The Jungle Drums November 2011

November 2011 No, 89

For the expats...by the expats

Spain’s most wanted

Klepto-kitty cat burglars

ers, d l i u b e h t l l te Shh, don’t scaped this coast e

Don’t tell ´em your name, Pike When Captain Mainwaring met the Spanish Foreign Legion

Rambo raidbanking hell One woman’s

Thigh high

Barkin g mad - it’ pooch’s fault, i s not the t’s you rs

These boots weren’t made for walking

It’s really not taxing Check out our simple guide

E t E R on

Ev

y er

1M PAGE

Gran Alacant, Santa Pola, La Marina, Torrevieja, La Siesta, San Luis, Quesada, Rojales, Orihuela Costa, Mar Menor

F

October 2011

The Jungle Drums

Inside this month’s magazine Costa characters We meet a cat lover with an action hero past p4

Animal antics Criminal cats and dog psychology p8

Food fix Spanish home cooking and a hidden restaurant p10

Health Flu jabs, feet and the power of blueberries p14

Out & About Discover a rare untouched coastal paradise p16

Gardening El Botànic, Spain’s oldest botanical garden p19

T

his month we have lots of great new features in Jungle Drums. We now have gardening, health and pet sections. Plus, of course, we’re keeping all your usual favourites - fashion, motoring and Inspekta Gadget with his weird and wonderful discoveries.

As November brings us Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday, we wanted to pay tribute to all those who have tragically lost their lives in battle. And, as we were lucky enough to be invited, along with British war veterans living on the Costa Blanca, to a re-enactment of Operation Market Garden, we thought a story on this would be the perfect way to pay our respects and think about what war really means.

Jungle Drums is your magazine, as we say on the cover For the expats....by the expats, so this month we have brought you the story of one of the Costa Blanca’s more colourful figures. Turn to page 4 to find out who it is.

We’ve also found a local dog psychologist who agreed to share his story with us.

If you know any interesting people that you think Jungle Drums readers may want to read about, let us know. And, keep all your other stories and ideas coming, too. It’s your magazine, so let’s hear from you.

The Editor

Lest we forget A very special way to remember the fallen p20

The way we were A national institution all but killed by the lottery p31

Also in this issue Legal jargon made simple - Spanish tax - p6 Feature - Rambo bank raid - p12 Inspekta Gadget - latest crazy gadgets - p18 Fashion - Winter Essentials - p22 In Gear - The new Ford C-MAX - p24 Computers - Kindle - p26 Exam bloopers - Funniest exam answers - p29 Puns for the intelligent - Is your IQ high enough? - p30 Jokes - p32, Crossword - p34, Horoscopes - p35

Have you got a story Why not share it with us, or just tell us what you think Call 966 923 796 or email office@thejungledrums.es Advertise in Jungle Drums For great rates and quality advertising Call 966 923 796 or email office@thejungledrums.es We offer a FREE design service The deadline for submitting adverts is the 21st of every month.

Disclaimer The Jungle Drums, its publishers, members of staff and its agents do not accept responsibility for claims by advertisers nor can it be held responsible for any errors in advertisements which are reproduced from poor artwork, low quality electronic data or inadequate instructions for text or other layout features. Further no responsibility is accepted for any loss or damage caused by an error, inaccuracy or non-appearance of any advertisement, although all advertisements produced are checked prior to insertion. We regret that we cannot accept responsibility for more than ONE incorrect insertion and that no re-publication will be granted in the case of typographical or minor changes which do not affect the value of the advertisement. E&OE NO PART OF THIS MAGAZINE MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE PUBLISHERS. The Jungle Drums Cif B54552880

PAGE

A right roaring read

3

The Jungle Drums

November 2011

He who cares wins As a former SAS man, it’s no surprise that Joseph Billet became something of a hero; the surprise is that this tough guy turned out to be a hero for cats…

W

hile the name Joseph Billet may not mean much, his alter ego, Joe the Catman, is one of the best-known and best-loved ex-pat characters on the coast.

For almost 20 years Joe has lived in Quesada, where his home has doubled as a rescue centre for the hundreds of cats that have passed through his doors. And, even though he is now 84 years old, Joe is showing no signs of letting up.

In fact, his rescue operations are stepping up a notch with the opening of his first charity shop and the building of a new, bigger pen for rescue cats in the garden of his home.

“I cannot turn my back on the cats just because I’m getting older,” Joe says.

Seeing Joe surrounded by the cats he adores, and that clearly adore him, it is easy to tell Joe is a big softy. So, it is a little surprising to learn that before he became Joe the Catman, Joe

The young Joe fixed his sights on the toughest unit in the forces was a member of one of the toughest units in the British Army, the SAS – or Malayan Scouts as it was then called.

Nowadays, looking after the cats, it’s not so much ‘He who dares wins’, as the famous SAS motto would have it, as ‘He who cares wins’, but Joe’s life really has been one of excitement and action. As his partner Rose puts it, “He has lived a Boy’s Own adventure of a life.”

Born in 1927 in Newport, South Wales, Joe began work at the age of 13 as a scrap boy in the steelworks.

“The hours were long and I had to work three different shifts, including nights. That would be child abuse now, but then it was normal,” Joe says.

Joe did not put up with the drudgery for long. At 14, he went to sea with the Merchant Navy, facing some pretty hairy moments as he served throughout the war years.

By the time war was over, Joe had developed a taste for action so joined the Royal Artillery.

He later volunteered for the Airborne Regiment, taking

overseas postings to Gibraltar and Hong Kong.

But, it wasn’t enough action, and the young Joe fixed his sights on the Malayan Scouts – the unit with the reputation of being the toughest in the forces.

The Malayan Scouts had been formed from the disbanded wartime SAS to undertake the dangerous mission of fighting Communist insurgents in the jungles of Malaya. (Later the unit would take the name SAS again). This was what Joe really wanted to be a part of.

Joe fired off application after application for a transfer to the Malayan Scouts, but was turned down repeatedly.

“The army saying was ‘once a gunner, always a gunner’, and that seemed to be true,” says Joe. “No one would take my applications seriously.”

However, as anyone who has seen Joe at 84 marching on animal rights protests while holding a placard above his head for hours on end knows, Joe is one determined man, and a pile of rejections was not going to stand in the way of him getting what he wanted.

Ignoring normal procedures, Joe went straight to the top and wrote directly to the unit Brigadier, Mad Mike Calvert – so-called

These people lived their whole lives without coming out of the jungle for his love of risky missions.

It worked, and Joe quickly found himself fighting Communists in the jungles of Malaya, wearing the famous SAS beret, complete with the ‘He who dares wins’ insignia.

“Malaya was still a British colony at the time. It was rich in tin and rubber, so the Communists wanted control,” says Joe. “Our job was to put down the insurgents and protect the native Sakai tribe, who

PAGE

4

The Jungle Drums - Tel: 966 923 796

November 2011

The Jungle Drums

lived in Malaya’s dense jungle. These people lived their whole lives without coming out of the jungle. We had to bring them out to protect them from terrorists.”

After Joe left the forces, he continued to globe trot. He worked on the construction of the Distant Early Warning Line (DEW Line) in the far northern Arctic region of Canada – a series of radar stations designed to give a four minute alarm of nuclear attack, and undertook civil engineering work in the Sudan, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia and South Africa. And, somewhere in between, he found time to serve in the Canadian army.

When the time finally came for Joe to retire, it was no surprise that he chose yet another new country to call home. He moved to Spain in 1992 and settled in Quesada with his wife Caroline and their three cats. That’s when Joe’s new role would begin.

“I didn’t deliberately set out to become Joe the Catman,” he says, “it just sort of happened.”

Joe and Caroline had barely unpacked when the first of many rescue cats, Tiddles and Friday, wandered in.

“Friday was pregnant,” says Joe, “but the litter had died inside her. If she hadn’t found us so we could get her to the vet, she would have died, too.”

The strays know where to come for a good feed - Joe’s all night café Incredibly, Joe still has Friday today. And, just like her owner, the giant tabby is refusing to slow down and is showing little sign of the advancing years. “She still loves to play,” says Joe. Joe began caring for stray cats living on a nearby building site, and before long people began to call him for help with cat problems.

The moniker Joe the Catman quickly stuck.

Caroline died nine years ago and Joe now lives with his partner, fellow cat-lover and right-hand-lady in the charity, Rose.

The pair share their home with four cats of their own and the

countless rescue cats that pass through. Plus, there are the strays that know where to come at night when they need a good feed. “It’s Joe’s all night café,” Rose jokes.

As well as taking in abandoned animals and searching for new homes, Joe and Rose work hard to raise money to help get street cats sterilised. “There are too many unwanted cats and it is the only way to tackle the problem,” says Joe. The charity also donates money to help other cat shelters in the Alicante province. And, Joe can still be seen out on emergency rescue missions, armed with cat traps and biscuits.

While there are many happy endings when cats find new owners, even after all these years, Joe is shocked by the cruelty.

“We’ve had a number of cats with string or cord tied around their necks or bodies. Sometimes they have been like it for so long it has

Dumping your cat in a box at a gate is hardly loving and caring cut into their flesh and their bodies have grown around it.”

And then there are the people who dump their pets without a second thought, or a moment’s shame.

“Just the other day I had a box left at the gate with two cats inside.

The owner had left a note – from the cats – saying that their owner was going back to England but that they had been loved and cared for and didn’t blame their owner. Well, dumping your cats in a box at a gate is hardly loving and caring. It makes me mad. Why can’t people at least come and ask for help if they have problems.”

But, he adds, “this is better than the people who just turf their cats out into the street or dump them in the campo to take their chances – and there are a lot of those.”

As Joe sits today with Friday on his lap, it is hard to reconcile Joe the Catman with Joe the SAS action figure. But, perhaps it is not so strange. After all, cats are famously independent and maybe it is that spirit of freedom and adventure that they recognise and love in Joe. And, possibly, it is that very same thing he sees and loves in them.

The Joe the Catman charity shop is in Quesada, close to the Arches. It is open Mondays to Fridays, 10.00 to 14.00. All proceeds from the shop go to helping cats. Anyone wishing to adopt a cat or help with the charity should call Rose on 966 719 272 or email rojo.cats@yahoo.co.uk

email: office@thejungledrums.es

PAGE

5

The Jungle Drums

November 2011

Legal Jargon

Sponsored by Professional Business Support Telf: 966 923 963

made simple

Outline of Spanish Taxation

Am I liable to Spanish tax?

Spanish tax?days in Spain you are automatically considered tax IfAm youI liable spendto more than 183 If you spend resident here.more than 183 days in Spain you are automatically considered tax resident here.

Do I have to submit tax returns?

Do I have submit tax returns?

Apart from to employees in very specific circumstances (and with an income below Apart from employees in very“autónomos” specific circumstances (and with anifincome below certain levels) and freelance with very low incomes, you’re resicertain freelance ‘autónomos’ with very low incomes, if you’re resident dent forlevels) tax youand have an obligation to file an annual income tax return (Renta).

If for tax have an obligation toowner file an in annual return (Renta).

If you you areyou a non-resident property Spain,income you aretax obligated to do the nonare a non-resident owner,and youisare obligated to file forofnon-resident tax, resident tax, which property is also annual, due before the 31st December each which is also annual, and is due before the 31st of December each year. year.

How does does income income tax tax work? work?

How All employees employees have have aa retention retention (I.R.P.F.) (I.R.P.F.) made made from from their their monthly monthly pay pay by by their their All employer, and and businesses businesses must must retain retain some some tax tax from from aa self-employed self-employed person’s person’s inemployer, invoice.

These retentions are a down payment the annual and the voice.

These retentions are a down payment ofof the annual taxtax billbill and the resultresulting or underpayment be declared and settled the annual ing over- overor underpayment will bewill declared and settled in the in annual returnreturn filed filed between May June and June between May and eacheach year.year.

How does does IVA IVA work? work?

How As in in the the UK UK and and most most European European countries, countries, aa sales sales tax tax is is added added to to the the price price of of alAs most all goods and services.

The final consumer bears this unless it’s a registered most all goods and services. The final consumer bears this unless it’s a registered business that that can can offset offset the the tax tax against against the the IVA IVA itit has has invoiced invoiced to to its its own own cuscusbusiness tomers.

The basic rate on almost everything is 18% though reduced rates of 8% 8% tomers. The basic rate on almost everything is 18% though reduced rates of and 4% 4% also also apply apply to to certain certain products, products, and and aa few few specific specific services services are are exempt. exempt. and Is it it tax tax advantageous advantageous to to set set up up aa company? company?

Is This will will depend depend on on the the individual’s individual’s tax tax situation. situation. From From 2009 2009 aa company company pays pays This Company Tax Tax (Impuesto (Impuesto Sociedades) Sociedades) at at aa basic basic rate rate of of 25%, 25%, though though the the first first Company €120.000 is is subject subject to to aa reduced reduced rate rate of of 20%.

20%. Taxable Taxable income income is is calculated calculated after €120.000 after deducting relevant business expenses and specific tax breaks fromcomthe deducting relevant business expenses and specific tax breaks from the company’s income. pany’s income.

Other Other taxes taxes I.A.E (Actividad Económica) – an annual, local business tax levied on companies and businesses with a turnover in excess of €1.000.000.

Wealth tax (Patrimonio) – low rates ranging from 0.2% to 2.5% to 2.5% applied applied in bands in bands to to thethe individual’s individual’s total total wealth wealth in exin cess of of excess €700,000. €700,000.

Your Your total total wealth wealth includes includes property, property, bank deposits, professional activities, luxury assets, etc.

Property taxes (Impuesto sobre Bienes & Inmuebles.)

– levied on property owned by non-residents and on second properties second properties belonging belonging to residents. to residents.

There There is also is also a local a tax (Contribución local tax (Contribución Urbana) Urbana) leviedlevied on allon residents all residents main main residence andand residence based based on the on the official official value value (“valor (‘valor catastral”). catastral’).

Capital Gains - included with the income tax return and taxed from 2010 at a flat rate of 19-20%. However, it can be complex to calculate, being dependant on the type of asset, length of time held and the individual’s tax status and circumstances.

Inheritance and gift tax (Impuesto de Sucesiones y Donaciones) - regional tax levied on the beneficiaries of assets in excess of around €16,000 and even non-resident beneficiaries are liable when the assets or rights are located ininSpain. located Spain.

Tax Tax rates rates vary vary widely widely from from region regiontotoregion and exceptions region and exceptions apply for apply a spouse, for a spouse, child orchild parent. or parent.

Transfer tax and stamp duty (Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales) - applies to certain real estate and commercial transactions, such as the incorporation of a limited company. The rate starts at 0.5% (for commercial activities) rising activities), risingto to6% 6%(for (forreal realestate estatetransactions) transactions),and andisis paid by the buyer or the beneficiary of the transaction.

PAGE

6

The Jungle Drums - Tel: 966 923 796

November 2011

The Jungle Drums

email: oďŹƒce@thejungledrums.es

PAGE

7 7

The Jungle Drums

November 2011

Owning Happy, Well-Balanced Dogs…

A flashback A flashback to histoschool his school days days showed showed dog lover dog lover Tom Tom Whitmore Whitmore a way a to way get tomore fromget his more canine from relationships. his canine The relationships. self-taught The dog self-taught psychologist dogand psychologist trainer told us and trainer more… told us more…

Over Over the the years, years, II have have owned owned aa number number of of dogs dogs and, and, looking looking back, back, II recall that most of of them gave meme hassle in in one form or or another; either recall that most them gave hassle one form another.

Either they they wouldn’t wouldn’t come come when when II called, called, jumped jumped all all over over me, me, my my family family and and my my guests, guests, barked barked all all the the time, time, chewed chewed up up my my stuff, stuff, or or ran ran off off whenever whenever they could they could grab grab the the chance chance –– returning returning only only after after they they had had rolled rolled in in cow’s cow’s muck muck or or rotting rotting fish! fish! One One of of my my dogs dogs actually actually did did all all of of the the above above … … on on the the same same day. day. Phew!

Phew!

Anyway, as anyone who has Anyway, as anyone who ever ever owned a pet dog willhas know, owned a pet dog can will know… such behaviours really strain such behaviours strain the idea that dogscan arereally our best the ideaFortunately that dogs are friends! forour me,best I friends! me, howcame toFortunately realise one for simple fact: ever, I came to realise oneissimple the way my dogs behave down fact: wayonly my dogs to methe – and me. behave is down me – and came only me.

Thistorealisation in a blinding flash one day whilst I This realisation came in a was reminiscing about my blindjunior ing flash one day whilst I was schooldays. reminiscing about myhow junior Do you remember your schooldays. you amok remember class tendedDo to run with how class and tended run someyour teachers yet to behaved amok with some teachersAnd and yet impeccably with others? behaved impeccably with others? it wasn’t the ones who were And it wasn’t the the ones whothat were quickest to grab cane quickest to grab the behaviour cane that got got that impeccable that behaviour from fromimpeccable their students.

It was the their students.

It was thewho teachers whorespect had, and who showed, respect – teachers who had, and showed, – the ones who exuded the ones who exuded calm; a disciplined, no-nonsense leadercalm; a disciplined, no-nonsense air of leadership.

And air do of you know ship.

And do you know what?

They were the ones from whom what? They were the ones from whom we learned most easily.we learned most having easily. had the epiphany that everything was my fault, I Of course, had to then learn what to do about it… I had to learn how to become Of thealways epiphany everything was my I had thecourse, teacherhaving whosehad class paidthat attention and never gotfault, out of to then learn whatdid to Ido I had to learn how to become the control.

So, how goabout aboutit… that? teacher whose classexception always paid and never got outworth of control.

With the possible of aattention huge lottery win, nothing So, howcomes did I go abouteffort. that? In my case I informally studied books and having without web articles, paying particular attention to the works of Cesar Millan, With the possible exception of a huge lottery win, nothing worth having known internationally as The Dog Whisperer (El Encantador de Perro), comes without effort. In my case I informally studied books and web arwhom I was fortunate enough to meet after attending a seminar he ticles, paying particular attention to the works of Cesar Millan, known inpresented in Dublin last year. ternationally as The Dog Whisperer (El Encantador de Perro), whom I I have lived in Spain for more than ten years and had not owned a was fortunate enough to meet after attending a seminar he presented in dog since my German Shepherd, Zak, died in March 2000. With the Dublin last year. new knowledge that I was fast acquiring (study isn’t a chore when you are interested in the subject), I began helping people to understand the I have lived in Spain for more than ten years and had not owned a dog causes of problems they were having with their dogs, donating to The since my German Shepherd, Zak, died in March 2000. With the new Sociedad Protectora de Animales de Torrevieja (SAT) the small knowledge that I was fast acquiring (study isn’t a chore when you are charges that they paid for my help. interested in the subject), I began helping people to understand the

causes wererate having dogs, donating to The I haveofaproblems very highthey success but with nonetheir more so than with the two Sociedad Protectora dethat Animales de Torrevieja the smallmore charges dogs, Danni and Jack, I ‘rescued’ and took (SAT) into my home that paid for my help. thanthey two years ago.

I met Danni, a German Shepherd Cross, whilst working as a Ivolunteer have a very success rateShe butand none more withofthe two doghigh walker for SAT. the rest so of than her litter five dogs, Danni and Jack,inthat I ‘rescued’ took into my home over two had been abandoned a sack by the and roadside at birth.

The sack years ago. by a SAT volunteer and all five dogs were saved. was found Fourteen months later, Danni was still living at the SAT kennels Iinmet Danni,As aa German Shepherd Cross,very whilst working volunteer Dolores. result, she had learned little about as theaworld dog walker for pound.

SAT. She and the of her of five had been abanoutside of her She had a rest number of litter behavioural issues doned in aover-excitement sack by the roadside at birth. Thearound sack was found by a SAT including and nervousness everyday things volunteer and all dogsand were saved.

Fourteen later, Danni such as water, dryfive leaves wind noise.

She is months now a wonderfully was still and living at the SAT kennels Dolores.

As a result, sheRosette had relaxed balanced animal whoinlast year won Third Place learned very little about world her Show. pound.This Sheyear, had ashe numin the Obedience Class the of the SAToutside annualofDog ber of behavioural will be aiming for aissues First! including over-excitement and nervousness around everyday such as water, dry aleaves and She Jack is a cross things between a Shih Tsu and Terrier.

Hewind was noise. displaying is now a wonderfully balanced lasthis year won abnormal aggressionrelaxed and hadand bitten both aanimal young who girl and then Third Rosette in come the Obedience Classthe of work the SAT annual owner.Place His owner had to hear about I was doingDog with Show.

This ‘problem’ dogs and contacted me for help. year, sheable will to berecomaiming I was for a First! mend solutions but, sadly, the owners themJack is were a cross selves notbetween a Shih Tsu and a Terrier. equipped to implement He was displaying them.

They decidedabthat normal aggression since they could notand had both adog young passbitten a problem girl his thenelse, owner. ontoand someone His come theyowner wouldhad have to to hear about the work have Jack put down.I was doing with ‘problem’ I was appalled when dogs and contacted they told me this andme for help. insisted that Jack could be rehabilitated. They agreed to let me take him. It took time and patience, but Jack is now the wonderful, friendly I was able to recommend solutions but, sadly, the owners themselves chap he was born to be. were not equipped to implement them. They decided that since they could not pass a problem dog onto someone else, they would have to Tom is very keen to help more dogs by helping their owners to have Jack put down. understand them better. For a modest fee to cover his time and expenses, he will visit your dog and provide hands-on advice and I was appalled when they told me this and insisted that Jack could be guidance tailored specifically to your pet’s needs. Email rehabilitated. They agreed to let me take him. It took time and patience, office@thejungledrums.es and we will pass your message on. but Jack is now the wonderful, friendly chap he was born to be.

SAT always needs volunteer walkers at its kennels in Dolores. If you are I am very keen to help more dogs by helping their owners to understand interested in helping, or would like to make a donation to this worthwhile them better and am considering putting together a modular training cause, or wish to foster or adopt one of their rescue animals, please course for dog owners. It will be a sort of layman’s approach to rehabilicontact SAT via their website, www.satanimalrescue.com, or telephone tating your dog. I would be very interested to know if people would find 966 710 047, or email info@satanimalrescue.com such a course useful. Please contact me by XXXXX to let me know

PAGE

8

The Jungle Drums - Tel: 966 923 796

November 2011

The Jungle Drums

Cat Burglars When a cat in Malaga was arrested this summer for breaking and entering, there was an outcry on Facebook. Charges against Oscar were eventually dropped, eventually dropped, but itbut gotitus got wondering us wondering if there if really really there were cat were burglars cat burglars out there. out there.

This isThis what is we found what we found … …

Malaga moggy Oscar is half blind and has a pin in his leg, but this didn’t stop him being accused of breaking and entering.

Armed Armed with with a dossier a dossier of of evidence, evidence, police police turned turned upup at at thethe suspect’s suspect’s Benhavis home Benhavis home to question to question the accused the accused kitty.kitty. They had more than 30 pictures of the damage Oscar was said to have caused.

Crucially, none showed the purrpetrator in action.

“They had argued morethe than 30 pictures ofnotthe damage Oscar’s owner 10-year-old feline could possibly have Oscar was said to have caused.” committed the break-in. Witness descriptions also pointed to Oscar’s innocence – a grey Persian had been spotted near the scene of the crime.

Oscar is showed black and Crucially, none thewhite. purrpetrator in action.

It was owner a clearargued case ofthe mistaken identity, butcould policenot said they had no Oscar’s 10-year-old feline possibly have choice but to ahead with the charges.

The also casepointed was ordered to court. committed thego break-in.

Witness descriptions to Oscar’s inWith Oscar facing a fine,had or even causing criminal damage, nocence – a grey Persian beenprison, spottedfor near the scene of the crime. a Free isthe Benhavis One campaign began. Charges were finally dropped, Oscar black and white. and Oscar could once again hold his furry high.

It was a clear case of mistaken identity, buthead police saidThe theyPersian’s had no guilt remains unproven. choice but to go ahead with the charges. The case was ordered to court.

ButOscar while facing Oscar awas innocent investigations have uncovered a a With fine, or evenour prison, for causing criminal damage, string of guilty cat burglars.

Free the Benhavis One campaign began. Charges were finally dropped, The mostcould notorious Californian Dusty. guilt and Oscar once klepto-kitty again hold is hisprobably furry head high. Thecat, Persian’s Duringunproven. a three-year crime spree, Dusty pilfered some 600 items from remains neighbours’ gardens.

His haul our included towels, underwear, shoes aand But while Oscar was innocent investigations have uncovered string children’s toys.

His biggest heist saw him returning with 11 items in one of guilty cat burglars. night.

The most notorious klepto-kitty is probably Californian cat, Dusty.

Dusty’s crimes were carefully and orchestrated – if hefrom found During a three-year crime spree,planned Dusty pilfered some 600 items

There were fears of copy-cat crimes and gangs of marauding moggies one shoe, hegardens. would goHis back forincluded its pair, towels, and bikini bottoms were neighbour’s haul underwear, shoesalways and stolen withtoys. theirHis tops. children’s biggest heist saw him returning with 11 items in one While Dusty’s victims were forgiving, there were fears of copy-cat night. crimes. The spectre of gangs of marauding moggies haunted the neighbourhood.

Fears proved unfounded; Dusty remained a lone operator.

“Dusty’s crimes were carefully planned and orReported cases of kitty crime in the UK include underwear and sock chestrated if he found one shoe, he wouldHenry go thieves Oscar from–Southampton and Henry from Loughborough.

stashed a haul 51 socks, stolen from neighbours’ back for itsof pair, and bikini bottoms were washing lines, in his bed. always stolen tops.”cat Frankie from Swindon, is awith much their more specialist burglar. He targets small stuffed leopards.

While forgiving, there were has fears of WithDusty’s a keen victims eye for were spotting the toys, Frankie copy-cat crimes.

The spectre of gangs of marauding taken 15 from nearby homes. If he cannot find toy mog-

It is the only known case of criminal kitty masterminds working as a team gies haunted the steal neighbourhood.

Fears proved unfounded; leopards, he will other soft toys instead.

Dusty remained a lone operator.

While some cats seem to have a natural criminal Reported cases kitty crime the UK underwear tendency, othersof are driven toin crime for include nobler reasons. and sock from thieves Oscarwas from Southampton and his Henry from Cwtch London a model citizen until owners Loughborough.

Henry stashed a haul of 51 socks, stolen had a baby. Unable to come by presents for the nipper by from neighbours’ washing lines, in his bed. honest means, Cwtch turned to burglary, breaking into Frankie fromstealing Swindon, is a more houses and toys formuch the rug rat.specialist cat burglar.

Hewe targets toy leopards. a keen eye But, foundsmall the most proficient With cat burglars rightfor here spotting toys, taken 15 from nearby homes. in Spain,the living in aFrankie villagehas on the Costa Blanca.

If he cannot find leopards, he will steal other soft Other cat burglars have operated alone, but in toys. the only While some cats seem to have a natural criminal tendency, known case of its kind, these criminal kitty masterminds others driven to crime for nobler reasons. work asare a team.

Cwtch from London was a*Charlie, model citizen his owners The three feline felons, Felix until and Molly, steal had houses a baby. and Unable to come by presents for the nipper into together select items to purrloin.

Largerby honest Cwtch turned to burglary, breaking into objects means, are whiskered away jointly. houses and stealing toys for the rug rat.

The criminal kitties’ owner, *Kellie, told us, “They come But, we found the most proficient cathad burglars here in home with all sorts of things.

We’ve beachright towels, Spain, living in a village the Costacables, Blanca.remote unopened packets of TVon connection Other catjewellery, burglars have operated alone, but in the only controls, toys and clothes.

On one occasion known case of its kind, they brought back a fivethese euro criminal note. masterminds work as a team.

“While many people think it is funny, it is becoming a The three feline felons, *Charlie, Felix and Molly, steal into

The pussy gang is under house arrest, but it’s feared they’ll return to crime problem. Neighbours cannot leave their windows open houses and together select items to are purrloin.

Larger objects without things going missing.

Some understanding, are others whiskered but haveaway had jointly. enough.”

The criminal *Kellie, told us, “They The pussy kitties’ gang isowner, now under house arrest, butcome Kellie home with all sorts of things.

We’ve had beach unfears that once they have served their time theytowels, will return opened packets to a life of crime.of TV connection cables, remote controls, toys and are clothes.

Oncertainly one occasion they brought back out a five There almost many more cat burglars euro note. there, but as we will only hear about the ones that are “While people is funny, it iscommitting becoming athe probcaught,many we will neverthink knowit about those lem.

Neighbours cannot leave their windows open without purrfect crime. things going missing. Some are understanding, but others have had enough.” *Names changed to protect the guilty.

9 9

email: office@thejungledrums.es

PAGE

Puss ´n´ Loot: A fur-tive cat burglar caught in the act

Nature or nurture: Are cat burglars born or is it upbringing that is to blame?

The Jungle Drums

Food Fix

November 2011

With the colder nights drawing in, now’s the time to bunker down and get stuck in to some good old-fashioned home cooking. This month we’ve managed to get a couple of traditional country recipes from Murcia for you to try. But if you want the home cooked taste without the effort, we’ve also discovered a fabulous restaurant that serves up some of the best homemade British food on the coast. Check out our review of the Manhattan on the opposite page.

Conchi Belmonte

Conchi was born was in Elche,inbut born Elche, her family but hercome family from the come from counthe tryside near countryside Murcia. near Murcia.

Conchi Conchi is is a fantastic a fantastic cook and she cook andinhershe ited her love inherited her of food,ofasfood, love well as well someasgreat somerecipes, great recipes, from herfrom mother her and grandmother. mother and grandmother.

Her Her grandmother’s grandmother’s dishes dishes areare fullfull of of wholewholesome raw ingredients that were readily found in the campo where she lived.

These These dishes dishes areare inexpensive, inexpensive, healthy healthy and and delicious. NoNo delicious. doubt doubt Conchi Conchi willwill one one dayday pass pass them on to her recently born grandson, Reuben, but for the moment she has kindly agreed to share pass on a couple a couple with to us.

Sopa de ajo – Garlic soup Serves 4 - 5

Cut tomatoes in half and grate with

Ingredients

cheese grater, discarding skin. Heat oil and brown the garlic. Add grated tomatoes. Fry for a few minutes. Add the pimentón dulce, 1 litre of water, saffron (or colouring), salt and potatoes. Bring to boil and simmer until potatoes are soft. Carefully break the eggs onto the top of the soup to poach. Sprinkle with finely chopped parsley.

When the eggs are cooked, serve with crunchy bread.

2 ripe tomatoes 5 tablespoons olive oil 1 whole garlic bulb, sliced 1 dessert spoon of pimentón dulce (similar to paprika) Saffron or colouring (colorante) 1kg potatoes 5 eggs Fresh parsley Salt to taste

Guiso con alcachofa – Vegetable stew with artichoke Serves 5 - 6

Fry the onions in 4 tablespoons of oil until soft. Add red pepper andand pepper cookcook untiluntil soft.soft.

Grate Grate tomatoes tomatoes withwith a cheese a cheese grater, discarding grater, discarding the skin. the Add skin. tomaIngredients toes tomatoes Add and fry forand 2-3fry minutes. for 2-3 3 onions, chopped Add the potatoes, minutes.

Add the potatoes, salt to taste salt 1 red pepper, chopped (hint to taste – Conchi (hint – uses Conchi a very usesbig a 2-3 ripe tomatoes pinch very big of pinch salt) and of salt) 1.5 litres and 1.5 of 2-3 potatoes, chopped water.ofBring water. to Bring the boil. to the Reduce boil.

Small pack frozen broad beans litres to simmer Reduce to and simmer cookand untilcook soft.

8 artichoke hearts, fresh or tinned Add broad until soft. Add beans broad andbeans artichoke Noodles, tallarines or fideos hearts. and artichoke Simmerhearts. until cooked Simmer (add a fist full per person) then cooked until add fideos. thenSimmer add fideos. for 8 Saffron or powdered colouring minutes.for Simmer Add 8 minutes. extra saltAdd and (colorante) pepper extra salt to and taste. pepper to taste.

Olive oil Salt Allow to rest for 10 minutes.

PAGE

10

The Jungle Drums - Tel: 966 923 796

November 2011

The Jungle Drums

n a t t a Manh

THE

RESTAURANT

The The Manhattan Manhattan restaurant restaurant is is often often described described as as ‘the best kept secret in Cabo Roig’, ‘the best kept secret in Cabo Roig’, but but with with its its reputation reputation for for quality quality homemade homemade food food at at unbelievable prices growing fast it is not going unbelievable prices growing fast it is not going to secret for for long long. to stay stay secret T Tucked ucked away away in in the the Rotonda Rotonda Aparthotel Aparthotel complex, complex, Calle Calle del del Agua, Agua, the the

Manhattan Manhattan is is not not easy easy to to find. find. But But ifif you you do do make make itit down down the the pedestrian pedestrian walkway and through the Rotonda’s reception you are in for walkway and through the Rotonda’s reception you are in for a a big big surprise. And, And, once once you you know know where where itit is is you you are are guaranteed guaranteed to to go go back back surprise. again again and and again, again, all all Manhattan’s Manhattan’s customers customers do. do.

Many things make thethe Manhattan stand outout in in this busy commercial Many things make Manhattan stand this busy commercial area area where where practically practically every every building building houses houses a a restaurant restaurant or or a a bar. bar.

First, there is the tranquillity.

Although only a stone’s throw from thethe First, there is the tranquillity. Although only a stone’s throw from busy busy main main road, road, once once in in the the Manhattan Manhattan you you are are completely completely unaware unaware of of the the noise. noise. Inside, Inside, the the restaurant restaurant is is smart smart and and comfortable, comfortable, and and alfresco alfresco diners diners can can enjoy enjoy a a shady shady terrace terrace overlooking the the swimming swimming pool. pool. overlooking Then there is the friendly service.

The Then there is the friendly service.

The Manhattanisisaafamily familyrun runrestaurant restaurantand andthe the Manhattan personal personal touch touch shows shows as as owners owners Paul Paul and and Dawn Mansell Mansell make make all all their their customers customers feel feel Dawn welcome, welcome. but what really makes the Manhattan is the food.

But, whatspecial really makes the Manhattan Dawn specialisisthe thehead food.chef and has created an extensive of pub favourites.

You’ll find Dawn ismenu the head chef and has created an everything from fish andfavourites. chips andYou’ll lamb find extensive menu of pub chops to Madras-style chicken curry. everything from fish and chips and lamb This may sound like thechicken type ofcurry. food you chops to Madras-style could in sound dozenslike of establishments and down coast, but Thisget may the type of foodup you could getthe in dozens of you’d have to go a long find the dishes cooked quite have like Dawn’s. establishments upway andto down coast, but you’d to go a long way The starting for all Dawn’s recipes is quality, fresh ingredients. to find dishespoint cooked quite like Dawn’s.

While the Manhattan offers main at only Dawn The starting point for all Dawn’scourses recipesstarting is quality, fresh€4.50, ingredients. refuses to Manhattan cut cornersoffers on quality keep the pricesatlow.

While the main to courses starting only €4.50, Dawn “It is possible produce the best ingredients, refuses to cut to corners on excellent quality to food, keep with the prices low. without putting up prices,” says Paul.

“It is possible to the produce excellent food, with the best ingredients, And, Dawn hasup certainly proved this.

Her steak pie, packed with thick without putting the prices,” says Paul. chunks of steak and toppedproved with melt-in-the-mouth pastry, is sowith good it And, Dawn has certainly this. Her steak pie, packed thick actually reduced onetopped customer tears. “It remindedpastry, him ofispies he it chunks of steak and withtomelt-in-the-mouth so good used to love and one eat with a close West Midlands.

Hishe friend actually reduced customer to friend tears. in “Itthe reminded him of pies had died and taste brought tears to his eyes,” says Paul. usedsince to love and eatthe with a close friend in the West Midlands.

His friend It is really surprise Paul and Dawn doing such a great had since no died and thethat taste brought tears are to his eyes,” says Paul.job with Manhattan as they wealth of are experience withafood It isthe really no surprise thathave Paulaand Dawn doing such greatand job hospitality.

They took over the Manhattan 18 months ago but have been with the Manhattan as they have a wealth of experience with food and in Spain forThey eighttook years andthe runManhattan two bars on Lemon hospitality. over 18 the months agoTree but market. have been The couple’s sons, Jack and Joe, help run the restaurant andmarket. bars. in Spain for eight years and run two bars on the Lemon Tree Before they came to Spain the pair a run pub the restaurant in Telford for The couple’s sons, Jack and Joe,ran help restaurant and bars. four years and a Deli in Bromsgrove.

Before they came to Spain the pair ran a pub restaurant in Telford for Manyyears of Dawn’s dishes were developed and perfected for four and a most Deli inpopular Bromsgrove. customers in the UK. Some of her dishes go back even further as Dawn Many of Dawn’s most popular dishes were developed and perfected hascustomers been a passionate since shedishes was a go child. for in the UK.cook Some of her back even further as Paul tells story of how Dawn used to make cakes in a friend’s Dawn hasthe been a passionate cook since she was a child. kitchen when she was 12 and the cakes were so good was off Paul tells the story of how Dawn used to make cakesthe in afriend friend’s selling them Dawn’s back.

Luckily,were Paulso keeps on was kitchen whenbehind she was 12 and the cakes goodan theeye friend business off sellingthese them days. behind Dawn’s back. Luckily, Paul keeps an eye on The Manhattan’s three course homemade menu del dia is incredible business these days. value at just €7.95, servedhomemade from noon until 9pm, but is if you’re not The Manhattan’s and threeiscourse menu del dia incredible so hungry, can choose just a main.

It is perfectly possible for a not value at justyou €7.95, and is served from noon until 9pm.

But if you’re

couple to eat drinks It really is astonishing so hungry, youand canhave choose justfor a less main.than It is€13. perfectly possible for a how they do this and keepfor theless quality high. couple to can eat and have drinks thanso €13.

It really is astonishing Menuthey favourites Fullthe of quality Fish Pie, how can do include this andthe keep sowhich high. lives up to its name and is stuffed full ofinclude salmon, smoked prawns, theto its Menu favourites the Full of haddock Fish Pie, and which lives up fantastically and smoked the best haddock quality T-bone and sirloin name and is authentic stuffed fulllasagne of salmon, and prawns, the steaks. lasagne and the best quality T-bone and sirloin steaks. authentic For dessert, oldold classics such asas bread and butter pudding, apple pie, For dessert, classics such bread and butter pudding, apple trifletrifle and and crumble put in aninappearance.

But these aren’t just any old pie, crumble put an appearance.

But these aren’t just any puddings; these are are Dawn’s quality old puddings; these Dawn’s quality homemade puddings. homemade puddings.

Then there is is Sunday lunch.

One of of thethe best Then there Sunday lunch.

One roast dinners you are likely to get on the best roast dinners you are likely to get on the coast, with with one one course course €5.95, €5.95, two two €6.95 €6.95 and and coast, three €7.95.

How do they do it? three €7.95. How do they do it?

Right now, Paul and Dawn areare working onon Right now, Paul and Dawn working their winter winter menu, menu, and and are are introducing introducing 20 20 their new dishes. dishes. We We tried tried to to get get some some inside inside new information before before going going to to press, press, but but itit was was information all a bit hush-hush, so you will have to go all a bit hush-hush, so you will have to go along to to find find out out what what tasty tasty winter winter warmers warmers along are being served up.

The only hint we got got is are being served up. The only hint we fromthere Paul will is that be dishes that be there disheswill people lovedpeople eating loved they eating when they were children. when were children.

Whatever they are, Whatever theywill are,bewe know theyfrom will be we know they homemade the homemade from the and freshest and really, really value, tasty. Oh, freshest ingredients really,ingredients really tasty.

Oh, and great too. and great value, too.

Throughout November Manhattan will be serving Christmas fare and Throughout Manhattan will Christmas be serving Day Christmas they are nowNovember taking bookings for their menu; fare a fulland they are now taking Christmas dinner forbookings €39.95. for their Christmas Day menu; a full Christmas forwith €39.95.

The onlydinner problem the Manhattan is that once you go, you The only problem with thegive Manhattan is that once youOne go, you may find may find you will want to up cooking completely. customer you will wantthat to give up cooking One customer complained complained his wife wanted completely. to sell the cooker as she couldn’t see that reason his wifetowanted sell anymore. the cooker as she couldn’t see any reason to any eat at to home eat at home anymore.

email: office@thejungledrums.es

PAGE

11

The Jungle Drums

November 2011

y a d n o e u c s e r to o b m Ra I drew a bank-ety blank

By Donna Gee

WHILST life sometimes seems to go into slow motion in Spanish banks, the job usually gets done – whether it’s paying in money, sorting out bills or trying to prove you’ve been ripped off over service charges. service charges.

OnlyOnly in the in latter the latter situation situation you you never never win. win.

In In thethe UK, UK, service service is is invariably invariably a lot a lot quicker. quicker.

SoSo how how onon earth earth diddid I I spend half an hour in a Halifax branch early this year trying to pay two small cheques into my account? And then leave with the money still in my handbag?

Never Never mind mind thethe snow snow and and ice, ice, thethe whole whole episode episode was was a frozen a frozen waste, which ended with me walking out in protest after all my efforts toto efforts achieve achieve some some credit credit proved proved futile. futile.

SoSo how how diddid I manage I manage to to spend spend 3030 minutes minutes standing standing onon thethe spot spot and achieving and achieving precisely precisely nothing? nothing?

Well, Well, let’s let’s take take it chronologically. it chronologically.

Since Since this this particular particular Halifax Halifax branch has a designated branch has a designated automatic automatic paying-in paying-in machine, machine, I could avoid I couldthe inevitable avoid thelong inevitable queue long at thequeue cash at desk. the Or cash sodesk.

I thought.

Or so(I Idon’t thought. do (I queues don’t door queues traffic or jams, traffic as jams, anyone aswho anyone know who thisknow particular this particular Mrs Stresshead Mrs Stresshead will vouch). will vouch).

The The problem problem was was that that thethe paying-in paying-in machine machine decided decided it had it had a fault a and could fault and could neither neither process process my cheques my cheques nor return nor return them.them.

However, it did manage However, it did to gobble manage both to gobble drafts up both before draftsinforming up before me informing of the problem. me of the problem. ‘’Your “Your cheques cheques have have not not been been credited credited and and wewe cannot cannot return return them,’’

them,” read the read subsequent the subsequent message message on the screen, on the screen, or words or to words that efto fect. effect. that ‘’Consult “Consult a staffamember.’’ staff member.’’

WhichWhich I did. I did.

Cue Cue bank-raid bank-raid security security drill. drill.

A staff A staff member member built built likelike Rambo Rambo said said he he would would need need to open to open up up thethe machine machine – but – but for for security security reasons, reasons, a a colleague had to lock the entire office full of customers inside the building while he did it.

This This obligatory obligatory anti-robbery anti-robbery procedure procedure took took several several minutes minutes asas Rambo made a one-man foray into the machinations of the state-ofthe-art paying-in device, unlocking various boxes and eventually By pulling out a metal tray which contained a couple of cheques.

AsAs if that if that wasn’t wasn’t delay delay enough, enough, thethe whole whole procedure procedure then then had had to to be be repeated repeated as his as his firstfirst attempt attempt produced produced onlyonly oneone of my of my twotwo cheques cheques – plus a rogue – plusdraft a rogue I haddraft never I had seen never before. seen before.

Bank Bank Raid Raid Precaution, Precautionexercise exercisetwo twoduly dulyachieved achieveddeliverance deliveranceofof my second cheque to Rambo-man. But only after several more minminutes utes of customer of customer lock-in. lock-in.

ByBy now now I had I had been been in in thethe branch branch forfor 2020 minutes minutes just just to to pay pay in in two two cheques worth a total of £71. And they were no nearer reaching my account than they had been when I arrived.

The The only only way way to to getget thethe money money credited credited now now was wasviavia thethe pay-in pay-in counter. Cue the problem for which the cheque machine had prepresumably sumably been been installed installed – a–frustratingly a frustratingly long long queue queue at at the the counter. counter.

Have Have you you ever ever seen seen allall thethe tillstills in in your your bank bank or or building building society society manned (or more often than not womanned) at the same time? I certainly haven’t. And isn’t it remarkable that at the times cashiers are most needed, at least one suddenly takes a coffee/ lunch/tea/cigarette break?

Equation Equation – four – four tillstills and and 2020 people people waiting. waiting.

Chance Chance of of allall four four tillstills being manned – nil. Chances of one of the two cashiers who are actually working taking a break while the long queue remains – evens.

OnOn this this occasion, occasion, I found I found myself myself adrift adrift of of sixsix queuing queuing customers, customers, plus two who were already at the desk. The obligatory two out of four tills were unwomanned.

After After five five more more minutes, minutes, thethe same same two two customers customers were were stillstill prevariprevaricating cating with thewith twothe unflappable two unflappable cashiers. cashiers.

That’s one That’s thing oneI’llthing give I’ll those givegirls those – I’ve girlsnever – I’veseen never one seen getone angry getorangry ‘hurry-up’ or ‘hurry-up’ a customer. a customer.

Maybe that’s Maybe why that’s there why are always there are queues, alwayswho queues, knows? who knows?

I was I was becoming becoming more more and and more more frustrated, frustrated, thethe two two cheques cheques stillstill in in mymy hand…and hand…and those those sixsix customers customers plus plus two two prevaricators prevaricators stillstill ahead of me.

Enough Enough is is enough, enough, I thought.

I thought.

I bundled I bundled mymy cheques cheques back back in in mymy purse, turned on my heel, muttered a suppressed supressed ‘’I’ll “I’llcome comeback back later’’ to the still-hovering Rambo-man, and went home.

Half Half anan hour hour completely completely wasted wasted – for – for precisely precisely nothing. nothing.

Well, Well, I did I did get get this this article article out out of it,ofI it, suppose.

I suppose.

AndAnd another another chance chance to demonto demonstrate strate why 21st-century why 21st-century Britain Britain is not for is not me.for me.

Having Having said said that, that, I could I could alsotell also tell youyou some some horror horror stories stories about about Spanish banks. Come to think of it, I will. Watch this space…

PAGE

12

The Jungle Drums - Tel: 966 923 796

The Jungle Drums

November 2011

email: oďŹƒce@thejungledrums.es

PAGE

13

The Jungle Drums

November 2011

It may have been the warmest October in Spain since 1994, but that doesn’t mean you’re safe from the dreaded winter flu virus.

So, we asked local GP, Dr Najma Hussain, a few questions about the flu jab…

Is the flu jab safe?

No medical procedure is completely without risk, but flu vaccines are very safe and rarely do people experience complications. You may get a sore arm, or feel hot for a couple of days, but it is unlikely you will experience any great discomfort and serious reactions are extremely rare.

Can I get flu from the jab?

No, it is not possible to contract flu from the flu jab as it does not contain any active virus.

Who should have the jab?

Anyone can get flu and while it is very unpleasant, most healthy people are able to successfully fight the disease. However, in older people or people with immune systems weakened by other medical conditions the virus can be extremely serious or even fatal. I would agree with UK health guidelines that everyone over 65 should have the flu jab, as well as people with certain chronic conditions.

However old you are, ask your GP about a flu jab if you have a serious heart complaint, any chest complaint or breathing difficulties, serious kidney disease, diabetes, lowered immunity through disease or treatments such as steroids or cancer medication, if you have a problem with your spleen or have had your

Dr Hussain works for Medcare, a British-run GP practice on the Costa Blanca, and is registered with the UK General Medical Council as well as the Spanish authorities. In addition to full GP care, Medcare offers a wide range of healthcare services in English including dental, cosmetic treatments, osteopathy, podiatry and specialist diabetes care.

Details of all Medcare's services are available at www.medcarespain.com or call 96 686 0258.

spleen removed, or if you have ever had a stroke.

Younger, healthy people often choose to have the jab in order to avoid an unpleasant illness and to stay healthy for work and life commitments.

Is there anyone who should avoid the flu jab?

Yes, if you have ever had a serious reaction to a flu jab, you should avoid further flu vaccinations. If you have a high temperature the vaccination may have to be postponed until you have recovered. And, not all flu vaccines are suitable for children. Your GP will be able to give you further advice.

When is the best time to get the jab?

The best time to get a flu vaccine is in the autumn, from September to early November.

So if you have not already had a jab this year, you should act quickly.

Can I still get the flu if I’ve had the jab?

No vaccine is 100% effective, but you are unlikely to develop flu if you have had the jab.

If you do get flu after having the injection it will almost certainly be a much milder form.

Of course, the flu jab only protects against the influenza virus and not against other viruses, such as the common cold.

Tell us a bit more about this year’s flu jab.

This year’s winter flu jab protects against the same three strains of flu as last year’s vaccine. These include the H1N1 strain of the flu virus that caused the 2009 swine flu pandemic. H1N1 is included as it is likely to be one of the main flu viruses circulating this winter.

Can’t I just take antibiotics if I get flu?

No, antibiotics will not work against flu. Flu is a virus and antibiotics only work against bacteria.

Where in Spain can I get the flu jab?

If you are registered with the Spanish health system and have a SIP card, you can ask your Spanish GP for a flu jab. If you are not registered under the Spanish system, or just prefer the convenience, you can visit a GP that will see patients privately. Medcare’s surgeries in Benijofar and Alfaz del Pi offer flu jabs to everyone.

Home Remedies

Blueberries: Fighting urinary infections Blueberries are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium, iron and calcium. They are a powerful antioxidant and are good for the cardiovascular system.

They also have strong antibacterial properties and the juice of the berry is a traditional remedy for urinary infections. To fight cystitis, a glass of blueberry juice should be drunk daily.

PAGE

14

The Jungle Drums - Tel: 966 923 796

November 2011

The Jungle Drums

Heeling your feet A guide to perfect tootsies

Stuck way down on the end of our legs, ignored and neglected, few of us give our feet the care they deserve.

In winter, we stuff them inside shoes and boots and forget about them, in summer we expose them to the elements, letting the skin harden and crack with barely a second thought.

Women are even worse than men, tottering on high heels or squeezing toes into narrow or pointed shoes, all in the name of fashion.

No wonder so many of us have problems with our feet as we get older.

Now we are heading back into winter, it is likely your feet will be out of sight for a few months, but don’t let that be an excuse to put them out of mind, too.

This is the perfect time to start caring for your feet. Then, when the warmer weather returns and you want to give your feet an airing they will be healthy and beautiful, too.

Try this simple care routine 1. Soak your feet in a bowl of warm water at least twice a week. Add a couple of tablespoons of sea salt to soften the skin.

2. After 20 minutes, use a pumice stone to remove dead skin and calluses. Soak again and repeat with the pumice if necessary.

Use a cuticle stick to push back cuticles after soaking and trim or file toenails while they are still soft from the water.

What type of feet do you have?

Greek The second toe is longer than the big toe.

About 17% of people have this type of foot.

People with this foot type are said to be happier.

Egyptian Toes go down in size from big toe to pinkie toe. This is the most common foot type, around 55%.

3. If you don’t have time to soak, you can remove rough skin with a foot file once a week. Make sure the skin is completely dry as wet skin is prone to tearing when using a file. If you are a diabetic or have poor circulation or badly cracked skin, you should see a professional podiatrist.

Square The big toe and next three toes are more or less the same length. About 33% of people have this foot type. This is the most difficult foot shape to fit comfortably into shoes.

4. After soaking or filing, apply a good moisturiser and rub in well. Give your feet a good massage while doing this, it not only feels good but helps keep your feet supple.

5. Get into the habit of exercising your feet, too. The feet are made up of bony metatarsal structures and need plenty of exercise to keep them in tip-top condition.

Try bunching your toes downwards, as if you were making a fist with your feet, and hold for ten seconds before stretching your feet and spreading your toes wide.

Health News Are fish pedicures safe?

The new craze of fish pedicures hit the news this month with claims that it can spread HIV and hepatitis C. It is said infections can be passed on by the fish or through uncleaned water. HIV and hepatitis C can spread if a client has bled in the water.

Officials from Britain’s Health Protection Agency have said: “The risks are low, but cannot be completely excluded.”

Some parts of the US and Canada have banned the fish pedicures.

email: office@thejungledrums.es

PAGE

15

The Jungle Drums

November 2011

Calblanque The Costa that time forgot An unspoilt beach on Spain’s coastline is a rare find, but Sally Bengtsson discovered just such a gem only a stone’s throw from the high-rise hotels and apartments of tourist hotspot La Manga

I

f you are looking for a hidden paradise, with virgin beaches, breath-taking mountains and very few people, then take a trip along to Calblanque, which lies just south of La Manga and the Mar Menor.

This stunning stretch of coast was declared a natural park in 1987 and a nature reserve in 1992; which should protect it from the encroachment of ever-spreading development.

As one of the last remaining untouched areas of the Mediterranean coastline, this is truly a special place. Even though a recent fire burnt some of the pine trees in the natural park, the area remains outstandingly beautiful.

Calblanque is a haven of sandy beaches, dunes, tiny coves, majestic cliffs and hills covered in blankets of green forests. On the outskirts of the park lie the remains of old silver, copper and tin mines.

If one word were to sum up Calblanque’s beaches, it would have to be ‘tranquillity’. The only sounds you hear as you stroll along the sandy shores are the waves gently breaking at your feet.

It’s quiet here even in the summer months. The main visitors are Spanish locals, few tourists seem to make it away from the busier resorts to reach these secluded shores.

The beaches of Calblanque are wide and several kilometres long. The sea continuously laps the shoreline, washing and replenishing the sands. The water is sparklingly clean.

Amongst the dunes you will find Marram Grass and other coastal vegetation.

Precious, but fragile, fossil dunes are protected from the damaging footfall of visitors by raised wooden walkways.

The park stretches for some 13 kilometres. Fossil-filled mountains overlook the beaches, soaring to around 1,000 feet. As you climb, you can see across acres of green pine trees, all the way to the sea. The view from up high is truly stunning and makes the climb well worth the effort.

16

The Jungle Drums - Tel: 966 923 796

November 2011

The Jungle Drums

A popular walking route, about 15 kilometres, stretches from Calblanque National Park to Cala Reona. The walk is considered medium in difficulty and takes approximately two hours to complete. There is a fair amount of loose stone, so walking boots are advisable.

On the east side of the parking lot at Calblanque, you will find a barely visible path that will lead you up into and around the hills, from where you can enjoy fabulous views of the sands of Calblanque.

Then, you will reach a steep decline with views of the town of Cala Reona. You may choose to continue into town for a meal, the paellas in Cabo de Palos are well worth a taste, or to return to the peace of the national park.

Costa Calida means ‘warm coast’, and the area has one of the most pleasant climates anywhere.

The coastal sun shines almost every day – an average of 320 days a year.

Rainfall is rare and averages between two and two-and-a-half inches on the coastal plain throughout the year. The inland mountains receive just a little more precipitation.

Calblanque offers many different walking trails and cycling paths, so there is something to suit everyone.

But, be warned, there is nowhere to buy refreshments in Calblanque, so make sure you take everything you might need with you.

The park is famous for its wildlife including eagles, woodpeckers, rare eagle-owls (known as Bonelli's eagle) and endangered sea turtles. Take a pair of binoculars with you for the bird spotting.

The park is also home to many small mammals, such as foxes and rabbits.

Calblanque gives you an opportunity to view the coast of Spain as it once was, before the tourist invasion and development. However, visitors are encouraged to respect this fragile and delicate eco-system and to make sure nothing they do damages the environment. Never leave behind anything other than footprints.

Naturists are rather fond of Calblanque’s beaches, so don’t be surprised to see a few naked bodies.

Getting there Calblanque is just off the MU312, shortly before it joins the dual carriageway leading to La Manga.

Heading in the direction of La Manga, drive past Los Belones and take the next exit, which is signposted to Calblanque. You will find car parking areas, an information booth, a camping area and list of recommended routes.

email: office@thejungledrums.es

PAGE

17

The Jungle Drums

November 2011 Here are the latest gadgets that tickled his fancy this month!

USB Cup Warmer

Hot Boots

In the depths of winter, heat has a strange habit of escaping out of your feet more than anywhere else. Countless times we’ve been caught putting extra pairs of socks on our tootsies in an effort to save money on the heating bill, but now there’s a great solution - Hot Boots. All you have to do when the winter chill threatens to claim your feet is pop the Hot Boots in the microwave for 2 minutes, put them on and enjoy some seriously luxurious heat.

Infused with a lavender scent to maximise the relaxation and snuggliness you can derive from these booties, they’ll leave you comforted, warm and in a great mood, and for just €29.00 yoquierounodeesos.com

Why is it that a really good cuppa always seems to cool at 10 times the normal rate when you’re working at your computer? It’s really very annoying. At last there’s a solution with this easy-to-use USB Cup Warmer.

Simply plug the little gadget into your USB port, pop your cuppa onto the hot plate, and it’ll extend your drinking time by up to 30 minutes. €15.00 yoquierounodeesos.com

Micro Luggage Scooter Dragging your luggage behind you is about the most boring thing you could possibly do. It’s barely better than watching paint dry.

Instead of wheeling around your luggage like usual, you could ride on this Samsonite luggage that happens to have a built-in scooter.

It doesn’t get much more awesome than that.

Instead of feeling weighed down and stressed, you can feel years younger as you swerve around all those slow people dragging around the normal luggage.

And, if you no longer want to use the scooter, or aren’t allowed to use it in your current location, the scooter portion can be folded up.

Then you just roll the case around like a normal suitcase. The suitcase itself is so small that it’s entirely possible you may even be able to use it as your carry-on bag. €299.99 yoquierounodeesos.com

Sound asleep pillow Lying in bed and drifting off to sleep listening to your favourite music is heaven. It’s not so much fun for your partner of course. The Sound Asleep Pillow is an ingenious and comfortable pillow with a speaker buried deep inside. Inaudible to anyone except the dozer, (and even the princess who was so fussy about peas under her mattress wouldn’t be able to feel the speaker in her pillow) The Sound Asleep Pillows have a head-phone jack at one end that will plug into your iPod/MP3 player/radio, and play your music gently through the pillow. Now your partner can sleep in peace, and you can listen to whatever you like! Nodding off has never been quite so wonderfully self-indulgent. Only €34.50 yoquierunodeesos.com

PAGE

18

The Jungle Drums - Tel: 966 923 796

November 2011

The Jungle Drums

El Botànic Founded in 1567, the botanic garden of the University of Valencia is one of the oldest botanic gardens in Europe, and the oldest in Spain.

It started out as a cultivated plot for the growing of medicinal plants, and over the centuries has developed into a spectacular live plant museum and major tourist attraction.

Wandering through its extensive grounds, visitors can marvel at the diversity of the plant kingdom and learn how plants adapt, their relationship with animals, their usefulness to mankind and how they can be grown.

Autumn is a wonderful time to visit the gardens as every corner appears filled with shades of red and yellow. The strange leaves of the tree of a thousand crowns (Ginkgo biloba) and Brachychiton discolour cover the ground, while the vivid colours of the Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus tricuspdata) decorate walls.

Competing to perfume the air are the fresh scent of sage and the lovely sweet fragrance of orange jasmine. Autumn sunsets in the garden are truly special.

There are more than 4500 different plant species grown at El Botànic. The attractions are too countless to mention, so here are just a few highlights.

The rockery of native plants A rockery of limestone, with water pool and gently flowing streams, is the tranquil setting for a variety of native western Mediterranean plants, some of which are rare and highly endangered species.

Here you will find plants from Alicante, Castellon, Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca, Sardinia, Sicily, Corsica and northern Africa.

Shade house The brick and iron structure of the shade house provides the perfect habitat for shade-loving plants. These are characterised by their large leaves and dark green colour, which allow them to capture the energy from diffused light. Species here include subtropical palm trees and

arboreal ferns from Central America. An indoor pond provides habitat for floating plants and the southern façade is covered in climbing roses.

Palms Started in the mid-19th century, El Botànic’s palm collection is now the most comprehensive in Europe. Some 120 species are grown, including tropical and subtropical varieties as well as European natives. The most unusual palm in the collection is a date palm that has 35 arms.

Botanic School The oldest and most diverse of El Botànic’s collections is housed here. The school was created 200 years ago to offer practical demonstration classes in botany.

Woodland The most important trees found in the woodlands of the world fill the 5,000 square metres of wooded area. You will find Holm oaks, stone pines, Illinois walnut trees and American oak or papery mulberry tree. The ground is carpeted in ferns, spineless butcher’s brooms and spider plants.

Useful plants In a square bed, inspired by the convent cloisters where they were originally grown, are the medicinal plants. Here is Valerian, grown for its calming effects; plants with disinfectant properties, such as rosemary, thyme or sage; and ones used for stomach complaints, including mint and camomile.

There is so much more to be discovered at El Botànic, so go with plenty of time to wander and enjoy.

El Botànic is located at Calle de Quart, 80. It is well served by public transport and is on numerous bus routes and close to two underground stations.

It is open every day except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Opening hours vary depending on the time of year, but from now until February it is open from 10am to 6pm. Entry is two euros.

For more information, visit www.jardibotanic.org or phone 963 156 800

email: office@thejungledrums.es

PAGE

19

The Jungle Drums

November 2011

We will fight them on

Lest we forget...With Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday, November is a time to honour all those who have lost their lives in battle. British veterans and a Spanish historical group recently got together to remember the fallen of one of WWII’s boldest failures...

IT WAS a crisp, clear autumn day on September 17, 1944, when paratroopers landed behind enemy lines, ready to carry out a daring mission that, if successful, would bring an early end to the Second World War. In Murcia it was an unseasonably hot October day, 2011, as soldiers battled in the streets.

Both battles were for control of

strategically placed bridges. In 1944 it was Arnhem. In 2011, it was Puente Nuevo (New Bridge).

In Arnhem, the troops faced real bullets and thousands tragically lost their lives as the mission went terrifyingly wrong.

In Murcia, the guns fired blanks.

While it did not, of course, recreate the true horror of war, the re-enactment

in Murcia of Operation Market Garden’s battle for the ‘bridge too far’ did evoke the spirit of Arnhem. And for the ‘actors’ involved and the crowds of onlookers it was a special way to remember those who had given their lives.

Authentic uniforms and military vehicles transported the thousands of spectators back in time as smoke filled the air and the sounds of gunfire were heard across the city.

The day was made all the more special by the presence of British veterans living on the Costa Blanca, who were the invited guests of honour.

Organised by Madrid-based historical society Codex Belix, more

PAGE

20

The Jungle Drums - Tel: 626 397 397

November 2011

The Jungle Drums Actors lie dead, but for most of us the true horror of war can only be imagined

the costas

than 400 ‘actors’ from 30 associations across Spain took part in the weekend-long event. British, German, Russian and French army encampments sprang up in the nearby park, Jardínes del Malecón.

Real Spanish soldiers were also present, as were Guardia Civil, Local Police and Civil Protection units.

Other eras of war history were represented, too, which led to a few extremely strange sights; Napoléon apparently discussing strategy with a German officer, slave girls from the 1700s chatting to American soldiers – did they wear nylons in the 1700s?

But, the strangest sight of all was the presence of Captain Mainwaring. Nearly every Brit present couldn’t help remarking on organiser Tomás Cortés’s uncanny resemblance to the Dad’s Army captain. It was probably just the uniform, in some lights he looked more like René from ’Allo ’Allo!.

Either way, Tomás was no bumptious idiot and displayed an encyclopaedic knowledge of the Second World War. Seeing Captain Mainwaring saluting officers from the Spanish Foreign Legion was still slightly surreal, though.

It was obvious that all the Spanish ‘actors’ felt a passion for the era and a great respect for all those who had actually fought in WWII. For them, the presence of the British veterans, men who had lived events that they now act, was a highlight of the day.

The real battle It was a daring move, and if it had succeeded Operation Market Garden might have shortened the fighting by months.

Instead, Market Garden is remembered as a tragedy. Allied capabilities were stretched to breaking point and too many young lives were lost.

Dreamt up by Field Marshall Montgomery, the plan was both simple and breathtakingly audacious.

His forces would bypass Hitler’s defensive Siegfried Line and assault Germany by the back door, through the Netherlands.

They only had to capture a narrow corridor of land, but it included three bridges – Eindhoven, Nijmegen and Arnhem.

The first two were held, but the bridge at Arnhem proved to be a bridge too far.

Allied forces were defeated by a combination of poor intelligence, operational errors and the presence of two crack German panzer units.

Only one company made it to the bridge at Arnhem, the 2nd Parachute Battalion’s A Company, commanded by Lt Colonel John Frost. With only 500 men, and against overwhelming odds, Frost held the northern end of the bridge for three-and-a-half days. But with reinforcements unable to get through it was an impossible task.

By September 20, German Tiger tanks were able to fire on their positions at will, destroying the buildings they occupied.

“Wherever you looked you could see daylight,” one of the men recalled. “Splattered everywhere was blood; it lay in pools in the rooms, it covered the smocks of the defenders and ran in small rivulets down the stairs… The only clean things were the weapons.”

By dawn on the 21st only about 150 men were left. At 9am Frost surrendered.

By September 27, ten days after the initial drop, only 2163 out of the original force of nearly 10,000 had made it to safety, with 1200 dead and 6642 captured, wounded or missing.

The German Army set up camp in the park

Captain Mainwaring and the Spanish Foreign Legion

The true heros: British veterans were guests of honour

email: office@thejungledrums.es

PAGE

21

The Jungle Drums

November 2011

WINTER ESSENTIALS 2. Something Furry

1. Something Leather

14.95€ (H&M) 39.95€ (H & M)

69.95€ (Zara)

29.95€ (Stradivarius)

29.99€ (Bershka)

39.99€ (Blanco)

3. Something Printed

35.99€ (Blanco)

49.99€ (Bershka) 39.99€ (Bershka)

4. Something 70s

29.99€ (Bershka)

28.70€ (Asos.com)

78.27€ (Asos.com)

5. Something High

59.99€ (Bershka)

29.99€ (Blanco)

39.95€ (Stradivarius)

PAGE

22

The Jungle Drums - Tel: 966 923 796

3.95€ (Stradivarius)

November 2011

The Jungle Drums

email: oďŹƒce@thejungledrums.es

PAGE

23

The Jungle Drums

November 2011

THE NEW

Ford C-MAX The 2012 Ford C-MAX has new flexible seating and interior space, sporty performance and best-in-class fuel economy.

The Ford C-MAX provides more proof of how Ford continue to deliver high-quality, fuel-efficient products people really want.

PAGE

24

The Jungle Drums - Tel: 966 923 796

November 2011

The Jungle Drums

This compact family vehicle introduces a host of unique features including an industry exclusive hands free power operated rear liftgate, versatile 5+2 seating configuration with five seats in the main cabin and two smaller seats in the third row, twin sliding doors and active park assist, an advanced new system that automatically steers the vehicle into parallel parking spaces.

The Ford C-MAX base engine is a proven 2.5-liter iVCT I-4, optimized for small crossover application with plenty of low-end torque. Both engines are mated to Ford's 6F35 automatic six-speed transmission with a gear ratio span allowing for responsive acceleration from rest yet fuel efficiency for aroundtown driving and steady cruising at speed.

The C-MAX benefits from the introduction of an array of advanced technologies generally only found in larger, more premium vehicles.

Among these new technologies are a host of features that will add convenience and luxury for customers and their families. Key offerings include: • Hands-free rear liftgate, an industry first: Ideal when carrying several packages, as the Ford C-MAX hands-free liftgate is activated by passing a leg motion under the rear bumper when the driver's key fob is in his or her pocket • Active park assist: Helps select an appropriate parking space, calculates the trajectory and steers to properly position the vehicle. All the driver need do is operate the accelerator and brake pedals • Speed limiter: Prevents a driver from exceeding a preset speed • Panoramic roof: Allows for an expansive roof opening • HD Radio™: Enables clearer radio reception with crisper sound reproduction • Rear view camera: Enhanced visibility for safer reversing • Intelligent Access with push-button start: The key fob unlocks Ford C-MAX as the driver approaches, and enables key-free engine starts at the push of an instrument panelmounted button • Heated sideview mirrors with integrated puddle lamps: Enhance cold weather visibility

email: office@thejungledrums.es

PAGE

25

The Jungle Drums

November 2011 BlueMoon Solutions is the computer and IT services company on the Costa Blanca. We aim to provide high-quality computer services at realistic prices - we specialise in providing services to small businesses and home users

For all your home and business computer needs

Welcome to this month’s computer article written by Richard from BlueMoon Solutions This month we look at Amazon’s book reader, the Kindle. Part 1 It seems to be this year’s most popular gift judging by the number of people that have asked for help with setting it up, connecting it to WIFI, changing the default country etc, so this month I thought we would spend some time looking at this great little device.

The Kindle, for those you that don’t know what I’m talking about, is a sleek graphite-looking tablet device designed to enable you to carry around your library of books, allowing you to read pretty much whatever you like on the move. It’s the easiest way to carry around 100s of books if you like to read whilst you travel.

There are two ‘flavours’ of Kindle, the

WIFI version or the more expensive 3G version. The WIFI version, as its name suggests, requires an Internet connection with WIFI at the location that you want to download your books. Many people have WIFI Internet at home so this version will suit most of us.

For those that want instant access to books anywhere, the 3G option is a little more expensive but will allow you to download your books anywhere there is a 3G signal – this is what mobile phones use to connect to the Internet so it’s pretty much anywhere.

Contact Us

Some people wonder whether it’s necessary to be connected to the Internet permanently while you are reading a book using your Kindle. Well there’s good news

on that count, once you have downloaded a book or magazine, you don’t need to be connected to the Internet any longer. The download is stored permanently on your Kindle.

The Kindle uses an anti-glare 6” screen to display text from whichever book you have chosen to read. The words are displayed on the screen using ‘electronic ink’ giving a contrast that makes it very easy on the eye to read - certainly nothing like reading from a computer screen. Due to the technology used the screen refresh rate is very slow, meaning the battery life is phenomenal - easily lasting days of book reading.

Something that many of my customers have trouble with is that their new Kindle is

•Internet Setup •New PC & Laptop Sales mobile: 655 044 970 •Office Training / Macros Office: 902 906 200 office@bluemoonsolutions.es •Backup Solutions www.bluemoonsolutions.es •Web and Email Hosting •Server Configuration •Anti - Virus / Security

automatically registered to amazon.com and therefore when they try to purchase books they are automatically offered titles from the American store in dollars.

Although its perfectly fine to purchase books and magazines in this way, you are likely to incur currency conversion charges with the credit card used and given that most of us have a UK credit card linked to our Amazon account it is usually much easier to buy our products in sterling.

It’s a reasonably simple process to change the country that your Kindle is registered to - all you need to do is to go to your Amazon account page and update your Kindle profile to show your country as the UK – you will need to register a UK address in order to do this, however again most of us have an address back in good old blighty that we can use for this type of purpose. It can take up to 10 minutes for this change to update on Amazon’s system so don’t be worried if the store on your Kindle doesn’t update straight away after that when you browse for books on your Kindle you will be offered books from the UK store in sterling rather than dollars.

Look out for part 2 in next month’s Jungle Drums.

I hope you have found this article useful, remember you can see all our articles on our website at www.bluemoonsolutions.es/articles

•Digital Photos •Repairs & Upgrades •Internet & Email Training •Phone Calls on your PC •Website Design •Internet / Wireless Setup •Low Cost printer inks

PAGE

26

The Jungle Drums - Tel: 966 923 796

November 2011

The Jungle Drums

email: oďŹƒce@thejungledrums.es

PAGE

27

The Jungle Drums

PAGE

28

November 2011

The Jungle Drums - Tel: 966 923 796

November 2011

The Jungle Drums

Exam Questions The following questions were set for 16 year olds in last year’s General Educational Development (GED) examination in America.

These are genuine answers...

F

Q. Name the four seasons.

A. Salt, pepper, mustard and vinegar.

Q. Explain one of the processes by which water can be made safe to drink.

A. Flirtation makes water safe to drink because

it removes large pollutants like grit, sand, dead sheep and canoeists.

Q. How is dew formed?

A. The sun shines down on the leaves and makes

them perspire.

Q. What guarantees may a mortgage company insist on?

A. If you are buying a house they will insist that

F

Q. What causes the tides in the oceans?

A. The tides are a fight between the earth and

the moon. All water tends to flow towards the moon because there is no water on the moon, and nature abhors a vacuum. I forget where the sun joins the fight.

Q. What is a turbine?

A. Something an Arab or Shreik wears on his head.

Q. What is the fibula?

A. A small lie.

Q. What does 'varicose' mean?

A. Nearby

you are well endowed.

Q. What are steroids?

A. Things for keeping carpets still on the stairs.

F

Q. What happens to your body as you age?

A. When you get old, so do your bowels and you

get intercontinental Q. What happens to a boy when he reaches puberty?

A. He says goodbye to his boyhood and looks

forward to his adultery.

Q. Name a major disease associated with cigarettes?

A. Premature death.

Q. What is artificial insemination?

A. When the farmer does it to the bull instead

of the cow.

Q. How can you delay milk turning sour?

A. Keep it in the cow. (Simple, but brilliant)

email: oďŹƒce@thejungledrums.es

PAGE

29

The Jungle Drums

November 2011

PUNS FOR THOSE WITH A King Ozymandias of Assyria was running low on cash after years of war with the Hittites. His last great possession was the Star of the Euphrates, the most valuable diamond in the ancient world. Desperate, he went to Croesus, the pawnbroker, to ask for a loan.

Croesus said, "I'll give you 100,000 dinars for it".

"But I paid a million dinars for it," the King protested.

"Don't you know who I am?I am the king!"

Croesus replied, "When you wish to pawn a Star, makes no difference who you are."

HIGHER

IQ

A man rushed into a busy doctor's office and shouted, "Doctor! I think I'm shrinking!" The doctor calmly responded, "Now, settle down. You'll just have to be a little patient."

Evidence has been found that William Tell and his family were avid bowlers. Unfortunately, all the Swiss league records were destroyed in a fire, ...and so we'll never know for whom the Tells bowled.

There were three Indian squaws. One slept on a deer A famous Viking explorer returned home from a voyage skin, one slept on an elk skin, and the third slept on a hippopotamus skin. All three became pregnant. The first and found his name missing from the town register. two each had a baby boy. The one who slept on the His wife insisted on complaining to the local civic official who apologised profusely saying, "I must have hippopotamus skin had twin boys. This just goes to prove that...the squaw of the hippopotamus is equal to the sons taken Leif off my census." of the squaws of the other two hides.

A marine biologist developed a race of genetically engineered dolphins that could live forever if they Back in the 1800s the Tate's Watch Company of were fed a steady diet of seagulls. One day, his supply Massachusetts wanted to produce other products, and of the birds ran out so he had to go out and trap some since they already made the cases for watches, they used more. On the way back, he spied two lions asleep on them to produce compasses. The new compasses were so the road. Afraid to wake them, he gingerly stepped bad that people often ended up in Canada or Mexico rather over them. Immediately, he was arrested and charged than California . This, of course, is the origin of the with...transporting gulls across sedated lions for expression..."He who has a Tate's is lost!" immortal porpoises.

PAGE

30

The Jungle Drums - Tel: 966 923 796

November 2011

The Jungle Drums

When Football Pools were King With the new football season firmly under way, KEVIN JESSON, The People’s pools forecaster for nearly 20 years, recalls long-forgotten Saturday afternoons when the whole family crowded round the ‘wireless’, fingers tightly crossed, in the hope of landing those magical eight draws …

MARTIN LUTHER KING had a dream. So did millions of British folk Saturday after Saturday – a dream of winning the football pools.

It started midweek as you dug out the coupon left by the Littlewoods or Vernons collector the previous week.

It was usually the man of the house who filled in the Xs on the coupon and if he couldn't be in to pay the collector, he’d leave both entry and money ‘on the side’ with instructions to the family to make sure the pools man got paid. On pain of death.

Come midweek, the Big Decision had to be made. Should you stick with the usual any eight from ten or perhaps try a new perm? Would the selections be based on team form, birthdays or door numbers – or ages of family members? Perhaps the wife and kids would shout out random numbers, even?

You could, of course, use the same entry every week. The trouble was if you got locked into that one you could never change it because if you did, those numbers were bound to ‘come up’.

Being in a work syndicate posed similar problems. Even though you never won, you couldn’t drop out because you knew that would be the winning week.

You read in the newspapers about disillusioned punters who packed in their syndicate membership after years and years, then saw the other members scoop the jackpot along with the bloke recruited to make up the numbers.

They’d all have been off to live in Spain.

You’d have been off to throw up in the bogs.

But that wasn’t going to happen to you. This was about a dream, not a nightmare.

There were other stories, too. People who thought they had won but were then told their coupons had not arrived in time, either because they posted them too late or, worse still, the collector had not been sending in his collected coupons. He was convinced no one would ever win – so pocketed the stake money.

Some trusting souls put their faith in the pools forecasters in their favourite newspapers.

I have to admit I never actually forecast eight straight draws and must have cost People

readers a small fortune over the years. But I did come close a few times!

Before the television revolution, Dad would sit at the kitchen table as the seconds ticked away to five o’clock on a Saturday, a copy of his pools entry in front of him, wireless tuned into the football results. Silence was demanded.

I remember the announcer reading the team names in full - Heart Of Midlothian, Crewe Alexandra etc, rather than the more popular ‘Hearts’ and ‘Crewe’. The BBC always did things correctly, right down to the cut-glass accent of the bloke who read out the scores.

For the majority, the dream was still at least another week away. Dad then had to tell the brood that next week could be the big one.

Fans who went to the match could choose another way of shattering their aspirations - by buying the results edition of their evening paper on their way home after the game.

They all seemed to be called The Pink and even the results of the late kick-offs would be stamped on the Stop Press margin.

In those days, all matches were played on a Saturday. Sundays were for getting over the disappointment of not hitting the pools jackpot.

Some people did win, of course – and the magical figure everyone was aiming for was £75,000. It wouldn’t buy you a beach hut in Bournemouth nowadays, but then…

Most of the people who won seemed to be very boring, saying the money wouldn’t change their lives; they’d keep their jobs and things would stay the same. But when Keith Nicholson won his jackpot, wife Viv famously said she would “Spend, spend, spend!” And she did.

What a breath of fresh air! At last here was someone who was going to enjoy the dream.

The pools didn’t end at a few minutes past five. The “one that got away” was a talking point in the pubs and clubs on Saturday nights.

We’ve all had friends who just missed out.

We’ve seen them slumped over a pint, staring into emptiness at what might have been.

I once read that the Duke of Edinburgh did the pools. And I remember imagining how he would pick his selections.

He could use his four kids’ birthdays, his own - and his wife, of course, has two.

Buckingham Palace’s number was tricky. I don’t think it has one - but if it did it would have to be No.1, wouldn’t it?

That makes eight. And the Coronation date and his wedding anniversary would give him the minimum ten he needed to complete his entry.

Now, with the introduction of the Lottery, the popularity of the pools has dwindled and another way of fulfilling that dream has been created. For me, it doesn't have the magic of those long ago Saturdays, so I still have a go on the pools, remembering every time I fill in a coupon those good old days when most of us had nowt except that weekly dream of winning a fortune.

Every weekend that magical £75,000 jackpot seemed so near as we huddled round the wireless at 5pm to listen to Eamonn Andrews introducing Sports Report.

For the lucky few like the Nicholsons, that unforgettable moment actually materialised.

But for the vast majority of us, it was ‘try again next week’ …and the abiding memory of the programme’s happy, energetic theme tune, Out Of The Blue.

All together now, : Da, da, di, da.

Da, da, di, da Da, diddly, da di da...

email: office@thejungledrums.es

PAGE

31

The Jungle Drums

November 2011

Monthly Caption Competition Sponsored by

Can you think of a witty caption to go with this picture?

For a chance to win a 10€ voucher to spend on Christmas items in News Express, send your ideas to office@thejungledrums.es or call 966 923 796 Shirt Pocket A businessman enters a tavern, sits down at the bar, and orders a double martini on the rocks. After he finishes the drink, he peeks inside his shirt pocket, then orders the bartender to prepare another double martini. After he finishes that it, he again peeks inside his shirt pocket and orders the bartender to bring another double martini. The bartender says, “Look, buddy, I’ll bring ya’ martinis all night long - but you gotta tell me why you look inside your shirt pocket before you order a refill.”

The customer replies, “I’m peeking at a photo of my wife. When she starts to look good, I know it's time to go home.”

Bad News?

The patient says, “Give me the bad news first!”

Doctor replies, "You've got AIDS.” “Oh, no! What could be worse than that?" asks the patient.

“You've also got Alzheimer’s Disease.”

Looking relieved the patient says, “Oh...Well, that’s not so bad. At least I don’t have AIDS."

In a well The class assignment in composition was to write about something unusual that happened during the past week. Little Irving got up to read his. “Papa fell in the well last week,” he began. “Good heavens,” shrieked the teacher.

“Is he all right now?”

“He must be,” said little Irving.

“He stopped yelling for help yesterday.”

PAGE

32

The Jungle Drums - Tel: 966 923 796

The Jungle Drums

November 2011

BEER TROUBLESHOOTING SYMPTOM

CAUSE

Feet cold and wet

Glass being held at incorrect angle

Feet warm and wet

Improper bladder control

Beer unusually pale and tasteless Opposite wall covered with fluorescent lights Mouth contains cigarette butts Beer tasteless, front of your shirt is wet

Floor blurred

ACTION Rotate glass so that open end points toward ceiling Stand next to nearest dog, complain about house training

Glass empty

Get someone to buy you another beer

You have fallen over backward

Have yourself leashed to bar

You have fallen forward

See above

Mouth not open, or glass applied to wrong part of face You are looking through bottom of empty glass

Retire to restroom, practice in mirror Get someone to buy you another beer

Floor moving

You are being carried out

Find out if you are being taken to another bar

Room seems unusually dark

Bar has closed

Confirm home address with bartender

Beer is crystal-clear

Beer consumption has exceeded personal limitations

Cover mouth

A woman walks into a bar with her five pound Chihuahua and sits down next to this guy, whom she notices is looking a little bit queasy. A few minutes go by and the guy looks at her and blows his chunks. He looks down and sees the little dog struggling in a pool of vomit and says, “Whoa, I don’t remember eating that!”

Murphy’s Lesser Known Laws Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

He who laughs last, thinks slowest.

Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.

Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool.

The 50-50-90 rule: Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there's a 90% probability you’ll get it wrong.

If you lined up all the cars in the world end to end, someone would be stupid enough to try to pass them, five or six at a time, on a hill, in the fog

solution on page 38

Those who live by the sword get shot by those who don’t.

The things that come to those who wait will be the things left by those who got there first.

Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will sit in a boat all day drinking beer.

Flashlight: A case for holding dead batteries.

The shin bone is a device for finding furniture in a dark room.

A fine is a tax for doing wrong. A tax is a fine for doing well.

email: office@thejungledrums.es

PAGE

33

The Jungle Drums

November 2011

Thinking caps on for this one! Answers in next month’s edition.

Across 7.What is the name of the king of the fairies in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream? (6) 8.What name is given to the upper surface of the mouth that separates the oral and nasal cavities? (6) 10.Which plant of the buttercup family typically has brightly coloured flowers and deeply divided leaves? (7) 11.What is the rearmost part of a ship known as? (5) 12.What is the coloured portion of the eye called? (4) 13.What name is given to a conduit for carrying off drainage water and waste matter? (5) 17.What word means ‘to be persistently and disturbingly present, especially in someone’s mind’? (5) 18.What is the first name of the actress who

starred as Rose DeWitt Bukater in the 1997 film Titanic? (4) 22.Which US male vocal group’s hits include Back Stabbers and Love Train? (5) 23.Which 80s pop star’s real name is Stuart Goddard? (4,3) 24.Which form of punch is made of sweetened milk or cream mixed with eggs and usually alcoholic liquor? (3,3) 25.What name is given to forms of words used as magical charms or incantations? (6) Down 1.What was Admiral Nelson first name? (7) 2.Which is the first book of the Old Testament? (7) 3.What is another name for an automaton? (5) 4.According to Irish legend, which female spirit’s wailing warns of a death in a house? (7) 5.In Greek mythology where was the abode of the spirits of the dead? (5) 6.The powdered leaves of which tropical shrub are used as a dye to colour the hair and decorate the body? (5) 9.What name is given to a plant lasting for three seasons or more? (9) 14.What is the name of the bass woodwind instrument of the oboe family, with a doubled-back tube over four feet long, played with a double reed? (7) 15.What name is given to a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, as told by Jesus in the Gospels? (7) 16.What was the Roman name for the Isle of Wight? (6) 19.In golf, what name is given to a score of one stroke over par at a hole? (5) 20.Which ballroom dance that originated in Buenos Aires, is characterised by marked rhythms and postures and abrupt pauses? (5) 21.What was the stage name of Adolph Arthur Marx? (5)

Solutions to last months crossword Across: 7 Marram, 8 Pacino, 10 Theseus, 11 Ingot, 12 Nana, 13 Basin, 17 La Paz, 18 Luke, 22 Evans, 23 Average, 24 Asthma, 25 Belize

Down: 1 Smetana, 2 Orleans, 3 Gases, 4 Pacific, 5 Ringo, 6 Aorta, 9 Islamabad, 14 Ransoms, 15 Dukakis, 16 Referee, 19 Pecan, 20 Waltz, 21 Fever

PAGE

34

The Jungle Drums - Tel: 966 923 796

November 2011

_ ` a b

c

Aries 21 March - 19 April Aries will experience minor glitches this month which may affect holiday plans. Whether travelling or cooking, confirm arrangements and definitely do not try new recipes this year. Money matters, with the November 10 th Full Moon in Taurus, are positive. Great deals should be found! Early November is focused on friends and social activities with Mars transiting Leo through the 9 th of the month. The best time to ask for a favour this month is on the 2nd or 3 rd. Long distance relationships will be communicative and with several planets in Sagittarius it is a time to build ties.

Taurus 20 April - 20 May Misunderstandings may occur in your career life. Your confidence will be boosted and you will sparkle with extra charm and charisma. Singles may have romantic dates and couples will have unforgettable romantic moments. Money matters are mostly positive, but be careful with delayed payments. Avoid taking major financial decisions.

Gemini 21 May - 21 June This month you are prone to minor health problems like cold and flu – stay warm, eat well and get plenty of rest.

Home-life may be hectic but think twice before starting any new projects. Singles may have a love-at-first-sight romance or even engagements. Choose words carefully to avoid misunderstandings. You may land yourself a good deal on holiday gift but social events and dates can get expensive.

Cancer 22 June - 22 July You are at full speed this month, so beware of potential mishaps. By the month end love will become the main focus giving a chance to celebrate togetherness while singles may meet a potential mate you will feel like you have known each other forever. A combination of the stars and New Moon indicates recognition and advancement on the career-front. Results may take a little time to come through.

Leo 23 July - 22 August Family relationships may pose a challenge. Home-front may require repairs, get only some one you trust or already know and have worked with. Your bank account will grow but curb impulsive purchases. You will have a topsy-turvy social life, confirm date, time and place before going, and also remember to check children’s schedules and deadlines. Singles may get into promising dating relationship but the full potential will only come by in December so don’t be in a hurry. A promotion or a new position with better pay is in the offing, or you will at least get praise and recognition for your hard-work.

Virgo 23 August - 22 September Vehicles and appliances may need repairs or periodic checks to help save money. You will also have a higher level of energy, initiative and incentive making you work in haste, triggering mishaps. Try to slow yourself down. Family relationships will be bright but prone to misunderstandings, choose words carefully. On the work front, get all instructions in writing and avoid signing contracts around the 1st and the 20th.

The Grim Reaper came for me last night and I beat him off with a vacuum cleaner. Talk about Dyson with death.

Did you hear about the fat alcoholic transvestite?

All he wanted to do was eat, drink and be Mary.

d

Libra 23 September - 23 October An easy going month, you will still need to keep your mind calm and take good rest each day. The last weekend should be for family, home decorating and holiday planning. Lots of calls and mails this month so relationships will be on the upward swing but misunderstands are a possibility too. Read the mail twice before punching send and go that extra mile to make people understand things.

Congratulations, there is extra cash for you this month but try not to overspend on the holiday budget. Pay bills early especially when banking online.

e

Scorpio 24 October - 21 November With Mercury turning retrograde there will mix-ups especially concerning money matters. Check statements carefully and pay bills early. You will benefit from shopping.

Social life will be busy with your name figuring on everyone’s guest list. You may make a lucky connection on 16th or 23rd. Singles and couples in love could get lucky with chances of commitment. There is a chance of bonus or raise but the money will actually arrive only next month or so.

f

Sagittarius 22 November - 21 December Easy going overall but there may be chances of mix-ups.

Confirm date, place and time to avoid missing appointments. You will be popular in your social circuit and can charm your way into relationships. Career-wise there is possibility of elevation in status, position and bank balance but be cautious lest in your enthusiasm and optimism you may promise more than what you can deliver.

g h i

Capricorn 22 December - 19 January With Mercury turning retrograde this month Capricorn experiences mix-ups and misunderstandings. Confirm dates, plans, etc, and keep backups and accurate records. Slow the pace a bit this month. Enjoy time with the family. Social life will be high. For single Capricorns, if you are looking for a new relationship, this is the month! Career advancement may be in the picture.

Aquarius 20 January - 18 February Take care of valuable possessions or they may be lost.

There is a possibility of misunderstanding with close aides or friends, be aware and you may be able to minimise the chances. You will have a real big group dinner soon. You will quite popular in the social circles this holiday season.

However with Mercury turning retrograde there will be mix-ups in times, places and dates. You are prone to impulsive spending and buying.

Pisces 19 February - 20 March With Venus in Capricorn on the 26th, November brings a holiday season full of activity. Pisces may receive good news around the 16th and 23rd with Mars in Virgo another favoured time for coupled Pisces. Do be careful with words however. The New Moon on the 25th and several planet positions mean career gains are highlighted.

I’ve had a letter back from Screwfix. They said they regretted to inform me that they’re not actually a dating agency.

Children: You spend the first two years of their life teaching them to walk and talk. Then you spend the next 16 years telling them to sit down and shut-up.

35

email: office@thejungledrums.es

PAGE

b

The Jungle Drums

The Jungle Drums

November 2011

Classifieds cheap. For information pack, email: .

Tel: 688 800 960

Accomodation

Brand new clothing for Sale. 10,000 pieces of mixed childrens, ladies and mens wear. Ideal for market traders.

Bargain price of 5,000 €. Call now on 651 885 200.

Storage available with trailer from 20 euro month a month, safe, secure, further details Tel 666 526 396 Los Montesinos (33)

Pensión La Oficina (The Black Bull)situated on the CV951, San Miguel de Salinas. Modern air-conditioned and ensuite rooms available, 35 € per night. Call 966 842 070 for reservations.

Accountants

Hairdressers

English mobile hairdresser. 20 years experience. Prices from 6 euros. Almoradi, Algorfa, Benijofer, Rojales, Quesada, Guardamar, San Luis, Torrevieja areas. Call Jeri on 966 318 550 / 698 257 200. (30)

Property For Rent

Boats Bogged down in paperwork? Let us simplify things for you – accountancy, taxes, payroll services and more. We cater for companies and individuals.

Established in 1984 on the Costa Blanca. Call us on 966 923 963 for your first consultation free of charge.

Protect your home with PROSEGUR

Alarms

BOATING LICENSES ARE NOW A LEGAL REQUIREMENT IN SPAIN Serenity Sailing RYA Training Centre, Competent Crew to Yachtmaster, VHF & ICC Own boat tuition on sail and power. If you have a yacht or powerboat get qualified and certified Contact Richard 0034 638 056 224 enquiries@serenitysailing.com/www.s erenitysailing.com

Church Services Alarm Systems. Don’t have just any alarm ringing out to no one - get connected to the professionals. Immediate connection to the police via our 24/7 control centre, with video surveillance included. Don’t wait until it´s too late. For a free quote call 966 923 963

Business Opportunites

10 cold drinks /snack vending machines with sites 44,900 euros. Excellent cash income, no overhead, operate from home 31,000 euros NETT per year one day p.w. to service.25 Pringle vending machines with sites 14,900 euros 250 euros per week NETT guaranteed, machines and sites available individually. 965 326 442 / 659 696 455 Bar for sale. Quesada area. Going

International Christian Assembly.

Calle Pilar de Horadada 5, Torrevieja.

Evangelical non-denominational. Sunday services 11:00am. Children’s Church 11:00am. House groups in Torrevieja, Los Balcones, San Javier.

Ladies meeting Thursdays 11:00am.

Pastor, Rafael Restrepo. All nationalities welcome 966 799 273 // 660 127 276.

Pilar Christian Community Church Calle Canalejas 3. Pilar de la Horadada. Sunday Service at 11am, and Thursday at 5pm for Bible study and Prayer. Home groups meet during the week. All welcome from any church background or none. For further information contact Pilar ChristianCommunity Church@gmail.com or contact Reverend Eddie on 966 7693 00 or 650 509 606. Reg No:2009-SG/A

Viva Villa and Vacation Services, For Short or Long Term Rentals visit: www.villaandvacation.com or Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 112, Spacious 3 bedroom detached villa with its private pool is located on the El Raso urbanisation near Guardamar. Convenient for all amenities, shops, supermarket, restaurants and bars. Short or long term rental available. €800PCM Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 63, Two bedroom 1st floor apartment situated in Monino Blanco. The property overlooks a superb communal pool area, in within walking distance of bars, restaurants and shops.

Short or long term rental available. €P.O.A Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 155, Luxurious Three Bedroom Villa With Private Pool, in Quesada Close to shops and restaurants within a five minute drive, and Guadamar Beach is within a ten minute drive.

Long term rental €795PCM, Short term available. €795PCM Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 709, A lovely 1 bedroom apartment in Aguas Nuevas, within a 5 minute walk of the beach. There is a terrace outside with views to the sea.

Short or long term rental available. €300PCM Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397

PAGE

36

The Jungle Drums - Tel: 966 923 796

November 2011

The Jungle Drums

To advertise here please telephone 966 727 334 or 626 397 397 or email advertising@thejungledrums.es

Ref: 708, A lovely two bedroom, one bathroom corner ground floor apartment in Algorfa, with a spacious patio & Residents off road parking. Communal pool near by. Short or long term rental available. €400PCM Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 117, A Lovely 3 Bedroomed 1st floor apartment on the outskirts of Torrevieja (Mar Azul). The Apartment is in walking distance of the excellent beaches and a good selection of restaurants, shops and bars. €425PCM Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 61, A lovely two bedroomed groundfloor apartment, located in the centre of the small Spanish town of Los Montesinos, With a pleasant communal swimming pool adjacent & all amenities in walking distance. €350PCM Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 516, Well situated studio apartment in San Luis. The property has a balcony which has been glazed to create another room. Close to all shops and amenities, on a local bus route & 10 minutes from the beach. €250PCM Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref. 702, A lovely 2 bedroom apartment in a quiet area of Torrevieja yet within walking distance to local beaches and amenities. It’s also less than an hour’s drive from both Alicante and Murcia San Javier Airports. €400PCM Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref. 135, An outstanding two bedroom villa with one double and one twin room on the VillaMartin golf complex. There is a very pleasant terrace off the main bedroom and from the sun terrace on the roof the views are excellent. €400PCM Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397

Ref. 04, A 2 bedroom apartment one street back from the famous Cabo Roig strip. There is a selection of local shops, restaurants and bars on the doorstep with the shopping strip only 400 metres away. €450PCM Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref. 92, A lovely three bedroom apartment on the ground floor of block one of the Miramar developments. A small balcony runs the width of the lounge area above the small private garden area at the front of the property. €450PCM Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref. 33, A lovely large a 2 bedroom ground floor bungalow apartment in Torre La Mata within walking distance to the beach. Large lounge, 1 double bedroom and 1 twin bedroom. €325PCM Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref. 104, Lovely 2 Bedroom Apartment in Torrevieja, within walking distance to the Friday Market, Town Centre and the beach. Close to the Habaneres Shopping Centre and Aquapark. €350PCM Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397

Property For Sale

Gran Alacant, corner semi detached 3 bedroomed, 2 bathrooms, large garden, enclosed terrace, fully furnished, private drive for 2 cars, on gated desirable urbanisation Monte Faro, many facilities priced for quick sale 185,000 Tel 680 333 242 House for sale. Santiago de la Ribera, 3-4 bedrooms, lovely garden, two balconies, two fireplaces, quiet neighbourhood, five minutes walk to beach.

Tel: 616 596 647 or 672 192 482 (22).

Balsares, terraced 4 bedroomed house, 3 bathrooms, large underbuild,

private underground parking direct to house, small gated urbanisation, directly over looking proposed new golf course opposite Gran Alacant, priced for quick sale at original off plan price 195.000 Tel 680 333 242 Gran Alacant, 3 bedroomed, 3 bath mid terraced Altomar 1, views of Alicante Bay, close to communal pool, walking distance to bars and resturants opportunity at reduced price 125,000 Tel 680 333 242 Gran Alacant, front line, 2 bed, 1 bath, downstairs toilet, fully furnished, roof terrace, walking distance to beaches, large communal and resturants, beach front property priced for quick sale 125,000 Tel 680 333 242 Quesada, detached 3 bedroomed, 2 bath, all large rooms, front enclosed conservatory, fully furnished, oiled fuelled heating, outdoor poolside kitchen and bbq area enclosed, large pool, outside toilet, garage for 2 cars, newly refurbished, established garden with fruit trees, set in a cul de sac on 1000m2, the overall plot can be divided, as registered as two plots, so this house could be a substantial investment opportunity, situated in the Dona pepe area close to Quesada town centre, priced 255,000 negotiable Tel 680 333 242 Viva Villa and Vacation Services are pleased to offer property sales for the Torrevieja and Oriheula areas of the Costa Blanca, Spain. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 or Visit : www.villaandvacation.com Ref: 513, €115,000. Two bedroom ground floor apartment, in Aguas Nuevas, close to all amenities including the beach. It has a good size lounge, kitchen and has off road parking facilities. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397

email: office@thejungledrums.es

PAGE

37

The Jungle Drums

November2011

Classifieds To advertise here please telephone 966 923796 or email advertising@thejungledrums.es

Ref: 521, €105,000. This comfortable bungalow is located in San Luis with a new roof and solarium tiles. It is close to supermarkets, bars, restaurants and is on the local bus route. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 520, €85,000. Two bedroom apartment in Dream Hills, with a fully equipped kitchen, large lounge, glazed-in terrace and a large solarium. This property comes with a large communal swimming pool. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 516, €39,999. Studio apartment in San Luis, close to amenities. Open plan fully equipped kitchen. Good sized lounge, bedroom and out onto balcony which has been glazed to create another room. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 510, €79,999. Bungalow located in San Luis. It is close to the supermarkets, bars and restaurants and is on the local bus route. An Opel Corsa car is included in this sale. mCall: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: KP3100, €198,000. Three bedroom, two bathroom detached villa, lo-

cated in San Luis, on a 450sqm plot, with communal pool. Garage to side of house. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 30, €119,000. Two bedroom detached house with large front terrace.

This villa is in the Punta Marina area close to Playa Flamenca , Close to amenities. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 78, €120,000. Three bedroom Quad in Jardin Del Mar VII. There is off-road parking and small storage shed in the enclosed garden area, communal pool nearby. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref: 709, €60,000 A lovely 1 bedroom apartment in Aguas Nuevas, within a 5 minute walk of the beach. There is a terrace outside with views to the sea.

Short or long term rental available.

Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397 Ref. 526, €49,900. A lovely bright 1 bedroom apartment in the area of Torreblanca.There is a large communal pool and well maintained gardens, with tennis courts and childrens play area. Call: 965 707 188 or 626 397 397

Solicitors Need English Speaking Solicitors in Torrevieja? Let us help to solve your problems with debt recovery, divorce, property, accident claims, legalise land. Call us on 966 923 963, give us brief details and get in touch with your specialist solicitor.

Situations Vacant

Outgoing friendly sales staff wanted for exciting new venture in Torrevieja and surrounding areas. No experience necessary as full training given, although face to face sales experience an advantage. Phone Sue on 606 024 743 for more details (32)

Wanted

A private buyer looking to buy a cheap car directly from the owner (middleman please do not call)Tel 638 811 881(35)

solution to Sudoko on page 33

PAGE

38

The Jungle Drums - Tel: 966 923 796

November 2011

The Jungle Drums

email: oďŹƒce@thejungledrums.es

PAGE

39