Grapevine

an option but never an imposition as its detractors have claimed.

he National Court prosecutes the lawyer Gonzalo Boye for laundering funds from the narco 'Sito Miñanco’. The judge believes that he participated in the attempt to recover 890,000 euros seized in Barajas by presenting false documentation. The judge of the National Court María Tardón has prosecuted José Ramón Prado Bugallo , known as Sito Miñanco , and 45 other people for their participation in two operations with which they intended to introduce almost four tons of cocaine into Spain and for the creation of a network to launder the money obtained with the drug. Among the defendants is Gonzalo Boye , a regular lawyer for Carles Puigdemont and Quim Torra .

fter 82 years in the hands of the Franco family, a country estate known as Pazo de Meirás was turned over to the Spanish state following a court ruling declaring it public property. The dictator’s descendants have appealed the decision.The keys to the property, which is located in Sada, in Spain’s northwestern Galicia region, were formally handed over after experts from Spain’s National Heritage agency checked the state of the property and its contents, said sources at the regional High Court of Galicia. The move comes after the center-left coalition government of the Socialist Party (PSOE) and Unidas Podemos began a legal battle to recover the property in July 2019. In a separate legal victory, in October of last year, the government moved Franco’s remains from the Valley of the Fallen mausoleum outside Madrid following another protracted legal dispute with the family of Francisco Franco, who led a dictatorship from 1939 until his death in 1975. Deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo said that the property transfer “dignifies Spanish democracy and memory.”he added that “thousands and thousands of men and women had asked for this place to be part of Spain’s public heritage.”

he Sierra Nevada ski resort opens its winter season with 2,000 visitors. The capacity limitation is 60%, which represents a maximum of 6,000 users, according to the

To advertise call 637 028 873

The Grapevine 9

See Map Spot 6

10 The Grapevine

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12 The Grapevine

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Tin Tin

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See Map Spot 26

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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

separate categories and each total value does not exceed the €50,000 then you would not be required to make a declaration. A declaration must be submitted individually by the owner / s, regardless of their number and the percentage of participation, which would be established later. For example, if you own half of a property with a value of €50,000, although your particular €25,000 share is below the threshold, each owner would still be required to submit an individual declaration based on the total value of the property. Although this declaration of assets and rights abroad is solely informative and NO TAX is Tax Declaration Of Assets Outside Of Spain By Tax Residents In Spain charged, failure to file, late filing or false information could result in serious consequences. 31st March) of the first year of t is important that all residence, to avoid being individuals who are tax For this reason, we recommend investigated or fined by the residents in Spain, (those that residents in Spain fulfill their Spanish authorities. living in Spain for more than obligation to declare their assets 183 days a year or when Spain outside Spain, to avoid the The assets outside of Spain that is the main base for your imposition of fines from a are subject to this new business) be aware that as a minimum of € 10,000 to a declaration form fall into 3 result of legislation approved maximum of 150% of the value of in year 2012 for the prevention categories: those undeclared assets located and control fraud, all residents outside Spain. 1. Real Estate. in Spain who have any assets outside of Spain with a value of 2. All types of accounts, Once you have made your first investments, bank deposits and € 50,000 or more, are required declaration it is not necessary to companies. to submit this declaration form present any further declarations 720 to the Spanish authorities. 3. Actions, rent, insurance, bonds in subsequent years, unless any or dividends acquired or It was created by the Spanish of your assets in any category managed outside Spain. Authorities in order to control increases or decreases by more assets or funds that people than €20,000 above the initial To warrant a declaration the total have outside Spain. With this value declared. value of assets should be € declaration that Spanish Tax 50,000 or more in EACH OR ANY Office will be aware of them Please do not hesitate to contact ONE of the categories; e.g. if we and can control that us so we can guide you through have 2 properties valued at € appropriate taxes are paid on this process. We will inform you 30,000 although the value them. exactly what the requirements for individually would be below the the completion and submission of threshold the total value of both This declaration can be made on the Model 720 are. would be €60,000 thus exceeding line, through the Tax Office`s web this limit, and therefore subject to page www.agenciatributaria.es Jose Manuel Garzon this new declaration, where the Modelo 720 (Senior Partner - Axarquia necessitating the completion and (Statement of Assets Outside Solicitors) filing of Modelo 720. However, if Spain) can be located and Tel. 952 901 225 you have a property valued at completed. It must be filed Email: €30,000 and say, shares valued between during the first quarter mail@axarquiasolicitors.com at €30,000 as they are in each year (from 1st January to www.axarquiasolicitors.com

AXARQUIA SOLICITORS

14 The Grapevine

To advertise call 637 028 873

The Grapevine 15

MEET VICTOR, OWNER OF VICTOR ROMAN MULTISERVICIOS 1. Where do you come from originally? My mother is from Archez and my father is from Competa. I was born in Competa raised there, went to school there and now live with my own family in the village. 2. Tell me about your partner and family? I have a wife called Christina. I have been in a relationship with her for 18 years and we have been married for 11 years. Before our children, she worked at the Competa Petrol Station. I have a daughter Angela who is 7 years old and my son Pablo is 18 months. We all live in the house I grew up in Competa. In 2006 my father wanted to buy an apartment and move to Torre Del Mar. In order to do this he needed to sell the family home so I asked to buy it! I took out mortgage and that is where I live to this day.

16 The Grapevine

3. When did you start your business and why? My family has a history of plumbers in it. My father and his father and my uncle were all plumbers. I loved spending time with my father helping him at work. At 16 years of age my father said you can either continue to study or get your plumping certificate. If after that I wanted to do something different then I could, but first I had to qualify as a Plumber. For me there was no choice at all. I left school and worked alongside my father as a Plumber from 2001 to 2014. I worked as a Plumber, Gas and Air con engineer for all this time with my father. This worked very well, but then I decided I wanted my own company and to make it on my own. In 2015 I met Sergio Fernandez and to be honest I have a lot to be grateful for from him. He runs an Estate Agency and after houses were sold quite often work was needed doing, so I became his first contact

for any plumbing work. He had confidence in me and referred not just plumbing but all types of construction work. Both Sergio and the customers were pleased with my work so the business grew rapidly. I now have 20 men often working on up to 5 jobs. 4. What's your favourite part of your work? I like it when we finish the job! I love it when the customer is delighted. It's not just about me as I do less of then hands-on work, I love it when the customer complements the workers I have on the job. There is nothing better than a customer recommending me and my workers for another job or specifically asking me to do another project without asking anyone else. I find my job can be stressful but customer satisfaction makes it all worthwhile. See advert on page 77

To advertise call 637 028 873

MEET JAN, OWNER OF E.G.O SALON, COMPETA 1. Where do you come from originally? I was born in Southampton and then my family moved to Newton Abbott in Devon. Myself and my now ex-husband and my youngest daughter Natasha we all moved to Spain to the village of Competa in 1999. My other two daughters remained in England with their partners. We bought and lived in a townhouse in the village of Competa and then we bought a villa in the countryside to renovate. I also had a hair salon when we first moved here called KAZBAR which was on Calle San Antonio, Competa. 2. Tell me about your family? I have 3 daughters two of which didn´t move out with us, although did come to Spain at some point to try and settle but it wasn´t for them. My youngest daughter Natasha has lived here since she was 8 and now has a daughter Olivia who is 6 years old . We all

To advertise call 637 028 873

live together in the village of Competa. We are very close and I spend a lot of time with my granddaughter. Natasha works at a local Estate Agent and also works in the Salon on the beauty side. 3. When did you start your business and why? I wanted to go back to work full time again so I started to look for work within an existing Salon. EGO under its previous ownership of Andy agreed for me to work within his Salon. This agreement was OK but when the opportunity arose for me to take it over as my Salon I rose to the challenge. However, there was only few days between Andy leaving and myself taking over when the lockdown started. I am very grateful for the landlord for working with me during this time. I was then able to open up and start afresh in June . I have not yet experienced normal business. I have only worked under restrictions of some sort! I

truly believe if I can make it work under these circumstances, I can make a future for myself at E.G.O 4. What's your favourite part of your work? I know it sounds a little corny but I truly love meeting people, chatting to them and making them feel good with a new haircut. I truly love getting up and going to work. I have enjoyed changing the Salon adding the women´s touch that wasn´t there before´ and making it a nice place to be and for people to enjoy having their haircut in. Only the other day a lady came in and asked for a complete restyle from very long hair to a short style. When I was finished, she was over the moon and that was lovely to see too. It makes you feel really good to make somebody else feel good. See advert on page 81.

The Grapevine 17

MEET DAVE, SINGER & OWNER OF MARCO POLO 1. Where do you come from originally? I was born in the UK in Langley near to Slough, the youngest of three, with a brother and sister. My parents were immigrants from South Africa. I was very young, maybe a year old when my dad was relocated to Norwich, where I grew up and went to school. My dad died when I was 9 years old . Eventually my mum re married and once we had all flown the nest she and my step dad Keith moved to Competa, around about 1986/7. 2. Tell me about your family? My wife Tracy was born in Norwich, we met in 1978 and got married in 1982, we have two daughters , Kirsty who still lives in Norwich and Corinne who lives in Perth, Western Australia with her husband Phil. We came to Spain in 2014, a couple of years after my mum passes away with the plan to take over the family business which had been in the village for over thirty years and to pursue my

18 The Grapevine

singing career . 3. When did you start your business and why? We decided to make singing my career just after the turn of the year 2000.I had been involved in musical theatre with my daughters and had been lucky enough to perform with a famous local band and also a jazz band that has a worldwide reputation. This experience was enough to tell me and my wife that this was the way forward. Since we have been in Spain we have completely revamped the shop Marco Polo and after a few years I have been lucky enough to perform in some of the top hotels and restaurants on the Costa del Sol. 4. What's your favourite part of your work? I do three or four different shows, SinatratoBuble, A Beautiful Noise (Neil Diamond Tribute) A general party show with rock and roll

motown etc or a combination of all three. The best nights are amazing, some of the shows that I have done in Competa have been the best ever. To be honest though the shows that I get the most satisfaction from are either when the room goes quiet when I am singing a beautiful song, or when I have a really tough audience, usually in the hotels and I win them over. This is when I know I am doing a good job. Its a tough industry and venues will drop you like a stone if they think that someone better is waiting in the wings. ItÂ´s a full time job making sure that your clients are happy. I would like to add that my beautiful wife Tracy has always supported me 100% even through the bad times, this year being the worst that you could imagine . See advert on page 6

To advertise call 637 028 873

MEET ANDY, OWNER OF LA CASA BELLA 1. Where do you come from originally?

weeks old and was rescued from a car engine in Competa.

I am English. My family is from Liverpool but moved south before I was born. We now have family scattered all over the UK from Liverpool to Southampton. Due to the pandemic we haven’t seen any family since February, so we will be quite happy to put up with the traffic jams and succession of different beds just to see them again.

3. When did you start your business and why? We moved to Spain and set up the business in 2005, originally trading as Sugar and Spice. The business combines many of the things that we are passionate about. It has enabled us to meet a constant flow of interesting people from many different countries. We also are lucky enough to visit and work in some amazing homes.

2. Tell me about your family? I have been married for 17 years. My wife Deb is the creative one, she has a constant stream of ideas. It’s exhausting! We both love architecture and décor, our other passions are food and travelling with our ideal trip combining all three. My youngest son lives in Sydney and works in quantum photonics, my oldest son is still in the UK and works for a finance company. We have 3 rescue cats. The latest is just 14

To advertise call 637 028 873

4. What's your favourite part of your work? Work at La Casa Bella is really varied. Building the product range that makes up the bulk of the website and shop is a labour of love and is ongoing. We are constantly finding new suppliers and viewing new products which keeps the choice growing. Originally we specialised in Moroccan décor but now supply

many different styles. We just love beautiful things. My current favourite is a new range of contemporary furniture, Mango Retro (see photo). Meeting the artisans that make our furniture in Morocco is a joy. However in reality we spend a lot more time in customs than we do in the souks. Working with customers to source and supply the perfect pieces of furniture to create their dream perfect home is extremely gratifying. Often clients are starting with the blank canvass of a modern villa which is a dream come true. Although integrating their own, or inherited furniture and transforming an area so that that looks as though it’s been designed is also really satisfying. We’ve become very experienced in maximising the space in town houses and fincas, with their quirky layouts and oddly angled corners. See advert on page 10

The Grapevine 19

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

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The Grapevine 23

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The Grapevine 23

NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS Don´t Make Them This Year!

very year someone asks you. 'What's your New Year's Resolution?' Well, not to make any spur or the minute resolutions is a good one. Not to make the same damn resolution, which I am just about guaranteed to break is another. Never again am I going to promise anyone that I will give up chocolate. Or take up a sport. Or de-cobweb my bike and go out cycling. Resolutions are just too easy to break.

I suppose it does no harm to make resolutions, if you think them through before hand. Working out what you want from the-rest-of-your-life and how to get there makes sense. But it's not just what to change, but why. Giving up chocolate is an obvious idiocy: even without a chocaddiction as strong as mine, giving-up is a doing-nothing, a miserable negative reminding you that you've banned yourself from fun: bound to fail. Apparently, the commonest resolutions include:

Why do we wait till New Year? There's nothing magical about this date. Besides, what a terrible time to decide how to transform yourself – half-a-bottle of cava the worse for wear, in a silly singing crowd, wearing a tinsel crown and certain you can still dance like you used to, isn't the setting for a mature decision on lifestyle change!

1. Stopping smoking 2. Losing weight 3. Drinking less 4. Getting out of debt 5. Taking more exercise.

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All of which I understand. But it's so negative: stopping, losing, less. No, a resolution worth its salt aims at gain. And has a

reason. 'I resolve to make and eat three really yummy fruit desserts a week instead of chocolate' – now, that has a chance! 'I'm going to practise tennis so I can beat my smug next-door neighbour who thinks he's Rafael Nadal'! Or how about 'I'm going to go walking so I can chill out, unwind, and enjoy the countryside and the views'. The commonest resolution, the most popular in both the USA and the UK, and the most broken, is to give up smoking. Of the top five resolutions it is probably the hardest to keep, with the physical addiction as well as the ingrained habit to beat. I suppose the advantage to this resolution is that you might be doing less drinking after the yearly Christmas and New Year binge: refusing the proffered ciggie is much harder after a couple of whiskey-and-cokes in you. But

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perhaps, also, tĂ§o many smokers are trying to give up because it is a 'good thing to do', or to please their family. That vague thought isn't much of a motivator. Think instead of the daily advantages. These include an improved sense of taste, smell and touch: food, drink and sex are all more pleasurable for smokers! Also important as we all feel the economic pinch is the huge amount of money freed up to spend on other things. But don't resolve to give up smoking: resolve to take up living! Once you've made your resolution the tough part starts. The advice for keeping resolutions is, along with deciding on your goal before that boozesozzled New Year midnight, that you don't choose something you've failed with before, or at least you chose a different

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approach. You should also try to keep just one or two specific resolutions, because if you have a list as long as your arm you've no hope with any of them. 'Bring about world peace', always on my theoretical wish-list sounds great but isn't very practical. Funnily enough, psychologists recommend different tactics for sticking to resolutions for men and women. For men, having a really specific goal is essential. Women can chose to 'lose weight' (any weight) but a man is more likely to succeed with 'lose half a stone by Easter'. Just why this is I can't guess Women, on the other hand, should tell family and friends all about their resolution. The psychologists presume that this works because women get lots of help from their â&#x20AC;&#x153;social support

networksâ&#x20AC;?, but I know different. It's the power of shame. It's so embarrassing when yet another friend asks you, for the third year in a row, how the diet's going, or whether you're keeping up the aerobics, or if you are still doing meditation. It's not good, after boasting about your Tour-deFrance ambitions, having to admit that the bike is still in the shed with a flat tyre and no, you still haven't managed to get rid of the Christmas-induced spare tyre round you middle. After that experience, you will be sure to only tell friends and family about resolutions you are certain to keep. So no more I'm-giving-upchocolate emails from me! Rose Jones

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El Torcal, Antequera

LOCAL PLACES TO VISIT IN 2021 Josie Drew Guides You Locally

his year, 2021 we will be wishing each other a Happy New Year and Good Health, and actually meaning it!

a few of these with the Town Hall on our OAP trips, and embarrassed to say that I have forgotten the names of a lot of them! But here goes.

Maybe we can once again hop in the car and go out for a drive and lunch or even have a few days holiday nearer home. Take a bus somewhere for the day, explore Malaga more fully, or the Axarquia (which means the East of Malaga) or even further around Andalucia. There are so many lovely places inland, some accessible by train and bus, others only by car. I have been to

Antequera is an interesting area and quite flat, head for Vinuela and take the A6118. There is a Parador, Alcazaba, Lobo Park (wolf), el Torcal (strange rock formations), Caminito del Rey (you have to book to walk it) and burial mounds. Buses and trains go from Malaga but it’s such a vast area, one really needs a few days break and a car hire. To get to El Torcal and Lobo Park it’s

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the A343 from the A6118 (but with my sense of direction use Google maps)! Cordoba is on a bus and train route also but again a longer stop. If one drives there can be quite a problem with parking. ‘The Patios’ are in May and trips can be booked through travel agents in Torre. I was disappointed two years ago because previously it had been a low-key affair and charming, now it’s a bit of a free for all (but that is just my opinion). The rest of the year it’s a wonderful historic town, full of flowers, the Mezquita,

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dating from 784 A.D, the Jewish Quarter (Juderia), Roman Bridge, leather manufacturing sites and silversmiths. That’s just a taster! Granada is accessible either by train, or bus (which you can catch from Torre Bus station), or if you fancy a drive, beware of the traffic restrictions in the centre and the heavy fines. (Granada is Spanish for Pomegranate). Three days is sufficient for all the wonders it has to offer, the Alhambra, the Alpujarras, the Moorish Bazaar, (with overpriced goods), the Cathedral and the Barrio de Albaicin, famed for Flamenco. My friend and I used the free tours, Yellow Umbrellas, but of course we gave a tip (nothing is free in this world especially if you get a good service)! Most cities have these, either called Yellow or Blue Umbrellas, we have used them also in Malaga. Almunecar on the Costa Tropical, has an Arab Fort, a Botanical garden and lovely beaches and along the coast is Salobrena with a 6000-year history, both on a bus route from Torre. They come under Granada province. Seville is famed for Flamenco, with its huge Cathedral, housing Christopher Columbus’s tomb, a wide river with lots of bridges and Triana, (the old Gipsy and Flamenco quarter) which is on the other side of the river. The Alcazar, the Bull Ring and more, but again it is an overnight or few day stop. 9k from Seville is ‘Italica ‘just outside the village of Santiponce, home of a Roman Amphitheatre sitting 25000 people and the ruins of a village, with mosaics etc, and also the birthplace of Hadrian, he of the Wall! Now nearer home the Axarquia. Alfarnate (heading to the A335 towards Vinuela), is a small

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village, the most northerly in the Axarquia, and quite flat. It boasts the oldest town hall in Andalucia, an old church and the Venta dates back several centuries. Narrow streets with low whitewashed houses, flowers everywhere, and in June there is a weekend Cherry festival. (Everyone was buying big boxes of cherries, dearer than on our local market)! The houses are decorated with huge cherries, cherry trees line the route into the village which is jammed with visitors in coaches and cars. Once you leave your coach it’s a very well organised festival, with marshals showing the way to the Sports area where there is produce made from cherries, beer and wine, and other local foodstuffs, entertainment and dancing. A tip: take your own fold up chair, it can be a long hot day before the coaches get their slots to leave! There is a regular bus from Malaga and it's worth a visit in Spring for the blossoms when it’s quieter. These next two places are on the same route to Alfarnate on the A335 but head for the A7212 Alamah de Grande. This is another small place with a big history, on a bus route from Malaga or you can do a 7-hour walk! It has Hot Springs. A few kilometres away is Jatar, called a city, but it only has 600 or so inhabitants! And South of that is La Resinera in the Natural Parque of Almijara and Alhama. This is an historic area in the midst of a huge pine forest, where the resin was collected and processed. Workers lived in the village, which is now a museum, and it had its own school and church. It’s really well worth a visit, and not many people I have spoken to seem to know about it. I went with the Tourist Office and Town Hall staff, otherwise I

wouldn’t have found it! Estepona boasts a wonderful Orchid House, and although the town is large and near the sea, it still seems quite Spanish. I was interested to see that some tall buildings had murals on the ends, so that when you first looked it was as if you were seeing the sea and boats in the distance. Mijas, west of Malaga, is famous for the donkeys and the pervading smell of donkey pee, used in the tanning of leather. There is a small bull ring, a large food outlet out of town but in the centre, there was a distinct lack of small grocers (all we wanted was a packet of biscuits), but every other shop was a smelly leather one, or a bar. At siesta we spotted a bakers, too late! My friends and I stayed a few days and took a bus to the coast to see Marbella, and totally missed Marbella. We got off the wrong stop! As some of you know I had my annual Summer break in El Morche, giving the staff a laugh if nothing else! I have had several breaks in Caleta, normally when the Feria or the Noche de Vino is on, staying in a friendly hotel in the front. Now, this year all I want to see is the flamingos on the Lakes, go to Cadiz, Jerez and that area, and maybe take a boat ride on the sea at Torre. Not as ambitious as my Swimming with Dolphins, (broke my shoulder) or Havana, or a week staying with friends who lived in Dubai, or Sri Lankan rain forests and tea plantations, or cruising round the Maldives (we had a storm). For years one has been programmed to think if one hasn’t lost one's temper at the Airport, sweated then froze on a cramped plane, eaten overpriced junk food, caught some bug or broken a limb, It wasn’t a ‘proper’ holiday. Maybe it’s time for a rethink? Happy 2021!

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MALAGA LIGHTS Where to see the Malaga Lights and Christmas Trees This Year

alaga Christmas Lights. Calle Larios in Málagat is where you will find the Christmas lights. This year the turning on of the lights was on November 29th . The lighting structure is the same as last year; It is called " El Bosque de Navidad " and can be visited both day and night. It has been announced that there will be no music and light show like last year, in order to avoid crowds. In past events, up to 600,000 led lights were used on Calle Larios, the most central and popular street in Malaga. This city is undoubtedly one of the best places in the world to enjoy the Christmas lights. n 2018 the Christmas lighting was repeated along with the light and music show. In 2019 a new light show and lightening was installed and this is what has been repeated this year.

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The Christmas musical show that took place on Calle Larios during 2019 was composed of the following songs: lJingle bell rock by Hilary Duff. lAll I want for Christmas is you

by Mariah Carey. lAt Christmas with Javián, Alex, David Bustamante and Academia OT. lNever Back Down with Battlecry. The company in charge of Christmas lighting in Malaga ( Iluminaciones Ximénez) is also responsible for providing lighting to different companies and cities around the world. You can find its led lighting in New York on Fifth Avenue, Las Vegas, Dubai or even in Hong Kong among others. There will be new streets apart from Calle Larios where you can enjoy Christmas lighting: Calle Marqués, Sagasta, Souvirón, Plaza de Camas, Calle Herrera del Rey, Puerta del Mar, Calle Moreno Carbonero, Calle

Álamos and Calle Granada. The Christmas lights will remain on Calle Larios until January 5 inclusive Christmas Trees In Malaga A large Christmas tree is usually installed every year in the Plaza de la Constitución that can be visited from the inside. 7 giant Christmas trees (6 to 18 meters high) will be placed. One of them in Huelin Park. Two 8meter almond trees, one in the Plaza del Teatro Cervantes and the other in Calle Alcazabilla. A giant metallic Christmas tree in the Plaza de la Marina, another one that can be visited internally in the Plaza de la Constitución, also a Christmas tree in the Plaza Enrique García and finally one in the Calle Molina Lario. All of them illuminated with LEDs and with decorations for the occasion.

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The Grapevine 33

about where you come from).

WHITSUNDAY & BARRIER REEF Oz Adventures Continues

e were lulled to sleep by the high winds, exhaustion and alcohol and had a reasonable night’s sleep before waking early to snorkel before breakfast. Then we set sail along by high cliffs where sea eagles nested, staying quiet as the crew whistled and the eagles swept down snatching the leftover food that was thrown at them. By this time there were other boats sailing along to the harbour and the air was full of whistles and overfed eagles, then the sun came out and we lolled about on deck, taking photos. Even our ‘teachers’ relaxed and joined us on deck and we arrived under full sail early afternoon, the crew invited us for a free pizza night in town. I collected my photos, booked back into ‘Beaches’, but I was not in the same dormitory. This time I had three German lads, who spoke perfect English

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and four others, two girls and two boys who didn’t speak much at all, and as usual they did a double take that Gran was joining them! I nodded and smiled as I chucked my things onto the vacant top bunk then I went down to the pool bar, and the laundry, to iron my only skirt, but didn’t see Stu, he obviously had a job! Dressed in a clean skirt and top I met everyone at a bar and disco a few minutes from the Hostel, and we sat with jugs of beer, sharing huge pizzas, reliving our adventure. The ‘teachers’, done up for the evening determined to enjoy the dancing, joined us and were very friendly. (They said they had never been on a boat before). I left before 11pm, tired after my two restless nights, sorry to bid goodbye to my companions especially Liz who was going to the airport early the next day, and the Irish lads who were flying home. (Names do not matter much when travelling, it’s all

Four beds were occupied when I crept into the dormitory, (rules are silence after 11pm), but there was no need for stealth, the three boys on the terrace were talking very loudly, and the others in the bunks kept pulling their bed clothes over their heads! At midnight someone shouted for them to be quiet and they came in and continued to talk to each other across the room, with my bunk companion being the noisiest. He got up at 1.30am and I reared up from my bed, shouting, ‘BUTTON IT!’ he looked shocked, the room went silent, and then the other four peeked up and gave me a thumbs up! Next morning there were only the three lads left, all snoring and smelling of booze, so I noisily climbed down, but no one woke! At breakfast I saw Stu and told him my sailing stories then I stayed around all day, doing washing and chilling in the sun by the pool. In the evening Stu and some mates came by and one of the girls said, ‘I like having you here, I miss my mum'! Cairns: I got a good night’s sleep, (a new set of exhausted backpackers had arrived) before the twelvehour bus to Cairns. It was raining hard when I arrived at the Bus Station, my backpack was soggy, and I was surprised at the number of people waiting for the 10am bus. I spotted the ‘teachers’, in their bright yellow raincoats and they beckoned me to join them under a shelter, they were going to Townsville three hours away on the same bus, so one of them put our backpacks in the hold, while we fought for seats. I had misjudged them; they were kind and I was wrong. By the time the full bus drove away, the wipers were going full pelt and the driver told us it was just the tail end of Olga before she went out to sea. (I was getting heartily sick of her).

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He proudly announced that the bus was a month old, and it had films built in, all he had to do was press a button on a genre! We watched a silly one and chatted until lunchtime when we arrived in Townsville and I said goodbye and thank you to the girls, which left us just five on board. The roads were awash, the rain pelted down and the other four fell asleep. The driver turned around, the wipers doing double time with hardly any visibility and asked me what film I wanted (I wanted to shout, ‘look at the road’) but meekly said, ‘Anything’! The straight deserted road had signs, ‘Beware of the Cassowary’ (an endangered species, I saw in Edinburgh Zoo) and’ Beware of Kangaroos’ (be nice to see one!) I was beginning to get the feeling I had turned into a Rain Goddess. Before we stopped for a meal break, the driver turned again and said the toilets had funny signs, ‘Mango’ and ‘No Mango’ and laughed! Running through the rain desperate for the loo I was not sure if I was a Mango or not, then I got the joke! I was the only passenger to arrive at Cairns at 10.10pm, all the hurricane shutters were down, and I had a mini panic attack and disregarded the hostel paperwork to phone the establishment, instead got a taxi instead. ‘Beaches’ looked wonderful, with a foyer of plants, a huge reception desk and a lounge looking out to a lit pool. There was a message informing me the Barrier Reef trip on the following day was cancelled due to the weather out at sea so I asked reception to rebook and could they book me for Port Douglas the following day, but I was too late. They gave me an upgrade saying there is a surprise for you in the room, and I found I was sharing it with Liz from the Catamaran, she had arranged it. We shared chocolate and some wine and she told me she had caught the plane and was booked

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for the Port Douglas Rainforest the next day, but diving the day after on the same trip,’ Down Under Cruises’. The next day, the hostel was quiet and I had the laundry to myself to dry my damp clothes and backpack, and then wandered around Cairns; no rain. It’s a nice little place with a lagoon, shops and tea shops. I found the municipal museum and art gallery, free, so I spent a pleasant couple of hours with exotic paintings and carvings from the Islands and local artists. Upon leaving I remarked that it was a lovely old building, ‘Yes, it’s the oldest in Cairns built in 1948!’ was the answer. They asked if I lived in an old building and I said that I had no idea how old my white village house was, but it was built on very old foundations. Then I told them Competa’s history. I spent the afternoon by the pool, got some food from the snack bar and met some girls who asked, ‘Was I Jo?’ They had been told to buy me a drink, by the Irish boys they had met at the airport, along with Liz. Everyone was so kind. The next day it was drizzling and it didn’t stop for twenty-four hours, but the trip was on, Olga had gone, but left rain behind. There were 100 passengers on the boat, some diving, some snorkelling and some going in glass bottomed boats. 40 were Japanese who all sat in the middle together on pre booked seats (very bad sailors!) Liz and I sat along the side with four others, they served coffee and biscuits whilst we listened to a safety talk. We stopped after about two hours and by now the Japanese were white and silent and did not want to snorkel, they were diving to the loo instead! I hired prescription goggles, along with a stinger suit and fins, and I could see clearly! I jumped into the grey water with not much swell and drizzle and fish

immediately came around, (used to so humans)! The reef was amazing and more colourful and abundant than I had been led to believe, (mind you that was ten years ago, a lot has eroded since then). I took photos with a throw away camera and a professional photographer took my photo as I swam back to the boat (I looked pretty cool). Then Lunch, which the Japanese ate with gusto and promptly fell ill again. We sailed right out to sea, with the weather getting worse and when we anchored not many decided on a second snorkel, but Liz and I did. As soon as I swam away from the boat the swell pulled me away from my buddies, which at first, I didn’t notice, being too busy gazing at the fish and the coral and it was only when I bobbed up into pouring rain, with hardly any visibility that and realised that no one was near me. The boat was a dot in the misty distance and I thought, ‘You silly old b***er, you are going to die on the reef’. I swam slowly towards the boat, arriving exhausted and the crew hauled me on board, rather glad to see me. (On the medical disclaimer I had mentioned my mechanical heart valve)! They insisted on helping me off with my suit and getting me a hot cup of tea and generally making a fuss of me, then Liz and the other exhausted buddies arrived soon after. We had entertainment and community singing on the long bumpy trip back to shore, rather like a wet afternoon in Butlins, with tea and cakes! The Japanese perked up and looked relieved when we reached the dock. I survived the Barrier Reef. Josephine Drew

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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

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The Grapevine 37

PSG POOL SERVICES GROUP Special OďŹ&#x20AC;er

e appreciate this has been a difficult year for everyone, with restrictions on travel, socialising and unable to meet our friends. During the period of the first lock down we took numerous calls from people who own swimming pools that cannot be used due to the fact they are not heated.

For a limited period only, while stock lasts, PSG would like to offer a 12kw, non-inverter, delivered, including iva for 999â&#x201A;Ź The heater mut be ordered before the end of February 2021, a small deposit will secure the heater with the balance to be paid in full before despatch. All deliveries are made once your payment has been received and cleared. We

will then give you a tracking number. In addition to this promotion, we will also give a further 10% off all covers on orders placed before the end of February 2021 See advert opposite

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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 .

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The Grapevine 41

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

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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! second date to be changed. To date, Michael together with Kevin Deavin, a Cudeca supporter also from Competa have raised over 1000 Euros in sponsor money, which has been handed to Cudeca. Like all charities in 2020, Cudeca is suffering and desperately trying to raise funds for an additional doctor and nurse home visiting team. At the time of going to press, Michael is awaiting the news release update, scheduled for 10 December before planning an alternative walking date.

MICHAEL MOORCROFT Sponsored Mount Maroma Walk - Cudeca Update

ichael Moorcroft from Competa had planned to walk up Mount Maroma, some 2069 metres high in memory of his mother on November 22nd to raise much needed funds for the Cudeca Hospice in Benalmadena.

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Regretfully, due to local “state of Covid Alarm” restrictions of movement from your municipality, this had to be postponed. To say Michael after his training and preparation was extremely disappointed is an understatement. This was due to Covid 19, the

Any questions, please contact Whatsapp Michael Moorcroft 0044 7762 474988, Cindy Jones on 665 156 467 or Esther Raez with the Communication and Fundraising Department of the Cudeca Hospice. All funds raised will go directly to the Cudeca Hospice.

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See Map Spot 1

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. I

ÁGUILA AQUEDUCT ´Auqeduct Of The Eagle´ A 19th Bridge Located In Nerja

cueducto del Águila (Eagle Aqueduct), also known as Puente del Águila (Eagle Bridge), is regarded across the region as "an historic jewel of Spanish architecture". is located just outsde the Andalusian town of Nerja, near the Nerja Cave and the Maro Watchtower. It was built in the 19th century and has been used continuously since - today the local community uses it to irrigate farmland. The aqueduct is situated on the Barranco de la Coladilla de Cazadores, to the south-west of the Caves of Nerja, and is visible from the N340 road linking Nerja town and Maro. Its structure is approximately 40 meters high. It is formed by four floors of superimposed arches that jump over the great

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unevenness of the Barranco de la Coladilla. Topping the monument is a pinnacle with a weather vane in the shape of a double-headed eagle , which gives the aqueduct its name There is a great vantage point from the N340 Bridge where there is a purpose-built lay by in order to snap your pictures. Many tourists enjoy walking the short 10 minute walk from the eastern side of Nerja to the aqueduct. It was built under the direction of local master builder Francisco Cantarero and comprises four storeys of superimposed brick arcades with 38 arches. The facade was decorated with a gallery of blind, pointed horseshoe arches in the Mudecar style.

supply water to the nearby Sugar Factory, or San Joaquin Sugar Mill, Mr. Francisco Cantarero Senior was responsible for the construction of both; his signature is still visible close to the central pavilion. The Factory is long since closed but the aquaduct continues to be used for local communal irrigation. The Azucarera-Alcoholera de San Joaquín company, owners of the factory, sold it to the Azucarera Larios company in 1930. Decades later, the latter transferred it to the Nerja City Council in 2005 where it became under public ownership. In 2010 restoration work started whih ended in 2012

The aqueduct was initially built to

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

www.competasolar.es To advertise call 637 028 873

The Grapevine 45

TRADITIONAL WINTER WARMING FOOD Some Traditional Spanish Winter Food For The Colder Period

raditional winter food in Spain. These Spanish dishes are a welcome respite from the chilly winter weather, so take advantage before the thermometer starts creeping back up! 1. A mug of thick and creamy hot chocolate. There is nothing like Spanish hot chocolate. Almost pudding-like in consistency, it’s rich and decadent and usually eaten with a spoon. 2. A slice of gooey tortilla de patatas. Bright yellow and oozing, a slice of good tortilla española can be hard to come by in an age of egg substitutes and cost-cutting. There are many different ways to cook a Tortilla how would you lie yours? How about cooked through on the outside and the slightest bit runny on the inside, with onions, and preferably ones that are slightly caramelized (but

46 The Grapevine

no sugar added!). When done right and served straight from the frying pan, this is the ultimate warm you up winter food in Spain. 3. A classic cup of old fashioned caldo. A warm addition to the menu come December. In addition to hot coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, you can also order a piping hot cup of broth, called caldo. It may be pork or chicken broth (or a mix of the two), but it will undoubtedly be rich with flavour and warm you right up! 4. Crispy churros straight from the fryer. Straight from the deep fryer. When done correctly, you get a hot and crispy wand of fried dough goodness, perfect for combating the cold and even better with that rich cup of hot chocolate for dipping and drinking.

5. Steaming hot Caldo Gallego. Not to confuse with plain caldo, the Caldo Gallego is a Galician soup that much of northern Spain eats to fight off the winter chill. Consisting of white beans, Galician potatoes, kale or cabbage, and Galician chorizo, it is one of those hearty winter soups that you can’t help but burn your tongue eating! 6. Soul warming fabada Asturiana. Another classic Spanish winter stew is the delicious fabada Asturiana. IThese delicious legumes combine with Asturian chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage), and pork belly for one of the heartiest winter stews in Spain. 7. Traditional Cocido Madrileño Madrid’s signature stew Consisting of pork, beef, chicken, pork fat, chorizo, potato, cabbage, and garbanzos, it is traditionally served in three separate courses. First, you get a big bowl of the stew’s broth with

To advertise call 637 028 873

short noodles called fideos. Next, you’ll receive all the vegetables– potatoes, carrots, cabbage, and garbanzos. Finally, the meats come out. Needless to say, it’s a never-ending meal. 8. Catalan as can be canalones Most people equate pasta and cannelloni with Italy– wrong! Catalan cuisine is full of traditional pasta dishes, and canalones are the Catalan dish served on the 26th of December, El Día de San Esteban. They’re usually handmade over the course of hours, and traditionally stuffed with the leftovers from the Christmas holiday (beef, chicken, and pork).

example of the simple, seasonal Spanish recipes that are still passed down today! 10. Southern style sopa de pescado. This fish soup is a flavourful broth, garnished with chunks of white fish, prawns and clams. I

surprise that a key ingredient is garlic.The other key ingredient: bread! After the bread has been cut into chunks, it is served soaking in a broth of paprika and garlic and topped with a poached egg.

15 Sopa de Lentejas. Another legume-based dish, the 12. Melt in your mouth braised simple but classic sopa de lentejas (lentil soup) is a wellbeef cheek. The Irish make beef stew and the loved household staple. This deliciously nutritious dish is easy Spanish make braised beef cheek. A simple dish of beef to make using lentils, carrots, cheek covered in wine, broth, and onions, potatoes, chorizo and herbs until falling-apart tender. some smoked paprika. . 16 Migas 13. Soupy arroz con .A good example of cheap, tasty bogavante. and very nutritious dish to Rice with lobster, the rice is 9. Northern style cod and brighten the fiercest winter is usually served caldoso (soupy) cauliflower. migas (crumbs) Andalusian and the rich lobster broth is Another northern Spanish dish for unforgettable. cuisine style. With just 5 the holidays is bacalao con ingredients (chorizo, pancetta, coliflour, which seems to have its 14. Sopa de Ajo. garlic, bread and oil), you take to origins in Galicia or País Vasco. Sopa de ajo is traditionally eaten the table a real treat that will Consisting of salt cod and in Palencia, a city in the province appeal to both adults and the kids in the house. cauliflower, it is traditionally of Castile and León. In English it served steaming hot It is a great means ‘garlic soup’ so it’s no

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

50 The Grapevine

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The Grapevine 51

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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

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The Grapevine Grapevine 13 53 The

TAURUS REAL ESTATE Service with Integrity Since 2004

EXCLUSIVE

COMPETA Gorgeous villa located in CĂłmpeta countryside with very easy access and spectacular sea views, just a 10 minute drive from the village. This bright and airy property has a constructed size of approx. 118m2 and is distributed over one level comprising an open plan lounge / diner with arched breakfast bar and fully equipped kitchen. There two guest bedrooms, a master bedroom with en suite bathroom and a family bathroom. It benefits from fitted wardrobes, air conditioning, log burning stove and pre-installed central heating. There is a water share, mains electricity and internet connection. The plot of approx. 3,285 m2 is terraced and planted with a great variety of producing fruit trees such as orange, lemon, banana, grapefruit, apple, pear and avocado. The covered terrace is ideal for al fresco dining whilst looking across the 8mt x 4mt pool and down to the Mediterranean Sea.

Equally suitable as a full time family home or luxury holiday home with excellent rental potential

REF: C3748 info@taurusrealestate.com

EPC PENDING Tel: (0034) 952 516 633

349,000â&#x201A;Ź Mb: (0034) 660 743 670

The Propert y Feature The Property Market in 2021 The preferences and needs of home buyers have changed over the period of COVID. Larger houses with gardens located in outlying areas and apartments with large terraces will increase in value. The housing market moves slowly, it does not change overnight. But there are many home seekers who want this type of housing. This trend is expected to continue in 2021. Many international home buyers have postponed buying a home in Spain due to travel restrictions from abroad. In 2021 there will be some catching up for buying a house in Spain. This will mainly be seen in the tourist areas on the Spanish coasts and popular inland villges. The expected price increase in these areas is around 2.3% for the year 2021. Spain will always continue to be a popular place to buy a property due to its weather and relaxed way of life.

Bargain

Price: 59,000€ Ref: t1228 Location: Competa Beds: 2 Baths: 2 Size: 99m² Pool: No Sunset Properties Spain

Rustic

Price: 265,000€ 185,000€ Price: Ref: v1326 Ref: 20HC052 Location: Location: Corumbela Comares Beds: 32 Baths: Baths:21 Beds: Size:232m² 79m² Size: Pool:Yes Yes Pool: Sunset Properties Andalucia Real Estate

Prestige

Price:Price: 519,000€ 310,000€ (Exclusive) Ref: C3657 C3726 Location: Location: Sayalonga Arenas Beds: Beds: 33 Baths: Baths:22 Size: 155m² 140m² Pool: Yes Taurus Real Estate

Bargain Price: 195,000€ Ref: C3662 Location: Competa Beds: 3 Baths: 1 Size: 78m² Pool: Yes Taurus Real Estate

Price: 115,000€ Ref: t1363 Location: Cutar Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Size: 128m² Pool: No Sunset Properties Spain

Price: 169,000€ Ref: IRE2068 Location: Mijas Costa Beds: 2 Baths: 1 Size: 75m² Pool: Yes Immotions Real Estate

Price: 250,000€ Ref: 20HC059 Location: Riogordo Beds: 4 Baths:2 Size: 150m² Pool: No Andalucia Real Estate

Price: 295,000€ Ref: IRE2063 Location: Alcaucin Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Size: 146m² Pool: Yes Immotions Real Estate

Price: 120,000€ Ref: t1381 Location: Canillas de Aceituno Beds: 2 Baths: 1 Size: 64m² Pool: No Sunset Properties Spain

Price: 298,000€ Ref: 20HC019 Location: Periana Beds: 8 Baths: 4 Size: 425m² Pool: Yes TheAndalucia GrapevineReal Estate

Price: 165,000€ Ref: IRE2046 Location: Triana Beds: 3 Baths: 1 Size: 74m² Pool: Yes Immotions Real Estate

Price: 40,000€ Ref: C1501 Location: Salares Beds: 2 Baths: 2 Size: 89m² Pool: No Taurus Real To advertise call Estate 637 028 873

Prestige Propert y Price: 600,000€ Ref: 20HC044 Location: Frigiliana Beds: 5 Baths: 4 Size: 230m² Pool: Yes Andalucia Real Estate

Price: 499,950€ Ref: v1312 Location: Canillas de Aceituno Beds: 4/5 Baths: 4 Size: 268m² Pool: No Sunset Properties Spain

Price: 1395,000€ Ref: IRE2048 Location: Cadiz Beds: 10 Baths: 10 Size: 644m² Pool: Yes Immotions Real Estate

Price: 575,000€ Ref: v844 Location: Cómares Beds: 5 Baths: 7 Size: 607m² Pool: Yes Sunset Properties Spain

Price: 419,000€ Ref: 20HC027 Location: Alcaucin Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Size: 236m² Pool: Yes Andalucia Real Estate

Price: 698,000€ Ref: MS197 Location: Caleta de Vélez Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Size: 250m² Pool: Yes Taurus Real Estate

Price: 365,000€ Ref: IRE2050 Location: Canillas de Aceituno Beds: 3 Baths: 3 Size: 152m² Pool: Yes Immotions Real Estate

Price: 499,950€ Ref: IRE2042 Location: Los Romanes Beds: 4 Baths: 3 Size: 157m² Pool: Yes Immotions Real Estate

Price: 459,950€ Ref: v924 Location: Canillas de Albaida Beds: 3 Baths: 3 Size: 286m² Pool: Yes Sunset Properties Spain

Rustic Price: 480,000€ (Exclusive) Ref: C3731 Location: Colmenar Beds: 5 Baths: 3 Size: 284m² Pool: Yes Taurus Real Estate

Price: 145,000€ Ref: IRE2056 Location: Colmenar Beds: 2 Baths: 1 Size: 75m² Pool: No Immotions Real Estate

Price: 149,950€ Ref: t1004 Location: Salares Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Size: 132m² Pool: Yes Sunset Properties Spain

Price: 399,000€ Ref: v1128 Location: Competa Beds: 4 Baths: 3 Size: 243m² Pool: Yes Sunset Properties Spain

Price: 175,000€ Ref: C1424 Location: Archez Beds: 4 Baths: 2 Size: 212m² Pool: No Taurus Real Estate

Price: 320,000€ Ref: 913 Location: Arenas Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Size: 110m² Pool: Yes Sunset Properties Spain

Price: 149,000€ Ref: IRE2041 Location: Colmenar Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Size: 124m² Pool: No Immotions Real Estate

Price: 210,000€ Ref: 20HC064 Location: Periana Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Size: 128m² Pool: No Andalucia Real Estate

Price: 265,000€ Ref: IRE2040 Location: Canillas de Aceituno Beds: 3 Baths: 2 Size: 122m² Pool: Yes Immotions Real Estate

58 The Grapevine

To advertise call 637 028 873

RINCON DE LA VICTORIA Modern ground floor apartment (121m²) with 3 beds and 2 baths. It has a fantastic covered terrace and private garden area with stunning sea views. Benefits from private parking, store room and access to a communal pool.

Ref: t1396

Sunset Properties Spain

Price 232,000€

Avenida Andalucia 65C - 29740 - Torre del Mar - Málaga Tel Mob:(+34) 618 295 063 Office:(+34) 601 626 525 info@sunsetproperties-spain.com

www.sunsetproperties-spain.com

To advertise call 637 028 873

The Grapevine 59

60 The Grapevine

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

The Grapevine 61

Sunset Properties Spain

BUYING A PROPERTY IN SPAIN A Full Property Guide Provided by Sunset Properties Spain Choosing the right area The first stage of the process is to pinpoint the area that is right for you. The key to achieving this successfully is research – the more research you do, the more likely you are to choose wisely. Aspects to consider might include climate, proximity to an airport, distance from the nearest beach, local amenities, the number of expats resident in the area, etc… Once you know which area you prefer, you then need to decide whether you want to buy on the coast, in the countryside inland or in a town or village. Generally speaking, coastal properties tend to be more expensive than those inland. The pros and cons between living in a village or in the countryside Life in a village can be quite noisy and the views are often limited, but the hustle and bustle of village life and the close proximity of local amenities including shops, bars, restaurants, etc can outweigh any drawbacks. Learning Spanish is easier if you

62 The Grapevine

are based in a village as is becoming involved in the local community and joining in village based activities. Owning a property in the countryside can lead to a feeling of isolation and it is usually necessary to drive some distance for shopping, schools and eating out. Neighbours are often not Spanish so learning the language can be more difficult. However these inconveniences are compensated for by the peace and tranquillity of the countryside, the beautiful surrounding scenery and the wonderful views. Choosing the right kind of property You must also determine the type of property you want – a modern villa, an older style country house, a townhouse or an apartment. You need to consider your priorities and decide what is important to you – outside space, views, swimming pool, garage, etc. If you are not intending to live in

Spain permanently, a property in the countryside will need to be looked after in your absence. Land and swimming pools have to be maintained whether you are in residence or not. Requirements for buying a property in Spain In order to buy a property in Spain you must have an NIE number (foreigner's identification number) and a Spanish bank account – both are essential and we will of course help you to obtain them. NIE numbers are obtained from the local police station for much of the Axarquia area this is in Torre del Mar and you have to attend in person in order to apply for the certificate. You need to take your original passport and also a copy. The NIE number is very important in Spain and you will be asked for it time and time again. A Spanish bank account is relatively easy to open – you need to decide which bank you want to use and then go in and open an account. You need to take your passport, a copy of your NIE

To advertise call 637 028 873

certificate and proof that you receive some type of earnings. This might be a wage slip if you are employed, proof of receipt of a pension if you are retired or if you work for yourself a copy of your tax return. Powers of Attorney Most buyers choose the easy route and supply us with a power of attorney. This means that we can apply for your NIE certificates, open a bank account and even complete on the purchase, thereby saving time and money for frequent visits during the buying process. A power of attorney can be issued here in Spain or in your own country. Starting the buying process Once you have found your perfect property and decided to proceed with the purchase, the buying process will begin. Before you sign anything or pay any money you should take advice from a legal adviser. You can use either a lawyer or an asesoria/gestor (conveyancer). Your legal adviser will assist you through every stage of the buying process and once you have completed the purchase of your new property, he/she will then help you with taxes, wills, payment of utility bills, etc. Purchase contract The purchase contract will usually be prepared by your legal adviser and it must be agreed by both the buyer and the seller. Before you sign this contract, you must be absolutely certain that you have chosen the right property as the contract is binding for both the buyer and the seller and there will be penalty clauses should either party rescind the contract. Payment of deposits Holding deposit Once the terms of the purchase have been agreed by both parties, the buyer will normally be required to pay a holding deposit

To advertise call 637 028 873

of between â&#x201A;Ź3,000 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x201A;Ź5,000 which will remove the property from the open market for a fixed period of time and enable the buyer's legal adviser to ensure that the documentation for the property is correct. This is paid to the client account of the buyer's legal representative and only passed to the seller on signing the private purchase contracts. 10% deposit When both parties have agreed the contents of the private purchase contract, a deposit of 10% of the purchase price (including the holding deposit) is then paid by the buyer within an agreed time limit. This is a non-refundable payment and will only be reimbursed in the event of a specific clause in the contract not being fulfilled. Searches Prior to completion your legal adviser will carry out searches and obtain a Nota Simple. This document confirms that the seller is the registered owner of the property and that all taxes have been paid. Your legal adviser will also check to see whether any debts or charges exist on the property. All bills relating to the property such as electricity, water, telephone and I.B.I. (council tax) must be proven to have been paid up to date. If there are any outstanding issues, your legal adviser will ensure that an amount of money is retained from the seller in order to cover any unpaid expenses. Completion The completion date is agreed between the buyer and the seller and takes place at the office of a Notary - an officer of the State whose job it is to ensure that all the legalities are completed correctly. Both the buyer and the seller are required to appear before the Notary in person at

the same time. If you are unable to attend in person, you must obtain a power of attorney for someone else (often your legal adviser or estate agent) to sign on your behalf. Once both the buyer and the seller have signed the title deed, you will be handed the keys to your new home. Insurance The insurance of the property becomes your responsibility once completion has taken place. Expenses It is advisable to budget for between 10% and 11% of the purchase price of the property to cover taxes and expenses. The costs involved include Notary fees, Value Added Tax (I.V.A.) for new properties only, stamp duty presently at 8% of the sales price, land registry fees, legal fees and mortgage arrangement fees (if applicable). After sales service At Sunset Properties Spain our company ethos is all about customer service - once a client, always a client. Our comprehensive after sales service is very important to us and we will always be here to help you with whatever queries or problems you might have, be it arranging an internet connection, help in finding reliable builders and tradesmen or assistance at the Town Hall - you name it, we're always to help you! Contact us At Sunset Properties Spain we have a wide range of properties for sale in the Axarquia region and we offer a friendly, reliable and professional service. www.sunsetproperties-spain.com For further information or for an appointment please contact Denise on 0034 618 295 063 or Kerem on 0034 601 626 525 or by email info@sunsetpropertiesspain.com

The Grapevine 63

64 The Grapevine

To advertise call 637 028 873

taxiSILVIA déjate llevar

SILVIA CRISTINA RODRIGUEZ TORRES CALLE ESTACIÓN 3 CANILLAS DE ALBAIDA

T: +34 652 635 500 silviarotorres@hotmail.com

Your preferences From the village to the country side, a day trip to Granada, to the hospital, the airport or shopping in Málaga, traveling with Taxi Silvia is a pleasure. Prices With Taxi Silvia there are no unpleasant surprises about the price, we work with fixed rates for several journeys like to the airport or between the village and the country side. Before we drive off the price has been agreed upon.

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Llame Helen 637 028 873

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Wegodoit.com is the local business directory of everything people are looking for in the Costa del Sol. It has detailed information on local businesses, their products, services and special oﬀers. We provide your business with advertising 24 hours a day to Google searchers, even to mobile phone users.

Wegodoit com For more information and to join us today visit www.wegodoit.com email info@wegodoit.com or call us on +34 655 908 122 Also sales agents wanted, send your details to agents@wegodoit.com

We also oﬀer website design SEO & digital marketing services.

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The Grapevine 65

. I

WHY IS CYCLING SO POPULAR? Beneﬁts Of Cycling

ost your bowels. According to experts from Bristol University, the beneﬁts of cycling extend deep into your core. “Physical activity helps decrease the time it takes food to move through the large intestine, limiting the amount of water absorbed back into your body and leaving you with softer stools, which are easier to pass,” explains Harley Street gastroenterologist Dr Ana Raimundo. In addition, aerobic exercise accelerates your breathing and heart rate, which helps to stimulate the contraction of intestinal muscles. “As well as preventing you from feeling bloated, this helps protect you against bowel cancer,” Dr Raimundo says. Increase Your Brain Power Need your grey matter to sparkle? Then get pedalling. Researchers from the University of Illinois found that a 5 per cent improvement in cardio-respiratory ﬁtness from

66 The Grapevine

cycling led to an improvement of up to 15 per cent in mental tests. That's because cycling helps build new brain cells in the hippocampus – the region responsible for memory, which deteriorates from the age of 30. Beat Illness Is cycling good for you? Yes! Forget apples, riding's the way to keep the doctor at bay. “Moderate exercise makes immune cells more active, so they're ready to fight off infection,” says Cath Collins, chief dietician at St George's Hospital in London. In fact, according to research from the University of North Carolina, people who cycle for 30 minutes, five days a week take about half as many sick days as couch potatoes. Live Longer King's College London compared over 2,400 identical twins and found those who did the equivalent of just three 45-minute rides a week were nine years 'biologically younger' even after discounting other influences, such as body

mass index (BMI) and smoking. “Those who exercise regularly are at significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, all types of cancer, high blood pressure and obesity,” says Dr Lynn Cherkas, who conducted the research. “The body becomes much more efficient at defending itself and regenerating new cells.” Save The Planet Twenty bicycles can be parked in the same space as one car. It takes around 5 per cent of the materials and energy used to make a car to build a bike, and a bike produces zero pollution. Bikes are efﬁcient, too. You travel around three times as fast as walking for the same amount of energy and, taking into account the 'fuel' you put in your 'engine', you do the equivalent of 2,924 miles to the gallon. You have your weight ratio to thank: you're about six times heavier than your bike, but a car is 20 times heavier than you.

To advertise call 637 028 873

Cycling Improves Your Sex Life Being more physically active improves your vascular health, which has the knock-on effect of boosting your sex drive, according to health experts in the US. One study from Cornell University also concluded that male athletes have the sexual prowess of men two to five years younger, with physically fit females delaying the menopause by a similar amount of time. Meanwhile, research carried out at Harvard University found that men aged over 50 who cycle for at least three hours a week have a 30 per cent lower risk of impotence than those who do little exercise. Heal Your Heart Studies from Purdue University in the US have shown that regular cycling can cut your risk of heart disease by 50 per cent. And according to the British Heart Foundation, around 10,000 fatal heart attacks could be avoided each year if people kept themselves fitter. Cycling just 20 miles a week reduces your risk of heart disease to less than half that of those who take no exercise, it says. The study also reported that workers who exercised felt their interpersonal performance was better, they took fewer breaks and found it easier to finish work on time. Sadly, the study didn't find a direct link between cycling and getting a promotion.

some heft think that heading out for a jog is the best way to start slimming down. But while running does burn a ton of fat, it's not kind to you if you're a little larger than you'd like to be. Think about it: two to three times your body weight goes crashing through your body when your foot strikes the ground. If you weigh 16 stone that's a lot of force! Instead, start out on a bike. Most of your weight is taken by the saddle, so your skeleton doesn't take a battering. Running can wait… Bike riding means guilt-free snacks Upping your salt intake is seldom your doctor's advice, but in the few days leading up to a big ride or sportive that's exactly what you should do. This gives you the perfect excuse to munch on crisps and other salty foods you might normally avoid. The sodium in them helps protect your body against hyponatraemia, a condition caused by drinking too much water without enough sodium that can lead to disorientation, illness and worse.

Enjoy healthy family time Cycling is an activity the whole family can do together. The smallest tyke can clamber into a bike seat or tow-along buggy, and because it's kind on your joints, there's nothing to stop grandparents joining in too. Moreover, your riding habit could be sowing the seeds for the next Cycle Away From The Big C There's plenty of evidence that any Bradley Wiggins or Marianne Vos. Studies have found that, exercise is useful in warding off unsurprisingly, kids are influenced cancer, but some studies have by their parents' exercise choices. shown that cycling is specifically Put simply, if your kids see you good for keeping your cells in riding regularly, they think it's working order. One long-term normal and will want to follow your study carried out by Finnish example. researchers found that men who exercised at a moderate level for at least 30 minutes a day were half You can get fit without trying too hard as likely to develop cancer as Regular, everyday cycling has those who didn't. huge benefits that can justify you binning your wallet-crippling gym Lose Weight By Riding Your membership. According to the Bike National Forum for Coronary Heart Loads of people who want to shift

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Disease Foundation in the US, regular cyclists enjoy a fitness level equal to that of a person who's 10 years younger. Boost Your Bellows No prizes for guessing that the lungs work considerably harder than usual when you ride. Generally, an adult cycling uses 10 times the oxygen they'd need to sit in front of the TV for the same period. Even better, regular cycling will help strengthen your cardiovascular system over time, enabling your heart and lungs to work more efficiently and getting more oxygen where it's needed quicker. This means you can do more exercise for less effort. How good does that sound? Burn More Fat Sports physiologists have found that the body's metabolic rate – the efficiency with which it burns calories and fat – is not only raised during a ride, but for several hours afterwards. And as you get fitter the benefits are more profound. One recent study showed that cyclists who incorporated fast intervals into their ride burned three-and-a-half times more body fat than those who cycled constantly but at a slower pace. It'll Make You Happy Even if you're miserable when you saddle up, cranking through the miles will lift your spirits. “Any mild-to-moderate exercise releases natural feel-good endorphins that help counter stress and make you happy,” explains Andrew McCulloch, chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation. Feeling Tired? Go For A Ride Sounds counter-intuitive but if you feel too tired for a ride, the best thing you can do is go for ride. Physical activity for even a few minutes is a surprisingly effective wake-up call. A review of 12 studies on the link between exercise and fatigue carried out between 1945 and 2005 found that exercise directly lowers fatigue levels.

The Grapevine 67

LUXURY HOTEL IN PORT OF MALAGA 5 Star Luxury Hotel In The Port Of Malaga Will Cost 200 Million Euros

uilding the five-star luxury hotel in the port of Malaga will be more expensive than initially planned for the Qatari investment group Al Alfia. Its representative in Spain, Ramรณn Calderรณn said that investment in the project will be in reality around 200 million euro, he initially spoke of figure around the 120 million mark. There are no reliable dates on implementation because the project still has to overcome the municipal formalities and even be approved by the Cabinet, but Calderon has indicated that it intends to lay the first stone "in late 2021 or early 2022" . On previous occasions he mentioned the possibility that the hotel could

68 The Grapevine

open its doors in 2024. The establishment will have 378 rooms, 312 of which are standard rooms and 66 suites. The original proposal of 352 rooms was suggested. The rooms will all have terraces. The project also has a commitment to enhance cultural and tourist events so it has expanded the dimensions of the Convention Center, which will now have a capacity for 1,100 people. This will include stage facilities and dressing rooms for large events. A viewpoint with a VIP restaurant and cafeteria is incorporated into the 27th floor, which will allow customers "to contemplate the most spectacular and exceptional

views in the form of 360ยบ panoramic views through its perimeter terraces-viewpoints." Calderรณn has insisted that "it will only be a five-star luxury hotel and there will be no homes, offices or concession rights, as has been indicated ." He has also defended the strength of the investment group Al Alfia, "which has 4,000 million euros of real estate assets in the world, so its solvency is more than assured ." The businessman, known for having been the president of Real Madrid, stressed that "it is a brilliant project that excites us a lot" .

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The Grapevine 69

THE QUICK CROSSWORD Across

Down

6 Ultimately (7) 7 Fertile area in a desert (5) 9 Polynesian dance (4) 10 Loathing (10) 11 A moon of Jupiter (8) 13 Inflow (6) 15 Forms on a wound (4) 17 A plot of parish land (5) 18 Matured (4) 19 Admiration (6) 20 Shows (8) 23 Bagpipe (10) 26 3 feet (4) 27 Cut (5) 28 Aerial (7)

1 Incapable of error (10) 2 Stays on a liquid surface (6) 3 A type of story (4) 4 Mute (archaic) (8) 5 Nature of being (4) 6 Animal wildlife (5) 8 Keep away from others (7) 12 Overweight (5) 14 Showy (10) 16 Tariffs or duties (7) 17 Wagerers (8) 21 A suit of playing cards (6) 22 Latin for "Earth" (5) 24 Prima donna (4) 25 Islamic prayer leader (4)

Solution on page 82

1. Which human organ helps the body digest food? 2. In the children’s fairytale, what type of animal accompanies Dick Whittington? .

3. Ippon, Dojo and Nage are common terms in which Olympic martial art? .

4. Which actor played Richard "Richie" Richard in the 1990s television series ‘Bottom’? .

5. Sacramento is the capital of which US state?

8. Which male Italian fashion designer 6. Annie Potts voiced which Toy Story is credited with pioneering red-carpet 4 character who appears as a love fashion? . interest for Sheriff Woody? 9. With which English county would you . 7. What was the name of Microsoft’s associate Cheddar cheese? digital encyclopedia, primarily available on CD-ROMs? 10. In which European city would you find Dam Square? .

See page 82 for answers

70 The Grapevine

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CAPITAL ENERGY Capital Energy Begins The Construction Of Its First Andalusian Wind Farm

apital Energy, a Spanish energy company which started in 2002, confirmed that it has started the construction of its first wind farm in Andalucia in which it will invest almost one billion euros in five years. The company, which aspires to become the first 100% vertically integrated renewable operator in the Iberian Peninsula, with the construction of the facility, located in the area of â&#x20AC;&#x2039;Loma de los Pinos, in the Sevillian municipality of Lebrija , a new step to strengthen the development of clean energy. The Loma de los Pinos wind farm will have an installed capacity of 39 megawatts (MW) and its development, which is expected to last one year, will involve an investment of more than 36 million euros , according to data provided by Capital Energy.

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It will have seven wind turbines that will be capable of supplying 103,000 megawatt hours (MWh) of renewable energy per year, a production equivalent to the consumption of nearly 40,000 homes in Andalucia and this would also mean the reduction of the annual emission into the atmosphere of more than 41,000 tons of CO2. The construction in Lebrija of the Loma de los Pinos wind farm will also mean the creation of more than 220 direct jobs during the peak periods of its execution. Once completed and when the operation and maintenance phase begins, the park will permanently employ eight professionals from the area.

has 20 renewable energy projects in Andalusia, 15 of wind origin and five photovoltaic, distributed in six of the eight provinces. All of them add up to a combined power of more than 1,120 MW, all of them with access to the grid already guaranteed and their development will involve a global investment of approximately 900 million euros in the coming years. The company's growth process is also being reflected in its team, which has grown from 30 people to more than 280 in the last two years , distributed throughout 12 offices in Spain and Portugal. Capital Energy expects to close this year with about 300 employees and reach approximately 450 in 2021.

The construction of the Loma de los Pinos park represents the beginning of Capital Energy's commitment to Andalusia, a community in which it currently

The Grapevine 71

THE THREE VILLAGE WALK

Competa, Archez And Canillas De Albaida

Distance: Approx. 18km (long route), 12km (short route). Time taken: 4.5 hours (long route), 3 hours (short route) Grade: Moderate Places to see en route: Cómpeta –16th century La Asunción church, climb the tower, and admire the vistas across the Axarquia as far as Gibraltar and north Africa on a clear day. Visit Plaza Vendimia, where grape treading takes place during the Noche del Vino (not en route, but worth a visit). Archez – like so many villages in the Axarquia area, Archez is typically Arabic in its design. Visit the magnificent minaret of the former mosque with its diamond patterned (sebka) material and tiling. Canillas de Albaida – Roman bridge below the village, the 16th century parish church of Nuestra

72 The Grapevine

Señora de la Expectación, in the main square and the two shrines, the 16th century Santa Ana and the 17th century San Antón. Route Along the route you will see marker posts installed by the town hall with the intention of providing a marked walking trail, along with interpretive boards giving information about the area. Starting from the picturesque Plaza Almijara in the centre of Cómpeta, head down La Rampa, turn right at the bottom and pass what was the Museo del Vino. Bear left down the hill passing the florists on your right. Continue down the road until you reach the Cómpeta to Canillas de Albaida road. Turn right, and walk a short distance to the Bodega Jarel. Turn left here and follow the track. You can see on the left the drying beds (paseros) used by the bodega to make their sweet wines. Ignore the track going off to the right to Finca Maroma.

After passing the entrance to Casa Cantalejo on the right and Casa Clarissa on the left you will see a large green water tank down to the right of the path, soon after this you come to a crossroad. There is a sign on the right “Camino de Archez”. Take this track down into Archez. You will be walking between avocado orchards. As you continue downhill the track becomes a path. You will be getting a nice view of the village. The path will pass by a farmhouse on the left with a white walled threshing area used to thresh wheat. Here you can go right or left as both take you onto the road. Turn right on to the road and walk into Archez. You then have a few choices of routes. The first option takes you to Canillas de Albaida on the road. As you enter Archez keep right (not over the bridge) passing the local Bodega/health food shop on the left. At the traffic lights turn right and follow the road upwards

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past the interesting Gaudi style houses. When you arrive at the top of the hill bear right and continue up the hill passing the 17th century San Anton church. You will also see Bar Cerezo a little further up on your left – a very friendly bar which is popular with the locals, and serves excellent vino de terreno and tapas (closed on Mondays). Santa Ana is at the very top of the village - quite a hike through the winding streets. The second option is to bear left as you enter Archez over the bridge. As you pass El Curro (serving excellent tapas (closed on Tuesdays) you will come to a junction with recycling bins turn right here up the long hill. The views along the road are fantastic and you can look down on Archez and see its layout and the minaret from a different angle. When you reach the top (2kms) at Puerto Carboneras turn right then right again 100m up and follow the road towards Canillas de Albaida.

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As you get closer to the village you will pass Finca Cerillo on the right, and as you start to descend into the river valley, you will see a track off to the right with posts and rope handrail. This will take you to the Roman bridge. Out on the road turn right. You then have the option of going along the road which winds up to the village, or following the path that heads steeply up on the left 50m along the road. Either way you will arrive in Canillas de Albaida. The third option is take the newly constructed pathway from the river in Archez which cuts through the valley back to Cailllas de Albaida coming out at the Roman bridge. As you enter Archez keep right (not over the bridge) passing the local Bodega/health food shop. At the traffic lights keep straight on passing Bar Avenida and the village shop. Keep walking through the village until the second grocery store is Infront

of you. Turn left and you will see the wonderful 14th century Moorish tower. Take the next right alley heading up to the cemetery. The path is now well signed taking you through avocado orchards, over a river at an ancient flour mill, along a water channel (acequia) with metal grids for easier walking and on.to the Roman bridge. To return to Competa make your way up to the top of Canillas de Albaida to Santa Ana. Here you will see a road continuing up the hill to a small water reservoir on the left.. 100m after this take the track on the right which will lead you back to Competa through olive groves and vegetable gardens. You will arrive in Cómpeta near the Hotel Balcón. Pass the hotel and take the left fork along Calle San Antonio. You will then arrive back in the Plaza Almijara where you can enjoy a well deserved drink and tapas.

The Grapevine 73

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74 The Grapevine

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DGT SANCTIONS: FINES OF UP TO 200 EUROS Fines For Dirt, Limiting Visibility & Washing

ow more than ever, due to recent circumstances, hygiene and disinfection have become key factors in our daily lives. Cleaning our car, like that of other objects that are in direct contact with your hands, is essential to avoid infections such as coronavirus, but it can also prevent you from considerable fines imposed by the DGT.

work or is deficient, the driver will not have full visibility and you can be penalized with 80 euros . Under what circumstances could I be fined?

Traffico belives that a vehicle that is too dirty can cause a reduction in the driver's visibility , endangering his life and that of others, as it could lead to an accident. Hence, the DGT determines that not keeping the car clean enough is a fine of 80 to 200 euros.

Dirty and inconspicuous license plate: This would make it difficult for law enforcement or cinemometers to identify it and would entail a fine of up to 200 euros. Similar figures would be given with a damaged, deteriorated, bent or illegible license plate. In addition, if the license plate has been tampered with or soiled if necessary to prevent its legibility, the fine can be up to 6000 euros, 6 points less and the immediate immobilization of the vehicle.

In fact, the DGT also fines if any of the vehicle's systems are dirty or do not work correctly, for example, the window cleaning system because if it does not

Dirty windows and poor visibility: If you have driven through a muddy area and he car has not been cleaned or if the windows

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do not offer good visibility, a fine of up to 200 euros could be given. This shows the importance of having the windscreen wiper blades in good condition, since if they do not work well we can be fined 80 euros. Dirty and degraded headlights : Dirt on car headlights can cause the lighting not to be not correct, which will obviously hinders us from seeing and being seen, so the fine can cover up to 200 euros. If the headlight housing is old or damaged by the sun and gives little light, Traffico can also fine you. Do not wash the car in the street as It is not allowed and if you do, you can be penalized with fines of between 30 and 3000 euros. So you must wash your car in a private space,

The Grapevine 75

EL MAJUELO PARK AND BOTANICAL GARDEN Amazing Plants, Sculpture And Paths To Meander

l Majuelo Park and botanical garden in Almunecar is full of amazing plants, sculptures, and paths to meander. There are also authentic artisan workshops where you may see the artists works. In addition, the view of the historic Phoenician and Roman FishSalting Factory and Castle are fanatstic. The Pièce de résistance is the wide variety of botanical plants within this park. El Majuelo Park (Parque Botánico El Majuelo) is located on Avenida Europa, just across from the main Tourist Information Office. The special micro climate of the Mediterranean makes Almuñécar an ideal local for the subtropical botanical species. Visitors can see over 200 species of tropical plants from all parts of the world such as Central and South America, Africa, the Philippines and New Zealand, highlighting many specimens of the palms. A walk through the park’s winding paths takes you past each of these specimens whihch is well worth it. You may also notice

76 The Grapevine

many pieces of local sculpture placed throughout the gardens. The numerous marble sculptures of great beauty were made and donated by Syrian artists. The park also has the added attraction of being located in the historic heart of the city, below the San Miguel Castle and next to the old Roman fish salting factory. The Majuelo Fish Salting Factory dates from the Phoenician- Punic period of the 4th Century B.C. and was expanded and revamped during the Roman period. The fish salting industry contributed enormously to the Almuñecar economy in past times. The path also winds past many of the “Province Houses” that are located within El Majuelo Park. These houses are built in the Spanish style and each has a name representing one of the provinces of Spain. They are typically artisan workshops and inside you will find all sorts of interesting things, most contain some type of craft, and each one is different from the next. Others will have souvenirs and in a few

you will even find local artists diligently working at their craft. During the year many of the town’s festivals take place in this tropical park. The gastronomic fair is one of the most popular. There is also a bandstand / open air stage where local musicians play. During the summer months there are many performances available to see. This is also an ideal location to enjoy a picnic as there are a few benches to sit down and enjoy your meal and absorb your surroundings. You may also be able pick up some fresh produce, bread and lunch meats from the nearby Municipal Farmers Market. After all this you can continue to explore a bit of the old town pedestrian area or just pop across the street to the Tourist office. As you exit El Majuelo Park along Avenida Europa, walk to you left about 1 block. On the right side, you will see a pink coloured Moorish palace, which is the tourist information center. Do take the time to stop in and see the grounds and the tourist office.

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The Grapevine FC! (2007)

VICTOR ROMĂ N MULTISERVICIOS

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

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The Grapevine 77

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

20th March - 19th April

ake care of yourself and your needs. There's an advantage to making sure your emotions are cared for and stable before you try to heal others. Your feelings are powerful and erratic. You might find that other people try to oppose your beliefs. Stand up for yourself and be strong.

GEMINI

TAURUS

ake the unconventional approach. You're able to gain a great deal and establish a whole new perspective just by opening your lens wider in order to include what you normally shrug off. Try your best to keep your cool.

CANCER

ou may jump from one thing to another. Somehow nothing seems to sit right with you. Try to be the active one in the situation as opposed to the one acted upon. There is the potential for you to get knocked about, but you can easily turn this around.

LEO

f the conversation gets too boring, just smile and nod. There may be tension among people who are fighting about how much they can get versus how much they give. Try to maintain a healthy balance. Don't get caught in other people's drama.

LIBRA

ou might find that other people try to oppose your beliefs. Stand up for yourself and be strong. Don't wait until the last minute to tell someone exactly how you feel about the situation. There's an advantage to making sure your emotions are cared for and stable.

SAGITTARIUS

22th November - 21st December

onflicting viewpoints and twisted perspectives clash within your world. Your emotions may pin you to one side of the issue, while a powerful force pulls you to believe in a more revolutionary approach.

78 The Grapevine

23rd October - 21st November

ry not to be too arrogant even when you're utterly sure you're right about the given situation. More than likely, you have the correct answers, but it isn't necessary to be strident about it. Unexpected events are coming your way.

CAPRICORN

22th December - 19th January

eel free to take an unconventional approach when it comes to dealing with your emotions. Try not to let others cajole you into thinking you need to fit into an artificial construct. All you need to do is think for yourself.

eople may have an extra spark in their actions and an extra bite in their. You may be better off walking away from any situation that doesn't feel right. You'd be wise to stay in the background and not worry about anything besides your immediate concerns.

AQUARIUS

23rd August - 22th September

our emotions may be stubborn but realize the very thing you resist is the very thing you need the most. Consider making a major change that will help bring about a healthier balance between you and the people with whom you associate.

SCORPIO

eel free to focus on you and be selfish about your passions. Be aware that unexpected events may crop up to remind you that number one is indeed important, but don't forget about numbers two, three, and so on.

VIRGO

PISCES

ou're used to being the sovereign surrounded by courtiers currying your favour. There's something trying to draw attention away from you, reminding you that there are other people besides you.

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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

GAZPACHUELO Gazpachuelo Is One Of The Most Traditional Recipes In Malaga

he vinegar in this warm soup is the link wtih gazpacho. It is suprisingly good and easy to make, so is associated in Spain with emergencies! Gazpachuelo is one of the most traditional recipes in Malaga, of which you can find many versions such as the sea â&#x20AC;&#x2039;fruits in gazpachuelo and creamy fish soup. The Malaga gazpachuelo has its origin among the fishermen of the region. They made a fish broth to which they added potatoes for flavour added garlic mayonnaise. In many homes it is accompanied by whipped or cooked egg white, white fish, clams and more, always trying to maintain the white colour that characterizes it so much, also for that bit extra some add some prawns or some ham cubes.

80 The Grapevine

The idea is to stretch fish for one or two people to make soup for six. It is better made with fish stock, but still good made with water.

the fish, plus the optional ingredients for the fish stock in a pan with the water. Simmer for 25 minutes, while you peel and dice the potatoes

Serves 4-6 Difficulty: easy Preparation time: 35 minutes

Strain the stock, return to the pan and add the potatoes and salt. Cook until tender, then add the fish, in small pieces, for the last 5 minutes. Remove the potatoes and fish to a serving bowl.

INGREDIENTS 1-2 small fish (such as red mullet or sole), scaled and filleted 1 1/4 pint of water 1 1/2 lb. new potatoes 1/2 tablespoon salt 10 fl. oz mayonnaise 2 tablespoon sherry vinegar To prepare the fish stock (optional) Heads from 1 lb. prawns 1 stick celery, chopped A few parsley stalks 1 bay leaf

Let the stock cool down a little (this is where mayonnaise is made at home). Stir the stock into the mayonnaise, to make a creamy soup and pour over the potatoes and fish. Check the seasoning, stir in the vinegar and serve warm. Sometimes a jug of vinegar is passet at table.

PREPARATION Put the bones and heads from

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The Grapevine 81

We all know that Albert Einstein was a genius... But very few people know his brother Frank was a monster.

E K O J

A lumberjack once told me he’s cut down 27,572 trees. “How do ya know exactly how many?” I inquired. “Easy. I keep a log.” Do you know why I don't trust atoms? They make up everything. At the office barbecue, I grilled some rare steak for our boss, and he said, “I like it well done.” I said, “Thanks. That means a lot.” My boss came to me at lunch: "Where the hell have you been? I've been trying to find you all morning!"

Sudoku Answers from Page 74

I shrugged and said: "Good employees are hard to find.”

The other day my wife asked me to pass her lipstick, but I accidentally gave her a glue stick. She still isn't talking to me.

My wife tells me I have 2 major faults, I don't listen - and something else. I stayed up all night, wondering where the sun went. And then it dawned on me.

My wife threatened to divorce me when I said I was going to give our daughter a silly name... So I called her Bluff...

Ancient Egyptian architect: "Do you know how to build a pyramid?" Ancient Egyptian builder: "Well, err yeah, up to a point.”

My wife: You need to do more chores around the house. Me: Can we change the subject? My wife: Ok. More chores around the house need to be done by you.

My wife’s mad at me because she said I never buy her flowers. I honestly didn’t even know she sold flowers.

My neighbourhood barber just got arrested for selling drugs. I've been a customer for 6 years. I never knew he was a barber

(At my boss’s funeral kneeling and whispering at coffin) “Who's thinking outside the box now Gary?"

Crossword Answers from Page 70

Pub Quiz (Pg 70)

1. Stomach 2. A Cat 3. Judo 4. Rik Mayall 5. California 6. Bo Peep 7. Encarta 8. Giorgio Armani 9. Somerset 10. Amsterdam

82 The Grapevine

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CASTLE OF BENTOMIZ, ARENAS 700 Hundred Metres Above Sea Level Near Arenas

astle of Bentomiz (castillo de Arenas) is situated near Arenas, on hill reaching 700 metres above sea level. It has Moorish origin and nowadays is in ruins.

The castle was made up of more than 40.000 m2 walled land The castle was built of stone and mortar with a simple structure and an irregular plan. There are 2 large areas:

Its privileged location gives way to a view over most of the towns in the region, as well as the Mediterranean coast.

- The citadel , occupying the highest area in the northern part, protected by thick walls that rest on generally square cubes, one hexagonal, and it has two singlenave wells with a barrel vault.

The Bentomiz fortress was built in Muslim times, and written news of it is reported in the Memories of Abd Allah, the Ziri king of Granada in the 11th century. Bentomiz was the head of an administrative district or ta'a at the time of the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada . During this period (13th-15th centuries), this mountainous region flourished economically and was known for its rich silk and raisins.

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- An Albacar larger than the citadel, to house the population and livestock in times of danger. It borders the plateau with a thick wall reinforced by cubes, some of these still conserve the merlatura (battlements). It also houses two large wells. In the year 1,487 Bentomiz played an important role in the

conquest of VĂŠlez MĂĄlaga and its land, according to some chroniclers. The governor of the castle of that time El Gibis, contrary to the king of Granada "El Zagal", gave the fortress to the Christians without a fight. After the surrender, the castle became a key piece to control an area of â&#x20AC;&#x2039;abundant Moorish population, It proved its military importance when the Moorish rebellion of 1570 occured. From this date, a period of abandonment began for the Bentomiz castle that lead to its current state of ruin. However,, underground cisterns, towers and remains of the wall are still conserved. Although the remains of the Castle are scarce, it is worth a visit due to the spectacular views.

The Grapevine 83

Pomegranates, Ancient And Modern Campo Cuttings by Lorraine Cavanagh of Viveros Florena, Cómpeta

t this time of the year one of our best fruits is the pomegranate. I remember, as a young child, we would have two pomegranates at Christmastime to be shared between five of us – my grandparents, my mum, sister and myself! They would be carefully divided and Gran would sit dislodging the juicy seeds with a pin so that not one was wasted! Some years later, when I was just 11, my mum re-married and we moved to what was then Northern Rhodesia (later Zambia), Africa and I was gobsmacked to see real pomegranates growing in the garden of our new house. I couldn´t wait to pack one up in a box and send it to my Gran! But little did I know then that pomegranates have a very ancient history and they have travelled thousands of miles around the world. It is thought to be one of the first fruits in

84 The Grapevine

cultivation and believed to be native to Iran and the Himalayas in Northern India. Cultivation spread over the entire Mediterranean area of Asia, Africa and Europe and as far east as China. Here is some of the pomegranate route and history. 1600 BCE: Ancient Egyptians valued pomegranate juice to fight intestinal worms; the blossom was crushed for red dye and the peel was used for dyeing leather. Representations of the fruit occur frequently on wall paintings in tombs. 957 BCE: Solomon's temple was built in Jerusalem and the pillars were decorated with stone pomegranates. 700 BCE: The fruits were introduced to Rome via Carthage and were known as punicum malum, translating as 'Phoenician apple'. 563-483 BCE: In Buddhism the pomegranate is one of the three blessed fruits and represents the essence of favourable influences

in Buddhist art. 500 BCE: Pomegranates featured prominently in Greek Myths. Persephone, daughter of Zeus and Demeter was tempted by Hades of the Underworld with a pomegranate. Her mother was inconsolable at the loss of her daughter and prevented the Earth from bearing fruit again. A compromise was reached; Persephone would live with Hades for one third of the year and two thirds with her parents. Her return from the underworld each year is marked by the arrival of spring and a proliferation of fruit. 138-125 BCE: Pomegêanates first came to China via the Silk Road. 609-632 CE: Muhammad, the prophet whose visions laid the foundation of Islam, considered the pomegranate to be a precious fruit filled with nutrition, bringing both emotional and physical peace. 1238-1358 CE: The Moors built the Alhambra and changed the

To advertise call 637 028 873

city name to Granada. The city shield symbolises the fruit and there are many depictions of it throughout the city and Palace. 1492 CE: According to local lore, Queen Isabella stood with a pomegranate in her hand and swore to take back Andalucía seed by seed, just like the pomegranate. 1509-1547 CE: Henry VIII planted the first pomegranate trees in England. 1521 CE: After Spanish conquistador, Hernando Cortés, conquered the Aztecs in Mexico, Spanish missionaries planted the first pomegranate trees in the New World. From Mexico it went north to California and Texas. 1735 CE: Carl Linnaeus, the Swedish botanist, gave the pomegranate its botanical name, punica granatum. 1896 CE: A Californian farmer brought cuttings from Florida and came up with a new variety, sweeter and juicier than others. Aptly named Wonderful. 2000 CE: More than one hundred years after its birth, consumers re-discovered the Wonderful pomegranate and, as demand soared, pomegranates became an important commercial crop. A pomegranate can contain up to 1200 seeds; they are part of the symbolism representing life and fertility. Known as one of the super fruits, it has great antioxidant properties, up to 3 times more than red wine or green tea. The shrubs/trees can reach about 4m high and should be planted at 4m spacing. They have spiny branches with deciduous leaves turning autumnal colours and make good homes for wildlife; we often find birds' nests in the branches of our potted trees! The very pretty flowers are bell-like and a shiny orange-red. Pomegranates like a sunny position and mild climates. Whilst they can support winter temperatures down to -12C, they will react badly to cold conditions

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once leafing starts. Contrary to popular opinion, it will perform better in soil than rock! Commercial growers water abundantly in spring and summer to get quality fruits though the trees will survive without water and will grow in desert conditions. Pruning should be carried out in late winter and consists of thinning out branches. We have two of the best varieties of pomegranate available in Viveros Florena – Wonderful, mentioned above, and Mollar de Elche. Mollar de Elche is generally recognised as one of the best in the world and has its own Denomination of Origen. It stands out from others because of its sweetness and soft seeds. The ripe colour of the skin varies between cream and red, depending upon exposure to sun and cold. The area around Elche in Alicante province grows more than 75% of national pomegranate production. There are some 3000 hectares dedicated to this pomegranate, producing some 50,000 tonnes per season (from October through to January/February). Around half of this crop is destined for the national market, of which 10% is juiced. The rest go principally to Germany, France, UK, Holland, Russia, the Gulf States and South East Asia. Desiccated pomegranates were found during the archaeological dig of 1897 when the limestone bust of La Dama de Elche was discovered. Wonderful is the most grown pomegranate in the world and can be recognised by its intense red colouring, both inside and out. The tree is very vigorous and cropping is early, usually during September and October. The fruits last well, up

to 4 months if kept in the fridge. If pomegranate juice is what you're after, it's worth noting that this variety produces around 40% more juice than others. One of the most common questions we get about pomegranates is 'why doesn´t my tree flower and set fruit?' Well, there can be several reasons. Starting at the most basic, your tree may be from a seed and then flowering and fruiting can be very variable; you are best to start with a tree from a cutting of a reliable variety or, better still, plant a grafted variety. If you have a very old, neglected tree, give it a rejuvenating prune. Over two years, cut out all the old branches in stages so that you get total new growth and prune this to shape. Although it's a long process, this will bring a new lease of life to your tree. Flowering occurs on new growth so you need to encourage that by regular pruning. Secondly all that suckering growth around the base diverts energy from the tree and can result in poor flowering and fruiting. Flower drop is another common problem. Pomegranates are self-fertile and carry both male and female flowers. The male flowers drop off once finished; female flowers will drop if they have not been fertilised. So a lack of pollinating insects could be the problem - try planting rosemary and lavender in the vicinity. Although the tree is drought resistant, a few really deep soakings of water around flowering and fruit set time will also help. Get a bit of history in your garden and, whilst eating a luscious pomegranate, sit back and relish its illustrious past. Viveros Florena will re-open on 7th January 2021 – a year which, hopefully, will bring more happiness to us all!

The Grapevine 85

COMPETA CHRISTMAS MARKET The Competa Christmas Market took place on Saturday, 05 December, 2020 on an extremely cold windy day in Plaza Almijara. In spite of the weather and the current travel community restrictions, the Cudeca stall had a fantastic morning, raising a record e721. Once again, thanks to the generousity of our local Competa community and our Canillas de Albaida neighbours, the Tombola table was stacked with just about everything;- toiletries, chocolates, beer, cava, spirits, wine, jewellery, handbags, filter coffee machine, toys etc etc. Our actual tombola table was positioned outside “La Taperia” within the plaza and as the table goodies were being displayed, Pedro from “La Taperia” generously donated six bottles of wine

The major prizes on the Numbers Board were generously donated by our local businesses/suppliers;Gerry Robertson, our Competa

Chimney Sweep, La Esquina de Miguel, Pavo Real, Sergio Fernandez Properties and Tin Tin Salon de Belleza. The winning numbers were 11, 22, 31, 8, 46,77 and congratulations to our lucky winners; Marieke de Weaver, Sol Findley, John Etheridge, Ian Simpson, Steve Brogan and our very own, Kevin!!!

As always the cake stall was very popular, with a large spread of sweet and savoury items. Guess the Sweets in the jar, 112 was won by John Etheridge. The community of Competa and our neighbours from Canillas de Albaida never cease to amaze me with their abundance of donations for the Tombola stall and cake stands which were once again, amazing. Thank you. And a final big “thank you” to my helpers on the days;Cudeca volunteers, Helen Sanderson, Jill Thompson, Josephine Drew together with Ian Thompson and Kevin Deavin. I couldn't do it without your enthusiasm. A fun morning raising e721 to help Cudeca continue with their special kind of caring. Cindy Jones Cudeca volunteer, Competa ARRESTED FOR PUNCHING A GUARD IN THE HEAD AND WOUNDING TWO GUARDS IN VÉLEZ-MÁLAGA A 53-year-old man was detained by the National Police in VélezMálaga for allegedly attacking a

guard and two security guards at a hospital when he was being treated in the emergency room.The patient allegedly punched a guard in the head, which left him stunned , and later injured two hospital security guards who came to the scene to help him. As reported by the Police in a statement the man had been transferred to the health center by his wife after having injured himself in the chest. The guard and the two guards had to receive medical assistance at the center and the patient, a Spanish national, was arrested as the alleged perpetrator of the attack on authority and admitted to hospital units with police custody.

VACCINE IN 2021 Spain’s Ministry of Health and the autonomous communities are proposing that the coronavirus vaccination campaign will begin even before the arrival of the Three Kings. Either 4 or 5 January are the dates being studied for the first immunisations to take place, explained Health minister Salvador Illa, once the European Medicines Agency (EMA) authorise the Pfizer vaccine at its meeting on 29 December and the European Commission confirms the goahead the next day or on 31 December. The ministry wants vaccinations to start on the same day in all regions, although that Madrid might prepare a separate campaign.

carried out in the different streets of Vélez-Málaga, Torre del Mar, Caleta de Vélez, Almayate and Chilches Costa, in order to increase road safety and favour the generation of wealth and employment in the municipality. These actions will employ a total of 54 people in the next six months, including officers and labourers, with a total investment that exceeds 131,000 euros. DRUG TRAFFICKER A man who claimed that he was coming from working as a painter has been arrested in Fuengirola by the National Police when 77.2 kilograms of marijuana were detected in his van, all of it hidden inside a pallet. The 33-year-old detainee, of Spanish nationality, was arrested for drug trafficking and when he was arrested he assured the agents that he had just come from working as a painter and that the van belonged to a friend! The man first aised suspicion due to his driving and so the Police proceeded to stop him. At first, the suspect ignored the Police trying to stop the vehicle, although eventually several patrols managed to stop the van and identify its occupant. After an inspection, the Police found that when opening the rear door of the vehicle there was a strong smell of marijuana and they also detected that he was carrying garbage bags with 77.2 kilograms of marijuana, all of them hidden inside a pallet. VELEZ MALAGA CITY WORKS The City Council of Vélez-Málaga continues to carry out improvements in the different municipal infrastructures. Road painting has begun, which will be

The Mayor of Vélez-Málaga, Antonio Moreno Ferrer, the First Deputy Mayor, Jesús Pérez Atencia, the Councilor for Infrastructure, Juan García, and the

Deputy Mayor of Caleta de Vélez, David Segura, visited the works that have started in the Baviera Golf urbanization, located in Caleta de Vélez, and to which the rest of the works will be added, "so that the investments and municipal improvements are distributed in a balanced way among all the territories of the city", according to the mayor of Infrastructures. Both the mayor of Vélez-Málaga, Antonio Moreno Ferrer, and the first deputy mayor, Jesús Pérez Atencia, highlighted the importance of the different administrations working together to make possible these much-needed improvements, which meet the priority of the municipal government to guarantee the safety and well-being of everybody.

MALAGUETA CULTURAL CENTRE The La Malagueta cultural center will host from November 20 to March 31, 2020 the exhibition 'The Bealtes Vs. Rolling Stones' by photographers Terry O'Neill and Gered Makowitz. The photographer of the stars, is postponed to 2021 due to the technical difficulties derived from the Covid-19 pandemic. Snapshots of personalities from film, fashion, theater or dance such as Johnny Hallyday and Sylvie Vartan, Françoise Hardy and Jacques Dutronc, Alain Delon, or Sheila, passing through the English myths Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Mick Jagger or the giants of haute couture such as Saint Laurent, Lagerfeld, Valentino, Versace Alaïa, or Kenzo, among others, will have to wait to be seen on the walls of the new cultural center of the capital dependent on the Diputación de Málaga. Instead it will be the photographs of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones that will star in the La Malagueta exhibition space. 'The Beatles Vs. The Rolling Stones' which received more than 12,000 visits in 2018 in La Térmica, and traveled through various municipalities of the province, now stops in La Malagueta until March 31, 2021, 11.00 to 17.45 hours from Tuesday to Sunday. Admission will be free.

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

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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

January 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. website is 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 Web site: www.luxmundi.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

94 The Grapevine

opening hours of the Centre from Monday to Friday from 10 to 13. LUX MUNDI, TORRE DEL MAR JANUARY COMING EVENTS - These will be dependent on the current Covid restrictions. Please note Our Shop in the Centre will be open every day Monday to Friday from 10.00 to 13.00. Every Monday - Craft Group starting on Monday 11th January. Time 10.00 – 13.00 in the Centre. 5€ or with Friends of Lux Mundi Card 4€. Proceeds for fundraising. Every Monday –Knitting & Crochet Group. Time 10.30 to 13.00 in the Centre. Every Wednesday – Art Group.Time 10.00 – 13.00 at the Centre. 5€ or with Friends of Lux Mundi Card 4€. Proceeds for fundraising. Fridays – Coffee Morning. Time 11.00 to 13.00. January 1st Friday – The Centre will be closed for New Years Day. January 6th Wednesday – The Centre will be closed for The Day of the 3 Kings. Monday 11th January - Half Orange “Bring and Share” Lunch, for those who are alone. You are welcome to join the group for support and friendship. Time 13.30 in the Centre. 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 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 00 34 711077576 or bsiterblnerja.wordpress.com

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The Grapevine 95

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

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REF: C3725

REF: C1504

EPC Rating D

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REF: MS233

See Map Spot 7

EPC Rating G

198,000€

REF: MS240 EPC Rating C

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