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Letter from the Editor Happy New Year everyone! We at Baywatch would like to wish you all the best for 2011 and we hope that you all had a fantastic Christmas! It’s Valentine’s Day soon. You’ll either think this is a cruel or commercial holiday and a complete waste of time, or you may be a hopeless romantic who has no time for the cynics (to be honest, my personal views usually depend on whether I have an admirer at the time!). Either way, there’s nothing wrong with spreading a little love and happiness, whether you are single or not- so enjoy! We have a special Valentine’s Weekend getaway travel feature on hotel La Casa Grande in the beautiful Serrania de Ronda, Malaga province, on page 15
I would like to thank all of you for your support and comments regarding the changes we are making to the magazine. We are aiming for a better quality read, and would like to say a big thank you to those of you who have congratulated us on doing so with our festive edition. But we need more feedback. Do you have any comments or suggestions for us? If so, please get in touch. Your opinions are very important and we genuinely want you to get involved! That out of the way, we hope that you enjoy this issue as we grow from strength to strength in 2011. Sophie Sophie McAdam, Editor
Dear God, My prayer for 2011 is for a fat bank account & a thin body. Please don't mix these up like you did last year.
As usual, this issue, my second as editor, is full of news, travel features, culture, coffee break reading, health and beauty, food and wine, and more and we really hope there is something to everyone’s taste.
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For all advertising enquiries call Sales on 856 101 803 or 697 552 936 EMail: sales@baywatchonline.org
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CONTENTS 4 News: Community, Cadiz Province & Andalucia’s top stories 7 You can run but you can’t hide. Crimestoppers feature 10 Property: For all of your buying and selling queries 12 Culture: “Las Sevillanas” and Flamenco in Cadiz
Baywatch is a free magazine published bi-monthly by The Baywatch Group Valentine’s Weekend Getaway - Hotel La Casa Advertising & Sales Please call 856 101 803/697 552 936 Grande near Ronda Email:sales@baywatchonline.org Travel: Cruising the Med in 5* Luxury Editor Sophie McAdam Email: editor@baywatchonline.org Health Beauty: Fish Pedicures Design & Layout Email: design@baywatchonline.org
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Registered address: The Post House Buzon 72 CC Novogallo, Local No.50 Chiclana de la Frontera 11130 Cadiz, Spain Deposito Legal CA-552/06
Photo Credits Jane Anastasia Photography for our front cover image. flickr.com/photos/siapics Laurie Cass-Griggs for our contents page image. trinketsnh.etsy.com
Copyright The Baywatch Group All Rights Reserved Reproduction of this magazine in whole or part without the prior permission of the publisher is stricly prohibited The publishers reserve the right to amend any submissions. The views expressed by the contributors & advertisers are not necessarily those of the publishers Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the content and adverts within the magazine, the publishers cannot accept any liability
22 Focus On: Single Parenting in Spain - this editions’ coffee break feature 28 Food & Wine: A trip round Garveys Bodega in Jerez introducing you to the delights of the region’s finest sherries plus Receipe of the Month 33
Business Directory: A comprehensive guide to all your local businesses.
DINNER DANCE IN AID OF LOCAL CANCER CHARITY
19th Feb at Azahar Costa Celebration Rooms, Chiclana from 9pm. Live music, dancing. Buffet served at the tables includes some wine with the meal. All proceeds to AECC. Tickets available from Carol - 630928644. Entrance 25€ per person.
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News Round Up Chiclana and District Age Concern Project In order to establish a fully affiliated Chiclana and District Age Concern Organisation we set ourselves a target of Euros 3000 to cover legal expenses and leave us with sufficient capital to cover initial costs of training volunteers. Our fund raising activities have so far raised in excess of Euros 1600 and we have a number of forthcoming functions in the pipeline which we hope will enable us to achieve full affiliation by early summer. We owe thanks to The International Women’s Association who have made Age Concern Espana their charity of the year and have already donated Euros 600 which has been “ring fenced” for our project. Two of their committee members, Ann Randall and Marie Gomez are now actively engaged as members of our
Community Julia and Colin Wood continue to raise funds on a regular monthly basis by organising and running very successful quiz nights at Domingos Restaurant. The next quizzes will be held on Wednesday 16th February and Monday 14 March 2011. BREAKING NEWS (One for your Diary) On 29th April there will be a Royal Wedding Party in the style of a traditional British street party which is being organised on our behalf by a group of local volunteers. The organisers are looking at various venues where the party can be organised complete with live television coverage of the actual event. Full details will be released in the near future. Edwin Cherrey Prince William & Kate Middleton Royal Wedding Friday 29th April 2011 The Age Concern España Project for Chiclana & Districts and the No.1 Chiclana Ladies Fund Raising Team are planning a Right Royal Doo to celebrate this marvelous patriotic royal event. The Fund Raising Committee require volunteers to assist in the day’s preparations - please contact Jan King 625 205 655 for further details.
The Happy Ending Animal Charity are appealing for help to save an abandoned greyhound called Angel. Executive Committee He is a 2yrs old who is suffering from heartworm and was found starving, painfully thin and seriously ill. He is currently in the care of the charity who desperately We also owe thanks to David and Angela Pallett who need help in funding his on going treatment. organised a highly successful afternoon garden party complete with “white elephant stall” and “homemade If you feel that you can help in curry stall” . any way then please contact the charity on 608 234 064 Our thanks also go to the numerous volunteers who donated not only homemade produce but also their valuable time. Thanks to their combined efforts a total Lynda and David thank Wagtails for their fast and kind of Euros 440 was raised. assistance in saving their dog Candy’s life. executive committee and doingAnn sterling work. Edwin Cherrey welcomes Randall to the
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News Round Up Christmas Extravaganza Success Baywatch's collaboration to throw a Christmas party for three local animal charities was a roaring success, raising approximately 2,500 euros. The festive charity event, held on 3 December at the Azahar celebration rooms, raised much-needed money for KIMBA, Happy Ending and Animales de Andalucia. The money was collected through a tombola, raffle and ticket costs, and was a great night of live entertainment from Lee Dean, Kris Cody and live broadcasting on the Baywatch radio station. A fantastic time was had by all, thank you to everyone who attended the event.
Eel Fishing Ban in Cadíz Bay FISHERMAN caught with Guadalquivir’s eel face 60,000 euro fine under new conservation laws. Following pressure from the EU, the Junta has outlawed eel fishing in the Cadiz Bay for the next decade. Local fishermen have called the ban ‘radical’ and claim it will prevent them from catching other fish with their nets. Police in Cadíz trace Franco Babies The Cadíz public prosecutor has ordered the police to trace ‘the lost babies of Franquismo’ after around 25 families across Cadiz province came forward with new allegations. The majority claim that their chidren were snatched by the state at birth and later declared dead, before later being given up for adoption with no clue of their biological parents. The cruel policy, Franco's punishment to Republican sympathisers, is now being investigated all over the country, with auhorities in Madrid compliling a database of newborn deaths and forced adoptions.
Cadiz & Andalucia Dumb crime of the week A BURGLAR has been arrested in Seville after accidentally leaving his house keys in one of the 32 properties he had broken into. The man, 36, took 22 gas boilers and electricity installations as well as money and valuables from homes on a residential complex in Huévar del Aljarafe. But his pilfering was foiled after accidentally leaving his house keys in a home after his 186,000 euro heist. New ferry route to the Canary Isles A new ferry service will start this year linking Huelva to the Canary Isles. The crossing will take 28 hours when the service begins in March, and the ferry will have a capacity of 1,200 passengers and 700 vehicles. Single ticket prices start from 90€ for a seat and 200 € for a VIP cabin. Tickets go on sale via the internet in a few weeks’ time. Mass Graves discovered across the region COMMON graves holding thousands bodies of victims of the Civil War has been found in various parts of Andalucía. Almost 400 villages have been found to contain unmarked burial places, dating from 1936 to 1947. Vice-minister for Justice, José Antonio Gómez Periñán, says the State now has an 'exhaustive' task on its hands attempting to identify as many of the bodies as possible in order to return them to their families for a proper burial, in accordance with the relatively new Law of Historic Memory. Since 2003, 90 per cent of common graves have been found as a result of word of mouth from people who were there during the Civil War.
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You Can Run but You Can’t Hide Crimestoppers Appeal For UK Fugitives in Spain - Can You Help? Just before Christmas in a bar in Calahonda, Costa del Sol, a British national wanted for Conspiracy to Supply Cocaine with a street value of over £166 million was arrested. Dennis Patrick O’Brien, originally from Merseyside, was detained under part of an ongoing operation (Operation Captura) by the Spanish police and the UK’s Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA). Operation Captura identifies serious criminals wanted by UK law enforcement agencies for crimes committed in the UK. Crimestoppers and SOCA work closely with British and Spanish law enforcement agencies, as well as the British embassy in Madrid. The campaign highlights appeals for information on criminals who have European Arrest Warrants issued against them for crimes such as drug trafficking, murder and currency counterfeiting.Lord Ashcroft KCMG, Founder and Chair of Crimestoppers said: “Yet another superb result for Operation Captura. This arrest now brings the total of those wanted down to 12 out of an original 50 appeals. It is vital that we bring the remaining offenders still on the run to justice. This operation proves how valuable public information is in helping law enforcement track down criminals and bring them to justice, thank you to everyone who has had the courage to pass on information.” Ken Gallagher, SOCA’s European head of investigation, said: “Our partnership with Spain to target British criminals living and operating there goes from strength to strength. We are making life tough for them, with operations like this getting right into the areas where they live and socialise.” Crimestoppers placed the final 12 ‘Most Wanted’ individuals under Operation Captura on a special Christmas tree over the festive season, which can be viewed at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. Here are four of them.
Name: Allan James Foster Nicknamee: Shaun Michael Wilkinson aged 31 (place of birth: South Shields) Force: Northumbria Police
Offences: It is alleged that Foster murdered David “Noddy” Rice in Marsden Bay Car Park, South Shields on 24 May 2006. Foster is also wanted for two offences of conspiring to supply controlled drugs and also for the theft of a diamond ring. Description: White European male of mixed race, 5’ x 8” tall, slim build, brown eyes, short black hair, no distinctive marks known. Has links to Canary Islands and Majorca.
Name: Fatah Benlaredj Born: 18 May 1977 in Algeria Offences: Wanted for the rape of a 7 year-old girl. Additional information: •The suspect befriended the 7 year-old girl's mother via a social networking site in April 2007, which is when the offence of alleged rape occurred - on one occasion. •The offence occurred in the Stockport area of Greater Manchester and the suspect has been wanted by Greater Manchester Police since that time. •Benlaredj purported to have entered the UK in 2003 and his claim for asylum was dismissed in 2004, therefore he was liable to deportation or administrative removal from the UK at the time of the offence.
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N ame: Christopher Guest More Nickname: Christopher Guest, Chris Guest, Christopher Moores, Christopher Moore.Age: 25 - 30 Wanted in connection with the murder of a man in Cheshire, United Kingdom in June 2003. MORE and a number of accomplices travelled to a remote farmhouse in Cheshire where after their demands for money were refused, they assaulted the five people in the house, beating one so badly that he died at the scene. He is also wanted for the attempted murder of a second man and for the false imprisonment and assault of other victims present during the incident. A number of More’s accomplices have been arrested in relation to the incident however More left the United Kingdom in June 2003 and is believed to have flown to Spain. Information suggests that More has links to Spain and Malta. His current location is not known.Description: White, approx 6' 0" tall, of slim build, short cropped hair.
Name: Dean Lawrence Rice Nickname: Dean Borton, Steven Greenfield Age: 45 - 50
Offence: Rice was convicted in his absence to Life Imprisonment for conspiracy to kidnap & falsely imprison. After the victim resigned from working for Rice he was abducted on the 15th March 2006 whilst in Camden Park, London. Description: White, approx 5' 2" tall, of medium build, short straight black/greying hair. He has brown eyes and may possibly have a beard/goatee/moustache. Rice also has a mark on his brow and a tattoo on his right arm. Should you come across any of these men pleaseinform the police immediately by calling 112
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Property Section by CadizCasa Each edition our property experts CadizCasa answer important questions that are concerning our readers. Here are this editions queries: Q. We bought an apartment with a communal pool so that we could have holidays and do a bit of rental to help pay the bills. The neighbours are complaining because our rental people use the pool. They are saying that only house owners can use it and that they will ban us from the pool if we continue to let our rental people us it. Can they do this? A. You cannot dictate who uses a communal swimming pool if they have the permission of the house owner. For instance your sister may move in to a house nearby which does not have a pool and you would quite understandably give her the key to go over and have a swim. Nothing can be done about that. Your right to use the pool will be written in your title deeds and nobody can take that away from you so do not worry. If people pay to stay in your house and have your permission to use the pool that is the end of it. Most houses have a number of people who are permitted to use the pool and so long as you stay within that number there is nothing which can be done to stop you. Out of decency for your neighbours I would not suggest you start handing out your pool key to the whole town but people known to you and who are elected to use the pool by you are completely acceptable.
Q. We bought what we thought was a lovely property in the country just over a year ago where we could live quiety with our dogs and enjoy our lives. We have just discovered as a result of applying for permission to build a swimming pool that our house is not legal My anger is that the previous owners told us that they had all their papers and that everything was in order. Is there anything we can do. We are loathe to spend more money if it is a lost cause. A. Well it is not a lost cause. For 4 years after you buy a property you can take an action against the previous owners if they failed to give you full information about the property before you bought. From what you have said it sounds like they not only failed to give you full information but deliberately mislead you which you cannot do. So it is certainly not a lost cause and I would strongly advise you to see a solicitor.
Q. I am selling my house and I have been told that money is held back when I sell. What is that for? A. This only applies to non-residents. It is to ensure that Capital Gains Tax is paid even though the seller may no longer have any address in Spain. The retention is 3% of the amount declared in the escritura at the time of sale. It is deemed to be a down payment of the Capital Gains Tax due. In these cases it is the responsibility of the buyer, via their lawyer, to lodge the retention with the tax authorities within 30 days of signing the escritura in front of the Notary. The tax authorities then have 6 months in which to calculate the actual Capital Gains Tax due and return any overpay. Of course the bad news is that they can also claim any underpay.
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Culture
The cancíon is normally . sung by local groups and the music is light and happy with lyrics based on the countryside the neighbourhood,the marvels of Sevilla, the famous annual Sevillano pilgrimage to El Rocio and, of course, love
Las Sevillanas is an old folk dance performed by couples of all ages during celebrations (fiestas or ferias), often by whole families and pueblos.
Las Sevillanas consists of 3 elements: the dance, the song and the music. Since 1847 it has been the iconic dance of the annual April Sevilla Fair where there is even a Sevillana Dance devoted specifically to it. This dance is taught in the majority of schools across the country. The music of Las Sevillanas is heard in many other fairs and festivals in the south of the country and numerous new albums are released by local groups each year. Some examples are Los Romeros de la Puebla, Los Amigos del Ginés, Las Corraleras de Lebrija, Cantores de Hispalis and Los del Rio. Sevillanas choreography is very stable, since it is a fiesta dance. This is why learning flamenco usually starts with this particular dance: it is easier to reach a particular level and there are more occasions for practice and training (even for men). Each Sevillana is composed of 4 coplas, with each part divided into 3 parts, and with each part made up of 6 movements. It is a very vivid dance, often excluded from flamenco by "purists". Paradoxically, during spectacles and shows it is usually Sevillana dancing that people (not native to Andalucía) take for 'the real, true flamenco', as it is full of turns. Supposedly one of the most difficult dances, Las Sevillanas consists of complete feet, hand and arm co-ordination. It is generally danced in pairs of either two women or a man and a woman, but is sometimes carried out in groups, lines, or even with two girls and a boy. Las Sevillanas symbolizes the four stages of a man courting a woman and the music, dance and song all come to a sudden stop at the end.
Gloria Codling The music is always accompanied by a guitar which, along with the singer, introduces the song. This is then often followed by ‘hand-clapping’ before the dance begins. The tone of the guitar depends on the song but the guitar player generally strums lightly throughout. Sometimes, there are other typically Spanish instruments which accompany the song also such as castanets, a flute, a tambourine or a small drum. Generally speaking, a Sevillana is very light and happy music. Las Sevillanas is a clear demonstration of the varied dance culture across Spain; it is one of many traditional dances and still remains popular today, even amongst the young. This specific form of folk dance has a long and interesting history and presumably will continue to be carried on by generations of Andalucians for years to come. Gloria Codling is an English-speaking Sevillana flamenco teacher and she runs classes in Chiclana for intermediate and beginner levels.The next beginner course starts on 14th February at Domingos (ex Lemon Tree) from 12-2pm and costs 7.50 euros per class. For more information, call Gloria on 628147489.
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Along with its strong equestrian culture and world-famous sherry, Cadíz province is also renowned for its strong links to flamenco culture, which are thought to have originated here- the oldest city in Europe. Along with Granada, Sevilla and Córdoba, Cadíz is without a doubt one of the best places in Andalucía to experience real authentic flamenco, whether it be the soulful, raw emotion of the wailing gypsy song, the unique talent of the flamenco guitarist, or the spine-tingling stomping, clapping and clicking of the exotic dancers on stage. Fiercely proud of its flamenco legacy, there are numerous places to see shows in Cadíz city. Perhaps the best bet is to wander around the backstreet bars of the city’s old town and the Barrio Santa Maria, where spontaneous, free peñas are likely to erupt in the early hours, but if you prefer to plan ahead, here is a list of the best places to check out: La Cava, Taberna Flamenco Telephone: 956 211 866 Peña Flamenca El Mellizo Address: Plaza San Felipe Telephone: 956 221 985 Peña Flamenca Juan Villar Address: Pericon de Cadiz Telephone: 956 225 290 Taberna El Marques De Cadiz Address: Calle Marques de Cadiz 3 Telephone: 956 254 288 Peña Flamenca Camaron de la Isla Address: Paraguay, 15 Telephone: 956 222 757 Peña Flamenca Chano Lobato Address: Madrazo, 6 In the summer months, Cadíz hosts ‘Flamenco Thursdays’, where recitals can be seen every Thursday in various art and cultural centres around the city. Semana Santa and the extravagant Cadíz festival in the run-up tis also a great time to see flamenco in numerous streets, bars and clubs around the city. In Jerez, the Andalucían Flamenco Centre is the place to go, situated in the gypsy quarter of Santiago and boasting a flamenco museum and library amongst other things. Useful Links www.deflamenco.com www.flamenco-world.com www.guiaflama.com www.tailormadeandalucia.com/Flamenco
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Culture Recommended Read & All things Web Chickens, Mules and Two Old Fools, Victoria Twead ****
It may not be the most original idea for a book (Chris Stewart’s Driving Over Lemons covered the ex-pat-blunders-in-Andalucía genre quite nicely) but as an ex-pat living in this region. I for one never seem to tire of humorous, biographical accounts of naïve Brits moving to remote Spanish villages and detailing every high point and pitfall of what we all know to be a daunting yet wonderful experience. In Chickens, Mules and Two Old Fools, Vicky and her husband Joe are approaching retirement and decide to leave their comfortable Sussex home for a small traditional village in Las Alpujarras, somehow turning their hands to chicken farming. The anecdotes are fresh and amusing, yet it is easy to find similarities with our own experiences as Brits in Spainthe hilarious culture clashes, misunderstandings, struggles to get to grips with the language, locals thinking we are slightly mad (in Vicky and Joe’s case, for ‘sitting on the yellow sofa gazing at our flock, letting them hop onto our laps, talking to them.’) This book is a light-hearted and uplifting story, with great characters, and the inclusion of photographs and authentic Spanish recipes throughout the book is a definite plus. All things Web This issue, we are mostly liking the following sites: www.theonion.com One of the best satirical newspapers on the web. www.spotify.com If you haven’t latched on to the biggest thing in Europe yet, why not? Simply download it, search from all the musical genres and artists in history and create your own playlists you can share with friends- who needs to buy tracks ever again?www.postsecret.blogspot.com Notes of secrets sent by people who want them posted. Just for fun.
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Valentine’s Weekend Getaway: Hotel La Casa Grande, Alpandeire Valentine’s Day is one of those holidays that people tend to either love or hate. If you’re anything like me, it will depend entirely on whether you have an admirer at the time! But whether you think Valentine’s Day is a beautiful celebration of love or a cruel and commercial waste of time, we’ve chosen a special retreat for February 14th that can be enjoyed by romantic couples and cynical singles alike. Hotel La Casa Grande is a beautiful rural hotel nestled in the tiny but stunning village of Alpandeire, just twenty minutes drive from Ronda, Malaga province. Alpandeire is one of several pictureque pueblos blancos in the breathtaking Genal Valley, a lush green mountain range peppered with white villages which have changed little since Moorish times. A haven for climbers, birdwatchers and walkers, the scenery is a natural paradise, famed for its unique history, flora, fauna and geological formations. Alpandeire is also the ideal base for those wishing to explore the beautiful neighbouring villages of Farajan, Juzcar, Cartajima, Atajate, or the beautiful regional capital of Ronda, which is only 17 kms away. The hotel itself is as impressive as its mountain setting; dating back to the 17th Century and managing to retain its traditional Spanish character whilst creating a contemporary feel. La Casa Grande’s restaurant is open to the public and is a renovation of the original stables. Its arched stone walls and unusual shape creates the perfect atmosphere to enjoy some traditional dishes, local specialities or roast meats (suckling pig, lamb, venison, beef, duck, and Iberian pork).
The food is always excellent and very reasonably priced, and vegetarian dishes and a great variety of salads and starters are also on offer. The dessert and wine menus are very good, with vintages from the region and an extensive range of quality wines and spirits. The proprietors, Jesus and Rosa, are very friendly, welcoming and attentive, never rushing the service and always on hand to help. Children are welcome and dishes can usually be altered to suit. My recommendation would be the warm cheese salad followed by the suckling pig: the fig and orange sauce accompaniment is just delicious. Booking in advance is recommended however, especially at weekends or on religious holidays. The hotel itself certainly doesn’t disappoint, with prices from just 45eu for a double room per night. All rooms have air conditioning and satellite TV, and guests can relax in three communal areas: an airy indoor patio with a glass covered dome, a cosy lounge with a log burning stove, and an outdoor terrace with stunning views over the quaint whitewashed village and the mountains it nestles in- on a clear day both the rock of Gibraltar and the Rif in Morocco can be seen. For more information please see www.hotelcasagrande.es or call 952 180 400.
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Travel - Cruising the Med in 5 STAR Luxury by Gavin Brain
January. Not the most exciting or uplifting of months, I’m sure you’ll agree. It’s the time of year when we resolve to get healthy and save the pennies- which usually means most of us vow to hibernate until spring, waiting impatiently for the long hot days that are to come. It’s no wonder that travel agents bombard us with TV adverts for exotic holidays as soon as the New Year parties are over: if you’re feeling nostalgic for glorious sunshine and need something to look forward to, the dark and gloomy days of January and February are the perfect time to start planning. My wife and I spent a week last Autumn aboard the luxurious (but reasonable) Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas, which sails out of Malaga, and we would highly recommend it to anyone looking for something to feel excited about later in the year. As cruise virgins we really didn’t know what to expect. Would we be stir crazy after being cooped up on board a ship for hours on end? Would it be cramped and crowded? Would the food be boring and the staff tired and unhelpful?
Luckily, all of our fears were unfounded. The Adventure of the Seas is a magnificent ship: luxurious, opulent, classy, and breathtakingly massive, accommodating over three thousand passengers and almost two thousand crew. The route may be slightly different to the one we have just taken, but you will visit buzzing Valencia, beautiful Italian ports Livorno and Civitavecchia, and stunning Ajaccio in Corsica before sailing back to Malaga. During our ports of call we did our own excursions to Rome, Cagliari, Ajaccio and Palma which, with a bit of planning, saved us a fortune over the organised versions.
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Although we had looked forward to seeing so many different places and countries in just one week, we came home feeling that the star of the holiday was, without a doubt, the ship itself. Facilities onboard include a spacious hi-tech cabaret theatre, a casino, and a
Dining Room The waiting staff were friendly, courteous and very attentive, with nothing being too much trouble, and overall we found the holiday superb in every way. number of themed bars and lounges. There are three outdoor pools, six whirlpools, a Spa Centre, an ice-rink, rock climbing wall, sports deck, nine hole mini-golf course, video game centre, golf simulator, and a whole host of other activities, far too many to list here, but suffice it to say that on the two full days at sea we certainly weren’t bored! We relaxed by the pool with a good book from the Royal Promenade Shopping Mall You’d be forgiven for thinking that such luxury would come at a price to match, but if you shop around, especially online with a Spanish travel agent (try logitravel.com) then you could be pleasantly surprised.
onboard library, we visited the gym, we walked off the excesses on the jogging track, we shopped in the Royal Promenade, we swam and relaxed in the Jacuzzis, we were entertained at the Ice Show and in the cabaret theatre, and we danced the night away in the night cluboh yes, we had the odd alcoholic beverage or two as well. Apart from the wonderful facilities, eating five star cuisine tends to play a large part of the vacation. Buffet dining or a la carte is available morning, noon and night, but the evening dinner menus offer true fine dining with superb wines to compliment, not forgetting the Midnight Buffet.
Our week’s cruise worked out at under €400 each and included port taxes and tipping, which strangely enough were the bulk of the cost of our holiday. (The Adventure of the Seas is an American ship, and tipping and service charges are a necessary part your costs). So if you’re finding yourself planning something to look forward to over winter, this top-quality floating hotel may be something worth looking into. We would certainly do it again! For more info visit: www.royalcaribbean.com
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Health & Beauty
Fish Pedicures
Dead Skin nibbling super-fish: Why choose fish rather than a traditional pedicure? Get in on the latest beauty craze! Fans of hit American TV series Ugly Betty may remember a rather odd episode where cunning Wilhemina Slater underwent a bizarre pedicure by dipping her feet into a tank of fish that eat away dead skin cells
There are a number of reasons. Firstly, unlike other pedicures, the treatment is completly natural and organic. Secondly, the treatments have healing properties: a therapeutic enzyme called dithranol in the fishes’ saliva can help people suffering from eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis, in fact, dithranol is also used in medicinal treatments of some skin conditions. Last but not least, I have also found that male customers prefer Aquasole to sitting in a beauty salon; it makes them feel less ‘girly’! (I’m situated in power plate studio rather than a traditional beautician’s).
My first reaction to the scene was utter bewilderment (only in America!), but my cynicism was short-lived. The series has since made this unconventional foot treatment very popular, and salons offering the ‘Doctor Fish’ treatment can now be found all over the UK. Luckily though, you don’t need to board an aeroplane to get beautifully soft tootsies- as Lauren Willis, owner of Aquasole Fish Pedicure in Marbella, explains.
What’s your background, and how did you come up with this idea? I’m 25 and have lived in Puerto Banus, Marbella for four years. I first came here with the idea of staying one summer, before going back to Essex and normality but I fell in love with Andalucía, and four years on I’m still here! Before Aquasole launched I was working as a beautician and hairdresser.
I first heard of the treatment through friends who had seen it whilst travelling in Thailand, where it is very Hi Lauren! Can you tell us a little bit more about popular (although the fish are native to river basins in the treatments? Turkey). After that, I was back in the UK for a visit and came across a salon giving this treatment, so I decided Yes, basically the fish, called Garra Ruffa and part of the to give it a try and was very impressed! I then started my carp family, gently nibble at your feet to remove dead research into opening a business here in Spain. skin cells, bacteria and callouses. But when I say nibble, don’t panic, these fish are toothless, but still able to I was very fortunate to have family in the fish trade, so stimulate, rejuvenate and all in all improve the condition they gave me the help and advice I needed on the of your skin through natural exfoliation. Treatments upkeep and maintenance of the fish, tanks filters etc. clean and clear pores, rejuvenate skin cells and promote blood circulation.
What kinds of reactions do you have to the treatments? People initially react with curiosity mixed with apprehension, and once they have decided to go ahead and try it, they find the first 30 seconds a little ticklish! After that people tend to liken it to the feeling of jaquzzi jets and it then becomes very relaxing. I advise that you don’t look at the fish to get the best sensation possible! Just relax, read a magazine, and you wouldn’t know that you were in a foot spa. How long do the treatments take, and how much are they? Treatments are 15€ for ten minutes, 25€ for twenty minutes and 40€ for thirty five minutes. All treatments include a foot cleanse, sanitization, fish pedicure, foot massage and moisturize. You will notice a difference in the condition of your feet after a ten minute treatment, but if you have problem areas with dry or hard skin, eczema or psoriasis I would recommend a course of treatments to obtain the best results. If customers choose to take up a course, we offer sixty minutes to be used how you wish, within four weeks from purchase for 60€ (usually 75€) or ninety minutes for 75€(usually 90€) What else is on offer? Well, all treatments can be used as manicures for the same price, and you can finish off any foot or hand Garra fish treatment with a cuticle treatment, file and polish for an additional 15€. We offer express manicures with Aquasole treatments too, also for an additional 15 , and gift vouchers are available. In future I hope to offer full body treatments. How can we find you? We are located at Good Vibrations Power Plate Studio, 11 y 12 Centro Plaza, Nueva Andalucia, Marbella, 29660. You can contact me by phone:693230241,or email: aquasolespain@live.co.uk
CARTOON FILE
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This is the craze that is sweeping the world and here is your chance to take full advantage of either a new business opportunity or, as an addition to an existing one such as a hairdressing or nail manicure service.
If you have never experienced having your hands or feet brushed by “a thousand kisses” then there are plenty of places in the Cadiz region where you can go along and experience the sensation and benefits for yourself.
Grupo Galvez are a Spanish company who can supply, install and maintain all of the equipment, including of course the fish, to get you started. Advice and training is also available as part of their start-up package.
So why delay? Go along to one of the premises listed below and try it for yourself and then, if interested, give the company a no obligation call for more information. English spoken on the number shown above..
ACTIVA SALUD. Parque Empresarial Norte, C/ Agricultura, 3. Jerez. Teléfono: 956318445 (foot spa25 € per 30 min. Session) No hand-spa. PELUQUERIA GALVEZ. Centro Comercial Merca 80. Jerez. Teléfono: 956301705 (hand spa 25 €/ foot spa 25 € per 30 min session PELUQUERIA GALVEZ. Centro Comercial El Paseo. El Puerto de Santa María. Teléfono: 956870304 (hand spa 25 €/ foot spa prices on enquiry) PELUQUERIA GALVEZ. C/ Real, nº 80 San Fernando. Teléfono: 956894528 (hand spa25 €/foot spa 25 €per 30 min session) PELUQUERIA GALVEZ. c/ Constitución, nº 3. Chiclana de la Frontera. Teléfono: 956406013 Only foot spa 20 € per 30 min session.
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Focus On: Single Parenting in Spain ¿Dónde está tu marido?
I’m sitting in a room at the immigration office in Ronda, wired up to a microphone. A fat, orange file marked with my name lays on the desk in front of me, its contents unknown, and I am being quizzed about every aspect of my personal life since my daughter was born. Where is her father? When did we split up, and why? What am I doing in Spain? Does he know we are here?
Ideally, of course, I would not have chosen to embark on my new life alone. But I am a single mother and have been since the moment I fell pregnant at university aged 22, when my boyfriend of six years decided he wasn’t ready for fatherhood and left without a backwards glance. Should that stop me fulfilling my dream? I’ve never thought so.
I feel like a criminal: anxious, guilty, on edge. But I haven’t broken any laws that I am aware of: I am simply an unmarried mother, trying- like many other British nationals- to live my Spanish dream. I remember vividly when the idea of living in Andalucía was first formed: I was ten or eleven years old, on holiday with my parents. On a daytrip from the Costa del Sol, we visited the pueblos blancos and I fell head over heels in love immediately:
After spending two weeks in Malaga, Seville and the Costa de la Luz, we returned to the area that had first ignited my love affair with Spain, and after finding work on a local English newspaper, I decided to settle in Ronda- the biggest and best known of the pueblos blancos in the area. Within a day I had found an apartment for myself and my daughter, registered our residency at the ayuntamiento, and I then set out to search for a school place.
The narrow, twisting streets between quaint whitewashed houses, the red geraniums overflowing from shuttered windowsills, the breathtaking mountains and lush green valleys framed by a bright blue sky, the cobbled maze of ancient alleyways tumbling down to romantic plazas with panoramic views, and above all, the sense that the march of time had somehow forgotten these beautiful villages- steeped in Moorish history and conjuring cliched images of the heart of Spain: soulstirring spanish guitar, the haunting passion of flamenco duende, rogue bandoleros and struggling gypsies.
Usually, I found out later, to enrol a child in a school in Spain it’s a simple case of presenting the obtained residency certificate to the headteacher. As long as there are places available and your home address is within the school catchment area, it is a quick and simple process. For me, however, it was over a week before I could do what so many other expat families achieve in ten minutes, simply because when I first enquired about school places, I was sent not to the nearest colegio, but the social services office.
That memory of the pueblos never left me, so at the beginning of last year- bored with my life in England and itching for an adventure- I decided to take the plunge to emigrate with my six year-old daughter Ella. I had no plan: just a rucksack, a couple of one-way tickets to Malaga, and a vague idea of the places I wanted to see before searching for my dream location. .
Assuming at the time that this is standard procedure, I entered the office cheerily and was sent upstairs to the immigration room. There, rather than give me a list of schools in my area or any useful advice, I was forced to answer repetitive and in-depth questions about my reasons for being in Spain.
After fielding questions for a good 45 minutes, I was then berated for breaking Spanish law by neglecting my daughter’s education for the two weeks we had been travelling before arriving in Ronda. But it was half term in England when we left, I told the social worker in my best broken Spanish. That did nothing to calm the situation and I was threatened with the police: in Spain, homeschooling is illegal and compulsory education is taken very seriously, two days away from school is enough to warrant a call from the Guardia Civil, I am warned with a wagging finger. But until I decided to settle here, Ella wasn’t in the Spanish education system, I protested- in fact, she still isn’t, that’s exactly the reason I’m here to see you. The social worker shook her head and my certificate of residency (obtained earlier that day) was waved at me. ‘You are living in Spain, therefore you have broken the law’, was the response. I left the office feeling confused, guilty, and none the wiser as to how I could find a school place for my daughter. My mind wandered to the refugee camps in Calais as I leafed through the booklet I’d been given: ‘Advice for Immigrants’. The social worker had taken a marker pen and scrawled a circle around the place I needed to visit first: a support centre for women who are victims of domestic abuse. Unable at that time to communicate the irrelevance of this, I simply agreed to return with various documentation I must arrange to be sent from England: my daughter’s immunisation record, bank statements, and a certificate of income for the previous tax year, amongst other things. A few days later, I had heard nothing, so I returned to the social services office. More questions followed, before I was eventually told that it was simply a case of asking the headteacher at my chosen school if there were any available places. I had to bite my tongue to keep from asking why on earth I hadn’t been told this the first time around, but I was quickly learning that the best way to get things done in Spain is to be diplomatic and gracious at all times. Armed with this new information, I was able to enrol Ella in my chosen colegio the very next day.
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However, any hope that this was the end of my problems was quickly diminished after I returned to meet my social worker , who had summoned me, the day she began school. That is when I was confronted with the orange file- an enormous amount of information, it seemed, for just two visits’ worth of paperwork. A microphone is clipped to my jacket and the questions begin again. I have already answered them all, but it is clear she is checking for any inconsistencies. Have I run away from an abusive partner? What are the marks on our arms? ‘Mosquito bites,’ I answer. ‘Are you sure about that?’ comes the response. I presume she believes they are cigarette burns, the result of a violent relationship.
I am asked more times than I care to recall why on earth I have left my friends and support network and come to a country where my grasp of the language is less than basic and I am alone. But this was my dream. A few days after the official interview, Ella came home from school upset. She had been taken out of class and quizzed about her siblings and father (he has three other daughters with a new wife). Another English child in her class, fluent in Spanish, was asked to play the role of translator. Ella has had no contact with her father for the past two years, and as such she found the questions distressing and the situation very intimidating. She made the innocent mistake of telling her teacher that she had three sisters, and immediately I was summoned to the social services office. ‘Where are your other children?’ ‘I don’t have any other children,’ I answered. The social worker sighed wearily. ‘I’m going to ask you again,’ she said quietly. ‘Where are your other children?’ After explaining my ex partner’s domestic situation as best I could, I was allowed to leave; more notes being added to my file as I exited the office. On several occassions, I was followed around town by the social worker, who had by that time begun attending my daughter’s school and furiously scribbling notes about her behaviour from the back of the class.
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Was she making friends? Was she enjoying lessons and extra curricular activities? Was her Spanish improving? The social worker observed Ella for two months, my daughter painfully aware of this- and then arrived at my house with her conclusions. Her emphatic answer to all of the above was a resounding no. Your daughter is very unhappy here, I was told. She should be speaking Spanish by now, moving her to this country was a bad decision. Not for the first time, I was in floods of tears when she left, her lecture on my terrible parenting skills finished. A few weeks later, I received word that my social worker was leaving and I had been allocated a new one. I was told to go back to the social services office to meet with her replacement. I introduced myself and the new social worker silently opened a filing cabinet and removed the thick orange book that had caused me so much trouble since my arrival. She began to read, her eyes flicking from left to right across the page; pausing only occassionally to glance at me with a disgusted expression. I sat in silence, my heart hammering, only the ticking of the clock breaking the thick atmosphere in the office.
After twenty minutes, the woman slowly closed the file and leaned back in her chair, eyebrows raised. The questions began again. I felt all the energy drain from my body as I was forced to repeat everything I had told the previous social worker over the course of those few months. I found the situation so upsetting and intimidating that I forgot all my (basic) Spanish and found I was suddenly mute, so instead I stormed out of the office realising I needed some help to communicate better and explain my position once and for all. Luckily, I had made a few good friends in the town by that point, and a friend assisted me in writing a seven-page letter pleading with the social services to stop treating me like a criminal- would this be happening if I wasn’t a single mother? A few weeks went by. I called the office to check whether my letter had been received and was simply told that I needed to find my own translator; despite the hallway full of leaflets proclaiming ‘we speak your language’
I had come to the conclusion that actually the official guidelines and political correctness that offer help to Britain’s immigrants do not exist in Spain yet, despite it being an EU country. While waiting for a response, the problems with school continued. Ella complained that her teachers were ‘mean’ to her and twice she returned home from school upset: she had been too scared to ask for the toilet and had subsequently wet herself in class. The situation was getting worse, but the idea of moving schools terrified me- perhaps it would look suspicious and the unjust investigation would be stepped up a gear. I was also asked to speak to the school secretary on a few occassions for trivial matters such as my daughter’s wearing of a T-shirt in May (‘It’s not summer yet; I was told. The fact it was 30 degrees and Ella is accostomed to a colder climate were not considerated relevant to the argument). A month had passed and finally I was told to go back to the social services office and discuss the points made in my letter. I had done some research and found out there was an English lady working at the Ayuntamiento who was putting together a focus group for expats in the municipality who were encountering problems. She was very interested in my story and offered to accompany me to the office to act as a translator and smooth out the misunderstandings of my situation. That day, my file was closed. The new social worker was on annual leave and a lovely young woman who (again) knew nothing of my case sat and read my file, but this time rather than glancing up with disgust she was sadly shaking her head. She told me that her best advice would be to remove my daughter from her school; that it seemed to her to be a clear case of victimisation: the school had been calling social services to report every detail of her school day. Had she eaten all her lunch? If not, a report was added to the file. Had she placed nicely with the other children? Was her Spanish improving? Little did they know, Ella was almost fluent outside of class and enjoyed playing with Spanish friends, but was so intimidated by her teachers that she had chosen to keep quiet when not at home.
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The day my file was closed was my happiest since moving to Spain. The wave of relief felt euphoric, and we have since moved to a tiny village where there are just a handful of children in the school, an amazingly supportive teacher and a great community atmosphere.My daughter now stands at the door with her rucksack on at 8.30am and I need to tell her to sit down and eat breakfast; school hasn’t started yet!
My advice to any single parents moving to Spain would be to prepare yourself for a tough time: Spanish bureacracy is famous and tight family ties, a key part of this wonderful culture, are considered so important that you will be considered ‘radical’ and therefore suspicious for your decision to emigrate alone and without support. You will need to back up everything you say, proven by paperwork wherever necessary, and diligently adhere to official processes (whilst recognising that these are often subject to change depending on the person you see). All in all though, my six months of hell was something I look back at without bitterness. I feel stronger, more able to cope with the dificulties of living in a foreign country, closer to my child, and above all, the lack of translation facilities in cases like these did my Spanish the world of good. I can now write an official letter in my second language in the time it takes to boil an egg, so all’s well that ends well!
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Stephen Ward was a member of the UK Government’s Pensions Industry Working Group advising HMRC on the pensions’ legislation changes which introduced Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) in the 2006 Finance Act When the appropriately named ConLib coalition government announced in the emergency budget that the increases to pensions in payment for members of defined benefits pension schemes like those provided for Civil Service and other government employees would be reduced, few would have realised that this would have an enormous impact on the pensions paid to members of the armed forces. Future pension benefits will have increases linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), rather than the Retail Price Index (RPI) as before. Assuming a difference of 1% per annum less in increases, the Forces Pensions Society has calculated that total loss to servicemen and their families can be as much as £ 750,000.
This is the amount lost in reduced payments over her lifetime to a 34 year old widow whose staff sergeant husband was killed in action. Disabled Servicemen suffer similar reductions in income. A 28 year old corporal who has lost both his legs in Afghanistan will lose an estimated £575,000 over his lifetime. However the actual losses could be significantly more as last year the CPI increased at 1.5% less than the RPI, not the assumed 1%.And the private sector pension members have suffered similar reductions. Throughout the pension industry actuaries are now recalculating the benefits that will be payable to existing and past members under defined benefit schemes. So former employees of public sector schemes, and larger companies who provided defined benefits schemes, can now look forward to significantly lower pension payments. And will this be the end of such attacks on pension benefits by this and other governments?
Now they are attacking the pensions of heroes! by
Stephen Ward of Premier Pension Solutions These changes, plus the proposed increases in the tax deducted from the funds payable on death from 35% to 55%, and revelations re the way funds are being depleted by high management charges have prompted many expatriates to consider whether they could make better use of their funds now, rather than wait in hope for years for an unknown income that may do little to assist them in their retirement. For those who have been non resident for 5 complete and consecutive tax years, the option to transfer their funds to a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS) to access all of the capital as a cash payment, has now become an attractive option that needs to be considered seriously. And for those who have been non resident for less than 5 years, it may still be possible to access some of their fund now. Last year Premier Pension Solutions SL completed QROPS transfers for more than 1,000 clients, most of whom are resident in Spain. In 2011, given the current attacks on pension benefits by government we expect the number to increase significantly. If you want to consider your options contact our Regional Director Brian Brannan on 952 789 297, or by email bbrannanqropsadvice@gmail.com. Premier Pension Solutions SL (CIF B55414198) is registered with the Comisión Nacional del Mercado del Valores (CNMV) and Dirección General de Seguros y Fondos de Pensiones (DGS) and is an authorised agent of AES Financial Services (UK) Ltd, authorised to conduct investment and insurance business.
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Food & Wine - Garveys Bodega Jerez
In the run-up to Christmas Baywatch were lucky enough to be invited to the Garvey Bodega in Jerez, (one of the biggest sherry producers in the region)to take a tour, learn about the intriguing history of the art of wine distillation and of course, partake in some wine-tasting (being the festive season, it would be rude not to). Grape vines were first brought to Andalucia 2000 years ago by Greek merchants and travellers. These Andalucían vines are therefore some of the oldest in the world and cover more than 10,500 hectares of land, running from Chiclana Sanlucar de Barrameda. The Garvey Bodega was founded in 1780 by Irish aristocrat William Garvey Power, who had originally sailed to the Bay of Cadíz to buy sheep to cross with his father’s flock. After a terrible storm wrecked Garvey’s ship, he was rescued by a captain of the Spanish navy, Rafael Gómez, who took the Irishman to his home in Puerto Real to recuperate.
Manzanilla Typically Andalucian, this wine is aged for an exceptionally long period of time. Manzanilla is light, dry, and fruity and is best served with fish or seafood.
Amontillado Garvey’s suggests that the Amontillado wine is perfect for those who are new to Jerez, or sherry, wines. Best served There, Garvey fell in love with Gómez’s daughter and at room temperature, it is amber coloured, light, smooth decided to stay and try his luck in the wine trade. Garvey and has a rich aroma. began exporting large quantities of pale and sherry wines (which at that time in Spain were considered bad and used as vinegar). In 1978 the winery was bought by holding company Rumasa, and is now one of the most important of all the Jerez distilleries exporting to over 50 countries. Three species of vine are used in the production of Jerez wines: Muscatel, Pedro Ximenez, and Palomino Fino. These grapes produce thefollowing types of Jerez wine: Fino A very dry sherry wine, light and sharp, aged in oak barrels. Best served cold as an aperitif.
Vintage bottles to be found in the Visitor Centre
Oloroso Dry and full-bodied, Oloroso is an aromatic and elegant aperitif. Oloroso wine is aged for over 20 or 30 years and is therefore a very special and authentic treasure for the real sherry connoisseurs! Palo Cortado This sherry uses very rare vines, combining the delicate smooth of the Amontillado with the strength and thickness of the Oloroso to create a mahogany coloured wine with an almond aroma. Pale Cream Possibly the best-known sherry back in the UK, pale cream is sweet, sharp, and smooth. Cream A sweet wine derived from Oloroso, cream sherry is best served either at room temperature or with ice, and makes a great dessert accompaniment. Pedro Ximenez Named after the type of vine used- with grapes laid in the sun to dry- Pedro Ximenez sherry is aged for a long time and is sweet, elegant and dark in colour. Brandy is also made in Jerez, Sanlucar and El Puerto de Santa Maria, with three distinct types. Matured for a minimum of six months, light and salty Solera is distilled in the same oak barrels used to make the region’s famous sherries Solera Reserva is darker and sweeter in smell due to its longer maturation, while Solera Gran Reserva is full-bodied, smooth and sour, being matured for a minimum of three years. The Garvey wine cellar is a great day out for anyone interested in the production (or indeed the enjoyment of) Jerez wines and brandies. The visitor centre has recently added a collection of more than 8000 wine labels from 1854 to 1954 to its museum installation, as well as some beautiful antique hand-painted bottles. www.bodegasgarvey.com Tel: 956 319 650
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We live in the Sherry Capital of the world - Use Sherry to enhance the flavour of your dishes! Here’s a receipe from Escuela Profesional de Hosteleria de Jerez Duo of Prawns and Duck Breast with Pedro Ximenez(for two) 2 Carabineros (very large Spanish red prawns) 2 Magret duck breast 4 large figs 50 ml Pedro Ximenez 100 ml Red wine 100 ml Stock Knob of butter Heap teasp brown sugar Splash of Brandy Fried parsley Herb oil Preparation: In a pan put some butter, brown sugar,stock and Pedro Ximenez. Add the figs (simmer gently in red wine until tender -approx 30 min.) Season to taste. Remove and reserve the cooking juice. In another pan, having slashed the duck skin, place skin side down in a hot frying pan and fry for about 4 mins.Turn over to seal for another min. Remove and reserve. In a preheated skillet, place the carabineros and stir-fry until cooked,add the brandy to flame and withdraw from heat. Assembling the dish: On each plate put a circle of the reserved Pedro Ximenez sauce. Place the carabinero in the center of the plate. Cut the duck into slices and place them on the carabinero.Add the figs to the plate and the fried parsley. (Sprinkle a tea spoon of herb oil over handfull of chopped parsley and fry in hot pan.) Que aproveche!
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Are you looking for a very enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours? Would you like somewhere near to Chiclana to take your friends to experience the delights of sherry and fine wine? Then why not take a tour round this small Spanish family run and owned business, the Bodega Sanatorio between Chiclana and El Colorado on the N340?
The local tapa delicacies include Butifarra, Chicharron, Morcilla, Lomo and Queso amongst others. The Bodega is open every day including Saturdays and Sundays and Public Holidays. The opening times are as follows: Mornings from 9am until 3pm Afternoons from 5pm until 8pm Festivals 10am until 3pm
This quintessential , inviting and friendly Bodega is delighted to receive visitors to tour its sherry making distillery and then taste the superb range of wines they have for sale. Complimentary wine tasting is encouraged to enable you to try before you buy, and believe me there are some fabulous varieties to try. Whether your palette favours dry or sweet wines, there is something for everyone.
For groups of 12 or more persons please call 956 400 756 -otherwise just pop in when open, you’ll be pleased you did. info@bodegasanatorio.com
After you have looked around, why not enjoy a relaxing drink and tapas in the reception area amongst the many special offers the Bodega has on show.
Food & Wine - Receipe of the Month
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from La Vista de Medina
Grilled Asparagus with Warmed Smoked Salmon 200g Smoked Salmon, 200g Fresh Asparagus Olive oil, Fresh Ground Black Pepper 4 Trimmed Lemon Wedges Serves 4 as a light starter 30mins prior to service take smoked salmon out of fridge, allow to come to room temperature. Break off any tough stem ends from the asparagus, drop the asparagus in boling water and boil for 2 mins maximum. Drain aparagus and plunge in iced cold water to stop cooking action then leave to drain in a colander.Warm your starter plates in the microwave or oven, then arrange 20g of smoked salmon per person on warmed serving plate. Save 30g smoked salmon per person at room temperature.Preheat a frying pan with minimal amount of olive oil over medium heat, when the oil is just smoking place the asparagus in the frying pan.Cook, turning as needed, until lightly marked with
golden lines and just tender, 2 to 3 mins approx. Arrange 50g per person of piping hot grilled asparagus on the plated smoked salmon and immediately top with the remaining 30g of smoked salmon per person, finish with a freshly ground black pepper and if you wish a trimmed lemon wedge. The heat from the plate and the grilled asparagus should help warm the smoked salmon to help give it an opaque appearance and almost creamy flavour – hence why smoked salmon must not be too chilled prior to service. Serve with a glass of chilled Viùa Galvana which is made in Sanlucar de Barrameda from the Palomino Grape.
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Looking for a place to hold a birthday party, wedding anniversary or any other private function? Then the Babel Celebration Room in Carretera de Medina, 91 Chiclana should be high on your list of places to check out. It is situated on the edge of town very close to the new bridge and is run by a charming multi-lingual Italian called Bartolo. The room can comfortably seat around 160 people and has ample room for dancing and a stage for musicians, lighting and a music system for disco or background music as required. During the day the room is available for meetings, dance lessons, formal or informal family re-unions or business events, exhibitions, culture events, in fact anything at all, and the best bit is if you use the bar for drinks then there is no hire charge! Bartolo, who speaks good English, is also happy to accommodate you if you wish to supply your own food, drink and entertainment. As well as the stage and music system etc, there’s a kitchen with the usual facilities. However he does make a room hire charge if you don’t use his bar. Please contact him directly for further information. . Currently the bar is open every day from 8pm until late and often Bartolo has available entertainment and tapas to enhance your visit. Recent events have included an evening of Latin American music and dancing, Arabic music and Andalucian culture. To find out What’s On each week please call Bartolo directly on 673 732 737 or email him at cafebabel.chiclana@yahoo.es
CHIFRA NEWS
ChiFRA is a dynamic and approachable association that people can turn to when they want to hear honest information and get involved in things that are helpful to everyday living in Chiclana and the Costa de la Luz. Over the Christmas period, members of the ChiFRA management committee have leant a hand with the Chiclana Council Social Services department and the “Caritas” charity, helping to translate and hand out Children's presents and food parcels for local families in financial difficulties. We have also attended several events and meetings, including one with the PP party Candidate, Mr Ernesto Marín and members of his committee who welcomed Bob, Dave and myself to their (Conservative) headquarters in Chiclana. Another one with the PVRE party (Independent) and rubbed shoulders with several other politicians. All were very concerned that many foreign residents may not understand how to vote in the forthcoming local elections. We pointed out that it is the intention of ChiFRA to inform and provide help for local English speaking foreign residents, regarding all local parties and that as part of that process we would be more than happy to assist our members to vote for which ever party they choose, as it is an essential part of creating a better understanding in any democratic society. All parties have offered to provide us with their election manifestos and other information for our web page, which we will publish as soon as possible. The ChiFRA MC have also been involved in negotiations with the PSOE (Labour) Councillor for Urban Planning, Mrs Candida Verdier who has been working very hard to find a solution for those homes that are without electricity. Negotiations are still in progress at the time of writing this letter, however I am fairly optimistic that we may have some good news to announce in the near future Roger Alan Holmes (ChiFRA - President) January 2011
A BRIEF WHAT’S ON
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Monday 31 January 2011 Quiz Night at Domingo’s (previously The Lemon Tree) in aid of Happy Ending Chiclana animal charity. €10.50 includes top notch quiz and supper (eg fish & chips, sausage & mash, vegetable lasagne, cottage pie or chicken & chips). 5€ per head goes to the charity. To book your meal call Domingo’s on 956 538 260. Monday 14 February 2011 Anti Crisis Valentine’s Fun Night at Brown’s Bar, Los Gallos (near Monopoly) 5€ tickets (limited to 50) - includes free finger buffet, quiz and bingo with prizes. In aid of the Age Concern España Chiclana & District Project for people over 50. Contact Brown’s Bar 671 487 067 for further details. Wednesday 16 February 2011 Quiz Night at Domingo’s (previously The Lemon Tree) in aid of Age Concern Espana Chiclana and District Project for people over 50. €10.50 includes top notch quiz and supper (eg: fish & chips, sausage & mash, vegetable lasagne, cottage pie or chicken & chips). 5€ per head goes to the charity. To book your meal call Domingo’s on 634 332 053. Monday 28 February 2011 Quiz Night at Domingo’s (previously The Lemon Tree) in aid of Happy Ending Chiclana animal charity. See Monday 31 January above for details. Thursday 3 to 13 March 2011Cadiz 2011 Carnival The Carnival of Cadiz, has become a celebration of international tourist interest ,not to be missed. Monday 14 March 2011 Quiz Night at Domingo’s (previously The Lemon Tree) in aid of Age Concern Espana Chiclana & District Project for people over 50. See Wednesday 16 February above for details. Saturday 19 March 2011 Theatre - Yllana Brokers in Jerez de La Frontera Monday 28 March 2011 Quiz Night at Domingo’s (previously The Lemon Tree) in aid of Happy Ending Chiclana animal charity. See Monday 31 January above for details. Throughout February and March 2011 special theme nights at Molly Malone’s Irish Pub & Restaurant in El Puerto Santa María. Call 956 480 834 for further details. Any What’s On is subject to change, please check times and dates before
leaving.
Business Directory
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Personal Services
Hello my name is Lynda. I speak fluent Spanish and have lived in Spain since 1986 and on the Costa de la Luz for the last 5 years. I realised that there is a language barrier for many people in this area, making it especially difficult to communicate with the relevant authorities when a death occurs in the family. I offer a complete 24-hour service from the moment of death, handling all the funeral arrangements. ( I have worked with a local funeral director for some time now.) Whether it is a cremation or burial, collection of ashes and death certificates, I can give you and your family complete peace of mind in your time of need. I also offer a free consultation, where you can discuss your requirements with me, particularly in the case of terminal illness, to put your mind at rest. Funeral plans can also be arranged so that when the time comes you can be safe in the knowledge that everything will be discreetly taken care of in a professional way. Please see www.journeysend.es for more information.
Health & Beauty
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Restaurants & Bars
ADVERTISE YOUR BAR OR RESTAURANT HERE FROM AS LITTLE AS €6 PER WEEK
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Miscellaneous Services
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Home Services
Knowledge of the electrical regulations and installation methods is vital if you are going to do any job involving electricity here in Spain. Steve Harris has worked in Spain for over 8 years and has been dealing with a wide range of urgent and non-urgent domestic electrical problems on a daily basis since moving here from the UK. Steve has customers all over the Cadiz region, Jerez and as far as Estepona, is always prompt and efficient, giving excellent service and good advice to his customers new and old. If you have any electrical problem, from mending a fuse to re-wiring your house, give Steve a call. Remember electricity is dangerous and if you don’t understand the complexities of Spanish installations then don’t meddle, it’s not worth it!
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THERMOAQUA wishes you a very happy NEW YEAR!
In our shop in El Colorado (Conil) you will find a brand new SHOW ROOM with all our products and MUCH MORE:
- HEATING SYSTEMS: big variety of boilers, radiators, PELLET STOVES, underfloor heating & accessories - SOLAR ENERGY: all panel sizes and tank capacities – for hot water only, heating and/or POOL HEATING - POOLS: everything you need for your pool! Pumps, filtering systems, chemicals, accessories & POOL COVERS! - WATER TREATMENT: water analysis, softeners, filters – clean & healthy water! - PLUMBING: tubes and pipes – from your well to your taps and to the pit! All installation jobs done by our experienced professional team! Come and visit us or ask for a FREE QUOTATION!
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BO OST YOUR BUSI N E S S WITH BAYWATCH
For all advertising enquiries call Sales on 856 101 803 and 697 552 936 EMail: sales@baywatchonline.org
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